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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010508May 8, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:15 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 1, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of May 1, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. UPDATE - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER John Staub, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Agricultural Education Center, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the progress and activities at the Center. Mr. Staub outlined the history of the project and the funding sources used for construction of the buildings. He invited the Commissioners and their families to the ribbon -cutting ceremony for the Rural Heritage Museum scheduled for May 12 and outlined the activities that are scheduled throughout the day. Commissioner Snook asked that the Board continue to focus on generating revenues to operate the facility. John Shank, representing Friends of the Rural Heritage Museum, informed the Commissioners of the demonstrations and activities scheduled for the festivities on May 12. Mr. Shank also provided information on the displays being exhibited at the Museum and the Board's plans for future projects. He thanked Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks for their assistance. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Casual Day fundraiser for April raised $339 for the Red Cross disaster fund. He reported that the Foreign Trade Zone application was hand delivered to the Department of Commerce last week. Mr. Shoop stated that the State has begun spraying for gypsy moth infestation in the County. He informed the Commissioners that the meeting scheduled with the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed. PUBLIC HEARING - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRESS REPORT The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to review the progress of the projects funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and to hear any comments from the public about these projects. Joe Kuhna, Community Development Coordinator, stated that the two projects funded by CDBG funds are Tru -Serve and Pavestone, Inc. He indicated that Tru -Serve was awarded funding to help with the purchase and acquisition of land on which their facility has been constructed. Mr. Kuhna explained that a requirement of the grant was that Tru - Serve create 304 new job positions, and that as of April 4, 2001, there have been a total of 780 positions created, including 449 for low and moderate income individuals. He informed the Commissioners that the grant is ready for close-out. Mr. Kuhna also stated that Pavestone, Inc. was awarded funding to assist with the construction of a sewer line to serve its new facility on Hopewell Road. As a condition of the grant, Pavestone is required to provide 90 new positions within three years. He informed the Commissioners that the bid for construction of the sewer line came in below the grant award of $147,000. At this time, the meeting was opened for public comment. There was no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the projects. The hearing was closed at 10:04 a.m. MAY 8, 2001 PAGE TWO COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Celebration of Business reception sponsored by the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Commissioner Swartz stated that he was out of town last week and has no reports. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the National Day of Prayer service. He reported that he toured Fort Ritchie to evaluate the option of using facilities there for Cascade Elementary School. Commissioner Wivell stated that he also attended the EDC Celebration of Business. Commissioner Snook reported on the meeting of the Western Maryland County Commissioners. He informed the Commissioners that he received a request from the Town of Hancock for $1,500 from the hotel rental tax for printing of tourism brochures. Commissioner Snook also informed the Commissioners that the Airport has scheduled an environmental assessment meeting for the proposed runway extension at the Maugansville Ruritan on May 15 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. BID AWARD — WORKERS' COMPENSATION THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for the Workers Compensation Third Party Administrator to Crawford & Company which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $14,750 per year for fiscal years 2001 through 2006. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Mark Haddock informed the Commissioners of problems he is having with his neighbors who keep chickens and roosters at their residence. Mr. Haddock stated that he lives in a residentially zoned neighborhood and that the roosters begin crowing before 5:00 a.m. and crow continually after that time. He informed the Commissioners that the neighbors have been cited by the Permits & Inspections Department for having farm animals in a residential area; however, it will be approximately 3 months before this matter is addressed by the Court. Mr. Haddock stated that the Humane Society informed him that farm animals are exempt from the Animal Control Ordinance. Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, stated that farm animals are not permitted in this zoning district and that notice has been sent to the property owner to remove the animals from the premises. Commissioner Snook advised Mr. Haddock to contact the Health Department again and stated that the County would continue to work with him in an attempt to resolve the problem. PROCLAMATION — ELIZABETH "LIBBY" EARLEY DAY Commissioner Swartz presented a proclamation to Elizabeth "Libby" Earley designating May 8, 2001 as Libby Early Day in honor of her contributions to the citizens of Washington County as a community activist and volunteer for over 40 years. Commissioner Swartz commended her for her efforts on behalf of the historic community, the Women's Network, Food Resources, the Commission for Women, and the League of Women Voters. The Commissioners wished Ms. Earley much happiness on her retirement. Ms. Earley thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and stated that she has already contacted the League of Women Voters and Historical Society in Arizona. LUNCHEON RECESS — HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT SAFETY LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:13 a.m. in order to attend the safety awards luncheon at the Highway Department. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:20 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. MAY 8, 2001 PAGE THREE REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners of the new procedure for responding to budget requests for new personnel and upgrades. He stated that open enrollment for health insurance begins on Thursday. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that the Recreation & Parks Board would be making a recommendation on the request for the County to take over the maintenance and support of the tennis courts owned by the Maugansville Ruritan. He stated that interviews were held last week for the position of Recreation Coordinator. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she is working on the debt report and analysis. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he is working with each department on the office layouts for the downtown office improvements. He stated that the softball fields at Kemps Mill may not be ready until next season. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that a teambuilding session was held for department heads in the Division of Public Works. He stated that over 100 ton of tires were taken to the landfill on Tire Amnesty Day. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Rohrer to provide him with a timetable for bidding the construction of Halfway Boulevard Extended. EMERGENCY & TRANSITIONAL HOUSING & SERVICES/HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM GRANT - COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve a request made by the Community Action Council to submit a grant application for the Emergency & Transitional Housing & Services/Homeless Prevention Program to the Department of Human Resources, Office of Transition Services, in order to renew the funding for Washington County for fiscal year 2002 in the total amount of $171,821. Unanimously approved. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL (CAC) - SERVICE LINKED HOUSING APPLICATION Glenda Helman, CAC Director of Services, met with the Commissioners regarding an application to the Department of Human Resources for Service -Linked Housing. Ms. Helman explained that the program provides linkages for low-income persons living in permanent housing to supportive services within the community. She stated that the proposed funding request would cover the cost of the case manager's salary and benefits for FY 2002, customer assistance funding, and a 5% administrative cost for the service provider. Ms. Helman indicated this grant could leverage funding from the Rental Allowance Program, Gaming Commission, and Freeman Trust to meet the support the plan to replace the existing occupancy units at the YMCA facility with rental units. Ms. Helman stated that, when the YMCA moves from the downtown area sixty-two single room occupancy (SRO) units will be lost. Pursuant to CAC's presentation to the Commissioners and Mayor and City Council on April 17, there is still a gap of $100,000 for the first year funding. She stated that CAC is attempting to obtain a Supportive Housing Grant that would provide approximately $500,000 for this project over a three-year period. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2001 Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners to review the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 2001 in the amount of $12,690,000. Debra Bastian, Director of Budget and Finance, reviewed the changes made in the bond package. Ms. Ruppersberger stated that the general obligation bonds are scheduled for bid on May 22, 2001. She informed the Commissioners that $4,658,194 will fund various education projects, $1,211,565 for various county road, drainage, bridge and sewer projects, $6,356,800 for solid waste projects, $313,441 for the expansion of public facilities, and $150,000 for issuance costs and bond discount. MAY 8, 2001 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 2001 authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $12,690,000 (Chapter 110) to be known as "Washington County, Maryland, Public Improvement Bonds of 2001," pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Laws of Maryland of 1999, as amended, for the public purpose of financing the cost of general public improvements in Washington County. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." (A copy of the resolution is attached.) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT - BUS OPERATOR Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to terminate the employment of Douglas Concovia, full-time Bus Operator, at the County Commuter. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:04 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to discuss matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a proposal, as public discussion would adversely impact the County's ability to participate in the proposal process, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advise, and to consult with staff, consultants, and other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:12 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, one (1) matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or contents of a proposal, and consulted with staff about one (1) pending litigation matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; and Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:12 p.m. EVENING SESSION - PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2002 BUDGET AND CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE The evening session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College at 7:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. The public hearing was held to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2002 budget for Washington County and to maintain the current property tax rate. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, announced that this public hearing is being held to permit the residents of Washington County to comment on the Commissioners' intention to continue the property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of assessed full value for the Fiscal Year 2002 as required by Section 6-308, Tax -Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2002 budget as advertised. Mr. Shoop also stated that the Commissioners would continue the adopted interest rate of 6% with regard to service charges associated with the semi- annual tax payments. Mr. Shoop announced, in accordance with provisions of the Tax Property Article, that the Board of County Commissioners hope to adopt the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2002 on Tuesday, May 15, 2001, in the MAY 8, 2001 PAGE FIVE Commissioners' meeting room in the County Administration Building. Mr. Shoop stated that comments may be sent to the Commissioners at 100 West Washington Street or sent via the Internet to wc-link.org. Mr. Shoop presented Washington County's vision statement and 2001 goals. He indicated that the proposed budget is a balanced budget that provides significant increases in funding for education and improves funding for public safety. He reviewed the projected revenues for fiscal year 2002 for property tax, income tax, and other sources. Mr. Shoop reviewed the proposed General Fund budget which totals $129,369,588; the Capital Improvement Projects budget in the amount of $26,452,167; the Special Revenue Funds (Highway Funds - $6,923,730 and Solid Waste Fund - $4,359,032); the Transportation Fund - $1,607,839; Airport Fund - $1,222,560; Golf Course Fund - $1,157,836; Utility Fund - $12,346,029; and Pretreatment Fund - $1,450,000. He stated that the total proposed budget is $184,888,781. He stated that the proposed budget increases funding to education by 7.50, maintains County services and improves public safety. The hearing was then opened for public testimony. After all testimony was given, Commissioner Snook adjourned the hearing at 8:45 p.m. County Administrator Assistant County Attorney Clerk