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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010515May 15, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended a Chamber of Commerce sponsored meeting on the University System of Maryland Focus Group for the Hagerstown Campus at 7:30 a.m. 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. PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2002 BUDGET Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to discuss the Fiscal Year 2002 budget and the testimony given at the public hearing on May 8, 2001. Ms. Bastian provided answers to the questions raised at the public hearing relating to budget surpluses in prior years. She stated that she has not confirmed where the Board of Education members obtained the numbers they used in their testimony. Ms. Bastian explained that the surplus from last fiscal year was used to fund cash reserves and to reduce borrowing by using the cash to fund several Board of Education capital projects. The Commissioners then discussed a proposal to impose a three percent tax on the space used by recreational vehicles and camping shelters in campgrounds as provided for in State law. Commissioner Snook stated that the Convention & Visitors Bureau estimated that revenues from this tax would be approximately $55,000 annually. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to hold a public hearing on the intent to impose a three percent tax on the use of space by recreational vehicles and camping shelters in campgrounds in the County. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Schnebly and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." The Commissioners then considered the various requests for funding that were made at the budget hearing on May 8. The additional requests made at the hearing were as follows: Washington County Free Library - $60,000, the Department of Social Services - $26,000 to fund the School Family Liaison Program, Community Action Council (CAC) - $50,000 (one-time cost) to be used for the Single Resident Occupancy Program, the Board of Education - $1.6 million, Commission on Aging - $12,000 and the Washington County Extension Service - $5,000 to move a position from part-time to full-time. Commissioner Wivell distributed a proposal outlining 10 adjustments in operating and capital costs that would reduce borrowing. The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the proposal. The Commissioners also discussed the issue of providing additional funding to the Board of Education. After discussion, Commissioner Snook suggested a compromise to provide an additional $200,000 to the Board of Education, $50,000 to CAC, $26,000 to the Department of Social Services, $50,000 for establishment of an employee incentive program as suggested in Commissioner Wivell's proposal, $5,000 to the Extension Service, $60,000 to the Washington County Free Library, and $12,000 to the Commission on Aging for a total of approximately $400,000. He stated that the $250,000 for CAC's project and the Board of Education could be considered as one-time costs. Commissioner Snook suggested using $200,000 allocated in FY 2001 for road reclamation projects and $203,000 from FY 2002. He recommended that surplus from FY 2001 be used as "paygo" funds to lower borrowing. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the Fiscal Year 2002 budget, as amended, to include an additional $200,000 to the Board of Education, $50,000 to CAC, $26,000 to the Department of Social Services, $50,000 for establishment of an employee incentive program as suggested in Commissioner Wivell's proposal, $5,000 to the Extension Service, $60,000 to the Washington County Free Library, and $12,000 to the Commission on Aging, in the following amounts: General Fund budget totaling $129,369,588; the Capital Improvement Projects MAY 15, 2001 PAGE TWO budget in the amount of $26,111,167; 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 Funds - $12,346,029; and Pretreatment Fund - $1,450,000; and to maintain the current property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of full assessed value; and to adopt the interest rate of 1.65% for service charges associated with semiannual property tax payments. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly, Iseminger and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Toni Shrader and Alan Swope presented the Commissioners with a petition requesting a moratorium on permits for travelers plazas, truck stops or fuel centers until such time a text amendment is properly prepared and adopted by the County Commissioners. Ms. Shrader stated that the petition contains 628 signatures. The Commissioners explained the process used to develop a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and how the Comprehensive Plan works in conjunction with the Ordinance. NEW STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE - TRANSITIONAL & MAINTENANCE ISSUES Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terrence McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners regarding the proposed new Stormwater Management Ordinance regulations. Mr. McGee stated that the new State regulations require the implementation of a transition policy and provisions for long-term maintenance of all Stormwater management structures. Mr. McGee then reviewed the policy being proposed by the Engineering Department for transition to the new ordinance. He stated that the Engineering Department is proposing that plans approved prior to July 1, 2001 (that have a complete grading permit application prior to December 1, 2001) follow the current ordinance and that all plans approved after June 30, 2001 be designed under the provisions of the new ordinance. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt the transition policy proposed for the new Stormwater Management Ordinance as recommended and presented by the Chief Engineer. Unanimously approved. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that the Highway Department currently maintains stormwater management ponds in the County. He proposed that a full-time stormwater management crew be created to properly maintain the ponds with the implementation of the new ordinance. Mr. Rohrer stated that the crew should be included in the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department. Mr. McGee estimated the cost to be $125,000 for personnel and an initial capital investment of $120,000 for equipment. He proposed a three-tier arrangement to decide the ownership of the structure. Those ponds serving large single-family developments would be owned and maintained by the County. Stormwater management ponds for single family residential lots would be privately owned and maintained. All other commercial/industrial ponds would be privately owned. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have staff evaluate the options on methods of obtaining revenues to cover the costs of maintenance. LUNCHEON RECESS - YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS The Commissioners recessed at 11:51 a.m. in order to attend the Youth Meritorious Service Awards luncheon. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:11 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. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended a retirement reception for Dick Phoebus, the opening ceremonies for the Rural Heritage Museum, the Health Fair in Funkstown, and the dedication of the Hancock community gymnasium. He also reported on the Historic MAY 15, 2001 PAGE THREE Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Schnebly distributed a newspaper article on fire companies in Pennsylvania which bill insurance companies for their services. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the CASA Board of Directors, and the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board. He stated that he attended the dedication ceremony for the Rural Heritage Museum, the dedication of the gymnasium in Hancock, and the opening ceremonies for the Hagerstown Fairgrounds. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that Allegheny Energy received funding from TEDCO for an incubator feasibility study. He reported on the meetings of the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee and the PenMar Development Corporation. Commissioner Wivell also stated that he attended the dedication of the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he met with Manny Shaool regarding his planned unit development (PUD). He also met with Jim Pierne who will be the new chairman of the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Iseminger then reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Snook reported on Leadership Maryland and the issues discussed at the retreat. It was the consensus of the Commissioners not to ask the Department of the Environment (MDE) to hold a public information meeting for the application filed by H.B. Mellott, Inc. to install a new stone crusher at its quarry near Hancock. They asked to have the Planning staff determine if the new stone crusher would be a substantive change over the old one. The Commissioners agreed to have the staff review capital projects to determine if any of them may qualify for the grant funding being offered by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Commissioner Snook also reported on the Chamber of Commerce meeting. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she made the revisions to the budget as adopted in the morning session. She informed the Commissioners that a draft copy of the debt analysis report had been completed. Ms. Bastian stated that the bond sale has been rescheduled for June 5. Commissioner Iseminger asked that the debt analysis report be scheduled on the agenda for discussion. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported that the Salary Review Commission has scheduled a public hearing on June 7. He stated that open enrollment meetings on health insurance are continuing. The offices of the Community Partnership for Children & Families were moved to the second floor of the County Office Building last week. Mr. Davis informed the Commissioners that the pre-bid conference for actuarial and record keeping services is scheduled for tomorrow. He stated that letters have been sent to Department Heads regarding their FY 2002 budget requests and that performance evaluations are due by June 1. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he attended the APWA conference last week. He stated that the work sessions on the Street Acceptance Policy have resumed. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that his staff is preparing for the meetings on the proposed update of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the Recreation & Parks Board has recommended that the County not agree to maintain or repair the tennis courts in Maugansville that are currently owned by the Maugansville Ruritan Club. CONTRACT RENEWALS - JANITORIAL SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to renew the contract for janitorial services with Global Service Corporation (GSC) at the annual amount of $123,302.40 for service at the four downtown County locations and to deny its requested increase of $268 per month, and to renew the contract with Hagerstown Goodwill Industries, Inc. at the MAY 15, 2001 PAGE FOUR annual amount of $3,528 for service at two landfill sites. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." CONTRACT RENEWAL - ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE SERVICE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to renew the contract with Kube Electric Company, Inc. with the requested increases for an electrician and helper. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD - INTERAGENCY FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for the Interagency Family Preservation Program to the Washington County Department of Social Services in the amount of $396,376 as provided for by FY 2002 grant funds from the State Sub -Cabinet for Children, Youth and Families and subject to approval of the Washington County Community Partnership Board. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - BROADFORDING ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for the Broadfording Road culvert replacement project to Building Systems, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $128,878. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the proposed summer meeting schedule and informed the Commissioners that he would distribute copies of the schedule to them by next week. He stated that the Airport staff is holding a meeting on the environmental assessment for the proposed runway extension tonight in Maugansville. Mr. Shoop stated that the Town of Hancock has requested $1,500 for printing costs for a new tourism brochure. The Commissioners suggested that the Town first check with local businesses to see if they would provide funding. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that County employees raised $321 for Habitat for Humanity through a casual day fundraiser. He stated that the revised application for Federal financial assistance for the BNR project has been sent to Senator Mikulski. PROGRAM OPEN SPACE — FISCAL YEAR 2002 PROGRAM Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to continue the discussion on the FY 2002 Program Open Space (POS) annual program for development and acquisition funds and the modifications proposed. The Commissioners recommended that a program be developed to systematically deal with the reconstruction of tennis courts and tracks. Mr. Arch presented a prioritized list showing three options for making improvements to the tennis courts. The Commissioners suggested doing the three highest priority courts each year until they are all completed. William Young, President of the Board of Directors of the Museum of Fine Arts, provided background information on the Museum parking lot improvements and the cost estimates derived from the concept plan. He stated that the Board of Directors has not endorsed the concept plan and that they hope to meet with the City Engineer in the near future to develop a master plan for the Museum parking lot and entryway. The Commissioners suggested that the Museum Board, in conjunction with the City of Hagerstown, develop a concept plan for the Museum parking lot and entryway and submit the plan for POS funding in FY 2003. Mr. Arch stated that the application would have to be submitted by the City of Hagerstown since the Museum is located in the City Park. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the recommendation for acquisition and development projects, to include reconstruction of the tennis courts at Williamsport, Smithsburg, and North High and Martin L. Snook Park (alternate), for the FY 2002 Program Open Space Annual Program for submission to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Unanimously approved MAY 15, 2001 PAGE FIVE APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 8, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of May 8, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. SOLID WASTE TIPPING FEE DISCOUNTS FOR GUARANTEED TONNAGE Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to present a recommendation that the County enter into a multi-year "put -or -pay" agreement with interested high volume solid waste haulers which would include a $2.00 per ton environmental fee. Mr. Davenport stated that entering into an agreement with the high volume users and local government municipalities would benefit all parties. He presented a spreadsheet showing the effect of the agreement and recommended a $33 per ton charge for those haulers bringing 4,000 tons per year or more to the Forty West landfill. Mr. Davenport's proposal included maintaining the $45 per ton tipping fee for all others as well as the established County resident sticker fee. He informed the Commissioners that 400 of the total revenue generated at the landfill is from the high volume haulers. The Commissioners reviewed the summary sheets on long-range cash flow assumptions for the current fee structure and the proposed new fee structure. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, stated that he has some constitutional concerns regarding the institution of an environmental fee and that the County Attorney's office is currently researching this issue. Joe Coble and Melvin Pfannenstein, representing Browning Ferris, Inc. (BFI), provided information on rates charged at other landfills in the area. They indicated that BFI would favorably consider hauling to Forty West if a rate of $33 per ton is established but, if the rates are not lowered, that they would haul all of their refuse to other landfills. Commissioner Wivell asked to see information from the staff on the true cost of the operation at the landfill. He also suggested that the landfill personnel investigate if there would be a cost reduction if a bailer was purchased. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to enter into a "put or pay" agreement with interested high- volume solid waste haulers (4,000 tons annually), municipalities, and local government agencies, for the rate of $33 per ton for the first year with the understanding that the rate can be adjusted during the second year of the contract that staff will provide a detailed cost analysis and develop a per ton environmental fee proposal. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:09 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Wivell was excused at 3:17 p.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:31 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, and discussed a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. APPOINTMENT - BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Spence Perry to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2001. Unanimously approved. MAY 15, 2001 PAGE SIX PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD - RECOMMENDATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to submit the names of James Brittain, John Martin, and Francis "Dick" Ford to the Governor for appointment to a vacancy on the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Swartz voting "NO." RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:30 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION — REVISED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN A joint meeting with the Planning Commission and 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. Also present at the meeting were Planning Commission members Paula Lampton, Donald Ardinger, Tim Henry, George Anikis and Ben Clopper. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that this is the first review of the draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that there will be a number of public hearings held throughout the County to obtain comments on the plan, although no testimony will be taken this evening. He indicated that municipalities in the County are not included in the Comprehensive Plan since they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the County. Mr. Arch stated that the update is required by State law. The Planning staff then reviewed the chapters, maps, and recommendations from the draft plan. The draft includes the following chapters: Vision, Goals, and Objectives; Background Data; Economic Development; Transportation Element; Mineral Resources; Sensitive Areas; Environmental Resources; Community Facilities and Services; Historic and Cultural Resources; Housing; Land Use Plan; and Development Regulations and Community Design. Mr. Arch reviewed the Land Use Plan and implementation in more detail. He also presented recommendations for zoning classifications, streamlining provisions, and inter - jurisdictional coordination. Commissioner Snook thanked the staff for the excellent presentation. He stated the draft of the Plan is very extensive and there will be additional time scheduled on the agenda for questions. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Snook adjourned the hearing at 9:10 p.m. County Administrator Acting County Attorney Clerk