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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010619June 19, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:25 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 - JUNE 4 & 5 AND JUNE 11 & 12, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of June 4 & 5, 2001, as amended, and June 11 & 12, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Phil Physioc met with the Commissioners to ask them to reconsider their decision to deny him a key to the gate across the road near his property. Mr. Physioc outlined the reasons why he feels he should have access. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners made the decision and have not had an opportunity to discuss the matter again. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the Recreation & Parks Board, and CASA. He stated that he attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony for Chick- Fil-A and participated in a charity golf tournament in memory of Seaman Craig Wibberley. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he met with Mayor Breichner and City Attorney John Urner regarding the pending joint sewer agreement. He reported on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting. The Commissioners agreed that they would like to meet with the EDC to discuss the issues involved in the EDC's effort to obtain 501(c) status. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that Ilona Hogan resigned as County Commissioner in Frederick County. He agreed to meet with Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, to summarize the information he would like to see included in her projections on solid waste. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Public Golf Corporation meeting. He asked that the next joint meeting with the Board of Education include information on summer school in the County. Commissioner Snook reported on the latest session of Leadership Maryland. The Commissioners discussed a letter he received from the Western Maryland Heritage Foundation requesting assistance with landfill fees. The Commissioners agreed to assist by paying the fee for one dumpster from the contingency fund. Commissioner Snook also stated that he attended the Smithsburg Economic Development Commission's business appreciation reception. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that public meetings on the proposed Comprehensive Plan would be held in Smithsburg and Halfway this week. He informed the Commissioners that he met with Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management for the Board of Education, regarding plans for the Smithsburg branch library. Mr. Arch stated that the study on the French Lane property has been completed. He also informed the Commissioners that he met with City staff regarding development and improvements around Municipal Stadium. Mr. Arch stated that the Town of Burkittsville is applying for funding for a Civil War corridor study. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that the bond funds were received today. She stated that her office has started work on the year-end budget close-out. Ms. Bastian indicated that she may begin implementing portions of the new GASB 34 regulations this year and is checking with auditors to determine if this can be accomplished. JUNE 19, 2001 PAGE TWO Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that he met with Mary Baykan, Executive Director of the Washington County Free Library, on various issues. He stated that he made site visits to review stormwater management ponds and the long-term impacts involved with operation and maintenance. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners of vandalism that occurred over the weekend at the property on French Lane. He also met with the project manager of the I-81 corridor study for a project update. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported on the transition of the County health insurance coverage to CareFirst. He stated that he has started recruitment for the four new positions authorized in FY 2002. Mr. Davis also stated that pay increases for FY 2002 would start July 13. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he would draft a letter of interest for the property that St. Lawrence Cement has agreed to donate to the County for a park. He stated that he met with Delegate Shank regarding proposed uses for the Boone Hotel in Boonsboro. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that Ronald Karn, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, has announced his retirement effective June 30. He stated that he met with Jason Baer, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, regarding possible plans for reorganization of the department. Mr. Shoop said that the Coordinating Committee interviewed each of the companies that submitted proposals for a new telephone system. He stated that research indicates that the County has complied with the provisions of the agreement with the Klick family and has constructed the entrances in accordance with that agreement. Therefore, the staff's recommendation is that the County should not provide another entrance to the property. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners that the June 26 afternoon session would be held in Court Room #1 due to scheduled maintenance on the elevator in the County Administration Building. BUDGET TRANSFER - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the request made by the Highway Department to transfer $233,800 from Highway User Fund Reserves to pay for equipment that was ordered in FY 2000 but was actually received in FY 2001. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS - TOURISM SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to enter into an agreement with Paulette Sprinkle of Tourism Services to conduct the FY 2002 Maryland, You Are Beautiful Program for $1,950 and to coordinate efforts with Allegany and Garrett Counties in planning the Western Maryland Counties exhibit for the 2001 Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference for $1,400. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT - MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reappoint Mervin Yoder to the Mental Health Authority for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:33 a.m. for lunch at the Airport. The Commissioners heard a status report on the runway extension project, an update on the rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha, and a report on marketing efforts. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, informed the Commissioners that passenger services from Hagerstown to the Baltimore -Washington International Airport would begin in the near future. Commissioner Snook presented Ms. Motz with a Resolution of Appreciation in honor of the perfect rating received during the recent inspection by the FAA. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:37 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. JUNE 19, 2001 PAGE THREE RECOGNITION AWARD - HAGERSTOWN BOUNCERS MARCHING GROUP Commissioner Snook presented an award to Mary Ellen "Pickles" Spencer, representing the volunteers of the Hagerstown Bouncers, in recognition of their efforts to provide children in the HotSpots area of the City of Hagerstown with healthy, positive activities. The Bouncers are a marching group between the ages of 5 and 16 that meet in the Bethel Gardens/Jonathan Street neighborhood of Hagerstown. They practice 10 hours per week year-round. IDEA COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD - VICKI GRIMM Rodney Shoop presented the Washington County Employee of the Year Award to Vicki Grimm, Legal Assistant in the County Attorney's Office, under the Innovative, Dedicated Employee Award (IDEA) Program. Ms. Grimm was one of the four quarterly IDEA award winners eligible for the award. Mr. Shoop stated that Ms. Grimm was nominated by Richard Douglas, County Attorney. He commended her for devising creative and innovative practices and methods of solving problems and for adapting her computer skills to meet the needs of the office. Mr. Shoop stated that she always gives 1100, performing above and beyond the level necessary to do her job. As recipient of the award, Mr. Shoop stated that Ms. Grimm would receive a check for $1,000 and an additional personal day as Employee of the Year. Ms. Grimm thanked the Commissioners for the award. CONTRACT AWARD - RECORD-KEEPING AND ACTUARIAL SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for record-keeping and actuarial services to CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services, which submitted the low responsive bid for the services at an annual price of $12,000 for a five-year period for the total lump sum of $60,000. Unanimously approved. DENIAL OF BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET REQUEST Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to deny the request made by the Board of Education for an additional $65,000 to be used for the buy-out of the former Superintendent's contract and for the costs associated with the search for a new Superintendent. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION MODIFYING AIRPORT CHARGES, RENTALS & FEES The Commissioners discussed the increases recommended in the current charges, rentals and fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport that were heard at a joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners and the Airport Advisory Commission held on June 5, 2001. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to the increase of four percent as proposed, with the understanding that two percent would be placed into a reserve account to be used for maintenance of these facilities. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the resolution increasing charges, rentals, and fees by 4% at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, as presented at the public hearing on June 6, 2001, with the stipulation that 20 of the revenues be reserved for maintenance of those facilities. The rates would become effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, and Swartz voting "AYE" and Commissioners Wivell and Snook "ABSTAINING" since they were not present at the public hearing. DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION Norman Bassett, Disabilities Coordinator, informed the Commissioners that the Disabilities Advisory Committee (DAC) approved the realignment of its leadership and membership at its June 13 meeting. He stated that Linn Hendershot, previous chair of the DAC, was recently elected to the Hagerstown City Council. Mr. Hendershot would like to assume an ex -officio position on the Committee and thereby give the City of Hagerstown a greater presence on the DAC. Mr. Bassett advised the Commissioners that Peggy Martin was selected to complete Mr. Hendershot's term as chair through October 2002. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the reorganization of the Disabilities Advisory Committee as proposed and to JUNE 19, 2001 PAGE FOUR appoint Linn Hendershot as an ex -officio member representing the City of Hagerstown. Unanimously approved. STATUS REPORT ON 2001 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the status of the 2001 goals and the action plans to accomplish each goal. 1. Complete the revised Comprehensive Plan, present to public and forward to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan and the timing involved with the completion of the process. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the Commissioners should attempt to have the entire comprehensive rezoning completed by the end of their term in December 2002. He contended that it would be a disservice to the new board to have to take office in the middle of the process. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this issue in more detail. 2. Establish priorities for implementation of the Emergenc Services Study. Mr. Shoop reviewed the steps in the action plan and what is needed to accomplish the goal. 3. Establish alignments for Eastern Boulevard Extended, Rench Road, and Funkstown-Hebb Road connector. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that there is funding in the budget of the Hagerstown -Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization for this project. He stated that the County has completed the initial scope of work for the roads under its jurisdiction but is waiting for information from the City regarding Hebb Road before the project can be bid. 4. Develop a plan to integrate voice (telephony) and data communications technology. Ron Whitt, Director of Information Technologies, indicated that he hopes to bring a recommendation before the Commissioners in July. He estimated that the project would be finalized in September 5. Establish coals to facilitate e -government implementation. Mr. Whitt informed the Commissioners that the County has assumed ownership of the e-mail system formerly owned by the Library and the infrastructure to support the system. 6. Within the context of educational excellence, adopt the evaluation of Board of Education facilities which determines appropriate capacity and affordability. Commissioner Schnebly stated that it is in the hands of the Board of Education now. The Board must decide whether to move to slightly larger schools or to keep the smaller community schools. He indicated that if they decide to continue with the community schools, they must realize that it takes more money to fund them. Commissioner Wivell stated that there are questions that need to be answered after public meetings. 7. Obtain state support for U.S. Route 11 infrastructure improvements for Runway 9/27 extension. Mr. Shoop stated that this update was given earlier today at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. 8. Develop a marketing plan that promotes commercial air service and economic development at the Airport and vicinity. An update on the marketing plan was provided by Greg Larsen at the luncheon at the Airport. 9. Develop a plan to upgrade the bond rating. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, distributed a draft implementation plan for management practices needed to assist in upgrading the County's bond rating. She outlined the significant factors that the bond agencies examine in re- evaluating bond ratings and presented a two-phase approach and time schedule for implementing these goals. JUNE 19, 2001 PAGE FIVE UPDATE - ARTS CENTER STEERING COMMITTEE James Pierne and Barbara Spicher, Co -Chairs of the Arts Center Steering Committee, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the Committee's activities. Mr. Pierne informed the Commissioners that they have received a $25,000 grant from the Maryland Association of Nonprofits to assist with organization and implementation of a plan for a shared arts facility in Hagerstown. The plan would include the development of an appropriate committee structure, assessment of whether a new or existing entity should own and operate the facility, conduct additional outreach and assessment in order to develop more detailed plans for the shared facility, and assist in identifying a consultant to conduct a capital campaign, feasibility study, and other activities. Mr. Pierne asked that the project be included in the long-range plan of the County and that the Commissioners consider funding it through the proceeds from the hotel rental tax. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Schnebly emphasized the importance of community support and the commitment of private funds for the project. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 3:19 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to discuss a 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, 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 4:17 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters and discussed a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or contents of a proposal, as public discussion would adversely impact the ability of the County to participate in the proposal process. 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; and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:17 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk