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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010828August 28, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended a ribbon -cutting and grand opening ceremony at the new Super 8 Motel located on Blake Road at 11:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., Paul L. Swartz, and William J. Wivell. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS - SALARY STUDY COMMISSION Scott Nicewarner, Chair, informed the Board that the Washington County Salary Study Commission (the "Commission"), appointed on February 13, 2001, met as a whole on six separate occasions to discuss the salaries of eight elected positions as specified in the statute. A public hearing was held on June 7 to obtain comments from the public. Mr. Nicewarner explained that the statute requires the Board to consider the report of the Commission and submit its own recommendations to the local delegation to the General Assembly for legislative action. He then introduced the members of the Commission who were in attendance. Mr. Nicewarner then presented the final salary recommendations. He stated that the Commission recommended that no changes be made to the current compensation for the Board of Election Supervisors, the State's Attorney, and the Board of Liquor License Commissioners since they were recently granted increases through legislation. Mr. Nicewarner explained that the Commission is not recommending an increase in compensation for the members of the Board of Education since their salaries are commensurate to those in counties in the State of comparable size and the last increase was in 1997. County Commissioners The Commission recommended an increase in compensation to the County Commissioners from the current $20,000 per year to $30,000 in 2002 and $33,000 in 2006. They also recommended an increase in the salary of the President of the Board from $20,500 to $35,000 per year in 2002 and $38,000 in 2006. Mr. Nicewarner noted that the County Commissioners have had no increase in salary since 1990. County Treasurer The Commission recommended an increase in the salary of the Treasurer from $47,777.60 to $55,000. Mr. Nicewarner explained that the Commission felt that the Treasurer should be compensated for his duties as an elected official and not as tax collector, even though he serves in both capacities. He stated that the last increase for this position was in 1991. Orphans' Court Judges The Commission recommended an increase in the annual compensation for Orphan's Court judges from $6,000 to $7,000 and to maintain the $1,000 annual expense allowance. Also recommended was an increase in the allowance for lodging to $85 per day and $30 per day for meals for business-related travel expenses out of the County. They also recommended that the statute be amended to eliminate the words "and board" since that has been dealt with in the preceding paragraph as meals. Sheriff The Commission recommended that the salary of the Sheriff equal that of the State's Attorney. Mr. Nicewarner explained that this is the largest increase they are recommending due to the responsibilities of overseeing three large divisions. After the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook thanked the Commission for the time and effort they put in to assure that the study was done fairly. He emphasized that any changes would not take effect until after the next election and would not affect the incumbents. Dori Nipps and Roxanne Ober, members of the Board of Education, expressed their disappointment with the recommendation for the Board of Education and stated that they feel they are undervalued. Mr. Nicewarner agreed that the rate of pay is low but that the Commission felt that it was in line with other counties in the State. The Commissioners took the Commission's recommendations under consideration and stated that they would discuss them before submitting a request for legislation to the Delegation. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD - DYNAMIC IMAGING MUG SHOT SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award a sole source contract for the procurement of hardware, software and components for a mug shot system from Keystone Information Systems to integrate with the existing computer records system at the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $32,253. The award is a sole source procurement based on Sections 1- 106.2 (a) (1) and (2) of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - CONGRESSMAN BARTLETT Harold "Bud" Otis, Regional Representative for Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, met with the Board to discuss legislative issues of interest to Washington County. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, provided information on the need for FAA funding for the Airport runway extension, project design, and the relocation of Route 11. She provided Mr. Otis with an update on the project and emphasized the need for federal assistance. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, thanked Mr. Otis for Congressman Bartlett's support for funding to rehabilitate Runway 220. William Christoffel, Health Officer, voiced his concerns regarding federal eligibility criteria for grant funding for rural health programs. He also suggested that the public health service grants be made available to counties with populations lower than 250,000. Mr. Christoffel stated that these grant funds are going to large metropolitan areas Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed Mr. Otis of the need to increase funding for the Maugans Avenue project. Mr. Shoop explained that this is a $3.5 million project to provide improvements to Maugans Avenue from Interstate 81 to Route 11 and is now in the planning stage. He stated that federal participation is appropriate since the road connects to a federal highway. Mr. Otis asked for a letter from the County outlining the request. David Engle, Director of the Washington County Department of Social Services, emphasized the importance of re -authorizing the program to provide temporary assistance to needy families in the welfare reform act. Mr. Engle also provided information on several successful programs being utilized in the County which make use of federal funding. Commissioner Wivell asked Congressman Bartlett to support federal grant funding of the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) project in the amount of $500,000. He stated that five other treatment facilities have received funding from federal sources for similar projects. Mr. Otis stated that the Congressman has already sent a letter of support and that he feels the County stands a good chance of receiving the funding. Commissioner Snook provided an update on the County's application for foreign -trade zone designation. LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION - ELECTRONIC ELECTION SYSTEM The Commissioners discussed the recommendation to extend the lease with Election Systems & Software, Inc. for the county -wide electronic election system for two (2) additional years at a cost of $62,400 annually. They agreed to execute an amendment to exclude the City of Hagerstown from the lease extension as requested by the City. The Commissioners also asked for information on the option to buy out the contract for $1 and then pay the additional expenses involved with maintenance, storage, and certification. They asked the Board of Election Supervisors to develop estimates to allow them to select the most appropriate option. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:22 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy for a bid or proposal, 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 Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:25 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) matters, and discussed two matters directly related to negotiating strategy for a bid or proposal. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission; and Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:25 p.m. EVENING SESSION - FAIRPLAY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company Fire Hall 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 - AUGUST 21, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 21, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS "FORGET ME NOT" MONTH Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to representatives of the Washington County Chapter of Disabled American Veterans proclaiming the month of September 2001 as Disabled American Veterans Forget -Me -Not Month in Washington County and encouraging all citizens to join in their support of those who gave of themselves to protect and preserve our way of life. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the reception held for Lieutenant Governor Townsend. He also reported on the Planning Commission workshop and the committee organized to promote health and fitness in the County. Commissioner Wivell stated that he read in the newspaper that the City of Hagerstown rescinded its offer to Community Action Council (CAC) to assist in funding the Single Resident Occupancy program. He asked that the time be scheduled on the agenda to discuss the County's participation. Commissioner Schnebly reported on several calls he received regarding the slurry road reclamation work that was done last week. He also reported on the Lieutenant Governor's reception and the Democratic Central Committee picnic. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the C & O Canal Days Ox Roast, the ARCO picnic, and Everybody's Day at Pen Mar Park. He stated that he participated in the "First Day First Hand" Program with the Board of Education and was a guest on the WHAG radio talk show. Commissioner Snook stated that he participated in the Everybody's Day ceremony, an Eagle Scout ceremony, and the "First Day First Hand" program at Lincolnshire Elementary School. He reported that the foreign -trade zone application was submitted last week and the public hearing will be held on it on October 17, 2001. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that McKay Shields would be meeting with staff on September 5. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that interviews were held for the Western Section Assistant Supervisor last week. He informed the Commissioners that there was a small fire at the Forty West landfill last week. Mr. Rohrer stated that the project to make improvements to the dam at Devil's Backbone Park may involve more than was initially anticipated and the staff is attempting to find outside funding assistance. He informed the Commissioners that he visited the sites where the slurry was used on County roads and explained the process and the cost savings realized by using this method. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported on the work session held by the Planning Commission. Mr. Arch provided an update on the Program Open Space (POS) conversion process. He stated that the Recreation Department is considering adding some different programs to its schedule. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that POS information and applications would be sent to the municipalities in the near future. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she would be meeting with Al Martin, City Finance Director, regarding the tax differential program. They hope to have the draft for a model program ready for review by the end of the year. She distributed information on the estimated surplus and stated that she would need direction from the Commissioners on how to close out the FY 2001 budget. Commissioner Iseminger asked for additional information and that time be scheduled on the agenda to review the information in more detail. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jonathan Kayes stated that he feels it is not a fair representation that individuals supporting the proposed text amendment to redefine "truck stops" are anti -business. He indicated that safety issues are the main concern. COUNTY ATTORNEY COMMENTS John Martirano, Acting County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the loan from Farmers & Merchants Bank for pre -production costs for the film Gods and Generals was repaid last week. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners that the Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting on education is scheduled for September 28. He informed the Commissioners that the annual transportation tour meeting with the Maryland Department of Transportation would be held on September 20. Mr. Shoop stated that the advertisement to bid the Eastern Section office building went out this week. He also informed the Commissioners that he would like to discuss the possibility of utilizing a portion of the Dwyer Center as a County records storage center. PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD ALTERNATE - RECOMMENDATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to submit the names of John Martin, James Brittain, and Patricia Wolford to the Governor for appointment to a vacancy as an alternate on the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk