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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011030October 30, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:00 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. 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. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS A ceremony was held to promote Lieutenant Douglas W. Mullendore to the rank of Captain at the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Charles Mades reviewed Captain Mullendore's history with the Department. Captain Mullendore was then presented with his new captain's badge by his wife Lisa. The Commissioners also recognized Captain Carroll E. Keller who is retiring from the Sheriff's Department after serving there for 23 years. Sheriff Mades then promoted 1St Sergeant Randy E. Wilkinson to the rank of Lieutenant. Sheriff Mades also reviewed Lt. Wilkinson's career. Lieutenant Wilkinson was presented with his lieutenant's badge by his wife Pattie and their daughter Kaytie. The Commissioners congratulated both gentlemen on their promotions and thanked them for their dedication and hard work. BID AWARD - POOL AND WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to "piggyback" on the City of Hagerstown contract and award the contract for pool and water/wastewater treatment chemicals to the lowest responsive, responsible bidders as follows for a one- year contract: Item #10 (Sodium Hypochlorite) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $0.68/gallon; Item #12 (Hydrated Lime) - Greer Lime Company - $70.20/ton; Item #14 (Sodium Hypochlorite) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $48.35/drum; Item #15 (Granular Activated Carbon) - Carbochem, Inc. - $39.00/50 lb. bag; Item #16 (Soda Ash, Light) - Brenntag Northeast, Inc. - $8.18/50 lb. bag; Item #18 (Granular Aluminum Sulfate Aluminum) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $8.05/50 lb. bag; Item #19 (Powdered Activated Carbon) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $27.09/55 lb. bag; Item #20 (Chlorine Gas) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $48.00/150 cylinder; Item #21 (Caustic Soda - sodium hydroxide) - Jones Chemical Co. - $44.00/drum; Item #21 (Caustic Soda) - Jones Chemical Co. - $00.70/bulk gallon; Item #22 (Ferrous Chloride Solution) - Coyne Chemical Co., Inc. - $51.70/drum; Item #22 (Ferrous Chloride Solution) - Eaglebrook, Inc. - $00.41/bulk gallon; Item #23 (Hydrofluosilic Acid) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $39.75/15 gal/pail; Item #24 (Granular Calcium) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $92.00/100# containers.; Item 25 (Sulfur Dioxide Gas) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $63.90/150# cylinder.; Item #26 (Liquid Alum) - Delta Chemical - $0.3691/gallon; Item #29 (Sodium Hypochlorite) - Tilley Chemical Co., Inc. - $1.05/gallon; Item #30 (cyanuric acid) - Vopak USA, Inc. - $1.52/lb.; Item #31 (Calcium Chloride) - Tilley Chemical Co., Inc. - $10.00/50 lb. bag; and Item #32 (Muriatic Acid) - Tilley Chemical Co., Inc. - $30.00/15 gal. pail. Unanimously approved. AIRPORT MARKETING PLAN Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Cassandra Latimer, Marketing Specialist for the Economic Development Commission (EDC), met with the Board to discuss the status of the Airport marketing plan. Mr. Larsen indicated that development of the plan was one of the Commissioners' goals for 2001. He outlined the methods being used to promote the Airport, and stated that they have developed an Internet website, as well as advertising campaigns for the new Pan Am commuter service to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reviewed the effect of the revised Comprehensive Plan on the Airport and the surrounding area. Ms. Latimer explained EDC's role as the liaison between the Airport and the state Department of Business and Economic Development. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook asked staff to provide monthly updates on the new passenger service when it begins operations. OCTOBER 30, 2001 PAGE TWO STATUS OF DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the status of County projects in the downtown area. Mr. Rohrer stated that the County is working on three primary facilities, the County Office Building at 33-35 West Washington Street, the County Administrative Annex at 80 West Baltimore Street, and the County Administration Building at 100 West Washington Street. He stated that the County Office Building is estimated to have an unobligated balance of $118,101. Mr. Rohrer asked for approval to use $30,000 of this balance to fund additional security measures at the Emergency Services Department. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, explained the renovations he would like to make to assure that the area is more secure. After discussion, the Commissioners approved the project in concept, but asked to hear more details and firmer cost projections. Mr. Rohrer stated that the State Highway Administration (SHA) recently informed him that they would be doing a streetscape project on West Washington Street. Mr. Rohrer asked for funds to install a snow melt system around the County Administration Building as well as a ramp to comply with ADA standards. He estimated that the proposed system would cost $80,000. Postponement of the project would result in a much higher cost due to the installation of pavers. Mr. Rohrer proposed using the CIP contingency fund for the project. The Commissioners discussed whether to proceed with this project. They asked Mr. Rohrer to ask SHA for another week to decide whether to include the snow melt system in the project. The Commissioners delayed a decision on the request to utilize the funds allocated for downtown improvements for the County Administration Building until they have a better idea of the revenue projections for the remainder of the fiscal year. FISCAL YEAR 2001 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Mike Manspeaker, representing Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, appeared before the Commissioners to present the County's Fiscal Year 2001 audit report. Mr. Manspeaker reported that the County has a "clean" unqualified financial report again this year. Mr. Manspeaker provided a detailed review of the audit report, including the General Fund, Highway Fund and Capital Improvements Projects. He indicated that the County is in good financial condition. Mr. Manspeaker stated that the General Fund ended with an excess of $830,488 in revenues over expenditures and stated that this is primarily due to an increase in revenues from property and income taxes. Mr. Manspeaker also reviewed the transfers to the CIP budget and the enterprise funds. He stated that there was a 6.9% increase in total general fund expenditures for education, which is the same percentage as the revenue increase for the year. Mr. Manspeaker stated that the County is in a sound financial position with cash reserves of a little over 8 percent and a fund balance of $13,500,000. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Manspeaker for his presentation. (Commissioner Wivell excused at 2:45 p.m.) Mr. Manspeaker also reviewed the changes that will occur in the audit presentation due to the new GASB 34 regulations. He stated that he would like to begin the audit and have all major decisions made before July 30 next year. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she and her staff are developing an implementation plan to deal with the new regulations. UPDATE — NET.WORK.MARYLAND Ronald Whitt, Director of the Information Technologies (IT) Department, introduced Connie McDonnell, Director of Telecommunications for the State Department of Budget & Management. Ms. McDonnell informed the Commissioners of the status of the net.work.Maryland project. She provided information on the services that it will provide, the proposed budget for implementation, and the projected completion dates for the various phases of the project. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Ms. McDonnell stated that it would be the County's decision whether to hook on to the system. She indicated that the State would pay for it, and the counties would then be charged a subscription fee for the capacity they use. Ms. McDonnell stated that the County could connect now or wait until capital funding becomes available. She indicated that State agencies with remote field offices might want to OCTOBER 30, 2001 PAGE THREE connect at this time. Mr. Whitt informed the Board that the City/County telecommunications committee would discuss the information and determine which direction to take. He stated that they would come back in a few months with a recommendation. (Commissioner Swartz was excused from the meeting at 3:37 p.m.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 4:08 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to discuss 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 returned to the meeting at 4:14 p.m.) RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 5:01 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, 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, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Debra Bastian, Director of Finance. APPOINTMENTS - WATER & SEWER ADVISORY COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Clarence Scheer to the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission to complete the term of Steve Klick which expires on June 30, 2002, and to appoint Scott Schubel for a three-year term. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." APPOINTMENT - PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly to appoint Jeffrey Yingling to the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation for a three-year term beginning December 1, 2001. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:02 p.m. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at this time) EVENING SESSION - WILLIAMSPORT COMMUNITY BUILDING The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Williamsport Community Building by Vice President Paul L. Swartz with the following members present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Swartz, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 23, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 23, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the Greater Hagerstown Committee (GHC) forum, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the Board of Social Services meetings. He stated that he attended the presentation of the OCTOBER 30, 2001 PAGE FOUR Allegheny Energy Tech -Connect grant to Williamsport High School and participated in the Alsatia Mummers Parade. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that the City/County Water and Sewer subcommittee met last week. He stated that he met with a local developer regarding sewer capacity for his development and the consequences of not having an agreement with the City. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the briefing and forum he attended on emergency preparedness. He stated that he also attended the GHC forum and the parade. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Wellness and Fitness Committee and the meeting he and Commissioner Schnebly had on sewer capacity. He stated that he also attended the GHC form and the parade. Commissioner Swartz reported that he attended the forum at Hagerstown Community College and the 911 briefing on preparedness. He stated that he also attended the first hearing of the newly appointed Animal Control Authority. Commissioner Swartz stated that he also attended the Allegheny Energy Tech - Connect presentation, the GHC forum, and the parade. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Delores Holler asked the Commissioners to reconsider the policy not to take anonymous complaints. She explained that one neighbor retaliated against another because the name was given out as the one reporting a zoning violation. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that she attended a seminar regarding the economic forecast for the coming year. She stated that she and Al Martin, City Finance Director, are assembling a panel to review local economic conditions. Ms. Bastian asked the Commissioners to contact her if they have any questions regarding the FY 2001 audit that was presented earlier today. The Board asked for information on the Hagerstown Trust loan and whether it should be repaid earlier than scheduled. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, stated that he and Brian Overcash, Safety Coordinator, attended a "reasonable suspicion" drug testing seminar. He informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives of AFSCME Local 2677 to discuss several minor issues and that they agreed to meet on a monthly basis. Mr. Davis stated that he and Norman Bassett, Public Relations Coordinator, are developing a gain- sharing program for the Commissioners' review. He indicated that they hope to present it to them in the near future. Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, informed the Commissioners that Buildings, Grounds & Parks' employees are closing most of the parks for the winter. He stated that water and sewer flow has been diverted from Nicodemus to the Conococheague plant. Mr. Rohrer reminded the Commissioners that bulk trash week is scheduled for next week. He also reported on the road reclamation project and the status of the vacancies in the Engineering Department. He reported that the Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed the situation at Republican Avenue. He stated that he hopes to meet with the property owner on the corner where improvements are needed. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that the joint public hearing with the Planning Commission that was originally scheduled for November 19 has been rescheduled and will be incorporated as part of a regular meeting of the County Commissioners. He reported that the 140th Reenactment Committee would give the Board a formal update on their activities next month. Mr. Arch also provided an update on the filming of Gods & Generals. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the joint meeting with the local delegation to the General Assembly on OCTOBER 30, 2001 PAGE FIVE November 15 would be held at the Schmankerl Stube at noon. The Homebuilders Association has scheduled its annual dinner on November 15 at the Red Horse. Mr. Shoop also provided an update on the Springfield Manor housing project. RECOMMENDATIONS TO FILL COMBINATION INSPECTOR III POSITIONS — PERMITS & INSPECTIONS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the recommendation to hire Michael Hoffman and Thomas Maynard to fill the two vacant Combination Inspector III positions (Grade 11) at starting salaries of $35,000. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk