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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011113November 13, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Vice President Paul L. Swartz with the following members present: 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 - NOVEMBER 6, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of November 6, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that retirement statements were distributed to employees last week. He reported that he also met with employees in various field offices last Friday. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, reported that he met with the Mayor and Council last week to review the County's emergency response plan with them. He stated that he toured the major communications sites in the County with Pete Loewenheim, Manager of Communications Maintenance. Mr. Kroboth informed the Commissioners that he met with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association on budgeting procedures. He stated that the goal is to have a uniform procedure in place. Mr. Kroboth stated that the Governor has issued a burning ban due to the dry conditions. He reported that he would be working with the Health Department to develop procedures to simulate the distribution of a large number of vaccines. Mr. Kroboth stated that Congressman Bartlett might withdraw the County's request for funds through the Homeland Security Office and sponsor it as a separate bill due to the proximity of Camp David. He reported that the review team is in place for the Smithsburg service area study. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that he attended a presentation on the use of a three-dimensional GIS system. He also attended two meetings sponsored by the State Highway Administration regarding the future widening of Interstate 81. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that he attended a simulcast work session on "Lessons in Leadership" at Frederick Community College. He stated that the furniture has arrived for the Administrative Annex and is being installed this week. Mr. Rohrer gave an update on the various downtown projects. He stated that interviews are being held this week for vacancies at the Water and Sewer and Engineering Departments. Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Manager, stated that he was asked to represent Western Maryland on the Statewide Standardization Committee. He also provided an update on the County's request for additional frequencies from the FCC. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger commented on the positive newspaper articles on the three -percent budget reduction. He stated that he and Commissioner Schnebly attended the Community Foundation dinner. He stated that he is making an effort to meet with each of the City Council members individually to discuss the joint sewer services area. Commissioner Iseminger asked the County Administrator to follow up on information that the Town of Grantsville is in line to obtain federal grant funding to build a library. Commissioner Wivell reported that he attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony for the new Younger Mercedes-Benz dealership. He also reported on the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting. NOVEMBER 13, 2001 PAGE TWO Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended the People's Choice dinner. He stated that he met with a newspaper editor on water and sewer issues. Commissioner Swartz stated that he met again with a local landowner who is interested in selling land in Maugansville to the County for a park. He stated that he visited families on Barkdoll Road regarding complaints of speeding. He also contacted State and local law enforcement on this issue. Commissioner Swartz reported that he attended the ribbon -cutting at Younger Mercedes-Benz. He attended the Veterans Day program at Clear Spring High School. Commissioner Swartz stated that he was contacted by Paul Wade concerning his interest in appointment to the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation. He reported that he read in the Winchester Evening Star that a one -cent sales tax increase had been approved. Commissioner Swartz again requested that the Commissioners initiate a program to honor a citizen of the County each month. He asked for information regarding the permits needed to trim a tree located in a County right-of-way. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reported that the employees' Casual Day last month raised $384 for Y -Me. He stated that he attended the Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by the Joint Veterans Council at Marty Snook Park. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he visited the REACH Cold Weather Shelter at First Christian Church to help with breakfast preparations. He reminded the Commissioners that the Grate American Sleep -Out would be held November 16 in City Park. He also stated that he met with the Homebuilders Association regarding their concerns about the sewer moratorium. JOINT REZONING HEARING A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission was convened at 10:00 a.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in map amendment RZ-01-007 that would add a Historic Preservation overlay to property currently zoned Agricultural. Also present at the hearing were Planning Commission members Paula Lampton, George Anikis, and Ben Clopper. Stephen Goodrich, Chief Senior Planner, entered the staff report into the record. After the presentation, the hearing was opened for public testimony. Commissioner Swartz announced that the record would remain open for ten (10) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The hearing was adjourned at 10:08 a.m. DIGITAL SPATIAL DATA DISTRIBUTION POLICY Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and John "Bud" Gudmundson, Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator, met with the Commissioners to review a proposed policy to establish procedures for the licensing and distribution of digital spatial data (DSD) to the public by the Planning Department. Mr. Arch indicated that that new aerial photos and topography data are very much in demand by consultants and other government agencies. The policy would allow the County to help recoup the cost of developing the data. Mr. Gudmundson reviewed the proposed price list for the sale of the data. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Digital Spatial Data Distribution Policy, as presented. Unanimously approved. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) DAY PROCLAMATION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to proclaim November 14, 2001 as GIS Day 2001 in Washington County to help make citizens aware of the substantial contributions that GIS technology is making in the community. Unanimously approved. HAGERSTOWN AIRPORT EASEMENTS/PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS OPTION n r_uF'F'Mr-MT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve option agreements for the purchase of property in fee simple from John and Nancy Bowers in the amount of $112,000, John and Lynda Wilcox in the NOVEMBER 13, 2001 PAGE THREE amount of $162,000, and an avigation easement from Anthony and Debra Benner in the amount of $15,750, with FAA to provide reimbursement for 900 of the costs. All three easement/acquisitions are needed for the North/South runway protection zone at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING SIDEWALKS Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, asked the Commissioners if they wish to "tag -along" on the State Highway Administration's (SHA) streetscape contract to permit the County to include a sidewalk snow -melt system around the perimeter of the County Administration Building as a part of the project. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the SHA would cover the cost of pavers on the side of the building. He informed the Commissioners that estimates indicate that the cost of the exterior work would be $45,000, which is be considerably lower than originally anticipated. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners not to proceed at this time given the current financial conditions. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Andy Rayburn, owner of Hagerstown Suns baseball team, along with Kurt Landes, new General Manager of the Suns, and Tom Callihan, attorney for Mr. Rayburn, met with the Commissioners to discuss their future plans for the team. Mr. Rayburn stated that he became the owner of the team in June. He indicated that they hope to provide a fun atmosphere at the ballpark and provided examples of things they can do to increase fan participation. Mr. Landes stated that they also hope to increase the fan base through promotions and marketing. Mr. Rayburn also discussed the possibility of having a new stadium built for the Suns. He indicated that he has hired a consultant to perform a feasibility study. RECESS - TOUR OF FAMILY CENTER AND DAD'S CONNECTION The Commissioners recessed at 11:22 a.m. for lunch and to tour the Family Center and Dad's Connection facilities. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 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. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT - REQUEST Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the City has asked if the Commissioners would consider providing property tax credits, an admissions and amusement tax exemption, and income tax credits in the four -block area around the public square for the designated Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District. He stated that this would be included in the application to the State to obtain the A&E designation. Commissioner Snook stated that jurisdictions are competing for State funding and that any incentives must be provided to all entities in the County submitting applications. After discussion, the Commissioners stated that they would not make a formal commitment without more details, but that they are willing to consider policies that will support the program. They agreed to consider matching whatever incentives the City offers for the program. ADDITIONAL COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with Congressman Bartlett on November 19 regarding the formal request for emergency services funding for the area. He also informed the Commissioners that the Water & Sewer Department imposed a mandatory "notice to conserve" on Mt. Aetna water customers last week. "RIGHT TO FARM" ORDINANCE John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed the initial draft of a right -to -farm ordinance. Mr. Martirano stated that he used Frederick County's ordinance as a model. He indicated that he has some concerns with the establishment of a "reconciliation committee" as suggested by the Farm Bureau to hear grievances, unless it would be used on a voluntary basis. He also stated that the draft Ordinance requires that a real estate transfer disclosure be executed at settlement. Mr. Martirano NOVEMBER 13, 2001 PAGE FOUR stated that he wanted to get the ordinance out to the public for input before scheduling a public hearing. The Commissioners discussed the ordinance and asked Mr. Martirano to meet with representatives from the Planning Department, Farm Bureau, and Board of Realtors prior to bringing it back for their review. Mr. Martirano indicated that there are some legal issues that need to be resolved before adoption of an ordinance. Jim Cauffman, Vice President of the Washington County Farm Bureau, was in attendance and expressed his support of adopting such an ordinance. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS & COMMENTS - CONTINUED Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a message from Bob Cumberland, Administrative Planner for the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, recommending Jack Latimer, Wayne Williams, and Jay Grimes as nominees for appointment to the Emergency Services Council. He also reported on a Leadership Maryland seminar he attended and the Economic Development Commission meeting. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 2:13 p.m. to discuss personnel issues 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. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 3:18 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue and considered a proposal for 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:45 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Herbert Hardin, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, Dori Nipps, Mary Wilfong, and Edward Forrest. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; Donald Francis, Director of Human Resources; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Review and Financial Projections The Commissioners reviewed the Fiscal Year 2002 budget and financial projections. Commissioner Snook stated that, due to the projected shortfall in revenues, the Commissioners took action to reduce the operating budget by three percent in County departments. He indicated that department heads are permitted to decide where the reductions would be made in their budgets. Commissioner Snook informed the Board members that the State is also projecting a shortfall in revenue. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, outlined three scenarios that the Commissioners will consider if additional budget reductions must be made. Dr. Morgan asked to be consulted if they move to this level. The Commissioners agreed that they would give the Board the opportunity to designate where the reductions would be made. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that they develop a plan now in case budget cuts are necessary. He also recommended that they consider ways to reduce expenditures. Commissioner Wivell explained how the FY 2001 surplus was utilized. Ms. Bastian also reviewed the financial projections for FY 2003. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. NOVEMBER 13, 2001 PAGE FIVE First Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the following first quarter budget adjustments as requested by the Board of Education by reducing the following categories: Instructional Salaries - $674,295; Other Instructional Costs - $225,125; Student Personnel Services - $11,850, Student Health Services - $255, and to increase the following categories: Administration - $270,215, Mid -Level Administration - $22,405, Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $220,000, Special Education - $335,310, Student Transportation - $47,470, Maintenance of Plant - $9,540, and Fixed Charges - $6,585, for a total adjustment to the Fund Balance of $0. Unanimously approved. Joint Purchasing Agreement Robert Stambaugh, Supervisor of Purchasing for the Board of Education, appeared before the group to provide information on an inquiry regarding consolidation of purchasing services by the Board of Education and County government. Mr. Stambaugh reported that, although the public schools and County government share a number of bids, it would not be advantageous for either agency to consolidate. Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent for the County, reviewed a list of bids that are shared by both entities and the amount saved through shared bidding. Mr. Stambaugh reviewed some of the bids that are shared. Ms. Ober suggested that the consolidation of the transportation departments be considered. Commissioner Snook stated that staff should review the proposal. If they feel it would be beneficial, they would then come back with recommendations. High School Alternative Programs Dr. Morgan presented information to the Commissioners supporting the expansion of the alternative learning center into grades 10- 12. She stated that the alternative school environment provides small class sizes where students who are at risk of dropping out can receive additional attention as well as academic intervention and remediation programs. Dr. Morgan indicated that they are consolidating services and using part of a Local Management Board grant to fund the initiative, but are asking for start-up costs in the amount of $34,000 for materials and equipment. She stated that this program would be included in the budget for the next fiscal year at a proposed net savings over current year expenditures. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion regarding the program. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the concept of expanding the Alternative Learning Center into Grades 10-12 but agreed to review the budget prior to making a determination on the funding. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 5:25 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk