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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011127November 27, 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. and William J. Wivell. (Commissioner Schnebly arrived at the meeting at 1:15 p.m.) FISCAL YEAR 2002 FINANCIAL REVIEW Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to review budget projections for the Fiscal Year 2002 budget. She stated that the current revenue projections, which include the income tax distribution scheduled for November 30, are approximately $700,000 under budget. Ms. Bastian indicated that she believes that this shortfall will be made up to some degree in other revenues, but that she and her staff will continue to keep a close watch on the economic trends. She also reviewed the income tax distributions for FY 01 and the revised estimates for FY 2002 as well as a history of the final distributions for the past seven years. Ms. Bastian estimated that the income tax distributions would probably be $800,000 short of projections based on historical trends. She projected a total revenue shortfall of $616,675 for FY 2002. This amount would be offset by the Phase I reductions made by internal County departments that total $700,000. She recommended that no further budget reductions be made at this time. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Ms. Bastian stated that she would make recommendations to the Commissioners if another budget cut was required. MACO LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE The Commissioners discussed appointment of a representative to the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee for 2002. Commissioner Snook agreed to serve as the County's representative and Commissioner Wivell as the alternate. 60/40 MATCH FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Administrator, met with the Commissioners regarding the County's 40% funding commitment to the 60/40 matching program with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Mr. Seifarth recommended that the Commissioners commit $597,000 for the 40 percent match for the fiscal year 2001 cycle. He explained that this appears to be a safe number based on the agricultural transfer tax projections and the $300,000 commitment of year-end funds made by the Commissioners. He reviewed the match analysis for FY 02 and explained how it was calculated. Mr. Seifarth estimated that there would be a total of $1.8 million available for Fiscal Year 2002, which should purchase approximately 800 acres of farmland. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to commit $597,000 as Washington County's match for the 60/40 Match Program through the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program for fiscal year 2002. Unanimously approved. BID AWARDS - GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL AND MOTOR & INDUSTRIAL OILS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the following contracts to the low responsive, responsible bidders for a one-year period: Gasoline Transport Loads - Petroleum Traders Corporation - $300,521.30 total base bid; Gasoline Tankwagon Loads - A.C.& T. Co., Inc. - $64,450.26; Diesel/Kerosene Transport Loads - Petroleum Traders Corp - $380,388,28; Diesel/Kerosene Tankwagon Loads - A.C.& T. Co., Inc. - $50,364.17; and Motor & Industrial Oils - A.C.& T. Co., Inc. - $37,708.30. Unanimously approved. UPDATED BUSINESS EXPENSE POLICY Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reviewed the updated Business Expense Policy. She stated that the existing policy has not been significantly revised in the last ten years. Ms. Bastian explained the major changes in the updated policy for travel and meal reimbursement as well as eligible costs for business entertainment. She also reviewed the business expense report form and worksheets that she hopes will provide for better financial accountability. After discussion, the Commissioners NOVEMBER 27, 2001 PAGE TWO made several revisions to the policy. Commissioner Snook stated that he would like to review the policy in six months to see how well it is working. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Business Expense Policy as amended, and to review it in six months. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the approved policy is attached.) PUBLIC HEARING - ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES NEAR AIRPORT The Commissioner convened a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering the acquisition of the following described two (2) parcels of land: 1) all that parcel of land, with improvements, containing .46 acres of land, more or less, owned by John J. Bowers, Jr. and Nancy Bowers, identified as Parcel 24 on Tax Map 10. The consideration to be paid for this property is $112,000, of which $5,600 will be paid by the County, and 2) all that parcel of land, with improvements, containing .92 acres, more or less, owned by John T. Wilcox and Lynda J. Wilcox, identified as Parcel No. 22 on Tax Map 10. The consideration to be paid for this property is $162,000, of which $8,100 will be paid by the County. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, stated that the properties are needed in order to provide for the Runway Protection Zone at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Snook then opened the hearing for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the purchase of property in fee simple from John and Nancy Bowers for $112,000, and from John and Lynda Wilcox for $162,000 for the Runway Protection Zone at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, with the Federal Aviation Administration to provide reimbursement for 900 of the cost and the Maryland Aviation Administration to provide 50 of the cost. Unanimously approved. SMART GROWTH ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT PROGRAM Kathleen Maher, Senior Planner from the City of Hagerstown, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the application being submitted by the City of Hagerstown to the Department of Business & Economic Development for the designation of a Smart Growth -A&E District for the four -block area around Public Square. She stated that the City is inviting the County to participate by providing property tax credits for projects that create artist housing or space for arts -related businesses in the district. Ms. Maher informed the Commissioners that the City would provide the following economic incentives for qualifying projects: income tax credits for qualifying artists, property tax credits for redevelopment projects, exemptions from the admissions and amusement tax, and funding from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Fund. She stated that the property tax credits are for ten years and explained how the credits would be applied. The meeting was then opened for questions on the request. Ms. Maher also informed the Commissioners that only one application from each county would be accepted and that the Town of Hancock has also applied to the State for the Smart Growth -A&E District designation. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to support the applications made by the City of Hagerstown and the Town of Hancock to the State for designation of Smart Growth -A&E Districts and to approve their requests to provide property tax credits for approved properties within the districts. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:58 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and to discuss proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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. NOVEMBER 27, 2001 PAGE THREE RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues and considered two (2) proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:40 p.m. EVENING SESSION The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners 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 — NOVEMBER 13 & 15, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of the meetings of November 13 and 15, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation and the Board of Social Services. He stated that he attended the Washington County Club Association meeting and outlined some of the concerns they expressed. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting with Congressman Bartlett on the request for funding from the Office of Homeland Security for increased security measures. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Commission meeting and the forum sponsored by Leadership Hagerstown. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, Local Management Board, and the Commission on Aging. He stated that he attended the awards ceremony for the Maryland, You Are Beautiful program, the Salvation Army Kettle Kick-off, the Highway Department's Thanksgiving luncheon, the Grate American Sleep -out, the Club Association dinner, and the Maryland Municipal League meeting. Commissioner Swartz stated that he also met with some citizens from Williamsport to hear their concerns. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration has sent notification that they would hold a public workshop on December 12 regarding the proposed improvements to Maryland Routes 62 and 804 (Twin Springs Drive). He also provided an update on the selection of new election equipment by the State Elections Board. Commissioner Snook stated that he met with the new regent from the University of Maryland and attended a retirement reception honoring the librarian at the Williamsport branch library. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION William Peters distributed information concerning violations of the Zoning Ordinance by Bowman Sales and Equipment, Inc. found by the Zoning Administrator regarding the storage of "sea containers." He also expressed his concerns about the meeting procedures used by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and asked that any further consideration of the case NOVEMBER 27, 2001 PAGE FOUR be delayed until such time as the definition of a "sea container" and its uses can be written into the Ordinance. Karl Werder provided the Commissioners with copies of his testimony that he presented at the BZA hearing and expressed his concern that the BZA tends to discourage citizen input. He asked the Commissioners to address the issue before the BZA regarding the application for a special exception asking that sea containers be considered functionally similar to mini - warehouses, as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. Ron Braise stated that his complaint concerns not only the sea containers but also the way citizens were treated at the hearing. Paul Swartz stated that it had been a pleasure working with the Williamsport group and that he felt their concerns should be heard by he full board. Will Pananes, owner of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, presented the Commissioners with 2001 Christmas ornaments commemorating the 225th anniversary of Washington County. The Commissioners welcomed Spring Ward and students from her State and Local Government class at Hagerstown Community College who were in attendance. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that the improvements to the Old Roxbury and Pierre Road bridges are underway. He also provided an update on the Eastern Section shop project and the grant for BNR improvements. Mr. Rohrer stated that he has received the consultant's report on the dam at Devil's Backbone Park that found that there are significant structural concerns. He indicated that the staff is looking at several options and will be making a recommendation to the Commissioners in the near future. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Rohrer to see if another stop sign can be added at the corner of Paxton and Connor Drive. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that he met with Red Cross staff to discuss new training requirements for CPR and automatic external defibrillators (AED). He stated that the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA) has approved the County piggybacking on its medical certification, which will allow for the installation of the new AED units. Mr. Davis indicated that the committee reviewing accident -reporting procedures would be finalizing its report in the near future. He stated that the Local Management Board would be holding meetings on how they can do a better job of grant writing. He invited the Commissioners to the Leadership Hagerstown Alumni Association Christmas Party on December 13 at the Miller House. Mr. Davis also informed the Commissioners that Brian Overcash, Safety Coordinator, finished 75th in the recent JFK marathon. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Commissioners that he met with all principals of County schools on bio -terrorism. He stated that he met with representatives of Hagerstown Community College and the WCVFRA to develop a vision statement, mission statement, and strategic goals. Mr. Kroboth reported that he spoke at the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association on anthrax and bio -terrorism protocol. He stated that the Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee has received State grant funding for several programs. Mr. Kroboth provided an update on the process of responding to suspicious mail. He reported that Emergency Services personnel would begin random drug testing. He stated that he facilitated a critique of the recent mountain fire near Clear Spring. The Commissioners asked Mr. Kroboth to get feedback from the WCVFRA regarding whether they feel it would be beneficial for them to utilize County fueling stations. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Joseph Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, as the Emergency Program Manager for Washington County. Unanimously approved. NOVEMBER 27, 2001 PAGE FIVE Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, commended Verna Brown who served as Interim Emergency Services Director. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that the Western Maryland Senior Olympics Committee has postponed scheduling of the event pending reorganization. He reported that the next meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization would be held on December 13. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that a meeting has been scheduled in the Cascade community to discuss recreational facilities in the area. He reported that several applications for hotel rental tax funds have been received. Mr. Arch stated that plans are well underway for the 140th re-enactment of the Battle of Antietam on September 13-15, 2002. SMALL URBAN AREA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPERATING GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the Small Urban Area Public Transportation Operating Grant Agreement with the Maryland Transit Administration in the amounts of $101,750 and $388,250 from the Federal Transit Administration for FY 2001. Unanimously approved. RECOMMENDATION - WATER & SEWER FACILITIES ENGINEER Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the recommendation of staff to hire Michael L. Folk as Water & Sewer Facilities Engineer, Grade 14 ($45,000) to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER - CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve a budget transfer of $75,000 for grant funding from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program for the Civil War Heritage Area. Unanimously approved. CLOSE OUT OF OVERLAY PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to approve a Change Order for $32,713.19 with L. W. Wolfe Enterprises to close out the Fiscal Year 2002 bituminous concrete overlay program. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR - BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, requested a budget transfer of $34,000 from the sale of fixed assets to fund the Board of Education's request to expand the Alternative High School program. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to postpone any action until they receive the proforma report they requested from the Board of Education. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk