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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020305 March 5, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the “State of the City” forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Clarion Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:35 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. RETIREMENT RECOGNITION – SERGEANT J. HOWARD ROBY Sheriff Charles Mades presented a shadow box to Sergeant J. Howard Roby, Ret., in recognition of over 20 years of service with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Mades stated that Sgt. Roby was employed in the Sheriff’s Department on two separate occasions, from 1958 to 1967 and from 1975 to 1985. Commissioner Snook then presented a proclamation of appreciation to Sgt. Roby on behalf of the Commissioners and offered belated best wishes on his retirement. Sgt. Roby thanked Sheriff Mades and the Commissioners for the presentation and his wife for her support through the years. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he participated in “Read Across America” by reading to classes at Greenbrier Elementary School. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended a ceremony last week for Linn Hendershot who received an award from the American Association of People with Disabilities. He stated that he attended a meeting to plan the Hagerstown Gods & Generals premiere of . Commissioner Swartz reminded the Commissioners that the Ron Phillips Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 6. He informed the Commissioners that he received a request that the County donate a surplus vehicle to the Department of Social Services outreach program for use in the Hancock area. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Halfway Neighborhood Watch meeting. He stated that he attended an awards presentation at Frostburg University’s Hagerstown campus. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he also read to the students at Greenbrier Elementary School. He reported that he attended the meeting of the Public Golf Corporation and helped to judge a poster contest sponsored by the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the “One Mountain Foundation” meeting in Cascade. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended the Republican Club meeting. He also attended the Williamsport Peter Pan High School production of . Commissioner Wivell also reported on the One Mountain Foundation meeting and the various issues that were discussed. Commissioner Snook indicated that he received a letter from the State Department of Education regarding one-time costs. He informed the Commissioners that the Potomac Valley Fire Company banquet is scheduled for March 23 and the mayors’ meeting will be held on March 14. Commissioner Snook stated that he read to the students at Paramount Elementary School last week. He reported on the 4-H Annual Recognition Banquet. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company informing him that they voted to merge with the ambulance company to function as one unit. He stated that the Sharpsburg Area Ambulance Company has not voted on the issue. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported on the Planning Commission meeting. He stated that he met with representatives of the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation MARCH 5, 2002 PAGE TWO (CHIEF) and the Maryland Historical Trust in an attempt to resolve the issues regarding the historic property owned by CHIEF in the Hopewell Valley industrial park. Mr. Arch reported on the MACo Planners Association meeting. He stated that the Homebuilders Association home show would be held this weekend at Hagerstown Community College and that his Department will have a booth there. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives of PenMar Development Corporation regarding the infrastructure at Fort Ritchie. He also reported that he met with the architect regarding the proposed central booking facility. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting on the drought conditions and that Don Swartz, Drought Coordinator, would be making a presentation to the Commissioners at next week’s meeting. He stated that he would be bringing the updated plan on terrorism before them in the near future for their review and adoption. Mr. Kroboth reminded the Commissioners that a disaster drill is planned at the Airport on April 20. Ronald Whitt, Information Technologies Director, provided an update on the telephone implementation. He stated that he attended a meeting at the Library regarding a proposal that would allow the Sailor system to provide Internet connectivity to the Western Maryland counties using the “One Maryland” program. Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives of Semmes, Bowen and Semmes regarding the workers’ compensation fund and reported that the County’s reserves are in good shape. HOTSPOTS AWARD OF COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION FUNDS Gina Hartley and Alecha Sanbower, Program Directors of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families, informed the Commissioners that they recently reviewed concept applications from the community for an award of $14,000 in Community Mobilization Funds. Ms. Sanbower stated that $6,000 is available for projects in the designated Hotspots area. All of the programs must involve the community in combating three major issues: teen pregnancy, family violence, and substance abuse. The following projects are being recommended for funding within the Hotspots area: King’s Apostle Holiness Church – $1,500 for the “Baby on Board” project; League of Foster Families - $1,400 to cover the cost of billboard ad space to recruit potential foster or adoptive parents; Broadway/North Neighborhoods First – $650 for magnets and signs to educate residents; Fairgrounds Neighbors On Watch - $1,000 to purchase video equipment and signage for surveillance of the park; and Girls, Inc - $1,400 for “It’s a Girl Thing!” program. Ms. Sanbower reviewed the following projects that are being recommended to take place outside the designated Hotspots area: Hancock Police Department - $1,000 for the “Be Safe, Clean, and Sober” program workshops; Hancock Police Department - $1,750 for the “A Safe Haven” program to cover start-up funds for a youth center in Hancock; Tri-State Community Health Center - $1,300 for “The Parenting Connection” implementation costs associated with the program for high-risk families; Crisis Pregnancy Center - $1,500 to cover the costs of producing a television commercial on abstinence; and Interfaith Service Coalition - $1,550 for the Super Pantry Program to cover costs of facilitators and suppliers for the workshops. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the award of $14,000 in Community Mobilization Funds as recommended by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families to the areas both inside and outside the Hotspots community, for projects to create an awareness of, or reduce, teen pregnancy, family violence and/or substance abuse. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Schnebly and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” MARCH 5, 2002 PAGE THREE UPDATE – HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM Markella Maschas, Healthy Families Program Manager, met with the Board to provide an update on the Healthy Families Washington County Program. She stated that Healthy Families is a national model program that has a proven record in reducing child abuse and neglect. Ms. Maschas presented the Commissioners with their annual report for FY 2001. She informed them that the Program served 66 families and 62 children. Ms. Maschas then provided statistics on the parents and children served. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Maschas for the update. REQUEST FOR TAX CREDIT – DEAFNET ASSOCIATION, INC. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Board that Deafnet Association, Inc. has requested a tax credit for real property at 551 Jefferson Street for the tax year July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation has granted an exemption for the property beginning July 1, 2002. However, since the property was not acquired by Deafnet until July 26, 2001, it could not be considered exempt for the current tax year. Deafnet has requested a refund of county property taxes paid for the current tax year. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners asked Mr. Douglas for additional information on the process of granting property tax exemptions to nonprofit organizations. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the resolution granting a county property tax credit to Deafnet Association, Inc. in the amount of $2,342.50 for its property located at 551 Jefferson Street, Hagerstown, Maryland for the period July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Iseminger “ABSTAINING.” COOPERATIVE MOSQUITO CONTROL AGREEMENT - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the 2002 Mosquito Control Agreement with the State Department of Agriculture, as presented. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint David McMullen to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a two-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that there will be a meeting at the Agricultural Education Center on the spraying schedule for the gypsy moth suppression sponsored by the State Department of Agriculture. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION – PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2002 Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners to review a resolution to issue and sell $10,700,000 in Public Improvement Bonds of 2002 and $36,770,000 in Public Improvement Refunding Bonds. Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, was also present to answer questions. Debra Bastian, Director of Budget and Finance, reviewed the changes made in the bond package. She stated that they hope to save over $600,000 through the refinancing of several previous bond issues. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the resolution authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $10,700,000 to be known as “Washington County, Maryland, Public Improvement Bonds of 2002,” pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Laws of Maryland of 1999, as amended, for the public purpose of financing the cost of general public improvements in Washington County, and $36,870,000 Washington County, Public Improvement Refunding Bonds of 2002.” Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, MARCH 5, 2002 PAGE FOUR Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the resolution is attached.) FISCAL YEAR 2003 BUDGET WORKSHOP Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to review a draft of the Fiscal Year 2003 General Fund budget. Ms. Bastian reviewed several graphs outlining the sources of new revenue and the proposed allocation of new funds. She explained that real and personal property tax revenue is expected to be $71,739,411 and income tax and local tax revenues are projected to be $55,130,125. Ms. Bastian then reviewed the program revenue projections and grants for operations. The total proposed general fund revenue is $132,764,701. She stated that the proposed budget currently reflects new revenues being allocated as follows: $77,198,287 to education, $5,376,508 to State/Federal, $5,322,775 to non-profits, $12,524,234 to public safety, $11,690,532 to debt service, $13,589,451 for operations and $7,062,914 for intergovernmental transfers. Ms. Bastian stated that there is a projected 2.6 percent increase in the budget for 2003. She indicated that the staff is estimating a shortfall of at least $1 million in FY 2002 income tax revenues. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the State has revised its estimate for growth downward to 3.6% for FY 2002. She indicated that she anticipates a reduction in the State disparity grant and that electric deregulation funds will be eliminated. They agreed to continue discussions on projected revenues and expenditures for the general fund budget in the afternoon session. RECESS – GARDEN STATE TANNING RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY The Commissioners recessed at 11:54 a.m. for lunch and to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of their new corporate headquarters. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at this time and Commissioner Swartz assumed the chair.) AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:15 p.m. by Vice President Paul L. Swartz with the following members present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. CONTINUATION OF FY 2003 BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners continued the budget workshop on revenues and expenditures. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the County could end up with a budget surplus depending on the remaining income tax distributions for the fiscal year. She estimated $3,395,000 in new revenues. The Commissioners then reviewed the expenditures requested and the proposed budget adjustments for the current fiscal year. BUDGET WORKSHOP – PERSONNEL RECLASSIFICATIONS The Commissioners continued their budget discussions from last week’s meeting on personnel recommendations. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, provided a summary of the items previously discussed. Mr. Davis reviewed the requests for position reclassifications, new positions, miscellaneous requests, and the recommendations made on each request. He stated that the recommended reclassifications, new positions, and miscellaneous requests total $281,778 and that is not programmed into proposed budget figures that were discussed previously with the Director of Finance. Mr. Davis also recommended the Commissioners decide during the budget process how they wish to treat requests made by State employees for County supplements to their salaries. Mr. Davis recommended, in light of the current revenue projections, that the Commissioners approve no new hires or reclassifications in FY 2003 from the general fund budget. He recommended that they fund the requests for additional overtime for the Detention Center and an increase in part-time wages for the 911 Center for a total of $67,623 from the general fund budget. The enterprise fund requests would be approved if there were sufficient funds in those budgets. The MARCH 5, 2002 PAGE FIVE meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners took these recommendations under consideration. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 26, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell to approve the minutes of March 5, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:00 p.m. TAX SET-OFF MEETING – TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Community Center by Vice President Paul L. Swartz with the following members present: Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. and John L. Schnebly. TAX SET-OFF PROGRAM Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Mr. Shoop stated that, for Fiscal Year 2002, the Town is estimated to receive $62,701. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Town. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk