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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020604 June 4, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 8:03 a.m. to discuss a personnel matter, 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 Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 8:28 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter. 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. 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 – MAY 21, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of May 21, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he spoke at a Character Counts! assembly at Potomac Heights Elementary School. He stated that he attended the Democratic Central Committee dinner, graduation ceremony at Marshall Street School, Blues Fest, and a retirement dinner for Bill Moore. Commissioner Swartz reminded the Commissioners that the Ron Phillips memorial golf tournament is scheduled for June 6. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he spoke at the Chamber of Commerce mixer last week and presented the History Teacher of the Year Award to Ed Gift at the Civil War Roundtable annual dinner. Commissioner Wivell reported that he met with representatives from the City of Hagerstown and the Humane Society regarding the Animal Control Ordinance regarding the definition and handling of vicious animals. He stated that he attended the ribbon- cutting ceremony at the Senior Fair, the Sharpsburg Memorial Day parade, and the Joint Veterans Council Memorial Day service. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting of the Board of Directors of Healthy Families, attended the EMS Heroes Banquet, and met with Claude Sasse of the Washington County Teachers Association. He stated that he met with Dr. Morgan, Superintendent of Schools, and Board of Education member Roxanne Ober regarding budget decisions. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the Planning Commission meeting and reminded the Commissioners that the joint public hearing is scheduled for June 10. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the State Highway Administration that a public meeting would be held on June 20 regarding the proposed widening of Interstate 81. He informed the Commissioners that he gave the welcoming remarks at commencement service at Hagerstown Community College. Commissioner Snook reported on the meeting of the Western Maryland County Commissioners. He also stated that he spoke to both the third grade class at St. Mary’s School and the Seventh Day Adventist Boy Scout troop on local government. Commissioner Snook reported that he met with the Washington County Hospital Site JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE TWO Selection Committee. He informed the Commissioners that Maryland Bioscience Magazine featured an article on Washington County in the last issue. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Gina Paylor, Benefits Administrator, introduced new County employees Emanuel E. Wolfe, Jr. (Buildings, Grounds & Parks), and James Woods and Ronald Younker (Sheriff’s Department). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported that the Human Resources Department moved into its new offices last week. He stated that they hope to come into compliance with their records retention policy in the near future. Mr. Davis stated that employee performance evaluations were due last week. He also informed the Commissioners that the revisions have been made to the retirement policy. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Board that Sharpsburg Emergency Medical Service is now purchasing fuel under the County contract at the Highways Department. He stated that he completed the interviews for the Chief of Communications position. Mr. Kroboth stated that he has attended several meetings regarding Washington County Hospital’s decision to drop its trauma center designation. He indicated that the Maryland State Police has increased its staffing levels to help with this situation. Mr. Kroboth also provided information on the purchase of land by the Clear Spring Fire Company. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Historical Trust has applied to the State for a grant to have a site survey done for the Town of Leitersburg as a National Historic Register site. He stated that the Recreation & Parks Board toured Fort Ritchie. Mr. Arch stated that he received a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation stating that they would like to participate in the study on the widening of I-81. He informed the Commissioners that he would be speaking at the Chamber of Commerce’s “Eggs and Issues” breakfast meeting tomorrow. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she hopes to release budget information to County departments this week. Ms. Bastian indicated that she received the information from the County’s auditor on the County’s infrastructure assets. She informed the Commissioners that she toured the airport at Easton, Maryland to review their billing procedures for the new fuel farm. Commissioner Snook had several questions on budget and cash flow for Ms. Bastian. INTRODUCTION OF MISS WASHINGTON COUNTY 2002 – DANIELLE MCGARVEY Danielle McGarvey, Miss Washington County 2002, appeared before the Commissioners to introduce herself. She informed them that her platform is the growing epidemic of teen violence and that she has designed a web site dedicated to its prevention. Miss McGarvey stated that she hopes to start a peer-counseling program affiliated with “Chain Reaction” in the County. She also volunteered her services to help with community events. The Commissioners thanked Miss McGarvey for the information and wished her good luck in the Miss Maryland Pageant. EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST Betty Meyers, Chair of the Washington County Soil Conservation District Board, and Joni Kline, District Secretary, appeared before the Commissioners to present the Earth Day Poster Contest winners with their prizes. Ms. Meyers stated that each of the first place winners will receive a $150 savings bond and each of the second place winners will receive a $100 savings bond. She informed the Commissioners that the theme for this year’s contest was “The Gift of Trees.” Ms. Meyers then introduced the first and second place winners in each category and displayed st their art work: K-1 Grade - 1st – Michaela Brewer, 2nd – Sydney Breidenstein; 2nd-3rd Grade - 1st – Laura Wagner, 2nd – Anne Beachley; 4th-6th Grade - 1st – Rachel Amalfitano, 2nd – Katie Coffman; 7th-9th Grade - 1st – Lauren Hauber, 2nd – Ashley Tyler; 10th-12th Grade JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE THREE - 1st – Stacey Cannon, 2nd – Meghan Seiler. The Commissioners thanked the Soil Conservation District for its efforts, congratulated the winners, and wished them good luck in the State competition. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – JOHN CLOPPER The Commissioners honored John Clopper as the Citizen of the Month for May 2002 and presented him with a certificate in recognition of his service on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for over 11 years, helping to promote recycling and environmental issues to young people, and by advising several Boards of County Commissioners in solid waste issues. Mr. Clopper thanked the Commissioners for this honor. He also shared the savings he has realized in his business through recycling efforts. 2003 SCRAP TIRE AMNESTY DAY – FORTY WEST LANDFILL Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, informed the Commissioners that, in response to their concerns about the decreased amount of reimbursement from the Maryland Environmental Service for the Scrap Tire Amnesty Day, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee has made recommendations on ways to control the number of tires accepted at the landfill. The Committee has made the following recommendations: 1) that the number of tires accepted from residents for no charge be lowered from 10 to 6 per vehicle, including up to two tractor tires, and 2) that residents pay the regular fee for disposal of any tires above the number allowed for the event. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service for the 2002 Scrap Tire Amnesty Day Project as presented and to accept the recommendations made by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICTS The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider applications AD-01-02E and AD-01-02F. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed the applications. He stated that they have been approved by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and that the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was then opened for public comment, though none was offered. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve applications AD-01-02E and AD-01-02F, submitted by Robert, Andrew, Boyd, and Joseph Michael and Susan Michael- Hoelschen, for 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth expressed his opinion on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve Paul Crampton’s application for a planned unit development designation without the commercial development portion included. Mr. Allensworth stated that the developer should be permitted to reconfigure the project, since it is a substantial change that may require another public hearing. Patricia Schooley and Don Brinser, requested a letter of support from the Commissioners for the Washington County Historical Trust’s application for funding for a historic sites survey in order to have the Town of Leitersburg designated as a historical district on the National Register of Historic Places. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to support the grant application made by the Washington County Historical Trust to request funding for a site survey in order to have the Town of Leitersburg designated as a historical district on the National Register of Historic Places. Unanimously approved. GRANT AGREEMENT – STATEWIDE SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the agreement with the Maryland Transit Administration for FY 2003 Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) grant funding in the amount of $161,522, seventy-five percent of the net project cost, to JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE FOUR assist in providing transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities, with the County providing up to $53,841 in local public match through in-kind services. Unanimously approved. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ASSISTANCE - GRANT AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the grant agreement from the Maryland Transit Administration to assist in providing transportation services to persons with disabilities in the amount of $209,000 for the net project cost, with the County to provide local funds for the project in the amount of $19,000. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS - ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint George Anikis to the Antietam Battlefield Advisory Committee to fill the unexpired term of Patricia Stine and to appoint Ann Corcoran to fill the unexpired term of Charles Webster. Unanimously approved. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY REQUEST FOR WAIVER The Commissioners discussed the request made by the Washington County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity to waive the water and sewer connection fee, as well as permit fees, for a home they are constructing on York Road. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the fees for each of the permits. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to waive only the permit fees for construction of the home. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to waive the building permit fees required for the home to be constructed by Habitat for Humanity on York Road. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint James Hamill, Roger Johnston, Douglas Wright and Charles Shindle to the Economic Development Commission for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reappoint John Herbst, Gerald Poffenberger, and Edith Sweigert to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REZONING MAP AMENDENDMENT RZ-01-008 – PATRICIA SCHOOLEY (APPLICANT) Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed rezoning map amendment RZ-01-008 that was submitted by Patricia Schooley for a Historic Overlay designation and provided additional information on the differences between an overlay and a floating zone. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to make the findings of fact set forth in the report of the County Attorney and the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted findings of fact is attached.) Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to find that the subject property meets the criteria that make it eligible to receive Historic Preservation overlay zoning as it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The structure is both representative and unique and contains construction techniques, materials and stylistic influence of the time. It also contains distinctive diamond patterned brickwork. The site exemplifies the cultural, economic and social heritage of the rural village of Leitersburg. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, that there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, based on the previous motions, that the proposed rezoning from RR – Rural Residential JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE FIVE to RR/HP – Rural Residential with Historic Preservation overlay, be granted as it meets the criteria of Section 20.5 of the Zoning Ordinance and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Unanimously approved. EMERGENCY AIR UNIT – EMERGENCY AIR COMPRESSOR REPAIRS Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, requested that the Commissioners approve the transfer of funds to perform repairs to the Emergency Air Unit’s K220 truck compressor and to authorize that the repairs be made by the original manufacturer, Bauer Compressor Company. Mr. Kroboth and Donald Koons, Chief of the Air Unit, estimated that it would cost $4,800 to repair the unit. However, additional charges may apply after the unit has been dismantled and inspected. Mr. Kroboth stated that there is a total of $6,000 from the Special Operations budget and the Air Unit’s budget that can be transferred if needed for the repairs. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve emergency repairs to the compressor in Air Unit #252 by Bauer Compressor Company utilizing the specified budget transfers. Unanimously approved. LUNCHEON RECESS – YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS The Commissioners recessed at 11:30 a.m. in order to attend the Youth Meritorious Service Awards luncheon. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 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. AMENDMENT TO AIRPORT MINIMUM OPERATING STANDARDS Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, reviewed the proposed “Resolution Regarding Proprietary Exclusive Control of the Airport Fuel Farm.” She informed the Commissioners that the staff is in the process of revising the Airport “Rules and Regulations,” and the “Guiding Documents” to reflect changes to the fuel depot. She stated that the documents are meant to give a clear picture of how the Airport is operated in accordance with local, state and federal laws, regulations and grant assurances. Ms. Motz informed the Commissioners that they hope to have the revised documents for their consideration in the next six months. However, the resolution is needed for operation of the fuel farm. Until the adoption of the Minimum Standards, applicants conducting retail into-plane fueling on the Airport shall meet the current Minimum Standards requirements for commercial operators. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt the “Resolution Regarding Proprietary Exclusive Control of the Airport Fuel Farm,” as presented. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS - CONTINUED Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners of the resolution of the problem on Lanes Run Road. He also informed them of a letter received from the Department of the Environment (MDE) on grant funding for various water and sewer projects. He asked that Mr. Shoop check with Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, to ensure that he responded to MDE. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 1:38 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter 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 Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 1:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE SIX In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter. 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; and Joni Bittner. INTERSTATE 81 CORRIDOR STUDY – UPDATE Doug Simmons, State Highway Administration (SHA), Director of Planning & Preliminary Engineering, Sue Rajan, Project Manager, and John Crisman, Project Engineer from Greenhorne and O’Mara, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the I-81 corridor study. Mr. Simmons stated that they hope to hold a formal public hearing next fall. Ms. Rajan then provided background information on the project, the study process, and average daily traffic volumes. She also reviewed the four alternatives which are: 1) no build, 2) interchange improvements, 3) inside widening, and 4) outside widening. (Commissioner Schnebly was excused from the meeting at 2:15 p.m.) Mr. Simmons informed the Commissioners that the project is estimated to cost $250 million and would be done in phases over the next 10 to 20 years. He stated that a public meeting is scheduled regarding the study for June 20 at Western Heights Middle School. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook thanked the State Highway representatives for the update. APPOINTMENT – BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Kirk Downey to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three- year term. Unanimously approved. REPORT ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATIONS Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, provided an analysis of emergency medical service operations provided by Community Rescue Service (CRS). Mr. Kroboth stated that the report is to fulfill the requirement placed on CRS when the County Commissioners awarded them a special funding grant for $50,000 to aid in stabilizing their finances. He indicated that CRS was also directed to submit a three-year business plan to the Department of Emergency Services and the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Mr. Kroboth reviewed the organizational structure of CRS. His report also covered service areas, funding, workload, response times, alternative coverage, staffing, and equipment. Mr. Kroboth provided recommendations for several categories. He stated that CRS has the highest number of calls and service in the region with a 6.8% annual growth rate in workload, although they have gradually lost service area. He also noted that volunteers find it difficult to cover the 24-hour work shifts and that CRS should consider an alternative work schedule that is more conducive to the volunteer system. The report studied the response time of CRS and two other Washington County EMS companies. The study found that CRS exceeds the national response time criteria. However, two out of three other Washington County EMS companies have response times significant greater than CRS. Mr. Kroboth recommended that the Commissioners task a work group to establish response time performance criteria to provide a more thorough evaluation. He stated that CRS is providing above average service, even though they are not currently meeting the national standards. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Michael Nye, Executive Director of Community Rescue Service, indicated the problems they have in attracting volunteers. Also discussed was the placement of a substation in the west end to help reduce response times. The Commissioners asked that the report and recommendations be reviewed by the Emergency Services Council. They thanked Mr. Kroboth for the report JUNE 4, 2002 PAGE SEVEN and agreed to schedule additional time to discuss the findings of the Council. ADJOURNMENT - TOUR OF DMC RECYCLING The Commissioners adjourned at 3:46 p.m. in order to tour the DMC Recycling Plant on Hopewell Road. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk