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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020910 September 10, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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. PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER AND REMBRANCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Snook read a proclamation from President George W. Bush designating September 6-8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and asking all Americans to join together to honor those who were lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, to pray for those who grieve, and to give thanks for God’s enduring blessings on our land. The Commissioners then held a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 27, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of August 27, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – 911 EMERGENCY NUMBER DAY Commissioner Iseminger presented a proclamation to Bardona Woods, Roy Lescalleet, and Joe Chojnacki, representing the 911 employees, designating September 11, 2002 as 9-1-1 Emergency Number Day in honor of the men and women who serve in the 911 Centers and Maryland’s continuing dedication to providing its residents with the most effective service possible. Ms. Woods thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation on behalf of the employees. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Douglas Whitney (Plant Operator – Water & Sewer Department) and Justin Kelbaugh (Correctional Deputy). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Rural Development Administration’s grant awards ceremony and accepted a check for $1.2 million that was awarded to Washington County for the PenMar water system project and for the Hopewell Road sewer line extension project. He informed the Commissioners that he met with staff on site at Stevenson Road regarding a citizen’s concern. Commissioner Wivell reported that the Tax Differential Committee met and that staff would be presenting their findings later in the meeting. He reported on the PenMar Development Commission meeting. He also acknowledged Senator Barbara Mikulski and her assistance in obtaining a $440,000 federal grant for the upgrades needed to meet the new biological nutrient removal regulations at the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Facility. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Wellness Committee meeting and the activities and programs that they are offering to citizens. He asked the Commissioners to support the Committee’s efforts by providing $500 to help defray the costs of the events. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Urgent Care Facility at Robinwood Medical Center, the Hotspots Committee meeting, Hagerstown Community College (HCC) candidates reception, the APPLES for Children Board of Directors meeting, and the Planning Commission meeting. He stated that he also met with the HCC Alumni Association and Dr. Guy Alteri, new HCC President. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to provide $500 from the Commissioners’ contingency fund to the Health Department budget, designated for the Wellness Committee. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Historic Advisory Committee. He stated that he reviewed the Board of Education Management SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 PAGE TWO Review Committee’s recommendations and reminded the Commissioners to continue to discuss workers’ compensation issues with the Board. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he received a request from the Hagerstown Soccer Club to have rock removed on their property. th Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the 30 anniversary at Williamsport Retirement Center, the Women at the Table picnic, and met with the Public Works Director regarding a constituent’s concern. Commissioner Snook reminded the Board that the Mayors’ meeting is scheduled for September 12 and the State Highway Administration’s Annual Transportation Tour meeting is September th 19. He stated that the 50 anniversary ceremony of Hagerstown’s Sister City Program would be held on October 18. Commissioner Snook reported on the Tri-County Council meeting. He informed the Commissioners that the Cascade American Legion would be holding a 9/11 commemoration ceremony tomorrow. Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, provided details on the joint City/County community 9/11 commemoration ceremony to be held at Municipal Stadium tomorrow evening. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Board that he hopes to have a recommendation to them on the Wage & Salary Study by September 24. He stated that his office is working on renewal of property casualty insurance policies. Mr. Davis reported that workshops have been scheduled to update the County’s strategic plan. He stated that the Leadership Hagerstown Alumni Association would be staffing a refreshment booth at the re-enactment of the Battle of Antietam with the proceeds to benefit the Kids Voting program. Mr. Davis also indicated that he was working with the Greater Hagerstown Committee’s task force on governmental cooperation and that they would be making a presentation to them next week. He informed the Commissioners that they are attempting to develop a County- wide Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) program. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that the Pearre Road Bridge and Western Pike culvert projects are near completion. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the architectural design project for the Court House is out for bids. He also stated that he would be meeting with the Historic Advisory Committee to give them an overview of the bridge preservation projects. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, stated that he attended the Leadership Hagerstown retreat last week. He also provided an update on the possible implementation of the “Amber” alerting system. Mr. Kroboth stated that he interviewed applicants for shift supervisors last week. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reported that the Gaming Commission made its distributions last week and that the next distribution would be in May 2003. She indicated that the Purchasing Department is continuing to work with the City of Hagerstown on bids. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that her office has completed GASB 34 implementation and has almost completed the financial statements with the auditors. She informed the Commissioners that the Solid Waste Department was moved to an enterprise fund in accordance with GASB-34 regulations. She stated that the post-closure costs are being re-evaluated and that the estimates would increase. PROCLAMATION – STATE PARKS WEEK Commissioner Schnebly presented a proclamation to Ben Sanderson, Park Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park, and Chas Rittenhouse, representing Friends of Fort Frederick, designating the week of September 21 – 29, 2002 as Maryland State Parks Week and honoring Fort Frederick State Park, Sideling Hill Exhibit Center, and the Western Maryland Rail Trail for the quality outdoor recreation they provide to the people of Washington County, as well as for the protection and preservation of natural, historical and cultural resources. Mr. Rittenhouse and Mr. Sanderson thanked the Commissioners for the proclamations and informed them of some SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 PAGE THREE th of the upcoming events planned at Fort Frederick for its 250 anniversary. UNITED WAY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CHARITIES FUND DRIVE Brian Overcash, Co-chair of the County’s 2002 United Way campaign, informed the Commissioners that, in keeping with the goal of United Way of Washington County, the County’s goal was set at 5½% above last year’s total. He introduced Tina Rupert and Julie Nichols, who are co-chairing the drive with him. Mr. Overcash distributed pledge forms to the Commissioners. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Overcash, Ms. Ruppert, and Ms. Nichols for chairing the campaign. RESOLUTION MODIFYING CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES The Commissioners discussed the modification of rates for certain high-volume landfill users. Commissioner Snook read the letters that were received during the comment period. Commissioner Wivell proposed decreasing the discount by $4.00 per ton rather than by $3.00 per ton as discussed at the public hearing. Commissioner Iseminger expressed his concerns that the County would lose the business of the high-volume haulers if the discount were reduced to that level. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of modifying the rates after they review the analysis being done by the Finance Department. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to adopt a resolution modifying the landfill user fee discount for high volume solid waste haulers (4,000 or more tons annually), municipalities, and local government agencies from $12.00 per ton to $8.00 per ton. The Motion did not carry. Commissioners Wivell and Swartz voted “AYE” and Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, and Snook voted “NO.” Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt a resolution modifying the landfill user fee discount for high volume solid waste haulers (4,000 or more tons annually), municipalities, and local government agencies from $12.00 per ton to $9.00 per ton, contingent upon the rates being re- examined after the Finance Department presents its analysis on landfill fees, and a recommendation from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Swartz and Wivell voting “NO.” RESOLUTION FOR REPAYMENT OF LOAN FOR FIXED-BASE OPERATION Richard Douglas, County Attorney, presented a resolution providing that the $790,000 loan from the General Fund to the Airport Fund to purchase the fixed base operation of Aero-Smith, Inc. at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, be repaid in equal annual installments on or before June 30 of each year over a ten-year period at four percent simple interest per annum. He provided a proposed amortization schedule. The Commissioners discussed the interest rate and agreed upon a four and one-half (4½%) rate. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt a resolution providing for the repayment of the loan of $790,000 from the Airport Fund to the General Fund that was used to purchase the fixed-base operation of Aero-Smith, Inc. on a ten-year schedule on or before June 30 of each year at four and one-half (4½%) percent simple interest per annum. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the adopted Resolution is attached.) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION George Michael expressed concern about the Comprehensive Plan and stated that he believes it is a property rights issue. Jim Devine stated that he believes that a renters’ registration program should be implemented in the County and indicated that it is a public safety issue. SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 PAGE FOUR REPORT FROM COUNTY DROUGHT ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE Don Schwartz, Drought Coordinator, and members of the Drought Assessment Committee met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the drought situation in Washington County. Mr. Schwartz indicated that the situation has not improved since their last meeting with the Commissioners. He stated that the Maryland Department of the Environment has changed the status of Washington County from “normal” to “watch” due to the decrease in the levels of surface and ground waters. Mr. Schwartz then reviewed information from municipalities in the County. He recommended that County cooperate with the Health Department and institute a burning ban in the County. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that he supports the recommendation but asked the Commissioners to make an exception for the Antietam re-enactment this weekend. Mr. Schwartz stated that there is no indication that groundwater will recharge. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that the Commissioners consider restricting large residential housing developments in rural agricultural areas for a six-month period due to the drought conditions. The Commissioners asked the Committee to review this proposal. The Committee also recommended that the Commissioners request the State to consider changing the drought status of the areas of the county not served by the Potomac to a warning status. Mr. Schwartz stated that they would need additional information before they can make this request and agreed to provide them with the information in the near future. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to impose a County-wide burning ban, effective immediately, in conjunction with the Health Department, as recommended by the Drought Committee, with the understanding that the Antietam Commemorative event would be allowed to proceed with their activities September 14-16, 2002. Unanimously approved. GRANT AGREEMENT – AIRPORT SECURITY MEASURES Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for $1,120,000 for security improvements at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Mental Health Advisory Committee would be meeting with Speaker Casper Taylor on September 12 in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room. He reminded them that the media launch of the Western Maryland Business Retention Program would be at Allegany College on September 20. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that former Commissioner John Shank was in the hospital. It was the consensus of the Commissioners not to hold a meeting on November 5, the day of the General Election. APPOINTMENT – BOARD OF EXAMINERS & SUPERVISORS FOR ELECTRICIANS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Mitchell Gladhill to the Board of Examiners and Supervisors for Electricians for a two–year term. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS – MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Eugene Smith, John Brown, Carrol Springer, and Maggie Brill to the Mental Health Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. TAX DIFFERENTIAL COMMITTEE – PRELIMINARY DRAFT Debra Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the methodology used by the Tax Differential Committee to develop the preliminary draft for a new system to be applied. Ms. Bastian stated that the current calculation addressed patrol and park expenditures within the general fund with applied caps. The Committee has unanimously agreed to create a new model that incorporates all expenditures and revenues supported by the tax base and SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 PAGE FIVE to eliminate the cap. She presented a summarized overview of the new model that would make the tax rates a function of what services are provided, where they are provided, and to whom they are provided. This method would result in a County-wide taxing district and an unincorporated taxing district. She reviewed how the revenues and expenditures would be calculated for the purpose of the new taxing districts. Ms. Bastian indicated that the funds could be distributed by disbursement to the government or as a reduced tax rate to municipal residents. She estimated that the net projected cost to the County would be $200,000 - $300,000. After discussion, the Commissioners took this recommendation under consideration. They stated that they would like to discuss this with the smaller municipalities before making a decision. They also asked Mayor Breichner and Al Martin, City Finance Director, to determine if the City Council supports the concept presented. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:36 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:05 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 1:05 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, and consider 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 OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 2:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) issues, consulted with staff about pending or potential litigation, and considered 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, 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; Tim Troxell, Acting Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); and Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marking Coordinator. REQUEST FOR FUNDS – BOARD OF EDUCATION Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools, requesting $10,000 to replace the windows at Bester Elementary that need to be replaced due to vandalism. The Commissioners took this under consideration and asked that it be placed on next week’s meeting agenda for discussion. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 2:33 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk