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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030114 January 13, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met at the Forty West Landfill from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to discuss the operations of the Solid Waste Department and to tour the facility. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-02-008 and FC-03-01 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning case RZ-03-008 and a proposed amendment to the Forest Conservation Ordinance (FC-03-01). Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook and Planning Commission Chair Paula Lampton. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps and Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Robert Ernst, Benjamin Clopper, and George Anikis. After presentations and public testimony were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (l0) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The public hearing was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk January 14, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the Pangborn Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Bernadette Wagner, Ed Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Russell Williams, Jacqueline Fischer, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Assistant Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William Blum, Chief Operating Officer; Chris Carter, Director of Transportation; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Ed Patterson, President of the Pangborn Elementary School Citizens Advisory Committee, welcomed the Commissioners and thanked them for visiting Pangborn Elementary School. He invited them to tour the facility following the meeting. Textbook Needs Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Assistant Superintendent, Boyd Michael, Executive Director of Secondary Education, and JoEtta Palkovitz- Brown, Executive Director of Elementary Education, discussed the textbook needs in the schools. Mr. Michael distributed copies of the textbook rotation schedule showing the costs per category. He stated that they have not been able to keep up with the needs for textbooks and that this creates a “domino effect” if they are not purchased. Dr. Brown informed the Commissioners that the largest need is for the elementary reading program. The meeting was then opened for questions. Status of School Libraries Dr. Abernethy provided a status report on the libraries in the Washington County Public Schools. She stated that the libraries are not up to State standards. Dr. Abernethy explained that the ratings are based on facilities, number of volumes per student, and number of computers available for research. She estimated that it would cost $4.8 million to purchase the number of volumes needed to meet state standards and $770,000 for additional computers. JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE TWO Capital Improvement Plan Mr. Blum and Mr. McGee reviewed the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Mr. Blum stated that there are several schools that were constructed in the 1950’s that need to be brought up to educational and physical standards. He indicated that there is an immediate need of $80 million in deferred maintenance, which is part of the Board’s 20-year capital plan. Mr. McGee informed the Commissioners that the State has reduced its budget for capital projects. If the local funding remains consistent, it would delay the construction schedule by two-to-three years. He asked that the CIP be increased from $5 million to $5.9 million for fiscal year 2004 with the possibility that $9.2 million could be requested in fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Commissioner Snook stated that they would continue to work with the Board. Review of Technology Needs Mr. Blum reviewed the needs of technology in the public schools. He stated that $1.1 million would be needed for the four-year replacement schedule of personal computers. Review of Transportation Needs Mr. Blum reviewed the 12-year bus replacement schedule. He stated that it costs $6,000 per bus to retro-fit it for use for one additional year. Mr. Blum informed the Commissioners that $780,000 would be needed in fiscal year 2004 to replace buses. He provided information on the scheduled replacement for fiscal years 2005-2008. Commissioner Snook asked for additional information of their future needs. The Commissioners recessed at 9:25 a.m. in order to tour the building. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:09 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. 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 – DECEMBER 16, 17 & 18, 2002 & JANUARY 6 & 7, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of December 17 and 18, 2002, as presented. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of January 6 and 7, 2003, as presented. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors. He stated that both the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health and the Housing Authority meetings were cancelled. Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Historic District Commission and the Historical Advisory Committee. She stated that she attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the joint rezoning hearing and the MACo Winter Conference. He informed the Commissioners that the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet is scheduled for February 8. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the sessions he attended at the MACo Winter Conference. He suggested that educational information be provided to homeowners on septic systems if they are building a home or purchasing one that has this system. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that a joint letter was sent on behalf of Allegany and Washington Counties in support of continuing the Maryland Air Service. He reported on the Disabilities Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE THREE letter from Bernadette Wagner, President of the Board of Education, requesting that the time for the joint meetings be changed to 8:30 a.m. and be held in the County Administration Building. The Commissioners agreed to the proposed meeting change. Commissioner Snook reminded them that the Maryland Municipal League meeting is scheduled for January 27 at the Funkstown American Legion. He stated that he received information on tuition at community colleges in the State and that he would distribute the information to them. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that a committee is being formed to select a replacement to fill the remainder of the term for Commissioner Nipps on the Board of Education. After discussion, it was agreed that Commissioner Kercheval would serve as the Commissioners’ representative on the committee. Commissioner Kercheval expressed concern for the lack of candidates who filed to serve on the Board of Education in the last election. He suggested that they discuss the possibility of reducing the Board from seven to five members. He stated that this would allow them to have higher salaries. Commissioner Nipps indicated that this action would require action by the General Assembly. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this with the Board at their next meeting. APPOINTMENT - HISTORICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to appoint Patricia Schooley to the Historical Advisory Committee. Unanimously approved. TEACHER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM Arnold Hammann, Supervisor of Enrichment & CTE, and Peggy Bushey, who spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), to explain the Teacher Externship Program. Mr. Hammann provided an overview of the program. He explained that the program is a collaborative project between the EDC, the Public Schools, Hagerstown Community College, and Hagerstown Business College, where teachers are matched with partnering businesses for three days of worksite observations. He stated that the purpose is to update the teachers’ knowledge of workplace readiness skills, improve understanding of applied academic skills, and enable them to create lesson plans based on the requirements of the workplace. The program also includes professional development, a debriefing meeting with business mentors and educators, and distribution of lesson plans created from the program. Mr. Hammann asked the Commissioners to consider participating in funding the Program in conjunction with private funding. He informed them that the cost would be $15,800. The meeting was then opened for questions. After discussion, the Commissioners took this under consideration. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Robert Maginnis, op-ed editor of The Herald Mail, informed the Commissioners that he heard that the CSL Sports League had to turn 25 people away from its basketball league due to the shortage of facilities. He asked about the status of the gymnasium at Fort Ritchie. Commissioner Wivell explained that the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC) is working with the One Mountain Foundation in attempting to coordinate the project. He stated that PMDC has been in contact with the Waynesboro YMCA to see if they are interested in operating the facility. He also stated that PMDC is willing to work with the community. However, there is no money budgeted for renovations or operation and maintenance costs. T.S. Alphin stated that the hangar rent that he pays at the Hagerstown Regional Airport is too high for the facility. Commissioner Snook stated that he would speak to the Airport Manager and get back in touch with him. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he would schedule a Western Maryland County Commissioners meeting in April. He reminded the newly-elected Commissioners that they would meet on January 23 at Hagerstown Community College and would soon be meeting with the staff of the Board of Education. JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE FOUR BID OPENING - 2003 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, and Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. to receive and evaluate electronic bids for the 2003 Public Improvement Bonds via the Parity service. Mr. Guthordn reviewed the process. The Commissioners viewed the bids on-line and evaluated the bid representing the lowest interest rate to the County. At this time, Mr. Guthorn and Ms. Ruppersberger left the meeting to review and verify the bids. They stated that they would return for award of the bid. POSSIBLE COMPENSATION SAVINGS Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, met with the Commissioners to review the possible compensation savings realized by the turnover of non-public safety personnel. He reviewed the process he used to calculate the savings. Mr. Davis identified turnover credits of $108,901 in general fund savings and $92,677 in enterprise fund savings. The Commissioners discussed using these monies to fund the organization study for the County. After discussion, they agreed to set the general fund savings aside to help fund the organization study with the remainder of the funding to be budgeted next fiscal year’s budget. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reserve the $110,000 savings from turnover credits from vacant positions to fund the proposed organizational study of County departments. Unanimously approved. POSITION VACANCIES – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT Mr. Davis, along with Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and J. Theodore Wolford, Highways Superintendent, met with the Commissioners to request filling four position vacancies. Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager, stated that there is a vacancy for a welder position at the Highways Department. He provided information on the position and the need to fill the vacancy. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize filling the Welder position at the Highways Department. Unanimously approved. Mr. Murray stated that the Water & Sewer Department currently has the following three vacancies that he would like to fill: Facilities Engineer, Electrician II, and Treatment Plant Operator III. He explained the responsibilities of each position and the impact that it has on his department. He also informed the Commissioners of the problems they have encountered in recruiting for the Facilities Engineer position. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to authorize filling the following vacancies: Facilities Engineer, Electrician II, and Treatment Plant Operator III, at the Water & Sewer Department. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – CLYDE HARRIS Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to Clyde Harris in appreciation for serving as co-chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for seven years. The Commissioners commended him for his leadership, expertise and competency in making the LEPC such an asset to local businesses and citizens and wished him well in his future endeavors. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION – AWARD OF THE BID FOR THE 2003 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to accept the low bid of Legg, Mason, Wood, Walker, Inc. at the true interest cost (TIC) of 4.18% on the sale of $7,4500,000 Public Improvement Bonds of 2003 and to adopt a resolution for the Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse for the Six-Year Capital Improvement Program. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the Supplemental Resolution is attached.) Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE FIVE The Commissioners recessed at 12:05 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:03 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James Kercheval, John Munson, and Doris Nipps. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Board that the compensation and classification review is ongoing and on schedule. He stated that he attended the monthly meeting with the leadership of Local 2677 and there were no major issues outstanding. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, participated in a state-wide exercise simulating a biochemical incident. He also met with the Revolving Loan Fund Committee to review an application. Mr. Kroboth stated that he attended a meeting with Allegany and Garrett County officials regarding development of regional response procedures for emergency situations. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that his Department is working on the update of the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that the revised Comprehensive Plan is now available on the County’s web site. Mr. Arch indicated that the Recreation & Parks Board has a tentative recommendation for Program Open Space funding. He asked the Commissioners if they wish to review the process used last year to distribute the hotel rental tax proceeds. The Commissioners agreed to schedule time on the agenda to discuss the matter. Mr. Arch reminded the Commissioners that there is a vacancy on the Recreation & Parks Board. The Commissioners also discussed reducing the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission from seven to five members. They agreed to wait to make a decision until they received input from current board members. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION ON TAX INITIATIVES FOR 2003 LEGISLATIVE SESSION The Commissioners continued their discussions on tax initiatives. They discussed whether they wish to request legislation from the local delegation to the General Assembly on or more of the options. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, again reviewed the excise tax, impact fees, and transfer tax. Each Commissioner provided their thoughts on the issue. Commissioner Wivell outlined a proposal to assess a per account fee on improved property tax accounts to be used for purchasing agricultural easements to assure that the land is kept in open space. The Commissioners asked for additional information on the proposal. They also discussed providing additional funding for the Board of Education’s capital projects. It was the consensus after considering all items, to request enabling legislation for a transfer tax to be used specifically for debt reduction, public safety, and capital school projects. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that if the legislation is more general then the Commissioners could put restrictions and percentages on it at a later date. They agreed not to request enabling legislation for excise tax legislation or revisions to the impact fee legislation. It was the consensus to request the Delegation to the General Assembly to request legislation to assess a flat fee on improved tax accounts with the proceeds to be dedicated specifically for agricultural preservation and scenic easements. They requested that a meeting be scheduled with the Delegation to present their proposals. DISCUSSION OF PROPERTY TAX SET-OFF CALCULATIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, discussed the tax rebate report and how the calculations are made to provide the tax set- off to municipalities in the County. Ms. Bastian explained the difference between tax rebate and tax differential calculations. She indicated that JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE SIX the current calculation reimburses municipalities in the County for services they provide in the areas of parks and police expenditures within the general fund budget. Ms. Bastian noted that there are caps that apply in the present formula. She explained that the county provides services to all residents that the municipalities do not provide in which tax base revenue is used to support its function. The reduction of county expenditures to the municipalities could result in a lower tax rate for municipal residents, or tax differential. The County has agreed to participate in a committee to research and develop a new property tax set-off methodology. The new model would make the tax rate a function of what services are provided, where they are provided, and to whom they are provided. Ms. Bastian also reviewed the model developed by the Tax Differential Committee. PROPOSED REPLACEMENT OF THE EMERGENCY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Peter Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Manager; Capt. Douglas Mullendore; and Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed replacement of the emergency and local government radio communications system. Mr. Loewenheim stated that Washington County’s radio communications system is built around technology that is about 40 years old. He explained that the technology is outdated and it is extremely difficult to find replacement components. Mr. Rohrer stated that these problems affect the operation of our public safety agencies. Mr. Loewenheim stated that the County had obtained a 10-channel trunking license from the Federal Communications Commission to reserve them for the County’s use in resolving the problems. He then provided information on the existing system and what they propose to address the performance issues. Capt. Mullendore related actual incidents that have occurred where the radio system has failed. He stated that the new system would allow opportunities for data sharing. Mr. Kroboth addressed the poor reception of the current system, the inability to communicate, the inadequate number of channels, and incompatibility of different systems. The meeting was then opened for questions. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that the preliminary estimates for complete replacement of the system are between $12 and $18 million. He also emphasized the need to hire a communications consultant to help with the complexities of the system. The Commissioners thanked them for the presentation. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE GOALS FOR 2003 Mr. Shoop reviewed the amended vision statement which reads, the “Vision of Washington County government is to become the regional leader in providing and coordinating efficient and effective public services.” Commissioner Kercheval suggested that “in an open, cooperative manner” be added to the statement. They also reviewed the current Mission Statement. Mr. Shoop outlined the following ideas for their consideration for 2003 goals: 1) Revise policies and procedures to support the implementation of the Comp Plan; 2) Adopt a County Govt. Disaster Recovery Plan; 3) Revise and implement public relations and marketing activities to promote the services and facilities offered by Washington County; and 4) Develop a plan to adopt the revised compensation and classification report. He also suggested that there might be continuation of the current 2002 goals. Commissioner Wivell stated that he had developed a list of 2003 goals for consideration. The Commissioners agreed to review them for discussion at next week’s meeting. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 4:26 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and discuss pending litigation with staff, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 14, 2003 PAGE SEVEN RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to reconvene in open session at 4:49 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:49 p.m. TAX SET-OFF MEETING – TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: William J. Wivell, Vice President, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson and Doris J. Nipps. TAX SET-OFF PROGRAM Commissioner Snook 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. Commissioner Snook stated that, for Fiscal Year 2003, the Town is estimated to receive $68,691. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Town. Mayor Kauffman provided an update on the State Highway Administration streetscape program in the Town. He also asked that the County consider re-instituting the “Roving Town Planner” program. They also provided an update on the Town’s park project and library fundraising. Mayor Kauffman asked the Commissioners to consider having a County Commuter bus route to Boonsboro. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk