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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030211 February 5, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners participated in the State of the County forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel at 7:30 a.m. February 10, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met with the Transportation and Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Departments from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to discuss their operations and tour their facilities. February 11, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Bernadette Wagner, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Russell Williams, Jacqueline Fischer, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Deputy Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William Blum, Chief Operating Officer; Chris Carter, Director of Transportation; Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance; JoEtta Palkovitz- Brown, Executive Director of Elementary Education; and Boyd Michael, Executive Director of Secondary Education. Joint Meeting Format Ms. Wagner asked the Commissioners if they would be willing to meet with them more than once a month. She stated that the Board feels that they would like more dialogue with the Commissioners on several issues. Commissioner Snook explained that their schedule is tight during the budget review but that they would try to schedule additional time during the month to meet with the Board. “No Child Left Behind” Legislation – Discussion on Ways to Close the Funding Gap No Child Left Behind Dr. Morgan reviewed the legislation, which was the first major act signed by President George Bush. She stated that this would be the first budget to include additional funding for the outcomes they hope to achieve. Dr. Morgan informed the Commissioners that the purpose of the bill is to close the achievement gap so that no child is left behind. Dr. Abernethy then reviewed census figures for the State of Maryland showing the percentage with Bachelors degree or higher and the percentage with less than a high school diploma as well as median household incomes and owner-occupied units. JoEtta Palkovitz-Brown, Executive Director of Elementary No Education, reviewed the 2001 MSPAP rankings. She stated that Child Left Behind would bring reforms based on stronger accountability for results and emphasis on teacher quality and methods that work. She also reviewed the objectives and strategies. The Commissioners reviewed the results of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTSB) 2002 scores. Ms. Palkovitz-Brown emphasized the gap in the scores of the reading test results between students who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FARM) versus the non-FARM students. Boyd Michael, Executive Director of Secondary Education, outlined information on the high school achievement scores. Dr. Morgan informed the Commissioners that there are benchmarks for them to meet at national, state, and local levels. Commissioner Snook expressed concern about the amount of time that has to be spent tracking the data. Dr. Morgan then outlined the interventions proposed to eliminate the achievement gaps, adequate yearly progress and corrective action, and the master plan objectives. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. FEBRUARY 11, 2003 PAGE TWO 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. FISCAL YEAR 2003-2008 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET PRESENTATION Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Bob Arch, Director of Planning and Community Development; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, presented the proposed Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2003-2008 for their review. Ms. Bastian emphasized that it is a draft document and will require revisions before it is finalized for consideration at the budget hearing. She reviewed the process used and the revenues included in the draft. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she is in the process of updating the debt capacity report. She stated that a key factor in having the County’s bond rating upgraded is the adoption of a written policy to make the utility debt become self-supporting. Ms. Bastian explained that the staff would develop a policy and present it to them for their consideration. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the first draft of the CIP budget totals $45,811,265 for FY 2004. She outlined the funding sources to be used for the projects and stated that staff is trying to increase the use of “pay-as-you-go” funds. The staff then reviewed the adjustments made to initial requests for funding and the projects affected. At this time, staff began the review of specific projects for general government, drainage, and road improvements. The Commissioners recessed at 10:29 a.m. for citizens participation. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Dorothy and Tom Fath expressed concerns about a business that located next to their property in a residential area. Ms. Pfath stated that the decision was appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the exception was approved under administrative error. Commissioner Snook indicated that they would review the Board’s decision to see if they can assist them. FISCAL YEAR 2003-2008 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET PRESENTATION – CONTINUED The Commissioners continued with the CIP review of specific projects in the categories of roads, railroad crossings, bridges, solid waste, and water and sewer. RECESS – LUNCHEON AT MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS The Commissioners recessed at 11:53 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:28 p.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. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that a budget workshop is scheduled for February 13. He stated that Monday’s schedule includes visiting with the staff of the Gaming Office and the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson informed the Commissioners that he attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for David Mills. He stated that the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health meeting was cancelled. FEBRUARY 11, 2003 PAGE THREE Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. She also reported on the meetings of the Historical Advisory Committee and the Historic District Commission. Commissioner Wivell stated that he also attended the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet and participated in the Sharpsburg Elementary reading night. He reported that he met with City officials regarding negotiations on the water and sewer litigation. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the meetings of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) legislative committee and the PenMar Development Corporation. He stated that he would like to begin discussions with the Board of Education regarding potential consolidation of services. The Commissioners agreed to schedule this item on the agenda for the next joint meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He reported on the meeting of the joint committee to select a replacement for Commissioner Nipps on the Board of Education. He also stated that he spoke to Laurie Bucher, Director of the Environmental Division of the Health Department, about providing information to homeowners regarding septic system maintenance. Ms. Bucher agreed to provide the Commissioners with additional information during her next update on drought conditions. Commissioner Snook reported on the MACo legislative committee meeting. He stated that he was informed that a Foreign Trade Zone participant has applied for activation. He informed the Commissioners that he and Commissioner Wivell met with State Police officials to discuss staffing levels. Commissioner Snook stated that two Washington County residents, Peter Perini and Jim Pierne, would be in the 2003 class of Leadership Maryland. He provided information on upcoming activities at the Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to request that the Maryland Department of the Environment hold a public information meeting on the sewage sludge application requested to apply sewage sludge to a site on Frog Eye Road. LETTER OF SUPPORT – HOPE VI PROJECT The Commissioners agreed to send a letter of support for Phase II of the Hagerstown Housing Authority’s Hope VI project. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that bids are due this week on the Prys Mill Road bridge project and that bids are due next week on construction of a pole barn at the Agricultural Education Center. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 27. He informed them that the Recreation & Parks Board is discussing fee increases for several programs. Mr. Arch also informed them that he would be attending a meeting in Annapolis on air quality issues. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, indicated that Roger Scott from Springsted, Inc. interviewed five percent of County employees this week as part of the compensation and classification study. He stated that union negotiations are scheduled to begin on February 21. AWARD OF CERTIFICATES OF MERITS – RODNEY SHOOP, JONI BITTNER & ALAN DAVIS Commissioner Snook presented Certificates of Merit to Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; Joni L. Bittner, County Clerk; and Alan J. Davis, Human Resources Director, in recognition for graduating from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance. The Commissioners commended them on this educational accomplishment. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - SPRINGFIELD MANOR ELDERLY HOUSING COMPLEX Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to adopt a resolution affirming the County’s support of the development of elderly housing known as Springfield Manor in Williamsport, Maryland, to be financed either directly by the Department of Housing and Community FEBRUARY 11, 2003 PAGE FOUR Development of the State of Maryland or through the Department’s . Community Development Administration. Unanimously approved MAUGANS AVENUE RENTAL PROPERTIES Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, met with the Commissioners regarding rental of the properties located on Maugans Avenue. Mr. Lowry recommended that a property management company be retained to handle rental property in the County. He stated that they would be fully responsible for the rental and maintenance of the two properties on Maugans Avenue currently owned by the County and other County-owned properties as directed. Mr. Lowry indicated that he had checked with several agencies in the area and is recommending Valley Property Management, whose fee is the cost of advertising plus 10% of the monthly rental fee. After discussions, the Commissioners took this matter under consideration. SALE OF LAND AT DOUBS WOODS PARK Dean Lowry and Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, informed the Commissioners that they have a proposal from Robert Bricker to purchase .90 acres of land at Doubs Woods Park at fair market value with the conditions agreed upon. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve proceeding with negotiations. BID AWARD & BUDGET TRANSFER – TRUCKS WITH SNOW PLOWS AND SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT - AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for one (1) one-ton, four-wheel drive, two- door extended cab pickup truck with snow plow to Criswell Chevrolet, Inc. for the amount of $43,220 and to award the contract for one (1) one-ton, four-wheel drive, four-door crew cab pickup truck with snow plow to Criswell Chevrolet, Inc. for $45,099, and to approve a budget transfer of $60,000 from RUN006 Rehab Runway 2-20 to the EQP017 Snow Removal Equipment account. The accounts are funded by FAA and MAA grants and the County will be reimbursed for 95% of the costs associated with these purchases. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:27 p.m. to consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 3:33 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 3:33 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk