Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout030218 & 030220 February 18, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 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. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the meetings of the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board and the Washington County Housing Authority. Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that she attended the Scholarship Tea sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. She stated that she attended the meetings of the Commission for Women and the Airport Advisory Commission. Commissioner Nipps also noted that she would be the guest speaker at the PTA Founders Day dinner this week. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Economic Development Commission meeting. He informed the Commissioners that he visited the REACH Cold Weather Shelter last week. Commissioner Wivell reported that the PenMar Development Corporation would have an opening on its board as of July 1. He asked the Commissioners if they wished to become more involved in the selection process. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the premiere of Gods & Generals at the Maryland Theatre last week. He reported on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting and informed the Commissioners that the EDC has recommended that the County proceed with hiring of a Business Development Specialist before the end of the fiscal year. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that an EDC staff member would be on medical leave for over a month and that the new position is needed as soon as possible. Tim Troxell, Director of the EDC, stated that he could provide $6,000 from his budget for the position if necessary. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to proceed with recruitment and hiring of a Business Development Specialist for the EDC with authorization to use the Commissioners’ contingency fund if the EDC does not have the entire amount in its budget for the position. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Norma Burcker (Police Communications Operator I) and Joseph Barnhart (Correctional Deputy). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided a report on snow removal efforts and an overview of the storm management. Mr. Rohrer stated that flooding could occur due to the warmer weather predicted for this weekend. He informed the Commissioners that the public information meeting for the Maugans Avenue project is scheduled for February 26. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, provided information on the preparations made in light of the heightened terrorist threat level. Mr. Kroboth stated that, due to the large snowfall, the emergency operations center was activated and several shelters were opened to assist stranded motorists. The County issued a state of emergency piggybacking on the State declaration. Mr. Kroboth informed the Commissioners that he also processed a request from the Town of Hancock asking for assistance from the National Guard with the snow removal. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that he met with State and Federal representatives regarding air quality matters. He will schedule a presentation for the Commissioners. Mr. Arch stated that he met with municipal FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE TWO representatives regarding the development of a hazard mitigation plan. He stated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting had been changed to February 27. APPROVAL OF FEE INCREASES – RECREATION COMMISSION Mr. Arch reviewed the fee increases being requested by the Recreation Commission for various programs. He stated that they need a decision soon, due to the publication of the Summer Recreation Program Brochure as well as the scheduling of facilities. The proposed fee increases are for ball field use, pool socials, and summer camp programs. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to support the fee increases proposed for the Recreation Commission for ball field use, pool socials, and summer camp programs. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one in attendance who wished to participate. BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE – COOK I VACANCY Darrell Whittington, Director of Golf, requested that the Commissioners approve his request to reclassify Darlene Stratton from Part-time Cook I to Full-time Cook I (Grade 2) to fill an existing vacancy. Mr. Whittington stated that it is a budgeted position. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the request to reclassify Darlene Stratton from Part- time Cook I to Full-time Cook I. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Dick Roulette, Chairperson of the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors, Darrell Whittington, Golf Director, and John Kain, Golf Course Superintendent, presented the FY 2004 budget request for Black Rock Golf Course for $1,216,539. Mr. Whittington outlined the rate increases proposed for next fiscal year. He stated that 35,000 rounds were played last year at Black Rock and that the majority of golfers were County residents and senior citizens. Mr. Kain then reviewed the capital projects planned for the course. Mr. Roulette informed the Commissioners that they have a need for a mid-size dump truck and asked if the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department could transfer a truck being taken out of service to them. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook thanked them for the presentation and stated that Black Rock Golf Course is one of the gems in the County. REVISED AGREEMENT – FRIENDS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM, INC. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review proposed revisions to the agreement with the Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum. Mr. Martirano reviewed the history of the project and the revised document. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners asked that additional revisions be made. After discussion, they agreed to take this matter under consideration until insurance questions are resolved. REAPPOINTMENT – FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Milton Bloom, III, to the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Red Cross bloodmobile would be at 80 West Baltimore Street tomorrow. Mr. Shoop stated that he would be adjusting the budget presentations since three were cancelled due to the snowstorm. RECESS – LUNCHEON WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL OFFICIALS The Commissioners recessed at 11:47 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon with officials from the Washington County Hospital. FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE THREE AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:40 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. EMERGENCY & TRANSITIONAL HOUSING & SERVICES GRANT AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve a request made by the Community Action Council to submit a grant application for the Emergency & Transitional Housing & Services/Homeless Prevention Program to the Department of Human Resources, Office of Transition Services, in order to renew the funding for Washington County for fiscal year 2004 in the total amount of $515,463. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 11 & 13, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of the meetings of February 11, 2003, as amended and February 13, 2003, as presented. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – PRYS MILL/KEEDYSVILLE ROAD BRIDGE Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for the rehabilitation of Prys Mill/Keedysville Road Bridge to Building Systems, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $241,060. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval “ABSTAINING.” CONTRACT AWARD – ENGINEERING SERVICES – REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for engineering services requirements contract to provide engineering design and analysis services for various projects on an as-needed basis to Brudis & Associates, Inc., based on the their submission of the lowest responsive, responsible bid. Unanimously approved. UPDATE ON MAUGANS AVENUE PROJECT Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, provided an overview of the first phase of the Maugans Avenue project. Mr. Rohrer stated that the public information meeting on the project is scheduled for next Wednesday and would be held in the Maugansville area. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that they plan to address the problems at Maugans Avenue in two phases. The first phase of approximately 2,450 feet would include improvements between U.S. Route 11 and the I- 81 interchange. He stated that they are proposing a four-lane urban highway with an additional center lane to handle the significant number of left-turn movements. The project would also include a sidewalk along the south side of the roadway. Phase II of the project would address the segment between I-81 and Main Street in Maugansville. Mr. McGee outlined the preliminary design for the new roadway. He stated that it is estimated to cost $4,258,000. He then outlined some of the anticipated problems. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. JANUARY 2003 YOUTH OF THE MONTH – ELIZABETH N. PLUME Commissioner Kercheval presented a Certificate of Merit to Elizabeth N. Plume in recognition of her selection as the January 2003 Youth of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended Elizabeth for her leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Snook stated that Elizabeth would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. MAUGANS AVENUE RENTAL PROPERTIES Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, appeared before the Board to continue discussions regarding hiring of a property management company to handle rental of current and future properties on Maugans Avenue. Mr. Lowry provided price proposals for three firms for the Commissioners’ consideration. He stated that the company would be responsible for rental and maintenance of two properties currently owned by the County as FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE FOUR well as future properties to be acquired during the Maugans Avenue realignment project. Mr. Lowry recommended Valley Properties of Hagerstown LLC, which submitted the low proposal. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, not to hire a property management company for management of County rental units. The Motion did not carry with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “AYE” and Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “NO.” Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to retain Valley Properties of Hagerstown LLC to handle the rental of current and future properties purchased by the County only in conjunction with the Maugans Avenue project. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 3:04 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, 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 Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 3:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; and Bernard Moser. EMPLOY FACILITIES ENGINEER – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to employ William Sprague, II, as Facilities Engineer, Grade 14, at the Water & Sewer Department at a salary of $45,000. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:47 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Mayor William Breichner and City Council members Linn Hendershot, Kristin Aleshire, and Lewis Metzner, Penny Nigh, and Carol Moller at City Hall at 4:00 p.m . Tax Setoff – City of Hagerstown 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 the calculations made for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2003, the City is estimated to receive $899,063. Councilman Metzner requested that the joint Tax Setoff Committee meetings resume meeting to discuss the formula. Commissioner Snook indicated that he would appoint someone to replace Commissioner Iseminger on the committee. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. Unanimously approved. FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE FIVE , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk February 20, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland A workshop meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval and Doris J. Nipps. FY 2004 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS - GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGETS Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator, presented the Airport budget for FY 2004 in the total amount of $1,479,750. Ms. Motz explained that $92,150 is being requested from the general fund. She highlighted the projected revenues and reviewed the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed increases. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, presented his FY 2004 budget request in the amount of $337,370. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, presented his department’s FY 2004 budget request for $519,150. Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, presented the following budget requests: Board of Zoning Appeals, Permits & Inspections, and Plumbing Inspection Department. James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, reviewed the budget request for his departments and the Agricultural Education Center. Ronald Whitt, Director of Information Technologies, presented his FY 2004 budget request for $1,111,910. Daniel DiVito, Gaming Director, reviewed the budget request for the Gaming Office in the amount of $149,800. Commissioner Munson arrived at the meeting at 10:00 a.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 12:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk