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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030304 March 3, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland A workshop 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. Wivell, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval and Doris J. Nipps. BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners heard budget requests from the following departments: Narcotics Task Force, Communications Maintenance, Public Works, Engineering, and Economic Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 11:42 a.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk March 4, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the “State of the City” forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Clarion Inn & Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:25 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 – FEBRUARY 25, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 25, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees William Sprague (Facilities Manager – Water & Sewer Department), Gretchen Hill (Office Associate III – State’s Attorney’s Office), and Darlene Stratton (Full-time Cook I – Black Rock Golf Course). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval provided an update on the process being used to choose a new Board of Education member to replace Commissioner Nipps. He stated that he had an impromptu luncheon meeting with citizens from the Cascade area to discuss their concerns about the former Fort Ritchie property. Commissioner Kercheval then reported on the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Wivell indicated that he would like to meet with the Director of Public Works to discuss the proposed central booking facility and with the Planning Director regarding revisions to the Subdivision Ordinance. MARCH 4, 2003 PAGE TWO Commissioner Munson stated that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. He also informed the Commissioners that he dealt with a situation regarding a County employee’s health insurance concern. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Historic District Commission meeting. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Potomac Valley Fire Company’s annual banquet is scheduled for March 29. He stated that he received notification from the City of Hagerstown regarding a public hearing that will be held on April 8 regarding the annexation of .3 acres of land south of Hagerstown. The Commissioners reviewed the information and had no comments regarding the proposed annexation of this property. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that staff is concerned about a trend showing increased monthly volume at the landfill. He stated that they might have to proceed with design and construction plans for Cell No. 3 earlier than expected. Mr. Rohrer noted that he is aware of several large demolition projects that are planned in the near future that would also increase the volume at the landfill. The Commissioners discussed the situation and agreed to have the Director of Finance present the model she developed on the rate structure for the facility, following the Solid Waste Department’s budget presentation on March 18. Mr. Rohrer also informed the Commissioners that they might have a potential candidate to serve as curator for the French Lane property. MAUGANS AVENUE REALIGNMENT PROJECT – PURCHASE OF PROPERTY Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the purchase of property, located at 15534 Spriggs Road, in fee simple from Leola C. Ott for the appraised value of $107,000, plus reimbursement for 400 +/- gallons of oil, and $5,250 for replacement housing costs and moving expenses. The property is needed for the Maugans Avenue Realignment Project. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Munson “ABSTAINING.” BID AWARD – POLE BARNS AT THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for construction of a pole barn at the Agricultural Education Center to Building Systems, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $129,400 (Option 2 – Building #3). Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Munson, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval “ABSTAINING.” CONTRACT RENEWAL – CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES – REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to renew the contract for Construction Inspection Services with Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc. for the third year of the contract at the rates specified: Construction Inspector - $24.30/hr.; Senior Construction Inspector - $30.24/hr.; Building Inspector - $25.34/hr.; and Senior Building Inspector - $30.24/hr. Unanimously approved. REVIEW OF POLICY PR-9 – COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS RESERVISTS OR ACTIVE DUTY Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, reviewed Personnel Policy PR-9 “County Employees as Reservists or Active Duty Military Personnel” with the Commissioners. Ms. Hawbaker informed the Commissioners that a number of County employees have been called to active duty as a result of the increased worldwide tensions. She stated that the County guarantees that all employees called for active duty would be allowed to return to their current jobs or an equivalent job for up to five years. Ms. Hawbaker stated that the County provides pay differential if the County wage is higher than the military base wage and would also continue health insurance benefits for the employees. Ms. Hawbaker informed the Commissioners of two possible revisions to the policy that are needed to make it conform to the provisions of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The MARCH 4, 2003 PAGE THREE policy would be revised to reflect that it applies to persons who perform duties, voluntarily or involuntarily, and not just those who are called for extended active duty. Sergeant Robert Leatherman of the Sheriff’s Department asked the Commissioners to consider recognizing weekend drills for guard/reserve time for purposes of military retirement. The Commissioners asked staff to review these issues and develop options for them to consider. After discussion, the Commissioners took the revisions under consideration. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Mary Ellen Waltemire, Director of the Washington County Extension Office, introduced Eric LeMasters, who was recently hired as the new Horticulture Specialist. Mr. LeMasters provided an update on his educational background and former employment. He also outlined his duties with the Extension Office. Don Allensworth expressed his opposition to the County’s request for authorization to impose an excise and/or transfer tax. He stated that he supports the Planning Commission’s decision recommending denial of the application for a Planned Unit Development for the Emerald Pointe subdivision. APPOINTMENT – WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to appoint Bernie Moser to fill the unexpired term of Tim Henry on the Planning Commission, which extends to June 30, 2005. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – GENERAL FUND Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to review a draft of the FY 2004 General Fund budget. Ms. Bastian reviewed several graphs outlining the sources of new revenue and the proposed allocation of new funds. She explained that real and personal property tax revenue is expected to be $74,850,197, income tax and local tax revenues are projected to be $56,830,602, and interest on investments $796,000. The total proposed general fund revenue is projected to be $137,927,264. Ms. Bastian provided an overview of each of the revenue items. She stated that the State disparity grant was reduced to $250,563 this year, which is a reduction of 87.39%. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that there is a shortfall of $4.2 million between projected revenues and expenditures prior to reductions being made to the budget requests. Ms. Bastian also reviewed the program revenue projections and grants for operations. She stated that the State Delegation is considering a proposal that the counties assume 50% of the costs of retirement pay for teachers. Ms. Bastian provided a graph showing distribution of new general fund monies. She stated that the approximately $6 million would go to education. Ms. Bastian emphasized that the presentation includes projected revenues from existing sources and does not include the additional revenues that would be realized if excise and transfer taxes are implemented. The Commissioners requested that a separate workshop session be scheduled to discuss a projection of additional funds expected from these taxes and options on how they could be used. They agreed to continue discussions on projected revenues and expenditures for the general fund budget later today in the afternoon session. RECESS – LUNCHEON AT SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM STATION The Commissioners recessed at 11:44 a.m. for lunch and to hear an overview of services provided by the Special Operations Team, tour the station, and observe equipment demonstrations. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:45 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. MARCH 4, 2003 PAGE FOUR MARCH OF DIMES WALK-A-THON Melissa Nearchos, Project Manager for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families; Melissa Clark, Community Director for the Washington and Frederick County Chapter of the March of Dimes; and James Pierne, Vice President of F & M Bank and Walk America Chairman, met with the Commissioners to inform them that the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon is scheduled for May 3, 2003. Ms. Clark emphasized the important work done by the March of Dimes and encouraged Washington County to have a team participate in May. Mr. Pierne stated that they have set a goal of $75,000 for the Walk-a-Thon. He asked that the Commissioners endorse the walk as an official walk for the County and provide incentives for the County employees who participate. Ms. Nearchos agreed to serve as the County’s team leader for the event. APPROVAL TO FILL PRO SHOP MANAGER VACANCY – BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, and Darrell Whittington, Director of Golf, met with the Commissioners to request authorization to fill the existing vacancy of Pro Shop Manager at Black Rock Golf Course. Mr. Whittington explained the responsibilities of the position and why it is necessary that this position be filled. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to approve filling the Pro Shop Manager vacancy at Black Rock Golf Course (Grade 8). Unanimously approved. APPROVAL TO FILL ELECTRICIAN I POSITION – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Mr. Murray stated that the Water & Sewer Department currently has a vacancy for an Electrician I that he would like to fill. He explained the responsibilities of the position and the impact that the vacancy would have on his department. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to authorize filling the Electrician I vacancy (Grade 8) at the Water & Sewer Department. Unanimously approved. BUDGET WORKSHOP – REVISED SCHEDULE The Commissioners agreed to change the time for the budget workshop on March 5 to 8:30 a.m. CONTINUATION OF GENERAL FUND BUDGET PRESENTATION Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, continued her presentation of the proposed FY 2004 General Fund budget. She provided detailed information on each revenue source and the projections for the upcoming fiscal year. Ms. Bastian also indicated that the State is eliminating its funding for the Homeowners Tax Credit program. She suggested that the County reduce the discount for early payment of taxes from 1% to .5% to continue funding for the program. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:55 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, discuss collective bargaining issues, and consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 4:47 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on five (5) matters, consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, discussed collective bargaining issues, and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. MARCH 4, 2003 PAGE FIVE Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; and Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 4:47 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk March 5, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland A workshop 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: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners heard budget requests from the following departments: Recreation, Human Resources, Budget & Finance, the Community Partnership Fund, Planning, and General Operations. (Commissioner Munson was excused from the meeting at 10:15 a.m.) APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION – FRENCH LANE PROPERTY Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to provide letters of support for the following grant applications to the Maryland Historical Trust: 1) Certified Local Government – design guidelines for Historic District Commission; 2) a capital grant for matching funds to stabilize the French Lane property; and 3) preservation incentives for local government. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 10:36 a.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk