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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030325 March 24, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met with the Recreation Department at 9:00 a.m. to discuss their operations and tour their facilities. They also attended a presentation by Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer for Washington County Government. March 25, 2003 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 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 – MARCH 10, 11, 13, 18, AND 20, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of the meetings of March 10 and 11, as presented. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of March 13, 18, and 20, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. He also provided an update on legislative issues. Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission and the Local Management Board. She stated that she was a guest on the WHAG Radio talk show. Commissioner Nipps reminded the Commissioners that the Chamber of Commerce’s “Eggs and Issues” meeting on April 2 would focus on economic development issues. She complimented the Recreation Department staff on their presentation at the March 24 meeting and for the positive impact their programs have on the participants. She asked that clarification be provided to them regarding the County’s policy on grant funding. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that the Environmental Health Division of the Health Department is now sending out letters and information to new homeowners whose homes have septic systems. He stated that the Health Department might require above grade clean-out systems for septic tanks in their regulations. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that they would also be requesting a $15 one-time use permit for food service. He also reported on the meeting of the Public Golf Corporation. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he has a meeting scheduled later this week to discuss funding for the HotSpots Program. Commissioner Wivell reported briefly on negotiations with the City concerning water and sewer issues. He also reported that he received several telephone calls regarding the Animal Control Authority legislation. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he read to the second grade class at Salem Avenue Elementary School. He met with a business at the Airport that is considering expansion. Commissioner Snook stated that he testified in support of House Bill 1059 in Annapolis. He informed the Commissioners that the County has received a $50,000 training grant from the Maryland Emergency Management Administration. He informed the Commissioners that a Williamsport Councilman asked the County to consider reducing landfill fees for the debris from a burned–out house in Williamsport. After discussion, the Commissioners took the request under consideration. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that this request would have to be funded by the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund since the landfill is an enterprise fund. MARCH 25, 2003 PAGE TWO (Commissioners Snook and Wivell were excused from the meeting at 9:10 a.m., and Commissioner Kercheval assumed the chair.) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that he testified in Annapolis regarding highway user fund revenues. He stated that he is obtaining written quotes for installation of a new sound system for the Commissioners’ meeting room. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the roads are in poor condition due to the severe weather conditions this past winter. He also informed the Commissioners of difficulties he is having with certain builders using rights-of-way as storage yards. Mr. Rohrer stated that he is taking a firm stand in policing these areas to assure that building materials are not left in the roadways. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he received notification that the Waypoint Bank would renew its lease with the County for its final 5-year option. HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT - CAPITAL BUDGET PRESENTATION Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Steve Luchessi, a consultant from the URS Corporation, the County’s consultants for the update of the airport layout plan, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed capital budget for the Airport for FY 2004. Ms. Motz introduced Airport Advisory Commission members Anton Dahbura and Spence Perry, staff members Phil Ridenour and Greg Larsen, and Mahesh Kukata, consultant from URS Corporation. Also present were Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor. Ms. Motz stated that they are proposing a very aggressive schedule of capital projects. She explained that most of the projects are funded 90% by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 5% by the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), and 5% by the County. Ms. Motz stated that the projects being planned are: - Extension of Runway 9-27, phase 3, for various phases of design during this fiscal year. She stated that it is important to note that the program is dependent upon receiving a letter of intent from the FAA for funding. Ms. Motz indicated that this project is budgeted to cost $4.5 million. - Construction of Runway 9-27 expansion, a holding apron for Runway 9, estimated to cost $2.8 million. - Phase 6, package 1 for a runway 9 localizer (navigational aid), connector taxiway, and stormwater management - $6.5 million - Land acquisition for runway visibility and runway protection zones - $6.5 million - Embankment construction for extension of runway (a five-year project) - $14 million - Package 3 – improvements to Route 11 - $2.7 million for FY 04 – a $15.3 million project over 5 years - Phases 11 and 12 – overlay Ms. Motz stated that they would have more information after the letter of intent is received from FAA. She indicated that the terms would be outlined in the letter including how the funding would be reimbursed. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Ms. Motz announced that the State has supplied a letter of validation for $8 million in state funds for the runway extension project. (Commissioner Snook returned to the meeting at 9:43 a.m. and assumed the Chair.) PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICT The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider application AD-01-02, AD-01-02H, AD-02-008, and AD-02-009. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed the applications and provided information regarding the program. He stated that they have been approved by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and that the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistent MARCH 25, 2003 PAGE THREE with the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to speak. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve application AD-01-02G (submitted by Robert Michael), AD- 01-02H (submitted by Robert Michael), AD-02-008 (submitted by Richard & Kathleen Newcomer), and AD-02-009 (submitted by Robert & Ruth Ziem), for 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employee Dirk Schultz (Pro Shop Manager at Black Rock Golf Course). The Commissioners welcomed him and wished him well in his position. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth stated that he feels the process used in zoning cases could be improved. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the findings of fact in the Paul Crampton Rezoning (RZ-02-008) would be amended since it was clarified that the previous Board of County Commissioners had removed the exemption in Article V in the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for single-family and semi-detached units. EARLY INTERVENTION PROJECTS FUNDING Melissa Nearchos, Project Manager for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP), informed the Commissioners that they recently reviewed concept applications for the award of Early Intervention Projects funding for the period April 1 to June 30. Ms. Nearchos stated that $3,881 is available for projects that meet the program guidelines. She reviewed the applications submitted and stated that the Review Panel is recommending that funds be awarded to the Washington County Early Intervention Program for the project entitled “Closing an Early Intervention Speech/Language Service Gap for Infants and Toddlers.” Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the recommendation to award $3,881 in Early Intervention Projects Funds to the Washington County Early Intervention Program for the “Closing an Early Intervention Speech/Language Service Gap for Infants and Toddlers” project. Unanimously approved. 2004 SCHOOL AGE SUMMER OPPORTUNITY FUNDS – GRANT AWARDS Paula Fisher, WCCP Project Manager, reviewed the concept applications received for the Developmental Disabilities Administration grant funds for the School Age Summer Opportunity Fund. She stated that these projects must be designed for children with special needs. The committee is recommending that funds be provided to the Hagerstown YMCA to fund a comprehensive summer camp program for children with disabilities. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the award of $24,993 in grant funding received from the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families in collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Administration to the Hagerstown YMCA to fund a comprehensive summer camp program to serve children with a range of disabilities in an inclusive environment. Unanimously approved. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FLEX FUNDS Stephanie Stone, Director of the WCCP, asked the Commissioners to support the recommendation for the award of Mental Health Flex Funds through the Maryland Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families. Ms. Stone explained that a total of $100,000 is being awarded for mental health related projects. The Review Panel is recommending the following projects for funding: Behavioral Health Services – $24,999 to provide therapeutic, individual and group psychotherapy as well as medications management to children diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and to Potomac Case Management Services - $24,999 to provide MARCH 25, 2003 PAGE FOUR general case management services to at least 30 families where the adult primary care giver has a DSM IV AXIS I mental health diagnosis and whose impaired role functioning demonstrates a negative impact on the family unit. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the recommendation of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families to award Mental Health Flex Funds to Behavioral Health Services and Potomac Case Management for the projects outlined. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners discussed the process used to develop a request for proposal (RFP). Mr. Shoop proposed that the dollar amount be increased before requiring an RFP to help reduce the administrative time needed. After discussion, Mr. Shoop stated that he would schedule additional time on the agenda to review the process and possible changes that could be made to make it more efficient. RECESS – LUNCHEON & BUDGET PRESENTATIONAT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:20 a.m. to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Free Library. Mike Schaefer, President of the Library Board of Trustees, introduced those in attendance. Mary Baykan, Executive Director, provided information on the history of the library, and its mission and vision statements. John Hershey, Vice President of the Board, reviewed the current operating budget. Suzanne Downey-Hayes, Treasurer of the Board, made the fiscal year 2004 budget presentation for the Library. Ms. Hayes requested county funding of $1,639,108. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:48 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. GENERAL FUND AND CIP BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to discuss the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and the General Fund budget. Ms. Bastian reviewed Draft #3 outlining two additional options for the Commissioners to consider for the CIP budget. Both proposals assumed additional revenues and the institution of an excise tax and a transfer tax. She stated that one option shows a proposed borrowing level of $8 million and the second at $10 million. Commissioner Kercheval then presented his proposal for a $10 million borrowing level for the next four years to include additional revenues from excise and transfer taxes. He stated that the County would be in better shape by keeping the borrowing levels the same and completing projects with the increases in growth trends and salary levels. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to support a borrowing level of $9 million. It was also the consensus to enact a transfer and an excise tax. They agreed to assume a conservative estimate of $2 million in additional revenues for budgeting purposes. It was the consensus to provide $5.9 million to the Board of Education and $650,000 to Hagerstown Community College. They also discussed moving the Maugans Avenue Improvement project to Fiscal Year 2005, eliminating $400,000 in miscellaneous projects, and possibly eliminating $500,000 in overlay funds. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – FEBRUARY 2003 Commissioner Munson presented a Certificate of Merit to Jennifer Miller in recognition of her selection as the February 2003 Youth of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended Jennifer for her leadership, academic and extra- curricular activities. Commissioner Munson stated that Jennifer would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. MARCH 25, 2003 PAGE FIVE CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:24 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, discuss collective bargaining negotiations, consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:17 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, discussed collective bargaining negotiations, and consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, John C. Munson, James F. Kercheval, 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; and Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:17 p.m. DINNER – CLEAR SPRING TOWN COUNCIL The Mayor and Town Council of Clear Spring hosted the Commissioners for a dinner at the Clear Spring American Legion prior to the evening session. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Clear Spring Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President 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. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – DANIELLE SHIVES The Commissioners honored Danielle Shives as the Citizen of the Month for March 2003. Commissioner Wivell presented her with a certificate honoring her achievements and work ethic. He applauded Danielle for not allowing her blindness to interfere with any life activity she chooses to follow and for pursuing her dreams. Commissioner Wivell also congratulated Danielle for earning a straight “A” average at Clear Spring High School and for her leadership abilities. Ms. Shives thanked the Commissioners for the honor. TAX SETOFF – HANCOCK AND CLEAR SPRING 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. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2003, Hancock would receive $42,273. He also reviewed the summary and formula for highways, police, and parks. Commissioner Snook stated that the Town of Clear Spring would receive the minimum payment of $2,000. Commissioner Snook informed the town officials that their employees are welcome to participate in any of the safety training sessions sponsored by the County. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the town officials and citizens in the area. Paul Hose, Mayor of Clear Spring, informed the Commissioners that the State Department of the Environment (MDE) has mandated that they install a water filtration and storage tank at their reservoir. He stated that this would require a large increase in the rates. Daniel Murphy, Mayor of Hancock, informed the Commissioners that the Rayloc Road project is on schedule. He stated MARCH 25, 2003 PAGE SIX that MDE and the Soil Conservation Service are assisting the Town with a stream restoration project. He also provided an update on the streetscape project. Mayor Murphy asked the Commissioners to consider including the four people in the Town’s police department in the County’s retirement system. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Julianna Albowicz, Clear Spring Town Council, asked if the Commissioners have been notified of Program Open Space funding for FY 2004. Commissioner Snook stated that the County had not received the final number from the State at this time, but that funding might be reduced. Tom Grosh asked that the Commissioners consider acquiring additional land for the Clear Spring Park when funding is restored. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk