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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030520 May 20, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended an appreciation and recognition breakfast for the Highway Department employees at 7:00 a.m. 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 County Administrator Rodney Shoop, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Tammy Hammond (Accounts Receivable Supervisor – Budget & Finance) and Janet Grimm (Office Associate III – State’s Attorney). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended a Rotary Club event at Fort Ritchie and an open house for the new Mental Health Center. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended the May meeting of the Municipal League. He stated that he received several complaints from citizens about standing water. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, agreed to check into these concerns. Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission and the Commission for Women. She stated that she attended the Smithsburg High School Success Through Academic Recognition (STARS) awards program, the Emergency Medical Services awards dinner sponsored by the Washington County Hospital, and a dance recital sponsored by the Recreation Department. Commissioner Nipps expressed concern about the wait for building permits. After discussion, the Commissioners directed Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, to develop a plan outlining ways to resolve the situation for presentation to them in June. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he met with David Rider to tour the improvements he has made at the Airport. He stated that Mr. Rider is requesting that the County abate permit fees of $1,670 for the new facility he is leasing, which would return to County ownership following expiration of his 20- year lease. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to deny the request. Commissioner Snook also reported on his luncheon meeting with Mayor Breichner. He stated that he attended the grand re-opening of Hagerstown Kitchens and spoke at the Hagerstown Community College commencement ceremony. Commissioner Snook provided information on housing costs in the County. He also informed the Commissioners that Washington County was recently ranked as a five-star community by Expansion Management Magazine. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that 36 roads were closed last week due to recent storm damage and flooding. He stated that a change order would be needed for the Broadfording Road stone arch bridge. Mr. Rohrer also reported on bulk trash week participation. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting on May 22. He stated that his staff might apply for Community Development Block Grant funding for a study of existing and anticipated types of housing stock. INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, THE WASHINGTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SUBSCRIPTION EMPLOYMENT TRANSPORTATION MAY 20, 2003 PAGE TWO Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the intergovernmental grant agreement between the Maryland Department of Human Resources, the Washington County Department of Social Services and the County to provide for continued transportation services under the Subscription Employment Transportation Program (JOBS Program) for fiscal year 2003. Unanimously approved. EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST Betty Meyers, Chair of the Washington County Soil Conservation District Board, and Joni Kline, District Secretary, appeared before the Commissioners to present prizes to the Earth Day Poster Contest winners. Ms. Meyers stated that each first place winner will receive a $150 savings bond and each second place winner will receive a $100 savings bond. She informed the Commissioners that the theme for this year’s contest was “Food for the Future.” Ms. Meyers then introduced the first and second place winners in each category who presented their art st work: K-1 Grade - 1st place – Caitlin Cremins, 2nd place – Jonathan Green; 2nd-3rd Grade - 1st place – Ashley Viar, 2nd place – Sydney Breidenstein; 4th-6th Grade - 1st place – Lauren Martin, 2nd place – Anna Wade; 7th-9th Grade - 1st place – Ashley Taylor, 2nd place – Zach Golden; 10th-12th Grade - 1st place – Heidi Melin, 2nd place – Corey Broadwater. The Commissioners thanked the Soil Conservation District for its efforts, congratulated the winners, and wished them good luck in the State competition. INTRODUCTION OF MISS WASHINGTON COUNTY 2003 AND MISS WESTERN MARYLAND 2003 Tom Riford, a member of the Board of Directors of the Miss Washington County/Miss Western Maryland Scholarship Program, met with the Commissioners to introduce the two winning contestants who will represent the citizens of Washington County at the Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant in June. Commissioner Wivell presented a Certificate of Merit to Stacy Miller, Miss Washington County, and Commissioner Kercheval presented a Certificate of Merit to Danielle McGarvey, Miss Western Maryland congratulating them on their achievements. Miss McGarvey and Miss Miller provided information on their platforms and their preparations for the upcoming Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED FY 2004 BUDGET The Commissioners discussed the Fiscal Year 2004 budget and the testimony given at the public hearing on May 6, 2003. They reviewed draft #6 of the General Fund summary, which included changes made at last week’s meeting for funding for an additional bus for the Board of Education. The Board then reviewed Commissioner Wivell’s proposed budget adjustments. After discussion, it was the consensus to reduce funding for the vacant Human Resources Director position by $16,740, reduce the Commissioners Contingency fund by $38,000, reduce funding for office furniture from the Legal Department budget, and reinstate $1,500 to fully fund the rent request for the Family Center. The Commissioners also discussed the implementation of the salary study and the proposed 2% salary increase for employees. After discussion, it was the consensus to leave these two items in the budget. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the Fiscal Year 2004 budget, as amended, in the following amounts: General Fund budget of $138,762,664; the Capital Improvement Projects budget of $43,745,821; the Special Revenue Funds (Highway Funds - $6,390,956 and Solid Waste Fund - $5,745,358); the Transportation Fund - $1,735,785; Airport Fund - $1,479,300; Golf Course Fund - $1,216,539; Utility Fund - $2,449,099; and Pretreatment Fund - $1,460,000, for a total of all funds of $213,932,975; to maintain the current property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of full assessed value and the interest rate of 1.65% for service charges associated with semiannual property tax payments. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” MAY 20, 2003 PAGE THREE CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth spoke to the Commissioners about the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, a recent article in The Herald Mail, and the moratorium. Paul and Dominick Perini, representing Marsh Run Associates, outlined their concerns regarding a parcel of property that was not included in the Urban Growth Area (UGA) in the new Comprehensive Plan. Paul Perini provided information on the development they are proposing for this property and spoke in support of it being included in UGA. Commissioner Snook stated that they would confer with the Planning Commission and take the information under consideration. MENTAL HEALTH FLEX FUNDS APPROVAL Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the award of $50,000 in Mental Health Flex Funds second round funding from the Maryland Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families for the following projects: Behavioral Health Services/Urgent Psychiatric Care for Children ($24,999) and Washington County Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services ($24,999). Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF FUNDING OPTIONS FOR THE RUNWAY EXTENSION PROJECT Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, met with the Commissioners to review funding options for the runway extension project. Commissioner Snook noted that he received letters from the Economic Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Hagerstown Committee in support of the project. Ms. Bastian reviewed the first Letter of Intent (LOI) offered by the FAA for the project for $47 million over a ten-year period. She stated that after the County sent a counter offer to them, the FAA provided a revised LOI providing more of the grant money “up front.” Ms. Bastian expressed her concerns about debt capacity and whether the County’s cash flow reserves were adequate to fund a $60 million project when the grant funds were provided over a a ten-year period. She stated that in order to support a project of this size, there would have to be some type of borrowing associated with it. Mr. Guthorn and Ms. Bastian reviewed a cash flow analysis and financing scenarios and options. He stated that the first scenario assumes that the County would issue grant anticipation notes (GAN) in an amount sufficient to fund the project, in order to meet the cash flow requirements and the monthly and yearly inflows from the FAA, MAA and the County. The second scenario applies the same method of reimbursement but calls for the issuance of two financings. Mr. Guthorn indicated that because of cash flow constraints, the first issuance would be taken out by the second issue, and would, in theory, reduce the County’s cost of borrowing. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion on methods of financing, rating agencies, the effect on existing businesses, and various concerns. Commissioner Snook explained that the FAA has asked for a decision from the Board on the revised LOI this week. Commissioners Nipps and Kercheval spoke in support of the project. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to accept the FAA’s revised letter of intent (LOI) for the runway extension project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:34 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 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. MAY 20, 2003 PAGE FOUR REQUEST TO FILL VACANCY – COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION LIAISON Melissa Nearchos, Project Manager at the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP), requested that the Commissioners approve the request to advertise to fill the Community Mobilization Liaison position (Grade 11). Ms. Nearchos stated that the position is funded through the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families and is important to achieve the goals that are part of the WCCP’s agreement with the State of Maryland. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to fill the Community Mobilization Liaison position (Grade 11) at the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families, contingent upon the grant funding. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – JANITORIAL SERVICES AT WASHINGTON COUNTY OFFICE BUILDINGS Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and James Sterling, Director of Building, Grounds, & Parks, addressed the concerns raised by Commissioner Wivell regarding the janitorial services contract. The Commissioners asked Ms. Luther to contact the current vendor to see if they would agree to extend the contract on a month-to- month basis while the contract is rebid. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to rebid the janitorial services contract with following items being removed: requirement for a bid bond, the aggregation of the buildings, and the requirement for a nonworking supervisor, as well as an adjustment in the specified number of hours. Unanimously approved. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD – SEWAGE GRINDER UNITS Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to award a sole source procurement of three (3) Muffin Monster Sewage Grinder units for a total of $51,485 from Watermark Environmental Systems. The award is a sole source procurement Code of the based on Sections 1-106.2(a)(1) and (2) of the Public Local Laws of Washington County . Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL REQUEST – CONTRACT SERVICES AT TRANSFER STATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to renew the contract for contract services at transfer stations to Peck’s Refuse Disposal, LLC in the amount of $239,065 based on the stated annual estimated number of services from the five locations specified on the bid tabulation sheet for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD – JOHN FRYE Commissioner Nipps presented the 2002 Historic Preservation Award to John Frye in recognition of the contributions he has made to historic preservation in Washington County. Preston Law, representing the Historical Advisory Committee, stated that Mr. Frye was selected for the award for his lifetime dedication to historic preservation and specifically for being instrumental in the organization of the Committee in 1967 and for acting as its first Chairman. Mr. Frye thanked the Commissioners for the award and related some of the accomplishments of the Historical Advisory Committee. AMENDING RESOLUTION FOR ST. JAMES PARK SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to deny the request for a thirty (30) day extension of the Amending Resolution for the St. James Park Special Taxing District. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Kercheval, and Munson voting “AYE” and Commissioners Nipps and Snook voting “NO.” APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 13, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 13, 2003, as submitted. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reported on the tabletop disaster drill that was held last week. He informed the Commissioners that Bill MAY 20, 2003 PAGE FIVE King, Emergency Communications Specialist, received the “Star of Life” award from the State Emergency Services System in recognition for providing life saving instructions to a mother that helped her save her child’s life. REQUEST TO FILL VACANCY – DIRECTOR OF PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, requested that the Commissioners approve the request to advertise to fill the position of Director of Permits & Inspections Department (Grade 16). Mr. Arch stated that Paul Prodonovich, the current Director, is retiring effective July 1, 2003. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the request to fill the Permits & Inspections Director position (Grade 16) Unanimously approved. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION – PROJECT REVIEW Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that, as part of the annual Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding program, the Tri- County Council for Western Maryland is requesting that the Commissioners review and prioritize the projects to be submitted to them for funding consideration. Mr. Arch explained that notices are also sent to municipalities in the County and Hagerstown Community College to give them the opportunity to apply for available funding. He stated that the following three projects were submitted: 1) Job Training Institute, Applicant - Hagerstown Community College ($40,000), 2) Newgate Boulevard Extension, Applicant – Washington County ($600,000), and 3) City Farm Business Park, Applicant – City of Hagerstown ($600,000). Mr. Arch stated that ARC would normally take a secondary position behind another federal funding grant and would fund approximately 30% of a project. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the recommendation to submit the following projects to the Tri-County Council for funding consideration for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding as prioritized: 1) Job Training Institute, 2) Newgate Boulevard Extension, and 3) City Farm Business Park. Unanimously approved. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – APRIL & MAY 2003 The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to Erin Kittel and Bradley Kretzer in recognition of their selection as the recipients of the April 2003 and May 2003 youth meritorious awards respectively by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra- curricular activities. Commissioner Snook stated that Erin and Bradley would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. PROPOSED EXCISE AND TRANSFER TAX RATE DISCUSSION The Commissioners reviewed the options presented for implementation of the excise and transfer tax to present at public hearing scheduled for June 10. Revenues from these taxes would be used to fund the capital improvement program. They discussed several scenarios for implementation of an excise tax. It was the consensus to impose a tax for single-family homes on a three-year graduated basis rate of $0.25/square foot for FY 2004, $0.50 for FY 2005, and $0.75 FY 2006 on finished areas (to include basements) and $1.00/square foot for semi-detached, two- family, townhouse, and multi-family units. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to present a proposal at public hearing to consider implementation of an excise tax of $1.00 per square foot on the construction of all multi-family units (semi-detached, two-family, townhouse, and multi-family units) and a graduated multi-year rate beginning on single-family homes of $0.25 per square foot for fiscal year 2004, $0.50 for fiscal year 2005, and $0.75 for fiscal year 2006. Motion carried with Commissioner Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” The Board then discussed implementation of a transfer tax and considered ways to help lessen the effect on first-time homebuyers. They also MAY 20, 2003 PAGE SIX discussed various rates and the projected revenues that would be generated. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to propose a 0.50% transfer tax on total gross sales of residential homes, with the first $50,000 to be exempt from the tax, for presentation at a public hearing on June 10, 2003. Motion carried with Commissioner Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” . CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 3:28 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue, consult with staff about 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 Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) matters and consulted with staff about pending and potential litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners 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; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 4:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk