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June 24, 2003
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 12:30 p.m.
by Vice President William J. Wivell with the following members
present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, and John C. Munson.
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.
NEW SOUND AND RECORDING SYSTEM
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided information on
the new sound and digital recording system that was installed in
the Commissioners’ meeting room last week. He demonstrated how
the system works and stated that it would assist those who are
hearing impaired.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 10, 2003
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to
approve the minutes of June 10, 2003, as amended. Unanimously
approved.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Kercheval reported on a recent forum that was held
with several local agencies to discuss the issues facing
homeless shelters in the community. He stated that he would be
attending a meeting regarding plans to widen Interstate 81.
Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he met
with John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, on the proposed
Right to Farm Ordinance. Mr. Martirano then provided an update
on the status of the Ordinance. He stated that a public hearing
on the Ordinance would be scheduled in August.
Commissioner Wivell conveyed information on the complaints he
has received on the high volume of traffic and speeding in the
High Rock area. He reported on the Social Services Board
meeting. Commissioner Wivell stated that the presented a check
on behalf of County employees during the American Cancer
Society’s “Relay for Life” event. He informed the Commissioners
that he would be meeting with officials from Charles County on
various issues including benchmarking of the school systems.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, distributed a memorandum
on a new program at the Solid Waste Department to recycle
rechargeable batteries. He reported on the early closure of the
Broadfording Road stone arch bridge for safety reasons. He
stated that the rehabilitation of the bridge would begin when
the water levels recede. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners
that he recently received the COPS grant application and stated
that he hopes to receive grant funding for the new radio
communications system from this source. He reported on
complaints he received about drainage problems in the Walnut
Point Heights subdivision and on problems with the air
conditioning system in the County Administration Building.
Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development,
informed the Commissioners that he would be forwarding
information to them on transfer development rights (TDR) for
agricultural lands.
PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – LAND
ACQUISITION
The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. in order to hear
public testimony regarding the submission of a grant application in the
amount for $1,220,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funding. The funds would be used for land acquisition for an economic
development project associated with packaging and delivery services and
to address the administrative costs associated with the land acquisition
process. The County would provide $200,000 toward the acquisition
process. Commissioner Wivell then opened the meeting for public comment.
There was no one present who wished to comment.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to approve the
submission of a grant application for $1,220,000 in Community Development
Block Grant funding for land acquisition for an economic development
project and to address the administrative costs. During further
JUNE 24, 2003
PAGE TWO
discussion on the Motion, Commissioner Munson expressed his opposition to
County’s portion of $200,000. Motion carried with Commissioners
Kercheval and Wivell voting “AYE” and Commissioner Munson voting “NO.”
PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY STUDY
The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 1:05 p.m. in order to hear
comments about the submission of a grant application for Community
Development Block Grant funding to conduct a housing affordability study.
Joe Kuhna, Community Development Coordinator, stated that the County’s
study is 13 years old and should be updated to reflect the recent changes
in development patterns, current number of units, type, age of units, and
sales price. He indicated that the State Housing & Community Development
Department should fully fund the study, but that CDBG revolving loan
funds could be used if the County is responsible for a portion of the
costs. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one
present who wished to testify.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the
submission of an application for Community Development Block Grant funds
to be used to conduct a housing affordability study for Washington
County. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a
half-day workshop meeting might be scheduled on July 15 to discuss the
full-cost analysis for the Solid Waste Department. He stated that the
After-School Mentoring Program provided by the Police Athletic League
would not be renewed and that the program would be rebid.
SUBDIVISION STREET ACCEPTANCE
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to accept the
following streets into the County system: Winding Oak Drive (Section 1);
South Pointe Drive (final section); Buttercup Drive; Rabbit Court; Grand
Oak Drive; Southern Oak Drive; and Hillbrook Drive. Unanimously
approved.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
T.S. Alphin stated that the hangar rent that he pays at the Hagerstown
Regional Airport is too high for the facility. Mr. Shoop stated that
Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, is waiting for information from him and
that she would be meeting with him about it in the near future. He
stated that the Airport Advisory Commission is reviewing the rental
charges as well.
BID AWARD – GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CHEMICALS
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to award the
contract for grounds maintenance chemicals to the following companies
which submitted the low responsible, responsive bids meeting
specifications for each chemical as follows: Item #1 – United
Horticultural - $399/gal.; Item #2 – York Distributors - $17.00/lb.; Item
#3 – Helena Chemical - $35.84/gal.; Item #4 – Ikex, Inc. - $48.50/gal.;
Item #5 – ProSource One - $29.40/gal.; Item #6 – Helena Chemical -
$269.50/gal.; Item #7 – Ikex, Inc. - $286.86/gal.; Item #8 – ProSource
One - $2,059.12/drum; Item #9 – United Horticultural - $101.12/gallon;
Item #10 – York Distributors - $17.85/lb.; Item #11 – United
Horticultural - $11.36/gal.; Item #12 – York Distributors - $272.95/lb.;
Item #13 – ProSource One - $14.28/gal.; Item #14 – United Horticultural -
$8.90/lb.; Item #15 – United Horticultural - $164.99/lb.; Item #16 – York
Distributors - $8.30/lb.; Item #17 – United Horticultural - $4.44/lb.;
Item #18 – ProSource One - $2.234/50/drum; Item #19 – United
Horticultural - $397.88/gal.; Item #19 – United Horticultural -
$397.88/gal.; Item #20 – Helena Chemical - $19.40/gal.; Item #21 –
Simplot Partners - $25.85/gal.; Item #22 – ProSource One - $7.35/gal.;
– -
Item #23United Horticultural$345/gal.; Item #24 – York Distributors
- $91.90/gal.; Item #25 – ProSource One - $45.64/gal.; Item 26 – Ikex,
Inc. - $39.49/gal.; Item #27 – United Horticultural - $99/qt.; Item 28 –
Ikex, Inc. - $435/gal.; Item #29 – York Distributors - $9/lb.; Item #30 –
Helena Chemical - $326.50/gal.; Item #31 – Helena Chemical - $43/gal.;
JUNE 24, 2003
PAGE THREE
Item #32 – Ikex, Inc. - $23.50/gal.; Item #33 – Ikex, Inc. - $6.55/gal;
Item #34 – ProSource One - $10.40/gal.; and Item #35 – Ikex, Inc. -
$93.10/gal. Unanimously approved. (*Items #23 and #27 were tie bids,
and the Commissioners drew from lots, pursuant to Washington County
Purchasing Policy P-2, to determine the successful bidders.)
SENATOR AMOSS FIRE, RESCUE AND AMBULANCE FUNDING DISTRIBUTION
Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, met with the Commissioners
regarding the Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund
allocated to Washington County by the State for fire and rescue
companies. Mr. Kroboth stated that a total of $225,529 was awarded to
Washington County for disbursement to the companies. He reviewed two
options for allocating the funds. The first option would be to
distribute the funds equally among all companies, allocating $8,352 to
each one. The second option would allocate the minimum amount to the
City of Hagerstown and the remainder to the other companies in equal
shares. Mr. Kroboth stated that the Washington County Volunteer Fire &
Rescue Association is recommending that the funds be distributed equally.
The Commissioners discussed the options and agreed to allocate the
funding in equal shares to all companies.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to distribute
the fiscal year 2003 Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue & Ambulance
State grant funds in equal shares to all fire and rescue companies in
Washington County. Unanimously approved.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONDER TRAINING GRANT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to authorize
the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland
Emergency Management Agency for funding of $9,750 to increase safety and
capabilities of first responders by paying for training costs of the
Special Operations Team. Unanimously approved.
BID AWARD – PLUMBING & HEATING MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR COUNTY FACILITIES
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to award the
contract for plumbing and heating maintenance services to Beaver
Mechanical Contractors, Inc. which submitted the low responsive,
responsible bid of $29,699.50 with the following labor rates for
services: Regular Working Hours - Plumber $28.69, Helper $22.69; Evenings
& Saturdays - Plumber $43.03, Helper $34.03; Sundays and Holidays –
Plumber $57.38, Helper $45.38; and Consulting and Design Service Hourly
Rate - $46.00. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to convene in
closed session at 2:00 p.m. to discuss matters that relate to collective
bargaining negotiations, 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 Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene
in open session at 2:58 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed matters that relate to
collective bargaining, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on
three (3) matters, and consulted with staff about pending and potential
litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners William J.
Wivell, James F. Kercheval, and John C. Munson. 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 Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at
2:58 p.m. Unanimously approved.
JUNE 24, 2003
PAGE FOUR
___________________________,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
Clerk
,