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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030805 August 5, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland BREAKFAST MEETING – MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES REPRESENTATIVES The Commissioners met with David Bliden, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), and Marilyn Praisner, President of MACo, at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center to discuss MACo initiatives for the 2004 legislative session. 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 Kercheval, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 29, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of July 29 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – ROADWAY RECLAMATION PROJECT AND BUDGET TRANSFER Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for the roadway reclamation/recycling project to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $1,188,382.50, and to approve the transfer of $60,000 from the Miscellaneous Road Improvement Account (30 11610 RDI005) to this account to allow for possible change orders. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – JEREMY HULSE Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to Jeremy Hulse in recognition of his exceptional sportsmanship th achievement in winning the 80 Annual National Marbles Tournament on June 19, 2003. The Commissioners applauded him for his skill and accomplishment. Jeremy thanked the Commissioners for the award and explained the format used in the tournament. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell stated that he participated in the Ag Expo goat milking contest. He also reminded the Commissioners that the public forum at the Potomac Center is scheduled for August 11. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with Kent Oliver tomorrow regarding the comprehensive rezoning and invited any of them to attend. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting and provided an update on the workshop meetings. Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board meeting. He stated that he attended Ag Expo and was a guest speaker at the Clear Spring Lions Club meeting. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from the Commission on Aging requesting an additional $20,000 to allow them to provide a two percent salary adjustment for their staff. He also reminded them of Senator Mikulski’s visit on August 7. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the removal of storm debris from around three of the historic stone arch bridges. Mr. Rohrer reported that the repairs to the tennis courts at North Hagerstown High School are complete. He also provided a status report on road repairs. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that he sent a letter to the volunteer fire and ambulance companies regarding the utility reimbursement program. He stated that he received notification from the State that the County has received additional emergency service grants. AUGUST 5, 2003 PAGE TWO LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD OFFICERS & REAPPOINTMENTS Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families, appeared before the Commissioners to request approval of the 2003-04 slate of officers for the Local Management Board (LMB). They are as follows: Chair – Jenny Belliotti, Vice-Chair – James Blanks, Treasurer – Dr. Julian Sidlowski, and Secretary – Millie Lowman. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Deborah Addo and Millie Lowman to the Local Management Board for three-year terms and to approve the slate of officers for the 2003-04 term as presented. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF AIRPORT RATES Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adopt the modified rentals and fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport as heard at the public hearing on July 22, 2003, to become effective for new tenants and users upon adoption and for current tenants and users on July 1, 2004. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the approved Resolution Adopting Changes to Charges, Rentals, and Fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport is attached.) REAPPOINTMENT – ETHICS COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Dr. Daniel Murphy to the Ethics Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT – GAMING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Terry Reiber to the Gaming Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL TO FILL POSITION – ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to authorize filling the Electrical Inspector vacancy (Grade 11) at the Permits & Inspections Department. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the Corvettes of America convention would be sponsoring a th 60’s concert on August 17. He asked the Commissioners to provide their telephone numbers where they could be reached during the MACo Summer Conference. PUBLIC HEARING – CLOSING AND ABANDONMENT OF STARLIPER ROAD AND HART ROAD The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. in order to hear comments on the request for the abandonment (closure) of Starliper Road and Hart Road, which are located off Ankeney Lane near “Four Locks.” John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the National Park Service (NPS), on behalf of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, has requested that the above-referenced roads be abandoned by the County and that ownership be transferred to the NPS. Mr. Martirano stated that the County has not maintained either road for a number of years and that there are no private residences or properties abutting either road. The meeting was then opened for comments from the public. Tom Grosh, Peggy Mellott, and Henry Grosh all spoke in opposition to the proposal and asked that the roads be kept open. Commissioner Snook stated that the record would be kept open for ten days in order to receive any written comments. TOWN OF BOONSBORO WATER & SEWER LINE EXTENSION PROJECT Laurie Bucher, Director of the Environmental Health Division at the Washington County Health Department, appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the recommendation that the water and sewer line be extended from the Town of Boonsboro along National Pike West from Lappans Road to Mill Point Road due to water quality problems with wells located adjacent to the Town. Ms. Bucher stated that because of documented septic failures, they proposed that the sewer line also be extended along National Pike West from Lappans Roads to the Boonsboro Square Auction House. AUGUST 5, 2003 PAGE THREE Ms. Bucher informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) stated that they would consider this project for a low-interest loan of $420,000. After the loan offer was reviewed by the Water Quality Department, the loan request for financial assistance in the form of a low interest loan was withdrawn. She stated that MDE is considering grant funding for the project in FY 2005. At this time, the meeting was opened for questions. Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department, stated that this project is now on the State’s priority list for future funding. Commissioner Snook asked Ms. Bucher to attempt to get a more refined estimate of the project cost. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Denise Troxell complimented the Planning staff on the workshop they held in Smithsburg. She expressed her concerns about well contamination in the County and asked the Commissioners to keep that in mind when adopting the new zoning for the Comprehensive Plan. In answer to her question, Ms. Bucher stated that the Health Department is installing a new computer system in order to keep a record and track these wells. Barbara Hovermill asked that the Health Department reports regarding the condition of wells in the County be provided to the Commissioners on a regular basis. MARTIN REZONING – RZ-03-001 Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed map amendment RZ-03- 001, submitted by Sylvia and William Martin, to rezone the subject property from Business General (BG) to Residential Rural (RR). Mr. Douglas stated that the Planning Commission has recommended that the rezoning be denied. He noted that the Commissioners would be voting on the existing zoning classification. This current classification is not included in the new zoning classifications. Mr. Douglas reviewed the new format being used. He stated that the Commissioners would discuss their reasons for approval or denial of the application and that findings would then be prepared by legal counsel for adoption at later date. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he feels it is a complicated issue and that he took into consideration whether there was a mistake in the zoning and whether the zoning was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. He then reviewed both the “pros and cons” of the requested zoning. Commissioner Kercheval concluded that there is more evidence that the RR zoning is not logical and appropriate and that he would not recommend approval of the application at the proposed density. Commissioner Wivell stated that his emphasis focused on whether the zoning requested was appropriate and logical for the area. He indicated that he does not believe the density is appropriate for this area and that he is not likely to vote in favor of this rezoning. Commissioner Munson stated that he supports the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the application. Commissioner Nipps expressed her concerns about the requested Rural Residential classification and the proposed densities. She indicated that she does not support the rezoning but would consider the application if it were re-submitted with lower densities. The Commissioners agreed to delay voting on RZ-03-001 in order to allow the legal staff to prepare the findings of fact. The application will be scheduled on the August 19 agenda. REQUEST TO FILL POSITION – COUNTY COMMUTER Kevin Cerrone, Director of Public Transportation, stated that his department currently has a vacancy for an Office Associate II (Grade 4) that he would like to fill. He explained the responsibilities of the position and the impact that the vacancy has on his department. Mr. Cerrone stated that it is a grant- funded position through the State JOBS program. AUGUST 5, 2003 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to authorize filling the Office Associate II vacancy (Grade 4) at the Transportation Department, subject to the continued availability of the grant funds. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:38 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:22 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. FOREST CONSERVATION CANDIDATE SITES – 2004 Stephen Goodrich, Chief Senior Planner, met with the Commissioners to review the candidate for a planting and retention site utilizing FY 2003-04 Forest Conservation Funds. Mr. Goodrich stated that the site is owned by George Moore and would have an easement area on existing forest and supplemental planting of 51 acres. He informed the Commissioners that the candidate site is adjacent to a 2003 retention site and would create a 3,000 foot long stream buffer for Toms Run. It would also provide a forested buffer along the Conococheague Creek and contains areas with slopes in excess of 45%, which are priority areas for retention. Mr. Goodrich stated that the funds for the planting would come from the Forest Conservation Fund. The meeting was then opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the property owned by George Moore for planting and retention sites for the FY 2003-04 Forest Conservation Fund. Unanimously approved . CITIZEN OF THE MONTH – JUNE 2003 The Commissioners honored Staples, Incorporated, as Citizens of the Month for June 2003. Commissioner Snook presented Bill Ross, Distribution Manager for Staples, with a certificate for its work with the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County to renovate an unused woodworking facility into a multi-purpose teen center. The Staples Distribution staff provided funding and the “sweat equity” to renovate the center, which now provides programs for 55 inner city youth. Mr. Ross thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and recognized the crew who put in over 400 hours to make the teen center possible. CONTRACT AWARD – IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES OF PEOPLESOFT VERSION 8.X UPGRADE AND BUDGET TRANSFER Debra Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance, and Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, met with the Commissioners and introduced the staff who will be working with the implementation team on the upgrade of the PeopleSoft system. Ms. Bastian outlined the reasons for the upgrade and why implementation services are needed. She stated that they hope to promote e-government, improve and make access easier for the public, and offer credit card services, and budget billing for utility services. She also outlined the technology upgrades through 2006. Ms. Bastian and Ms. Luther recommended awarding the contract for implementation services of PeopleSoft Version V8.X upgrade to Maximus for the total amount of $702,357 for its Approach Two and to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $59,790 from Cost of Bond Issuance CIP Account (30-10500 ADM001) Upgrades and $92,473 from CIP Department of Water Quality Account 37-40010 ADM003 to CIP Account 30-10500 COMO11 – Technology. Ms. Bastian explained that the firm would assist in an upgrade of the County’s current Enterprise Financial System by providing implementation services. The meeting was then opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for implementation services of PeopleSoft Version 8.X upgrade to Maximus for the total amount of $702,357 for its Approach Two and to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $59,790 from Cost of Bond AUGUST 5, 2003 PAGE FIVE Issuance CIP Account (30-10500 ADM001) Upgrades and $92,473 from CIP Department of Water Quality Account 37-40010 ADM003 to CIP Account 30-10500 COMO11 – Technology. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – HOME DETENTION EQUIPMENT LEASE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for the Home Detention Equipment lease to BI Incorporated, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $49,488.91 for five years based on the proposal processed and awarded by Roanoke County, Virginia. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 2:48 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter that affects one (1) or more specific individuals, consult with staff to discuss pending litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:56 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter that affects one (1) or more specific individuals, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and considered matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department; and Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission. INTERIM APPOINTMENTS TO PLANNIING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to make the following interim appointments due to the recent illness of Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development: 1) appoint Stephen Goodrich, Chief Senior Planner, as Interim Planning Department Director and Zoning Administrator; and 2) place the Permits & Inspections Department under the Division of Public Works and appoint William Sprague, Facilities Engineer, as Interim Director of Permits and Inspections ,and promote Angela Smith, Office Manger, to Interim Deputy Director. The reorganization and interim appointments are for a temporary 120- day period. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:57 p.m. in order to attend a joint meeting with the City of Hagerstown Mayor and Council and Washington County Delegation to hear the presentation on Convention Center Study. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN AND WASHINGTON COUNTY DELEGATION – PRESENTATION OF THE CONVENTION CENTER STUDY FINAL REPORT The Commissioners met with Mayor William Breichner and City Council members Lewis Metzner, Linn Hendershot, Kristin Aleshire, Penny Nigh, and Carol Moller and Washington County Delegation Members Chris Shank, Robert McKee, and Richard Weldon, at City Hall at 4:10 p.m. Approval of Flow Transfer Agreement The City Council took action to approve the Flow Transfer Agreement, as adopted by the County Commissioners on July 22, 2003. AUGUST 5, 2003 PAGE SIX Convention & Visitors Bureau – Presentation of Convention Center Study Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), introduced Tom Hazinski and Hans Detlefsen, representatives of HVS International, who performed the study. Mr. Hazinski stated that they considered two types of facilities for the area - a multi-purpose facilities center or an events center with dedicated exhibit space. He explained the difference between the types of facilities and outlined the process that was used to determine the selected peer markets and the types of events that might be held at the facility. Mr. Detlefsen stated that they found 12 categories with substantial demand. He stated that the research indicated the need for exhibit space in Hagerstown for consumer shows (fewer conventions/trade shows), with a facility program related to the hotel supply. Mr. Detlefsen also indicated that a substantial marketing effort would be required. The most cost-effective option would be to have a facility with a dedicated exhibit hall and ballroom space. (Commissioner Nipps was excused from the meeting at 4:55 p.m. and Commissioner Wivell was excused at 5:00 p.m.) Mr. Detlefsen concluded that they recommend a center with 61,000 square feet of rentable space to include 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, 9,000 square feet of ballroom space, and 12,000 square feet of meeting room space. He provided projections of the demand for 2005 – 2008 and concluded that the next steps would be to build consensus on a facility program and site, develop an estimate of costs, and an approach to financing. The meeting was then opened for questions. Presentation on Revitalization Project – South Potomac Street Donald Bowman, President of Bowman Development, appeared before the group to provide an update on a revitalization project that he is planning on South Potomac Street. George Harne, architect for the project, presented a model of the proposed redevelopment project. The project would add business and residential space plus a parking deck and arched walkway. Mayor Breichner stated that the City feels this would enhance the arts and entertainment area. Mr. Harne indicated that they envision specialty shops and a restaurant on the first floors with office space and garden apartments above. The meeting was then opened for questions regarding the project. Commissioner Snook asked the City to provide them with a list of their priorities for downtown projects. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk (Due to operator error, there is no verbatim recording of the meeting.)