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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040106 January 6, 2004 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 – DECEMBER 16, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of December 16 and 18, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval stated that he presented a Certificate of Merit to new Eagle Scout Mike DiGirolamo. He also reported on the meetings of the Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he received a complaint from a citizen who lives near the landfill about trash blowing into his yard from uncovered trucks. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the Water Quality Advisory Commission and the Pen Mar Development Corporation. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Airport Advisory Commission meeting. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. He informed the Commissioners that the State of the County forum is scheduled for February 3 at the Four Points. Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners that the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company banquet is scheduled for January 31. He stated that he received notice from the Interagency Committee (IAC) regarding its recommendations for FY 2005 CIP school construction projects. Commissioner Snook asked the Director of Public Works to review a letter from the St. James Homeowners Association regarding their concerns. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE – 911 CENTER Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Excellence from the Emergency Number Systems Board to Bardona Woods, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, and Roy Lescalleet, Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, in recognition of the Center’s successful annual Public Safety Answering Point Inspection. Commissioner Snook noted that the Board found that Washington County’s 9-1-1 Center met or exceeded their expectations and is “being well served by a team of competent people who take public safety seriously.” Ms. Woods and Mr. Lescalleet thanked the Commissioners for presenting them with the Certificate. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – BRIAN HEACOCK The Commissioners honored Brian Heacock as the Citizen of the Month for December 2003. Commissioner Wivell presented Mr. Heacock with a certificate of merit for his actions on August 2, 2003, which helped to save the life of Gary Swartz, who was severely injured during a car accident. Mr. Heacock was a bystander who came to Mr. Swartz’s assistance and fashioned a tourniquet to stem the flow of blood from Mr. Swartz’s severe leg injury until Emergency Medical Service technicians arrived on the scene. Mr. Heacock thanked the Commissioners for the honor. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he is developing a policy for the implementation of Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) fees. When completed, he will bring the draft before them for their review. Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that Jennifer Swisher was promoted from 911 Supervisor to Deputy Director at Fire & Rescue Communications. He stated that they are now requesting authorization to fill the 911 Supervisor position formerly held by Ms. JANUARY 6, 2004 PAGE TWO Swisher and, if the successful candidate is from within the department, to have permission to replace that individual. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve advertising to fill the Fire & Rescue Communications Shift Supervisor Position and to fill any other vacancies that may occur if this position is filled from within the Department. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL RECONCILIATION BOARD Eric Seifarth, Land Preservation Planner, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss appointments to the new Washington County Agricultural Reconciliation Board (WCARB) in accordance with Section 402 of the Washington County Right to Farm Ordinance. Mr. Seifarth stated that the Farm Bureau has nominated Donald Harding as its representative to the Board, and the Extension Service has recommended Don Schwartz. He reviewed background information on the four citizen-at-large candidates. Mr. Seifarth informed the Commissioners that no attorneys have expressed interest in appointment although there is a position designated for one on the Board. The Commissioners reviewed the names of the individuals who have expressed interest in appointment to the WCARB. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to appoint Donald Harding (Farm Bureau representative); Don Schwartz (Extension Service representative); and at-large members Terry Karn and Michael Main to the Washington County Agricultural Reconciliation Board. Unanimously approved. PROMOTIONS – WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT – DETENTION DIVISION The Commissioners held a ceremony to honor promotions at the Sheriff’s Department – Detention Division. The following individuals were promoted to the rank of Corporal: Jonathan Hose, Michael Rafter, and Tony Shank. Sheriff Mades reviewed the new supervisory structure at the Detention Center and outlined the responsibilities of the deputies who were promoted. The Commissioners congratulated the deputies on their promotions and thanked them for their dedication and hard work. RIGHT-OF-WAY OPTIONS – FORD DRIVE ACCESS ROAD CONSTRUCTION Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, met with the Commissioners to discuss the right-of-way needed for construction of the Ford Drive Access Road from MD Route 144 to Tollgate Road in Hancock. Mr. Lowry stated that the estimated cost of the project is $2,094,500, with grant funding totaling $1,070,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and State of Maryland. The project would enhance Hancock’s industrial park area and address safety concerns of the roadway. Mr. Lowry stated that he negotiated options with the following companies: 1) 100 Ford Drive, LLC, for $47,300, and 2) Shop ‘N Gas, Inc. for $125,000. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners took this matter under consideration and requested additional information on the County’s portion of the cost of the project. CERTIFICATES OF AWARD – CONSERVATION FARMERS OF THE YEAR Elmer Weibley, Executive Director of the Soil Conservation District (SCD), introduced Betty Meyers, Chair of the WCSCD Board, and Jim Schlossnagle, District Conservationist. Mr. Schlossnagle provided information on each farm and outlined the accomplishments and conservation measures taken by these individuals to improve their farming operations. Ms. Meyers presented the award for 2003 Outstanding Conservation Farmer to David Roth, operator of Roth Meadowbrook Farm. Commissioner Nipps presented Mr. Roth with a certificate of recognition from the Commissioners. Mr. Roth thanked the Commissioners for recognizing him and his family. Mr. Schlossnagle then presented the award for 2003 Sustaining Conservation Farmer to Donald Beard. He provided information on the Beard’s farm, High Point Acres, and the techniques they used to help preserve the land. Commissioner Kercheval presented a certificate of recognition to Mr. Beard congratulating him on winning this award. Mr. Beard thanked the Commissioners for the certificate. JANUARY 6, 2004 PAGE THREE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION John Himes asked the Commissioners to consider banning the use of high-powered rifles during deer hunting season in Washington County. Mr. Himes had several questions about activities in the South County area. He also expressed concerns about trees that fell into a stream near his home after being cut from power lines along Valley Road. The Commissioners stated that they would have staff contact Allegheny Energy to check on this matter. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the tax set-off meetings start next week in Boonsboro. He reported that the Casual Day for December raised over $300, with employees donating numerous toys for Toys for Tots, and $418 and a vanload of coats for Coats for Kids. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT PARKING DECK City of Hagerstown representatives, Al Martin and Debbie Everhart, met with the Commissioners to request that the County match the City’s grant of $300,000 per year over the next two fiscal years to help construct a new five-story parking deck on South Potomac Street. The deck would serve the Arts and Entertainment District as well as the new University System of Maryland Center. Ms. Everhart stated that this project is crucial to the redevelopment of the Arts and Entertainment District and that the deck would enhance economic development efforts in the downtown area. Mr. Martin reviewed the proposed financing plan. City and County capital contributions of $600,000 each would reduce the amount to be financed to a level that is close to being supportable by parking user charge revenues. Don Bowman and Irvin Gish from the Bowman Development Group provided information on the proposed project on South Potomac Street adjoining the parking deck and provided a model of the proposed redevelopment project. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Wivell stated that cooperation between two bodies has not been good on several issues and asked if there would be any commitment from the City to resolve them if the County agreed to assist with the proposal. Commissioner Snook stated that he feels the Commissioners are supportive of the parking deck project and want to cooperate with the City on various matters, and that they would take the proposal under consideration. He stated that the Commissioners want to have dialogue with the Council on other issues that need to be resolved. Mayor Breichner thanked the Commissioners for their consideration. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:03 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:39 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 1:39 p.m. to consider personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, consult with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, all 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 3:49 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) matters, JANUARY 6, 2004 PAGE FOUR consulted with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas; County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Duane Gigeous, Part-time Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Robert Garver, Regional Office of the Department of Business & Economic Development; EDC members John Schnebly and Gerald Hoak; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, and David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources. EMPLOY CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR – ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to employ Henry Renner as a Construction Inspector in the Engineering Department at a salary of $34,237. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Munson, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 3:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk