Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout040120 January 20, 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. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, introduced new County employees Vijay Kapoor (Engineering Department), Henry Renner (Engineering Department), and William Mills (Detention Officer). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Historic District Commission meeting. She stated that she attended the reception at the Washington County Free Library in celebration of the Byrd Foundation donation of $325,000 toward the new Boonsboro branch library. Commissioner Nipps stated that the Airport Advisory Commission reviewed the bid schedule for the runway extension. She also reported on the Local Management Board’s retreat to develop goals and priorities for 2004. She stated that she also attended the awards dinner at Community Rescue Service. Commissioner Kercheval reported that he attended the C-Safe Board meeting and provided information on how upcoming State budget cuts would affect the program. He informed the Commissioners that the Mental Health Advisory Committee voted to support the Mental Health Authority operations rather than the Health Department’s proposal to incorporate and manage these services. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Martin Luther King Day event at Hagerstown Community College. He reported on the Public Golf Corporation meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that an art auction is scheduled at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church this Saturday with proceeds to benefit Potomac Case Management. Commissioner Wivell reported on the State Enhanced Nutrient Removal requirements that would tighten the discharge requirements at water treatment plants. He stated that the County’s 1994 water and sewer plan needs to be updated although the Maryland Department of the Environment has indicated that they are not willing to accept an updated plan. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Dr. Daniel Murphy that he is not interested in reappointment to the Animal Control Authority when his term expires in February. He stated that he participated in the installation ceremony for new members at the Commission on Aging meeting last week. Commissioner Snook informed the Board that the 2004 Senior Fair is scheduled for May 20. He stated that he attended the Williamsport Volunteer Fire Company banquet. Commissioner Snook noted that Maryland Realtor Magazine reported that the average home price in Washington County for September was $171,000. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that they hope to close on the Maryland Water Quality refinancing bond issue in February. She stated that she paid off $590,000 in House Bill 1417 requirements with $90,000 being advanced for FY 2005. Ms. Bastian reminded everyone that operating budgets are due on Friday, January 23. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, provided information on a grant that they are seeking in cooperation with the Washington County JANUARY 20, 2004 PAGE TWO Health Department for the enhanced communications system. He also provided statistics on fire deaths in 2003. Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, requested authorization to fill the following positions: Maintenance Equipment Operator II – Highways, Engineering Project Manager, and Office Manager - Permits & Inspections Department. The Commissioners asked for an update on State Highway User fund revenues before authorizing the position at the Highway Department. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize advertising to fill the Engineering Project Manager and Office Manager positions in the Permits and Inspections Department. Unanimously approved. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that he met with Home Builders Association members yesterday to discuss implementation of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance funding. Mr. Rohrer stated that he met with Sheriff Mades regarding the central booking facility and operational funding considerations. The Commissioners also discussed the manner in which after-hours calls are handled at the Highway Department and whether they should continue to be routed to Emergency Services. REVIEW OF 2003 GOALS AND PROPOSED 2004 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, and staff continued the update of the 2003 goals (6 - 9) which began at last week’s meeting and the action plans associated with each goal: 6) Complete and adopt business plans for the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility and Nicodemus Wastewater Treatment Plant. 7) Review EDC organization for possible privatization to include a dedicated funding source. Commissioner Wivell stated that he would like to appoint a task force to review the models used by other counties. 8) Complete and present full cost analysis of municipal solid waste and airport operations. 9) Work with municipalities to develop policies to increase urban tax base. Mr. Shoop began discussions on proposed goals for 2004. The Commissioners discussed Goal #1, which is to develop and implement a highway pavement management plan. Due to time constraints, they agreed to place this item on the agenda for next week’s meeting when discussions continue on the proposed 2004 goals. DISABILITY COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SURVEY Norman Bassett and Peggy Martin, representing the Disabilities Advisory Committee (DAC), met with the Commissioners regarding the Needs Assessment Survey, which was initiated by the Committee. Ms. Martin introduced the following DAC members who were in attendance: Bill Beard, Sondra Funk and her assistance dog Bonnie Lu, Sharon Landis, Jim Wilhide, and Pat McMillan. Ms. Martin stated that the survey dealt with demographics, transportation, employment, housing, technology/equipment, services, and health care. The report also outlined the DAC recommendations in each category. Ms. Martin informed the Commissioners that 7,000 survey forms were distributed and that they received a 7% return. Commissioner Snook asked that the survey results be provided to County department heads to determine whether the recommendations can be implemented. He also suggested that the DAC present the results to City of Hagerstown officials since the majority of issues deal with City residents. Ms. Martin stated that the DAC would be meeting to develop recommendations that are more specific. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners of the meeting in Annapolis with the local delegation to the General Assembly on February 4. He stated that recommendations for the Rural Zoning Task Force are due on January 22. The Commissioners stated that they would review those recommendations at the meeting on January 27. JANUARY 20, 2004 PAGE THREE POLICY REVIEW AND UPDATES – PETTY CASH, BUSINESS EXPENSE, & INVESTMENT POLICIES Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reviewed revisions to the Petty Cash, Business Expense, and Investment Policies. The Commissioners discussed the proposed changes for each policy. They asked several questions regarding the Business Expense Policy. Commissioner Snook requested that staff review a possible amendment to the policy reimbursing additional insurance costs for employees who use personal automobiles on County business. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to delay approval of the Business Expense Policy revisions until they review it in more detail. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the amended Petty Cash and Investment Policies, to include the additional revisions outlined today. Unanimously approved. REPLACEMENT OF VACANT ENGINEERING TECH IV WITH CIVIL ENGINEER Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners to request authorization to replace the Engineering Tech IV position in the Engineering Department with that of a Civil Engineer. Mr. Rohrer stated that the County’s projects are becoming more complex and the Department would benefit from the additional experience this position would bring. Their hope is that the higher salary range will generate increased interest in the position. Mr. McGee stated that this position has been vacant for four months and they are having difficulty attracting qualified applicants. He stated that the Civil Engineer position would be a Grade 15 with a salary range of $44,067 – $70,507. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the request to replace the Engineering Tech IV (Grade 14) position with a Civil Engineer (Grade 15) in the Engineering Department. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:54 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:02 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. PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL REPORT – WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (WCCP) Stephanie Stone, Director of the WCCP, and Tom Kline, Community Mobilization Liaison, presented the Commissioners with their Department’s 2003 Annual Report. Ms. Stone provided information on the programs supported by WCCP and the grant funds used for the programs. She stated that the WCCP provides funds for programs that deal with substance abuse prevention, combating underage drinking, teen pregnancy prevention, and reducing family violence. Ms. Stone indicated that the WCCP also funds projects dealing with after-school programming, youth leadership, and family enhancements. Commissioner Snook commended Ms. Stone and her staff on a job well done. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 1:22 p.m. to consider personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, 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. JANUARY 20, 2004 PAGE FOUR RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 2:39 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, 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, Deputy County Attorney; Duane Gigeous, Part-time Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Stephen Goodrich, Acting Planning Director; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources; Debra Bastian, Director of Budgt & Finance; and Kim Kepler- Thomas, Driver Supervisor at the Transportation Department. EMPLOY – ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the recommendation to employ Terri Shoemaker-Kreit as Accounting Supervisor (Grade 14) in the Budget & Finance Department at a salary of $45,000. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:39 p.m. TAX SET-OFF MEETING – TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Smithsburg Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: William J. Wivell, Vice President, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present were Mayor Mildred Myers, and Smithsburg Town Council members Shirley Aurand, Ralph Regan, and Jerome Martin. TAX SET-OFF PROGRAM 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 set-off program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for Fiscal Year 2004, the Town is estimated to receive $59,045. Commissioner Snook reminded the Mayor and Council that Town employees are invited to utilize the safety programs offered by the County. He stated that the Town might also want to piggyback onto the County’s overlay contract. Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Commissioner Snook reviewed the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) with Town officials. He urged the Town to adopt the County’s Ordinance or something similar to address school capacity issues caused by growth in the Town. Commissioner Snook explained that any fees collected by the Town or on their behalf would be used for Smithsburg area schools and infrastructure. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners stated that County staff would be available to discuss the APFO in more detail. Update – Smithsburg Branch Library Judith Ferro, representing the Friends of the Smithsburg Library, provided an update on fundraising efforts for the new branch library in Smithsburg. She informed the Commissioners that they have raised slightly over $800,000 to date for the library. Commissioner Wivell stated that there should be some news on whether the Federal funding is approved in the near future. Ms. Ferro indicated that they would like to break ground for the project this summer. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he hopes to have the request for proposal for the JANUARY 20, 2004 PAGE FIVE project design out for bid by February. He noted that the bids would probably be opened for construction in late summer of this year. The Commissioners asked that the Committee meet with the County Administrator for budgeting purposes. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk