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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040413 April 12, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 4:00 p.m. to consider a personnel issue that affects one or more specific individuals, 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 Munson, to reconvene in open session at 5:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered one (1) personnel issue that affects one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Planning Commission members Paula Lampton, Ben Clopper, George Anikis, Terry Reiber, and Bernie Moser. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 5:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk April 13, 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. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the MACo Legislative Committee meeting and provided updates on the “flush” tax legislation, transportation bill, and school construction funding. He stated that he met with representatives from the building industry who are asking the County to give developers the option to utilize third-party inspectors for home inspections if they chose to have more expeditious inspections. After discussion, the Commissioners asked staff to present them with additional information outlining procedures as to how this would work and to hold further discussion on this matter. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the meetings of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC) Board. The Board agreed that they were interested in approval of the PMDC bylaws changes and the master lease agreement, with the County Attorney to determine how to best accomplish this undertaking. APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE TWO Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and Public Golf Corporation Board. He stated that he and Commissioner Nipps met with representatives of the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County (CPWC) at the Hagerstown Regional Airport to discuss their concerns regarding the runway extension project. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission voted that the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the Planning Commission also discussed the placement of a billboard and expressed concerns that the ordinance dealing with this issue needs to be revised and asked that a moratorium be put on billboards until that is completed. The Commissioners agreed to schedule time on the agenda to discuss this matter in more detail. Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that she attended the meeting of the Rural Zoning Task Force and found the presentations made from representatives of other counties to be very valuable. She reported on the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board meeting and reminded the Commissioners that the Rural Heritage Museum’s open house is scheduled for April 17-18. Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the opening day ceremonies for the Washington County Girls Softball League. She also reminded the Board that the Lincoln Day dinner is Friday evening and that Governor Ehrlich would be the guest speaker. Commissioner Snook reported on the MACo Executive Board meeting. He reminded the Commissioners that Washington County is the site for the Winter MACo conference on December 1 – 3 and stated that funding has been budgeted by the County to host the welcome reception at the conference. Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners that National Pike Days is scheduled for May 15- 16. He reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook congratulated Tim Troxell, EDC Director and his staff for their presentation at the Chamber of Commerce’s “Eggs & Issues” breakfast. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the Blue Ridge Summit Library requesting a stipend of $1,500 from the County. He informed the Commissioners that he attended an open house held at the new Red Cross facility and attended opening day ceremonies for the Girls Softball League. Commissioner Snook stated that residents of the Robinwood Drive area have requested that he meet with them on April 21 regarding the proposed bypass in that area. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, asked for authorization to sign APFO and Public Works agreements, which now require Commissioner Snook’s signature. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to continue to have Commissioner Snook sign on behalf of the County. Joe Kroboth, Director of the Department of Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security on Friday to discuss possible projects for funding. PROCLAMATION – FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Kercheval presented Pat McMillan, Director of the Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), with a proclamation designating April 2004 as Fair Housing Awareness Month in Washington County and commending this observance to all citizens. Ms. McMillan thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and provided information on their programs and activities. PROCLAMATION – CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH Commissioner Nipps presented a proclamation to Cheryl Eversole and Captain Doug Mullendore, representing the Family Violence Council, designating April 2004 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Washington County and urging all citizens to become more aware of child abuse and its prevention in the community and become involved in supporting parents raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment. Ms. Eversole thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE THREE PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK Commissioner Munson presented a proclamation to Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Ted Wolford, Highways Superintendent; Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director; and Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, designating the week of April 16 – 23, 2004, as National County Government Week and commending its observance to all citizens, with the theme “Transportation: Counties Moving America’s People and Products.” GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners conducted a budget workshop to review a draft of the Fiscal Year 2005 General Fund budget. David Hankinson, Human Resources Director, and Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, continued discussions on requests made for new positions and reclassifications from the March 30 meeting. New Positions The Commissioners discussed the request made by the Election Board for a new IT position. They asked for additional information on the position and whether it could be shared with the Election Boards in Allegany and Garrett Counties. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support the EDC Coordinator position. They agreed to decide later how it would be funded. Reclassification requests: The Commissioners agreed to the upgrades requested by the Sheriff’s Department for the Judicial Division Corporal position (Grade 12 to 13); Patrol Division – Corporal position (Grade 12 to 13) and Sergeant (Grade 13 to 14); Detention Division – Corporal (Grade 11 to 12) and Sergeant (Grade 12 to 13). Also approved was a reclassification for Emergency Management Specialist from Grade 9 to 11. Other Requests The following requests were approved by the Commissioners: Election Board – increase in Board Attorney’s salary by $500; Election Board – Increase number of days part time work in upcoming General Election (10) and increase salary by $.50/hr. ($8.50); Sheriff’s Department (Judicial) – increase hourly wages for part-time personnel at metal detectors by 3%; Sheriff’s Department (Patrol) – increase in overtime budget for NTF personnel ($21,500); Sheriff’s Department (Detention) - increase in overtime budget ($5,000); 911 Communications – overtime for part-time workers ($774); Buildings, Grounds & Parks – increase part-time seasonal workers wages by $.50/hr.; Buildings, Grounds & Parks – increase part-time wages for Martin L. Snook Pool workers by $.25/hour; and Recreation – increase part-time wages by $.50/hour. The Commissioners discontinued discussions at 10:30 a.m. for citizens’ participation. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION George Knight expressed concerns about the proposed bypass road in the area of Greenhill Acres. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners would have representation at the meeting being held by area residents on April 21 to discuss concerns. Blaine Weaver also expressed concerns regarding the proposed new road. COUNTY ATTORNEY COMMENTS In answer to a previous question, John Martirano, Deputy County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the bylaws of the Water Quality Advisory Commission state that membership on the board shall have no less than five but no more than seven voting members. REAPPOINTMENT - ADVISORY COMMISSION TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Dr. Edward Ditto to the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE FOUR RE/APPOINTMENTS – ADULT PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP REVIEW BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Ann Kendall, Dr. Matthew Wagner, Sandra Weaver, and Charles Breakall (waiver of the two-term limit) to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board for three-year terms and to appoint Sally Clopper to fill the unexpired term of Sara Ann Godwin which extends to June 30, 2006. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that budget workshops are scheduled for April 19 and 22. He stated that the Employees’ Casual Day in March raised $345 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. CONSTANT YIELD TAX NOTIFICATION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to advertise their intent to continue the property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of assessed full value for the Fiscal Year 2005 Section 6-308, Tax-Property Article, Annotated as required by Code of Maryland for purposes of constant yield notification to take to public hearing. Unanimously approved. GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP – CONTINUED The Commissioners continued discussions on the FY 2005 budget. Mr. Hankinson reviewed information regarding salary increases being proposed by local businesses and governments in adjoining counties. The staff recommended that the Commissioners consider a three-percent wage increase for full-time County employees. Commissioner Munson expressed concerns that a percent increase gives more to those in higher grades and hurts the morale of those at a lower grade level. After discussion, it was the consensus to proceed with a three-percent increase. Mr. Hankinson stated that he has revisions he would like to present to the performance evaluation form. Mr. Hankinson provided information on the history of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) given to County retirees. He proposed a COLA increase of two percent for retirees in FY 2005. The Commissioners requested additional information before making a decision on this issue. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the Real Property Administrator has expressed his intent to retire as of June 30, 2004. He has indicated that he could continue to work on a part-time basis at an hourly rate for the County after his retirement. The Commissioners took this under consideration. Mr. Rohrer requested authorization to advertise to fill this vacancy with a proposed start date of June 1. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to authorize Mr. Rohrer to proceed with advertisement of the position. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:48 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:10 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. ADOPTION OF COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, reviewed the comments he received on the draft Emergency Operations Plan. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Kroboth for his diligence in compiling the plan. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to adopt the Basic Emergency Operations Plan as revised by the Department of Emergency Services and presented on March 23, 2004. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES (MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION & STOPLOSS COVERAGE) Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent and Mike Marchini, Senior Employee Benefits Consultant with CBIZ/BGS&G, appeared before the Commissioners to APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE FIVE present the recommendation for group health insurance for the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Luther reviewed the process used by the Coordinating Committee to make its recommendation. She stated that other members serving on the Coordinating Committee were: Rodney Shoop, Chairman; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Debbie Payton, Benefits Coordinator; Donna Messina, Human Resources Director for the City of Hagerstown; and Pete Madeo, Human Resources Director for Good Humor Breyers Ice Cream. Mr. Marchini then reviewed the timeline of events, process used, and the cost analysis summary. He stated that it was the unanimous decision of the Coordinating Committee to recommend CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield for the County medical/prescription and stop loss coverage; MetLife for dental coverage (Option 1); and VSP for vision coverage. Mr. Marchini reviewed the final recommendations and the rationale for selecting them. He noted that the County could realize savings of $22,000 if the Board of Education selects CareFirst as well. At this time, the meeting was opened for questions and discussion regarding the recommendation. Commissioner Snook thanked all of the individuals for their participation on the Coordinating Committee. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for employee medical/prescription and stop loss coverage to CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, for County employees; MetLife for dental coverage (option 1); and VSP for vision coverage, effective July 1, 2004. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to renew the contract of the original sole bidder, BFI Waste Services, LLC for trash removal services at twenty (20) County facilities and allow the Purchasing Agent to negotiate with them on a percentage price increase. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – PLUMBING & HEATING MAINTNENANCE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to renew the contract for plumbing and heating maintenance services with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. with a two percent increase in the hourly rate for the plumber’s routine regular working hours from $28.69/hour to $29.26/hour. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR A COUNTY- WIDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for a consultant to develop performance specifications and provide technical assistance for a County- wide local government/public safety radio system to L. Robert Kimball & Associates, Inc., which submitted the low total lump sum proposal of $128,000 and to approve pre-funding of $28,000 from the current FY 2005 CIP draft budget (Account 30 11600 EQP025). Unanimously approved. PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT William Sprague, Permits & Zoning Director, and Kathy Kroboth, Zoning Coordinator, asked the Commissioners to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to allow the use of civil monetary penalties in connection with zoning violations, in addition to other remedies. The amendments would be presented to the Planning Commission for their approval. Mr. Sprague reviewed a five-year summary of service requests as well as sample fines for some violations. He stated that the Commissioners have the authority under existing law to adopt these amendments without seeking further legislation. He indicated that allowing the Department to issue citations would streamline enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. County Attorney Richard Douglas stated that the fines would be payable in District Court as municipal infractions and revenues received would be paid to the County. Mr. Sprague stated that the County would provide a schedule of fines and the procedures for collection. APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE SIX The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Snook suggested that violators be given a warning with a time frame to correct the violation before being fined. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to allow staff to proceed to develop the text amendments for consideration at the next joint public hearing in June. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval to allow staff to proceed to develop the text amendments for consideration at public hearing to permit the use of civil monetary penalties in connection with zoning violations. Motion carried with Commissioners Munson, Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” APPLICATION FOR MAP AMENDMENT TO WATER & SEWERAGE PLAN (WS-03- 002) Stephen Goodrich, Interim Planning Director, reviewed the request made by John and Cindy Burtner for an amendment to the Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan for the purpose of providing public water and sewerage service to 14.95 acres of land located along the west side of Dogstreet Road at the intersection of Red Hill Road (the “Property”). He stated that the Plan would be amended as follow: 1) Chapter Three, Map No. 73, would be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Water Service Area with a Water Service Priority Classification of W-5 (Planned Service); and 2) Chapter Four, Map No. 73, would be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Sewerage Area with a Sewerage Service Priority Classification of S-5 (Planned Service). The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the amendment. Commissioner Snook raised concerns that the Town of Keedysville does not have an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance in place that would assist in funding school improvements that are needed due to the proposed development. The Commissioners discussed the issue. Mr. Goodrich indicated that it would have been best to address this issue at the annexation stage. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to approve application WS-03-002 made by John and Cindy Burtner for an amendment to the Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan as follows: 1) Chapter Three, Map No. 73, would be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Water Service Area with a Water Service Priority Classification of W-5 (Planned Service); and 2) Chapter Four, Map No. 73, would be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Sewerage Area with a Sewerage Service Priority Classification of S-5 (Planned Service). Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, Nipps, and Wivell voting “AYE” and Commissioner Snook voting “NO.” FINANCIAL ADJUSTMENT TO CURRENT 2004 BUDGET – HUMANE SOCIETY Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County, and Dana Moylan, Humane Society President, met with the Commissioners to request an adjustment to the current budget. Ms. Moylan stated that the percentage of animal control related activities has increased from 70% to 84% of expenses and the current payment from the County of $510,620 is only 49% of the total budget. She requested that the increase to $789,380 be made in two steps. First, an increased in the 2004 budget in the amount of $362,538 and an additional increase to the 2005 budget of $46,842. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners discussed possible cuts in services and other possible ways to reduce the budget. Ms. Moylan stated that the Humane Society is considering no longer accepting animals from out of the County. The Commissioners agreed that they needed additional time to digest the information and stated that they would take the request under consideration. EMPLOY – PLANNING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to employ Michael Thompson as Director of the Department of Planning and Community Development (Grade 19) at a salary of $80,000. Unanimously approved. APRIL 13, 2004 PAGE SEVEN CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 3:40 p.m. to consider personnel issues that affect one or more specific individuals, 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 Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 4:26 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered three (3) personnel issues that affects one or more individuals, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and considered a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:26 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk