Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout040608 June 8, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. at the Washington County Free Library. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Bernadette Wagner, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Russell Williams, Jacqueline Fischer, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Deputy Superintendent of Schools; Rodney Turnbough, Director of Facilities Management; William Blum, Chief Operating Officer; Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance; JoEtta Palkovitz- Brown, Executive Director of Elementary Education; and Boyd Michael, Executive Director of Secondary Education. Memorandum of Understanding – Public Network Agreement The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Board of County Commissioners, Washington County Free Library, Board of Education, and Mayor and Council of the City of Hagerstown for the Washington County Public Network (WCPN) was formally executed. The MOU had been previously approved by each of the respective Boards. It will assist the WCPN in their collaboration in enhancing Washington County’s telecommunications opportunities through the implementation of innovative technologies. Third Quarter General Fund Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the following third quarter budget adjustments as requested by the Board of Education to decrease the following categories: Administration - $55,715; Instructional Salaries - $376,325; Other Instructional Costs - $173,525; Special Education - $154,395; and Fixed Charges - $30,000; and to increase the following categories: Revenue - $618,675; Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $292,780; Mid-Level Administration - $52,605; Operation of Plant - $60,955, and Maintenance of Plant - $1,002,295, for a total adjustment to the Fund Balance of $0. Unanimously approved. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget Adjustment Mr. South informed the Commissioners that the Board of Education requests that $100,000 be transferred from Systemic Projects to a new account (School for the Arts) to provide funding to complete a feasibility study for the proposed downtown School for the Arts. He stated that the funds were initially to be used for water system projects at Fountain Rock and Old Forge Elementary Schools, however, these projects were funded through the Aging Schools Program and general fund, which freed the funding to be used elsewhere. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the reclassification of $100,000 from systemic projects into a new account, School for the Arts, in the CIP Budget. Unanimously approved. Maugansville Elementary School Progress Report Rodney Turnbough, Director of Facilities Management, provided a progress report on the construction of the new Maugansville Elementary School. Mr. Turnbough outlined the timeline for the project and stated that they hope to complete construction in December 2006. He informed the Commissioners that the State- rated capacity of the school is 638. Mr. Turnbough also reviewed long-range enrollment projections and the proposed floor plan. Mr. Blum stated that they are going to petition the State to increase the level of funding by ten percent based on the anticipated number of housing units being constructed in the area. The meeting was then opened for questions. Representatives from the Maugansville Ruritan Club attended to discuss the project and expressed interest in the old school building. After taking questions, Mr. Turnbough agreed to meet with the Ruritan members to discuss their concerns. The Commissioners asked the Board to provide an update on the project in six months. Discussion - Pleasant Valley Elementary School Staffing Commissioner Snook stated that he had received several letters regarding the proposed staffing changes at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Abernethy explained that the population at the school has decreased and they are considering the redeployment of staff. Ms. Ober stated that the Board recently discussed this situation and would JUNE 8, 2004 PAGE TWO continue discussions in the future. The Commissioners asked that they work with parents to resolve the issue. The meeting was recessed at 9:00 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:15 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 – MAY 25, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of May 25, 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 9:27 a.m. to consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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 Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 10:32 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered a matter that concerned 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; John M. Martirano, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; and Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION William Pennington, President of Fortney Homes, Inc., informed the Commissioners that Housing and Urban Development (HUD) purchased a mobile home park in the County and all homeowners were given ninety days to vacate the property. Mr. Pennington stated that he attempted to help one of the displaced residents but was denied a building permit. He asked the Commissioners to grant one building permit, due to a hardship situation, to give this couple a place to live in his mobile home park. Mr. Pennington also spoke about the need for more affordable housing and difficulties with permitting property for new lots on his site. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to allow a building permit for a mobile home as requested by Mr. Pennington. Randy Thompson expressed his concerns about the situation at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Mr. Thompson stated that he feels the Board of Education has made a mistake in eliminating one full-time teaching position at the school. He indicated that he could offer creative funding strategies so this would not be a financial issue. Commissioner Nipps stated that this is a shifting of resources by the Board of Education and that the Board hopes to resolve the issue. Karen Cramer stated that Pleasant Valley Elementary School is the center of the community in that area and expressed concerns about the loss of a teacher at the school. Shelly Kimble stated that she was speaking on behalf of a small builder in the Pleasant Valley area regarding the impact that the APFO fees for schools have on small homebuilders. Commissioner Kercheval explained the derivation of the APFO fees and the need for the fees to help with school JUNE 8, 2004 PAGE THREE construction and expansion. He also explained the difference between operating and capital costs. Karen Reilly thanked the Commissioners for listening to their concerns. She stated that the parents hope to continue to hold discussions with Board of Education to resolve these issues at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Governor Ehrlich has cancelled his appearances in the area Friday since he would be attending the funeral of President Reagan. He noted that the flag would be at half-mast for 30 days in remembrance of President Reagan. Mr. Shoop stated that the Rural Area Zoning Task Force presentation has been delayed and will be rescheduled in the near future. Joni Bittner, County Clerk, informed the Commissioners that Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, negotiated with BFI for renewal of the contract for trash removal from County facilities and that BFI has agreed to a 5% increase instead of the 8% BFI originally requested. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Community Action Council Board, Historic District Commission, and Recreation & Parks Board. Commissioner Wivell asked the Public Works Director to provide follow-up information to a citizen regarding a stormwater management issue. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, the Public Golf Corporation Board, and the Planning Commission. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the funeral of Mike Callas and stated that Mr. Callas was a fine individual who will be missed in the County. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he met with representatives of a company who currently have plans submitted to the Planning Commission for outdoor advertising. He conveyed his best wishes th to Commissioner Wivell on his 40 birthday. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the Public Safety Interoperability Group meeting and the progress meeting for the hauling project at the Airport. He informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Dive and Rescue Team received a $14,000 grant from the Waterways Improvement Fund. Commissioner Snook distributed a copy of the order from Maryland District Court Administrative Judge W. Milnor Roberts directing that the Sheriff’s Office assumes the duties of the District Court constables. He stated that he attended the formal signing ceremony for the refinancing of loans by Maryland Water Quality and thanked the Finance Department for their work on the loan documents. Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting. He asked that a copy of the approved Water and Sewer Infrastructure Commission legislation be provided to each Commissioner to allow them to review the composition of the group. AUTHORIZATION FOR FUNDING – BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Motion made by Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to authorize the use of the John Howard Trust fund for capital expenses (roof replacement) at Black Rock Golf Course for the amount of $15,738, which is not covered by insurance. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, distributed a list of the pavement management projects for their information. BID REJECTION – TERMINAL BUILDING AND APRON MODIFICATIONS Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, informed the Commissioners that she is recommending that all bids be rejected, including add alternates for the JUNE 8, 2004 PAGE FOUR terminal building and apron modifications at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. She stated that all bids exceeded the funding amount budgeted. The meeting was then opened for discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to reject all bids, including add alternates, for the terminal building and apron modification project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for personal protective clothing for the Washington County Department of Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Office to the following lowest responsive, responsible bidders: Section I (Structural Fire Fighting PPC) – Mason Dixon Fire Equipment - $10,760; Section II (Urban Search and Rescue PPC) – Maryland Fire Equipment Corp. - $12,635.80; Section III – (PPC for Sheriff’s Office) – Red the Uniform Tailor - $16,224. The bid award recommendations total $39,619.80. Unanimously approved. (Sections I and II will be paid through a Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant and Section II through a Weapons of Mass Destruction –Phase II grant.) BID AWARD – SALE OF AIRPORT GROUND SUPPORT VEHICLES Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for the sale of Airport ground support vehicles to Am Av, Inc. Martin State Airport, which submitted the sole bid of $26,500 for one (1) used 1987 Ford F700 Jet A Fuel Refueler Truck. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:00 noon for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:01 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 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING MORATORIUM ORDINANCE The Commissioners discussed the outdoor advertising moratorium ordinance that was heard at public hearing on May 25, 2004. The Ordinance would establish a moratorium on the construction of new billboards, pending the development of amendments to the existing outdoor advertising regulations in the Zoning Ordinance. The Commissioners discussed the applications that were submitted prior to the moratorium and agreed that clarification needs to be made to determine if they would be considered as new applications. Commissioner Kercheval suggested that a minor revision be made to the Ordinance that an application to modify existing outdoor advertising would not be considered as a new application, provided that any increase in the overall dimensions of the outdoor advertising is minor. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to adopt the Outdoor Advertising Moratorium Ordinance to establish a 90-day moratorium on the construction of new billboards, pending the development of amendments to the existing outdoor advertising regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, with the revision that an application to replace, rehabilitate, or otherwise modify existing outdoor advertising within the meaning of the Ordinance would not be considered a new application, provided that any increase in the overall dimensions of the outdoor advertising is minor in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, Wivell, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Munson voting “NO.” (A copy of the approved Ordinance is attached.) BID REJECTION – FORTY WEST LANDFILL, CELL 3 OF PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, appeared before the Commissioners with a recommendation to reject the single bid received from Polino Contracting, Inc. and approve re-advertising the project. Mr. McGee stated that the JUNE 8, 2004 PAGE FIVE bid was in order but that it exceeded the engineer’s cost estimate by $5,590,700. The bid documents stated that “…After opening of bids, but before award, the Owner reserves the right to reject in whole or part, any or all bids if it is determined that this action is fiscally advantageous or otherwise in the Owner’s best interest.” Mr. McGee stated that several areas of concern would be addressed in the re-advertisement. He then answered questions on the project. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reject the bid received from Polino Contracting, Inc. without prejudice for the construction of Forty West Landfill, Cell Three of Phase 1 Construction, and to revise the bid documents and rebid the project. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 1:51 p.m. to consider any personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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. (Commissioner Kercheval was excused from the meeting at 3:01 p.m. He returned at 3:40 p.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 4:37 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered four (4) personnel issues that affect one or more 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 M. Martirano, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; and Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 4:37 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,