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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041005 October 5, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 9:25 a.m. to 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, 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 Munson, to reconvene in open session at 10:08 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners 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 M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); and Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:05 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 – SEPTEMBER 27 & 28, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of September 27 and 28, 2004, as amended. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, introduced new County employees Ronald Hardy (Sheriff’s Office), Michael Haifley (Purchasing), Robin Ferree (Economic Development Commission), David Mason (Engineering), Terry Patton (Permits & Inspections), and Ronald Laughman (Solid Waste Department). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED INCREASES IN CERTAIN FEES The Commissioners convened a public hearing on proposed increases to certain fees in the Permits & Inspections Department. Angela Smith, Deputy Director of the Department of Permits and Inspections, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed increases relating to the following: 1) 1997 International Plumbing Code with Local Amendments for Washington County - Application fee raised from $20 to $30 for residential and from $50 to $60 for commercial; 2) 1996 International Mechanical Code, First Printing with Local Amendments for Washington County – Application fee from $20 to $30 for residential and $50 to $60 for commercial; 3) Electrical Fee Schedule Governing Electrical Work Performed in Washington County – Application fee raised from $20 to $30 for residential and $50 to $60 for commercial; and 4) Certain administrative fees relating to the Washington County Department of Permits and Inspections (Chimney - $20 to $30, Expedited Certificate of Occupancy - $25 to $75, Signs (on building) - $20 plus $.07 per sq. ft. to $30 plus $.07 per sq. ft., and signs (free standing) - $75 plus $.07 sq. ft. to $85 plus $.07 sq. ft.). These changes would be reflected in the 1995 First Printing of the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, with Local Amendments for Washington County; and the 1996 BOCA National OCTOBER 5, 2004 PAGE TWO Building Code, Thirteenth Edition, with Local Amendments for Washington County. Ms. Smith stated that the increase in fees would be used to provide funding for an additional Permits Technician and Electrical Inspector and for new field technology for inspectors. The meeting was then opened for public comment. Debbie Turpin, Executive Director of Washington County Home Builders Association (HBA), stated that the HBA supports the proposed increases and the need for the new positions. The hearing was closed at 10:20 a.m. Commissioner Snook stated that the record would remain open for ten days in order to receive written comments. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS John Martirano, Deputy County Attorney, reviewed the changes made to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee’s bylaws. He summarized the changes that were made to the document and stated that they were initiated by the Committee. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee bylaws. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT – WATER QUALITY ADVISORY COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Scott Schubel to the Water Quality Advisory Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the County’s United Way campaign is underway. He provided an update on the search to fill the position of Director of Permits & Inspections. He stated that they have advertised twice for the position and have been unsuccessful in obtaining a candidate. Mr. Shoop asked the Commissioners to reconsider the request to upgrade the position from a Grade 16 to a Grade 17. The Commissioners took this request under consideration. DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Commissioner Kercheval presented a proclamation to Peggy Martin, Sharon Landis, and Jim Wilhide, representatives of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, designating the month of October 2004 as Disabilities Awareness Week in Washington County. Ms. Martin thanked the Commissioners for their support. She noted the activities scheduled throughout the month to promote disabilities awareness in the community. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that she attended the tour of the new REACH facility and Dr. Otto’s retirement luncheon. She reminded the Commissioners that the “Gala in the Stacks” fundraiser for the Washington County Free Library is scheduled on October 7 and the Chamber of Commerce “State of Education” event will be held on October 13 at the Clarion Conference Center. Commissioner Munson reported on a citizen’s concern regarding the County’s advertising of the new low fares being offered by USAir for flights at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the REACH tour. He informed the Commissioners that he met with the Director of the Solid Waste Department regarding several landfill issues. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the tour of the REACH facility. He reported that the Mental Health Needs Assessment survey found that the top three needs in the area were financial, transportation, and case management. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he met with representatives from Outdoor Advertising, Inc. regarding discussions to move a billboard from a proposed site on OCTOBER 5, 2004 PAGE THREE Leitersburg Pike to another site on Oak Ridge Drive. He informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission discussed the Westfields Development and the proposed site for construction of an elementary school at its meeting on Monday and the County would be setting up a meeting later in the month for further discussions. Commissioner Kercheval also reported that the Board of Education workshop on the effects of new student growth on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget being held today would be rebroadcast on Antietam Cable. Commissioner Kercheval also asked for an update on the status of the County’s committee evaluating our GIS system and encouraged the County to move that project forward as an important tool to handle growth. Commissioner Snook invited the Commissioners to the Leadership Prayer Breakfast on October 21. He reported on the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration would be holding a public information meeting at North Hagerstown High School this week to discuss proposed improvements to Interstate 81. He stated that he received a letter regarding the repairs and detour planned for the Tollgate Road Bridge from an individual who operates a small business in the area. Commissioner Snook stated that that the Street Acceptance Committee met and approved taking 31 streets into the County system. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Mike Thompson, Director of the Planning Department, reported on the Planning Commission meeting. He informed the Commissioners that the Permits & Inspections Department staff would be holding quarterly meetings to assist developers in navigating the County’s permit system. Joe Kroboth, Director of the Emergency Services Department, invited the Commissioners to the Local Emergency Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday. He informed the Commissioners that Governor Ehrlich identified Washington County as an area that qualifies for private homeowner relief due to damages that occurred as a result of the recent hurricanes. Mr. Kroboth stated that the Emergency Numbers System Review Board has granted his Department $217,000 to develop County-wide maps that are integrated with the telephone data base. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reminded the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration’s Annual Transportation Tour meeting is scheduled for October 7. He stated that staff has been working with the Maryland Historical Trust regarding the repairs to Tollgate Road Bridge. Mr. Rohrer indicated that several options are being considered for the repairs. Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, informed the Commissioners that they received a $50,000 grant from the State to perform an adolescent needs assessment. Ms. Stone provided information on a new support group for parents who have children with mental health needs. She stated that their first meeting is scheduled for October 23. CONTRACT AWARD – FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for Financial Advisor Services to Public Advisory Consultants, Incorporated, for the total proposal value of $50,000 (5 years at an annual cost of $10,000 per year) plus out-of-pocket expenses related to bond issues, and the hourly rates for each employee classification to be used for any required extra work as follows: Managing Director - $170, Senior Consultant - $160, Consultant - $140, Associate - $125, and Analyst - $95. This is a one-year contract commencing November 1, 2004, with an option by the Board to renew for up to four (4) consecutive one-year periods thereafter based on the annual lump sum fees proposed. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – LAWSUIT ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK Commissioner Nipps presented a proclamation to Vikki Nelson, representing the Western Maryland Chapter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, OCTOBER 5, 2004 PAGE FOUR designating the week of October 3 - 9, 2004, as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week in Washington County and offering their support and recognition for their continuing efforts to inform the public of the costs associated with frivolous lawsuits. Ms. Nelson thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 11:58 a.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney _______________________, County Clerk