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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041207 December 7, 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 – NOVEMBER 30, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of November 30, 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, introduced new County employees Patrick Kemmerer (Sheriff’s Patrol), Jason Eckstine (Airport), and Anthony Mace (Engineering). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps reported on the sessions she attended at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) winter conference. Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the MACo conference, the Antietam Battlefield Memorial Illumination, and the Highway Department Christmas party. He informed the Board that he and Commissioner Kercheval met with the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board to discuss preservation programs. He stated that he received a letter regarding the implementation of T-hangar regulations at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Nipps, the Commissioner representative on the Airport Advisory Commission, explained that the new measures are being taken to meet FAA security regulations and that the Commission has discussed the matter and given its support of the new requirements. Commissioner Kercheval provided highlights from the MACo conference, which included sessions on text messaging for Permits & Inspections inspectors, green buildings, and all- terrain vehicles (ATVs). He informed the Commissioners that the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council would be discussing the adoption of an APFO policy at its meeting tonight. He stated that the County should forward its comments to them before the meeting. Commissioner Kercheval provided a summary of the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce board meeting. He provided information on the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting. He also informed the Board that he received a letter from the State Comptroller’s office promoting electronic filing for income tax. Commissioner Snook complimented Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, and his staff for the manner in which they handled the recent situation involving the City’s water main break. The Commissioners agreed to schedule a joint meeting with the City of Hagerstown and the Local Delegation to the General Assembly to review 2005 legislative initiatives. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that a meeting has been tentatively scheduled for December 16. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, informed the Board of a proposed amendment to subdivision regulations regarding the length of cul-de-sacs. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the County’s salt domes are fully stocked for de-icing purposes. He stated that the Water Quality Department offered to make its resources available to assist the City in repairing the water main break. Mr. Rohrer indicated that he was working with the development community regarding road adequacy regulations. DECEMBER 7, 2004 PAGE TWO Jaime Dick, Director of the Recreation Department, and John Whitman, Program Administrator, provided an update on the success of the Recreation Department’s summer programs. They distributed copies of the winter program schedule. FOREST GLEN COMMONWEALTH HISTORY HERITAGE GROUP Tom Riford, Director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), introduced Rick Lank and Rebecca Rush representing the Forest Glen Commonwealth (FGC), a non-profit organization that is proposing to develop a new museum in the Cearfoss area with a goal to energize history. Mr. Riford outlined other projects that FGC has done in the area. Mr. Lank and Ms. Rush stated that the Heritage Education Center project at Cearfoss would be for multi-state heritage tourism routes and would compile data and stories linking battlefields with care facilities located across America. Mr. Lank distributed information on their plans to purchase a property in Cearfoss. He requested that the County provide a low-interest loan of $60,000 to secure the property. Commissioner Snook explained that the group must first be included on the list of approved organizations to which the County may contribute funds. He suggested that they contact the County Attorney’s office if they wish to be included on the list. He also asked that they also submit their business plan. PROPOSED ADDRESS CHANGE FOR PRIVATE DRIVE Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed address change for a private lane off of Rohrersville Road. Mr. Thompson stated that the Planning Department staff reached this decision as it determined that up to ten lots would be utilizing the private lane. He informed the Board that it has been the policy of the County since the addressing system was implemented in the late 1980s to name lanes that serve over three lots to assist emergency services in locating residences. The residents asked that the County not change the name of the lane and indicated that they believe they would still receive timely fire and rescue service if it were not changed. Mr. Thompson stated that the residents did not like the proposed name submitted by the Planning staff but they had submitted two other names that were acceptable to the County. The Commissioners discussed the information provided. Mr. Thompson informed the Commissioners that the staff is also working on other cases that were brought to their attention. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adhere to County policy and make the address changes to the private lane off Rohrersville Road. They agreed to allow the residents up to one year to make the change and to allow them to choose the name for the lane within the next 60 days. Unanimously approved. FEDERAL FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners regarding the Federal Functional Classification system for highways. Mr. Thompson explained that the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 requires the update of the functional classifications for roads in both urban and rural areas of the County. He stated that the Commissioners originally heard the changes being proposed at the November 16 meeting and had asked for additional information. Mr. Thompson explained the criteria used by the State Highway Administration to classify the roadways and reviewed the changes being proposed in Washington County. He emphasized that the system does not limit the County on how it views roadways in the context of the Comprehensive Plan and does not set design standards. This system assists SHA in obtaining funds from the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. McGee reviewed the proposed changes. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to authorize Gregory I. Snook, as President of the Board of County Commissioners, to send a letter to the State Highway Administration supporting the proposed changes in the Federal Functional Classifications of highways for Washington County. Unanimously approved. DECEMBER 7, 2004 PAGE THREE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Commissioner Snook asked Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, to have the Highway Department check the roadway on Oak Ridge Drive at its intersection with Sharpsburg Pike for possible improvements that may be needed. The Commissioners also agreed to send a letter to the Transportation Advisory Committee regarding the striping at the left-turn lane on Leitersburg Pike onto Eastern Boulevard. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he attended the Greater Hagerstown Committee’s (GHC) meeting with the Local Delegation and reviewed their legislative priorities for 2005. FINAL CLOSE OUT CHANGE ORDER – ROADWAY RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to approve the final close-out change order with C. William Hetzer, Inc. for the 2004 Roadway reclamation and recycling program for the decreased amount of $49,971.88. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – AREA AGENCY ON AGING ADVISORY COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Emma Lou Comstock and Carl Howe to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council for three-year terms and to appoint Mary Alice Schaeffer for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS (AD-04-001 AND AD-04-002) The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider applications AD-04-001 and AD-04-002 for ten-year agricultural preservation districts. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed the applications and provided information regarding the program. He stated that the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board has approved them and that the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistentwith the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was then opened for public comment. Mrs. Barr spoke in support of her application. Tabitha Gargano, Bonnie Welty, and Shelley Smith, also spoke in support of the Barr application. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve applications AD-04-001 (submitted by Phyllis Barr) and AD-04-002 (submitted by Karl Werder), for 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. CANDIDATE SITE FOR FOREST CONSERVATION ACT PROGRAM Elmer Weibley, District Manager of the Washington County Soil Conservation District, met with the Commissioners to review a candidate for a planting and retention site utilizing the Forest Conservation Fund. Mr. Weibley stated that Frank and Joan Taylor own the site. It has a total new planting of 2.2 acres and existing forest of 3.3 acres, located at Geeting Road in Keedysville. All costs for the project will come from the Forest Conservation Fund. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the property owned by Frank and Joan Taylor for planting and retention sites for the Forest Conservation Fund. Unanimously approved. RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Commissioner Munson presented Richard Willson, Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County, with a Certificate of Merit in recognition of the 100% score the Housing Authority received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for its management of the Section 8 Voucher Program in fiscal year 2004. Mr. Willson thanked the Commissioners for the certificate. He stated that the scoring system looks at key statutory requirements that show that waiting lists are being properly maintained, rents are being tested to assure that they are reasonable, income is being verified, and rents are being correctly calculated. Mr. Willson stated that financial resources to assist lower DECEMBER 7, 2004 PAGE FOUR income families are shrinking while home prices and rents are rapidly rising. He asked the Commissioners to consider adopting an inclusionary zoning or affordable housing program that could assist with homeownership. RECESS – ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:41 a.m. in order to attend the annual Department of Social Services luncheon. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:32 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James Kercheval, John Munson, and Doris Nipps. WASHINGTON COUNTY REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX CREDITS Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, reviewed the list for authorization to grant real estate property tax credits for fiscal year 2004. The credits are granted in accordance with Section 9-301 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, among other provisions. Mr. Hershey reported that there are several types of credits included in the "Authorization to Write Off Uncollectible Taxes" report: 1) Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes; 2) Ruritan clubs and civic organization credits; 3) Special credits; 4) Enterprise zone - Airport; 5) Enterprise zone - Hancock; 6) Enterprise zone - Interstate 81; 7) Enterprise zone - Hagerstown. The adjustments are made in accordance with Section 9-323 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, among other provisions. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to approve the "Authorization to Write Off Uncollectible Taxes" for 2004 as presented. Unanimously approved. PROPOSED REVISIONS – WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGHWAY ADEQUACY POLICY Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Board to review the proposed revisions to the Washington County Highway Adequacy Policy. Mr. Rohrer explained that the revisions would place more responsibility on new and redevelopment projects for their impact on the highway infrastructure. He stated that he would review the changes with interested parties over the next several weeks and return to the Board with the final document for adoption. He then reviewed the changes being proposed in the categories of Road Elements, Pavement Condition, Clear Width, Weight Limit Minimums, Traffic Operations, and Exemptions. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Mr. Rohrer stated that today’s presentation was for informational purposes and that they would allow time for the Commissioners to review the information and make comments before bringing it back for future discussion. UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN RESULTS AND DRAWING Angie Helfrick, Chairperson for the County’s 2004 United Way and Community Health Charities annual campaign, appeared before the Commissioners to provide the results of this year’s campaign. Ms. Helfrick stated that County employees raised $50,549 of which $39,808 was for the United Way and $10,741 for Community Health Charities. This was a 19% increase over 2003. She informed the Commissioners that 43 employees also volunteered at four different locations during the United Way “Day of Caring.” The Commissioners then drew names to determine the winners of the incentive prizes for the 2004 United Way campaign. Commissioners recognized Deputy Billy Nutter with a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding support and assistance of the United Way campaign at the Sheriff’s Department where 99 out of 102 employees participated. Guy Knepper, Rick Needy, and Dave Izat were the winners of three Valley Mall gift certificates and Gina Cirincion won the American Eagle statue donated by Commissioner Nipps. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, thanked Ms. Helfrick for serving as the United Way chairperson. DECEMBER 7, 2004 PAGE FIVE YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – OCTOBER 2004 Commissioner Kercheval presented a Certificate of Merit to Dereck R. Hewitt in recognition of his selection as the October 2004 Youth of the Month (High School) and Commissioner Nipps presented a Certificate of Merit to Kelsey Hovermale as the recipient of the October 2004 Youth of the Month (Middle School) as recommended by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Snook stated that they would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 2:36 p.m. to discuss the appointment of appointees or officials over whom the Board has jurisdiction and consider any other personnel matter that affects 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, 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 3:35 p.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:01 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment of appointees or officials over whom the Board has jurisdiction and consider any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific 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 M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Michael Thompson, Director of Planning; and Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission. APPOINTMENT – BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to appoint David Williams to the Board of Zoning Appeals to fill the unexpired term of Kirk Downey, which extends to June 30, 2005. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 4:02 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk