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February 21, 2006
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:45 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 – FEBRUARY 14, 2006
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to
approve the minutes of February 14, 2006, as amended.
Unanimously approved.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Munson asked the Commissioners if they wished to
make a donation toward the Board of Education’s awards program.
After discussion, the Commissioners agreed that they would
donate individually to the program.
Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he received
a request from Delegate Shank asking that the Commissioners take
a position on House Bill 1065 to cap the property tax rate at
five percent. The Commissioners indicated that they had not
read the bill and agreed to discuss it after they have had time
to review it.
Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Local
Management Board and Mental Health Advisory Committee. He
stated that he attended an open house at Landmark Equipment to
discuss the agricultural preservation measures being initiated
by the County. He also thanked Eric Seifarth, Agricultural
Preservation Planner, for his assistance. Commissioner
Kercheval informed the Commissioners that the “Day in Annapolis”
lobbying efforts were very successful and stated that they
focused on water and sewer funding upgrades, gaming issues,
Edgewood Drive and Route 40 improvements, and the emergency
radio communications system. He stated that there is a joint
meeting of the City and County Planning Commissions next week.
Commissioner Kercheval informed the Board that Don Ardinger has
resigned from the Planning Commission effective immediately. He
stated that Mr. Ardinger will be greatly missed and wanted to
publicly thank him for all he has done on the Commission.
Commissioner Snook reported on the MACo Legislative Committee
meeting. He stated that Maryland Department of the Environment
would be holding a public hearing on March 2 regarding
Hagerstown Community College’s project to build a loop road
before issuing the necessary permits. Commissioner Snook
informed the Commissioners that he spoke to a public finance
class at the University System of Maryland. He stated that he
was approached by a correctional officer who requested that the
County rename Roxbury Road in honor of Jeffrey Wroten, the
officer who was recently killed in the line of duty. The
Commissioners agreed to have staff review the request to assess
the impact to other residents of the road and determine if it
would be feasible. The Commissioners also discussed a request
for some type of living memorial in honor Ruth Ann Monroe. It
was the consensus to have a tree planted in the Jonathan Street
neighborhood with a plaque honoring Ms. Monroe for her many
contributions to the community.
MOTION TO SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 1065 WITH AMENDMENTS
Commissioner Snook reviewed House Bill 1065 and the language
capping the property tax rate at 5%. The Commissioners
discussed whether the effective date should be changed to July
2006. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he feels the language
should also apply to a State cap as well as County.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to
support House Bill 1065 regarding capping of the County property
tax rate at 105% if an amendment is made to make it effective
after June 30, 2006. The
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
PAGE TWO
Commissioners discussed the amendment requested by Commissioner
Kercheval regarding a State cap.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to amend
the main motion to include language that the percentage of State
and County property tax may not be less than 100% or exceed 105%
for any taxable year. The main motion as amended was
unanimously approved.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the
Commissioners that the Maryland Department of the Environment
has reviewed the final design for the end cells at the Resh Road
Landfill and that they are on schedule. He stated that the
Engineering Department has requested that six culverts scheduled
for improvement in FY 2007 be put out for bid now to allow them
to have the notice to proceed to the successful bidder in early
summer. Mr. Rohrer indicated that it would benefit the County
to do so now since they feel that more favorable bids would be
received as opposed to waiting until after the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) budget is approved. Commissioner
Wivell requested a list of the projects and the estimated costs.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval to
approve a change order in the amount of $42,840 to extend the
contract to December 2006 for architectural and design services
for contract time overruns and an increase in hourly rates for
the Court House renovation project. Unanimously approved.
Debra Murray, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners
that her office would be sending out late notices on the State
Bay Restoration Fee. She stated that about 15% of the residents
billed did not pay the fee. Ms. Murray indicated that she would
be outlining a proposed exemption program for their approval in
the near future.
Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, requested
authorization to fill a part-time Bus Operator position in the
Transportation Department.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the request to fill a part-time Bus Operator position in
the Transportation Department. Unanimously approved.
Jim Hovis, Director of the Gaming Office, informed the
Commissioners that he was assured by Delegates in Annapolis that
Washington County would be exempt from new gaming regulations
and that no efforts have been made to attach percentages to the
County’s gaming revenues.
John Latimer, Director of the Fire & Emergency Services
Department, stated that the cutover was made to the new
telephone system for Fire and Rescue Communications to track 911
emergency calls. Commissioner Snook requested data on the
number of calls per month that the center receives.
BUDGET PRESENTATION - SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Charles Mades, Colonel Doug Mullendore, and Major Randy
Wilkinson, presented the FY 2007 Sheriff's Department budget as
follows: Judicial - $1,304,670; Process Servers - $135,730;
Patrol Division - $6,351,460; and Detention Center - $8,539,450.
Also presented was the Narcotics Task Force budget request of
$449,510. They each reviewed significant changes requested in
the FY 2007 budget. Major Wilkinson stated that they would be
reviewing the False Alarm Policy. Major Wilkinson informed the
Board that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 3,583 alarm calls
in 2005 and the Maryland State Police responded to 602. He
stated that 99.3% of the alarm calls were false alarms. The
County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the policy. Major
Wilkinson indicated that the permit fees they are requesting
should make the program self-supporting. He reviewed the
estimated cost for start-up of a False Alarm Reduction Unit.
Sheriff Mades addressed the issue of pay raises for deputies and
detention officers. He stated that his Department is having
trouble recruiting and retaining officers. Sheriff Mades also
cited
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
PAGE THREE
competitiveness with surrounding areas as one of the reasons for
the high turnover rate. He provided a copy of the formula and a
comparison of funding scales for law enforcement agencies in the
area. Colonel Mullendore agreed that the problem is severe and
stated that they have lost 15 sworn deputies and 27 correctional
officers over the last four years. David Hankinson, Director of
Human Resources, agreed that the County’s pay scale is not
competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. Commissioner Snook
agreed to have further discussions on this issue during the wage
and salary portion of the budget presentation.
PURCHASE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FEE SIMPLE AND EASEMENTS – MAUGANS
AVENUE PROJECT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to
approve the purchase of right-of-way fee simple for 7,883 square
feet and 4,920 square feet in temporary construction easements
from Pennsylvania Avenue 2003, LLC in the amount of $125,625,
which are needed for the Maugans Avenue improvement project.
Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook
voting “AYE” and Commissioners Munson and Wivell voting “NO.”
PROPOSED ROAD TRANSFER – WHITEHALL ROAD
Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, informed the
Commissioners that the State Highway Administration (SHA) has
proposed the transfer of .06 miles of Whitehall Road to the
County. Mr. Kuhna stated that the SHA realigned a portion of
Whitehall Road and the County would like to have the old portion
of the roadbed for right-of-way and future pavement management.
The surplus area would then be conveyed to the adjoining
property owner.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to accept
the transfer of .06 miles of Whitehall Road from the State
Highway Administration as proposed. Unanimously approved.
CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Daniel Moeller stated that he believes providing property tax
rebates are a bad idea because the reserves come from four
different sources of revenues. He provided additional written
information to the Commissioners for their review.
Ron Vitkun and Tom Newcomer, representing the Chamber of
Commerce and Greater Hagerstown Committee, appeared before the
Commissioners to provide a report on their trip to Annapolis
with the County’s lobbyist, Mike Johannson, to meet with State
delegates and senators on issues of concern to Washington
County. Mr. Vitkun stated that he believes the success of the
trip was due to the pre-meeting work of Mr. Johannson. They
provided a listing of the legislators they met with and the
issues discussed. Mr. Newcomer indicated that the group focused
on the radio communications project, funding for water and sewer
upgrades, and improvements at the intersection at Edgewood and
Route 40. He urged the Commissioners to attend the Chamber
meeting for a full report. Commissioner Snook thanked them for
their involvement.
Brian Kane, Chair of the Animal Control Authority, requested
that the Commissioners consider extending the term of Rollan
Myers to allow them to continue to have a quorum in order to
hear cases until new members can be appointed.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to
extend the term of Rollan Myers on the Animal Control Authority
for an additional four (4) months, as requested by the Chair of
the Animal Control Authority. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners
that the revenue side of the FY 2007 General Fund budget is
scheduled on the agenda for review and that the property tax cap
would be included as a part of this discussion.
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
PAGE FOUR
PROPOSED 2006 GOALS
The Commissioners began discussions of goals for 2006. Rodney
Shoop, County Administrator, stated that senior staff discussed
this issue and offered the following suggestions for the
Commissioners’ consideration: 1) Present recommendations for
equity and land preservation in the rural areas by August 2006.
2) Develop a plan and begin implementation of the comprehensive
rezoning of the Urban Growth Areas. 3) Analyze recommendations
of the Washington County Workforce Housing Task Force and
determine which ones will be considered for implementation. 4)
Formalize and adopt a plan to reopen the rubble landfill. After
discussion, the Commissioners agreed to continue the 2005 goal
to “Develop a long-range plan for the life of the Forty-West
Landfill.” 5) Develop policies and procedures to initiate the
implementation of the Emergency Medical Services Master Plan.
6) Identify areas within the Subdivision Ordinance requiring
revision. 7) Implement enterprise Geographic Information System
(GIS). 8) Identify operational issues and funding for Central
Booking. Commissioner Wivell suggested that the goal be
reworded to state “Resolve intergovernmental, operational and
funding issues for the Central Booking facility.” 9) Evaluate
prospective properties in the Hopewell Valley area for future
industrial/flex development.
Commissioner Wivell asked that a goal be included to evaluate
issues related to a tax revenue analysis. Mr. Shoop stated that
another meeting would be scheduled to refine and adopt proposed
goals for 2007.
APPROVAL TO BID CULVERT PROJECTS
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
approve the request to bid the package for six (6) of the
culvert improvement projects in the FY 2007 CIP budget, with the
work to be done in FY 2007. Unanimously approved.
RECESS – LUNCHEON WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE
ASSOCIATION
The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a
luncheon sponsored by the Washington County Volunteer Fire and
Rescue Association.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:13 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.
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND RUNWAY EXTENSION
PROJECT BONDS OF 2006
Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, and Lester Guthorn, Financial
Advisor, appeared before the Commissioners to review a
resolution to issue and sell $10,500,000 in Public Improvement
Bonds and $15,000,000 in Runway Extension Project Bonds. Ms.
Ruppersberger reviewed the changes made in the bond package and
reviewed the projects for which the bond funds would be used.
She stated that the Public Improvement Bonds would be used to
fund a portion of the project cost of roads, bridges,
communication systems, building improvements, and issuance
costs. The Runway Extension Project Bonds will provide adequate
safety areas at each end of the runway as mandated by FAA.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the resolution authorizing and empowering the County
Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public
sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation
Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of
$10,500,000 to be known as “Washington County, Maryland, Public
Improvement Bonds of 2006,” and Runway Extension Project Bonds
in the principal amount of $15,000,000, pursuant to the
provisions of Chapter 205 of the Laws of Maryland of 2004, as
amended, for the public purpose of financing the cost of general
public improvements in Washington County and provide adequate
safety areas at each of the runway at the Hagerstown Regional
Airport as mandated by FAA. Motion carried with Commissioners
Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners
Munson and Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the approved
Resolution RS-06-05 is located in the County Commissioners’
Office.)
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
PAGE FIVE
PROCLAMATION – RECOGNITION OF MIKE SPINNLER AND PLANNED
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE SAFETY OF JFK ULTRA-MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Mike Spinnler,
Director of the JFK 50-Mile Ultra-Marathon, commending the race
organizers of the JFK 50-Mile Ultra Marathon for successfully
hosting the oldest, largest, and most prestigious ultra-marathon
for the past 44 years and for the positive impact it has had on
Washington County and its residents. Mr. Spinnler thanked the
Commissioners and recognized Buzz Sawyer, who organized the race
for over 30 years.
Tom Riford, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and
Mr. Spinnler met with the Commissioners to discuss planned
improvements for the safety of the participants during the
event, which is scheduled for November 18, 2006. Mr. Spinnler
explained the safety concerns on the 2.8 mile section of MD Rt.
63 between MD 68 and Dam #4 Road. He stated that he has made
application to the State Highway Administration (SHA) for the
closure, and Sheriff’s deputies have proposed a traffic plan to
close the southbound lane of MD Rt. 63 (Spielman Road) between
MD Rt. 68 and Dam #4 Road from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. He
asked the Commissioners to support his request to SHA. Mr.
Spinnler indicated that motorists traveling south on MD Rt. 63
would be detoured during this time. The Commissioners thanked
Mr. Spinnler for his presentation.
(Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at this time
and Commissioner Wivell assumed the chair. Commissioner Snook
returned at 1:53 p.m.)
BUDGET REQUEST – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Nicole Houser, Chair of the Social Services Board, introduced
David Yohman, Rollan Smith, Spence Perry and Jim Blanks, who
presented the fiscal year 2007 budget request for the Department
of Social Services of $273,033 to support the rental of space
for the Family Support Center, Adult Foster Care, the School
Family Liaison Program, a supplement to the Director’s salary,
and Child Advocacy Center Director position. The Commissioners
discussed the Child Advocacy Center grant, which expires in FY
2006. Commissioner Snook assured them that they would continue
this program but would rather utilize the State grant funds if
they are available in FY 2007. He stated that funding would be
set aside in the event that this does not occur.
BUDGET PRESENTATION - CITIZENS ASSISTING & SHELTERING THE ABUSED
(CASA), INC.
Vicki Sadehvandi, Executive Director of CASA, and Carl Galligan,
Member of the CASA Board of Directors, presented the Board with
the FY 2007 budget request of $226,952. Ms. Sadehvandi reviewed
the services that CASA provides to the community and emphasized
that the salaries they pay are not competitive with other
agencies in the area. She stated that the request is an
increase of $72,622, which would be used to increase staff
salaries. Ms. Sadehvandi then provided a detailed review of the
staffing issues. The meeting was then opened for questions.
ENTERPRISE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) OFFICE – UPDATE
AND BUDGET
Bud Gudmundson, GIS Coordinator, and Ron Whitt, Director of the
Information Technologies (IT) Department, met with the
Commissioners to provide an update on the GIS Subcommittee,
which is studying the Enterprise-Wide GIS for Washington County.
Mr. Gudmundson presented the budget and interim plan for a
three-year phase-in. He stated that KCI Technologies has been
retained to prepare the Implementation Plan, which is due in
April. The GIS Office would manage the central database and
intranet GIS, coordinate GIS development in user departments,
and enforce standards. The GIS Office would be part of the IT
Department. Mr. Gudmundson provided the estimated costs for the
phase-in of the GIS program and the departments that would be
included in each phase. Mr. Whitt stated that this would also
permit the County to partner with Hagerstown Community College,
Board of Education, and City of Hagerstown. The meeting was
then opened for questions and discussion. Mr. Gudmundson stated
that they are asking the Commissioners for their support now
since the final report from the consultant is not due until
April, and the FY 2007 budget would be in final form by that
time.
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
PAGE SIX
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to
support the concept for the enterprise GIS project and the
estimated budget, as presented. Unanimously approved.
RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM (RAP) 2006 APPLICATION
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
submit an application to the State Office of Rental Services
Programs for the renewal of the Rental Allowance Program (RAP)
application for FY 2006 and Grant Agreement for an amount up to
$57,630. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE AS BOARD OF HEALTH – RENEWAL OF CONTRACT FOR
AMBULANCE/WHEELCHAIR/TAXI SERVICES ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to
convene sitting as the Board of Health at 3:43 p.m. Unanimously
approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to renew
the contract with Mid-Maryland Medical Transport, LLC for
Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi Services for an additional one-year
period with an increase of 4.9% as stated in their letter dated
February 8, 2006. Unanimously approved.
The Commissioners adjourned as the Board of Health at 3:52 p.m.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to
convene in closed session at 3:52 p.m. to consult with counsel
to obtain legal advice, discuss pending litigation, consider the
acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters
directly related thereto, and discuss personnel matters relating
to the employment of individuals over which the Commissioners
have jurisdiction and any other personnel matter affecting one
or more 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 Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to
reconvene in open session at 4:39 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to
obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, discussed pending
litigation, considered the acquisition of real property for a
public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and
discussed personnel matters relating to the employment of
individuals over which the Commissioners have jurisdiction.
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
M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney;
Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County
Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Greg Murray, Director of
the Water Quality Department; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public
Works; and David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to
adjourn at 4:39 p.m. Unanimously approved.
,
County Administrator
_____________________________________,
County Attorney
______________________, Clerk