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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070710 July 10, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners met at 8:30 a.m. at Next Dimensions Dining and Catering, to participate in the Washington County Soil Conservation District’s award ceremony for the Outstanding Conservation Farmer, Sustaining Conservation Farmer, and Conservation Stewardship Initiative awards. The award winners are selected for their commitment to soil and water conservation through the installation and maintenance of best management practices relating to their farm operations. The Outstanding Conservation Farmer award was presented to Samuel Hunter, the Sustaining Conservation Award was presented to Price and Price Farming, and the Conservation Stewardship Initiative award was presented to David and Patricia Schooley. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, Commissioner Kristin B. Aleshire and James Kercheval. (Commissioner Wivell was absent.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 10:44 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, and/or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Baker, to reconvene in open session at 11:01 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, and James F. Kercheval. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. INTRODUCTION OF AUDIO STREAMING – INTERNET ACCESS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the County Commissioners meetings will now be transmitted live through the Internet. He explained that a link on the Washington County Webpage (www.washco-md.net) “Listen to Commissioners Meeting Live” will allow citizens to listen to the meetings in progress. Mr. Murray reminded the Commissioners that they would be holding an evening meeting tonight in the Town of Clear Spring at 7:00 p.m. at the Clear Spring Branch Library. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the live audio streaming of the County Commissioners meetings on the Internet. Unanimously approved. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT – CHANGE ORDER Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, and Pete Loewenheim, Manager of the Communications Maintenance Department, met with the Commissioners to request approval of a change order for the Radio Communications Project in the amount of $150,000. Mr. Kroboth explained that the change order would allow L. Robert Kimball & Associates to proceed with consulting services as needed through the project build-out and implementation phase. Mr. Loewenheim outlined the consulting services covered in the contract. He stated that this amount is a not-to-exceed figure and that the consultant will only be used on an “as needed” basis. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. JULY 10, 2007 PAGE TWO Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the change order with L. Robert Kimball & Associates in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the radio communications project to continue to provide consulting services as needed through the project build-out and implementation phase. Unanimously approved. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN – FY 2008 BUDGET FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP), and Bob Jones, Fiscal Specialist, presented the FY 2008 Community Partnership Agreement budget as awarded to the WCCP by the Governor’s Office for Children. The budget is proposed for the following projects: Early Intervention and Prevention Funding - $92,150; Diversion Program - $137,700; Child and Family Team Facilitator - $60,000; Child Advocacy Center Detective - $40,000; Washington County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition - $98,941; Hagerstown Community College Teen Parent Program - $42,000; Family Center Support Services - $30,000; Infants and Toddlers Program - $17,000; Workforce Development - $43,000 (Transitional Youth Work Experience Program and Summer Youth First Time Work Experience Program); Substance Abuse Prevention - $70,000 for a total of $630,791. Ms. Stone stated that the WCCP administrative budget is $269,354 and program awards/contracts budget is $897,366 for a total of $1,166,720. Ms. Stone stated that this is a three-year agreement with the State. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the FY 2008 Community Partnership Agreement budget as awarded to the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families by the Governor’s Office for Children for a total of $1,166,720, which will not require any local funding. Unanimously approved. GENERAL DISCUSSIONS – EXCISE TAX John Schnebley, Chair of the Excise Tax Task Force, met with the Commissioners to discuss general goals for the Task Force. Mr. Schnebly stated that the Task Force had held a preliminary meeting with County staff and reviewed the ordinances that are now in effect. He noted that they discovered certain “safe havens’ that are being taken advantage of under the current ordinance, including senior housing and homes under 1,500 square feet. Commissioners Kercheval and Aleshire provided handouts of suggested items for the Task Force to consider in its review of the Excise Tax. They also provided more specific information on their recommendations and asked that the Task Force attempt to address these issues. The Commissioners also discussed the possibility of using a sliding scale based on square footage to determine the excise tax for a home rather than a set fee. Commissioner Kercheval asked that the Task Force research and establish a model to determine what needs to be generated from the excise tax to meet the infrastructural needs for schools. Commissioner Baker stated that he feels the residential fees should be based on square footage and asked that the Task Force help address any existing loopholes in the Ordinance. The Commissioners recommended some type of incentive be established to encourage more redevelopment of existing housing in the urban areas. The Commissioners also discussed commercial fees, which are focused on meeting transportation needs. They agreed that the main focus of the Task Force should be on residential development due to the deadline for the report of September 30 as included in the legislation. Mr. Schnebly summarized that the Commissioners would like the Task Force to construct their own needs analysis based on assumptions regarding the number of units being constructed and number of students coming out of those units and develop a calculation on the County’s revenue requirements based on the cost of school construction. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 12:27 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, and/or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in JULY 10, 2007 PAGE THREE 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 Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 12:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, and James F. Kercheval. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Dee Hawbaker, Acting Human Resources Director; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 1:34 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, and James F. Kercheval. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new wet labs at Hagerstown Community College (HCC). He also attended the luncheon for the Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant contestants as well as the Salute to Independence and the City of Hagerstown’s fireworks display on July 4. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he has received a number of calls from residents in the Beaver Creek area who are in opposition to a rezoning application for property in that area. He indicated that it is important for residents to understand that turning down the rezoning would not prohibit commercial development from being constructed in this area since the majority of the parcel and adjoining land is currently zoned for that use and included in the Urban Growth Area. Commissioner Aleshire thanked the County staff for their prompt responses to his recent e-mail requests. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the HCC groundbreaking and the City of Hagerstown’s fireworks display. He provided an overview of items discussed at the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meets tomorrow in Annapolis. He suggested that the Commissioners send a letter to Governor O’Malley thanking him The Baltimore Sun for the comments he made in that he would not balance the State budget through local government cuts. Commissioner Kercheval commented on an electrical transmission line that would be routed through the southern part of Washington County. He asked staff to keep close contact on the progress and future location of the project and keep the Commissioners updated in order to allow ample time for them to comment to approving agencies regarding the County’s concerns. Commissioner Barr provided additional information and stated that he spoke to a representative from Allegheny Power who agreed to update him on the status of the project. Commissioner Baker stated that he is glad that they have resumed evening meetings in the municipalities. At Commissioner Baker’s request, Greg Murray, County Administrator, provided information on the new live audio streaming that allows citizens to listen to the Board of County Commissioners’ meetings live through Internet access. Commissioner Baker stated that he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hancock for the re-watering of the C&O Canal and the rehabilitation of Berm Road. He JULY 10, 2007 PAGE FOUR informed the Commissioners that he assisted with the Recreation Commission’s annual 5-K road race in Williamsport and with the Mason-Dixon Tractor Pull event. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he visited with the Greenway Sojourners when they were in Williamsport. He stated that the Sojourners are the first group making the bicycle trek from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, using the Great Allegheny Trail. nd Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the 22 Salute to Independence at the Antietam Battlefield. He also participated in a CEO orientation held at the University System of Maryland campus and presented a proclamation at the Hagerstown Suns baseball game designating “Nora Roberts Night.” Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the opening of the “Key Ingredients – America By Food” display at the Rural Heritage Museum. He indicated that he met with property owners of the farm adjoining the Agricultural Education Center regarding the possibility of their contributing additional acreage for the Center. APPROVE THE CONVEYANCE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY TO TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, asked the Commissioners to approve the conveyance of surplus property no longer needed for public use to the Town of Clear Spring. Mr. Kuhna explained that the two parcels were conveyed to the County in 1974 to address drainage issues. He stated that both parcels are within the 100-year flood plan and have no development potential. Mr. Kuhna recommended that the County retain a perpetual drainage easement on both parcels. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the conveyance of two parcels (Parcel 323-1/North Martin Street and Parcel 28/Bragunier Farms) of surplus property no longer needed for public use to the Town of Clear Spring as presented with the County to retain perpetual drainage easements on both parcels. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, thanked the citizens of the Town of Clear Spring for attending the meeting. Mr. Murray stated that the first meeting of the Urban Growth Area Task Force is scheduled for July 26. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE POSITIONS – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to approve advertising to fill two vacant Equipment Operator II positions at the Highway Department. Unanimously approved. EMPLOY DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to employ Julie Pippel to the position of Director of Environmental Management (Grade 19) at a salary of $72,000. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Jeff Cline, District Vice-President for Maryland Municipal League, stated that it is a positive sign that the Commissioners are holding their meetings in the municipalities. Betty Shank cited the need for an updated Historical Sites Survey in Washington County and asked the Commissioners to consider budgeting the necessary funds. She urged them not to allow more intensive development around the smaller municipalities. She asked that the Commissioners appoint a municipal representative to the Urban Growth Area Task Force. Commissioner Kercheval provided her with a roster of the Task Force and informed her that Jeff Cline was appointed to represent the local Maryland Municipal League and that there is also a representative from the City of Hagerstown’s Planning Commission. Ms. Shank suggested the need for additional recycling regulations to lessen the flow going into the landfill. Commissioner Kercheval provided information on the plasma arc gasification technology that is being used to prolong landfill space in other areas. JULY 10, 2007 PAGE FIVE Jerry Ditto informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Department of Agriculture has a pesticide container-recycling program that could possibly be expanded to include other plastic containers. He emphasized the need for additional parking space at the Agricultural Education Center. Jack Grier, a resident of the Beaver Creek area, expressed concerns regarding a proposed rezoning in that area. He urged the Commissioners to deny the pending rezoning application to place a parcel of land on Beaver Creek Road in the Urban Growth Area (UGA). Commissioner Aleshire noted that, even if the rezoning application is denied, the property owner could still build a large-scale commercial development on adjoining land which is currently zoned Highway Interchange and is located in the UGA. Phillip Downs questioned a recent article in the Herald Mail that indicated that the Commissioners may consider reducing the current excise tax fee. Commissioner Aleshire explained that it was an editorial article and that the Commissioners have not given the Excise Tax Task Force that directive. Commissioner Kercheval stated that they want to make sure that the excise tax fees cover the cost of infrastructure. Alliene Downs stated that developers and purchasers of new homes should help provide for additional new services. David Wiles, President of the Clear Spring Historical Society, spoke in support of updating the Historical Sites Survey and requested information on why they did not receive Gaming Commission funds. Tom Grosh stated that better signage is needed on State roads and Interstate 70 to better direct motorists to the C&O Canal and Clear Spring County Park. He indicated that additional land is needed for the park. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________, County Administrator _____________________________, County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk