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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070918 September 17, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-07-004, RZ-07-005 & RZ-07-006 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning Map Amendments RZ-07-004, RZ-07-005, and RZ-07-006. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners Vice President Terry L. Baker and Planning Commission Chair George Anikis. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval and William J. Wivell, and Planning Commission members Linda Parrish, Terry Reiber, Samuel Ecker, and Clint Wiley. The public hearing was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk September 18, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. at the Board of Education offices. The following Board of Education members were present: Roxanne Ober, Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Donna Brightman and Bernadette Wagner. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations; Donna Hanlin, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction, and John Davidson, Acting Director of Student Services. Fourth Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the following fourth quarter budget adjustments, as requested by the Board of Education, by decreasing the following categories: Revenue - $2,754, Administration - $233,614; Mid-Level Administration - $14,937; Instructional Salaries - $254,260; Other Instructional Costs - $37,712; Special Education - $609,096; Student Personnel Service - $29,477; Student Health Services - $25,481; Student Transportation Services - $165,436; Operation of Plant - $58,084; and Fixed Charges - $193,665; and by increasing the following categories: Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $8,995; Maintenance of Plant - $92,392; and Capital Outlay - $238,197 for a net increase on Fund Balance of $1,279,424. Unanimously approved. Antietam Academy Donna Hanlin and John Davidson appeared before the Commissioners to request that County funding for planning to expand the Antietam Academy facility be reinstated. The estimated cost for planning funds is $426,000. Mr. Davidson stated that the benefits include improving the climate in secondary schools, expanding options for at-risk students, housing multiple alternative education programs in one location, and expanding placement options for students with disabilities. He also cited statistics on dropout rates and the true cost to society. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioners Aleshire and Wivell indicated that they did not support the request due to other priorities and suggested that the Board consider using their undesignated fund balance for the planning phase. Wayne Ridenour, Board of Education member, arrived at 9:25 a.m. SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE TWO Academic Report Card – Maryland School Assessment, High School Assessment, Scholastic Achievement Test, and Advanced Placement Dr. Morgan provided information on the results of the Maryland School Assessments (MSA), High School Assessments (HSA), SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. She reviewed the MSA results for grades 3-8 for reading and math. She also reviewed graphs comparing Washington County’s results to those of the State of Maryland and noted that Washington County outperformed the State in each category. Dr. Morgan also reviewed the HSA results for Algebra, Government and English. She outlined the changes being made in the SAT exam and provided information on the number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes. The meeting was then opened for questions. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:35 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire; James F. Kercheval; and William J. Wivell. 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 commented on the letter being sent to the State regarding the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. Commissioner Kercheval reported on Senator Mikulski’s visit last week. He stated that he attended the Commission on Aging’s long-range planning meeting and also spoke about government to the third grade class at Potomac Heights Elementary School. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that he recently read information on a new technology to use sewage effluent in the power plant and asked staff to follow up with more information on this initiative. He reported on the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee meeting to address upcoming State budget issues. Commissioner Baker spoke about the high cost per seat for funding the Antietam Academy and stated that he hopes that this will be reduced with the Board of Education’s proposal to house evening high school and summer school at that location as well. He stated that he is interested in learning what type of job training opportunities are proposed at the Antietam Academy. Commissioner Barr presented Angie Helfrick, Campaign Coordinator of the County’s United Way campaign, with a Certificate of Appreciation from the United Way to Washington County employees for acting as a pacesetter for the campaign. He also thanked her for her hard work on behalf of the County. He reported on the meeting with Senator Mikulski last week and the MACo Legislative Committee meeting. Commissioner Barr asked the Commissioners to advise him as soon as possible whether they wish to participate in the Alsatia Club Mummer’s Day Parade this year as a group INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Debbie Peyton, Benefits Administrator, introduced the following new County employees: Joseph Rathvon (Engineering); Stephen Ingram (Highways); Christopher Kimble (Highways); Steve Reese (Highways); Scott Poole (Highways); Patsy Ann Crumbaker (Sheriff’s Detention Division); and John Zerkle (Sheriff’s Detention Division). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. PROCLAMATION – PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Earl Stoner and Melissa Lewis of the Washington County Health Department, designating September 2007 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and urging all men to talk to SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE THREE their doctors about options for early screening and informed decisions about their health. DONATED CONSERVATION EASEMENT – RUANN & JACK GEORGE Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Holly Thibault, Land Preservation Planner, and Peter Vorac, Mid- Maryland Land Trust, met with the Commissioners to request their approval to use local Agricultural Transfer Tax Funds for administrative and settlement costs for a donated conservation easement. Mr. Vorac informed the Commissioners that Ruann and Jack George would donate the conservation easement on the 10.568 acre property located along Benevola Newcomer Road. He stated that this would extinguish three (3) development rights and help to protect the agricultural, stream, and viewshed integrity of the property. Mr. Seifarth explained that the County entered into an agreement with the Mid-Maryland Land Trust to cooperatively acquire donated conservation easements and Washington County agreed to pay up to 3% of the administrative costs, plus out-of-pocket settlement fees. He also stated that an appraisal of the property is currently being performed but has not yet been completed. The estimated administrative costs are $3,000 plus an additional $3,000 for out-of-pocket settlement costs and the cost of the appraisal. The meeting was opened for discussion. Mrs. George provided information on the history of the farm. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to use local Agricultural Transfer Tax Funds for administrative and settlement costs for a donated conservation easement from Ruann and Jack George for a conservation easement on their 10.568 acre property located along Benevola Newcomer Road. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, informed the commissioners that rezoning map amendment RZ-07-003, submitted by Harold Walter and Donald Tollefson to rezone land located on the east side of Orchard Ridge Road near Hancock, was withdrawn. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, provided a list of 2008 potential legislative agenda items for review later today. He also provided a copy of the report on the educational specifications for Antietam Academy that was sent to the State by the Board of Education. REQUEST FOR CONTRACT RENEWAL – JURISDICTIONAL EMS MEDICAL DIRECTOR John Latimer, Director of Fire & Emergency Services, appeared before the Commissioners to request renewal of the contract for the Jurisdictional Emergency Medical Services Director for a one-year period. Mr. Latimer stated that the contract is with Dr. Vincent Cantone for $25,000. He informed the Commissioners that State law requires that each County or jurisdiction appoint a medical director to oversee pre-hospital care. The Jurisdictional EMS Director also supports Fire and Rescue Communication for emergency . medical dispatch protocols. Commissioner Wivell asked for additional information on the breakdown of hours this individual has served. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this item after the information has been provided. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, requested approval of a budget transfer for the Ford Road and Tollgate Road bridge project to cover the shortfall. He stated that, due to a procedural issue, the County withdrew its request for grant funding; however, an application would be submitted for an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant in the next cycle to recapture funding. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to fund the shortfall, but asked for an update on the Robinwood North Project. SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the budget transfer of $548,927 from the Robinwood North Project to the Tollgate Road Bridge project. Unanimously approved. Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting regarding the formation of Interstate 81 Coalition that included representation from six states. He asked that a letter of appreciation be sent to County Commissioner Rick Rubino from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who took the initiative to assemble the meeting. Mr. Rohrer asked the Commissioners to approve and execute two Memoranda of Understanding with the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding the U.S. Route 40 and Edgewood Drive Intersection Improvement Project. He stated that one agreement is in regard to the Edgewood Drive and Route 40 intersection and the second ties the County portion of the contract directly to the larger State contract for the project. He noted that the document contains the State’s commitment to waive 8.2% in overhead costs and costs for rights-of-way and utilities. Mr. Rohrer indicated that this is estimated to be a $500,000 reduction in the cost of the project. After discussion, the Commissioners asked that Mr. Rohrer provide them with copies of the memoranda to allow further review before granting their approval. VERIZON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Briana Gowing, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs for Verizon, and Mark Salazar, Director of Construction, met with the Commissioners to discuss various construction projects and the working relationship with the County. Mr. Salizar, Construction Director, stated that it is important that Verizon be brought in as early as possible on projects to deal with any issues in a timely manner. He stated that he would be meeting with County staff later today to discuss their concerns. Commissioner Kercheval expressed concerns about delays the County has experienced with Verizon that have resulted in delayed projects and substantial costs to the County. He stated that it is a privilege for Verizon to utilize County rights-of-way at no charge and asked that they work within County timelines when dealing in these areas. Mr. Salazar indicated that he believes that they have met all County timelines and feels that there are communication issues that should be addressed. Greg Murray, County Administrator, raised an issue of credits that are due the County that have not been issued. He also listed service and construction issues, such as the Airport runway project, Maugans Avenue improvement project, and the Court House renovation that need to be resolved. The Commissioners thanked the Verizon representatives for meeting with them and opening a dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. LETTER OF SUPPORT – BARBARA INGRAM SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS The Commissioners discussed the proposed letter being drafted to send to Secretary Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of the Department of Education, regarding the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. The Commissioners agreed to send the letter and minutes indicating that it was their consensus to approve the Washington County Board of Education moving forward to pursue alternative financing for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. RECESS – LUNCH WITH HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Commissioners recessed at 11:41 a.m. in order to meet the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College for lunch at the College. DISCUSSION OF FACILITIES MASTER PLAN The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees for Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to discuss their Facilities Master Plan and proposed projects through 2015. Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC, outlined their plans to establish an Arts & Sciences Complex. He requested that the Commissioners consider reallocating the FY 2008 excess funding of $1.87 million to begin the funding for the complex. Dr. Altieri stated that the Arts & Sciences complex would include a new science building. He asked that the County include $11.5 million (40%) for the project in its SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE FIVE Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget over the next four years beginning in FY 2009 Commissioner Baker was excused from the Meeting at 1:15 p.m. GENERAL DISCUSSION – PROPOSED 2008 LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed a preliminary list of legislative requests for 2008 for the Commissioners’ consideration. Mr. Downey stated that this is a first draft to determine what items the Commissioners want to present to the Delegation to the General Assembly. The list included revision of the Building Excise Tax, enabling legislation to prohibit commercial truck parking on public roadways, assessment of a fire/emergency services tax or fee if recommended by the Emergency Services Task Force, and development of a special events ordinance. Other items include revision of several sections of the Code of Public Local laws to update them to reflect present practices, raising the public bid threshold, revising the method by which professional and specialized services are awarded, electrical regulations, and reducing the length of time for a third party having lawful physical custody of a child to return the child to a parent. Requests were also made that the Delegation continue to support Local Management Boards, address additional funding for the delivery of bodies to the State Medical Examiner for autopsies, and monitor the impact of the Green Fund Initiative on local governments. After a brief review, the Commissioners agreed to discuss the requests in more detail to determine those items they would like to present to the Delegation for consideration. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 1:45 p.m. in order to attend the renaming ceremony at Kaplan College. RENAMING CEREMONY – KAPLAN COLLEGE (FORMERLY HAGERSTOWN BUSINESS COLLEGE) The Commissioners attended the renaming ceremony for Kaplan College, formerly Hagerstown Business College and adjourned at 2:45 p.m. _____________________________, County Administrator _____________________________, County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk