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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071211 December 11 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 auditorium: The following Board of Education members were present: Roxanne Ober, Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Donna Brightman Wayne Ridenour, and Bernadette Wagner. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations; Chris South, Chief Financial Officer; Robert Rollins, Director of Facilities Planning and Operations; and Deanna Newman, Demographics Consultant with Public Pathways, Inc. First Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the following first quarter budget adjustments, as requested by the Board of Education, by decreasing the following categories: Mid-Level Administration - $73,957; Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $7,220; Other Instructional Costs - $32,135; Special Education - $93,236; Student Personnel Service - $8,500; and Fixed Charges - $345,000; and by increasing the following categories: Instructional Salaries - $345,059; Student Health Services - $35,175; Student Transportation Services - $148.647; and Operation of Plant - $31,167 for a net increase on Fund Balance of $0. Unanimously approved. 2008-2013 Projected Student Enrollment Deanna Newman, Demographic Consultant for Public Pathways, Inc., provided a review of the 2007-08 student enrollment growth projections. Ms. Newman explained the formula used to calculate the projections. She stated that trend analysis, birth data, housing trends, population projects, and program, boundary changes, and economic environment are considered and compared to the State’s forecast. Ms. Newman stated that the enrollment for 2007 grew by 125 students, which was one percent higher than projected. She also reviewed the assumptions that were made in the projections. Ms. Newman stated that the 2008 forecast projects 113 new students for elementary, 96 for middle school and –2 for high school. Proposed FY 2009 Planning and Construction Projects Mr. Michaels and Mr. Rollins provided an overview of the proposed request for funding for FY 2009 construction projects. The new projects are as follows: Antietam Academy - $710,000 for architectural/engineering fees paid by the Board of Education; Eastern Primary - $1,600,000; “East City” High - $3,600,000; Antietam Academy - $4,250,000; Fountain Rock Elementary Cafeteria - $1,294,000; Relocation of Portable Classrooms - $1,600,000. Mr. Michaels stated that the draft of the FY 2009 request totals $20,055,000 and includes construction projects ($10,744,000), portable classrooms ($1,600,000), capital maintenance projects ($4,427,000), systemic projects ($2,800,000), athletic projects ($245,000), technology- wiring projects ($139,000), and ADA projects ($100,000). He also reviewed the future construction projects and considerations. The meeting was opened for questions. Commissioner Kercheval expressed concern for cost to move portables (averaging of $89,000/portable) and asked for more justification on those per unit costs for future capital budget discussions. School Policy on Use of Gymnasium Facilities Mr. Michael stated that they are working to develop joint use agreements with the County Recreation & Parks Department for the three new elementary schools. Commissioner Aleshire asked about the availability of existing athletic fields and gymnasiums and indicated that there should be a consistent policy for their use. Mr. Michael explained that use of a facility is sometimes denied because there are no custodians available to open and close the building. The group discussed developing a pool of custodians who might be willing to work weekends. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:50 a.m. DECEMBER 11, 2007 PAGE TWO The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:20 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 4, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of December 4, 2007 with revisions. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported on the meetings of the Community Action Council and Recreation & Parks Board. He stated that he attended the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County’s (CPWC) Christmas Party, the Home Builders Association’s Christmas Party, and the Clear Spring Mayor and Council meeting. Commissioner Baker stated that he received a summarization of the stadium funding for North High. He also indicated that he would be volunteering to officiate at an indoor track event at Hagerstown Community College this weekend. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended a legislative breakfast in Annapolis. He reported on the meetings of the 2+2 Committee with the City of Hagerstown and Board of Education 2+2 Committee. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the CPWC holiday gathering, Clear Spring Mayor & Council meeting, South County Democrats Club, and the C-SAFE Christmas luncheon. He reported on meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation and Board of Education 2+2 Committee. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting on the proposed consolidation of the City/County emergency communications systems. He reported that preservation groups have concerns about the placement of an emergency communications tower in South County. Commissioner Aleshire cited an NACo County News article in the on federal legislation that was introduced regarding collective bargaining for public safety personnel. He also noted other bills of importance to local entities that were listed in a previous issue. Commissioner Aleshire requested that time be scheduled on their agenda in the near future to discuss animal control and its functions. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the Museum of Fine Arts Board meeting and the Western Maryland Consortium Executive Council meeting. CITIZEN’S PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that two items have been added to the Closed Session agenda – one regarding the consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related and one to discuss the appointment, employment and/or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction and a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, reported that the snowstorm last week cost $133,000 in operational and material funds. He informed the Commissioners that a joint application from Emergency Services and Public Works to the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee secured a - $600,000 grant to assist with the construction of a fiber optics connection between the Sheriff’s Office and the 911 Center. Mr. Kroboth asked the Commissioners to approve a budget transfer for the sinkhole remediation on Maugans Avenue. DECEMBER 11, 2007 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve a budget transfer in the amount of $268,800 from the CIP Contingency Fund to the Maugans Avenue Project for remediation of the sinkhole in that area. Unanimously approved.Debra Murray, Director of Finance, provided an update on the budget. Ms. Murray stated that the operating budget will include a message from the County Administrator and several changes. She noted that requests for new positions will be included but that reclassification requests will now be going through the Salary Review Committee. In addition, she informed the Commissioners that she would be requesting that FT 2009 budgets be “flat funded” and noted that justifications must be provided for all requested budget increases. GANG INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY GRANT – WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to accept a grant in the amount of $39,600 from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for Gang Intelligence Strategy for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT – SANDY SCHULTE AND ROB SMITH Dan DiVito, Director of the Permits & Inspections Department, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Building Officials Association recently recognized two County Permits & Inspection Department employees. Sandy Schulte was named Permit Technician of the Year and Rob Smith was named Building Inspector of the Year. Mr. DiVito and Ms. Smith stated that they were presented with their awards at the Association’s meeting last week and read the nomination submittals. Commissioner Barr presented Certificates of Merit to Ms. Schulte and Mr. Smith recognizing them for their professional expertise and accomplishment in receiving the Permit Technician of the Year and Inspector of the Year Awards from the Maryland Building Officials Association. He also presented Maryland Senate Resolutions to them on behalf of Senator Donald Munson. Greg Murray, County Administrator, recognized Ms. Schulte and Mr. Smith for their hard work and dedication and thanked them thanked for their professionalism. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that he had a U.S. News and World Report copy of the article from recognizing six area high schools as America’s Best High Schools. On behalf of the Airport staff, Mr. Murray extended thanks to the following County employees for their assistance during the recent runway extension event: Vicki Lumm, Tina Rupert, Tim Troxell, Rob Ferree, Gray Hebb, Marsha Moats, Dyanne Sharrar, Col. Randy Wilkinson and Sheriff’s Department Deputies. He informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from the Town of Sharpsburg asking if the County would undertake building code inspections within the Town limits. Mr. Murray stated that the Town recognized that they would have to adopt the County’s Building Code in its entirety. Commissioner Aleshire suggested that the Town of Keedysville be contacted to see if they would like to be included as well. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the request made by the Town of Sharpsburg for the County’s Permits & Inspections Department to perform building code inspections for the Town, contingent upon their adopting all necessary County building codes. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER – BUILDINGS, GROUNDS AND PARKS Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the budget transfer of $38,000 from the Fund Balance to the Buildings, Grounds and Parks budget for utilities, maintenance, and associated operating costs for the recently purchased Phoenix Color Building. Unanimously approved. DECEMBER 11, 2007 PAGE FOUR EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN – PROPOSED FEE INCREASE Elmer Weibley, District Manager for the Washington County Soil Conservation District, met with the Commissioners to request their approval to increase fees for Erosion and Sediment Control Plan review services. Mr. Weibley proposed the following changes in fees: Site Plans: Application Fee $175, Per Acre of Soil disturbance (0.0 acres – 50 acres) - $85, Per acre of soil disturbance (50.1+ acres and larger) - $15; and 5-Year Updates (Mining-Quarry) - $2,500 flat fee for existing operations. The other fees would remain the same. Mr. Weibley compared how the proposed changes would impact typical projects. He informed the Commissioners that the additional revenues would be used to hire an additional staff member to improve customer service and provide added services such as pre-construction meetings as well as final site stabilization field reviews. Mr. Weibley estimated that the additional plan review would reduce turn-around time from current levels to seven working days for regular submissions and two working days for fast track projects. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Donald Spickler, member of the Soil Conservation District Board, and Tim Fields, President of the Home Builders Association, spoke in support of the concept and fee increase. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to approve the Resolution (Resolution No. RS-07-022) and fee increases of site plan review as proposed for the Washington County Soil Conservation District, to become effective January 1, 2008. Unanimously approved. PROPERTY ACQUISITION – WASHINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to purchase property located at 14220 Maugansville Road from Pearl Reedy in the amount of $225,000 plus $14,900 as the purchase price differential, with the conditions as outlined in the agreement for a free rental period of one year, at which point Mrs. Reedy will lease the property from the Airport, with funding to be taken from the Airport’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as budgeted, contingent on Federal Aviation Administration approval. This property was identified in the Future Land Acquisition Plan for the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. th PROCLAMATION – 50 ANNIVERSARY OF WESTERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Cynthia Pellegrino, Director of the Western Maryland Hospital Center, and Dr. Monica Stallworth, Chief of Staff, in th recognition of the Western Maryland Hospital Center’s 50 anniversary and recognized the many accomplishments of the Center. RECESS – ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:44 a.m. in order to attend the annual Department of Social Services luncheon. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:39 p.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. CONTRACT AWARD – CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE REDESIGN, UPDATE & IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION’S WEBSITE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to award the contract for “Services of a Consultant to Redesign, Update and Implement the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission’s Website” to High Rock Studios, which submitted the lowest total sum fee of $31,448.80, contingent upon approval of the final Agreement by staff and the County Attorney’s office, with $17,054.50 to be taken from the EDC Advertising budget and the remainder from the CIP Technology Development & Upgrades account. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF SETTING TERM GOALS The Commissioners continued discussions for setting goals for the 2006-2010 term of office. Greg Murray, County Administrator, reviewed departmental goals as outlined in the Master Plan. DECEMBER 11, 2007 PAGE FIVE Mr. Murray reviewed the 2007 goals and the status of each item. The Commissioners reviewed the goals submitted by each department and selected the following to be considered for 2008 and term goals: Administrative – 1) Develop and/or finalize comprehensive policies for interaction with Municipal governments that address issues for development adjacent to municipal boundaries, including issues specific to the City of Hagerstown’s Annexation Policy. 2) Review current assets and future needs to adopt a long-term plan with regards to space requirements given the various departmental and outside agency locations and functions, and in accordance with a comprehensive strategy for efficient location of services. 3) Develop a Countywide Council of Governments to include collective affected interests of municipal governments and agency issues. The Commissioners felt that the municipalities should be polled to see if there is interest in these topics. Planning – (move from 2007 to 2008) 1) Evaluate zoning classifications in the Urban and Town Growth Areas and adopt recommendations on appropriate uses and densities, including potential transfer of development rights, development of new economic development related zoning designations, designations and allowable uses for education sites such as HCC and size of Growth Area boundaries. 2) Complete update for the County Water and Sewer Plan. 3) Update comprehensive Plan to comply with requirement of update in 2008. 4) Prepare required components of the Water Resources Element of HB 1141 in conjunction with municipal planning initiatives and the Division of environmental management. 5) Implementation of recommendations for oversight of developmental process. Public Works - 1) Develop a long-range transportation plan identifying County needs for new or upgraded infrastructure required to support long-term growth management, and in cooperation with other local government initiatives. 2) Develop policy to address maintenance and acceptance of stormwater management ponds. Engineering – 1) Complete update of all specifications and standard details used in construction, and capital and developmental processes including the subdivision process. 2) Develop a system to track all operations in the Engineering Department. 3) Develop stormwater management program outlining upcoming regulatory changes based on TMDL. Transit – 1) Evaluate proper location of bus transfer points throughout the County for efficiency of operations and customer use. 2) Implement a bus shelter program for appropriate locations. 3) Develop a ride-guide to facilitate public awareness of transportation services. 4) Evaluate service for Boonsboro route and ridership needs. Buildings, Grounds, and Parks – 1) develop a countywide parks and recreation needs assessment plan. 2) Develop a consistent maintenance and operation policy for library branch facilities. 3) Evaluate concept of an “annual pass” program for Black Rock Golf Course. Recreation – 1) Develop a countywide parks and recreation needs assessment plan. 2) Develop a comprehensive strategy to expand school oriented recreation programs through joint-use agreements with HCC and BIE for use of their facilities. 3) Develop joint recreational programs with municipalities and other organizations. Airport – 1) Plan for integration of the airport security data system with the Sheriff’s Office. 2) Conduct a demand analysis to ensure adequate infrastructure is available for future expansion of the Airport’s northwest business quadrant. Environmental Management – Form a Local Implementation Team to develop a local basin level Tributaries Strategy Plan. Solid Waste – 1) Develop a comprehensive approach toward recycling and reduction of solid waste to ensure efficient waste removal and to extend the lifetime of the solid waste site. Options may include waste to energy options and waste classification systems. 2) Review possible franchising of solid waste/recycling services countrywide. 3) Evaluate possibilities for methane extraction and use. Water Quality – 1) Tie County Capacity Management Plan into Planning Department goals for 2008 to facilitate new Comprehensive Plan and HB 1141. 2) Prepare water/sewer component of comprehensive plan in conjunction with the Planning Department to meet HB 1141 requirements. Budget & Finance – Explore a bi-annual budget process with alternating years for CIP and operating budgets. Gaming – 1) Develop a standard annual review and accountability of all fire and rescue gaming activities. 2) Participate in development of Statewide process for gaming activities that does not adversely affect local control of funding. Purchasing – Develop an electronic bid notification process/electronic marketplace DECEMBER 11, 2007 PAGE SIX concept. Economic Development Commission – Develop a refined policy that allows new developments to proceed through the EDC process in an expedient manner. Develop an action plan for EDC involvement in key economic development areas. Fire & Emergency Services – 1) Complete central operations for DFES and PSAP Program as envisioned. 2_ Analyze a central location for training operations for all fire and rescue services. 3) Evaluate opportunities by station/service area to determine what changes are necessary to capture maximum efficiencies for emergency response operations. Sheriff’s Department – 1) Complete Sheriff’s Department accreditation program. 2) Evaluate proper locations for efficient police services throughout the county. 3) Evaluate implementation of community deputy program for municipalities. 4) Review possibility of establishing a metropolitan police force with the City of Hagerstown. Human Resources – Develop a formal safety/risk departmental management program. Information Technology – Evaluate set-up and function of expansion to GIS data management needs. Community Partnership – Review and update local bylaws for WCCP Board. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 3:27 p.m. to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion and/or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; 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 REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 5:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; discussed the appointment, employment and/or assignment of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, Debra Murray, Director of Finance, Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor; Roger Wright and Peter Melmed of Faison Enterprises, Inc.; Jason Divelbiss, Esq., counsel for Faison Enterprises, Inc; and Keenan Rice and Emily Sproull of Municap, Inc. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________, County Administrator _____________________________, County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk