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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080226 February 26, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:37 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. INTERIM SENIOR CENTER LEASE AND PROGRAM COSTS Susan MacDonald, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging, and Maureen Grove, Executive Director of Girls, Inc., met with the Commissioners to discuss the possibility of leasing the Girls Inc. facility as an interim senior center. Ms. MacDonald explained that Girls, Inc. serves girls from ages 5-15 after school and in the evenings but there is space available during the day where the interim senior center could be operated. Ms. Grove stated that their facility includes a gymnasium, auditorium, working kitchen, meeting rooms, office space, adequate parking, and other amenities. Ms. MacDonald indicated that the space could provide wellness programs and socialization opportunities. Ms. Grove stated that they also hope to schedule intergenerational activities to allow the seniors to join the girls in crafts, games, concerts, or dinners. Ms. MacDonald informed the Commissioners that the annual operating costs are estimated to be $301,000 plus a one-time expenditure for furniture and equipment. She estimated $180,000 for annual leasing costs, $74,000 for staffing, and $47,000 for food costs. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners thanked them for the presentation and agreed to consider the request during the budget process. AIRPORT FUND BUDGET PRESENTATION Phil Ridenour, Airport Fire Chief, and Janet Moats, Administrative Assistant, presented the Airport budget for FY 2009. Mr. Ridenour introduced Harry Reynolds, a member of the Airport Advisory Commission, who was in attendance. Mr. Ridenour projected revenues of $2,726,840 for FY 2009. He reviewed the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed changes. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE – BUDGET PRESENTATION James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks; Darrell Whittington, Director of Golf; and John Kain, Golf Course Superintendent, presented the FY 2009 budget request for Black Rock Golf Course of $1,241,050. Mr. Sterling reviewed the minor rate increases proposed for the next fiscal year. He outlined new initiatives that will be instituted at the course. Tom Riford, Public Golf Corporation Board member, also spoke about the advertising that is being done to promote Black Rock. Mr. Sterling stated that they are considering building a pavilion at the golf course to provide additional facilities for tournament participants. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to convene in closed session at 10:29 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations; and to 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 Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 12:37 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more FEBRUARY 26, 2008 PAGE TWO specific individuals; considered matters that related to collective bargaining negotiations; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; and Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:37 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:41 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. PUBLIC HEARING – AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 1:40 p.m. in order to hear comments regarding the consideration of the adoption of an Ordinance to amend the Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance to Repeal the 2003 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, Fourth Printing, with Local Amendments for Washington County, and to Enact the 2006 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, First Printing, with local Amendments for Washington County, Maryland.” Dan DiVito, Director of the Department of Permits and Inspections, stated that subsequent to the adoption of the 2006 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, it was discovered that new language had inadvertently been omitted in Section R403.1, General, of the local amendments. Commissioner Barr opened the hearing for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are not permitted to take any action on the proposed amendment for ten days. SERVICE-LINKED HOUSING PROGRAM APPLICATION – FY 2009-11 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the submission the 2009-2011 application to the Maryland Department of Human Resources for a grant of $214,917 to fund the Service-Linked Housing Program, as administered by the Community Action Council, and the forthcoming grant agreements subject to the approval of the County Attorney. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAINTENANCE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for Telecommunications Maintenance Services to Delta Telephone & Cabling Data Services, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible proposal, of $36,675, contingent upon the approval of the final Agreement by the staff and County Attorney’s Office. The contract is for a one-year period with an option by the County to renew for up to four (4) additional consecutive one (1) year periods. Unanimously approved. CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ANNEXATION REQUEST – BRK VENTURES, LLC Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, met with the Commissioners to review annexation request A08-01 from the City of Hagerstown. He stated that zoning for the subject property is consistent with the existing County zoning and “express approval” for the development of the property is not necessary. Mr. Thompson informed the Commissioners that the property is on Salem Avenue located west of Interstate 81. He noted that the property is currently zoned HI-1 (Highway Interchange) and the proposed zoning would be C-2 (Commercial General), which is consistent with the existing zoning. Mr. Thompson stated that an Annexation Plan is included. The meeting was opened for questions. It was the consensus of FEBRUARY 26, 2008 PAGE THREE the Commissioners that zoning for the subject property is consistent with the existing County zoning. BUDGET TRANSFER – RENOVATION OF EMERGENCY SERVICE OFFICE PROJECT Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to request a budget transfer from the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Contingency Fund to the “Renovate Emergency Services Office Project.” Mr. Kroboth stated that several unforeseen conditions at the time of contract design and bidding were discovered by the contractor. He noted that they include inappropriate roofing insulation, inappropriate venting of the roof area, waterproofing system failure and mitigation, and adjustment of air handling diffusers. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the request for a budget transfer of $200,000 from the CIP Contingency Fund to the “Renovate Emergency Services Office Project” to address the issues addressed. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:27 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF SHARPSBURG The evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall in Sharpsburg 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 – FEBRUARY 19, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of February 19, 2008 with corrections. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire stated that he received a survey from the League of Women Voters regarding affordable housing. He stated that he would be setting up a schedule to attend the monthly meetings of volunteer fire and rescue companies in the County. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he reviewed the list of nonprofit organizations to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds during the annual budget process and grouped them into categories. He offered to share his findings with the Commissioners regarding the funding history. Commissioner Wivell thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he spoke at a meeting of the Retired Teachers Association last week. He stated that he attended the community-lobbying event in Annapolis and outlined the five major initiatives of the County. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that he attended a dinner with members of the House Ways and Means Committee with Mary Baycan, Director of the Washington County Free Library, and discussed State funding for the expansion of our downtown Regional Library and protection of county gaming control. He cited a letter from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) requesting that counties support a moratorium on proposed Medicaid initiatives that would reduce funding to county agencies such as the Health Department, Commission on Aging, and Board of Education. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter of support for the moratorium. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Town officials that the allocation formula for the hotel rental tax is being revised and that the Commissioners have asked the Maryland Municipal League for recommendations on how the funding should be distributed to the municipalities. Commissioner Baker thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He reported on the meeting of the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board. FEBRUARY 26, 2008 PAGE FOUR Commissioner Baker thanked Commissioner Barr for the time he spent in the Town of Boonsboro last week when a fire burned the Historic Boone Hotel and several other buildings in their downtown area. He also stated that he attended the open house for the new Barr Construction Institute. Commissioner Baker noted that both Commissioner Kercheval and Commissioner Wivell have applied to fill the current vacancy for Delegate in District 2A and wished them well. Commissioner Barr thanked the Sharpsburg Mayor and Council for their hospitality. He reported on the fire in Boonsboro and stated that 32 fire companies responded to the fire. He stated that he would like to publicly thank Allegheny Power for their efforts to restore power to the residents of Boonsboro in a timely manner. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the dedication of the Barr Construction Institute. He also noted that he attended a meeting last week in Boonsboro regarding the new branch library and that he hopes that the unresolved issues relating to the maintenance agreement would be resolved soon. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Mayor Spielman thanked the Commissioners for meeting in Sharpsburg. Councilman Jeffrey Saylor thanked Commissioner Baker for his assistance in contacting the Department of Public Works. He informed the Commissioners that he currently is the President of the Southeast Senior Center in Keedysville and stated that the neighboring church would like permission to use part of the Center’s parking lot. Councilman Saylor indicated that the County would have to approve this request as owner of the property. Greg Murray, County Administrator, agreed to schedule a meeting with both parties to discuss the request. Missy DeHaven, a member of the Affordable Housing Committee of the League of Women Voters, stated that the Affordable Housing Coalition presented the Commissioners with eleven recommendations. She asked them to consider hiring a consultant to review those findings to determine which would have the greatest impact on housing in the County. Commissioner Kercheval outlined the recommendations that have been implemented to date. Ms. DeHaven also asked the Commissioners to complete and return the questionnaire that was sent to them by the League. Several of the Commissioners indicated that they had responded to the survey but had not been credited with doing so. Joe Wilhide expressed concerns about the condition of Harpers Ferry Road and the repairs that are needed. Mr. Wilhide stated that he also requested that the Sheriff provide additional patrols in that area. APPOINTMENT – MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to appoint Patrick Flickinger, Jr., to the Mental Health Authority for a three-year term. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Wivell, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “NO.” APPOINTMENTS – ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to appoint Kathleen Carr, DVM, to the Animal Control Authority for a three-year term and to waive the requirement for Maryland licensing; to move Jason Haupt from an Alternate position to full membership on the Board; and to appoint Cindy Kalkbrenner as an Alternate for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Community Action Council has services available to assist individuals in preventing home foreclosures. Mr. Murray reviewed the FY 09 CIP budget schedule. He stated that he appreciated the efforts of County Departments in being conservative in their budget requests. He informed the Commissioners that House Bill 639, which gives the authority to replace elected Board of Education members to the County Commissioners, would be discussed tomorrow in the General Assembly. Mr. Murray thanked FEBRUARY 26, 2008 PAGE FIVE County staff that provided services and assistance to the Town of Boonsboro during the fire. He also asked about a permitting issue with the Town of Sharpsburg regarding a tower. The Town officials agreed to schedule a meeting to discuss and resolve their concerns. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Sheriff Mullendore informed the Commissioners that his department would be holding a meeting to critique the handling of the Boonsboro fire and to discuss any issues that could be managed better in similar situations. William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, asked for authorization to advertise to fill the positions of Director of Emergency Communications (internal) and a skilled trades worker in the Water Quality Department. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the request to fill the positions of Director of Emergency Communications and a skilled trades worker in the Water Quality Department. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Unanimously approved. ___________________________ County Administrator ___________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk