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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080304 March 4, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the “State of the City” forum sponsored by the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Duffy’s on Potomac Commerce at at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:45 a.m. by Vice President Terry L. Baker with the following members present: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. (President John F. Barr was absent for the morning session.) INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 26, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2008, with corrections. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported on meetings of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee and the Planning Commission. He stated that he spoke to seventh grade students at Western Heights Middle School during a pep rally to prepare for the Maryland State Assessment test. Commissioner Kercheval complimented the City of Hagerstown on the State of the City presentation this morning. Commissioner Aleshire also commended the City of Hagerstown for its State of the City address. He stated that it was well done and well attended. Commissioner Aleshire commented that information contained in a local news report on House Bill 959 was inaccurate. He stated that he attended a recent meeting of the Sharpsburg Mayor and Council. Commissioner Aleshire reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. He stated that he received a request for funding from students in Boonsboro for the “We the People” program and asked that staff respond, as the County does not fund these requests. He indicated that he would forward an e-mail message he received, regarding a church group that is considering establishing a campground, to the appropriate staff. Commissioner Baker reported on the Community Action Council meeting. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that he would be circulating the draft findings of fact on the Arnett rezoning case. He asked that they review them and provide him with their comments, so they can be presented for adoption at next week’s meeting. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that additional information would be forthcoming on the electronics recycling program that was recently started at the landfill. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the low bid for the Mt. Aetna Road and U.S. Route 40 project was $1,089,268. The low bid to run a fiber optics line from the Sheriff’s Department to the new 911 Center at Elliott Parkway was $1,075,867. Mr. Kroboth noted that both bids came in below the estimate. He stated that the pavement maintenance program would resume on March 24. Mr. Kroboth reminded the Commissioners that a public information meeting regarding the bridge project on East Oak Ridge Drive is scheduled for March 6. Kevin Lewis, Interim Director of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that they were awarded a grant in the amount of $2,232,944.67 from the Emergency Numbers System Board for various projects at the new 911 Communications Center. He clarified his position regarding the rental fees for utilizing space owned by the Board of Education for training. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE TWO Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to accept a grant in the amount of $2,232,944.67 from the Emergency Numbers Systems Board for the 911 Communications Center project as specified. Unanimously approved. Jim Hovis, Director of the Gaming Office, informed the Commissioners that a recent news story regarding Senate Bill 959 and House Bill 1576, aired by the local television station, contained inaccurate and potentially misleading information. Mr. Hovis indicated that the bills will not harm gaming in Washington County. He stated that he would distribute a news release to rebut the story. Commissioner Kercheval stated that there is a misconception in Annapolis regarding the amount of net profits actually realized from tip jars and the story reaffirmed that belief by inaccurately overstating those amounts. Mr. Hovis distributed a flow chart showing the distribution and net profits for FY 2007. Phil Ridenour, Airport Fire Chief, informed the Commissioners that the Airport was awarded a special grant from the Maryland Aviation Administration for a 50/50 matching grant for promotional and marketing efforts and security-related projects. Mr. Ridenour stated that the local match of $22,675 is budgeted in their operating budget. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to accept a matching grant from the Maryland Aviation Administration for promotional and marketing efforts and security related projects at the Airport for $22,675 and to approve the local match as specified. Unanimously approved. William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employee Jason Logston (Sheriff’s Patrol Division). The Commissioners welcomed him and wished him well in his new position. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Monda Sagalkin, representing the League of Women Voters, stated that she came in to pick up surveys on affordable housing. Mr. Murray volunteered to meet with her to provide an update on the status of the Affordable Housing Task Force recommendations. John Himes expressed concerns regarding the light on Valley Road that is not working. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed Mr. Himes that he had contacted the State Highway Administration and advised them that the light was not working since it is under their jurisdiction. Mr. Himes also related other concerns in the area. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT – BUDGET PRESENTATION Sheriff Douglas Mullendore presented the proposed FY 2009 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $2,088,290; Process Servers - $121,470; Patrol Division - $8,447,060; and Detention Center - $10,560,290. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners regarding the budget requests. Due to time constraints, it was agreed that Sheriff Mullendore would be rescheduled to present the proposed budgets for Narcotics Task Force and Central Booking. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET PRESENTATION David Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, introduced Ellen Hayes, David Yohman, and David Pool, members of the Board of Social Services, who presented the FY 2009 budget request for the Department of Social Services in the amount of $326,390. The Board members provided information on various programs and stated that the request would support Project Home, child welfare programs, the rental of space for the Family Support Center, the School/Family Liaison Program, a supplement to the Director’s salary, and the Safe Place Child Advocacy Center. Staff members were also present to answer any questions. BUDGET PRESENTATION – HEALTH DEPARTMENT Earl Stoner, County Health Officer, presented the fiscal year 2009 budget request of $2,381,770 for the County share of the Health Department’s budget. Also present was Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, School Superintendent, MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE THREE who spoke in support of the School Health Nurse Program. The FY 2009 budget for School Health Nurses is $3,384,063. Mr. Stoner reviewed the significant changes requested in the budget. He noted that the Health Department is anticipating State reductions in funding estimated at $2- 2.5 million. Mr. Stoner reviewed the programs that would have to be cut due to lack of funding from federal and state agencies. He stated that the Department is attempting to redefine its strategic approach to providing service and consolidation and realignment plans are being developed to streamline operations and service provision. Mr. Stoner also requested the reinstatement of the $10,000 supplement to the Health Officer’s salary. He provided information on the national average salaries for Health Officers. The meeting was then opened for questions regarding the budget and the programs offered. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:27 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:33 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. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at 1:41 p.m.) BUDGET PRESENTATION – FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Kevin Lewis, Interim Director of the Division of Fire and Emergency Services, presented the fiscal year 2009 budget request for fire and rescue operations of $3,000,800. Kim Edlund, Assistant Director of Finance, clarified the request made as Phase I of the EMS Plan. She stated that nine Technicians were approved; however, three Technicians and a Supervisor position were not approved last fiscal year, and the funds were placed in operating reserves. The funding for these positions was then moved back into the budget for Phase I request. Mr. Lewis reviewed significant changes requested in the budget, which include the hiring of nine ALS Technicians and an Assistant Chief based upon the Phase II – EMS Plan approved by the Commissioners and the purchase of an EMS transport vehicle. The meeting was opened for questions. (Commissioner Barr arrived at the meeting at 1:56 p.m. and assumed the chair.) The Commissioners suspended budget deliberations at 2:00 in order to hold the advertised public hearing. The remaining portion of 911 Communications budget that was not presented will be rescheduled at a later date. PUBLIC HEARING – ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY As advertised, the Commissioners convened a public hearing at 2:01 p.m. in order to allow any interested persons to appear and testify concerning the County’s intent and use of general fund money to acquire the following described parcels of land: 1) All that parcel of land containing approximately one (1) acre of land, with improvements, commonly known as 120-128 West Washington Street, 119-121 West Franklin Street, and 123-125 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland; 2) All those parcels of land containing approximately 1.13 acres of land, commonly known as 127, 129, 133, 137, 139, 141 and 143 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland; and 3) All that tract of land, with improvements, commonly known as 149-151 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. Greg Murray, County Administrator, outlined the property to be purchased and stated that the cost would be $4.61 million plus miscellaneous closing costs. Mr. Murray stated that there is already a revenue stream with the lease arrangements in place that would more than cover the County’s monthly costs. He also indicated that the purchase would create numerous possibilities for a government-type one-stop shop to include a permits service center. Mr. Murray outlined the existing funding available for the purchase and indicated that the County would not have to borrow funding for this acquisition. He stated that staff MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE FOUR would research ways to attach the adjacent facility to the current County building. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Since this was a Public Hearing, Commissioner Barr then opened the meeting for public comment. Robert Bruchey, Mayor of the City of Hagerstown, spoke in favor of the proposed acquisition and stated that it is a great situation for the City. Sharon Disque, Executive Director of Hagerstown Neighborhood Development Partnership, applauded the County for the proposal. She stated that current market conditions have created a unique opportunity for the County and would provide space in proximity to other government offices. The public hearing portion of the meeting was closed at 2:27 p.m. Each of the Commissioners commented on the proposal at this time. Commissioner Aleshire stated that improvements to the downtown area are high on the list of priorities and outlined a possible scenario for consolidation of services and relocating several other County services. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he supports the purchase and outlined the positive impacts of the project. Commissioner Baker indicated that he has a lot of unanswered questions and can’t support the project until some of the questions are answered. Commissioner Wivell stated that a more concrete plan is needed. Commissioner Barr indicated that he supports the proposed purchase. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the acquisition of property for public use and to authorize $4.610 million plus miscellaneous closing costs for the purchase of the following described parcels of land: 1) All that parcel of land containing approximately one (1) acre of land, with improvements, commonly known as 120-128 West Washington Street, 119-121 West Franklin Street, and 123-125 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland; 2) All those parcels of land containing approximately 1.13 acres of land, commonly known as 127, 129, 133, 137, 139, 141 and 143 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland; and 3) All that tract of land, with improvements, commonly known as 149-151 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Aleshire, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioners Baker and Wivell voting “NO.” YOUTH MERITORIUS AWARDS – JANUARY–MARCH 2008 The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Brigitte Grewe (E. Russell Hicks Middle School) in recognition of her selection as the Youth of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) for January 2008, to Shelbi Ives (E. Russell Hicks Middle School) for February 2008, and to Donovan Mills (Clear Spring Middle School) for March 2008. The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Barr stated that they would each receive a $100 savings bond from the WCCP. PUBLIC HEARING – AMENDMENT TO MECHANICAL FEE SCHEDULE The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 3:00 p.m. in order to hear comments regarding the consideration of an amendment to the Mechanical Fee Schedule adopted by Ordinance on July 25, 2005 and amended on May 23, 2006 by establishing a registration fee for mechanical contractors who desire to perform work in Washington County. Dan DiVito, Director of the Department of Permits and Inspections, stated that there would be a $40 fee for a master’s registration and a $20 fee for journeyman. Mr. DiVito stated that proof of a State license would be required. Commissioner Barr opened the hearing for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The hearing was closed at 3:13 p.m. 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. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE FIVE CONTRACT AWARD – FOOD SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for Food Services at the Washington County Sheriff’s Detention Center to Aramark Correctional Services, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $501,307.275 based on estimated annual quantities of meals and the proposer’s unit costs per meal type. The contract is for one year beginning May 1, 2008 with an option by the County to renew for up to four (4) additional consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Julie Barr- Strasburg, Executive Director of the Washington County Office of the American Red Cross, designating March 2008 as “American Red Cross Month” in recognition of the volunteers who donate time, blood or money, coordinate blood drives, teach lifesaving courses, and provide emergency services. Ms. Barr-Strasburg thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. Commissioner Barr left the meeting at this time and indicated that he would be abstaining on the following issue. Commissioner Baker assumed the Chair at 3:30 p.m. CHANGE ORDER REQUEST – COURT HOUSE SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize the execution of a change order with Callas Contractors for Court House Security Enhancements to remove existing security panels in the holding cell area, install conduits for security cameras and replace the ceiling panels for the amount of $72,428.25. Motion carried with Commissioners Aleshire, Kercheval, Wivell, and Baker voting AYE and Commissioner Barr “Abstaining”. (Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair 3:39 p.m.) PROPOSED REORGANIZATION OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Joe Kroboth, III, Director of Public Works, appeared before the Commissioners to outline a proposal to reorganize the Division of Public Works. Mr. Kroboth explained that, with the recent resignation of the Chief Engineer, the existing organizational structure of the division was evaluated and it was observed that the Engineering Department basically functions in two distinct operations. He recommended that the Engineering Department be separated into two distinct operating cost centers – Public Works, Capital Projects, and Public Works, Land Development Review. Those employees involved in capital project development, design and construction management would remain in Public Works– Capital Projects and those involved with land development review would be separated into the new department with the respective budgetary costs divided between the two departments. He asked for approval that all references to ”County Engineer” and “Chief Engineer” within ordinances, policies, and resolutions be interpreted as the Director of Public Works. Mr. Kroboth recommended that the vacant Deputy Director of Public Works position be changed to the Deputy Director of Land Development Review at a Grade 17 and the Chief Engineer position be renamed Deputy Director of Capital Projects and downgraded to a Grade 17. The Transportation Planner position in the Planning Department would be retitled Transportation Engineer (Grade 15) and placed under the Land Development Review and the GIS Analyst would be transferred to the Public Works Department. Mr. Kroboth also asked that the Director of Transportation position be changed to Director of Transit and the Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks be changed to Director of General Services. Mr. Kroboth recommended that the Deputy Director for Environmental Management for Engineering Services, Deputy Director, Environmental Management–Water & Wastewater Operations, and the Deputy Director, Environmental Management–Solid Waste be reclassified from the current Grade 16 to Grade 17 with no adjustment in wages and benefits, to ensure MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE SIX equity throughout the County. He also proposed that the Airport Operations be moved into the Division of Public Works with the remaining transportation related operations. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he is in agreement with the proposed reorganization with the exception of naming the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department the Department of General Services. He suggested calling it the Department of Parks and Properties. The Commissioners indicated that they would revisit this issue after consulting with the Director of this department. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the proposed reorganization of the Division of Public Works as proposed, subject to identifying an acceptable name for the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:54 p.m. to consider matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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 Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 4:36 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations; considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 4:36 p.m. Unanimously approved. ___________________________ County Administrator ___________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk