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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080408 April 8, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:37 a.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 given by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Brian Overcash, Safety Coordinator, and David Shrader, Traffic Safety Supervisor, designating the week of April 7-11, 2008 as National Work Zone Awareness Week and urging all drivers to remain diligent, attentive, and aware of work zones. Mr. Overcash and Mr. Shrader thanked the Commissioners and stressed the importance of driving safely in and around work zones as we are entering the busiest season of the year for road work. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to representatives of the Community Partnership for Children and Families, the Sheriff’s Department, and Family Network, designating the week of April 6-12, 2008, as National County Government Week and commending its observance to all citizens, with the theme “Protecting Our Children” and honoring those County services that work together to protect and enhance the health, welfare and safety of our children in sensible and cost-effective ways. Commissioner Barr thanked County employees for their dedication to our children’s safety. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported on the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board meeting. He stated that it was Gerald Poffenberger’s last meeting on the Board and thanked him for his years of service. Commissioner Baker indicated that he would be agreeable to holding another public meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the Keep Tryst public communications tower. He sent his best wishes to Dr. Guy Altieri, President of Hagerstown Community College, regarding his recent health problems. Commissioner Barr expressed his sympathies on the death of Planning Commission member Bernard Moser. Commissioner Kercheval expressed his sympathies on the death of Bernie Moser and stated that his loss would create a void on the Planning Commission. He then reported on the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the 2+2 meeting with City Council representatives was cancelled and would be rescheduled in the near future. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he feels there should be an informational update regarding the tower because various agencies have been inferring that there is another alternative. He stated that he is open to an alternative site but tests have shown that other options would compromise public safety. Commissioner Kercheval urged the Commissioners to read the past minutes of the tower siting committee that outline the other options that were considered. Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a general update and discussion on the tower has been scheduled on next week’s agenda. Commissioner Kercheval asked for an update on the Funkstown bridge project and stated that he heard that another public information meeting would be scheduled. He stated that he was disappointed that he was not contacted by the Delegation regarding this issue. Commissioner Kercheval commented on a call he received regarding a situation that occurred regarding a punch list item that was not corrected to meet Code after a Use and Occupancy (U&O) permit was issued. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at 8:58 a.m.) Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended meetings of the Pioneer Hook & Ladder Fire Company and Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company as part of his efforts to meet with each fire company. He indicated that, due to hiring of paid personnel, the companies are experiencing increased APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE TWO insurance costs and that he would compile the information to determine if the County can be of assistance. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that the National Park Service receives funding from river rafters who utilize Park land for access. He stated that the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company does not receive any portion of these funds as the first responder to emergency situations in this area. He also stated that Sharpburg EMS used to get an annual contribution of $10,000 for their service area including Antietam National Battlefield, but they no longer receive any funding from the federal government for these and other federal properties in their response area. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that the County should talk to the Park Service regarding cooperation and partnering for funding for public safety and funding issues. He stated that the bottom line is meeting the public safety needs for southern Washington County. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he attended the Keedysville Mayor and Council meeting, the Parent/Child Center telethon, and the kick-off event for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation campaign. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Water Quality Advisory Commission meeting. He stated that the Commission discussed the City of Hagerstown’s proposed rates for water and sewer services and has asked for additional information on how the costs will be allocated. WATER QUALITY OPERATIONAL BUDGET & COST OF SERVICE Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, and David Swain, Deputy Director of the Water Quality Department, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2009 budget for the Department. The proposed FY 2009 revenue budgets are: Utility Administration Fund (total) – $3,642,760; Water Fund - $1,773,930 (general fund appropriation of $800,000); Sewer - $10,572,340 (general fund appropriation of $1,970,000); and Pretreatment Fund - $695,600 (general fund appropriation of $350,000). Ms. Pippel reviewed the projected revenues and expenditures for each department and the major changes. Ms. Pippel made recommendations for water and sewer services rates for fiscal year 2009. She reviewed each class and stated that the increase in sewer rates to the average residential customer would be $4.06 per quarter (4.0%) based on a 4% revenue increase, and $4.70 per quarter for water (3.5%) based on a 4% revenue increase. The Commissioners discussed the calculation of fees and the date for their implementation. Ms. Pippel stated that the rate hearing is scheduled for April 22. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to take the proposed rate options for water and sewer fees for FY 2009 as recommended by staff to Public Hearing on April 22, 2008. Unanimously approved. PROPERTY ACQUISITION – LONGMEADOW ROAD Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, asked the Commissioners to approve an option agreement to purchase property at 19331 Longmeadow Road. Mr. Kuhna stated that future plans to redesign the intersection at Longmeadow Road and Marsh Pike would place the road too close to the current property. The property owners approached the County with their intention to sell it for that purpose. He reviewed a drawing of the proposed new alignment of the intersection project. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, that the property located at 19331 Longmeadow Road is needed for public use and to approve the option agreement for acquisition of 19331 Longmeadow Road in the amount of $290,000 plus moving expenses and settlement costs. The property is necessary for the future intersection-widening project at Longmeadow Road and Marsh Pike. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – CEDAR SPRINGS PUMP STATION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for construction of the Cedar Springs Pump Station to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid in the amount of $2,191,489, contingent upon USDA approval, and to approve a APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE THREE Budget Transfer Request of $300,000 from the General Fund Contingency to cover the additional funding from the project. An Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant of $300,000 is also included in the funding for this project. Unanimously approved. GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director, met with the Commissioners to continue the review of the FY 2009 General Fund budget requests. Ms. Murray reviewed revisions to the revenue projections for Real Estate tax, 911 Fees, State Aid to Police Protection, Recreation Program fees, and rentals from recently purchased property. She stated that the estimates for real estate tax have been reduced by $8.3 million due to reduced assessments based on the most recent appeal activity. Ms. Murray reviewed a breakdown of allocation of new monies showing increases of $4.4 million for public safety, $3.3 million to appropriations (education), $3 million to capital (pay-go funding and debt service), and $900,000 for program services and a decrease of $560,000 in support services, for a total of $11.2 million. She also provided the breakdown by total percentage of allocation and total percentage increase over last year’s budget. Ms. Murray reviewed a summary of the FY 2009 General Fund budget requests. She stated that the requested increase by the Board of Education is $87.6 million or an increase of 3.61%. Ms. Murray noted that the Board of Education is not requesting funding for any new buses this fiscal year. She indicated that the budget is based on the assumption that requests for the purpose of buses will stay on the approved replacement schedule of not more than 14 per year. The Commissioners suspended budget review at 10:30 a.m. in order to hold Citizens Participation. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Jack Parkin, a business owner on East Oak Ridge Drive, expressed concerns regarding the editorial written by Commissioner Aleshire on the East Oak Ridge Drive bridge project and the effect the bridge closure would have on his business. Commissioner Aleshire explained the remarks he made in his article and explained that they were in regard to the bill proposed by the Delegation. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, asked the Commissioners for authorization to purchase from the GSA IT Schedule 70 Contract for purchases which exceed $25,000. Mr. Murray explained that the County piggy-backs on this contract to purchase equipment for a project to upgrade wireless infrastructure for high-speed data communications projects. Each time the cost exceeds $25,000, it must be approved by the Commissioners. Mr. Murray asked for permission to proceed on a site-by-site basis and purchase from the contract without returning for specific approval each time. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to approve the request authorizing the purchase of equipment for wireless infrastructure upgrades by piggy-backing on the GSA IT Schedule 70 Contract for purchases over $25,000 without the Commissioners’ prior approval each time. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, and Randy Edwards, Civil Engineer, appeared before the Commissioners to request their approval to abandon a small piece of right-of-way located off of Maryland Route 68 in Clear Spring. Mr. Edwards stated that a development in the area will require the existing Houck Lane to be widened leaving a small strip of land owned by the County which will no longer be needed for public use. Staff recommended that the property in question be conveyed to the Code ofthe Public Local developer. Mr. Kuhna stated that the Laws of APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE FOUR Washington County, Maryland requires that the County’s intent to convey land be advertised once a week for three successive weeks. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize Staff to advertise the County’s intention to convey a 20’ x 140’ strip of land to the adjacent property owner as presented by staff. Motion carried with Commissioners Aleshire, Kercheval, Wivell, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Baker voting “NO.” GRANT APPLICATION – CRIME CONTROL & PREVENTION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize submission of a grant application in the amount of $30,950 to the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to continue the salary of a Work Crew Supervisor to oversee individuals who have received community service. The Commissioners agreed to continue providing the benefit package for the position. Unanimously approved. GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP – CONTINUED Ms. Murray and Ms. Edlund continued their review of the General Fund budget. She stated the requested increases for School Health Nurses is 10%. Ms. Murray also reviewed the requests for Libraries, Public Safety, and the Washington County Fire & Rescue Association. The Commissioners discussed the Animal Control budget and asked that it be adjusted back to the agreed upon 70% County-30% Humane Society split plus 4%. They agreed to reduce the spay/neuter program funds to $25,000 based on license fees and discussed options to raise revenues. The Commissioners agreed to continue budget discussions during the afternoon session. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:01 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:09 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 1:14 p.m.) ADVISORY COMMISSION TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Earl Stoner, Health Officer, and Tom Pianta, Chair of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, met with the Commissioners to review the current bylaws and to discuss what role the Commissioners feel the Advisory Commission should take. Mr. Pianta stated that the group is primarily comprised of health care officials and that they meet quarterly. He indicated that they would like input from the Commissioners on whether they want them to be an advisory or decision-making board. They also asked if there were any issues they would like them to address. The Commissioners agreed that the group should be advisory in nature and provide them with feedback on budget issues and proposed fees at the Health Department. The Commissioners agreed to take their questions under consideration and provide guidance to the Advisory Commission. GYPSY MOTH SPRAY PROGRAM Earl Hance, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, and Tom Lupp, Spray Coordinator for the Region, met with the Commissioners regarding the gypsy moth spray program. Mr. Hance stated that there was a significant increase last year in gypsy moth infestation in the State of Maryland. Mr. Lupp explained the anticipated spray program and provided maps of the areas to be sprayed. He stated that there are 75 separate treatment areas proposed in Washington County covering over 17,000 acres. They asked that the County provide 30% of the funding with the State/Federal governments picking up 70% of the costs. Mr. Lupp stated that there is a small five-week window in which to do the spraying and that it is dependent upon the weather. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Mr. Hance assured the Commissioners that the County would only be billed for the acreage that is sprayed. The APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE FIVE Commissioners agreed to take the information under consideration and respond to the Department of Agriculture in the near future. GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP – CONTINUED The Commissioners reviewed the Operating/Capital Transfers, Capital, and Other Government Programs. They discussed funding for the Gypsy Moth Suppression Program and agreed to budget up to $100,000 for FY 2009. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to fund up to $113,000 for the Gypsy Moth Suppression Program for FY 2008 with the additional funding above the $26,000 previously budgeted to be taken from the Commissioners Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners reviewed the summary of proposed funding for Non-Profits. Ms. Murray stated that Memorial Recreation Center has requested a one-time amount of $25,000 to repair the swimming pool. The Commissioners asked for additional information about the project and other possible funding sources. Vicki Sadehvandi, Director for CASA, Inc., asked that the Commissioners fully fund CASA’s budget and cited State cuts in grant funding and increased insurance costs. It was also the consensus of the Commissioners to restore the full funding request to the CASA budget that was proposed to be cut. Commissioners Aleshire and Wivell were not in support of this action. Ms. Murray reviewed the summaries for General Operations. At the conclusion, Ms. Murray stated that she would obtain answers to the questions asked by the Commissioners and make any changes to the General Fund that were agreed to today. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:30 p.m. in order to attend the Board of Education Budget Workshop at their offices on Commonwealth Avenue. BOARD OF EDUCATION – FY 2009 BUDGET WORKSHOP The evening session was called to order at 4:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Auditorium 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. Also present were Board of Education members Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, Paul Bailey, William Staley, Wayne Ridenour, Donna Brightman and Ruth Ann Callaham. Chris South, Director of Budget & Finance, outlined the request to the County for $7.79 million in increased funding. He stated that the request maintains average class size, funds Master Plan priority needs, and allows the system to meet external challenges. The total budget for County funding is proposed to be $87,285,700 and includes Maintenance of Effort funding of $486,906. Mr. South provided the following summary of incremental requests: A) Increase related to Enrollment Growth - $797,380; B) Increase related to Meeting State & Federal Regulations - $1,536,162; C) Increase related to Utilities - $546,987; D) Increase related to Transportation - $212,288; E) Increase related to Facilities Maintenance - $2,116,619; F) Increases Related to Miscellaneous Services - $267,458; and G) Increases Related to Employee Compensation & Benefits - $5,068,896. Mr. South stated that this includes a $1.2 million one-time request to be used to fund deferred maintenance projects rather than to purchase school buses. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, expressed concern that this would not qualify as a “non-recurring cost” under the State guidelines. The Commissioners asked that she contact the State for an answer to this question. Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations, stated that if the Board’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget request is substantially reduced, the staff would review their priority list to determine how the one-time requested funds would be utilized. Following the presentations, the meeting was opened for questions and comments from the County Commissioners. After hearing all comments, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney APRIL 8, 2008 PAGE SIX _________, Clerk