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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080506 May 6, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST The Commissioners met at 7:30 a.m. at Next Dimensions Restaurant for the annual service/retirement awards program. Service pins were presented to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government, and the following retirees were honored: Bob Hafer, William Crilly, Douglas Mullendore, Rodney Shoop, Denzil Viands, Terry Whittington, Johnny Marshall, Edward Robinson, and Ernest Bishop. Commissioner Barr thanked the employees on behalf of all the Commissioners for their hard work and dedication to County government. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:43 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Commissioner Terry Baker was absent from the meeting. 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. The Commissioners observed a moment of silence in remembrance of former City Councilman Linn Hendershot who died on May 1, 2008. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 29, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of April 29, 2008. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell had questions regarding a letter received from a local business regarding Admissions and Amusement Tax. John Martirano, County Attorney, indicated that he has discussed this issue with the owner of the business and he will follow up with the State Comptroller’s Office who actually collects this tax. Commissioner Wivell referenced the letter that was received from the Board of Public Works stating that the State property tax rate is $0.28 per $100 of assessed value and asked if that had changed from last year. Greg Murray, County Administrator, agreed to check on this issue. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the Halfway Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company meeting. He thanked the staff for organizing the employee awards breakfast this morning. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he made a presentation to the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County regarding City/County water and sewer issues. He stated that he attended the viewing for Linn Hendershot and urged citizens to participate in the public process as Mr. Hendershot did. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that more changes would occur if individuals got involved and made things happen. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that the 2+2 Committee meeting with the City was cancelled last week. He stated that he met with a representative of Petrie/Ross Ventures regarding their proposed development on Route 40 East and shared some of the County’s concerns about the project with him. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new infield at Municipal Stadium. He stated that he also attended the viewing for Linn Hendershot and commented that the loss would be felt in the community. Commissioner Kercheval thanked the employees recognized during the awards ceremony. He stated than he was unable to attend the Planning Commission meeting and that Commissioner Baker attended the meeting on his behalf. Commissioner Barr expressed his condolences to the family of Linn Hendershot and emphasized Mr. Hendershot’s passion for the community. He informed the Commissioners that he met with several representatives of Allegheny Energy regarding the PATH Project, the proposed high voltage transmission line that would run through part of southern Washington County, and indicated that there has been no determination on the project. Commissioner Barr stated that there is a possibility that it MAY 6, 2008 PAGE TWO could miss Washington County. He also commented on the “Trail” project, which is a similar project going from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Winchester, Virginia. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the Community Foundation grant awards ceremony. FY 2009 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE (POS) FUNDING Jim Sterling, Director of the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department, met with the Commissioners to review the FY 2009 Annual Program Open Space Funding as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Board. Mr. Sterling informed the Commissioners that the County’s FY 2009 allocation from the State is $386,558. He noted that the State has drastically reduced POS funding to the counties due to State budget issues. Mr. Sterling indicated that the County has met the State’s acquisition attainment goals, so all funding can be used for development projects. The Commissioners discussed the proposed projects as approved by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board: Development – Board of Education - $29,700; Boonsboro - $50,000; Funkstown – $13,770; Hagerstown – $85,500; Hancock – $50,000; Keedysville - $10,800; Smithsburg - $18,000; Williamsport – $32,000; Hagerstown Community College - $27,000; and Washington County – $69,788. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Mr. Sterling asked for authorization to proceed with plans for construction of a pavilion at Black Rock Golf Course using funds from the John Howard Trust. He also asked that the Commissioners consider utilizing the land previously used for the rubble landfill for additional park land and softball and soccer fields if it is determined that it will not be used as a landfill in the future. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the annual FY 2009 Program Open Space program as presented in the amount of $386,558. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to authorize the use of funds from the John Howard Trust for construction of a pavilion at Black Rock Golf Course. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL FOR CHANGE OF DEPARTMENT NAME Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, proposed that that the name of his department be changed to “Parks, Recreation & Facilities” as part of the reorganization that was approved on March 4, 2008 to better reflect the changes made. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to change the name of the department as recommended by staff. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that in answer to Commissioner Wivell’s question earlier in the meeting, the State property tax rates are the same as last year. Mr. Murray reminded the Commissioners that the “Capital for a Day” event is scheduled in Hagerstown for May 8 and reviewed the Governor’s tentative schedule. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the State has started construction on the bridges on Interstate 70 over Black Rock Road. Mr. Kroboth also stated that the intersection improvement project at Md. Route 40 and Mt. Aetna Road has begun. He noted that the two rest areas on I-70 have been closed for renovation and the temporary location will be at Prime Outlets. Mr. Kroboth stated that he is coordinating the second public information meeting for the Funkstown Bridge project and asked the Commissioners to advise him of their availability. The Commissioners agreed to tentatively set the date for May 14 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Kroboth stated that he would advertise the meeting when the location is determined. Bill Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, introduced Leslie Hendrickson who was recently promoted to the position of Agricultural Marketing Specialist. CITIZENS’ PARTICIIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. MAY 6, 2008 PAGE THREE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FOR VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANIES Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, met with the Commissioners regarding workers’ compensation coverage for volunteer members for fire and rescue companies. Mr. Wilkinson explained that pursuant to Md. Code, Labor & Employment Article, Section 9-234(a)(3), a county government may provide by resolution that members of volunteer fire or rescue companies be considered covered employees for purposes of workers’ compensation coverage provided by the county government. He stated that the County does not have a resolution in place, although it has considered such members as covered employees in the past. Mr. Wilkinson indicated that, if the Commissioners wish to allow members of volunteer fire or rescue companies to be considered covered employees while on duty, a formal resolution should be adopted to clarify the issue. He stated that each volunteer company would then elect whether its members would be considered as covered employees for workers’ compensation coverage. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to adopt the Resolution allowing members of volunteer fire or rescue companies to be considered covered employees while on duty for purposes of workers’ compensation coverage provided by the County. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – BUILDING SAFETY WEEK Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Dan DiVito, Director of Permits & Inspections, Angela Smith, Deputy Director, and Rob Smith, Building Inspector, designating the week of May 5-11, 2008 as Building Safety Week in Washington County to remind the public about the critical role of building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders and others in the construction industry to ensure the safe construction of buildings through enforcement of the building codes. Mr. DiVito thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and spoke on the importance of building code enforcement. Mr. Smith provided information of their plans to promote Building Safety Week and informed the Commissioners that staff made a presentation on the benefits of the codes to Technical High School students. He stated that they hope to expand to other areas to talk about the importance of building codes and inspections. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 11:04 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, 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 Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 11:38 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 11:38 a.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________, County Administrator MAY 6, 2008 PAGE FOUR _____________________________, County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk