Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout080513 May 13, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:45 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioner James F. Kercheval. (Commissioners Kristin Aleshire and William Wivell were absent.) 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 6, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the minutes of May 6, 2008. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, introduced new County employees Carrie Aaron (Human Resources), Blair Reynolds (Department of Public Works – Capital Projects), Benjamin Hainke (Department of Public Works – Capital Projects), Justin Smith (Water Quality), and John Irvin (Water Quality). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the meeting of the Williamsport Mayor and Council. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues event. He stated that he attended the “Capital for a Day” events in Hagerstown and met with the Secretaries of several State Departments. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) employee Becky Black passed away last week and offered his condolences to the MACo staff. He stated that he spoke to a Boy Scout Troop in Chewsville last week on local government issues. He commended the deputies who were recognized in a ceremony by the Sheriff last week. Commissioner Kercheval also noted that he received a telephone call from a resident of the Orchard Hills subdivision with concerns that drivers are using the subdivision as a detour around road construction in the area. Commissioner Barr reported on the “Capital for a Day” events with Governor O’Malley. He stated that the attended the “Women at the Table” tribute to Suzanne Downey Hayes and Linda Irvin Craig honoring them for their contributions to the community. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that Elizabeth Harris, Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor, met with County Attorney’s staff during the “Capital for a Day” activities. CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION OF TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION Tom Riford, President and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), met with the Commissioners to provide the annual report on the CVB. He introduced Doug Anstine, CVB Board Chairman, who was in attendance. Mr. Riford noted that hotel revenues were up and visitations to local attractions have increased. The State’s Office of Tourism Development reported that 2.01 million visitors spent $250 million in Washington County last year. He provided statistics from the State Office on Tourism for the County. Mr. Riford stated that nearly 6,000 people work in the tourism industry in the County. He distributed copies of the 2008 Visitors Guide, Destination Planning Guide, Annual Report, and other brochures on places of interest in Washington County. Mr. Riford distributed copies of the CVB’s 2007 financial audit. He stated that the CVB has received a “clean” opinion from the auditors, has paid off all debt and is in a positive cash position. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions. MAY 13, 2008 PAGE TWO Commissioner Kercheval presented Mr. Riford, Mr. Anstine, and CVB Director of Operations Jolene Thomas with a proclamation designating May 10-18 2008 as Tourism Week in Washington County and urging all citizens to recognize and celebrate the importance of welcoming visitors and promoting Washington County’s historical and recreational features. Mr. Riford informed the Commissioners of the events planned in the County during this week and during the month of May. (Commissioner Barr was excused from the meeting at 10:15 a.m. and Vice President Baker assumed the Chair. Commissioner Wivell arrived at this time.) CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Phil Physioc reminded the Commissioners that he had distributed information to them about a lawsuit filed by the County against Henry Physioc relating to property located in the Mt. Aetna area a few weeks ago and asked several questions about the suit. John Martirano, County Attorney, advised the Commissioners not to answer any questions regarding the ongoing litigation and informed Mr. Physioc that if he is seeking information that is not related to the ongoing litigation, he may file a Public Information Act request. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that the County’s FY 2009 Budget Hearing will be held at Hagerstown Community College’s Kepler Theatre this evening. Mr. Murray reported that he and several staff members met with State officials during the “Capital for a Day” activities. He reminded the Commissioners that the rezoning public hearing is scheduled for May 19. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Bill Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, requested authorization to advertise to fill a Planner (Grade 11) position in the Planning & Community Development Department. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve advertising to fill a Planner position in the Planning & Community Development Department. Unanimously approved. Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, informed the Commissioners that he received a call from the Deputy District Engineer for the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding the traffic signal at the intersection of Pangborn Boulevard and Md. Route 64. Mr. Rohrer stated that the SHA found that the County owns the signal through a 1996 agreement with the Commissioners. He indicated that the State is going to proceed to upgrade the signal to current standards at its own expense; however, the County will continue to maintain ownership of it. Tim Troxell, Director of the Economic Development Commission, stated that Tri-County Council has an opportunity to apply for a $300,000 grant from the Defense Logistics Agency to provide procurement technical assistance to small businesses who wish to do business with the Federal government. Tri-County Council is requesting that each of the three counties represented by Tri- County Council provide $25,000 toward the local match. Mr. Troxell indicated that the funds would not be utilized until FY 2009 if they are successful if being awarded the grant. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve providing a $25,000 to Tri-County Council as part of the local match necessary for a grant application for the Defense Logistics Agency, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved. Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, reminded the Commissioners that the budget hearing tonight would be cablecast on Antietam Cable Channel 99. (Commissioner Aleshire arrived at the meeting at 11:11 a.m.) MAY 13, 2008 PAGE THREE PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN LANDFILL FEES The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 11:05 a.m. in order to hear testimony regarding the recommendation that the mulch fee be increased from $15 per ton to $25 per ton and that charges relating to cubic yard measurements be eliminated. Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, and Robert Davenport, Deputy Director, Solid Waste Management, were in attendance to answer any questions. Mr. Davenport provided statistics on the amount of mulch generated and sold at the landfill. He stated that $21,421 in revenue has been generated to date and he estimated an increase of $12,000 if the proposed increase is approved. Commissioner Baker opened the meeting for public comment. Phil Physioc had questions on the moisture content of the mulch. There was no one present who wished to testify. The hearing was closed at 11:14 a.m. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to increase the fee for the purchase of mulch at the landfill from $15 per ton to $25 per ton and to eliminate charges relating to cubic yard measurements, with the new fees to become effective May 19, 2008. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the approved Resolution RS-08-08 is located in the County Commissioners’ Office.) CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PRESENTATIONS – RECOGNITION FROM MARYLAND RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION Commissioner Wivell presented a Certificate of Merit to Amy Stahl who was recently honored by the Maryland Rural Water Association as the Rookie Water Operator of the Year. Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, stated that this honor is given to an operator who has shown the ability to learn all aspects of the position of water operator at a water plant in the State of Maryland and apply those abilities in a professional manner. Ms. Stahl thanked the Commissioners for the Certificate. MARYLAND STATE POLICE PARTICIPATION AND CONTRIBUTION – CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS CENTER Sheriff Doug Mullendore met with the Commissioners regarding the Consolidated Communications Center. He introduced representatives of the Maryland State Police, Hagerstown City Police, and County Sheriff’s Office who were in attendance in support of the consolidation efforts. Sheriff Mullendore stated that their plan is to divide the County into two sectors and then into smaller coverage areas to allow deputies to better address issues. He stated that they also want to work toward establishing an Eastern District Office. Vehicles would be equipped with automatic vehicle locators for mobile data deployment, and the dispatcher would know the exact location of all cruisers at any time to dispatch the closest unit to an incident. He proposed that dispatchers from the Sheriff’s office be placed in the new Center to dispatch for the Maryland State Police as well as the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Mullendore stated that the Maryland State Police have agreed to participate in the consolidation by purchasing their own radios and vehicle locator. They have also agreed to the proposal to dispatch by geo-based boundaries. Colonel Sheridan will provide space in the State Police barrack for an Eastern District Station and for a co-located Criminal Investigation Unit as their in-kind contribution to the County. Sheriff Mullendore also requested that consolidated crime laboratory services be considered as part of the agreement. Lt. Colonel Lawrence spoke in support of the plan and stated that it would be a prototype throughout the State. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. (Commissioner Barr returned at 11:42 a.m. and assumed the Chair.) Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the Maryland State Police providing an in-kind service contribution rather than an annual operating expense contribution, to allow the Sheriff to proceed to work to consolidate services with the understanding that the Maryland State Police will continue to look at funding issues regarding patrol positions being eliminated. Unanimously approved. MAY 13, 2008 PAGE FOUR RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:27 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. BID AWARD – DIGITIZE ALARM MONITORING DEVICE – WASHINGTON COUNTY 911 CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to award the bid for a digitized Alarm Monitoring Device for the Washington County 911 Center to Great Valley Systems Corp., d/b/a N.B. Barber Company, which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $31,200. Unanimously approved. CONVENE AS BOARD OF HEALTH CONTRACT AWARD - AMBULANCE/WHEELCHAIR/TAXI SERVICES ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene sitting as the Board of Health at 1:34 p.m. Unanimously approved. Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Earl Stoner, Health Officer, met with the Commissioners regarding the contract for ambulance/wheelchair/taxi services issued on behalf of the Washington County Health Department. Ms. Luther informed the Commissioners that the low bidder was Am-Van, Inc. t/a All American Ambulance and Transport. Mr. Stoner reviewed the services that this contract would provide. He stated that fifty percent of the funding for the contract is from the State of Maryland and fifty percent is from the Federal government. The meeting was then opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi Services to Am- Van, Inc, t/a All American Ambulance and Transport, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $663,178, on behalf of the Washington County Health Department, based on unit costs and estimated quantities for each trip type. The contract shall commence on July 1, 2008 for a one-year period with an option by the Health Department to renew for up to two additional consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in regular session at 1:41 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – MARYLAND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT - MD-06-CD-4- HOUSING STUDY The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 2:00 p.m. to update citizens on the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) MD-06-CD-4 – Housing Study. David Jordan, Executive Director of Washington County Community Action Council; Kathy Saxman, Project Coordinator for the Community Partnership for Children & Families; and Sonja Hoover, Fiscal/Research Specialist, appeared before the Commissioners regarding the CDBG grant awarded to Washington County in the amount of $20,727 to conduct a county-wide housing study to identify substandard units. Mr. Jordan stated that the Community Action Council serves as the sub recipient of the grant. He provided an update on the study, which has concluded. Mr. Jordan indicated that the study will be made available at the formal presentation scheduled for June 10. The meeting was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment, and the hearing was closed at 2:12 p.m. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2008 Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners to review a resolution to issue and sell $19,950,000 in Public Improvement Bonds. Ms. Ruppersberger reviewed the changes made in the bond package and reviewed the projects for which the bond funds would be used. She stated that the Public Improvement Bonds would be used to fund a portion MAY 13, 2008 PAGE FIVE of the projected cost of roads, bridges, communication systems, building improvements, and issuance costs. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that $14,793,830 of the debt is tax-supported and $4,156,170 is self-supported. Projects include the expansion of the Detention Center, the construction/renovation of schools as well as infrastructure and environmental projects. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the resolution authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $19,950,000 to be known as “Washington County, Maryland, Public Improvement Bonds of 2008” pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 205 of the Laws of Maryland of 2004, as amended, for the public purpose of financing the cost of general public improvements in Washington County. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioners Aleshire and Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the approved Resolution RS-08-07 is located in the County Commissioners’ Office.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 2:24 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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 Wivell, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 2:50 p.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; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; and consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. 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; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – MAY 2008 The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Samantha Truax (Hancock Middle/Senior High School) and Nicholas Demarco (Smithsburg Middle School) in recognition of their selection as the Youths of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) for May 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. REAPPOINTMENTS – BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to appoint Sheryl Goree to the Board of Social Services for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2008, and to reappoint David Yohman and James Blanks for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to reappoint Gary Davis, Stuart Mullendore, and Tim Henry to the Economic Development Commission for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:58 p.m. MAY 13, 2008 PAGE SIX EVENING SESSION - PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET AND CONSTANT YIELD TAX RATE The evening session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order in the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College at 7:00 p.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. (Commissioner Aleshire was absent from the hearing.) The public hearing was held to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget for Washington County and to set the current property tax rate. Gregory Murray, County Administrator, announced that this public hearing is being held to permit the residents of Washington County to comment on the Commissioners’ intention to continue the property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of assessed full value for the Fiscal Year 2009 as required by Sections 2-205 and 6- Tax-Property Article , 308,, Annotated Code of Marylandand to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget as advertised. Mr. Murray stated, in accordance with provisions of the Tax Property Article, that the Board of County Commissioners plan to adopt the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2009 on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in the Commissioners’ meeting room in the County Administration Building. Mr. Murray indicated that comments may be sent to the Commissioners at 100 West Washington Street or via the Internet at www.washco-md.net. Mr. Murray reviewed the following highlights for the FY 2009 budget which will begin funding of Phase II for the Emergency Services Plan; provide funding for the new Central Booking facility; provide funding for primary and secondary education; provide significant funding for roads, educational, and public safety projects; maintain manageable debt levels; and maintain a balanced budget, without a structural deficit. He explained the critical challenges faced in this fiscal year budget. Mr. Murray also reviewed the Capital plan and provided a budget breakdown of how the new funding would be utilized. He reviewed the projected revenues for fiscal year 2009 for property tax, income tax, excise tax, and other sources. Mr. Murray outlined the proposed General Fund budget of $207,000,730; the Capital Improvement Projects budget of $87,479,800; the Special Revenue Funds - Highway Funds - $9,289,760 and Solid Waste Fund - $8,682,410; the Transit Fund - $2,459,650; Airport Fund - $2,726,840; Golf Course Fund - $1,241,050; Utility Administration Fund - $3,642,760; Water Fund - $1,773,930; Sewer Fund - $10,566,680; Pretreatment Fund - $695,600; Foreign Trade Zone - $7,000; Agricultural Education Center Fund - $199,330; Community Partnership Fund - $281,440; Gaming Fund - $173,000; Hotel/Motel Tax Fund - $1,643,000; and Inmate Welfare Fund - $548,940. He stated that the total proposed budget is $338,411,910. The hearing was opened for public testimony. After all testimony was given, Commissioner Barr adjourned the hearing at 8:07 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk