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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080916 September 16, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland At 9:00 a.m. the Commissioners attended the dedication ceremony and tour of the new Rockland Woods Elementary School. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:35 a.m. by Vice President Terry L. Baker with the following members present: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the Department of Public Works staff is meeting with the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding a re-write of the stormwater management regulations that are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Mr. Kroboth asked for direction from the Commissioners on how to proceed regarding a petition received requesting improvements to Gapland Road. He stated that the project is programmed for full-depth reclamation in the FY 2011 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the road could be patched and chip sealed for $65,000 if they wish to defer the full-depth reclamation, although this action would require a budget transfer to that account since it was not included in this fiscal year’s budget. He indicated that staff’s recommendation is to proceed with the established program. The meeting was opened for discussion. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that the Commissioners should not insert themselves in the process and move a project ahead of more deserving projects just because complaints are received. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he would prefer to wait and see if there are any upcoming State budget cuts that would require revisions in the County’s capital projects. It was the consensus to defer making any further decision until hearing from the State. Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, requested permission to advertise to fill an Equipment Operator I at the Highway Department. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to advertise to fill an Equipment Operator I vacancy at the Highway Department. Unanimously approved. Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, announced that the Disabilities Advisory Committee is sponsoring a Citizens Listening Post on October 8 as a forum to assess the needs of people with disabilities in Washington County. Commissioner Baker thanked the Recreation Department staff for organizing the County Employee Picnic last weekend. PROCLAMATION – PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Vice President Baker presented a proclamation to Earl Stoner and Holly Luther of the Washington County Health Department, designating September 2008 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, urging all men to talk to their doctors about their personal risks for prostate cancer and the options for early screening in order to make an informed decision about their health. CONTRACT AWARD – CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM FACILITATOR PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for the Child & Family Team Facilitator Program for Washington County, Maryland to Choices, Inc., which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible proposal in the total sum of $115,668 (Fiscal years 2009 and 2010). Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:06 a.m. SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE TWO LUNCHEON – ADOPTION OF THE REVISED “BASIC EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN” FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND The Commissioners attended a working lunch hosted by the Division of Fire and Emergency Operations in the Workshop Area at the County Administration Building. Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Fire and Emergency Services, introduced Roger Bennett, Western Maryland Regional Administrator for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to the Commissioners. Mr. Bennett provided an overview of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) process. He stated that it is the responsibility and authority of the EOC to respond to incidents at the local level. Mr. Bennett explained that the EOC represents a physical location for coordination of information and resources to support incident management. He provided examples of various types of incidents that would activate the EOC including fire and rescue, law enforcement, and medical services. Mr. Bennett outlined the EOC functions and the meeting was opened for questions. Mr. Lewis provided an update on the status of the new facility located at Elliott Parkway. He distributed copies of the revised Basic Emergency Operations Plan (BEOP) for Washington County. He stated that the BEOP provides a framework for government and private entities to ensure a coordinated effort in response to public emergencies. Mr. Lewis noted that the BEOP describes how various agencies would work within the jurisdiction and with regional and federal partners. He noted that the BEOP concepts are the same; however, the functional annexes have been renamed and reconfigured. Mr. Lewis asked the Commissioners to forward any questions to him for response prior to the formal adoption of the revisions. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:35 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Funkstown Town Hall by Vice President Terry L. Baker with the following members present: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval and William J. Wivell. 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 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of September 9, 2008. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval thanked the Recreation and Parks’ staff for organizing the County Employees’ Picnic. He reported on the meetings of the Public Golf Corporation Board and the Planning Commission public hearing. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he participated in the annual Antietam Creek clean-up last week. He stated that he attended the Hancock Town Council meeting and the County Employees’ Picnic. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners of correspondence he received from constituents on various issues. Commissioner Baker thanked the Town of Funkstown for hosting tonight’s meeting and stated that Commissioner Barr sends his regrets that he was unable to attend. He reported on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting and stated that Program Open Space funding was reduced drastically. SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE THREE CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Justin Hardings, candidate for the elected Board of Education, provided information on his background and his platform. Barry Warrenfeltz expressed his concerns with recent changes in submission requirements and fees by the Permits and Inspections Department. The Commissioners agreed to look into the matter. Paul Crampton, Assistant Mayor of Funkstown, asked the Commissioners how they decided to distribute the hotel rental tax to the municipalities. The Commissioners informed him that each municipality would receive a base of $15,000 and the remainder of the funding would be calculated using a formula based on population. Mr. Crampton informed the Commissioners that the Town’s new sewer treatment plant will be open for tours on October 11; the Funkstown Halloween Parade is scheduled for October 30; and the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration will be December 12. Commissioner Kercheval informed Town officials that the Southern By-pass project was moved forward with the first phase to begin in FY 2009-10. However, he cautioned that the State is facing deficits this year that may filter down to the counties and that capital projects would probably be the first to be reduced if that occurs. Mayor Kline requested additional information regarding the Board of Education’s revenue surplus. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the East Oak Ridge Drive Bridge rehabilitation project. He stated that the $1.24 million project is 80% federally funded. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the project is scheduled for completion on or before January 15, although the contract included an incentive and disincentive clause in an attempt to reduce the amount of time the bridge is actually closed. He stated that the bridge is several days ahead of schedule at this time. Mr. Kroboth also informed them of the measures that were taken to publicize the detour and provide information regarding the location of businesses that were affected by the bridge closure. Kim Ramer, Councilmember, questioned the Board of Education’s purchase of a building for their maintenance program. He also asked if the County had developed a plan to decrease employees given the current state of the economy. He also expressed concerns about companies that impose quotas that must be met and stated that he feels this is a form of age discrimination. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed those in attendance that the County Commissioners’ meetings are broadcast live on the Internet to make them more accessible to citizens. Mr. Murray provided information on two upcoming presentations in October regarding wind-generated electricity and methane recovery. He stated that the County is investigating the possibility of initiating a curbside recycling program and noted that the Town would be receiving a letter in the near future asking if they are interested in participating in the program. Mr. Murray indicated that Department of Fire & Emergency Services officials would also be contacting them to review the updated Basic Emergency Operations Plan. RENEWAL OF THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT Ruth Anne Callaham, Executive Director of Food Resources, Inc., outlined the services provided by Food Resources through grant funding. Ms. Callaham stated that the three-year grant for distribution of commodities and funds for the Emergency Food Assistance Program is through the State of Maryland Department of Human Services with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She informed the Commissioners that food is distributed based upon the U.S. Census poverty levels. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the Agreement relating to the renewal of the Distribution of Commodities and Funds for the Emergency Food Assistance Program between the Maryland State Department of Human Resources and Washington County; to name Food SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE FOUR Resources, Inc. as the Emergency Feeding Organization and to authorize Food Resources to receive the grant funding for Fiscal Years 2009 - 2012. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk