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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080923 September 23, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:15 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. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at 9:18 a.m.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 9:15 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, and/or assignment of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 9:24 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, and/or assignment of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of September 16, 2008. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker informed the Commissioners that he had received questions from constituents regarding new technologies the County is considering using at the landfill. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the recently approved feasibility study would look at a variety of new programs and report back on them. Commissioner Baker indicated that he has also received several e-mails regarding vicious dogs. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the “Project Wormburner” event sponsored by the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and provided statistics on it. He thanked the EDC for hosting the event and noted that sponsorships pay for the costs involved. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the press conference announcing that Allegiant Air would be providing service from the Hagerstown Regional Airport to Orlando, Florida, and welcomed them to Washington County. He reported on the meeting of the Mental Health Advisory Committee and stated that they are requesting a legislative amendment to allow the Mental Health Authority to serve as the organization to advocate for mental health issues in Washington County. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the Local Management Board meeting. He reminded the Commissioners that the Department of Transportation’s Annual Transportation Tour is scheduled for October 2 and suggested that it may be time to discuss a future expansion of Interstate 70. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting with residents of Independence Road and Kending Lane who voiced concerns about proposed changes in the landfill permit and asked that the County SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 PAGE TWO continue to abide by the original agreement. He stated that he attended the Municipal League meeting in Keedysville and appreciated their hospitality. Commissioner Aleshire reported on the Project Wormburner event. He reminded the Commissioners about scheduling a forum to discuss “green” initiatives. He asked for staff input regarding a letter he received from Redland Brick on quarry depths. He also questioned the cost and County share of the gypsy moth survey done by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and stated that he feels there should be a more cost efficient way to obtain this information. Greg Murray, County Administrator, agreed to obtain additional information on the program and check on the cost. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he has received several letters regarding the project proposed for the Doub property and that misinformation regarding it has been circulated. He noted that he received a number of calls on the proposed PATH project and feels that it would be prudent to appoint a local committee to review the process and make recommendations to the County Commissioners. Commissioner Barr provided information on the Alsatia Mummers Parade, and the Commissioners agreed to walk in the parade scheduled for November 1. Commissioner Barr reminded the Commissioners that Lt. Governor Anthony Brown would be at American Legion Post 10 in Boonsboro this afternoon to announce new services for veterans. He noted that the dedication of the community building at Fort Ritchie is scheduled for September 27. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – SCOTT HOBBS Commissioner Barr presented Scott Hobbs, Chief of Capital Projects, with a certificate of merit in recognition of receiving the 2008 Engineer of the Year Award from the County Engineers Association of Maryland at its Fall Conference. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Hobbs on this award. Mr. Hobbs stated that he was honored to have received the award and stated that he looked forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Washington County. He recognized Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; Rob Slocum, Deputy Director of Public Works; Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects; and former Chief Engineer Terry McGee, for their assistance over the years. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – TACTICAL VESTS FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the Resolution (Resolution No. RS-08-13) authorizing the purchase of tactical vests and accessories as outlined in the purchasing specifications for use by the Washington County Special Response Team from Safety League, Inc., T/A Atlantic Tactical, by utilizing the Prince George’s County bid #C05-070 in the total amount of $26,790.40, pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously approved. BID RESULTS/AWARD UPDATE – ELECTRIC SUPPLY SERVICES TO THE FREDERICK AREA COOPERATIVE PURCHASING COMMITTEE Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the results of the award to Reliant Energy Solutions East, LLC for Electric Supply Services for account types 1, 2, and 3 for the period November 2010 to May 2013 without RPM (capacity) charge by the Frederick Area Cooperative Purchasing Committee. Ms. Luther stated that the rates were $0.0783/KWH for Type 1, $0.0770/KWH for Type 2, and $0.0750/KWH for Type 3. She introduced Richard Anderson from CQI Associates, LLC who acted as consultant for the group. Mr. Anderson provided information on the competitive bid process used by the Committee. He stated that the rates constitute a $1.175 million reduction to Washington County from paying the default rate. Ms. Luther explained that the Board approved entering into the Frederick Area Cooperative Purchasing Agreement as a participating organization and appointed representatives to act on behalf of the Board and enter into a contract immediately following the bid opening. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. After questions and discussion, the Commissioners commended them for doing a good job. SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to concur and enter into a contract with Reliant Energy Solutions East, LLC for Electric Supply Services for account types 1, 2, and 3 without RPM (capacity) charge for the period November 2010 to May 2013 as awarded by the Frederick Area Cooperative Purchasing Committee for the following rates: $0.0783/KWH for Type 1, $0.0770/KWH for Type 2, and $0.0750/KWH for Type 3. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT – AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to reappoint Wayne Alter to the Airport Advisory Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, congratulated the Regional Airport staff for the addition of the new carrier, Allegiant Air. Mr. Murray reminded the Commissioners that the public hearing with the Maryland Department of the Environment for the landfill permit modification will be held tonight. He stated that presentations on methane gas reuse and alternative energy sources are scheduled on the agenda in the near future. (Commissioner Wivell was excused at this time) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Dee Hawbaker requested permission to fill the following vacancies: Accounts Payable Technician (Budget & Finance Department), Two (2) Landfill Attendants (Solid Waste), and an Equipment Operator II/Crew Coordinator (Highway Department). Commissioner Kercheval asked for follow-up information on the reductions proposed by the State in Highway User Funds and justification on filling positions with the cuts proposed. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve advertising to fill the following vacancies: Accounts Payable Technician (Budget & Finance Department), Two (2) Landfill Attendants (Solid Waste), and an Equipment Operator II/Crew Coordinator (Highway Department). Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate Commissioner Barr noted that Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will be holding a press conference announcing the opening of the veterans’ service provider location in Western Maryland in Boonsboro at 1:00 p.m. today if any of the Commissioners wish to attend this event. ADJOURNMENT - LUNCHEON & TOUR OF BRUMBAUGH-KENDLE-GROVE FARMSTEAD The Commissioners adjourned at 10:37 a.m. to attend a luncheon with the Historic District Commission and a tour of the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead located on Hagerstown Airport property. Representatives at the event asked the Commissioners to secure the barn and home to prevent further deterioration and attempt to reuse the buildings as part of future economic development expansion at the airport. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk