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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090217 February 17, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:30 a.m. at their offices on Commonwealth Avenue. Commissioners John F. Barr, Kristin B. Aleshire, and William J. Wivell were in attendance. The following Board of Education members were present: Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Wayne Ridenour, Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, and Edward Forrest. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent; Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, Rob Rollins, Director of Facilities Planning and Development; and Dr. Robert Spong, Facilities Planning Manager. (Commissioner Kercheval arrived at 8:37 a.m.) Pupil Generation Rates Mr. Rollins and Dr. Spong reviewed the current process being used by the Board of Education to project Pupil Generation Rates from 14 new subdivisions for elementary, middle, and high schools. Mr. Rollins stated that the WCPS hopes to determine the impact of new developments on the Washington County Public School system. He stated that the calculations being presented are based on Use & Occupancy permit data through January 2009. The recommended rates for 2009 are: Single-Family: Average .73 per household (elementary - .39, middle - .17, and high school - .17); Townhouse: Average .38 per household (elementary - .24, middle - .07, and high school - .07); and Multi-Family: Average .34 per household (elementary - .16, middle - .08, and high school - .10). Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve following student generation rates for subdivisions as proposed by the Board of Education for calculations for student projections: Single-Family: Average .73 per household (elementary - .39, middle - .17, and high school - .17); Townhouse: Average .38 per household (elementary - .24, middle - .07, and high school - .07); and Multi-Family: Average .34 per household (elementary - .16, middle - .08, and high school - .10). Unanimously approved. Charge to Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee Mr. Michael informed the Commissioners that the Board of Education charged the Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee (FEAC) to study and recommend adjustments to current student attendance zones. Dr. Spong outlined the scope of work and stated that FEAC was asked in its advisory capacity to conduct a countywide review of all current school attendance zones and to recommend changes to such zones based upon current enrollment projections through the 2012-2013 school year. He stated that the goal is to balance the enrollment in County schools. The report is to be completed by December 2009. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Second Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the following second quarter budget adjustments, as requested by the Board of Education, by decreasing the following categories: Administration - $53,970; Mid-Level Administration - $37,100; Other Instructional Costs - $13,157; Student Transportation Services - $9,075; Operation of Plant - $179,885; and Fixed Charges - $113,700; and by increasing the following categories: Revenue - $110,445; Instructional Salaries - $234,970; and Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $282,362; for a net change in the Fund Balance of $0. Unanimously approved. Maryland State Department of Education – Press Release Dr. Morgan distributed an article from Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, that Maryland public high school students outperformed all others in the nation on the Advance Placement (AP) exams, according to the College Board’s fifth annual analysis of the AP program. She also stated that Superintendent Grasmick cited Washington County as one of only six schools in the State who have made significant progress in AP scores. FEBRUARY 17, 2009 PAGE TWO Motion to Convene in Closed Session Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval to convene in closed session at 9:05 a.m. to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Kercheval withdrew his motion and it was agreed to continue in open session. Annexation Plans – Town of Boonsboro Mr. Michael expressed his concern regarding the Town of Boonsboro’s recent amendments to its annexation agreements with King Road Associates and TT&K, LLC. He stated that if the sewer taps referenced therein translate into the number of single-family homes a total of 116 students would be generated for the elementary school. The two amended agreements also contain language regarding mitigation agreements as they relate to schools and these developments. Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that the Town is in the process of upgrading its sewer treatment plant as required by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and it must have a plan in place for the tap fees in order to pay the debt service on the upgraded plant. He further indicated that the issue of a mitigation program relating to schools would not usually be an issue until such time as the developers submit a site plan and school adequacy is determined as specifically provided for in the APFO. Mr. Murray noted that he feels that the amended agreements are at best unclear. John Martirano, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that that a meeting to discuss these issues has been scheduled for next week and will include staff from the Town, the Washington County Public Schools, and the County. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:35 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:15 a.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. 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 – FEBRUARY 3, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of February 3, 2009. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported on meetings of the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Lobbying Coalition’s “Day in Annapolis” and indicated that the primary discussions were in regard to funding for the Library expansion. He reported on the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meeting, a subcommittee meeting with the Housing Authority of Washington County on proposed senior housing projects and workforce housing initiatives, a Planning Commission workshop, and the Public Golf Corporation Board meeting. The Commissioner suggested the County consider partnering with the Housing Authority to expand the recreational areas of future senior housing projects proposed for outlying areas of the County. This could allow for additional senior centers in these communities at reduced costs similar to the County’s efforts to expand the gyms at 3 new Elementary schools for recreational programs. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the annual banquet of the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company. FEBRUARY 17, 2009 PAGE THREE Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he met with Carolyn Motz, Airport Director, to tour the projects at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and congratulated the Airport staff on doing a fine job. He stated that legislation was submitted by the Delegation regarding tax credits for senior citizens; however, he believes it would be simpler and more beneficial to amend a bill that currently exists to include a reduction in the age limit rather than create a new one. Commissioner Aleshire reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. He also stated that he attended the annual banquet for the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company and attended the Boonsboro Mayor and Council meeting. Commissioner Barr reported on the PenMar Development Corporation Board meeting and the MACo Legislative Committee meeting. He stated that he met with Dr. Guy Altieri, President of Hagerstown Community College, regarding the College’s budget and their long-range plans. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the unveiling and reception at the new Inn at BoonsBoro and thanked the owners, staff, and everyone who worked to complete the project after the damage from the fire last year. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Phil Physioc commented on a lawsuit filed by the County relating to property located in the Mt. Aetna area. He indicated that he would like to have a key to the gate in that area. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget discussions would begin today. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the eight-inch sprinkler line that feeds the County Office Building was broken, and after the repairs were completed, another section of the pipe broke. He stated that the contractor hopes to finish the repairs today. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the cost could be in excess of $25,000. Debra Murray, Director of Budget & Finance, provided an update on several policies. Ms. Murray stated that Federal government is mandating the adoption of a “Red Flag and Identify Theft Policy” which must be in place by May 1, 2009. She stated that a draft would be provided for review within the next few weeks. Ms. Murray also mentioned that a draft policy on development financing should be finished next month. Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services, provided information on a fire that occurred in Hancock last night. He stated that 50 personnel were involved, and despite heroic efforts by the firefighters, two teenage girls died in the fire. DEPUTY DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the recommendation to hire Charles Summers as Deputy Director for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services (Grade 16) at a salary of $57,814 to fill an existing vacancy. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioners Aleshire and Wivell voting “NO.” Commissioner Aleshire stated that he has great respect for Mr. Summers, but feels that the individual in this position should have greater background in fire and emergency medical service operations. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT - BRUMBAUGH-KENDLE-GROVE FARMSTEAD Carolyn Motz, Director of the Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners regarding the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove farmstead. Ms. Motz provided a brief history of the farmstead and explained that the FAA contacted interested parties to participate in the process and received FEBRUARY 17, 2009 PAGE FOUR comments regarding preservation, rehabilitation and reutilization of the farmstead. After receiving the comments, the FAA prepared a draft MOU identifying several alternatives and asked that comments be provided on or before February 25, 2009. Ms. Motz stated that the FAA would then coordinate the draft with the Maryland Historical Trust. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions. After hearing all comments, the Commissioners agreed to provide the following options: 1) The preferred mitigation action is to offer the facility at its existing location for renovation by a third party for a business use that is conducive to Airport operations. 2) The second alternative is to relocate the house, barn, and other outbuildings off Airport property by a third party. This alternative would require the third party to remove the entire structure(s) off Airport property. 3) The third alternative is to relocate the house and/or barn and/or outbuildings on Airport property by a third party. 4) The fourth alternative is to dismantle and preserve architectural elements of the Farmstead for re-use. 5) The fifth alternative is demolition with measures taken to preserve the architectural evidence and reuse the materials in the community. Ms. Motz stated that comments would be prepared and the issue would be brought back to the Commissioners next Tuesday for final approval and submission to FAA. RECESS – LUNCHEON WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS The Commissioners recessed at 11:22 a.m. to attend a luncheon sponsored by the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:35 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. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Director of Finance; Joseph Kroboth, Director of Public Works; and Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, members of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee, met with the Commissioners to provide an initial overview of the 2010-2015 CIP budget. Ms. Murray summarized the changes made by the Committee and noted that $212,589,01 was cut from the original submittal. The total proposed CIP budget in the first draft is $422,953,100 for the six-year period. She provided a broad summary of what has transpired from last year to this year for the six-year plan. Ms. Murray reviewed the projected Excise Tax revenues for FY 2010. She estimated that there would be $600,000 in revenues for non-residential Excise Tax. Ms. Murray projected $11,542,500 for residential for the years 2010- 2015. She noted that this is a reduction of $17,296,652 of what was previously projected for residential Excise Tax over the six-year period. Ms. Murray provided information on the County transfer tax for FY 2009 and projected $2 million for FY 2010. She projected downward trends in the FY 2009. Ms. Murray included three scenarios based on the existing trends and exceeding or falling trends. She outlined the Debt Affordability Analysis assuming a four percent total growth for twenty years, a three percent total growth, and a two percent total growth. Ms. Murray also provided information on current borrowing rates. She reviewed a new feature outlining a ten-year plan from 2010 to 2019. The Commissioners began reviewing the CIP requests for the following categories: Airport, Bridges, Drainage, General Government, Railroad Crossings, and Water Quality. The Commissioners recessed at this time to present the Youth Meritorious Awards. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS – DECEMBER 2008 & JANUARY 2009 The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Stephani Frisby (Clear Spring Middle School) in recognition of her selection by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families to receive the Youth Meritorious Award for December 2008. Commissioner Barr FEBRUARY 17, 2009 PAGE FIVE presented the January 2009 Youth Meritorious Award to Ryan Smetzer (Clear Spring Middle School). The Commissioners commended the students for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Barr stated that they would each receive a $100 savings bond from the WCCP. CONTINUE REVIEW – DRAFT CIP BUDGET 2010-2015 The Commissioners continued their review of Draft #1 of the CIP budget and reviewed the requests from Public Safety and Roads. RESOLUTION FOR ENDORESEMENT OF MEDAF LOAN AND LOCAL INITIATIVE – T. ROWE PRICE GROUP, INC. Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, appeared before the Commissioners to request approval of a resolution endorsing the State of Maryland’s $300,000 MEDAF loan to the T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and an $810,000 conditional loan from the County. The County portion would be disbursed in annual installments of $135,000 over six years under certain terms and conditions. Mr. Troxell stated that the loan funds would be used to construct a 50,000 square foot office building in Washington County to be used as a disaster recovery data center. He indicated that T. Rowe Price Group will be investing approximately $75,000,000 in the project and will be creating at least 17 new jobs. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to approve Resolution No. RS-09-03 (Endorsement of MEDAF Loan and Local Incentives) endorsing the State’s MEDAF Loan of $300,000 to the T. Rowe Group, Inc. and a County conditional loan of $810,000 to be used to construct a building with approximately 50,000 square feet of office space to be used as a disaster recovery data center and expand its operations in Hagerstown, Maryland, with the annual amounts to be taken from the Hotel Rental Tax funds. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Baker, Aleshire, and Kercheval voting “AYE” and Commissioner Barr “ABSTAINING.” DISCUSSION OF SPECIAL EVENTS ORDINANCE Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed the Staff’s most recent changes to the Special Events Ordinance. He indicated that the purpose of the Ordinance is to require that a permit be obtained before holding certain events on county roads, county property, or on private property when the event may have an impact upon health, fire and rescue, police, transportation, and other services. Mr. Wilkinson further stated that approval from outside agencies would not be required for issuance of a County permit. He also reviewed the Rules and Regulations that have been drafted and noted that these include a provision requiring the County to issue or decline a permit at least 14 days prior to the event. The meeting was opened for discussion with the Commissioners and the Commissioners raised several issues of concern relating to the latest draft of the Ordinance as well as the Ordinance in general. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 4:15 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation 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 Baker, to reconvene in open session at 4:36 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction and discussed personnel matters FEBRUARY 17, 2009 PAGE SIX that affect one or more specific individuals. 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; Robert Slocum, Deputy Director of Public Works – Capital Programs; and Henry Renner. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 4:36 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk