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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090224 February 24, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 12:35 p.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioner James F. Kercheval. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 12:38 p.m. to discuss the employment, 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 Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 12:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the employment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation 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, Terry L. Baker, and James F. Kercheval. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; Daniel DiVito, Director of Permits & Inspections; and Angela Smith, Deputy Director of Permits & Inspections. UPDATED DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Daniel DiVito, Director of Permits & Inspections, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, met with the Commissioners to discuss several items. Mr. DiVito stated that the department is proposing to change its name from Permits & Inspections to the Department of Building Safety. He explained that the title of Building Safety would more accurately reflect the services provided and would be a symbolic change to reflect its new business philosophy. Mr. DiVito informed the Commissioners that, in an effort to continue to implement the changes recommended in an earlier study by the Process Committee, a Citizens Advisory Committee would be created to provide assistance in evaluating policies and procedures. He referred to a list of candidates who are being recommended for this Committee. Mr. DiVito also proposed the adoption of a Workforce Reduction Policy that would be specific to the Department of Permits & Inspections and would specifically define the procedures that would be followed in the event the Commissioners decide such a reduction in the workforce is warranted. He stated that current economic conditions have produced a 40% decline in the number of permit applications and this uniquely affects the Department. Mr. DiVito indicated that other alternatives such as alternative work schedules and a reduction in the workforce are being evaluated. He stated that the four vacant positions in the Permits Department would not be filled at this time and a full- time and part-time position would be removed from the Department’s FY 2010 budget. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Commissioners Kercheval and Baker stated that they felt the name being proposed for the Department was too vague and would confuse citizens who are attempting to obtain a permit. Commissioner Baker suggested that the issue of a possible name change be discussed by the new Citizens Advisory Committee which may be able to assist in selecting a more appropriate name. John Martirano, County Attorney, indicated that his office would review the proposed workforce reduction policy. He also expressed concerns about whether this type of policy is appropriate for specific departments or if this type of issue is more appropriately addressed under a general Countywide policy. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at 1:21 p.m.) FEBRUARY 24, 2009 PAGE TWO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Director of Budget & Finance; Joe Kroboth, Director of the Division of Public Works; and Mike Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review the six-year CIP budget. The Commissioners resumed reviewing CIP projects. The CIP Committee reviewed the projects requested from Hagerstown Community College (HCC) with Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC and Anna Barker, Director of Finance, who were in attendance to provide additional information on the projects. The college is requesting $23,619,435 in FY 2010 and a six-year total of $52,095,800. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that her department is recommending moving several projects due to revenue availability. Dr. Altieri stated that HCC is changing the scope of the Arts and Science Complex to increase the number of science labs. He informed the Commissioners that enrollment at HCC continues to increase. Ms. Murray stated that the Performing and Visual Arts Education Center project is being proposed to move to FY 2011. If the changes are approved, HCC would have no capital projects in the last two years of this five-year plan. Ms. Murray provided an overview of the Senior Community Center project. She noted that the project was reduced by $1.4 million from last year’s plan. The Commissioners expressed concerns with plans to renovate the fifth floor of the Aspiring to Serve building instead of utilizing a stand-alone facility. The Commissioners further commented that they do not believe that using the fifth floor of the Aspiring to Serve building is the best alternative. County Administrator Gregory Murray stated that money would be left in the budget and there would be further discussions on the issue. Parks – Ms. Murray stated that there are reductions of $1.4 million from last year’s budget due to State reductions in Program Open Space funding. She reviewed the projects being recommended. Also included in the budget are repairs to the dam at Devil’s Backbone Park. Transit – Mr. Kroboth reviewed the projects and stated that FY 2010 includes repairs to an underground used oil tank. Mr. Murray stated that staff would be presenting alternatives regarding the transfer center project. Board of Education – Ms. Murray outlined the changes proposed in the submission and reviewed the projects. Commissioner Kercheval suggested that capital projects review be placed on the agenda for the next meeting with the Board of Education. Mr. Kroboth presented the Commissioners with a new GIS map showing a geographical characterization of the capital budget projects for FY 2009 and identifying the locations. He stated that he would also provide a similar map outlining the FY 2010 projects. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:30 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF SHARPSBURG The evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall in Sharpsburg 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. TOWN OF SHARPSBURG CONCERNS Mayor Spielman asked for information regarding status of the economic stimulus funding. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, stated that the FEBRUARY 24, 2009 PAGE THREE projects were submitted but the County has not received any indication of the projects that were approved. Mr. Kroboth provided information on the Phase I projects that were approved for transit buses and pavement resurfacing. He noted that Phase II projects will be announced at a meeting on March 9 and indicated that he would provide additional information to the Town when it is received. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 17, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of February 17, 2009 as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the Hancock Youth Basketball League awards. He thanked Marsha Moats of the Recreation and Parks Department for organizing the event. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he has had conversations with Delegate Shank regarding introduction of enabling legislation for senior property tax relief. He stated that he also feels the five-percent cap on property tax should also be extended to non-owner occupied residences. Commissioner Wivell indicated that he would provide copies of the proposed legislation when he receives it. Commissioner Kercheval thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He stated that he spoke to a class at the University System of Maryland Hagerstown campus last week. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he participated in a conference call for members of the I-81 Coalition Steering Committee regarding funding initiatives. He stated that he met with the Washington County Housing Authority subcommittee on workforce housing initiatives and attended the reception for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the Local Management Board meeting. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he believes the simplest approach to senior tax relief is to reduce the age limit in House Bill 288 and apply it to Washington County. He informed the Commissioners that he attended several functions including the Hagerstown Fire Company banquet, State Fireman’s Association Conference, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts reception, a Rotary function, and Chamber of Commerce mixer. He commented on an editorial regarding the charges for senior citizens at Black Rock Golf Course, which suggested having reduced prices one day during the week for seniors. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, and Sheriff Doug Mullendore provided an update on the emergency communications tower and addressed concerns regarding the pager system. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meeting. The Commissioners discussed the funding requested by the City for the alleyway project and agreed to continue discussions at next week’s meeting. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Robyn Jones suggested that the Commissioners consider creating a High Technology Council to help draw these types of businesses to the County. She stated that she has served on similar councils in the past and offered her assistance on a volunteer basis. Ms. Jones also commented on foster care training and the need to expedite the process. Jeff Saylor, Vice Mayor, thanked the Commissioners for continuing the practice of visiting the municipalities. He asked about the streets scheduled for paving and inquired about the status of the economic stimulus funding. Mr. Norton asked about the expansion of broadband access and stated that he hoped stimulus funds would be used to expand throughout all of Washington County. He also commented on the Maryland Bay Restoration fund and the procedure for applying for funding for septic repairs. Phil and Trish McNamee asked that the other portion of Mondell Road be paved. They also asked about the enforcement of the Weed Control FEBRUARY 24, 2009 PAGE FOUR Ordinance and whether minimum acreage requirements would be placed on nature study areas. APPOINTMENT – ADVISORY COMMISSION TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to appoint Dr. Melanie Newman, D.D.S., to the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT – COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to appoint Tara Horst to the Commission for Women for a three-year term and to reappoint Ladetra Robinson for a three-year term retroactive to July 1, 2008. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS – SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to appoint Kathy Vesely and Richard Shulman to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, provided an update on two design projects. Mr. Kroboth stated that the County is in receipt of Quick Action Funds from the State Highway Administration to provide a curb and sidewalk in the Town of Sharpsburg. He informed the Commissioners that the schedule was adjusted after hearing public comments, and Mills Road Bridge will be replaced prior to Harpers Ferry Road Bridge. Mr. Kroboth stated that his staff is evaluating the condition of Back Road along the C&O Canal. He stated that it may be necessary to close a section of the road until repairs can be made to the sunken area. He distributed copies of the Commissioners’ comments regarding the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove farmstead. The Commissioners reviewed the comments and asked that additional revisions be made prior to submission to the FAA. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Cliff Engle, the new Deputy Director of Solid Waste, began work on Monday. Mr. Murray stated that review of the operating budgets will begin in two weeks. He also provided information on new items that will be added to the County’s webpage to provide better information to the citizens and an enhancement to the video stream. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk