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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090310 March 10, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:43 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 – MARCH 3, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of March 3, 2009. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported on the meeting of the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board. He wished all of the candidates running for City Council the best of luck. Commissioner Baker reminded the Commissioners of the attendance awards at Bester Elementary School scheduled for March 12. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the State of the City address and the Washington County Business Awards ceremony. He congratulated the winners and thanked the staff that organized the event. Commissioner Kercheval stated that lobbying efforts are ongoing to maintain State funding for the University System of Maryland – Hagerstown (USM-H) campus. He also reported on a recent meeting regarding the stimulus package. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the Williamsport Mayor and Council meeting and had breakfast at Cascade Elementary School. He reported on a meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health and commented on the State of the City forum and USM-H funding. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the State of the City forum, the Cascade Elementary School breakfast, and the Washington County Business Awards ceremony. (President Barr was excused from the meeting at this time and Vice President Baker assumed the Chair.) BUDGET PRESENTATION – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, and Ed Plank, Superintendent of the Highway Department, reviewed the proposed Highway Department budget for FY 2010. Mr. Plank stated that the Department is mainly funded through State highway user revenues, which are showing a downward trend. Mr. Plank indicated that he is proposing to balance the FY 2010 budget by using Cash Reserves and Capital Reserves. He noted that general operations and roads maintenance would be affected due to budget reductions. Mr. Plank provided statistics on roads in the County and indicated that it is estimated that Washington County would receive $7,900,000 in Highway User Fund Revenues. He reviewed the budget request in the amount of $8,776,870. Mr. Plank highlighted the major changes in budget categories and line items, the reasons for the proposed reductions, and answered questions from the Commissioners. (At this time, Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting and assumed the Chair.) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET CHANGES – DRAFT 2 Ms. Murray and Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, reviewed the changes made to Draft #2 of the CIP budget. Ms. Murray stated that the major changes pertain to Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and the Board of Education budgets. Mr. Kroboth reviewed the changes in funding in relationship to the transfer center proposed for the Franklin Street property. He stated that Kevin Cerrone, Director of the Transit Department, was advised by MARCH 10, 2009 PAGE TWO the Maryland Transit Administration that the 2010 capital requests had been moved onto the list for possible Federal stimulus package funding. As such, the County budget request has been modified to include $839,000 in Federal funds and two (2) CDBG grants. Mr. Kroboth reviewed the modifications made to the transfer station concept plan. Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, informed the Commissioners that 47 neighboring property owners were canvassed regarding the proposed transfer station. He stated that he received eight responses and, of those, only three indicated that they were willing to pay for parking space at that location. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the transfer station and parking area could be built according to the concept plan and it would still allow for a parking deck to be constructed on that space in the future. Commissioner Aleshire commended staff on the new layout. Ms. Murray reviewed the changes in road improvement projects. Mr. Kroboth stated that funds have been included for pavement maintenance. He stated that the State Highway Administration and developers in the area are partnering with the County to fund the Garis Shop/Poffenberger Road roundabout project. Ms. Murray reviewed the changes in priorities and funding for the Board of Education and noted that $1.2 million for land acquisition was included and funding for capital maintenance was added back into the budget. Ms. Murray stated that funding for the Performing and Visual Arts Education Center at HCC was moved forward and the projects for FY 2013 and 2014 were zeroed out, as requested, based on moving the other project forward. Susan MacDonald, Director of the Commission on Aging, and Bill Beard, Board President, stated that it was the consensus of the Site Selection Task Force to recommend the site at 140 West Franklin Street for the new Senior Center. Ms. MacDonald indicated that the group focused on the downtown corridor area. She informed the Commissioners that the Task Force was told that the first two-years would be rent-free for the fifth floor and only utility costs and parking fees would be paid during that time. The meeting was opened for questions. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Terri Knotts expressed concerns regarding the Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company and the expectation of the provision of services to the community. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES – FAIRPLAY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Kevin Lewis, Director of Fire & Emergency Services, and Glenn Fishack, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, met with the Commissioners to discuss various issues regarding the Fairplay Community Volunteer Fire Department (Fairplay). Mr. Lewis provided information on the current fire and emergency medical services systems in the County and outlined the first responder coverage. He stated that Fairplay has no EMS capacity to transport patients within its first-due area and has ceased providing first-responder coverage. Mr. Lewis outlined the current roster at Fairplay for both fire and emergency medical services. He stated that of the twelve personnel who were removed or resigned from the company, one had first responder training, eight were EMTs, and two had ALS qualifications. Mr. Lewis noted that there are issues with the company’s daytime responses and that Fairplay has not chosen to utilize paid personnel during the day to alleviate these response issues. Mr. Lewis informed the Commissioners that Fairplay currently remains on dual dispatch for all dispatches 24/7. He stated that the County has offered part-time support personnel to Fairplay during daytime hours but noted that there has been no response regarding the offer. Mr. Lewis stated that he has been notified that Fairplay has eight people interested in taking the first responder course that has been scheduled. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Fishack provided the following recommendations: 1) Follow through with a public forum to address public concerns; 2) Reinstitute the First Responder response capacity from within the Fairplay community; and 3) Continue to monitor service delivery within MARCH 10, 2009 PAGE THREE the community and surrounding jurisdictions. Mr. Fishack also recommended moving forward with enhancing coverage by locating a transport vehicle at the Agricultural Education Center if Fairplay will not allow the unit to be placed at its facility. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners that a public forum be held within three weeks and that the County be allowed to provide paid personnel on site within seven days to restore first responder coverage during the daytime hours pending Fairplay members’ completion of the pending training course. Furthermore, Fairplay shall restore first responder service within 90 days. It was also the consensus of the Commissioners to explore pro-rating County funding to Fairplay from the time the first responder service was terminated. If timely reinstatement of first responder service does not occur, then there will be discussions regarding the possible deauthorization of Fairplay to provide fire and rescue services in Washington County. Commissioners Wivell and Baker opposed this measure. The Commissioners also directed the Fire & Rescue Association to further outline minimum standards for companies regarding the level of service that is expected as authorized service providers. Commissioner Wivell recommended that clear lines of communication be developed amongst the Department and the company. RECESS – LUNCH AND CENTRAL BOOKING GROUNDBREAKING AND TOUR The Commissioners recessed at 11:43 a.m. for lunch and to attend the groundbreaking for the Central Booking facility. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:39 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. OUTSIDE AGENCY BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Director of Finance, began review of the FY 2010 budget requests from State agencies, non-profits, and contracted services. State Agencies Health Department - The fiscal year 2010 budget request is $2,391,770 for the County share of the Health Department’s budget. The FY 2010 budget request for School Health Nurses is $3,684,060. Ms. Murray reviewed the significant requests and changes. Department of Social Services – Ms. Murray reviewed the budget request for FY 2010 of $330,050 and highlighted the significant changes and increases. Election Board – The Election Board’s budget decreased by $110,000 from FY 2090 due to the absence of elections in 2010. The Commissioners also reviewed the budget requests from the following State agencies: Soil Conservation – $75,440; Maryland Cooperative Extension - $210,990; County Cooperative Extension - $38,730; Weed Control - $126,130; and Gypsy Moth Program - $75,000. NonProfits The Commissioners reviewed the following budget requests for non-profit agencies: Tri-County Council - $50,000; Historical Society - $18,000; Children’s Village - $25,000; Leadership Washington County - $10,000; CASA - $313,150; Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant - $15,500; Community Action Council - $238,880; Commission on Aging - $826,970; Senior Living Alternative - $27,200; Museum of Fine Arts - $162,310; Arts Council - $15,600; Memorial Recreation - $56,970; Maryland Symphony - $17,400; Discovery Station - $25,000; and C-Safe - $45,000. Contracted Services – Animal Control/Humane Society – a request has not been submitted for FY 2010. Ms. Murray stated that the agreement with this agency states that a 0- 4% increase would be granted based on the information submitted. She indicated that the FY 2009 budget was $1,210,250. MARCH 10, 2009 PAGE FOUR CEDAR SPRINGS PUMP STATION – CHANGE ORDER #1 & BUDGET TRANSFER Julie Pippel, Director of Environmental Management, and Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director of Engineering Services, asked the Commissioners to approve a budget transfer and change order for the Cedar Springs Pump Station. Mr. Bradshaw stated that the final design required upsizing of the pump motors from 60 Hp to 75 Hp to meet design capacity. As a result of that requirement, additional electrical components needed to be upsized. Mr. Bradshaw informed the Commissioners that Allegheny Power’s engineers also found that the power line along MD Rt. 63 would not supply the required loading and that power must be extended from Halfway Boulevard to service the site. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve Change Order #1 with C. William Hetzer, Inc. for the Cedar Springs Pump Station Project in the amount of $118,953.86 to upgrade the electrical component within the pump station, install underground conduit for power service, and make the County responsible for contacting Allegheny Power for electrical service and to approve the budget transfer of $193,783.62 from the CIP Contingency Fund to the Cedar Springs Project (32-42010-LIN025). Unanimously approved. DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to hire James Grissom as Deputy Director of Operations - Emergency Communications (Grade 13, Step 3) in the Division of Fire and Emergency Communications. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, presented the Commissioners with a framed drawing of the design chosen by the Commissioners for the butterfly sculpture to benefit the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. He stated that “The Human Touch” is by artist Charles Gryer, and he asked for suggestions on where the sculpture should be permanently located after it has been displayed. REZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-08-003 Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval to approve rezoning map amendment RZ-08-003 submitted by Ronald and Jean Doland to establish a Historic Preservation “HP” overlay on 1.44 acres of the 10-acre parcel that is zoned Environmental Conservation “EC.” Unanimously approved. (Ordinance ORD-09-03 attached) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 3:02 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; 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. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “NO.” (Commissioner Wivell was absent when the Commissioners voted to go into Closed Session. He arrived at 3:15 p.m.) RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 4:13 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were MARCH 10, 2009 PAGE FIVE 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; Kirk C. Downey, 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 Projects; Scott Hobbs, Chief of Capital Projects; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. EMPLOY CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER – CAPITAL PROJECTS ENGINEERING Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to hire Andrew Eshleman as Civil/Structural Engineer (Grade 15, Step 4) in the Capital Projects Engineering Department to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to adjourn at 4:14 a.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk