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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090324 March 24, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:00 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. PROCLAMATION – COLON CANCER AWARENESS The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Earl Stoner and Holly Luther, representing the Washington County Health Department, designating the month of March 2009 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and urging local public health programs and health care providers to recommend screening for eligible clients. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FY 2010 BUDGET PRESENTATION Sheriff Douglas Mullendore presented the proposed FY 2010 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $2,020,600; Process Servers - $116,730; Patrol Division - $8,639,080; Central Booking - $606, 440; Detention Center - $11,493,370; Detention Center Annex - $50,500; and Narcotics Task Force - $590,500. He reviewed the significant changes and increases in the budget. Sheriff Mullendore indicated that there is a 1.6% increase in the total budget. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners regarding the budget requests. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to provide a General Fund Budget overview on projected revenues. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that overall general fund revenues are expected to increase only 1.89%, which will generate new revenues of $3.9 million to fund all budget requests. She projected a 9% increase in real estate tax or $116,552,630 and no increase in Income Tax revenues (total projected $68,000,000). She estimated that Recordation Taxes, Interest Income, and Personal Property Tax would decrease for FY 2010 based on current trends. Ms. Murray reviewed the projections for revenues from fees. She estimated that the County would lose $7.5 million in revenues if the tax rate were changed to the constant yield. The Commissioners discussed proposed cuts being considered by the State. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Ron Lytle asked the Commissioners whether additional non- profit organizations would be included in the FY 2010 budget. The Commissioners gave Mr. Lytle a copy of the budget requests from non-profit agencies and emphasized that this is not final. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to accept a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $20,506 to the Division of Fire & Emergency Services and to approve the 20% recipient match. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LEASE/PURCHASE AND TRADE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for the lease/purchase and trade of one (1) rubber tire loader for the Solid Waste Department to Standard Equipment Co. for the annual lease payment for five years of $30,375/year, to waive the requirement to provide a performance bond, and contingent upon approval of the final Lease Agreement by the County Attorney. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, recognized Ron Whitt, Kim Artz, Mike Loudenslager and Doug Oliver of the Information Technologies Department for work done to improve the County’s Internet website and make it more user-friendly. Mr. Murray demonstrated the new box located on the homepage that has a series of rotating screens to make information more accessible to the public. MARCH 24, 2009 PAGE TWO INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, introduced new County employee Charles Summers (Division of Fire & Emergency Services). The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Summers and wished him well in his new position. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS ON PROPOSED PERSONNEL CHANGES William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, reviewed the new positions requested in the FY 2010 budget: Budget & Finance – Accountant (Grade 13); Sheriff’s Department/Patrol – GIS/Crime Analyst (Grade 11); Emergency Management Division – Four (4) Emergency Communication Specialists (Grade 9), PT Intern, and Three (3) PT Firefighter/Technician positions (Grade 10); Recreation – Recreation Program Coordinator (Grade 10) and PT Office Associate (Grade 6); Permits – Eliminate Plumbing Inspector I position (Grade 12) and PT Electrical Inspector I position (Grade 12) both positions are currently vacant; Planning – Deputy Director (Grade 17); Public Works – Office Associate – Land Development (Grade 6), PT Summer Interns, and Documents Coordinator (Grade 11); and Highway – Deputy Director (Grade 17). The Commissioners discussed the positions and took the requests under consideration. RECESS – LUNCH AND TOUR OF BARR ACADEMY The Commissioners recessed at 11:50 a.m. for lunch and a tour of the Barr Academy. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:43 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. BUDGET PRESENTATION – BOARD OF EDUCATION Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Chris South, Chief Financial Officer; and Wayne Ridenour, Chair of the elected Board of Education, presented the proposed FY 2010 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools. Dr. Morgan reviewed the principles upon which Board of Education’s decisions are based. Chris South, Director of Budget & Finance, outlined the request to the County for $3,671,750 in increased funding over FY 2009. He stated that the request maintains average class size, funds Master Plan priority needs, and allows the system to meet external challenges. The total budget for County funding is proposed to be $88,329,920 and includes Maintenance of Effort funding of $219,220 and a one-time cost for the replacement of school buses of $1,352,534, and funding for GASB #45 (OBEP benefits). Mr. South provided the following summary of incremental requests: A) Increase related to Enrollment Growth - $160,345; B) Increase related to Meeting State & Federal Regulations - $1,104,198; C) Increase related to Utilities - $89,000; D) Increase related to Transportation - $1,497,690; E) Increase related to Facilities Maintenance - $214,166; F) Increases Related to Miscellaneous Services - $65,091; and G) Increases Related to Employee Compensation & Benefits - $750,000. Following the presentations, the meeting was opened for questions and comments from the County Commissioners. Mr. South indicated that this is $3,671,750 above the Commissioners’ appropriation in FY 2009. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE REVISIONS TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, presented proposed revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance. Mr. Downey stated that it was last revised in 2001 and the Animal Control Authority has indicated that there are deficiencies that should be remedied. He indicated that proposed changes include the creation of a designation for a “potentially vicious and dangerous animal”; provisions for guard dogs; and provisions for criminal penalties as authorized by enabling legislation. The meeting was opened for comments and questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners directed Mr. Downey to make the changes suggested and proceed to schedule a public hearing for the Ordinance. MARCH 24, 2009 PAGE THREE (Commissioner Baker was excused from the meeting at 4:20 P.M.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 4:26 p.m. to discuss the appointment, assignment, 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 consult with staff 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. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at 4:52 p.m.) RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to reconvene in open session at 4:59 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consulted with staff about pending or potential litigation; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, 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 Downey, Assistant County Attorney; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:59 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, 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 10, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to approve the minutes of March 10, 2009. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked the citizens of Clear Spring for attending the meeting. He stated that he attended the Perfect Attendance Awards at Bester Elementary School and thanked Dave Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, for his Department’s participation. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Board of Social Services meeting. (Commissioner Kercheval arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, Democratic Central Committee dinner, Maryland Municipal League meeting, the Perfect Attendance Breakfast at Bester Elementary School, and 4-H awards ceremony. He also reported on the Commission on Aging meeting and stated that he conveyed the Commissioners’ concerns about moving the Senior Center to the fifth floor of the Aspiring to Serve building. Commissioner Aleshire noted that the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health needs additional board members and urged interested persons to apply. He also stated that he attended an update on the progress of the new hospital construction and a Chamber of Commerce function in Cascade. MARCH 24, 2009 PAGE FOUR Commissioner Kercheval reported on meetings of the Local Management Board, I-81 Corridor Coalition, Public Golf Corporation Board, and the recent Planning Commission hearing. He stated that the Gaming Commission would be sending out applications on March 31 for the next round of funding distributions. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended a fundraiser for Miss Washington County Whitney Columbo, the Perfect Attendance Awards, the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, and a meeting on bullying and peer pressure in public schools. He informed the Commissioners that he spoke at the National Honor Society Induction at Clear Spring High School, the Retired Teachers Association meeting, and the Patterson Asbury AME Zion Retreat. Commissioner Barr also provided an update on a meeting that was held regarding the Pilot Truck Stop. Sheriff Mullendore provided details of a proposed plan to improve traffic flow at that site and prevent truck parking along French Lane. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Mayor Paul Hose thanked the Commissioners for assistance the Board has given to the Town of Clear Spring. A number of citizens in attendance spoke in opposition to a proposal made by the Board of Education’s Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee to redistrict students in the Clear Spring area. The Commissioners explained that the matter is under the jurisdiction of the elected Board of Education and urged citizens to participate in the process and express views to members of that elected body. Discussions also centered on growth issues and capital projects. Betty Shank asked for an update on the status of the rezoning requested by Martin Marietta. She also asked about new recycling initiatives. The Commissioners stated that another public hearing would be held regarding this rezoning case. Greg Murray, County Administrator, outlined the different recycling programs that are under consideration. Darren Andrews expressed concern about the zoning restrictions in the Residential Urban district. APPOINTMENTS - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD AND HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to make the following appointments: Local Management Board – to appoint Charles Wainwright for a three-year term; and Housing Authority of Washington County – to appoint Mark Goldsmith for a five-year term. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk