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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090331 March 31, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the annual breakfast meeting sponsored by the Washington County Extension Service at 7:30 a.m. at the Agricultural Education Center. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:19 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 given by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 24, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of March 24, 2009. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, introduced new County employee Andrew Eshleman (Public Works Capital Projects), Sean Mertz (Sheriff’s Office), and Jack Vincent, Jr. (Sheriff’s Department). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS ON PROPOSED PERSONNEL CHANGES William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to present benefits recommendations for the fiscal year 2010 budget. Mr. Sonnik stated that the estimated cost increase to the health care budget for FY 2010 is seven percent. He indicated that the Human Resources Department is recommending some minor changes to the plan to offer employees a more cost- effective use of the benefits. Mr. Sonnik noted that dental and vision benefits would continue with no increases. Recommended changes include an increased co-pay to utilize Urgent Care, per- hospital confinement co-pay, and the addition of a nutritional counseling component. He reviewed proposed changes to prescription drug costs and urged employees to utilize the mail order program. Mr. Sonnik also stated that a proposal to cover dependents to age 21 without proof of full-time student status is being recommended. He informed the Commissioners that a plan to launch a new wellness program called “Lose and Win” is being worked on. The County will also be piggybacking on the Frederick . County bid for Employee Assistance Program services EDGEWOOD DRIVE PROJECT– BID UPDATE Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the Edgewood Drive Improvement Project. Mr. Rohrer stated that the State Highway Administration (SHA) opened bids for the project last week. He stated that the low bidder is seeking a waiver for minority business enterprise subcontractors. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the second low bidder has the minority business requirements in order. He stated that the bids were approximately $500,000 below the engineer’s estimate and outlined the process for SHA to review the bids. FUNKSTOWN STONE ARCH BRIDGE DEDICATION Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Gary Rohrer, honoring his leadership in the preservation and restoration of several stone arch bridges in the County. The Board of County Commissioners dedicated the restoration and reconstruction of the Funkstown stone-arch bridge to Mr. Rohrer, who served as the County’s first Director of Public Works, and who currently serves as the Director of Special Projects. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, unveiled the plaque that will be placed on the Bridge. Mr. Rohrer expressed his appreciation and stated that he was honored to receive this tribute. FY 2010 GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Director of Human Resources, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed FY 2010 General Fund budget. Ms. Murray provided information on the MARCH 31, 2009 PAGE TWO impact of the Homestead Credit Cap. She stated that close to 95% of eligible accounts qualify for the homestead tax credit. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that she has additional information on the State Circuit Breaker Credit and indicated that counties can piggyback on this program. Commissioner Wivell asked about the impact of extending the credit to non-owner occupied dwellings. Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that due to the way the system is programmed, the State advised that it cannot calculate the number of rental properties. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that refinancing two bond issues totaling $13.8 million is being considered. She explained that the refinancing would yield approximately $685,000 in interest expense savings. Ms. Murray began reviewing the proposed adjustments to the General Fund expenditures. She reviewed the Board of Education budget and stated that the purchase of new buses was reclassified to nonrecurring costs and that Maintenance of Effort was decreased by $500,000. She stated that the request for OPEB funding could be phased in. Ms. Murray indicated that there was a general increase of 3% for Health Nurses over the FY 2009 budget. She proposed providing a 3% increase due to revenue increases and anticipated State budget reductions to allow use of funding where it could best be used. Ms. Murray proposed a 3% increase over the FY 2009 budget to Hagerstown Community College the Washington County Free Library under the same conditions. Public Safety – Ms. Murray proposed keeping capital costs at a level amount each year in order to institute a vehicle replacement plan. The Commissioners discontinued the budget discussions at 10:31 a.m. to hold Citizens Participation and agreed to continue discussion in the Afternoon Session. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Darren Andrews stated that he spoke to the Commissioners last week regarding permitted uses in the Residential Urban zoning district and asked if the Commissioners had additional information. Commissioner Wivell indicated that he requested information from the Planning Director but has not received a response. He stated that he would follow-up with Mr. Andrews when he receives the information. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joni Bittner, County Clerk, stated that rezoning hearings have been tentatively scheduled for April 20 and May 11 and asked if these dates were acceptable. The Commissioners indicated that they were available on those dates. Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport, provided a brief update on the new commercial service at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Mr. Larsen stated that Cape Air began service last week providing daily flights from Hagerstown to Baltimore-Washington International Airport. He reminded the Commissioners that a reception has been scheduled for April 7 to welcome Cape Air to the Airport. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, gave an update on the distribution of Federal stimulus funds. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the State of Maryland announced that Washington County would receive $2.3 million in Phase I for transit projects to allow the County to purchase three new buses, construct the transfer point, make improvements to the maintenance facility, and purchase bus shelters. Mr. Kroboth stated that the County is expected to receive $2.3 million in project level funding under Phase II. He noted that the program requires that the County enter into an agreement with the State for conditions of use. Mr. Kroboth asked for direction as to which method to use for distributing funds to the municipalities when administering the Federal program. After discussion, MARCH 31, 2009 PAGE THREE the Commissioners asked Mr. Kroboth to develop a formula for a fair distribution to the municipalities. Mr. Kroboth agreed to present a proposal regarding the distribution at the next scheduled meeting in two weeks. RED FLAG AND IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION PROGRAM POLICY Debra Murray, Director of Budget and Finance, appeared before the Commissioners to present a draft of the Red Flag and Identity Theft Prevention Program. Ms. Murray explained that effective May 1, 2009, governments are required to take steps to be in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s rules regarding identity theft prevention. She stated that governments that maintain utility billing accounts or “covered” accounts are now subject to these rules. The County policy would establish an identity theft prevention program designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of accounts or existing accounts and to provide administration of the program. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners directed the County Attorney’s Office to review the policy to assure that there is no additional liability to the County and to bring it back to the Commissioners if amendments are required. Commissioner Aleshire expressed his opposition to the policy as he feels that the County is being held to a standard that the State and Federal governments choose not to embrace. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the Red Flag and Identity Theft Policy as presented contingent upon review and approval by the County Attorney. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Wivell and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “NO.” REQUEST FROM MEMORIAL RECREATION CENTER Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Memorial Recreation Center is now required to comply with a new federal law that requires major modifications to the flow rate of the swimming pool. Mr. Murray indicated that this work must be completed and approved before any opening permits are granted. The Memorial Recreation Board of Directors is requesting that the Commissioners allow it to perform the work this fiscal year and remove it from the FY 2010 budget request. Mr. Murray stated that the estimated cost to make the necessary repairs is $12,888. Gary Graves, Board President, and Robert Petties, Executive Director, were in attendance to support the request and answer any questions from the Commissioners. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to grant the request made by the Memorial Recreation Center to fund modifications to its swimming pool as required by the new Federal law, in the estimated amount of $12,888 in the FY 2009 budget, with funds to be taken from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund, and to remove the request from the FY 2010 budget request. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH . The Commissioners recessed at 11:40 a.m. for lunch AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and the Downtown Task Force meeting. He stated that he attended the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) fundraiser honoring Maggie and Bill Hetzer. Commissioner Aleshire reported on activities of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He stated that he has received e-mails regarding the Weed Control Ordinance and reports of the construction of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he MARCH 31, 2009 PAGE FOUR would be meeting with residents of the South County area regarding the proposed communications tower. Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a meeting of County Staff was recently held regarding the Weed Ordinance and that Staff will be discussing this further with the Commissioners at a later date. Commissioner Aleshire commented on the “Thumbs Down” that the County received in the Herald Mail regarding the new positions requested in the FY 2010 budget. He extended his appreciation to the Staff for the conservative approach taken that accounts for the good financial shape the County is in today. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the HCC fundraiser honoring Bill & Maggie Hetzer. He informed the Commissioners that the final MACo Legislative Committee meeting will be held tomorrow. (Commissioner Baker arrived at 1:20 p.m.) GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (CONTINUED) The Commissioners continued General Fund budget discussions. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director, reviewed the expenditures budget and the proposed changes that were made to the requests. They reviewed the following budgets: Fire & Rescue, Operations/Capital Transfer, Courts, State programs, Non-profit agencies, General Operations, Parks and Recreation, Central Services, Planning & Community Development, Permits, Buildings, and Public Works. CONTRACT RENEWAL – PLUMBING & HEATING MAINTENANCE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to renew the contract for plumbing and heating maintenance services with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. with a 2.5% increase in the hourly rate for work performed during routine hours, premium time and Sundays, and a 1.5% increase in the hourly rate for consulting and design service. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – UNIFORMS FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICERS Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to renew the contract with the sole bidder Red the Uniform Tailor, Inc. for uniforms for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for a one-year period, based on the unit costs submitted in the renewal request letter dated January 18, 2009 and supplemental March 6, 2009 e-mail. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL TO PATRICIPATE IN CO-OP FOR NATURAL GAS BIDS It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve a request made by the Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, for the County to participate in a co-op with the Washington County Board of Education, as well as Allegany and Carroll Counties for bidding of natural gas. “ONE HUNDRED STORIES” – HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Rebecca Massie Lane, Director of the Washington County Museum of , Fine Arts, presented the Commissioners with copies of the book One Hundred Stories , which was published in 2008 by the Museum. She stated that the book contains some of the most important works in the Museum’s collection and includes entries by scholars knowledgeable in the field of art history. Ms. Lane provided information and an update on the Museum expansion project. The Commissioners thanked her for the book. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS – DECEMBER 2008 & JANUARY 2009 Commissioner Barr presented a certificate of merit to Matthew Sprecher (Smithsburg Middle School) in recognition of his selection by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive the Youth Meritorious Award for February 2009 and to Sarah Elwood (Clear Spring Middle School) for receiving the award for March 2009. The Commissioners commended the students for their leadership, academic, and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Barr stated that each would each receive a $100 savings bond from the WCCP. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 3:18 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, MARCH 31, 2009 PAGE FIVE 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 consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; 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 Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to reconvene in open session at 4:31 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; consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; 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, 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; Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; Merle Saville, Transportation Engineer; Robert Mandley, Project Coordinator for the Economic Development Commission; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; and Jim Johnson, legal counsel from Semmes, Bowen & Semmes. HIRING OF OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT – DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to employ Kim Bowers as Operations Superintendent at the Department of Water Quality (Grade 15, Step 7) at an annual salary of $61,428. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve filling the resulting Assistant Superintendent of Operations vacancy at the Department of Water Quality. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – EMERGENCY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to extend the terms of Jason Baer and John Latimer, III, for one year on the Emergency Services Advisory Council and to appoint William Ruland for a one-year term as a citizen-at-large representative. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to adjourn at 4:32 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk