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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090519 May 19, 2009 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:30 a.m. at its offices on Commonwealth Avenue. Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, 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; and Rob Rollins, Director of Facilities Planning and Development. Third Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the following third quarter budget adjustments, as requested by the Board of Education, by decreasing the following categories: Administration - $157,805; Instructional Salaries - $496,570; Special Education - $560,704; Student Health Services - $27,280; Student Transportation Services - $413,932; Operation of Plant - $756,120; Maintenance of Plant - $239,263; and Capital Outlay - $13,967; and by increasing the following categories: Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $63,365; Other Instructional Costs - $103,535; Food Service - $8,500; and Fixed Charges - $508,141; for a net change in the Fund Balance of $1,982,100. Unanimously approved. Discussion - County Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget Mr. Michael and Mr. Rollins provided information on the number of deferred maintenance projects and additional items that have not been funded. Mr. Michael informed the Commissioners that the Board’s deferred maintenance projects total $40.2 million. He noted that the funding budgeted for the Board of Education’s CIP projects in the FY 2010 budget will not keep pace with the projects. He stated that any additional funding that the Commissioners could provide for capital and systemic projects would be appreciated. Mr. Michael also informed the Commissioners that the Board of Public Works has approved $1.274 million for Rockland Woods Elementary School, $162,000 for Pangborn Elementary, and $4 million for Antietam Academy. He stated that the State has also agreed to provide $880,000 for the Hancock school roof project, and he provided a summary of the balances remaining from the construction of the three new elementary schools – Maugansville, Pangborn, and Rockland Woods. Commissioner Wivell reviewed the reductions the County has received in State funding. He stated that the Commissioners made cuts to other areas of the capital budget as well. The meeting was opened for discussion. Gary Rohrer, Chair of the Advisory School Design Review Committee, stated that the Committee found that the architectural and engineering plans for Antietam Academy were excellent and requested that the Committee’s report be formally accepted before the project proceeds to its final stages. The Commissioners took this under advisement to allow time to further review the information. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 9:30 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 9:59 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. MAY 19, 2009 PAGE TWO Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; Mike Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development; Joe Rathvon, Engineering Department Project Manger; Jennifer Smith, Deputy Director of Public Works for Land Development Review; Board of Education members: Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Wayne Ridenour, Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, and Edward Forrest; Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent; Dr. Robert Spong, Facilities Planning Manager; Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, Rob Rollins, Director of Facilities Planning; Mike Markoe,Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education; Anthony Trotta, Chief Legal Counsel; Donna Hanlin, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction; and Shulamit Finkelstein, Executive Assistant for Strategic Planning, Board and Community Relations. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:59 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:20 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Commissioners Terry L. Baker, 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 – MAY 12 and 14, 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of May 12 and 14, 2009. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET The Commissioners discussed the proposed fiscal year 2010 budget and the testimony given at the public hearing on May 14, 2009. Mr. Murray stated that any requested changes would be discussed. The Commissioners began discussion of the proposed Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The Commissioners discussed funding for a senior citizens’ center and the possible use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for this purpose. Commissioner Wivell stated that he feels Hagerstown Community College should be considered for construction of a new center. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the Commission on Aging Board meeting and noted that certain limitations were found in the lease negotiations for the former Richardson’s property. Greg Murray, County Administrator, provided an update on the possibility of using the former armory building. He indicated that the current location was not working and that the Commissioners should place money in the budget for a center. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to utilize CDBG grant funds and to earmark $1.67 million for the center in FY 2010 and $1.3 million in FY 2011. It was agreed to utilize the unallocated capital reserve remaining from the Eastern Primary project for the center when the options are evaluated and a decision is made regarding the location. The Commissioners suspended budget discussions at 10:44 a.m. in order to hold Citizens Participation. CITIZENS’PARTICIPATION Mike Fotta distributed information on the first Michael Kade Fotta Golf Tournament to be held at Black Rock Golf Course to benefit The Listening Center at Johns Hopkins for children with Cochlear Implants. CONTINUATION OF BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners continued CIP discussions. Ms. Murray reviewed the projects for revenues and housing starts. She stated that the projections are conservative. Commissioner Aleshire outlined several projects that he feels would have to be funded in the next few years. MAY 19, 2009 PAGE THREE Budget discussions were again stopped in order to receive bids for the bond issue. RECEIVE BIDS FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFINANCING BONDS OF 2009 Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, appeared before the Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. to receive and evaluate electronic bids for the Washington County Public Improvement Bonds and Refinancing of 2009 for $22,400,000 via the Parity service and six bids were received. Ms. Murray reviewed the schedule of projects to be financed with the 2009 bonds and stated that $12,003,100 is tax-supported and $4,626,900 is self- supported for a total of $16,630,000 for 2009 bond financing. The remainder is for refunding of 1999 bonds. The Commissioners viewed the bids online and evaluated the bid representing the lowest interest rate to the County. At this time, Mr. Guthorn left the meeting to review and verify the bids submitted and stated that he would return for award of the bid. CONTINUATION OF BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Ms. Murray stated that there is approximately $3 million in excess funds remaining from school projects. She asked the Commissioners how they wanted to use the excess funds. Commissioner Kercheval suggested providing an incentive to non-retail, non-residential businesses to create jobs and help maximize the benefits offered by the Federal Employment Boost package. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and agreed to earmark $1 million for this with details for program guidelines and incentives to be outlined at later date. Ms. Murray stated that the funds could be utilized from the excess in local funding from school projects to supplant the shortfall in revenues that the incentives would create. The Commissioners discussed the proposed three percent cost of living adjustment proposed for County employees. Mr. Murray provided historical data and a comparison with State increases over an eight-year period. After discussion, it was the consensus to approve the 3% cost of living adjustment for County employees. Commissioner Wivell suggested a compromise, and stated that he would agree to the $1 million in job creation incentives and funding for the senior center, if the Commissioners agree to reduce borrowing by $1 million. It was the consensus to agree to the proposal. PROCLAMATION – EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services, Brigitte Heller, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, and James Ulrich, Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services, designating the week of May 17–23, 2009 as “Emergency Medical Services Week”, recognizing the value and accomplishments of the paramedics, firefighters, and volunteers who provide emergency medical services in Washington County. PUBLIC HEARING – MARYLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 11:44 a.m. in accordance with 24 CFR 570.486(a)(5) for the purpose of obtaining citizen’s views prior to the submission of an application to the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Sharon Disque, Executive Director of the Hagerstown Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc. (HNDP), and Sonja Hoover, Fiscal/Research Specialist for the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission, stated that the HNDP is requesting that the Commissioners approve a grant application in the amount of $100,000 to the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development to provide foreclosure counseling to residents of Washington County. Ms. Disque stated that the grant would provide funding to support the Hagerstown Home Store. She explained that the Home Store also provides homebuyer education, down-payment assistance and Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity counseling. Ms. Disque stated that the Board of County Commissioners would serve as the recipient and HNDP would be the sub-recipient of the grant. MAY 19, 2009 PAGE FOUR The meeting was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment and the hearing was closed at 11:51 a.m. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve a Resolution to authorize the submission of a CDBG grant application in the amount of $100,000 to the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development to support foreclosure counseling to residents of Washington County by the Hagerstown Home Store, with the Hagerstown Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc. to be the sub- recipient of the grant and any corresponding grant agreement. Unanimously approved. (Resolution RS-09- 08 can be found in the County Commissioners’ Office.) RECESS - YOUTH OF THE MONTH ANNUAL BANQUET The Commissioners adjourned at 11:52 a.m. in order to attend the annual banquet honoring the 2008-09 nominees and recipients of the Youth of the Month awards and Community Partnership CHARACTER COUNTS! awards. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:32 p.m. by President John L. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. PROCLAMATION – OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Hannah Cramer, representing the Washington County Commission on Aging, designating the month of May 2009 as Older Americans Month. He urged all citizens to honor older adults and those who care for them and to participate in and promote activities that contribute to helping older Americans make choices for a healthy and rewarding future. FINAL CHANGE ORDER – AIRPORT RUNWAY REHABILITATION PROJECT PACKAGE 4 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the final change order and project closeout for Runway Rehabilitation Project Package 4 with L.W. Wolfe in the amount of $88,206.74 to provide additional grading and permanent stabilization and an increase in “as-built” quantities for Runway 9/27. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Aleshire, and Baker, voting “AYE,” Commissioner Wivell voting “NO” and Commissioner Barr “ABSTAINING.” BID AWARD – PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2009 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to adopt a resolution accepting the low bid of M&T Securities, Inc. at the true interest cost (TIC) of 3.329462% on the sale of $22,400,000 Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2009. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to adopt a Resolution Supplementing Resolution No. RS-09-06 adopted on April 28, 2009 relating to the issuance and sale by the County Commissioners of Washington County of its $22,130,000 Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2009, fixing certain terms of said bonds including the interest rates payable on the bonds; awarding said bonds to the successful bidder therefore in accordance with the above-mentioned Resolution; ratifying and confirming certain actions taken in connection with the sale and issuance of said bonds; ratifying and confirming the determination of the refunded bonds; and generally providing for the issuance of said bonds. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the Resolution RS-09-09 can be found in the County Commissioners' office.) APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Hagerstown- Washington County Economic Development Commission (EDC), and Robert Mandley, Project Coordinator for the EDC, met with the Commissioners to review the applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding. Mr. Troxell explained that Tri-County Council is requesting that the County review and prioritize the projects to be submitted for funding consideration. ARC funding is limited to 30% of a project’s cost. He stated that there are four projects in the TEA-21 Access Road funding category which are proposed to be ranked as follows: 1) Mt. Aetna Farms MAY 19, 2009 PAGE FIVE Access Road – Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) - $600,000; 2) City of Hagerstown Eastern Connector Bridge - $500,000; 3) Shawley Drive Re-Alignment (Washington County Public Works) - $500,000; and 4) City of Hagerstown Northwest Connector Bridge - $500,000, for a total of $2,100,000 in funding. Mr. Troxell reviewed the projects in the Area Development Projects category, which were proposed to be ranked as follows: 1) Land Parcel Vectorization (Washington County GIS Office) - $104,405; 2) Energy Technology Program Pathways Development Implementation (Hagerstown Community College) - $22,000; 3) Expansion of Central Library (Washington County Free Library) - $490,000; 4) Washington County YouthBuild Program (Community Partnership for Children & Families) - $222,861; 5) Wastewater Inflow/Infiltration Rehab (City of Hagerstown) - $500,000; and 6) Prescription Medication Project (Community Free Clinic) - $113,450, for a total of $1,452,716 in funding. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to submit the preliminary project rankings to Appalachian Regional Commission, for funding consideration as follows: TEA-21 Funding Projects: 1) Mt. Aetna Farms Access Road – Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) - $600,000; 2) City of Hagerstown Eastern Connector Bridge - $500,000; 3) Shawley Drive Re-Alignment (Washington County Public Works) - $500,000; and 4) City of Hagerstown Northwest Connector Bridge - $500,000, for a total of $2,100,000 in funding; and Area Development Projects: 1) Land Parcel Vectorization (Washington County GIS Office) - $104,405; 2) Energy Technology Program Pathways Development Implementation (Hagerstown Community College) - $22,000; 3) Expansion of Central Library (Washington County Free Library) - $490,000; 4) Washington County YouthBuild Program (Community Partnership for Children & Families) - $222,861; 5) Wastewater Inflow/Infiltration Rehab (City of Hagerstown) - $500,000; and 6) Prescription Medication Project (Community Free Clinic) - $113,450, for a total of $1,452,716 in funding. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Wivell, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “NO.” BID AWARD – HEATING, VENTING, AIR CONDITIONING AND AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MAINTENANCE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls Maintenance Services to Miller & Anderson, Inc., which submitted the lowest Total Base Bid of $209,925 for a one (1) year contract commencing July 1, 2009, with an option by the County to renew for up to four (4) year periods. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – ELECTRICIAN SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to award the contract for Electrician Services at County Facilities to Kube Electric Co., Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $32,850 based on the hourly rates/formula as outlined: Regular Working Hours (routine) – Electrician $24.25, Helper $15.00; Evenings and Saturdays (emergency) – Electrician $37.00, Helper $24.00; and Sundays and Holidays (emergency) – Electrician $37.00, Helper $24.00 and consulting and design services - $45.00/hourly rate. The contract is a one (1) year contract commencing July 1, 2009 with an option by the County to renew for up to four (4) additional one (1) year periods. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – WORKERS’ COMPENSATION THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR Motion made by Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for Workers’ Compensation third party Administration to CorVel Enterprise Comp, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible proposal for a total lump sum Fee of $241,250 for Fiscal Years 2010-2014. Unanimously approved. CONTINUATION OF BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners discussed the monies provided for Phase I and Phase II of the Emergency Services Plan. Commissioner Wivell stated that he would be interested in allocating the funds to develop a plan used directly to MAY 19, 2009 PAGE SIX fund personnel in the companies rather than hiring as County employees, and eliminating Phase II money. Ms. Murray provided an update on Phase I. The Commissioners also discussed the Phase II plan. It was the consensus to leave the funding in the budget and discuss the plan. The Commissioners complimented the Finance staff on developing the budget. Commissioner Wivell asked if the Commissioners were interested in extending the 5% tax cap to non-owner occupied residential properties. After discussion, the Commissioners asked that the Finance Department begin “laying the groundwork” for implementation of a program in FY 2011. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, as amended, in the following amounts: General Fund budget of $209,346,700; the Capital Improvement Projects budget of $92,296,600; Highway Funds - $8,694,790 and Solid Waste Fund - $8,157,410; the Transit Fund - $2,420,400; Airport Fund - $2,864,430; Golf Course Fund - $1,246,490; Utility Administration Fund - $3,561,090; Water Fund - $1,791,540; Sewer Fund - $11,141,470; Pretreatment Fund - $695,600; Foreign Trade Zone - $7,000; Agricultural Education Center Fund - $190,760; Community Partnership Fund - $295,760; Gaming Fund - $2,375,160; Hotel/Motel Tax Fund - $1,500,000; Land Preservation Fund - $556,000; and Inmate Welfare Fund - $500,000; for the total proposed budget of $347,642,200; and to maintain the current property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of full-assessed value and the interest rate of 1.3% for service charges associated with semi-annual property tax payments. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the Fiscal Year 2010 Capital Improvements Program Budget as revised in the amount of $92,296,600. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING – ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 3:10 p.m. to allow any interested persons to testify concerning the acquisition of the parcel known as 14225 Oak Springs Road, Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland. Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, stated that the parcel is adjacent to the airport property and would be used for a public purpose. The cost of the property is $58,000. The meeting was opened for public comment and there was no one present who wished to comment. The hearing was closed at 3:12 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to purchase the .46 acres of property commonly known as 14225 Oak Springs Road, Hagerstown, Maryland that has been determined to be useful to Washington County for the purchase price of $58,000. Unanimously approved. HAGERSTOWN-EASTERN PANHANDLE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (HEPMPO) FY 2009 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT Robert Gordon, MPO Director, and Jill Baker, Senior Planner, informed the Commissioners that the HEPMPO is requesting approval of a budget adjustment in the amount of $385,099 to $503,724($292,553 - Maryland, $211,191 - West Virginia) to reflect the increase in Federal, State and Local funding to support the development and adoption of a Long Range Transportation Plan and Transit Development Plan. Ms. Baker explained that the local match for Washington County would increase from $20,854 to $29,253 with the increased Federal and State funds. The meeting was opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve an increase in the FY 2009 budget for the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization from $385,099 to $503,724 and to approve the increase in the local match as proposed. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, requested authorization to advertise the position of County Clerk internally due to the pending retirement of the current Clerk, Joni Bittner. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the request. MAY 19, 2009 PAGE SEVEN COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire reported on the Commission on Aging meeting. He stated that he attended the Kids Alive event at Children’s Village, the Chamber Post-Legislative Forum, the Hancock Mayor and Council meeting, and the National Pike Festival. Commissioner Aleshire also attended a conference on sustainability initiatives. He suggested that the Commissioners send a letter in support of the request to display historic memorabilia in Smithsburg’s Veterans’ Park. Commissioner Wivell stated that he participated in Hagerstown Community College’s commencement ceremony on behalf of the Commissioners and attended the Maryland Municipal League meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended a meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Business Tax Reform. He reported on meetings of the Local Management Board and Public Golf Corporation. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended a Post- Legislative meeting, Hagerstown Community College’s graduation, the True Grit awards, Maryland Municipal League meeting, events at the Agricultural Education Center, and a County Engineers’ conference. He informed the Commissioners that he received an e-mail regarding Allegheny Power’s PATH Project. Commissioner Barr provided information on several events occurring this Memorial Day weekend. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSON Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 3:39 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation and/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. (Commissioner Kercheval was excused from the meeting at 4:36 p.m.) RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:47 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation and/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, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources; Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services; Keith Bowen, Shift Supervisor, Department of Emergency Services; and James Ulrich. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 4:47 p.m. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk