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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.10.2016 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland May 10, 2016 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The full assemblage observed a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 10:27 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. Commissioner John F. Barr was absent from the meeting due to visiting other Maryland counties as President of the Maryland Association of Counties. FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2016 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT APPLICATION Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, requested approval of the submission of an Emergency Solutions Grant Program application that provides funds to prevent homelessness and improve the quality of existing emergency and transitional shelters for the homeless in Washington County. The Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2016 application to be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development contains requests totaling $145,000 from the two sub -applicants, the Community Action Council and REACH, for the maintenance and operation of shelters and the provision of direct services to individuals. The application includes $1,450 for the Office of Community Grant Management to cover administrative support expenses. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the submission of the FFY 2016 Emergency Solutions Grant application totaling $145,000 to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the forthcoming grant and sub recipient agreements as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) WINEBRENNER WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE — CHANGE ORDER REOUEST Julie Pippel, Director, and Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Water Quality, requested approval of Change Order #4 to HRI Bridge Company, Inc. (HCI) for $44,232.15 for the Winebrenner Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. The contractor is requesting a two-day time extension due to the Governor's declared State of Emergency and the closing of roads this past winter during Storm Jonas. Mr. Bradshaw described other modifications concerning the change order request, noting that HCI has made several suggestions that will save the County money in construction costs and future operation and maintenance expenses. The Commissioners discussed the upgrade project that also allows for future needs. May 10, 2016 Page 2 Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve Change Order #4 to HRI Bridge Company, Inc. for $44,232.15 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) ANNUAL MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LETTER Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, advised that the annual public meeting to discuss Washington County transportation priorities with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation is typically held yearly in October. The County is submitting its priority letter early this year to provide application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's FASTLANE grant program that could provide up to 80% of the $291 million cost estimate for widening Interstate 81 in Washington County to six lanes. Mr. Slocum presented a draft of proposed priorities to be considered for the Consolidated Transportation Program's six-year capital budget plan for such projects that is similar to those of prior years, including the widening of Interstate 81 and improvements to Interstate 70 and Maryland 65 (Sharpsburg Pike.) Other requests include sidewalks at Maryland 65 improvements, a new air traffic control tower at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, funds to expand transit services to Boonsboro and other municipalities in the County, and additional safety improvements to railroad crossings. The Commissioners discussed the priorities and the commercial development likely to occur near Maryland 65 as a result of the proposed improvements. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve submission of the transportation priorities letter for 2016 as discussed and recommended. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) REOUEST TO DECLARE REAL PROPERTY AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND CONVEY — VOLVO WAY Rob Slocum and Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, requested permission to declare certain real property located at Volvo Way, Hagerstown, surplus property, approve an option agreement for its conveyance, and authorize advertising the County's intent to convey the property. Ms. Small indicated that the County owns the property (formerly known as Mack Truck Road) consisting of 19,306 square feet or 0.4432 acres of land, more or less, located approximately twelve hundred feet south of its intersection with Maugans Avenue. Mack Trucks, Inc./Volvo has requested that the unused portion of the Volvo Way right-of-way be conveyed to it for no monetary consideration so that it may construct entrance improvements to its property. The improvements would widen the existing entrance to provide three incoming lanes and facilitate stormwater maintenance upgrades. There is no fiscal impact to the County. Commissioner Cine, seconded by Myers, moved to declare certain real property located at Volvo Way, Hagerstown, surplus property, approve an option agreement for its May 10, 2016 Page 3 conveyance, and authorize advertising the County's intent to convey the same. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION REVIEW AND RANKING Jim Hovis, Director, and Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management, presented projects for funding consideration by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to be submitted to the Tri -County Council of Western Maryland (TCC.) Ms. Buchanan described the process undertaken to compile the preliminary project description prioritizations as determined and forwarded to the TCC. She indicated that area development projects require a cost match of 50% of total project costs, whereas access road projects are 100% ARC -funded. This year's ARC funding for Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties totals $1,500,000 for Area Development Projects and $2,500,000 for Local Access Road Projects. Funding for Washington County's Area Development Projects includes seven proposed projects requesting $1,087,287 in ARC funding and two projects requesting $2,000,000 in funding from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA -21) Access Road category. There is no required match for TEA -21 funds. The total requested ARC funding for the nine projects is $3,087,287. Ms. Buchanan presented the requests developed from submittals by various municipalities and organizations for funding through the ARC as follows: 1) University System of Maryland -Hagerstown (Physician Assistant Lab Equipment) - $300,000; 2) Hagerstown Community College (Electronics Lab) - $57,287; 3) Town of Boonsboro (Sewer Main Replacement) - $120,000; 4) Town of Boonsboro (Inflow and Infiltration Project, Phase II) - $150,000; 5) City of Hagerstown (First Third Grant Program) - $250,000; 6) City of Hagerstown (Hagerstown Cultural Trail Phase II -A) - $85,000; and 7) City of Hagerstown (Hagerstown Cultural Trail Phase II -B) - $125,000. Requests for TEA -21 Funds for Local Access Road Projects were submitted as follows: 1) Washington County (Colonel H.K. Douglas Drive Extension Phase II) - $1,000,000; and, 2) Washington County (Eastern Boulevard Extension) - $1,000,000. The Commissioners discussed the proposed projects and the funding process relating to the requests. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to accept the Appalachian Regional Commission Preliminary Project Description prioritizations as prioritized by the Board and to forward the ranking to the Tri -County Council of Western Maryland for funding consideration, to allow applicants to proceed with application submission to the Appalachian Regional Commission for those projects that receive Tri -County Council's funding recommendation from the Tri -County Council, and to accept grant funding approved and provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) May 10, 2016 Page 4 APPLICATION FOR REZONING -HERITAGE HUYETT, LLC (RZ-15-002) Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney, presented the proposed Decision and Findings of Fact for Heritage Huyett, LLC Rezoning Case No. RZ-15-002. The subject parcel consists of 90.5 acres along the west side of Maryland Route 63, approximately 0.1 miles north of U.S. Route 40. The Applicant is requesting the rezoning of the 90.5 acres from Residential Transition to Business Local (29.09 acres) and Planned Industrial (61.41 acres.). The Washington County Planning Commission recommended approval of the application based on the applicant's claim of a mistake made in the property's original zoning. The Commissioners held a public hearing on February 9, 2016 concerning the requested map amendment after which they reached a consensus to approve the request. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the requested map amendment by Heritage Huyett, LLC (RZ-15-002) and adopt the Decision and Findings of Fact as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Myers, Cline and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Keefer "ABSTAIN." (3-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Ordinance No. ORD -2016-11 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) The Decision is attached hereto. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE — SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM FOR CIRCUIT COURT Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing, requested authorization by resolution to award a contract for the purchase and installation of a security camera system for $142,039 from Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and to utilize the Carroll County Public Network contract for Project Management and Network Operations Management Services pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Marvland. Mr. Curry described the security enhancements to be placed in the Washington County Circuit Courthouse and the intergovernmental cooperative purchase process. Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Cline, moved to authorize by resolution, the award of a contract for the purchase and installation of a security camera system for $142,039 from Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and to utilize the Carroll County Public Network contract for Project Management and Network Operations Management Services. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Resolution No. RS -2016-06 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) MODIFICATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES AND CERTAIN OTHER FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 County Administrator Greg Murray commented on the proposals for the modification of water and sewer rates and other fees as proposed in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. He discussed the business model for the department that ultimately avoids spikes in rates to May 10, 2016 Page 5 citizens as part of a long-term plan and that allocation fees have not increased since 2008. Mr. Murray stated that the enterprise fund is self-supporting and its standing is included in reviews by companies regarding the County's bond ratings, which are excellent. Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management, presented the proposed modification of water and sewer rates for the Fiscal Year 2017 General Fund Budget. The Water Fund of $1,337,520 represents an overall increased percentage of 4.34%, and Sewer Fund of $11,877,420, representing an overall increase of 8.97%, most of which is attributable to debt service associated with State mandated upgrades. She reviewed the proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2017 that shows an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 3.5% (or $5.57) for water and 3.4% (or $5.00) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. Water service allocation fees are proposed to increase from $1,950 to $2,500 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) and sewer allocation fees are proposed to increase from $5,900 per EDU to $6,900 per EDU. The collection service only area allocation fee is proposed to increase from $1,800 to $2,500 per EDU. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve by resolution the water and sewer rate increases and certain other fees as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Resolution No. RS -2016-07 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, Budget and Finance, summarized the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating and Capital Budgets of $300.6 million that reflect a decrease of approximately $3.7 million from Fiscal Year 2016 or 1.2% overall. The General Fund contains $211.8 million (a $5.1 million change or 2.5% below FY 2016.) Ms. Murray noted that this is the first budget year expected to exceed the 2010 budget baseline and that real estate taxes have not yet returned from their 2010 level. The $39 million Capital Improvement Project budget decreased by about $12.5 million (24%) from the prior budget year and reflects a $12 million borrowing level. Property taxes have not been raised in seventeen years and will remain at 94.8 cents per $100 of assessed value. Income tax rates will remain at 2.8%. The Commissioners discussed the difficulty of maintaining a level of spending with mandatory increases from various agencies. They commended efforts by staff over the past seven years to keep budgets in line by holding off purchasing equipment and restructuring departments. Greg Murray noted that Washington County has been fifth in the State with new job creation and turning around the unemployment rate the past two years. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the FY 2017 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Budget, including the discussed and agreed upon May 10, 2016 Page 6 amendments and the specified FY 2017 tax rates as presented and discussed. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to convene in closed session at 12:06 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one of 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 on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1), (3), and (7) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) In closed session, the Commissioners discussed several specific County personnel recommendations/employment matters with County staff; and discussed specific issues relating to the acquisition of real property located in the County with staff and counsel. During closed session, the Commissioners provided direction to County staff regarding three County employment recommendations/staffing matters; and instructed County staff to continue moving forward with the process for acquiring several parcels of real property located in the County. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy Myers, Jr. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Julie Pippel, Director, Water Quality; Kim Edlund, Director, Budget and Finance; Rob Slocum, Director and Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, Engineering and Construction Management; and Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 12:38 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — MAY 2016 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM) to receive May 2016 Youth Meritorious Awards: Adam Metz of Boonsboro Middle School, Mary Kinman of North Hagerstown High School, Carissa Keely, homeschooled 12th Grader, Sophia Bartell of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, and Sarah Winters of South Hagerstown High School. Each student received a Washington County lapel pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Staples gift card from the OCGM. The Commissioners commended the students for their achievements. May 10, 2016 Page 7 CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION No citizens attending the meeting wished to participate. The Commissioners recessed at 1:10 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF HANCOCK An evening meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was held at Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Daniel Murphy offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 7:27 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline and Wayne K. Keefer. Commissioner John F. Barr was absent from the meeting due to visiting other Maryland counties as President of the Maryland Association of Counties and Commissioner Myers was absent due to personal reasons. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked town resident and local historical society founder Marian Golden for the Commissioners' earlier tour of the "Bowles House" in Hancock. The historic home is owned by the C&O Canal National Historical Parks and staffed by community volunteers. Mr. Cline reported attending the grand opening of Thinking Efficiently, a tech company begun at Hagerstown Community College's Technical Center. He attended Boonsboro's Green Fest and the Walk to End Child Abuse held in Hancock. Commissioner Cline attended a Share the Road Motorcycle Awareness event and a Lions Club breakfast fundraiser. He commented on the recent passing of Hancock Council member Homer Schetrompf. Commissioner Keefer thanked the mayor and council for the warm welcome. He reiterated Commissioner Cline's comments regarding Councilman Schetrompf. Mr. Keefer reported touring the Washington County Detention Center to gain insight on that operation and spending a day with Public Works Department staff that included a tour of the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Baker reported that Washington County would be hosting the next meeting of the Maryland Municipal League on May 23. Mr. Baker thanked the parties involved in the Bowles Home tour. May 10, 2016 Page 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Daniel Murphy welcomed the Commissioners to Hancock. He referenced the earlier tour of the Bowles House and commended the work of Marian Golden and volunteers to keep it open for others to enjoy. The mayor discussed the condition of local roads, particularly the Old National Pike behind the Triangle Restaurant and the ownership of Pennsylvania Avenue. Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, advised of planned asphalt overlay and chip sealing for the Old National Pike and stated that he would research the ownership of Pennsylvania Avenue. The mayor introduced council members Levi Little and Ralph Salvagno. He discussed the possibility of allowing a company involved in various aspects of recycling to relocate its operations to the former landfill transfer site in Hancock owned by the County. Greg Murray provided a history of the transfer site and referenced a contract with a waste to energy company that will utilize all County waste, including the Hancock site. Council member Levi Little commented on the County's gasification project and the Hancock Branch Library project. He discussed the Hancock Schools' gymnasium constructed with Project Open Space funds available for local use and the requirement by Washington County Public Schools to provide insurance and a guard. Mr. Little also commented on the downtown Hagerstown Academic Hub proposal and open -style schools. Council Member Ralph Salvagno expressed the need for public transportation in Hancock. Mayor Murphy thanked County staff for their assistance with town projects and concerns. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray noted that Commissioner John Barr was absent due to visiting other Maryland counties as President of the Maryland Association of Counties and Commissioner Myers was not feeling well. He commented on economic development in the Hancock area. Enaineerint! and Construction Management Rob Slocum provided a list of fifteen miles of roadways in the Hancock area to be chip sealed this season. He discussed the chip seal process that eventually settles in and over time, provides coverage similar to asphalt, and helps extend the life of roadways. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION No one was present that wished to participate. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Cline, moved to adjourn at 8:29 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. May 10, 2016 Page 9 Gregory B. urray, C my Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney " Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk