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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.26.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland January 26, 2010 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS “RETREAT” The Commissioners attended an economic development “retreat” at 11:30 a.m. held at Fountain Head Country Club, 13316 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown, Maryland. CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:56 p.m. with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. RESOLUTION – ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROGRAM EXTENSION AND RECORDATION TAX Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, presented a resolution for approval by the Commissioners entitled “Exemptions Related to Recordation Tax as Permitted Under Section 12-203 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.” He detailed that the Resolution was necessary for the Clerk of Court to properly implement the extension of the Economic Stimulus Program regarding recordation tax that was approved by the Commissioners on January 19, 2010. Commissioner Baker seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the Resolution concerning extension of the Economic Stimulus Program as presented. The motion was approved with Commissioners Baker, Kercheval, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Aleshire voting “NO.” (Resolution No. RS-2010-01 is found in the County Commissioners’ Office) SCHOOL MITIGATION REQUESTS Mike Thompson, Planning Director, introduced a request for school mitigation as set forth under Section 9.1 of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO.) Attorney Jason Divelbiss, on behalf of the Applicant, detailed the request for “Blooming Meadows”, a twenty-two unit single-family development south of Cool Hollow Road. His client is offering to pay $69,187.00 or $3,294.67 per unit paid upfront for mitigation which is over and above the applicable excise tax at the time of permitting. The Commissioners discussed the method of arriving at the figures and the effect on schools in the district. It was the consensus of a majority of the Commissioners to request Attorney Divelbiss to develop another proposal for Blooming Meadows and also for “Rye Field Estates”, that was to be presented as the next agenda item. January 26, 2010 Page two INCENTIVIZED CURBSIDE RECYCLING OPTION Cliff Engle, Deputy Director, Division of Environmental Management, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss an incentivized curbside recycling option. He introduced Mike D’Angelo, who described the RecycleBank program using a PowerPoint presentation. RecycleBank enables residents who use curbside recycling to earn credit for their level of participation. Mr. D’Angelo stated that participants earn rewards that are redeemable at local or national retailers, in values equal to the volume recycled. He informed those present that the program has been implemented in twenty-one states and that recycling rates rise when recycling banks are implemented. The Commissioners discussed the program’s cost, estimating that the County fee charged to residents would be approximately $2.25 per unit per household each month. In addition, the County would have to consider the collection and transportation costs. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to obtain more information and costs of the program for discussion at a future date. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT Charles Summers, Deputy Director-Division of Fire and Emergency Services, and Verna Brown, Emergency Management Coordinator, requested authorization to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Mr. Summers detailed that MEMA distributes funding to all local jurisdictions annually to increase State and local effectiveness to safely and efficiently handle hazardous materials, accidents, and incidents. He described that it will be used for salaries, costs of reproduction, and planning. Mr. Summers noted that the FY 2010 award is $30,715.00 with $16,000.00 for planning and $14,715.00 for training; and the County’s match is $7,678.75. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to authorize the Director of Fire and Emergency Services to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with MEMA as described in the agenda packet. The motion was unanimously approved. LIBRARY RENOVATION PROJECT - PROGRESS REPORT Art Callaham, Chairman-Washington County Free Library Board of Trustees, appeared before the Commissioners to dispel false information regarding the Library’s planned renovation and location of a temporary facility. He discussed four items: 1) Downtown Library Presence – maintaining a downtown presence was always planned and the Library Board continues to look at several downtown locations including the former CVS Building on West Washington Street. The City has agreed to provide additional funding toward this effort; 2) Temporary Branch Library - a temporary branch location in the north end has been offered by a donator and will be used due to low cost and the availability of free parking. The Phoenix Color Building will also be used to house some of the Library’s collection but was not deemed a suitable site because it is too far away and some citizens are not comfortable with its proximity to the County’s Detention January 26, 2010 Page three Center; 3) Permanent North End Branch – discussions have occurred in the past, but there are no plans in the foreseeable future for the Library to place a permanent branch in the north end of Hagerstown; and, 4) Secret Meetings – plan to hurt downtown economically. The Library Board of Trustees and Staff are dedicated to provide the best Library service to Washington County citizens, and fully support efforts to become an arts and entertainment venue, thereby enhancing the economic viability of downtown. Mr. Callaham invited citizens to contact him regarding questions or to attend the project meetings, noting that the next one is set for Wednesday, January 27. The Commissioners discussed the project and the issues surrounding the temporary location of library materials. Mary Baykan, Library Director, was in the audience and answered questions from the Commissioners. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TALLY Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey stated that the Local Delegation to the General Assembly has requested an individual tally of the Commissioners’ votes for each bill to be discussed during the meeting tomorrow in Annapolis. The following votes were recorded: 1) Aid to Manufactories (obsolete language) – Yea: 5; No: 0 2) Emergency Communications Center (polygraph testing) - Yea: 5; No: 0 3) LGIT Insurance Pool (CAC participation) – Yea: 5; No: 0 4) County Attorney’s Office (role and responsibility) – Yea: 5; No: 0 5) County Contribution to Public/Private Improvement Projects – Yea: 3; No: Commissioners Wivell & Aleshire 6) Procurement for Professional/Technical Services (Public Bidding increase of $50,000.00 to $100,000.00) – Yea: 4; No: Commissioner Wivell 7) School Design Advisory Board - Yea: 5; No: 0 8) Salary Study Commission Process - Yea: 5 ; No: 0 9) Forest Conservation Issue, discussion only– Mr. Downey informed the Commissioners that he had spoken to the bill drafter who had contacted Elmer Weibley regarding the proposed language. He stated that the bill may read, “Offsite forestation cost shall be 30 cents, except in Washington County, where it shall be the actual cost of securing the easement as determined by the Director of the Soil Conservation District” (or the like.) The Commissioners discussed the issue and what would be proposed during the meeting. Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III, detailed item #5, stating that the authority given would be a “tool” to be used only in certain applicable instances, and could not be invoked without the Commissioners’ authority. I-81 CORRIDOR COALITION SUPPORT Commissioner Kercheval referenced an email he sent to fellow Commissioners last week regarding support for a funding earmark in a transportation bill proposed by Pennsylvania Senators Spector and Casey. He explained that the request would not affect money in Maryland and would involve sending a letter of support from the Commissioners. The purpose is to obtain backing for the bill from all states along the I-81 Corridor. The January 26, 2010 Page four Commissioners discussed the request and it was the consensus to support the bill and draft a letter to that effect. MOTION TO RECESS Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, moved to recess at 4:23 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved. EVENING MEETING – TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN President John F. Barr called the evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 7:00 p.m. at Funkstown Town Hall, 30 East Baltimore Street, with the following members: 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, who noted the recent passing of long-time County employee Irene Rosenberry, and how she will be missed by her family and co-workers. Mr. Barr led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 19, 2010 Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to approve the minutes of January 19, 2010. The motion was unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker noted that he received a telephone call regarding the status of the liquor licensing issue discussed by Washington County Restaurant and Beverage Association Vice President Lou Thomas during last week’s Commissioners’ meeting. It was stated that Mr. Thomas was planning to meet with the Board of License Commissioners but was not asked to report back to the County Commissioners. Mr. Baker reported attending the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire and Rescue (MGVFRA) Association banquet with Commissioner Barr. He also attended the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting held last evening in Boonsboro. Commissioner Baker thanked Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III for speaking to the group regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus program. He noted that a representative for Governor O’Malley was present and discussed the poor budget outlook and a possible $2 billion budget deficit. (Commissioner Kercheval arrived at 7:07 p.m.) Commissioner Aleshire thanked the town for hosting the meeting. Mr. Aleshire stated that he also attended the MML function in Boonsboro where it was noted by a representative from the Governor’s Office that the State’s fiscal year budget will be less than the budget approved in 2006-07. He reported attending the board meeting of the Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance stating that the area from Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown to the Funkstown Bridge will be cleaned up again this year. Commissioner Aleshire attended the January 26, 2010 Page five opening of the new Susquehanna Bank building on the Dual Highway and also a Saturday forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters on running for a political office. He reported attending the viewing for Irene Rosenberry, noting that his brother and Irene’s son were friends. Commissioner Wivell thanked the town for hosting the meeting. Commissioner Kercheval attended the Humane Society of Washington County’s meeting earlier this evening where future planning was discussed. He noted that he sits on the State Task Force for Business Tax Reform representing MACo for this three-year commission. The group is discussing Maryland’s strengths and weaknesses in attracting new business and will make recommendations on business reforms. Mr. Kercheval stated that Maryland’s 10% unemployment rate, slow business expansions, and tough competition from neighboring states are strong concerns. He reported on his membership in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the work being done regarding long range planning for transportation projects, including those to ease congestion in Washington County. He related that a draft report of the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan would be available for public review at local libraries, the County’s Planning Department, and through an online link in the next few weeks. Mr. Kercheval and the Commissioners discussed transportation projects that may affect Funkstown and answered questions from those in attendance. Commissioner Barr reported that he spoke at the Grand Opening of the new Susquehanna Bank building on the Dual Highway and also attended the MGVFRA banquet. He participated in a meeting earlier this evening with Gilbane Construction regarding the unfortunate death last week at the new hospital site. He related that the Funkstown Fire Company was praised for its quick and professional response to the incident. It was also mentioned that the Fire Department has frequently visited the site to become familiar with the building’s access points. Mayor Kline stated that the Town has an excellent Fire Department. Mr. Barr noted that he is serving on the Education and Legislative Committees for MACo at the first session in Annapolis tomorrow and that the Commissioners will be attending a joint meeting with the Washington County Delegation at that time. Commissioner Barr reported spending yesterday afternoon with Kevin Brandt, Superintendent of C & O Canal in Williamsport, and various state and local officials, to discuss the loss of stimulus funds to municipalities that were being diverted to the Big Slackwater Project. The group discussed possibilities to obtain federal and State funding for renovation of the Cushwa Basin, Carriage House and the Lift Bridge, where electrified canal boats could be placed in a section of the canal, and other projects and events could be planned to stimulate County tourism. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Robert Kline discussed the traffic backup problem through the town. The Commissioners stated that the planned Southern Boulevard would be the solution. Greg Murray informed the Mayor that the design is now 95% complete and bidding for the January 26, 2010 Page six project should be held in August 2010. He advised that the project may encounter delays due to necessary grading changes to Frederick Street and obtaining a substantial amount of rights-of-way. Mayor Kline mentioned a flooding problem affecting pedestrian traffic on Frederick Street near the City of Hag erstown’s water treatment plant. The Commissioners will discuss the problem with the City of Hagerstown for a possible solution. Assistant Mayor Paul Crampton questioned the funding that was diverted to the Big Slackwater project and it was explained that it was park service money. The Commissioners discussed possible “streetscape” or “retrofit” funds that may be available for a project on Poplar Street for a 50/50 match. Commissioner Aleshire will provide information to Mr. Crampton regarding the programs. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION The Commissioners were asked by an audience member about the high cost for the courthouse renovations. Joe Kroboth, III explained the history of the project, including the addition of a prisoner elevator and extra security measures after the project had begun. He stated that the final change order was approved last week, though some security work is still active. He also noted that the project was partially grant-funded, state-funded, and locally-funded, and that the project account has a $300,000.00 surplus. On behalf of the Town, Council Member John Phillips thanked the Commissioners for the Hotel Rental Tax money that was used for a Reenactment Day in the Town’s park. Commissioner Aleshire asked about citizen comments received concerning noise from patrons smoking and leaving trash outside of Funkstown establishments. It was stated that the Sheriff’s Department has done a good job controlling the problem. Council Member Kim Ramer questioned the Commissioners regarding several issues: 1) Structure at a building on Frederick Street used by patrons smoking outside – he felt that it was an eyesore; 2) Paul Smith Boulevard - where it will eventually go. Joe Kroboth, III explained that a short piece is already built at Edgewood Drive (Twigg Cycle) and it will eventually come out near Dunkin Donuts and out to Alternate Route 40. He stated that it was proposed by the City of Hagerstown and is not on the County’s Capital Improvement Plan; 3) Future Wal-Mart location – Greg Murray advised that Wal-Mart had submitted plans to the County on Monday for a Sharpsburg Pike location; 4) Funkstown Elementary School redistricting – mentioned the recent vote by the Board of Education; 5) County spending cuts - Commissioner Kercheval explained that the County had planned for this possible fiscal scenario and had “funded projects, not people.” The County is down 13 employee positions that have not been filled. Commissioner Kercheval related that the State does not look differently at counties who have planned wisely and those that are now in serious financial trouble. Mr. Murray discussed the County’s internal funding decreases and noted that it has maintained a good bond rating; 6) Sewer Debt status - Greg Murray reported that the current amount owed is $27 million down from an original $57 million and the fund is now considered self-supporting; 7) YMCA building – dangerous January 26, 2010 Page seven intersection. Joe Kroboth, III explained that the road’s posted speed limit allows for safe traffic passage and that the problem area is actually at Antietam Drive and Eastern Boulevard. Commissioner Kercheval discussed the planned road that will alleviate some traffic patterns at the location; 8) Wal-Mart Property Tax – amount paid. It was estimated that the Prime Outlets pay approximately $1.1 million in taxes per year but the amount for Wal-Mart was not known off-hand. Mr. Ramer thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in the Town. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) Stephanie Stone, WCCP Director, requested approval from the Commissioners to accept a grant for $76,200.00 from Maryland Physicians’ Care for mental health services at Boonsboro Middle and High Schools. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the grant as presented. The motion was unanimously approved. Ms. Stone informed the Commissioners that approval has been received from the Governor’s office for ARRA funding that will be used to move the Family Center and retrofit the new building; and to renovate the health center located in Boonsboro, totaling approximately $407,000.00. Commissioner Kercheval commented that the Health Department is expanding its dental services and provided a brochure to Mayor Kline. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS County Administrator Greg Murray reported that a meeting will be held in the County Administration Building this Friday with all municipalities regarding public information on the tax setoff change, to help explain to citizens that it is not an increase, but a shift. Mr. Murray stated that the rate would be approximately 10-14 cents but several items may impact the rate. Mayor Kline thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in Funkstown and welcomed them back anytime in the future. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved. _______________________________ County Administrator _______________________________ _____________________________ County Attorney County Clerk