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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.02.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 2, 2010 The Commissioners participated in the State of the County forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at Fountain Head Country Club at 7:30 a.m. President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:52 a.m. with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 26, 2010 Approval of the January 26, 2010 minutes was deferred until next week. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked the Chamber of Commerce for hosting the State of the County event this morning. He applauded Commissioner Barr for his presentation and expressed the opinion that the Commissioners should sit together on the stage in the future. Mr. Baker noted that he attended the legislative meeting held last week in Annapolis with his fellow Commissioners. He thanked the Delegation for its work on behalf of Washington County. He reported attending the tribute to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elizabeth Morgan and wished her the best in representing Washington County and the State of Maryland in the national finals. Commissioner Baker stated that he enjoyed the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company banquet held last week. Commissioner Kercheval thanked the Delegation for hosting the Commissioners’ visit to Annapolis last week where new Delegate Charles Jenkins was welcomed. He also attended the tribute to Dr. Morgan and congratulated the organizers who raised $10,000.00 for the Washington County Public Schools Education Foundation. He stated that Washington County’s education system accomplishments and Dr. Morgan’s work should be highlighted in economic marketing materials for the County. Mr. Kercheval reminded his fellow Commissioners of the “Day in Annapolis”, a lobbying coalition effort to be held on February 17. He noted that transportation to the event is available to citizens by contacting the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Kercheval attended the Planning Commission meeting last evening where several items were discussed, including preliminary consultation for commercial property located off the Leitersburg Pike requesting a special exception; the Black Rock PUD Phase I; an office building planned for Dual Crossing; approval of an HCC math and science building site; and approval of the Mountainside February 2, 2010 Page two Teleport expansion and satellite pad additions. He noted that a section of the Rosewood PUD located at Robinwood/Varsity Drive, has been changed from apartments to office condos. Commissioner Barr commented on Senate Bill 225 (Library/Collective Bargaining) and stated that the MACo’s Legislative Committee is adamantly opposed to the bill and that it is considered a local government mandate. Commissioner Wivell reiterated the Commissioners’ comments regarding the Annapolis meeting and the tribute to Dr. Morgan. He reported attending the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company banquet but missed the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He thanked both organizations for their service to the community. Commissioner Aleshire informed those present that he attended the Boonsboro Fire and Rescue Company banquet with Commissioner Wivell. He reported attending the Boonsboro Mayor and Council meeting where he answered questions regarding the tax differential change. He explained to meeting attendees that the extension of utilities outside of municipal boundaries for failing systems is a State requirement. Mr. Aleshire was also present at the Annapolis meeting and the ceremony for Dr. Morgan. He referred to the State of the County Address this morning and stated that the items highlighted were also on his list of accomplishments during the past year. He expressed the opinion that even though the Commissioners may not always agree on items during the meeting discussions, they work together to be successful as a whole. County Administrator Murray echoed his comments regarding the work accomplished by the Commissioners. Commissioner Barr stated that it is a pleasure serving with his fellow Commissioners and it is good to have healthy dialogue. He commended Staff and County employees for their work and support. He reported attending many of the same events reported on previously by the Commissioners and added the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company banquet and a fundraiser breakfast for Habitat for Humanity. Commissioner Barr commented that he was impressed by Colin Stacey, age 9, serving at the Habitat for Humanity breakfast. He noted that Colin donated the tip given him to the organization. Mr. Barr commended local businesses for purchasing books of tickets to support the group’s endeavors. He recognized Dr. Morgan’s accomplishments and wished her the best in the upcoming national competition. He also acknowledged Board of Education member Ruth Anne Callaham in the audience and applauded the school system and Board’s accomplishments. Commissioner Barr noted that he would be in Annapolis again this Wednesday attending sessions sponsored by the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). He referenced a recent edition of The Kiplinger Letter where it was reported that all states in the United States are struggling with issues relating to a balanced budget with the exception of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. February 2, 2010 Page three MODIFICATION OF DHR CONTRACT – EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Ruth Anne Callaham, Executive Director-Food Resources, Inc., appeared before the Commissioners to request a modification of the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) contract for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to allow the program to receive additional grant funds of $17,366.78 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Mrs. Callaham detailed that the modification will be for continuation of a position at the food warehouse based on the increase of food coming into the County for TEFAP. She credited Mr. Lynn Jackson, Director of Operations, for working hard to obtain and distribute food in Washington County for TEFAP. She also praised employee Eric McDonald, who would have his current employment extended through acceptance of the grant. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, moved to approve the request of Food Resources, Inc. for a contract modification of the Emergency Food Assistance Program to allow it to receive additional grant funding of $17,366.78 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The motion was unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Vance Creech, residing at the Fahrney Keedy residential living unit community in Boonsboro, Maryland, discussed not being able to take advantage of the Homestead Tax Credit. Mr. Creech stated that he spoke to Delegate Shank, who intends to submit a bill to legislation entitled, “Washington County - Homestead Property Tax Credit for Living Units in Continuing Care Retirement Communities” which would enable the Commissioners to grant a Homestead Tax Credit to citizens in independent living units. The Commissioners discussed the issue and Mr. Creech requested the Board’s support for the bill. James Devine, P. O. Box 2217, Hagerstown, Maryland, appeared to comment on the Washington County Free Library renovation project. He felt that the temporary location of the library should be kept at one site during the renovation. Mr. Devine discussed jobs and unemployment in Washington County and asked the Commissioners to be aware of hate crimes against the homeless. He also requested that the County check into an alleged illegally parked trailer. Commissioner Barr reminded the public that Census 2010 forms will soon arrive in the mail and he urged full participation by all citizens. He stressed the importance of being counted so that Washington County may receive proper funding over the next ten years. OTHER BUSINESS County Attorney Issues Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey presented a follow-up discussion on Washington County’s legislative issues after last week’s meeting with the Delegation. He February 2, 2010 Page four informed the Commissioners that the bills supported by the Delegation at last week’s meeting have been filed and assigned to committees and the others will be discussed further by the Delegation at their meeting on Wednesday morning. Mr. Downey distributed the draft Forest Conservation bill which states that the Commissioners can determine “payment in lieu of” rates along with the Soil Conservation District. Commissioner Wivell suggested the addition of language stating, “in no cases shall the County’s rate exceed those set by the State.” It was the consensus of the Commissioners to accept the additional language and direct the Delegation to move forward with the bill as written. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he was opposed to the proposed legislation as presented. County Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray presented a request on behalf of the Antietam Velo Club to use Hotel Rental Tax funds for overtime performed by Sheriff’s Deputies during the two-day “Tour of Washington County” event to be held June 19-20, 2010. He stated that the bicycling event is designed for riders to spend at least one night in Washington County and that the Commissioners supported the tour in 2008 expending $1,330.00 in overtime funds and $1,732.50 in 2009. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to support the request as presented with funds taken from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Murray commented on the information gathered for presentation during the State of the County address and commended the Board’s leadership. Commissioner Barr reiterated his comments and thanked Public Information Officer Norman Bassett for his behind-the- scenes work. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to convene in closed session at 10:56 a.m. to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals 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. The motion was unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Rob Slocum, Deputy Director-Capital Projects; and Jessica Spring, Project Manager. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to reconvene in open session at 11:27 a.m. The motion was unanimously approved. February 2, 2010 Page five ADJOURNMENT AND LUNCH/TOUR OF NEW CENTRAL BOOKING FACILITY The Commissioners adjourned at 11:27 a.m. for lunch and a tour of the new Central Booking Facility located at 500 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown, Maryland. _______________________________ County Administrator _______________________________ County Attorney _____________________________ County Clerk