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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.02.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 2, 2010 The Commissioners participated in the State of the City forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at Hager Hall Conference Center, Hagerstown, Maryland 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 9:47 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 – February 23, 2010 Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, moved to approve the minutes of February 23, 2010. The motion was unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported that he attended a Community Action Council (CAC) meeting where it was stated that future budget reductions might result in cuts to citizen services and job restructuring. He noted that CAC has applied for a transportation grant and that its annual audit was outstanding. Mr. Baker stated that he attended an awards presentation in Hancock on behalf of the Washington County Recreation Department for the Hancock Youth Basketball League where participants were recognized. He thanked Recreation Department employees Marsha Moats and Jaime Dick for their work in making the program a success. Commissioner Baker attended the Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) banquet and thanked the company for helping to keep the community safe. He reported attending the Washington County Business Awards and congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for a nice event. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he also attended the Business Awards banquet and felt that it was a nice way to recognize existing businesses in the community and that all nominees were deserving of awards. He attended a meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) where it was noted that the final transportation plan would be delayed while waiting on further comments. Mr. Kercheval informed the Commissioners that a Planning Commission workshop regarding the Urban Growth Area was held to complete its review of several map items. He attended the Planning Commission meeting last evening where a historic preservation overlay on Antietam Drive was discussed. He noted that a meeting of the Local Management Board was held recently where it was announced that teen birthrate numbers were down from 58 per 1.000 to 46.2 per 1.000 births. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that it was nice to see positive results from a program March 2, 2010 Page two the Commissioners had supported. He mentioned receiving a letter from Neil Pederson of the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding the traffic congestion at Rt. 340 and Keep Tryst Road. Mr. Pederson attributed the traffic to Virginia and West Virginia’s growth and stated that it would take time to get projects into the budget timeline to relieve the problem but SHA would continue to review the situation. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he was present at the State of the City presentation this morning. He advised that County Administrator Greg Murray is continuing to work with the municipalities regarding the educational process for the tax differential change. He reported attending the Funkstown Fire and Rescue banquet and congratulated Ed Clopper for over 50 years of service that was recognized at the banquet. Mr. Aleshire also attended the Business Awards banquet and stated that it was impressive to see a long-time local business as Hoffman Meats win the top award at the local level. Commissioner Wivell noted that he attended the Community Rescue Service (CRS) banquet, where Austin Rinker, who does training at HCC, was recognized for his contributions. He also attended the SEMS banquet last week where all volunteers were acknowledged for giving over 16,000 volunteer hours to the community. James Ulrich was congratulated for his 2,400 volunteer hours. Mr. Wivell reported attending the Department of Social Services (DSS) meeting where it was stated that the Hopewell Express bus grant would be expiring in June. The recent ridership has averaged only twenty persons per day, which is not cost-effective, and DSS is looking into other ways to assist workers in that area. Commissioner Barr thanked Commissioner Kercheval for attending the MPO meetings alone this past year while he was attending other functions. He expressed that it has been an honor to serve for several years on the Board of Advisors for the National Salvation Army College for Officer’s Training and had attended its meeting held in Atlanta this past weekend. He noted the Salvation Army’s commitment to service and its work in the community. Mr. Barr was present at the Doleman Black Heritage fundraiser held Saturday at the Maryland Theatre and congratulated the organizers for a well-done affair to benefit the Doleman Black Heritage Museum. He reported attending the Funkstown Fire Company’s banquet with Commissioner Aleshire. Commissioner Barr also attended the Washington County Arts Council “Art of Cooking” show featuring local, well-known citizens who prepared meals during the first-time fundraising event. He was present at the “Cardboard Sled Derby” held at Whitetail Ski Resort to benefit the Cedar Ridge Ministries and recognized Herald-Mail County reporter Heather Keels for her participation. Mr. Barr also attended the Washington County Business Awards banquet and congratulated all who were recognized. PROCLAMATION – RED CROSS MONTH Robert Carder and Al Martin, Red Cross volunteers, accepted a proclamation from the Commissioners in recognition of “Red Cross Month” in Washington County. Mr. Carder informed those present that the “Heroes” campaign would be running through March with March 2, 2010 Page three a fundraising goal of $50,000.00. The organization was congratulated for its local service to the community and response to worldwide disasters. Mr. Martin and Mr. Carder thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. TECHNICAL SERVICE SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Rick Curry, Buyer-Purchasing Department, and Kevin Lewis, Director-Department of Emergency Services, requested authorization to enter into a service agreement with Physio-Control, Inc., of Redmond, Washington for $58,940.80 per year for five years beginning in 2010. Mr. Curry explained that the agreement covers various types of defibrillators that were purchased in the past utilizing a State of Maryland contract award to Physio-Control, Inc. The agreement provides on-site maintenance and loaner units if necessary. Mr. Curry indicated that approval by four of the five County Commissioners is required according to Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to authorize the Division of Emergency Services to enter into a service agreement with Physio-Control, Inc. of Redmond, Washington for $58,940.80 per year for five years beginning in 2010. The motion was unanimously approved. MACo LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Commissioner Barr reported on a meeting of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) legislative committee that he attended last week in Annapolis. He stated that he arrived early to support the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts Council during its meeting with the Delegation requesting support from the Governor to communities. The Council informed the Governor that the current makeup of the Maryland State Arts Council contains no members from Washington County. Commissioner Barr noted that many bills this season are being met with strong opposition from MACo due to their cost implications. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Peter Crawford of 23331 Angela Court and Jay Wandalowski of 23327 Angela Court, Smithsburg, Maryland, appeared to request further assistance from the Commissioners concerning flooding issues on properties located in the Whitetail Subdivision. He detailed the history of the water problems encountered by him and his neighbors. County Administrator Greg Murray stated that the County’s Engineering Department was continuing to work on a solution to mitigate the water problems and that a meeting would be scheduled with Staff and the County Attorney’s Office to further discuss the matter. OTHER BUSINESS Appointments to Boards and Commissions – Local Interagency Coordinating Council Melissa Nearchos, Senior Project Manager-Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) appeared to request a Commissioner representative to the Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC), which is required in its bylaws. The March 2, 2010 Page four Commissioners discussed the options since the Council’s meeting day is currently a Tuesday morning, which would prohibit a Commissioner from attending. Commissioner Kercheval moved to appoint Commissioner Baker as the representative on the LICC Board with Melissa Nearchos filling in if he is not able to attend. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Baker stated that he would require dates and times in order to consider whether he would be able to accept the position. Ms. Nearchos stated that she would advise the Commissioners after checking with the LICC on whether it would change its meeting day. County Attorney Issues Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey informed the Commissioners that his office would be distributing by email a list of bills of interest and their progress during the current legislative session. Mr. Downey indicated that a draft resolution had previously been circulated to the Commissioners for comment and that the County Attorney’s Office was now requesting final approval to proceed with the filing of a condemnation action relating to property owned by Half-Mat, LLC needed for the Halfway and Massey Boulevards intersection improvement project. The Commissioners discussed the resolution and requested several language changes. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the resolution as amended. The motion was unanimously approved. (Resolution RS-2010-03 is located in the County Commissioners’ Office) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Human Resources William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, requested permission to advertise to fill a full-time, Grade 8, Dispatch Technician position due a vacancy. He detailed that the employee is needed to keep the necessary staffing levels at the 9-1-1 Center. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the recommendation as presented. The motion was unanimously approved. Division of Emergency Management Kevin Lewis informed the Commissioners that a meeting would be held on Friday in Allegany County by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to discuss the reimbursement process for costs incurred during the recent snow events. He noted that municipal and elected officials have been invited. SUMMARY OF DROP-OFF RECYCLING PROGRAM Cliff Engle, Deputy Director, Division of Environmental Management provided a summary of the 2009 versus 2008 Drop-Off Recycling Program Performance and March 2, 2010 Page five Incentivized Curbside Recycling Option – RecycleBank Partnership. Mr. Engle used a PowerPoint presentation to detail the options being considered. He stated that the RecycleBank partnership method encourages participation by citizens who would receive reward credits to redeem at local or national retailers thereby offsetting the fees charged. Mr. Engle recommended the incentive program as the way to proceed, with participation by citizens being the key to success. The Commissioners discussed the program’s startup costs, the necessary participation rates to be viable, the impact to the landfill, and the high cost compared to relatively small savings in landfill costs. Commissioner Aleshire felt that it was time to “pay it forward” and implement the program now to save later. Commissioner Wivell felt that options such as hauling elsewhere should be considered and he requested further analysis of alternatives. It was the consensus to obtain further information and discuss the proposal during upcoming budget talks. RECESS The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:36 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION President John F. Barr called the afternoon session to order at 1:58 p.m., with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. PUBLIC SAFETY OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW The Public Safety operating budget was discussed, which encompasses the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Emergency Services. Sheriff Douglas Mullendore discussed the proposed operating budget for the Sheriff’s Department of $22.7 million, which is a 2.09% decrease from last year. Kevin Lewis, Director-Department of Emergency Services, and Glenn Fishack, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) presented the Emergency Services budget that overall has been decreased by 1.48%. Mr. Lewis stated that the WCVFRA budget shows a 35.3% increase due mainly to the implementation of the advanced life support operations. Mr. Lewis also discussed several operating glitches in the new 9-1-1 communications system and stated that an operator is working in the former downtown center to provide backup during the phase-in period. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS SDAT taxation County Administrator Greg Murray reported on a tax issue and a recent email received from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) regarding three privately- owned buildings located on County-owned property that have previously not been subject to property tax. The properties in question have recently been re-evaluated by SDAT and are now considered taxable. Mr. Murray stated that the County has received a request from the lessee of these properties asking the County to support an appeal to SDAT. The appeal would seek to have the property revert to non-taxable status or to exempt the properties March 2, 2010 Page six from the County’s share of the assessed tax, which would be approximately $61,000.00 per year. He noted that an appeal would need to be filed by March 5, 2010. The Commissioners discussed the issue and requested additional information including how the property tax is being applied in other areas of the County. CVB Funding Mr. Murray discussed the request by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to the Commissioners for $9,300.00 to offset rental costs paid to the City of Hagerstown for its facility. He explained that the CVB’s overall revenue has decreased and the City is discussing a contribution via one-half yearly rent received - $9,300.00 - but is waiting to see if the Commissioners offer the matching amount. The Commissioners discussed the issue and requested that Mr. Murray obtain information on funds the County provides to other entities and some additional budgetary figures from the CVB. Senator Mikulski Visit Greg Murray notified the Commissioners that Senator Barbara Mikulski would be visiting the 9-1-1 Center on March 29 to award a grant to the City of Hagerstown for radio and communication equipment. He will advise the Commissioners when he is notified of the time of her visit. State of the County Address Video Mr. Murray stated that a video of the State of the County Address has been created that incorporates the audio portion with the video slideshow. He will have it posted on the County’s website and provided to the Commissioners. He also advised that he would be meeting with Antietam Cable to discuss its posting on the cable’s “free-on-demand” viewing if possible. Change Order Request – 9-1-1 Center Mr. Murray requested approval of a change order for $1,595,270.00 for the 9-1-1 Center, which was required by the State to properly record a grant received in the same amount. He explained that it would be a budget transfer to book an asset. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve the change order request as presented. The motion was unanimously approved. Council of Governments County Administrator Greg Murray informed the Commissioners that during the municipal discussions concerning the tax setoff change, a suggestion was made to form a “Council of Governments” to meet quarterly to discuss issues. He detailed that it would be comprised of government officials and requested that a Commissioner serve on the Council. Commissioner Aleshire volunteered to serve and it was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the recommendation. Mr. Murray stated that the meetings would be held in an open forum. March 2, 2010 Page seven Commissioner Aleshire requested to be informed if revenue funds are being returned to the State budget this year. He also requested to be updated regarding any State plans to pass along funding items such as pension retirement costs to the County. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:40 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved. _______________________________ County Administrator _______________________________ County Attorney _____________________________ County Clerk