HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.30.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
March 30, 2010
The Commissioners attended a breakfast forum with the Cooperative Extension Service at
its facility located at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, 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 9:17 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 — March 16 and 23, 2010
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Aleshhe, moved to approve the minutes of March 16,
2010 with incorporated changes. The motion passed with Commissioners Baker, Aleshire,
Kercheval, and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell "ABSTAINING".
Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the minutes of March
23, 2010. The motion passed unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE
William Sonnik, III, introduced new County employee Garrett E. Culler, Survey Party
Chief, Public Works Department -Capital Projects. The Commissioners welcomed Mr.
Culler and wished him well in his position.
BUDGET PRESENTATION — DEPARTMENT OF WATER OUALITY
Julie Pippel, Director -Division of Environmental Management, reviewed the budget
proposals for the Department of Water Quality. Ms. Pippel noted that overall, the
Department's operating budgets would be reduced by 8.21% to balance revenues, which
are expected to drop by $891,530.00. She described adjustments based on the need for a
4% revenue increase in 2011 that recommends an increase to the base rate of $4.50 per
quarter for residential water service and an increase to the base rate of $3.70 per quarter for
residential sewer service, with the overage rate for sewer service also increasing by $0.20
per thousand gallons over base usage. For the average residential customer using 12,000
gallons per day, the increase to the quarterly bill would be $4.50 for water, and $4.90 for
sewer service. Ms. Pippel requested that a Public Hearing be held on April 13 at 9:00 a.m.
regarding the rate proposals.
Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, moved to take the proposed rate increases, as
presented, to Public Hearing on April 13, 2010. The motion was unanimously approved.
March 30, 2010
Page two
BUDGET DISCUSSION — BOARD OF EDUCATION
Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent, and Chris South, Chief Financial Officer -
Washington County Public Schools, offered a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed FY
2011 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). Mr. South
stated that WCPS is requesting a $603,805.00 maintenance of effort amount above last
year's budget to cover additional educational expenses associated with increased
enrollment. He indicated that the largest increase to its budget would be $4 million for
employee health care. The Commissioners discussed the proposed budget with Mr. South
and Mr. Michael, including teacher pension funding. Mr. South described the efforts taken
by WCPS to cut costs including staff, energy use, and extending the life of computers and
HVAC units in the schools. Commissioner Aleshire questioned whether savings could be
obtained through a group partnership of WCPS, Hagerstown Community College (HCC),
the County, and City of Hagerstown for health care. Mr. South noted that only small
amounts of administrative and stop -loss savings were realized years ago when WCPS
collaborated with the County on such a plan.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Jay Wandalowski of 23327 Angela Court, Smithsburg, Maryland, thanked Commissioner
Barr for responding to his request for assistance regarding water problems on his property.
He noted that he has been running water pumps for 66 straight days and would like to meet
soon with County Staff to discuss possible solutions to his problem.
Jim Laird, speaking on behalf of the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County
(CPWC), stated that the organization has always been a proponent of Smart Growth. He
informed the Commissioners that CPWC is against the Northeast Bypass (NEB) being
mentioned in the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), and that the solution would be
to add additional lanes to the affected interstates.
Hagerstown resident Pat Schooley expressed the opinion that the NEB should be
considered, but not selected as part of the primary transportation plan. She displayed maps
illustrating the overlay of the NEB passing through the County. Ms. Schooley was advised
that the County has no alignment for a NEB and the map she presented showing an
alignment was created by someone outside of County Government.
Dave Schooley, 20702 Old Forge Road, Hagerstown, informed the Commissioners that the
entire LRTP process should be addressed through the County's Comprehensive Plan,
where citizens can provide input and vote on whether the NEB is the best way to address
growth. Mr. Schooley expressed the need for orderly growth in Washington County.
Sally Hatch, Hagerstown, spoke on behalf of Col. Clyde Tate, U.S. Army Retired,
regarding the planned renovations to the Washington County Free Library. She and Col.
Tate are requesting support from the Commissioners to provide space in the renovated
facility for a War Veterans exhibit, after receiving no official response from the Library
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Page three
Board. Ms. Hatch described a national project being worked on through the Library of
Congress to record veterans' history.
Lisa Conrad of Conrad Homes, Hagerstown, spoke in favor of extending the Economic
Stimulus Program to lower excise taxes and create jobs in the construction industry.
OTHER BUSINESS
Countv Administrator's Comments
County Administrator Gregory Murray introduced Brian Lynch, President and General
Manager of Antietam Cable Television, Inc, Mx. Murray noted that Antietam Cable has
posted the recent "State of the County" address on its "Video on Demand" site. Mr. Lynch
described the plans for Antietam Cable and the County to work together on future
programming that would facilitate more community access to local govermnent. Mr.
Murray presented a County pin to Mr. Lynch.
GRANT APPLICATION — WEEKEND INTAKE CENTER
Charles P. Strong, State's Attorney, and Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative
Sanctions -State's Attorney's Office, requested approval of a $30,950.00 grant application
for "Weekend Intake Center' for the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor. Ms.
Cunningham detailed that the Work Crew Supervisor oversees persons who have agreed to
perform voluntary community service as an alternative to possible fines or jail time as part
of the disposition for a criminal court proceeding. The grant money will keep the program
operational and would be applied to the Work Crew Supervisor's salary, thereby reducing
the amount needed from the State's Attorney's Office budget.
Commissioner Wivell seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve submission of an
application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a "Weekend
Intake Center" grant of $30,950.00 for the Work Crew Supervisor salary. The motion
passed unanimously.
GRANT APPLICATION — OFFICE MEDIATION PROJECT
Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative Sanctions -State's Attorney's Office, and
Clifford Kurt, Executive Director to the Washington County Mediation and Conflict
Resolution Office, requested approval to submit a grant application for $35,200.00 to the
Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) for a giant titled "State's
Attorney's Office Mediation Project" for Caseworker Salary. Ms. Cunningham indicated
that the State's Attorney's Office has collaborated with the Washington County Mediation
Center the last three years to resolve minor criminal matters through mediation. She stated
that the Caseworker keeps records and reports the outcome of the mediation session to the
Alternative Sanctions Office. The grant money will support the salary for a caseworker to
manage mediation cases. The Commissioners discussed the request. Mr. Kurt stated that
the Caseworker's position has been in existence for three years and was previously fully
funded by the State.
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Page four
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve the submission of a
grant application of $35,200.00 for the "State's Attorney's Office Mediation Project"
requested through the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). The
motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Plannine Department
Dan DiVito, Planning Department Director, provided results of the County's Economic
Stimulus Program (Program) that ran from October 2009 through February 1, 2010, and
was then extended by the Commissioners through April 1, 2010 -or when the allocation of
200,000 square feet was attained. He stated that the square footage allocation was reached
on March 26, 2010 and the Program was suspended. Mr. DiVito felt that it made a
dramatic impact on the construction industry and in keeping workers employed. He
indicated that 78 new home building permits were issued during the Program period
compared to 25 during this time last year. Commissioner Aleshire felt that transfer tax
should have been included and the fee for additions should have been waived. After
discussion, it was the consensus to review the results and discuss possible
reimplementation of the Program at a future date.
Human Resources
William Sonnik, III, Human Resources Director, requested permission to advertise for two
budgeted, full-time, Grade 6, Maintenance Worker positions in the Parks, Recreation and
Facilities Department. He informed the Commissioners that the positions have remained
unfilled since fall 2009 but are now imperative for seasonal work that must be performed.
The Commissioners discussed the request. Jim Sterling, Director -Parks, Recreation and
Facilities Department, explained that there are currently 4-5 part-time seasonal employees
for the summer months that cannot take on the work needed to be performed for normal
operations.
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to approve advertising to fill the two
positions as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Aleshire
and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell "NO".
LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE
Bob Gordon, Director, Hagerstown/Eastern Metropolitan Panhandle Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) provided details of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
Update. Mr. Gordon stated that the MPO is represented by the cities of Hagerstown, and
Martinsburg, West Virginia, plus Washington County, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in
West Virginia. One of its primary tasks is to develop and adopt a Long Range Multi -modal
Transportation Plan every five years and indicated that the LRTP is required to address all
modes of transportation within the region and plan for their future needs. He informed
those present that three public work sessions are scheduled: 1) tonight in Berkeley County,
2) tomorrow in Charles Town, and 3) Thursday at the University System of Maryland in
downtown Hagerstown, at 7:00 p.m. The Commissioners discussed the LRTP and whether
March 30, 2010
Page five
the current inclusion of an "Interstate Congestion Study" should include a paragraph
mentioning a Northeast Bypass (NEB) as a specific alternative to be studied. Mr. Gordon
reiterated that the NEB is not listed as a project in the LRTP, only as one of several
alternatives in a recommended study. Conunissioner Aleshire expressed his opposition to
the inclusion of the NEB in the LRTP, stating that "this body" did not provide direction to
the MPO. Commissioner Kercheval, a member of the MPO, presented maps showing the
many current barriers to establishing an alignment if it was ever decided that a NEB was
needed. The Commissioner stated that even though the possibility of a NEB would be
decades into the future, if ever, a study to assess the need for its existence should be
addressed now so that if a need is identified, land may be preserved before more
development occurs.
Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved that as part of the formal comments
from the Commissioners to the MPO regarding the proposed Long Range Transportation
Plan Update, that the specific paragraph regarding the Northeast Bypass, listed on page
6-29 of the Update, be stricken from the Long Range Transportation Plan. The
Commissioners discussed the issue. Commissioner Wivell questioned why the NEB would
not be listed in the County's Comprehensive Zoning Plan. Commissioner Aleshire
reiterated that his motion, that was seconded, keeps the Hagerstown Regional Interstate
Congestion Study section of the LRTP intact. The motion passed with Commissioners
Aleshire, Wivell, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioners Kercheval and Barr "NO".
RECESS FOR LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 12:21 p.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
President John F. Barr called the afternoon session to order at 1:31 p.m., with the following
members: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire and James F. Kercheval.
PUBLIC HEARING — ADDITION TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS LIST
A public hearing was convened at 1:32 p.m. to consider a request by the Doleman Black
Heritage Museum, Inc. (Museum) to be added to the list of nonprofit organizations to
which the Commissioners may contribute funds in its annual budget, pursuant to the
Section 1-108 of the Code of the Public Local Laws. John Martirano, County Attorney,
explained that inclusion on the 1-108 list does not guarantee funding from the Board; that
the decision is made separately by the Commissioners during the annual budgetary
process. Alesia Parson -McBean, representing Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage
Museum, provided an overview of plans, including purchasing property to display the
4,200 -piece collection of the Doleman family.
Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioner William J. Wivell arrived at 1:36 p.m.
Ms. Parson -McBean introduced Tonya Hardy, former Executive Director of the Banneker-
Douglass Museum in Annapolis. Ms. Hardy indicated that she has been working with the
March 30, 2010
Page six
Doleman family regarding their collection of memorabilia, which has been requested by
the Smithsonian Institute. The Commissioners expressed support for the Museum, but due
to the current economic status, doubted that they would add another organization to the
Section 1-108 list. Commissioner Aleshire recommended that the group apply for Gaming
and Hotel Rental Tax funds.
There was no one present who wished to offer comment. The public hearing was closed at
2:16 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING — MAP AMENDMENT APPLICATION (RZ-10-001)
President Barr convened a public hearing at 2:20 p.m. to take testimony regarding a
Zoning Map Amendment Application (RZ-10-001) on property owned by Christopher D.
and Tara L. Horst at 718 and 728 Antietam Drive. The properties total 0.99 acre located
outside the corporate boundary of the City of Hagerstown, and include the Horst residence.
Steve Goodrich, Chief Planner -Planning Department, discussed the request indicating that
it would place an "HP" (Historic Preservation) zoning overlay on top of existing residential
zoning. The change would not affect the general use of the property but would protect
historical features regarding any changes made to the exterior of the residence. Mr.
Goodrich noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request.
The public hearing was opened for comment. Property owner Christopher Horst described
his residence dating from the 18°i century that reflects the craftsmanship of early German
settlers in Hagerstown. He noted that it was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1978. Mr. Horst said that he fully understands the additional review that
accompanies the zoning request. There was no one else present who offered continent.
The public hearing was closed at 2:32 p.m. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to
approve Map Amendment Application RZ-10-001 for the reasons stated. The County
Attorney's Office will return with the Findings of Fact for formal approval at a future
meeting.
PRESENTATION OF NOMINEES — 2010 REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE AWARD
Cliff Engle, Deputy Director, Division of Environmental Management, and Kathy Vesely,
Chairperson, Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), appeared
before the Commissioners to recommend the nominees for the newly -created "Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle Awards" for 2010. Mr. Engle provided a history of the program's
inception and introduced Harvey Hoch, former Recycling Coordinator for Washington
County, who worked on the program. Ms. Vesely stated that the awards would be issued
on Earth Day -April 22, 2010. The categories and nominees are:
Civic Organization: Boonsboro Green Fest Committee
Non -Profit Business: Habitat for Humanity-ReStore
School: Boonsboro High School Recycling Program
Small Business: Hempen Hill BBQ Bar and Catering
March 30, 2010
Page seven
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to approve the recommendations of
the SWAC for the 2010 "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Awards." The motion passed
unanimously.
INTEROPERABLE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GRANT PROGRAM,
Kevin Lewis, Director -Department of Emergency Services, presented a request to the
Commissioners to authorize the Director of the Division of Emergency Services to execute
a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency
(MEMA) for a no -match grant of $97,042.80. Mr. Lewis detailed that the funding is for the
purposes of the Washington, Allegany, and Garrett County Interoperability Network
(WAGiN) for the creation of governance structure, tactical planning, training, and exercise
development and evaluation.
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to authorize the Director of the
Division of Emergency Services to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for a $97,042.80 no -match grant as
presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Aleshire and Barr
voting "AYE". Commissioner Wivell was absent during the vole.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Kercheval reported that he attended the visit on Monday by Senator
Barbara Mikulski to the newly consolidated 9-1-1- Center. During her visit, the Senator
announced an award to the City of Hagerstown for radio equipment funding. Mr.
Kercheval noted that the County has received over $8 million in grants this past year
submitted through various fire and rescue departments. He indicated that he was present at
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) meeting, along with Commissioners Aleshire
and Barr, where opportunities for grant finding were presented. He attended the Dick
Phoebus tribute at Hagerstown Community College (HCC) where over $100,000.00 for
scholarships was raised. In answer to Mr. Kercheval's question regarding status of the
County's broadband application, County Administrator Greg Murray stated that lie is
working through the process of providing additional financials to support the application.
Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the "Celebration of Hope" event where Dr.
Louise Bias gave an inspirational presentation. Ms. Bias' son, Len, a top NBA draft pick in
1986, died from a drug overdose. He noted that Kelly Wright, Fox Television newscaster
and Hagerstown resident, was the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Baker assisted with the
Easter Egg Hunt at the Ag Center where there was a large turnout of parents and children.
He stated that he would like to present another option for dealing with the Trego Road
structure that was recently condemned by the County and is to be scheduled for demolition
after proposals are received and analyzed by the County. In order to save taxpayer money,
he volunteered to tear down the structure, and asked for volunteers from his fellow
Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the possibility, and Public Works Director
Joe Kroboth, Ill, indicated that the bid specifications for the demolition proposals are
currently being written and should be ready for distribution soon. Assistant County
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Page eight
Attorney Kirk Downey advised that it would be best to proceed with the Commissioners'
previous direction, at least to see what demolition proposals are received by the County.
Mr. Downey reminded the Commissioners that this action is being taken under the
authority provided for in the Building Code. Mr. Kroboth, Mr. Martirano, and Mr. Sonnik
also advised against the proposal.
Commissioner Aleshire attended the BOE budget hearing held two weeks ago and
commented on the list of questions that he had submitted. He noted with disappointment
that only five people asked questions during the hearing, despite the BOE's budget being
the second largest local public government budget in Washington County. Mr. Aleshire
attended the Ag Board meeting and the 4-H Youth Awards function with President Barr.
He described attending a Pregnancy Coalition presentation where candid and broad
information was presented to train adults on teen pregnancy prevention. He was present at
the Maryland Municipal League (MML) dinner held in Williamsport where an update on
the new hospital facility was presented. Commissioner Aleshire also attended a meeting of
the Boonsboro Elementary PTA. He complimented Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III
for an excellent presentation regarding the long-term transportation needs within the Urban
Growth Area given at an Eggs and Issues breakfast. He discussed water and sewer billing
for individual homes that have been foreclosed upon and taken over by a bank, where the
deed has not yet been transferred, and the owner of record continues to receive utility bills.
Mr. Aleshire attended the USDA presentation and the first Council of Governments
meeting. He reported on the SWAC Board meeting where members asked whether the
position of Recycling Coordinator would be filled since the retirement of Harvey Hoch.
Mr. Aleshire described his participation in the Antietam Creek cleanup last weekend where
volunteers ran out of dumpster space due to the large amount of trash collected, including
about 150 tires. He asked about the status of a mowing bill to a property owner from the
County and Greg Murray explained that some fees had been paid but those in excess of
actual costs were waived. In closing, Commissioner Aleshire discussed the zoning issue
for the proposed temporary location of library materials in a north end shopping center. He
expressed concern that the temporary site needs to be open and in operation before April
30 and he does not want the public to think or have the impression that any holdup caused
by this issue is the fault of the County. Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey
explained that the proposed location is not zoned for library use, and the applicant would
have to either address the issue through an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
alleging administrative error, or by requesting a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance,
with either option taking up to 75-90 days.
Commissioner Wivell had no comments.
Commissioner Barr noted that he attended the 4-H Youth Awards ceremony and a YMCA
fundraiser. He flew to Florida on Allegiant Airlines over the weekend and was impressed
with the service and airport employees. He described the crowded conditions at the local
terminal for 150 persons leaving and arriving on Allegiant flights and hoped that
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Page nine
improvements to the terminal could be made in the near future. Mr. Barr thanked those
who participated in the Antietam Creek cleanup.
LAND ACOUISITION — 28-50 EAST BALTIMORE STREET
Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, requested approval from the Commissioners to
move forward with the process to acquire 2.8 acres at East Baltimore Street from the
Hagerstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (HNDP) for $1,170,000.00. The
property is necessary for the Washington County Free Library Renovation and Expansion
Project, Mr. Kroboth detailed that the City of Hagerstown will reimburse the funds as part
of its $1.5 million contribution toward the library project. Mr. Kroboth advised that a
public hearing would be advertised and held during a regular County Commissioner
meeting. Commissioner Aleshire expressed his desire for an evening public hearing to
allow for more citizen participation.
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to authorize staff to schedule a
public hearing for the acquisition of real property located at 28-50 East Baltimore Street
Hagerstown, Maryland, from the HNDC, for purposes of the Washington County Free
Library Renovation and Expansion project. The motion passed with Commissioners
Kercheval, Baker, Wivell and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Aleshire "NO".
BID AWARD (PUR-1121) WASHINGTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
EMERGENCY HOUSING UNIT, PHASE IA
Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Rob Slocum, requested approval to award the bid to
the responsive, responsible bidder; Palmer Construction Company, Inc. of
McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania with the lowest base bid of $2,610,000.00 and Alternates
2, 3, and 4, for $85,000.00, $67,000.00, and $49,000.00 respectively, for a total of
$2,811,000.00, and to approve a budget transfer of $290,000.00 from Account 10500
ADM002 Contingency -General to Account 30 22310 BLD059. Mr. Slocum described the
project, which includes construction and related site work for renovations and additions to
the Washington County Detention Center in the construction of the 96 Bed Emergency
Housing Unit and Connecting Corridor. Ms. Luther noted that the Commissioners had
given approval in October 2009 for the budget transfer.
Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the bid award for
Phase IA Emergency Housing Unit—Washington County Detention Center to Palmer
Construction Company, Inc. of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania for a total amount of
$2,811,000.00, which includes a base bid of $2,610,000.00, and Alternates 2-4, as
provided in the documentation provided by Staff. The motion passed unanimously.
WAIVER OF APFO SCHOOL ADEOUACY REOUIREMENTS FOR THE
ADAPTIVE RE -USE OF THE FORMER HAMILTON HOTEL
Kathy Maher, Planning Director -City of Hagerstown, requested a waiver of the school
adequacy portion of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) under the
revitalization clause in the Ordinance. Ms. Maher described the plan to adaptively re -use
March 30, 2010
Page ten
the upper floors of the old Hamilton Hotel building on 90-96 West Washington Sheet by
turning it into 24 multi -family condominium units. She detailed that the units would be
marketed to young professionals and should have a minimal impact to schools due to only
seven units having two or more bedrooms. Ms. Maher indicated that the City's Mayor and
Council have recommended granting the waiver. The Commissioners discussed the
proposal and the consensus was that it was a great project. However, Commissioners Baker
and Wivell expressed their reluctance to grant any waivers.
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to support the City's request for a
waiver of the APFO school adequacy requirements for the adaptive re -use of the old
Hamilton Hotel building located at 90-96 West Washington Street. The motion passed with
Commissioners Kercheval, Aleshire and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioners Wivell
and Baker "NO".
GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Debra Murray, Finance Director, presented a discussion of the Operating Budget for the
Detention Center. She first noted that a request for a new hot water boiler at the facility
was cut from the FY 2011 budget but could be funded from the FY 2010 General
Contingency Fund and approved for purchase today. Col. Randy Wilkinson of the Sheriff's
Department stated that the need to replace the failing boiler was immediate.
Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the request as
presented with funds to be taken from the FY 2010 General Contingency Fund. The
motion passed unanimously.
Debra Murray requested direction from the Commissioners regarding two credits included
in the budget for senior property taxes and non -owner occupied properties. She indicated
that the State of Maryland has requested direction before April 15, 2010 so that it may
begin to design computer programs to print tax bills. Ms. Murray informed the
Commissioners that 90% of seniors now enrolled are age 60 and older and receive a State
tax credit averaging $1045.00. She asked whether the Commissioners would like to
continue piggybacking on the State credit or expand the program. Ms. Murray discussed
the non owner -occupied property tax credit where those who own non-commercial rental
properties could see a potential reduction of 10%. The Commissioners discussed the
options and directed Ms. Murray and Staff to begin to design the parameters of the credits
being considered and then present the details to the Board.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, moved to convene in closed session at
4:34 p.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 approved with Commissioners Kercheval, Wivell, Baker and Barr voting "AYE" and
Commissioner Aleshire "NO".
March 30, 2010
Page eleven
In closed session, the Conunissioners 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 Wivell. Those also present were Gregory
Murray, County Administrator, Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County
Attorney; Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant
County Attorney, Jennifer Smith, Deputy Director of Public Works—Land Development
Review, Mark Stransky, Plan Reviewer, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:44 p.m.
The motion passed unanimously.
County (Adr�jnistrator f
County Attorney
County Clerk