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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.27.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 27, 2010 President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 8:36 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 —April 20, 2010 Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to approve the minutes of April 20, 2010 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, introduced new County employee Jonathan L. Bakner, Detention Officer -Sheriffs Department. The Commissioners welcomed Officer Bakner and wished him well in his new position. HISTORY WEEK AND SEVENTH ANNUAL MUSEUM RAMBLE William Knode, President -Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites, Thomas Riford, President and CEO, Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and John Bryan, City of Hagerstown Historic Sites Facilitator, were present to discuss Washington County History Week and the Seventh Annual Museum Ramble (Ramble). Mr. Riford informed the Commissioners that the Ramble is sponsored by the Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites and the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Knode provided information regarding the Ramble, which is a self -guided tour that highlights twenty of Washington County's thirty museums. President Barr presented a proclamation to Mr. Knode, Mr. Riford, and Mt•. Bryan in celebration of Washington County History Week, observed April 26—May 3, 2010, to recognize the efforts of the Association of Museums and Historic Sites and in celebration of the Seventh Annual Museum Ramble. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker informed his fellow Commissioners of the Washington County Technical High School Tech Show to be held May 19 at the High School. He stated that he attended the Celebration of Business event sponsored by the County's Economic Development Commission (EDC) and offered his appreciation to Tim Troxell and Staff for April 27, 2010 Pagetwo organizing the event. Mr. Baker noted that a local company — Fridinger Ritchie Co., Inc. — has been in business for 120 years in the County. He thanked all local businesses for jobs well done and for providing employment to Washington County citizens. Commissioner Kercheval echoed Mr. Baker's comments regarding the Celebration of Business event. Commissioner Aleshire attended a meeting of the Farm Bureau. He also attended a Democratic Summit meeting at Rocky Gap State Park. Mr. Aleshire was present at the Celebration of Business event and at a meeting regarding a bridge proposed for the Eastern Boulevard area. Commissioner Wivell thanked EDC for sponsoring the Celebration of Business event. He advised that the Department of Social Services Advisory Board met yesterday and expressed its thanks to the Commissioners for the Department's proposed funding for FY 2011. Mr. Wivell stated that the Department is searching for a new location for the Family Center and seed money for the initial construction. He also informed the Commissioners that the Family Center graduation would be held on May 20. Commissioner Barr commented on the Celebration of Business event, noting that Dominick Murray, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, was a featured speaker. Commissioner Barr attended an event at the Center for Business and Training located in downtown Hagerstown, which offers business and training opportunities for telecommuters and startup businesses. He distributed brochures from Allegheny Power regarding the Ringgold-Catoctin- Walkersville-Monocacy Line Rebuild Project to replace and upgrade existing power lines. He reported attending the American Red Cross Safe Communities luncheon where Mike Weller presented an overview on school safety initiatives provided to students. Mr. Barr attended the first annual "Welcome to Lincolnshire School" event where an exhibition on the "Ruby Project" was displayed. He noted that he attended the Parent/Child Center telethon on Saturday where he presented a proclamation on behalf of the Commissioners. Commissioner Banc was present at the Pony League ceremony on Sunday to unveil a plaque in honor of Nick Adenhart, a local baseball standout who played there in his youth, and was killed in an auto accident last year. He also attended the open house Nvrap-up for the "Big Read" program held at the Washington County Museum, sponsored by the Washington County Free Library. Mr. Barr mentioned that the local Salvation Army held its annual dinner meeting last Tuesday evening. He was present at the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission meeting on Thursday. Commissioner Barr reported that the local Exchange Club has invited the Commissioners to a Freedom Shrine dedication at Salem Avenue Elementary School on May 4, 2:30 p.m. Mr. Barr reported that the family in south County that needed help with electrical issues had received assistance. April 27, 2010 Page three CONTRACT RENEWALS PUR-1060 — Plumbina and Heatin¢ Maintenance Services Rick Curry, Buyer -Purchasing Department, and Jim Sterling, Director -Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, presented a recommendation to the Commissioners to renew the contract with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (BMCI) of Hagerstown, Maryland for County plumbing and heating maintenance services. A letter dated March 1, 2010 from BMCI requested a 2.5% increase in the hourly rates for work performed during regular hours, premium time and Sundays, and an increase of 7.7% in the hourly rate for Consulting and Design Services. Mr. Curry noted that the funds are budgeted in various departmental budget line item accounts for the services. The Washington County Health Department, County Housing Buildings, and Washington County Free Library are also included in the contract. The Commissioners discussed the requested rate increases. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to renew the contract with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (BMCI) of Hagerstown, Maryland for plumbing and heating maintenance services based on a letter from BMCI dated March 1, 2010 with a 2.5% increase in the hourly rates for work performed during regular hours, premium time and Sundays, and an increase of 7.7% in the hourly rate for Consulting and Design Services. The motion passed unanimously. PUR-1024 — Elevator Maintenance Services at Snecified County Facilities Rick Curry and Jim Sterling presented a recommendation to the Commissioners to renew the contract with Landmark Elevator, Inc. (LEI) of Hagerstown, Maryland for elevator maintenance services at specified County facilities. A letter dated April 9, 2010 received from LEI proposed a 3% increase for an annual total price of $18,205.08, with no changes for the hourly service rates for time not covered by the maintenance contract. The Washington County Health Department and Washington County Free Library are also included in the contract. Mr. Curry stated that the funds are budgeted in various departmental budget line item accounts for the services. The Commissioners discussed the renewal terms. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to renew the contract with Landmark Elevator, Inc. (LEI) of Hagerstown, Maryland for elevator maintenance services at specified County facilities based on a letter fi•om LEI dated April 9, 2010 proposing a 3% increase for an annual total price of $18,205.08, with no changes for the hourly service rates for time not covered by the maintenance contract. The motion passed unanimously. PUR-1100 — Electrician Services at Countv Facilities Mr. Curry and Mr. Sterling presented a recommendation to the Commissioners to renew the contract with Kube Electric Company, Inc. (KECI) of Williamsport, Maryland for electrician services at County facilities. A letter dated April 14, 2010 from KECI proposed a 2.7% increase above last year's price for work performed by an electrician during Regular Hours and a 2.6% increase for work performed by an electrician during Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, and a 2.2% increase for Consulting and Design Services. The April 27, 2010 Page four Washington County Health Department, Children's Village, Museum of Fine Arts, County Housing Buildings, and the Washington County Free Library are also included in the contract. Mr. Curry noted that the funds are budgeted in various departmental budget line item accounts for the services. The Commissioners discussed the proposed terms. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to renew the contract with Kube Electric Company, Inc. (KECI) of Williamsport, Maryland for electrician services at specified County facilities based on a letter from KECI dated April 14, 2010 with a 2.7% increase above last year's price for work performed by an electrician during Regular Hours and a 2.6% increase for work performed by an electrician during Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, and a 2.2% increase for Consulting and Design Services. The motion passed unanimously. BUDGET DISCUSSION Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, opened the budget discussion regarding the Commissioners' borrowing goal of $12 million for FY 2011. Commissioner Kercheval requested a discussion of the Varsity Lane connection since no funding is now listed in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) until 2016 for a bridge project at Eastern Boulevard to link to the planned Senior Center at Hagerstown Community College (HCC.) He informed the Commissioners that $600,000.00 may be available from the Appalachian Regional Commission toward the $4.4 million project. Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III provided information on construction costs that are now below past estimates. The Commissioners discussed the bridge project, its possible costs, and the many unknowns, including development and land acquisition issues. Commissioners Wivell, Baker, and AlesMre were not in favor of moving the road project earlier in the CIP. Commissioner Barr expressed frustration in the Commissioners lack of commitment in moving the bridge project forward. Debra Murray presented a balanced General Fund Budget of $197,067,330.00 and a 6 -year CIP budget of $306,485,560.00 for FY 2011. Commissioner Aleshire proposed to eliminate $600,000.00 from the budget from various projects to reach a borrowing level of $11.5 million. Commissioner Kercheval expressed his disagreement with lowering the borrowing levels, which are already below the County's debt affordability limits, when other infrastructure maintenance and improvements are needed whose costs may increase more annually than the 3 '/s% interest rate on new bonds. The Commissioners discussed the most recent changes to the budget proposed by Staff to reach the desired $12 million borrowing limit. By consensus, they agreed to support those changes, which include savings in the Devil's Backbone Dam project and GIS Parcel Vectorization project; and the elimination of a Community Action Council Workforce Housing project, the Mills Road Culvert project and the Harpers Ferry Road Bridge project. The Commissioners discussed the Washington County Humane Society's budget and is was their consensus to deny a $12,000.00 increased funding request to cover workers' compensation and employee health benefits. April 27, 2010 Page five Commissioner Kercheval stated that while he has concerns regarding parts of the budget, he would support the final proposal, which is a reflection of many weeks of work and debate. He gave credit to Staff as well as outside agencies in their efforts to keep budgets low. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to bring the proposed budget to the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theatre. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, moved to include the changes discussed today and to approve taking the Capital Improvement Budget proposed for FY 2011-2016, and the Operating Budget proposed for FY 2011 to the Public Hearing to obtain comments fi•om citizens and make any adjustments afterwards as necessary. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Daren Andrews, 17528 Lexington Avenue, Hagerstown, questioned whether there would be changes to the Zoning Ordinance concerning raising crops and chickens on his property. He was advised that his property is zoned Residential -Urban and he can plant some crops but cannot raise chickens. Mr. Andrews stated that the County should start its own bank and he presented several books and CDs to the Commissioners on the subject. Dan Heinrich of Southridge Log Homes appeared to continent on the Public Hearing scheduled for next week regarding revisions to the Stoimwater Management Ordinance. He stated that he has built homes in the County for twenty years and lately, appraisals for his homes are coming in under the construction costs. Mr. Heinrich indicated that several clients are building in nearby states due to Washington County's building fees. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator's Comments County Administrator Greg Murray reminded citizens that a Public Hearing to obtain comments on the County's proposed FY 2011 budget is set for Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theatre. He informed citizens that notices were printed in The Herald -Mail today regarding the hearing and the proposed tax rates, and a separate explanation and comparison of the change to a tax differential method. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Works Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, discussed several projects that are entering into the construction phase: 1) Emergency Detention Center Housing, 2) Transit Center Project behind the County Administration Building, and 3) Harpers Ferry Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project. He noted three projects to be placed out for bid: 1) Fuel Center for Southern Section Highway Shop, 2) Traffic Signal at the Smithsburg Schools Complex, April 27, 2010 Page six and 3) Transit Center Facility improvements. Mr. Kroboth notified the Commissioners that the Maryland Transit Administration recently conducted a "mystery rider" program in Washington County and reported excellent results. The local transit drivers were found to be helpful to citizens, were following proper procedures, and the busses were clean. Mr. Kroboth offered his compliments to Transit Director Kevin Cerrone and Staff. Commissioner Aleshire questioned the status of the Trego Road demolition project. Joe Kroboth informed him that the bid proposal package has been completed by Dan DiVito and is being processed by the Purchasing Department. Greg Murray indicated that notification to the various property owners has also been completed. Mr. Murray informed the Commissioners that the State has offered to contribute toward the demolition cost of the structure. He estimated that proposals would be received and then brought before the Conunissioners for consideration within thirty days. Public Information Norm Bassett, Public Information Officer, informed the Commissioners that the Public Hearing on May 4 will be televised on Antietam Cable Channel 99 and would then be available on its "Video on Demand" program. Greg Murray thanked Antietam Cable for providing free broadcasts to the public. REVISION OF THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE POLICY (FMLA) POLICY PR -15 William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, and Debra Peyton, Benefits Administrator, presented information on proposed changes to the County's Family and Medical Leave Policy (FMLA) Policy PR -15. Mr. Sonnik indicated that changes would allow employees to use accrued sick leave to care for an ill or injured family member that falls within FMLA guidelines. Mr. Sonnik stated that the County's labor lawyer and the County Attorney's Office have reviewed the changes. The Commissioners discussed the proposals to the Policy. Commissioner Aleshire expressed the desire to expand the policy to give additional time to family members or employees returning from military service. County Staff advised that military members would receive 26 weeks of leave and non-military employees would receive 12 weeks. Ms. Peyton stated that the new policy would change the current calendar year to a rolling calendar year. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to adopt the recommended revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Policy (FMLA) Policy PR -15, as presented by Staff. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, moved to convene in closed session at 11:31 a.m. to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Govermnent Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The April 27, 2010 Page seven motion passed with Commissioners Wivell, Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Aleshire "NO". In closed session, the Commissioners considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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; Phil Ridenour, Airport Fire Chief, Robert Mandley, EDC Marketing Specialist, Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, and Greg Larsen, Airport Business Development Manager. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, moved to adjourn at 12:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. -44) Cou&t /Admii4strator x-- lvt. County Attorney ?-5 /CItC�clfi l„ r�L��c✓�.�__ County Clerk