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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland May 11, 2010 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST The Commissioners met at the Hager Hall Conference Center, Hagerstown at 7:30 a.m. for the annual employee service/retirement awards program. Commissioner James F. Kercheval gave the invocation and Vice President Terry L. Baker presented appreciation awards to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government. The following retirees were also recognized: Jan Davenport, Thomas Keefer, Joan Sweigert, Dennis Mummert, Kathy Kefauver, Archie Brewer, Roy Harsh, Joni Bittner, Gary Rohrer, Sharon Brewbaker, Frank Huntzberry, John Keefauver and Terry Kline. Commissioner Baker thanked the employees on behalf of all the Commissioners for their hard work and dedication to County government. (Commissioner Barr was absent from the meeting) CALL TO ORDER Vice President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:30 a.m. with the following members: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A moment of silence was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Mav 4.2010 Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve the minutes of May 4, 2010 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported that he attended the Maryland Tax Reform business meeting last week and asked that his fellow Commissioners forward any recommendations they may have for the final report that is due in December. Mr. Kercheval also attended a recent Eggs & Issues Breakfast sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce where EDC Director Tim Troxell reported on the status of Washington County's economy. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he was present at the Historic Advisory Commission meeting. He noted that members have requested that a County Commissioner serve on the Board. Mr. Aleshire stated that he would try to attend when he is able to do so. He noted that he was present at the meeting in South County last night where an update on the planned radio tower site was presented for public continent. He felt that County Staff had considered all options and worked hard to find an unobtrusive location. Commissioner Aleshire attended the second annual Green Fest event in Boonsboro that was very well attended. He commented on a brochure from the Department May 11, 2010 Pagetwo of Public Safety and Correctional Services stating that assistance may be available for local projects, including the Devil's Backbone Park dam. Connuissioner Aleshire stated that the Historic Advisory Commission discussed the dam project. He requested an update on the project and Greg Murray said that this issue would be brought back for further discussion and a decision in the near future. Commissioner Wivell also attended the radio tower meeting held in South County. He questioned the status of the proposal to allow dog walking in County parks. County Administrator Greg Murray stated that guidelines are being drafted but each park would have to be looked at individually. The Recreation and Parks Board will be making a recommendation in the near future. Mr. Wivell reported attending the Water Quality Advisory Commission meeting where the Commission discussed the Flow Transfer Agreement with the City of Hagerstown. The Board has stated that the valve should be closed since it is not benefitting the City or County. Conunissioner Wivell advised that Staff was directed to gather information on the number of customers using below 6,000 gallons per quarter to see if it was feasible to charge low users a fee instead of a minimum amount. The Board advised that it is expecting a $500,000.00 shortfall in revenue. Mr. Wivell asked whether the County must provide a sick leave bonus to employees due to language in the union contract. Mr. Murray advised that the issue is currently being reviewed and will be brought back during the budget adoption discussion next week. Commissioner Baker thanked the Human Resources Department employees for the outstanding job of coordinating this morning's Employee Service Awards program. He thanked the retirees and current employees for their many years of service to the County. Mr. Baker attended the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting last week where Program Open Space (POS) projects were discussed. He stated that Jim Sterling, Director - Parks, Recreation, and Facilities would present the recommendations to the Commissioners in the near future. Mr. Baker attended the dance class program at North High that was sponsored by the Recreation Department. He also attended the tower meeting last night and thought that it was informative and well attended. ANNUAL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU REPORT AND TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION Tom Riford, President and CEO, Hagerstown -Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and Carrie Cirrito, CVB Chairperson, provided an update on tourism in Washington County. Mr. Riford introduced Ms. Cirrito and Jolene Thomas, Director of Operations. He detailed the accomplishments, ongoing efforts and future planning by the CVB. Mr. Riford displayed a top tourism award earned by the CVB. He stated that the annual financial audit of the organization was completed and he distributed the report to the Commissioners. Commissioner Aleshire presented a proclamation to Mr. Riford and Ms. Cirrito to recognize May 8-16 as Maryland and National Tourism Week. He noted the recent Museum Ramble and many other events planned in the area, including the annual National Pike Festival and Wagon Train event on May 14-16. The Commissioners May 11, 2010 Page three congratulated Mr. Riford, his staff, and Board on the clean audit and the accomplislunents achieved during the past year. NATIONAL BUILDING SAFETY MONTH PROCLAMATION Dan DiVito, Permits and Inspections Director, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, discussed Building Safety Month, recognized in May and sponsored by the International Code Council and International Code Council Foundation. Mi•, DiVito stated that it is a time to remind the public of the critical role of the local code officials who assure citizens of safe, efficient, and livable buildings. Commissioner Kercheval presented a proclamation to Mr. DiVito and Ms. Smith on behalf of the Commissioners to acknowledge the event. OTHER BUSINESS ADDointments to Boards and Commissions - Economic Develonment Commission County Clerk Vicki Lumm recommended the following appointments to the Economic Development Commission: David Taylor as the at -large representative, Jef Bohn as the Chamber of Commerce representative, and Mike Zampelli as the Greater Hagerstown Committee, lire. representative, for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. Ms. Lumm also recommended reappointing Fred Frederick and Robert Jeffers to their first full three-year terms, to be served from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve the appointments as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator's Comments County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the employees and retirees honored this morning at the Awards Breakfast. Mr. Murray announced that his Executive Office Assistant Julie Cade would be retiring next month. He expressed appreciation for all her work performed to keep things running smoothly in the Commissioners' Office. Mr. Murray described the need for filling the position and requested permission from the Commissioners to advertise internally and externally to fill the position. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve advertising to fill the position as requested. The motion passed with Commissioners Aleshkc, Kercheval, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell "NO". REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Presentation of EmDlOvee Certificate of Merit to Karen R. Luther On behalf of the Commissioners, William J. Wivell presented a Certificate of Merit to Purchasing Agent Karen R. Luther, CPPD, CPPB, upon receiving the 2010 Stanley D. Zemansky Award from the Maryland Public Purchasing Association (MPPA). Commissioner Wivell indicated that the County is a member of the MPPA, a professional organization comprised of over 300 procurement professionals throughout the State of Maryland. The Zemansky Award is MPPA's highest award and was established to recognize outstanding individuals for their significant contributions and services to public May 11, 2010 Page four procurement. Ms. Luther has been employed in the Washington County Purchasing Department for 24 years. The Commissioners and Purchasing Staff congratulated Ms. Luther for earning the prestigious honor. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Ronnie Engelman of 11822 White Pine Drive, Hagerstown, questioned the provisions for animal husbandry in the Rural Residential zoning district. He was advised that Staff will investigate the limits on setbacks and other requirements and will be in contact with him. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Tim Troxell, EDC Director, and Robert Mandley, Project Coordinator, reported that, as part of the annual Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding program, Tri -County Council for Western Maryland, the local administrator of federal funds, requests that the County review and prioritize projects submitted for grant funding consideration in fiscal year 2011. Mr. Troxell noted that the County's Planning Director and EDC Director ranked the projects based on the economic impact to Washington County. He indicated that, due to recent unemployment numbers, the changes to project funding matches this year are from 30/70 to 50/50 for Area Development projects and from 30/70 to 20/80 for Local Access Road (TEA -21) projects. Mr. Troxell stated that the total requested funding is $2,697,000.00. He reviewed the top listed projects in the Area Development category (out of 16 proposed) that were ranked as follows: 1) Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Aviation Maintenance Technician Program) $275,000.00; 2) Town of Williamsport (Pump Station Upgrades) $500,000.00; 3) City of Hagerstown (Wastewater Collection I & I Project) $500,000.00; 4) Hagerstown Community College (Process Controls and Instrumentation Program) $73,000.00; 5) Washington County Student Trades Foundation, Inc. & Washington County Public Schools (Student Trades Foundation House Project) $89,500.00; 6) Hagerstown Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.(Downtown Historic Building Reuse) $250,000.00; and 7) Town of Williamsport (Bike Lane and Directional Signage) $3,000.00. The Commissioners discussed the projects and their rankings. Mr. Troxell discussed the one recommended TEA -21 Funding Project: City of Hagerstown (Extension of Professional Court) $500,000.00. He informed the Commissioners that the City of Hagerstown is requesting $500,000.00 to help with the design of the bridge for construction across the Antietam Creek at Professional Court to open up the area to Hagerstown Community College. The Commissioners discussed the proposed bridge project. Commissioner Aleshire informed his fellow Commissioners that he would not participate in any further discussions in closed session regarding property acquisition and this project and that the public needs to share in the information regarding who would be funding the infrastructure and improvements necessary to the project. The Commissioners requested to wait until the submission deadline of Friday, May 14 to see if any other project proposals are received for TEA -21 funding. May 11, 2010 Page five Commissioner Aleshire seconded by Wivell, moved for approval of the Area Development Projects specifically listed and changed in ranking to 1) Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Aviation Maintenance Technician Program) $275,000.00, 2) Hagerstown Community College (Process Controls and Instrumentation Program) $73,000.00, 3) Town of Williamsport (Bike Lane and Directional Signage) $3,000.00,4) Town of Williamsport (Pump Station Upgrades) $500,000.00, and 5) City of Hagerstown (Wastewater Collection I & I Project) $500,000.00, with the remainder of the list to remain accordingly thereafter. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners discussed the TEA -21 project submission and Tim Troxell stated that he would work with the deadline to seek out other projects for consideration. SICK LEAVE BANK POLICY William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, presented the proposed County Employee Sick Leave Bank Policy to the Commissioners. He stated that the policy will allow employees to participate and use a Sick Leave Bank for situations where a catastrophic illness/injury occurs and additional time off is needed for treatment and/or recovery. The Commissioners discussed the document and how it would apply to active military service members. The Commissioners requested the addition of stepchildren and stepparents under the current definition of immediate family members outlined in County policy. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to add to the definition but to wait to see how the program works regarding active service members and make future changes if necessary. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to recommend the adoption of a Sick Leave Bank policy and program as amended. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Aleshire requested a full report, for next week's budget discussion, on all information regarding bids received for the Hagerstown Community College Arts and Science Building and the Central Library renovation project, including what the recent cost increases involved. Mr. Murray stated that he would obtain the information. ADJOURNMENT AND YOUTH MERITORIUS AND CHARACTER COUNTS YEAR END LUNCHEON Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:51 a.m. to attend a Youth Meritorious and Character Counts Year -End Luncheon at Elgin Station Community Center, Hagerstown, sponsored by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families. County Admirlistrator County Attorney County Clerk