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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.03.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland August 3, 2010 President John F. Barr called the regular rneeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:06 p.m. with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, and William J. Wivell. (Commissioner Kercheval was absent from the afternoon meeting.) PUBLIC HEARING — ADOPTION OF NEW WASHINGTON COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT GRADING, SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ORDINANCE A public hearing was convened at 1:06 p.m. by President Barr. Joe Kroboth, Public Works Director commented on the proposed Stormwater Management Grading, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance (Ordinance). Mr. Kroboth recommended that adoption of the proposed Ordinance be set for the August 24 County Commissioners' meeting after public comments are obtained and a document is compiled to summarize all cormnents. Joe Kroboth, Jennifer Smith, Deputy Director -Public Works, Land Development, and Elmer Weibley, District Manager -Washington County Soil Conservation District answered questions from the Commissioners regarding the Ordinance. Mr. Kroboth noted that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) complimented Washington County for having one of the "best thought-out" Ordinances that it has reviewed. Mr. Weibley stated that the proposals now included in the Ordinance will also meet State mandates that are planned in the future. Mr. Kroboth discussed the allowance of administrative waivers and noted that eleven projects have applied for waivers to -date. Commissioner Barr opened the hearing for public comment. Elmer Weibley distributed a map showing Highly Erodible Soil properties in Washington County and read a statement in support of adopting the Ordinance as presented. Tim Fields, Clear Spring, Maryland, member of a local building trade association, praised Joe Kroboth, Jennifer Smith and County Staff for providing updates and communicating well with interested parties in the County. Mr. Fields described a single-family home he was building and stated that the proposed changes could add $7,000.00 to the costs. He commented that the Commissioners should meet all State requirements while also retaining some flexibility for Washington County citizens. The public hearing was closed at 1:37 p.m. Commissioner Wivell requested that Mr. Kroboth's department develop the figures for Mr. Fields' situation and provide to him. August 3, 2010 Page 2 CONTRACT RENEWAL — LANDFILL INSPECTION SERVICES, REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT (PUR-1076) Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Dave Mason, Environmental Engineer -Division of Environmental Management recommended renewal of a contract with Cumberland Geoscience Consultants (CGC) of Carlisle, Pennsylvania for Contract Year 3 based on its letter of request dated June 22, 2010 at the specified rates: Construction Inspection Hourly Rate for straight time: Contract Years 1 & 2: $40.53; Contract Year 3: $41.75 Hourly Rate for overtime: Contract Years 1 & 2: $44.50; Contract Year 3: $45.85 Senior Construction Inspector Hourly Rate for straight time: Contract Years 1 & 2: $45.20; Contract Year 3: $46.55 Hourly Rate for overtime: Contract Years 1 & 2: $49.61; Contract Year 3: $51.10 Ms. Luther detailed that the contract services are for inspection services for landfill -related construction projects located throughout the County. Commissioner Baker, seconded by Aleshire, moved to renew the contract with Cumberland Geoscience Consultants (CGC) of Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the specified rates as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Wivell was absent during the vote. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, moved to convene in closed session at 1:53 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator, Vicki Lurmm, County Clerk, John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Rob Ferree, Deputy Director -EDC, Stephanie Stone, Director -Local Management Board, Rick Rock, Director -Washington County Mental Health Authority, Rod MacRae, Public Information Officer -Washington County Health Department, and Dave Engle, Director -Department of Social Services. August 3, 2010 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, moved to adjourn at 2:44 p.m. 'rhe motion passed unanimously. EVENING MEETING — MAUGANSVILLE. President John F. Barr called the evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 7:03 p.m. at the Maugansville Raritan Club Building, 18007 Maugans Avenue, Maugansville, with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Conunissioners Kristin 13. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. IN VOCATION 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 — JuIv 20 and 27, 2010 Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to approve the minutes of July 20, 2010 and July 27, 2010. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORT'S AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire reported that he recently attended a Mayor and Council meeting in Keedysvitle where stormwater issues, development, and solid waste management were discussed. Ile attended the National Night Out event in Hagerstown before arriving at the meeting in Maugansville. Mr•. Aleshire noted that he was present at the Council of Governments meeting where ten municipalities were represented. He attended an event sponsored by Delegate Andrew Serafini to discuss the State pension system. Commissioner Aleshire also attended two impact group subcommittee meetings sponsored by the Community foundation of Washington County. He reported attending a meeting in Harpers Ferry regarding the ferry Hill property. Mr. Aleshire informed his fellow Commissioners of a problem encountered by a Hagerstown resident who was billed for water used during a major water leak that was not immediately discovered due to bill estimation between readings. He indicated that he is working with Antietam Cable and Allegheny Power regarding a request to extend internet service in the Brown Road area. Commissioner Aleshire requested that the County post its toll-fiee 800 number and South County number on its website. Commissioner Wivell questioned the status of dog -walking being allowed in County parks. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that a special dog walking area is being developed in Marty Snook Park, that dogs must be leashed, and clean-up supplies will be provided. Commissioner Baker thanked the community Cor hosting the meeting and commended the many citizens who attended. He thanked firefighters for battling the weekend fire in Clear Spring where one of the oldest hotels in the area was destroyed. He also credited Julie August 3, 2010 Page 4 Pippel and Department of Water Quality Staff for monitoring the reservoir's water pressure during the fire. Mr. Baker stated that he attended a Community Action Council meeting where members expressed positive comments for the continued Hopewell Express bus service and possible expanded service. He attended the New Educator Orientation reception held by Washington County Public Schools that was attended by Senator Benjamin Cardin and Commission President Barr. Commissioner Baker reported that he assisted Charles Timmons, a Sunrise Drive resident, with a property boundary matter. Commissioner Kercheval informed his fellow Commissioners that he participated in a conference call for the I-81 Coalition where it was suggested that Berkeley County, West Virginia or Washington County, Maryland consider hosting the Coalition's annual conference being planned for the fall. There was a consensus of the Board to support hosting the conference if requested by the Coalition. Mr. Kercheval agreed to assemble information on past conferences to determine what would be required to host the event. He noted that he was present when Senator Cardin awarded a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Labor to Hagerstown Community College to support its alternative energy technology program. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that he was also at the New Educator Orientation event and attended a Planning Commission meeting and hearing. He stated that the Planning Commission reviewed a site plan for Knob Hall Winery to expand buildings and hold tourist events. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Solid Waste Management Recycling Plan and discussed the Urban Growth Area (UGA) public meeting where attendees discussed animal husbandry, agriculture in urban areas, and airport stormwater issues. Mr. Kercheval advised that a Planning Commission workshop would be held on August 16 to discuss several issues before the public hearing is scheduled in the fall. He informed the Commissioners that a rezoning hearing was held regarding a proposed Hancock campground. Commissioner Barr thanked the Ruritan Club for its hospitality and the opportunity to meet in the community. He mentioned Senator Cardin's visit and the outstanding job that HCC had done to obtain the $1.8 million grant. He also commented on the New Educators Reception that he attended. Mr. Barr reminded the Commissioners of the Big Slackwater Restoration groundbreaking event at Dam #4 this Saturday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. RURITAN MEMBER COMMENTS Marty Lumrn, Ruritan Club Secretary, welcomed the Commissioners to Maugansville and introduced Club officers who were in attendance: Bill Walker, President; Don Funk, Treasurer; and Charles Lumrn, corresponding Secretary. He also introduced Karl Pile, who has been a member for 52 years. Mn Lumm described the charitable and community activities of the Ruritan Club and thanked the Commissioners for the assistance given the Club and community over the years. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Sara Baker, South Artizan Street, Williamsport, questioned whether the Commissioners would sponsor another reduced excise tax program. Greg Murray indicated that the August 3, 2010 Page S Commissioners would make the decision whether to sponsor a second program at a later date but are now awaiting a report showing figures from the initial program. Mary Webb, Shinham Road, Hagerstown, requested that the Commissioners' meeting be televised as the City of Hagerstown Mayor and Council do. Mr. Murray explained the arrangement that the City has with Antietam Cable and the factors to be considered with broadcasting the Commissioners 7-9 hour meetings. He advised that the meetings are presently available through online video and audio via the County's website. He also noted that Antietam Cable has been broadcasting several County items on its "Video on Demand" service. Doris Hilton, Indian Cottage Road, Hagerstown, requested the County's website location and was provided it. Marty Lumm, Paradise Church Road, Hagerstown, complimented the Commissioners on the completed Maugans Avenue Phase I project and questioned when Phase II would be undertaken. Joe Kroboth, Public Works Director, stated that Phase II had been pushed back to 2017-18 in the County's Capital Improvement Projects due to State cuts and budget constraints. Charles Lumm, Cathedral Avenue, Hagerstown, asked about a previous first-time homebuyers program and was informed that it was for government employees and is no longer being offered. Gerry Ditto, Ditto Road, Hagerstown, an Urban Growth Area Advisory Committee (UGAAC) member, commented on the importance of implementing Transferable Developments Rights (TDRs) for affected landowners. OTHER BUSINESS Anuointments to Countv Boards and Commissions Local Manaeement Board Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, moved to appoint Lynn Rushing to the LMB to fulfill the term of Mark Lannon, extending through June 30, 2011; and to appoint Termeille Aleshire and Teresa Shifter to their first three-year terms as at -large members, extending through July 31, 2013; and also to appoint Riclrelle Scrugham as the Ex Officio Voting Agency/Public Agency representative or sworn designee to the LMB for a three-year term, extending through July 31, 2013. The motion passed with Commissioners Baker, Wivell, Kercheval, and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Aleshire "NO". Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to approve the newly elected Local Management Board officers: Chair — Carolyn Brooks; Vice -Chair —Kim Mills; Treasurer — Charles Strong; and Secretary — Peter Thomas. The motion passed unanimously. August 3, 2010 Page 6 Countv Administrator's Comments County Administrator Greg Murray commented that the Big Slackwater Restoration event would be well attended and that attendees should arrive early. He thanked the Ruritan Club for the invitation to meet in the community and the citizens for turning out in large numbers. Renorts from Countv Staff Public Works Joe Kroboth reported that the Transit Center project located at Franklin and Prospect Streets has begun and should be completed in early December 2010. He noted that an unrelated project to demolish a nearby parking deck was being done by a private entity. Mr. Kroboth indicated that project design work for renovation of the Washington County Free Library would be entering the bid phase an a few weeks. He advised that the Trego Road structure would be demolished tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. by the Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the Highway Department, and that removal of the debris and in -ground tanks would be completed in September. Commissioner Kercheval requested that Mr. Kroboth look into a citizen's request for a blockade at his dirt lane that is being used by individuals on four -wheelers. Maugansville resident John Munson asked if the County would replace the uneven blacktopped area at the entrance of Seneca Ridge. Mr. Kroboth answered that it is the developer's responsibility and his department has been working with him to accomplish it. Ronald Parsons, Sunrise Drive, Hagerstown, requested that a dip in Maugans Avenue near a local garage be evened out. ADJOURNMENT Comrissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. County Adn}inis County Attorney County Clerk