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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.31.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland August 31, 2010 President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:14 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 The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Barr followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Aueust 24, 2010 Approval of the August 24, 2010 minutes was postponed until later in the meeting. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the "Spud Fest" event held at the Agricultural Education Center and also "Everybody's Day" at PenMar Park. He noted calls received from citizens regarding weed and water drainage issues. Mr. Baker referenced a request to the Planning Commission for rezoning of 40 acres in the Hancock area to allow for a campground. He stated that a public hearing regarding the request would be held on October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hancock Town Hall located in Hancock. Commissioner Kercheval reported attending an Impact Council meeting where a strategic plan update was discussed. He also attended the capital campaign kickoff for renovation of the downtown Washington County Free Library and noted that it is halfway to its $3 million goal. Mr. Kercheval attended a Planning Commission meeting where recommended changes to the County's Planned Urban Development (PUD) were supported by its members. He reported that the Planning Commission also discussed the rezoning request for the campground to be located in Hancock and it recommended that the zoning be changed from Environmental Conservation to Rural Business -New. Commissioner Wivell had no comments. Commissioner Aleshire commented that he also attended the Spud Fest event. He reported on the recent groundbreaking for a new State Police Barrack. He attended annual picnic events for the Republican and Democratic Central Committees and an Ox Roast held by the Williamsport Lions Club. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he was present for the United Way campaign kickoff. He referred to the makeup of the Forest Conservation Ordinance Review Committee that was recommended to be established at last week's Commissioners' meeting. He has received comments from citizens with the impression that the committee would be made up of citizens. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that the group's makeup would include County Staff and representatives from August 31, 2010 Page 2 agencies involved in forest related issues. Commissioner Aleshire requested a list containing the status of projects currently in the reforestation program. Commissioner Barr reported that he attended the United Way campaign kickoff and also the State Police barrack groundbreaking. He also attended the Spud Fest event and the Library's Capital Campaign unveiling. He made note of the generous $1 million gift to the Library from the Fletcher Foundation, Mr. Barr described a new apprenticeship program between the Barr Academy and Victor Cullen School. He indicated that a behind -the - scenes tour was being conducted today for those students to see the state-of-the-art mechanical systems at the new Meritus Regional Hospital Center. Commissioner Barr thanked hospital officials and Gilbane Construction for arranging the tour. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1141) PROVISION FOR RURAL OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME INITIATIVE Rick Curry, Buyer -Purchasing Department, and Melissa Nearchos, Senior Project Manager -Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) requested the award of the contract for the Provision of Rural Out -of -School Time Initiative to the responsive, responsible sole proposer - The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Inc. for $125,000.00. Ms. Nearchos described the program and advised that the WCCP Board had approved the recommendation. The Commissioners discussed the details with Ms. Nearchos and WCCP Director Stephanie Stone. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to award the contract for the Provision of Rural Out -of -School Time Initiative to the responsive, responsible proposer - The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Inc. for $125,000.00. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR 1142) POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING COORDINATION FOR TEEN PARENTS Mr. Curry and Mrs. Nearchos requested that the Commissioners award a contract for Post Secondary Education and Training Coordination for Teen Parents in Washington County, Maryland to Hagerstown Community College for $61,020.00, which was also approved by the WCCP Board. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to award a contract for Post Secondary Education and Training Coordination for Teen Parents in Washington County, Maryland to the responsive, responsible proposer, Hagerstown Community College, for $61,020.00. The motion passed unanimously. 2010-2011 WORKERS COMPENSATION EXCESS INSURANCE RENEWAL Becky Maginnis, Risk Management Administrator, and Bill Sonnik, Human Resources Director recommended the award for excess workers compensation insurance coverage with New York Marine & General Insurance Company at the rate of $0.2319 per $100.00 of payroll. The total premium is $88,335.00 for policy year September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010 Page 3 September 1, 2011, at the current retention level of $500,000.00, subject to an end of year policy audit. Ms. Maginnis indicated that the County is self-insured up to $500,000.00 and that this award would cover any excess. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to award the County's excess workers compensation insurance coverage with New York Marine & General Insurance Company at the rate of $0.2319 per $100.00 of payroll, for the total premium of $88,335.00 for policy year September 1, 2010 to September 1, 2011, at the current retention level of $500,000.00, subject to an end of year policy audit. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF REVISIONS TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, presented the latest draft of the proposed Animal Control Ordinance (ACO) for Washington County. Mr. Downey detailed that the ACO was last amended in 2001 and that the proposed modifications include several "housekeeping" changes and a provision for "potentially dangerous dogs". The Commissioners discussed several items with Humane Society Director Paul Miller, and Permits and Inspections Director Dan DiVito, who were in attendance. A number of suggestions were made regarding the Animal Control Authority, where fees/fines would be paid, kennel licensing, the definition of the Permits Department as the "administrator", and the provisions for potentially dangerous dogs. There was a consensus of the Commissioners to schedule a public hearing regarding the proposed amendments to the ACO with the additional revisions suggested during today's meeting. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment during the regularly scheduled time of 10:30 a.m, or at 10:55 a.m. when announced. OTHER BUSINESS Reuorts from Countv Staff Human Resources William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, presented a request to advertise to fill a full- time, Grade 13, Deputy Director of Operations position at the 9-1-1 Center due to an employee resignation. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to support advertising to fill the Deputy Director of Operations position at the 9-1-1 Center as presented. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATES ON ACTIVITIES AT FORT RITCHIE/BRIEFING ON NEWLY RELEASED RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION William Hofmann, Manager -Corporate Offices Property Trust (COPT) presented an update to the Commissioners regarding activities at Fort Ritchie. He reported that the facility is continuing to comply with the stop work order requiring that no development August 31, 2010 Page 4 occur at the site since a federal judge ordered the Army to re-examine its 1998 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in November 2009. Mr. Hofmann referred to the Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) and stated that the Army feels that no additional environmental review of the redevelopment project is needed. He advised that comments regarding the report are being solicited by the Army through September 19, 2010. Mike Zampelli, PenMar Development Corporation Board Member/Treasurer, stated that it would be helpful to obtain support for the continued development of the property. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review the Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) and forward comments that may be included in a letter of support to be drafted for signature by President Barr. CIVIL CITATIONSBUILDING CODES Assistant County Attorney Downey introduced a proposed resolution to update references authorizing the issuance of civil citations and the fixing of penalties necessary due to the recent adoption of new Building Codes. Mr. Downey indicated that updates were required to reference code section numbers and that no changes were made regarding fees. Commissioner Aleshire seconded by Wivell, moved to approve the resolution as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2010-18 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) 2010 ON BEHALF OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION Mike Thompson, Planning Director, requested approval of the transfer of Washington County's allocation to the Community Development Administration for the issuance of housing bonds for first time homebuyers in Washington County. Mr. Thompson detailed that each year; State law allows local governments to partner in a statewide bond pool for first time homebuyers. Washington County has historically used the allocation to participate in the Maryland Mortgage Program. He announced that the 2010 allocation is $4,583,469.00. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the transfer of Washington County's 2010 allocation of $4,583.469.00 to the Community Development Administration for the issuance of housing bonds for first time homebuyers in Washington County for the amount specified in the presentation. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS (cont.) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Plannina Deoartment Mike Thompson informed the Commissioners of a number of updates being proposed by Allegheny Power in several counties, including Washington. He detailed that the work includes removing wooden "H" structure poles and replacing them with steel poles, and August 31, 2010 Page 5 expanding the Ringgold substation within its present land area. Mr. Thompson added that all improvements would occur within the existing rights of way and that a future public hearing would be scheduled by the Public Service Commission. He indicated that Staff is meeting with representatives this week and a pre -meeting conference would be held in Baltimore on October 7 at 10:00 a.m. President Barr requested that County Staff attend the pre -meeting conference. Forest Conservation Ordinance - Review Committee Makeun Mr. Thompson presented a follow-up to forming a Forest Conservation Ordinance Review Committee that was requested by the Commissioners during last week's meeting. He previously discussed the Committee's makeup with Elmer Weibley and recommended that the Committee be comprised of seven members: Mr. Weibley, and a representative from the Soil Conservation District, Washington County Forestry Board, the Department of Natural Resources, the environmental community, Home Builders Association, and Engineering community. Commissioner Wivell requested that a citizen serve as an "at - large" member on the Committee in place of Mr. Weibley, who can serve as the Soil Conservation District representative. Commissioner Kercheval suggested that Planning Commission Chair George Anikis be considered for membership. Mr. Thompson was directed by the Commissioners to email the proposed committee member list to them for consideration, since no meeting of the County Commissioners would be held the next two weeks. The Commissioners debated the goals of the Committee. Permits & InSnections Denartment - Residential Stimulus Proeram Mr. DiVito presented a follow-up to the Residential Stimulus Program that was sponsored by the Commissioners in the spring. He stated that the two date requirements in the program were a 6 -month framing inspection timeline and an 18 -month use and occupancy timeline. Mr. DiVito advised that he informed the 77 participants by letter last week that the County is still requesting the 6 -month framing inspection timeline but would be lenient as to this requirement. However, he also informed participants that the 18- month use and occupancy deadline would still be in effect and enforced. Public Works — Eneincerine-Canital Proiects Denartment Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, Public Works, Engineering -Capital Projects, requested approval of a Change Order to pave additional roads under a current contract awarded to C. William Hetzer using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Rinds for Priority 1 roads. Mr. Slocum indicated that due to leftover funds, several Priority 2 roads could now be considered for paving. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the Change Order as presented. The motion passed unanimously. August 31, 2010 Page 6 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to convene in closed session at 11:50 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, 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, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. 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, and John Martirano, County Attorney, LUNCH RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:58 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION President John F. Barr called the afternoon session to order at 1:20 p.m. with the following members: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval and William J. Wivell. ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTSBOARD TERM GOALS County Administrator Greg Murray introduced a discussion by the Cormnissioners regarding organizational accomplislrinents and term goals. He indicated that each term, as part of the County's strategic planning, goals are established for each County Division and Department level upward. The discussion allowed County staff to update the Board on the status of these goals and the work taken to complete them. Presentations were made by the following departments: Planning and Community Development, Permits and Inspections, Gaming, Land Development -Engineering, Public Works -Transit, Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Hagerstown Regional Airport, Environmental Management, Solid Waste, Purchasing, Economic Development, Emergency Communications/Emergency Services, Sheriff's Department, Human Resources, Information Technologies, and Community Partnership. Mr. Murray provided an overview of the Commissioners' term goals and accomplishments. APPOINTMENTS TO COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Plannine Commission Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to appoint Andrew Bowen to a first full, five-year term on the Washington County Planning Commission through June 30, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. August 31, 2010 Page 7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES — August 24.2010 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of August 24, 2010 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:18 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Coity Xdtr(inistrator County Attorney L 4 �- County Clerk