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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.26.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland October 26, 2010 President Jolm F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 7:04 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School, 1707 Rohrersville Road, Knoxville, Maryland, with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioner James F. Kercheval. 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 — October 12, 2010, October 14, 2010, and October 19, 2010 Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, moved to approve the minutes of October 12, 2010, October 14, 2010, and October 19, 2010. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked the community for inviting the Commissioners to hold a meeting in the Pleasant Valley area. Mr. Baker recognized the County's Parks and Recreation Department for sponsoring a Halloween event in Doubs Woods Park featuring music, hayrides, and treats for children. Commissioner Kercheval welcomed area citizens who turned out for the meeting. He indicated that he participated in the United Way's Day of Caring last week where volunteers worked on projects in the community. Mr. Kercheval attended a meeting of the Emergency Services Advisory Council where members discussed a possible consolidation with the Fire and Rescue Emergency Communications Board. (Commissioners Aleshire and Wivell arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Commissioner Aleshire reported that he also participated in the Day of Caring. He referred to comments received since the public hearings held on the Urban Growth Area (UGA) rezoning plans and stated that there are some significant flaws in the plan. He thanked the Pleasant Valley citizens for the invitation to meet in the community. Commissioner Wivell called for a consensus among the Commissioners to consider an addition to the County's list of legislative requests. In light of recent bidding on a Hagerstown Community College (HCC) construction project, he asked that the County Attorney's Office investigate bidding requirements for HCC and the Board of Education (BOE) to see if those entities are required to award bids to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. If not, he asked that this requirement be added to the County's list of legislative requests, so that HCC and the BOE are required to do so. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the recommendation. October 26, 2010 Page 2 Commissioner Barr expressed his appreciation to those attending tonight's meeting. He stated that he agreed with Commissioner Aleshire's comments regarding the UGA and with some citizen comments relating to the proposed comprehensive rezoning. Mr. Barr attended the presentation last week of a specialty motorcycle made by Paul Teutal, Sr. of the Orange County Choppers television show to the planned National Fallen Heroes Memorial at Fort Ritchie. He also enjoyed the first ever "Hangarfest" held at the Hagerstown Regional Airport for the benefit of Discovery Station. Commissioner Barr indicated that he recently met with former Governor Robert Ehrlich and presented him some Washington County mementos to welcome him to the County. Mr. Barr was present at a fundraiser for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts to support local artists. He reminded citizens of the Alsatia Mummer's Parade to be held this Saturday in Hagerstown and urged everyone to be careful during Halloween activities. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Harlan Keto of Yarrowsburg Road, Knoxville commented on trash dumped illegally in the Keep Tryst area. Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, stated that the County has cleaned up the area in the past, will continue to do so, and that it is hard to catch the persons doing the dumping. Eric Whitenton of Clark Road, Knoxville suggested that openings on Boards and Commissions be posted on the County's website. He also requested information regarding what percentage of grants requested to be approved by the Commissioners go directly to the South County area. Commissioner Aleshire explained that many of those grants benefit citizens as a whole. Richard Kaetzel of Kaetzel Road, Knoxville, thanked the Commissioners for the new Emergency Medical Services station in southern Washington County. Diane Younkins of Keep Tryst Road, Knoxville, read a letter from area resident Mim Reisberg describing concerns for the conditions along Harpers Ferry Road near the C&O Canal. The letter requested that the County form a commission to develop a solution to drivers speeding along that narrow stretch of road. Mr. Kroboth addressed the concerns expressed in the letter and indicated that Harpers Ferry Road is owned by the National Parks Service and maintained by the County. John Younkins, Keep Tryst Road, Knoxville, thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in the area and mentioned the problem of trash along Keep Tryst Road. David Hubbard, of River Trail Outfitters, 604 Valley Road, Knoxville, commented on his business operations and stated that he instructs drivers to drive carefully. He added that if restrictions were set on the size of busses to take rafters to the area, it would only increase the number of vehicles on the road. October 26, 2010 Page 3 Eleanor Hubbard of Hoffmaster Road, Knoxville, described conditions in the area 40 years ago and explained why school busses are restricted from certain areas of Keep Tryst Road. Paula Kuhn of Hoffmaster Road, Knoxville discussed school bus travel in the area. John Himes of Sharpsburg commented on various items including the need for a stop light at Valley/Keep Tryst Roads, problems with river outfitters blocking traffic, poor placement of fencing, and some objectionable activities occurring in the area. Joe Kroboth, III addressed several of Mr. Himes' traffic concerns. Major Robert Leatherman of the Sheriff's Department stated that problems regarding objectionable activities in the area continue to be addressed by the Sheriff's Department. Nancy Nicolosi, Keep Tryst Road, Knoxville, requested that additional signage be placed on Keep Tryst Road for hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Mr. Kroboth advised that the County's transportation engineers would be advised of her comments. John Kane of Green Road, Knoxville, relayed his displeasure for the County's use of tar and chip on outlying roads and stated that some of the older roads need to be re- engineered. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Human Resources Human Resources Director Bill Sonnik, III, requested permission to advertise internally to fill a full-time, Grade 9, Administrative Assistant position in the Human Resources Department, due to a resignation. He advised that if no internal applications were received, his department would pull the applications recently received for similar positions. Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION—BYRNE- JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT Major Robert Leatherman, Sheriff's Department, recommended that the Commissioners accept a no match grant for $75,600.00 from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention — Byrne — Justice Assistance Grant Program, for "Investigative Technology Support License Plate Readers." Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, moved to approve the request as presented. Major Leatherman answered questions from the Commissioners regarding the license plate readers. The motion passed unanimously. October 26, 2010 Page 4 2011 MARYLAND INSTITUTE Or EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS (MIEMSS) RADIO GRANT AWARD Kevin Lewis, Director -Emergency Services, requested that the Commissioners authorize the Division of Emergency Services to enter into an agreement and accept a grant of up to $20,800.00 from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS). Mr. Lewis indicated that the grant would provide 16 Mobile CDM 1550 mobile radios, and that the County would seek reimbursement for the expenses following their purchase. Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to authorize the Department of Emergency Services to enter into an agreement to accept a grant of up to $20,800.00 from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator's Comments Greg Murray thanked the citizens of Pleasant Valley for hosting the meeting. He noted that Commissioners Kercheval and Wivell would be leaving the Board and thanked them for their service to the County. Mr. Murray reminded citizens that the Commissioners would be participating in the Alsatia Mummers Parade. He reminded all that Election Day is November 2 and that the next Commissioners' meeting would be on November 9. Mr. Murray indicated that South County citizens could use a toll-free number when calling the County Government — 301-432-4752. He also stated that residents could dial 800-924- 7542 toll free for questions regarding their water and sewer bill. Commissioner Barr thanked the County's Highway Department for preparing a vehicle for the Commissioners' use during the Alsatia Mummers Parade. He stated that the Washington County Hospital would be moving to the new Emeritus Regional Medical Center location on December 11 and that several tours would be available to County residents. Kevin Lewis noted one to be held on November 28 from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. County' Ad nistrato� _1Q �- , ly�_K County Attorney i, Ek, � (2 r County Clerk