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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.14.2010 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland December 14, 2010 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 8:30 a.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 8:30 a.m. to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending litigation; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending litigation; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, Public Works -Capital Projects; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; and Tim Lung, Chief Planner -Planning Department. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in open session at 9:04 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Baker gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — November 30, 2010 and December 7, 2010 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of November 30, 2010 and December 7, 2010. The motion passed unanimously. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PRESENTATION Gary D. Maynard, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) provided an informative presentation on operations of the DPSCS including security improvements and community projects. The Commissioners thanked Secretary Maynard for the information provided and for the past assistance given by the Department to Washington County. December 14, 2010 Page 2 BID AWARD — HALFWAY AND MASSEY BOULEVARDS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, Public Works -Capital Projects and Scott Hobbs, Chief - Capital Projects, requested approval to award the Alternate Bid for the Halfway Boulevard at Massey Boulevard Intersection Improvements contract (RD -HA -135-10) to L. W. Wolfe Enterprises, Inc. (Wolfe) for $3,746,019.87, contingent upon concurrence by the State Highway Administration. Mr. Slocum indicated that Wolfe was the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the project to perform roadway improvements at the intersection of Halfway and Massey Boulevards. Mr. Slocum also requested approval of a contingent change order of $157,049.58, if the right of way for the base bid is acquired on or before February 11, 2011. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to award the Alternate Bid for the Halfway Boulevard at Massey Boulevard Intersection Improvements contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, L. W. Wolfe Enterprises, Inc. of Myersville, Maryland for $3,746,019.87, and to approve the addition of a contingent change order of $157,049.58, provided that the right of way for the base bid is acquired on or before February 11, 2011. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD — WASHINGTON COUNTY CENTRAL LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION Commissioner Callaham stated that she would be abstaining from voting on this item due to her husband's membership on the Washington County Free Library's (Library) Board of Trustees. Commissioner Barr also indicated that he would be abstaining from voting due to his firm's involvement in the project. Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director recommended that the Commissioners award the bid for renovation and expansion of the Library (PUR-1134) to the responsive, responsible bidder, Dustin Construction, Inc. of Ijamsville, Maryland with the lowest Base Bid (A) including Prevailing Wage Rates for $15,947,000.00. Ms. Luther discussed the bids received and the eMaryland Marpetplace online method used by the Purchasing Department to advertise for bids. Mr. Kroboth detailed the scope of work and funding sources. He introduced representatives from interested parties in attendance: Mary Baykan, Library Director; Joe Thompson, Associate Director of the Western Maryland Library; Charlotte Seibert, Member -Library Board of Trustees; Irene Padilla, Assistant State Superintendent for Libraries; Brien Poffenberger, Director -Washington County Chamber of Commerce; George Stone, Member -Library Board of Trustees; and Aaron House, Principal Architect - Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the bid for renovation and expansion of the Washington County Central Library to the responsive, responsible bidder, Dustin Construction, Inc. of Ijamsville, Maryland with the lowest Base Bid (A), including Prevailing Wage Rates for $15,947,000.00, with the remaining balance of funds to be held in the project budget as a contingency fund to cover any further construction costs. The December 14, 2010 Page 3 motion passed with Commissioners Cline, McKinley, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioners Callaham and Barr "ABSTAIN." COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley stated that he attended a meeting of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) along with Commissioner Baker. He also attended a meeting with the Commissioners and the Delegation to the General Assembly to discuss legislative issues. Commissioner Barr informed his fellow Commissioners that he attended and spoke at the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown campus. He noted that the University continues to grow and he recognized Executive Director Dave Warner and staff for their work done on behalf of the facility. Commissioner Callaham reported that she also attended the University System Celebration. She met with members of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. Ms. Callaham noted that she was present at the Christmas decoration event at Plum Grove and enjoyed the Rohrersville Coronet Band Winter Concert. Commissioner Cline stated that he attended the Swearing-in Ceremony for the elected Board of Education members. He visited the Planning Commission meeting to introduce himself to members and also attended the discussion with the Washington County Delegation. Mr. Cline reported that he was present at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and attended a meeting of the Clear Spring Fire and Rescue Company. He noted the passing of volunteer and instructor Austin Rinker, who had given over thirty years of service to the community. Commissioner Cline enjoyed Funkstown's "Olde Tyme Christmas" and commented on how the Hotel Rental Tax supports such events. He attended a breakfast at the Smithsburg Fire Hall and a Town Hall meeting held at South Hagerstown High School with the local Delegation. Mr. Cline traveled to the Agricultural Education Center with Commissioners Barr and Callaham to discuss small agricultural businesses. He also staffed the Santa Claus hotline, sponsored by the County's Recreation Department, where "Santa" called children to reaffirm their wish lists. Commissioner Baker attended the Swearing-in Ceremony for the elected Board of Education members and an Economic Development Commission meeting with Commissioner McKinley. He also met with the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, noting that it has requested that a Commissioner representative serve on its Board. Mr. Baker commented on an article he read that Oprah Winfrey was the number one monetary contributor to arts and volunteerism in America, and that Washington County author Nora Roberts was the second highest contributor. President Baker requested that each Commissioner provide the meeting's invocation on a monthly basis and that other individuals are invited to do so. He proposed that the Commissioners hold regular work sessions to discuss agenda items to become more familiar with issues. The December 14, 2010 Page 4 Commissioners agreed to the proposal. Commissioner Callaham commented that those meetings should be held on Tuesdays and that County Staff should not be required to attend so that their work would not be interrupted. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Dan Heinrich of Southridge Log Homes commented on the fees imposed on the building industry through such regulations as code compliance, stormwater management, and excise tax. He requested that the Commissioners articulate to the State that it is passing down too many costly mandates to counties. UPDATE - HEART OF THE CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA Tom Riford, President and CEO of the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) introduced Clarissa Bealer-Statton, CVB Board member, and Elizabeth Shatto, Executive Director of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA) organization. Ms. Shatto provided information on the HCWHA and discussed its upcoming plans to recognize the 150`h Anniversary of the Civil War. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray distributed a letter from Penny Pittman, President of the Western Maryland Rail Trail Supporters, requesting support from the Commissioners to extend the Western Maryland Rail Trail fourteen miles westward. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter of support signed by President Baker. Mr. Murray indicated that the next meeting of the Council of Governments would be held in January. He requested that the Commissioners contemplate issues to be discussed and who may want to serve as the representative on the Council. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Human Resources Human Resources Director William Sonnik, III, indicated that he was requesting to advertise to fill three budgeted positions in the County. He requested that a full-time, Grade 11, Classification Counselor position at the Detention Center be approved, due to a retirement. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Callaham suggested that Mr. Sonnik be authorized to fill budgeted positions as requested and not be required to bring them before the Commissioners. Commissioner Callaham moved that the three personnel requests presented today be grouped together for approval, based upon the recommendation to fill them by Mr. Sonnik. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Sonnik described the other two positions requested, 1) a full time, Grade 6, Motor Equipment Operator I position in the Southern Section of the Highway Department and, 2) December 14, 2010 Page 5 a full time, Grade 13, Traffic Control/Safety Supervisor position in the Department's Central Section. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the three personnel requests as presented. The motion passed unanimously. GAMING James Hovis, Gaming Director, distributed information on Washington County's Charitable Gaming Program and discussed how its funds benefit the County. He requested the Commissioners' support to oppose any legislation that would threaten the County's charitable gaming program during the 2011 Legislative Session. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 11:33 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss a personnel matter that affects 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 a personnel matter that affects 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 Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Tim Troxell, County EDC Director; and Debbie Everhart, Hagerstown EDC Director. LUNCH RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:55 a.m. to attend a luncheon and presentation by the Washington County Department of Social Services at 122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:41 p.m. with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. December 14, 2010 Page 6 INSURANCE RENEWAL — WASHINGTON COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANIES Becky Maginnis, Risk Management Administrator, and Ed Seward of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc. of Cumberland, Maryland, discussed insurance renewal for Washington County's Fire and Rescue Companies for commercial property, auto and casualty, and workers' compensation coverage. Ms. Maginnis advised that this year's quote from Selective, the only carrier to respond with a reasonable premium, is $410,000.00, or 5.3% higher than last year. In addition, the carrier is requiring annual physicals for all active firefighters due to higher than usual Workers' Compensation claims in the County. The additional unbudgeted costs are $604,593.00. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the Selective Insurance Company quote of $410,000.00 for renewal of the commercial property, auto and casualty package, and up to a $555,000.00 premium for renewal of the Workers' Compensation coverage for volunteers, payable on a quarterly basis as presented. Commissioner Cline suggested the addition of risk management tools for safety controls as listed on page two of the Agenda Report Form and that physicals be included as a covered cost by the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and that deductibles under $1,000.00 for property and casualty claims be borne by the fire companies, paid on a quarterly basis. Commissioner McKinley amended his motion to include Mr. Cline's proposals. Commissioner Callaham seconded the amended motion and it passed unanimously. GRANT - CAPITAL WOMEN'S CARE Tim Troxell, EDC Director, recommended that the Commissioners approve a grant of $10,000.00 to help offset the City of Hagerstown's permit and improvement fees connected with the planned construction of the Capital Women's Care office building. Mr. Troxell stated that Trilogy Enterprises, Inc. would be constructing a 54,000 square foot building in the Light Business Park and leasing part of the property to Capital Women's Care. The City of Hagerstown has agreed to contribute $10,000 toward the project fees. He indicated that tax revenue generated by the project would provide a good investment for the County and City. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the proposal as recommended. The motion passed unanimously. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to use Hotel Rental Tax funds for the incentive. GRANT - PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS Kevin Lewis, Director -Division of Fire and Emergency Services, requested approval to authorize the President of the Board of County Commissioners to accept an additional Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant of $200,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2010, and to execute the appropriate documentation with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA.) Mr. Lewis referred to a video provided earlier to the December 14, 2010 Page 7 Commissioners on the Washington/Allegany/Garrett Counties Interoperable Communications Network ("WAGIN") project to expand the physical infrastructure for those counties. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the Public Safety Interoperable Communications grant as presented. The motion passed unanimously. GRANT — 2010 MARYLAND INSTITUTE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT Kevin Lewis, Director -Division of Fire and Emergency Services, requested approval to authorize the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to accept an Advance Life Support Education grant of $18,466.00 from the 2010 Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) to assist by underwriting advanced life support training programs in Washington County. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the 2010 grant from MIEMSS. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HOUSING CONVERSION — HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Richard Willson, Executive Director -Housing Authority of Washington County, requested that the Commissioners authorize its President to execute an official letter of support for the Housing Authority's application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to convert its 80 units of public housing to 80 units of Section 8 assistance housing. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved that the Commissioners send a formal letter of support relating to the Housing Authority's application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the public housing conversion as described in the agenda packet. The motion passed unanimously. BOARD/COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENT — WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY COMMISSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint William Breichner to the Washington County Water and Sewer Advisory Commission for a second, three-year term, extending through December 31, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY LOBBYING COALITION Brien Poffenberger, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, discussed the Washington County Community Lobbying Coalition (Coalition) and the past effectiveness of its hired lobbyist on issues of importance to Washington County. He noted that the Coalition was instrumental last year in obtaining State funding for the Washington County Free Library renovation project. Mi•. Poffenberger requested a $10,000.00 contribution from the Board of County Commissioners to fund a lobbyist among various December 14, 2010 Page 8 groups, which include the City of Hagerstown and the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. The Commissioners discussed the request. Commissioner Baker stated that he would not vote in favor of the contribution due to requests received from voters to stop government spending. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve a $10,000.00 contribution to the Washington County Lobbying Coalition for 2011. Mr. Murray noted that funding would come from the Commissioners' Contingency Fund, a budgeted line item. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Callaham, Cline, and McKinley, voting "AYE" and Commissioner Baker "NO." YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS - NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2010 President Baker presented certificate of merits to the following students who were selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive the November 2010 Youth Meritorious Awards: Grace Li, Jeffrey Bennett, Taylor Williams - from Boonsboro Middle School. The December 2010 honors went to Alexandra Albert - Clear Spring Middle School; Robert Willis, III - Williamsport High School, and Kasey Jenkins - Boonsboro High School. Each student earned a $100 U.S. Savings Bond from the WCCP. The Commissioners commended the students for their leadership, academic, and extra -curricular activities. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 3:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners attended a "Choose Civility Washington County" reception and art show at the Washington County Arts Council, 14 West Washington Street, Hagerstown. __46r�-� County Admin/strator' A -' County Attorney ; County Clerk