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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.01.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 1, 2011 The Commissioners attended the State of the City forum at 7:30 a.m. sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Hager Hall Conference and Event Center, 901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:00 a.m, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —February 22.2011 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of February 22, 2011. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING — SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING PLAN 2011-2021 President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 9:03 a.m. to permit interested persons to appear and testify concerning the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan 2011-2021 (Plan) for Washington County. Mike Thompson, Director -Planning Department, and Bill Stachoviak, Environmental Plainer -Planning Department, provided details of the ten-year Plan, which is required by State regulations, The Public Hearing was opened for comments. Cathy Vesely, Chair -Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), thanked the Commissioners and expressed support for a future County recycling plan. Rick Shulman, SWAC member, thanked SWAC and the Planning Department Staff for their work to compile information for the Plan. The Commissioners thanked them for their voluntary work done on behalf of Washington County citizens. President Baker closed the Public Hearing at 9:09 a.m. The Commissioners discussed the Plan and recycling issues. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to adopt the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for 2011-2021 as presented, and to authorize Staff to submit it to the Maryland Department of the Environment, in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations. The motion passed unanimously. March 1, 2011 Page 2 WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION/MAD HATTERS' BALL Bill Beard, President, and Linda Irvin -Craig, Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society, provided information regarding the Mad Hatters' Ball planned to celebrate the Society's 1001" Anniversary. Mr. Beard and Ms. Irvin -Craig informed the Commissioners of the group's history and requested support for the event in the form of a sponsorship for a full-page advertisement in the Centennial Celebration Commemorative Book for $1,500.00. The Commissioners discussed possible funding sources for the ad and the funding currently provided to the Historical Society by the County. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to sponsor the Washington Monument Page for the Centennial Celebration Commemorative Book for $1,500.00, with funds taken from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley reported attending the Hagerstown Regional Airport (Airport) Advisory Commission meeting last week where Essential Air Service (EAS) funding was discussed. He also attended an awards luncheon, along with Commissioner Callaham, at the Department of Social Services. Mr. McKinley enjoyed the Maugansville Ruritan Pancake Breakfast and the celebration of Black History Month at the Maryland Theatre. He attended the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain meeting held at the County Administration building regarding changes to floodplain designations in Washington County. Commissioner Barr stated that he travelled to Annapolis to attend the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) Education and Legislative Committee meetings. He indicated that he would also serve on the Financial Review Committee for MACo this year. Mr. Barr was in Atlanta for a National Board meeting of The Salvation Army. He discussed the recent approval by the Public Service Commission of the merger of Allegheny Energy and FirstEnergy, noting that its regional headquarters would be located in Washington County, and local customers would be served under the Potomac Edison name. County Administrator Greg Murray credited the management team, the County's Economic Development Commission Staff, and the Commissioners for their consolidated effort to support the merger. Commissioner Barr, Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent - Washington County Schools, and others, recently met with Jim Fakult, President of Maryland Operations for FirstEnergy. Mr. Barr noted that he and Commissioner Callaham volunteered at the "Art of Cooking" dinner to benefit the Washington County Arts Council. Commissioner Callaham attended the Airport Advisory Commission meeting. She discussed a presentation given during the MACO meeting in Annapolis by Dr. Lever, head of the Interagency Committee of the Board of Public Works in Maryland. Dr. Lever spoke about school construction funding and highlighted the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts March 1, 2011 Page 3 (BISFA.) Commissioner Callaham recommended that Environmental Committee Chair, Delegate Maggie McIntosh, be invited to Washington County to see why septic tanks are necessary due to lack of infrastructure in rural areas. Ms. Callaham indicated her support to hold "meet and greets" with new company, hospital, and education officials coming to Washington County. She attended the Greater Hagerstown Committee's meeting on transportation where discussions took place on Airport EAS funding and the potential construction of a bridge over the Antietam Creek at Professional Court. Commissioner Callaham stated that she was impressed with local 4-H members when invited to judge their record books that must be kept for the organization. Commissioner Barr stated that he supported sending a letter to Congressman Mikulski indicating the Commissioners' support for a bridge being built at Professional Court. The Commissioners discussed the issue and Mr. Murray stated that a placeholder for bridge infrastructure was contained in the CIP budget. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to draft a letter of support for the bridge to Senators Mikulski and Cardin, referencing funding planned in the CIP budget, and review it for approval. Commissioner Cline thanked the Town of Sharpsburg for hosting the Commissioners meeting last week. He attended the Social Services "Family Finding" one-year anniversary celebration and the Council of Governments meeting. Mr. Cline thanked Julie Pippel, Director -Division of Environmental Management for her work on the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP.) He commended County employees for their volunteerism in the community, noting those who participated in the United Way's "Cycle United" event held at the Valley Mall. Commissioner Cline attended the celebration of Black History Month event at the Maryland Theatre featuring the Morgan State University Choir. He was present at a project -planning meeting for the Tri -County Council where speaker Al Feldstein of the Maryland Department of Planning spoke on obtaining funding for Tri - County projects. Commissioner Baker thanked the Chamber of Commerce, Hagerstown Mayor and Council, and City employees for this morning's State of the City presentation. He noted his attendance at a Community Action Council Board meeting where its recent audit was rated "outstanding." The Board discussed increased requests for help from distressed families needing assistance with rent and heating costs. Mr. Baker volunteered at the Maugansville Ruritan Pancake Breakfast and attended the Social Services luncheon. He requested the Commissioners' attendance and a proclamation for the April 19 conference and luncheon on child abuse. Commissioner Baker asked that a workshop be scheduled for discussion of the projects listed for borrowing in the CIP Draft 1 Budget. He stated that he is uncomfortable with the $14 million requested for borrowing in the Draft. Mr. Murray stated that it would be scheduled. March 1, 2011 Page 4 WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS PRESENTATION AND FY 2012 BUDGET DISCUSSION Rebecca Massie -Lane, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (Museum), Brad Pingrey, President -Board of Trustees, and Thomas Newcomer, Treasurer - Board of Trustees, discussed the Museum, its exhibits, and the proposed budget for FY 2012. Ms. Massie -Lane thanked the Commissioners for providing approximately 20% of its operating budget and for support of the ongoing courtyard enclosure project. She requested that the same amount be provided in next year's budget. Board members gave the new Commissioners copies of the book "One Hundred Stories." The Commissioners thanked the group for their work on behalf of the Museum. FISCAL YEAR 2012 — MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE SUBSCRIPTION EMPLOYMENT TRANSPORTATION (JOBS) PROGRAM Transit Director Kevin Cerrone requested approval of the FY 2012 Subscription Employment Transportation, i.e., "JOBS Program." Mr. Cerrone described the Program, which provides continued transportation services to low income workers in outlying areas of the County, and trips to and from daycare facilities if employment-related. The Commissioners discussed the Program. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the FY 2012 Memorandum of Agreement between the Maryland State Department of Human Resources, the Washington County Department of Social Services, and the Board of County Commissioners, for the Subscription Employment Transportation (JOBS Program), as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jim Laird, 1903 Maplewood Drive, Hagerstown, expressed opposition to removing the excise tax doubling provision in the Building Excise Tax Ordinance, being discussed later in today's meeting. 11IN40RAI Iby l`►U1 _v REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF House Bill 969 Update Dan DiVito, Permits and Inspections Department Director, provided information regarding House Bill 969 and a request by Delegate LeRoy Myers for him to testify in favor of the Bill in Annapolis. Mr. DiVito detailed that the Bill proposes to move the State Plumbing and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Code from the State Board of Plumbing to the Department of Housing and Community Development, incorporating it into one Code, thereby streamlining the process and enforcement of the Code. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to allow Mr. DiVito to testify in favor of the Bill. March 1, 2011 Page 5 Human Resources William Sonnik, III, Human Resources Director, requested permission to advertise to fill a full-time, Grade 13, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance position in the Department of Water Quality. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the request as presented. Commissioner Callaham suggested that if the position is filled in -County, the Commissioners also include in the motion approval to advertise to expedite filling the position being vacated. Commissioner Barr's motion passed unanimously as presented. REMOVAL OF EXCISE TAX DOUBLING — DISCUSSION AND DECISION Assistant County Attorney Andrew F. Wilkinson presented a proposed amendment to the Building Excise Tax Ordinance (BETO) for discussion b the Board concerning removal of the excise tax doubling provision in Section 3 of the BETO. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner McKinley expressed his desire to remove the doubling provision but to have it readily available as a tool for managing growth if real estate conditions change. Commissioner Callaham indicated that the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) should be the instrument used to manage growth. Commissioner Baker stated that the doubling provision has served the County well as a method to manage growth and should be kept in place. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve removal of the excise tax doubling provision in Section 3 of the Building Excise Tax Ordinance for building permits applied for in excess of 25 in a single subdivision or development per fiscal year, as presented. Commissioner Callaham discussed the motion and noted that changes are currently being considered to the APFO. Commissioner Callaliam moved to postpone the vote on the BETO amendment until the APFO is reviewed and updated. The motion to postpone failed due to lack of a second. The original motion passed with Commissioners McKinley, Callaham, Cline, and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Baker "NO." RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:20 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:02 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President Jolm F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. March 1, 2011 Page 6 PROCLAMATION — RED CROSS MONTH Commissioner Barr accepted a proclamation, on behalf of the local Red Cross Chapter, proclaiming March as "American Red Cross Month" in Washington County. OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSION - STRUCTURE/SERVICES Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore presented a summary of the Public Safety—Sheriff Operations FY 2012 budget. Sheriff Mullendore detailed the department's request for a 0.46% increase to cover increased costs for contracted services, inmate medical care, and food services. Kevin Lewis, Director of Emergency Services, and Glenn Fishack, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, discussed the Public Safety - Emergency Services Operating budget for FY 2012, which is up by 9.81%. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Fishack discussed increased workers compensation costs, and additional personnel requests for the recently consolidated 9-1-1 Communications Center, among other items. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss 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, ore 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, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed 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 Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; and at various times Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Norman Bassett, Coordinator - Office on Disability Issues; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; Dan DiVito, Director -Planning Department; Tim Troxell, Director -Economic Development Commission (EDC), Rob Ferree, Deputy Director -EDC; and Susan Buchanan, Fiscal Specialist -EDC. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 4:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. March 1, 2011 Page 7 Gregory B. Mu ay, Count }% Administrator John M. Martinar�6, rq�u4ttorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk