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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.05.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 5, 2011 The Board of County Commissioners attended a luncheon and tour of the Washington County Family Center's new facility at 920 West Washington Street with Board of Social Services members at 12:00 p.m. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:30 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. BUDGET DISCUSSION - GENERAL FUND AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, reviewed proposed increases to various fees and the establishment of new fees to be collected by the County to offset costs of services rendered, including Engineering Review fees, Engineering Technology fees, and Department of Solid Waste Program fees. Gaming Director Jim Hovis proposed an increase from $1.25 to $2.00 for Gaming Sticker fees. County Administrator Greg Murray indicated that the fees would be taken to the public . hearing on May 10 regarding the FY 2012 Budget, unless the Commissioners propose further changes. Ms. Murray discussed various revisions to Draft #I of the FY 2012 Operating Budget. She advised that some figures were tentative until the State advises whether it would be transferring the cost of operating State Assessment Offices to counties. Ms. Murray reviewed General Fund Budget item requests for General Operations (Administrative,) Planning and Permits, Buildings, Other (various Commissions), Medical (Medical Examiner and contract services,) Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Economic Development. The Commissioners proposed to offer a $95.00 one-year landfill permit to disabled veterans, which is the same amount charged senior citizens age 62 and older. Ms. Murray reviewed the Election Board budget. State lawmakers are expected to change the number of members serving on the Board from three to five while eliminating the Alternate positions. The Commissioners agreed to use the previous budget amount of $14,000.00 to fund the President's salary at $3,200.00 and the four.Election Judges' $2,700.00 each per year. The Commissioners also discussed the reduction of permit fees for smaller residential projects. GRANT APPLICATION — GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION Captain Pete Lazich and Grants Coordinator Cody Miller of the Washington County Sheriff s Department requested approval of a grant application from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) for $11,656.00 for the "Underage Drinking April 5, 2011 Page 2 Enforcement Program." Captain Lazich described the program, which helps to support law enforcement officers in targeting the enforcement of underage drinking laws in Maryland. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the "Underage Drinking Enforcement Program" grant of $11,656, 000 from the GOCCP as presented, and authorize the execution of any required documentation. The motion passed unanimously. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITIONS Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, recommended the purchase of portions of real property located at 19413 Longmeadow Road and 13502 Marsh Pike for $70,100.00, for future widening and improvements planned by the County in that area. The Commissioners discussed the acquisitions with Mr. Kuhna. Commissioner Bair, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve two option agreements for partial real property acquisitions at 19413 Longmeadow Road and 13502 Marsh Pike for $70,100.00 as presented, and to adopt an ordinance approving the purchases, and authorize the execution of any required documentation and approval of ordinances effecting the acquisitions. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-09 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) SALE OF REAL PROPERTY — FRENCH LANE FARMHOUSE Joe Kuhna requested approval from the Commissioners to sell 4.70 acres known as the "French Lane Farmhouse" by advertising the property and taking it to public auction. Mr. Kuhna reviewed the history of the property, stating that it is not needed by the County and should be returned to the tax rolls. Mr. Kuhna advised that the minimum price to be expected should be approximately 30% lower than the 2007 appraised value of $191,300.00, or roughly $137,000.00. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to allow the Real Property Administrator to proceed with advertising the French Lane Farmhouse property for sale and to take it to public auction. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS AND WELCOMING RECEPTION FOR MERITUS MEDICAL CENTER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Commissioners recessed at 3:12 p.m. to hold an informal reception to welcome Joseph P. Ross, the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Meritus Medical Center, as of April 4, 2011. The Commissioners also thanked outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer James P. Hamill for his work done on behalf of the hospital and wished him the best in his retirement. I 111 IRT1lli% `►it�r11�/��Il_�10[iJ►1 f.`�i1]�i%►`I President Terry L. Baker called the evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 7:00 p.m. at Funkstown Town Hall, 30 East Baltimore Street, Funkstown, with the following members April 5, 2011 Page 3 present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Baker led attendees in observing a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —March 29.2011 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of March 29, 2011. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked the Town of Funkstown for hosting the meeting. He reiterated details discussed during the afternoon meeting regarding changes to membership of the Election Board and its salaries. Mr. Baker noted that $1,500.00 was available in its budget due to Board Alternate positions being cut. Mr. Baker proposed that the President be paid $3,500.00 and the four Judges $3,000.00 each per year. Greg Murray advised that he would check on other budgetary increases requested by the Election Board before the Commissioners reach a consensus on the matter. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Board meeting and luncheon with Governor O'Malley in Annapolis last week. During the meeting, the Governor stated that the cost of funding teacher pensions would not be passed along to counties this year but the cost of operating State Assessment Offices may be transferred. Mr•. Barr enjoyed the Habitat for Humanity dinner and auction fundraising event held last week. Commissioner McKinley noted the recent announcement at Hagerstown Regional Airport that Direct Air would be providing service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Lakeland, Florida beginning in June. Mr. McKinley attended a luncheon meeting of the Home Builders Association. He stated that he presented a proclamation, on behalf of the Commissioners, to Eagle Scout Darryl Jack Fowler during a Court of Honor ceremony. Commissioner McKinley attended a Planning Commission meeting last evening. Commissioner Callaham toured the new Ruth Ann Monroe Primary School during the visit by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. She commented that Mr. Franchot was impressed by the energy saving measures included in the school's design. Mrs. Callaham attended a Washington County Technical High School Business Advisory breakfast prepared by the school's culinary arts students. She noted that students are being educated on the importance of entrepreneurship. Commissioner Cline thanked the Mayor and Council for hosting the Commissioners' meeting. He stated that he was present at the announcement by Direct Air regarding its service to Hagerstown. Mr. Cline attended a Tri County Council for Western Maryland April 5, 2011 Page 4 meeting with Commissioner Barr and stated that it is a great resource for counties. He was present at a fundraiser at St. Mark's Church at Lappans Crossroads and the Technical High School's Business Advisory meeting. Commissioner Cline toured Bester and Pangborn Elementary Schools and attended a meeting of the Boonsboro Mayor and Town Council. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Paul N. Crampton, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners to Funkstown. Council members Richard Gaver, Richard Nigh, and Kim Ramer gave introductions, as did Assistant Mayor Sharon Chirgott. Mayor Crampton thanked the Commissioners for the assistance given the Town and for Project Open Space funding in the past. He expressed the desire that all municipalities and County Governments would lobby for Highway User Funds to be restored by the state. Mayor Crampton indicated the need for both phases of the planned Southern Boulevard Bypass, noting almost standstill traffic through Funkstown at certain times of the day. [CYY I D)t MTkV55k&] Annointment to Countv Boards and Commissions Electrical Board of Examiners and Supervisors Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Steven Ryan to fulfill an unexpired term on the Electrical Board of Examiners and Supervisors, as a representative of an electric public utility company, through June 30, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the town for the warm welcome. He advised that municipalities are invited to comment on the budget process now being discussed by the Commissioners. He thanked Town Clerk Brenda Haynes for representing the Town at meetings held to discuss the Watershed Implementation Plan. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Works Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, reported that newly appointed Airport Director Phil Ridenour had recently completed a job requirement by becoming a Certified Airport Manager through the American Association of Airport Executives. He also announced that Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Manager, was named Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year for the Delaware, District of Columbia, and Maryland Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials. Mr. Kroboth indicated that Mr. Loewenheim would be honored at a ceremony on April 14 and that the Commissioners would be provided further details of the time and location. Sheriff Douglas Mullendore addressed attendees and advised that his staff is always available to assist and answer questions from citizens. April 5, 2011 Page 5 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Barry Warrenfeltz of East Chestnut Street, Funkstown, commented on the price of various permits to residential customers. Town Council Member Kim Ramer commented on road conditions in the County. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. qrray, Co my Administrator rrk . DowCey,'Assistant Cou ey Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk