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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.22.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 22, 2011 The Commissioners attended a breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension Service at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:11 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 Pastor Mark Sandell of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —March 15.2011 Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of March 15, 2011 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley reported on the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission meeting where Director Julie Pippel reviewed the proposed budget to be discussed later in today's meeting. He stated that he presented development awards to 4-H youth, along with Commissioner Barr, at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. McKinley attended a performance of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at the Maryland Theatre and a breakfast with the Mason Dixon Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Commissioner Barr discussed attending the Boy Scout's breakfast and the dedication of a new radio station, located at dial AM 1590, in our area. He was present at the annual membership meeting of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Barr enjoyed presenting the 4-H Youth Development Awards with Commissioner McKinley. He read an email from a citizen that complimented various County departments for excellent service. Mr. Barr attended the opening reception held at the Leonard Snyder Memorial Branch Library in Clear Spring for a travelling exhibit on Abraham Lincoln. He recognized the tenth anniversary of the branch library this year. Commissioner Barr updated efforts by members of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to explore possibilities for the closed Telework Center. Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation, on behalf of the Commissioners, to Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership, in recognition of Poison Prevention Week - March 20-26, 2011. Commissioner Callaham attended the retirement luncheon for Soil Conservation District Board member Joe Scott. She participated in an I-81 Coalition conference call. Mrs. March 22, 2011 Page 2 Callaham presented the most valuable player award to the men's Hub City Basketball Roundup event. She reported attending the Greater Hagerstown Committee's transportation meeting. Commissioner Callaham stated that she recently presented a Certificate of Merit to veteran Fred Shinbur from the Joint Veterans Committee in honor of his selection as "2011 Veteran of the Year." Commissioner Cline reported attended a meeting of the Soil Conservation District and retirement event for Board member Joe Scott. He attended a presentation ceremony to honor Boy Scout Troop 58 of Downsville for planting over 200 trees at the Agricultural Education Center. He commended the positive things done by youth in the community. Commissioner Baker thanked the University of Maryland for hosting the breakfast and informational meeting held this morning with the Commissioners. He attended the Department of Social Services' employee recognition event with Commissioner Barr and County Administrator Greg Murray. Mr. Baker recognized Department of Social Services Director David Engle and staff for their good work in the community. He reported receiving phone calls in appreciation of allowing dog walking in various County parks and for addressing the parking problem at Devil's Backbone Park. AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION DIABETES ALERT DAY Lisa McCoy, Registered Dietitian, and Rod MacRae, Director of Health Services for the Washington County Health Department, presented the Commissioners a Diabetes Resource Guide in recognition of National American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day — March 22, 2011. Ms. McCoy discussed the campaign to increase awareness of diabetes and its risk factors in the community. The Commissioners thanked them for their efforts. ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING. ECONOMIC IMPACT AND ARTIST STUDIES Jim Miller and Mary Anne Burke, members of the Arts, Education and Entertainment Task Force, presented information on the recently -formed group that includes representatives from many arts organizations in the Hagerstown and Washington County community. Mr. Miller detailed a study led by Economist Anirban Basu to identify and document a scope of work necessary to reach the goal of making Hagerstown and Washington County an arts destination. The Task Force requested the support of the Commissioners in the form of publicity and awareness. The Commissioners congratulated task force members for securing funding for the study and thanked them for their work on the project. GRANT APPLICATION — STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE MEDIATION PROJECT Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative Sanctions -State's Attorney's Office, and Charles Strong, Jr., State's Attorney, requested approval to submit a grant application for $35,200.00 to the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) for a grant titled "State's Attorney's Office Mediation Project" for Caseworker Salary. Ms. March 22, 2011 Page 3 Cunningham indicated that the State's Attorney's Office has collaborated with the Washington County Mediation Center the past four years to resolve minor criminal matters through mediation. She stated that the grant money would support the salary for a caseworker who keeps records and reports the outcome of mediation sessions to the Alternative Sanctions Office. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the submission of a grant application of $35,200.00 for the "State's Attorney's Office Mediation Project" as presented. The motion passed unanimously. FFY 2010 STATE OF MARYLAND HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM GRANT Kevin Lewis, Director of Emergency Services, requested approval to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to accept a Homeland Security Program grant of $322,386.00 to implement the goals and objectives included in state homeland security strategies and initiatives. Mr. Lewis advised that the County is required to ensue that at least 28 percent of the grant funds are dedicated toward multiple projects and initiatives in emergency services and public safety, including communications equipment, mobile data and satellite equipment. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the FFY 2010 State Homeland Security Program grant of $322,386.00 as presented, and to authorize execution of any necessary documentation. The motion passed unanimously. FFY 2010 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE PROGRAM GRANT Mr. Lewis requested that the Commissioners accept a FFY 2010 Emergency Management Performance Grant of $97,376.00 from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to be used to enhance and strengthen emergency management capabilities at the state and local level. Mr. Lewis indicated that funds would be used to offset costs of personnel, operational and training expenses for local emergency management, and that funds must be matched 50/50 with local funds in the emergency management budget and/or in kind assistance. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the FFY 2010 State Homeland Security Program grant as presented, and to authorize execution of any necessary documentation. The motion passed unanimously. Assistant County Attorney Andrew F. Wilkinson advised that the motion just passed erroneously included wording from the previous Homeland Security Program grant motion. Commissioner Barr restated his motion to accept the FFY 2010 State Emergency Management Performance Grant of $97,376.00 as presented, and to authorize execution of any necessary documentation. Commissioner McKinley seconded. The motion passed unanimously. March 22, 2011 Page 4 EMERGENCY NUMBER SYSTEM BOARD GRANT - BACKUP EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER PHONE SYSTEM Bardona Woods, Director, Division of Emergency Communications, requested authorization to execute a grant award for $607,399.00 from the Emergency Number System Board (ENSB) to fund an upgrade to the phone system and additional seating for the County's renovated backup Emergency Communications System. Mrs. Woods advised that funds would be utilized to provide direct payment to the approved vendor. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize acceptance and execution of the grant award as presented, and to authorize execution of any necessary documentation. The motion passed unanimously. VETERAN RECOGNITION Chief Warrant Officer Five, Fred Shinbur, U.S. Army (Retired), Chair of the Maryland Veterans Commission, thanked the Commissioners for their efforts to support his being named "2011 Veteran of the Year" by the Joint Veteran Committee of Maryland. He also thanked Commissioner Callaham for travelling to Bowie and presenting him a Certificate of Merit during the event held in his honor. The Commissioners congratulated ivh•. Shinbur on the award and thanked him for his service to our country. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION James Devine, P. O. Box 2217, Hagerstown, discussed the consolidated 9-1-1 Center, use of Hagerstown Community College's facilities by non -students, and demolition of the former Washington County Hospital structure. OTHER BUSINESS: ADnointment to Boards and Commissions Washington Countv Planning Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Clint Wiley to a second, five-year term on the Washington County Planning Commission, extending through March 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Washington Countv Historic District Commission Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to reappoint Christopher Horst to a second, three-year term on the Historic District Commission, extending through December 31, 2013; and to appoint Robert Bowman to a first, full three-year term, extending through October 31, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Kurt Cushwa and Christine Toms to first, three-year terms on the Historic District Commission, extending through March 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. March 22, 2011 Page 5 Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray commented on the County's reorganization plan and thanked staff for their efforts to implement the changes. Commissioner Callaham advised that the Commissioners would be holding a "Meet and Greet" with citizens on Saturday, March 26 at the Valley Mall. Human Resources William Sonnik, III requested permission to advertise to fill a full-time, Grade 11, Zoning Inspector position in the Department of Permits and Inspections due to a vacancy. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Public Works Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III, distributed a schedule of County pavement maintenance projects for the coming season. Ms. Callaham requested that the document be posted on the County website. Mr. Kroboth recognized the efforts of County employees Rob Smith, Scott Hobbs, and Brad Neisser, who applied for and received a "Safe Routes to School" grant to build sidewalks in the area of Lincolnshire Elementary School. Permits and Inspections Department Dan DiVito, Permits and Inspections Director, recognized employees Rob Smith, Ed Parker, and Rich Eichelberger (not present) for being honored during a recent breakfast by the Meritus Medical Center for their work done to coordinate and expedite construction matters concerning the new Meritus Medical Center. The Commissioners thanked the employees for their outstanding efforts and congratulated them on the award. ACOUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY — ROBINWOOD DRIVE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval from the Commissioners to enter into three Option Agreements for partial acquisition of real estate located at 11310, 11106 and 11314 Robinwood Drive, which is necessary for future widening and improvements planned in that area. He advised that $99,235.00 is contained in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for the acquisitions. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve three Option Agreements for partial real property acquisitions as presented, and to authorize execution of any necessary documentation. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-07 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) BUDGET DISCUSSION - DEPARTMENT OF WATER OUALITY Julie Pippel, Director -Division of Environmental Management, presented the proposed Utility Fund Operating Budget for the Department of Water Quality. Ms. Pippel advised that increases of 3.5 percent and 4 percent respectively are proposed for water and sewer March 22, 2011 Page 6 rates the next fiscal year and those rates would continue to rise for the next ten years. The Commissioners discussed budget details and the proposed rate increases. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed rate increases for FY 2012 water and sewer services. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:50 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:13 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. TOWN OF SHARPSBURG ANNEXATION REOUEST Mike Thompson, Director -Planning Department, and Brian Kane, Esq., attorney for the Town of Sharpsburg, presented a request from the Town to annex into its corporate limits approximately 0.54 acres of land located at 5142 Harper's Ferry Road, adjacent to the south and east of the existing municipal boundaries at the southwest corner of High Street and Harper's Ferry Road. Mr. Thompson indicated that the property, owned by Scott D. Bussard, contains a single-family dwelling with accessory buildings, with water sewer service provided by Washington County. Mr. Kane stated that the requested TR (Town Residential) zoning is inconsistent with the County's Preservation zoning and, therefore, express approval is being requested from the Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to grant express approval to the Town of Sharpsburg for proposed zoning of the property described as TR (Town Residential,) requested in the Petition for Annexation. The motion passed unanimously. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET DISCUSSION (DRAFT 2) Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, of the Capital Improvement Committee, presented a discussion of the latest proposed Capital Improvement (CIP) Program Budget. Ms. Murray advised the Commissioners of a projected $7.4 million funding shortfall in the coming fiscal year due to increased expenditure requests and decreased revenue projections. She discussed proposals to bridge the gap, including denial of increases in education funding, additional departmental and agency operating cuts, use of approximately $1.2 million of cash savings and $1.2 million in capital savings. Ms. Murray recommended $14 million in borrowing through tax - supported bonds for the next fiscal year. Commissioner Baker objected to the borrowing amount citing requests from citizens to cut borrowing. Commissioners Callaham, Barr, McKinley, and Cline were in favor of moving ahead with the $14 million borrowing amount, stating that the County would not be proposing any tax rate increases and that March 22, 2011 Page 7 planned capital projects would be delayed without it. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve $14 million in borrowing being included in the proposed budget that will be taken to public hearing. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION Debra Murray and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, discussed details of the general fund budget. Todd L. Hershey, Treasurer, presented information on the current Senior Citizen Supplemental Homeowners' Property Tax Credit, which provides tax relief to low income seniors that are at least age 70 with a maximum income level of $12,000.00. He advised that if the age limit was lowered to 65, it would increase the amount of tax relief available to about 200 senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 70. The change would cost the County approximately $12,000.00 per year. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to lower the age from 70 to 65 for eligibility in the program, and to vote on a resolution to that effect when drafted. Mr. Hershey discussed the Residential Non Homeowner -Occupied Homestead Tax Credit and its lessening need due to falling property appraisals. He advised that $10,000.00 would be required for software to administer the program, which was previously performed by the State of Maryland. Mr. Hershey noted that only sixteen properties were affected but they were probably not eligible. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to repeal the Residential Non Homeowner -Occupied Homestead Tax Credit and to vote on a resolution to that effect when drafted. Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Edlund discussed projected revenue with the Commissioners. Mrs. Murray stated that a decrease in property tax revenue contributed to the overall shortfall. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:52 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State; and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State; and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. Present during closed session were March 22, 2011 Page 8 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 Lurnm, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times, Phil Ridenour -Airport Director; Dan DiVito, Director -Permits and Inspections Department; Greg Larsen, Airport Business Development Manager; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; Tim Troxell, EDC Director. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 5:07 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. l'urray, County Administrator Kirk C. Downey, Assist rney Int41. Com. Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk