Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.19.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 19, 2011 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 8:54 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 Dean Miller of Boonsboro First Christian Church offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —Ancil 12, 2011 Approval of the April 12, 2011 minutes was postponed until the next Commissioners' meeting. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline introduced his parents, Harry and Elaine Cline, and presented a Certificate of Merit and Washington County pin to his father in honor of his 88`x' birthday. The Commissioners wished him well and thanked him for his military service during World War II. Commissioner Cline stated that he enjoyed the Children's Village breakfast fundraiser where Sheriff Doug Mullendore was a volunteer server. He reported meeting with a local business owner, touring the new Meritus Medical Center with the Disabilities Advisory Committee, and attending a Fire Police meeting in Smithsburg.1vfi% Cline was present at a Hancock Town meeting to discuss economic development also attended by the Washington County Economic Development Commission (EDC) staff members. He attended the "Take Flight II" hot air balloon unveiling ceremony sponsored by the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) and a conference on mass fatality planning at the Washington County Health Department. Commissioner Cline attended an open house held by the Association for Retarded Citizens at the new Mac McLean Center that employs 600 people. He noted that a County employee casual day would be held on April 21 to benefit the March of Dimes Babies' Walk on April 30. Commissioner Cline thanked County Administrator Greg Mm -ray and County staff for the prompt responses given to citizens having inquiries or concerns. Commissioner Callaham reported that she attended board meetings of the Commission for Women, Commission on Aging, and Black Rock Golf Course. She presented a certificate to Eagle Scout Michael Carroll at his Court of Honor ceremony. Mrs. Callaham was also present at the Town meeting in Hancock. Commissioner Barr reported that he also attended the breakfast to benefit Children's Village. He attended the "Heroes Breakfast" for the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross to honor local honorees. Mr. Barr was present at the Local April 19, 2011 Page 2 Management Board meeting where items noted were the annual "Community Night Out" to be held on August 2, and a Character Counts event on May 17 at 12 p.m. at Elgin Station. He attended the BISFA hot air balloon -unveiling and "Alpaca Weekend" held at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Barr announced that he would be leaving this morning to serve as moderator for the first "Western Maryland Go Green Expo" at Hagerstown Community College. He noted that the 23`d annual Workshop on Child Abuse and Neglect, sponsored by C -Safe, was being held at the Lifehouse Church this morning. Commissioner McKinley reported that he attended the annual banquet of the International Association of Administrative Professionals to present a proclamation on behalf of the Commissioners. He attended a Water and Sewer Commission meeting and advised that applicants are needed for the Board. He also attended the Children's Village breakfast, the Hancock Town meeting, and the BISFA hot air balloon unveiling. Mr. McKinley reported on a meeting to discuss the planned Senior Center and a meeting with a businessperson in the north end of Hagerstown. He thanked County staff for the prompt and accurate information provided to the Commissioners when requested. Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the Hancock Town meeting and a Parks and Recreation Board meeting. He attended a forum to meet a candidate for the Superintendent of Schools' position this morning. Mr. Baker reported on calls received from citizens concerning recycling dumpsters and where the demolition debris from the former Washington County Hospital would be placed. Greg Murray advised the demolition contractor would be using a recycling company for much of the debris. Commissioner Baker congratulated his twin daughters and Aunt Nancy on their recent birthdays. Commissioner Barr commented that he was impressed with recycling initiatives used at the Mac McLean Center and that some collaborative efforts could be discussed with the County in the future. CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ANNEXATION REOUEST — (A-2010-04) Mike Thompson, Director of the Planning Department, and Alex Rohrbaugh, Planner for the City of Hagerstown presented an annexation request from the City of Hagerstown (A-2010-04) for portions of 95 properties, totaling 21.84 acres currently zoned IG (Industrial General) under County zoning. Mr. Thompson stated that the city proposes to annex portions of the properties, which are now split by the municipal boundary resulting in the properties being in both the City and County. Mr. Rohrbaugh advised that the properties would be zoned "Residential," which reflects the current use of the properties, and that the City would be holding a Public Hearing to obtain comments regarding the proposal. The Commissioners discussed the issue. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to wait until the City holds its Public Hearing before determining whether to grant "express approval" for the annexations and subsequent zoning changes. April 19, 2011 Page 3 DYNAMARK MONITORING. INC. RESOLUTION Tim Troxell, Economic Development Commission (EDC) Director, presented a request for approval of a Resolution for Endorsement of Maryland Economic Development Assistance Fund (MEDAF) Loan and Local Incentive for Dynamark Monitoring, Inc. Mr. Troxell advised that the $70,000.00 loan from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, under the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority, will be used by Dynamark Monitoring, Inc. to purchase an existing building in Hagerstown to expand its operations. In addition, the County would contribute $25,000.00 toward the project in the form of a conditional loan under the terms and conditions similar to the State. Mr. Troxell stated that Dynamark Monitoring, Inc. estimates a minimum capital investment of $1,500,000.00 in the project and the creation of 35 new full-time jobs. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. (Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.) Commissioner Callabam, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the resolution for the endorsement of the State of Maryland's $70,000.00 MEDAF loan and $25,000.00 conditional loan fi•om the County. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS 2011-04 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT, FOR THE BRUMBAUGH-KENDIX-GROVE FARMSTEAD Joe Kroboth, Ill, Public Works Director, and Phil Ridenour, Airport Director, presented a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for approval by the Commissioners regarding the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead (Farmstead.) Mi•. Kroboth stated that the involved parties - Federal Aviation Administration, Maryland Historic Trust, and the County Commissioners - are ready to move forward with the terns set forth in the MOA concerning the options for the Farmstead. He assured the Commissioners that all interested parties had revie-8ved the comments received. Mr•. Ridenour described the group that would be formed to oversee the process after the MOA is signed. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the MOA for the proposed treatment of the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead located at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, which has been signed by the Federal Aviation Administration and will be signed by the Board of County Commissioners and Maryland Historical Trust. The motion passed unanimously. GRANT APPLICATION FOR WEEYD1ND INTAKE CENTER, Charles P. Strong, State's Attorney, and Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative Sanctions -State's Attorney's Office, requested approval of a $30,950.00 grant application for the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor for the Weekend Intake Center. Ms. Cunningham advised that the Work Crew Supervisor oversees persons who have agreed to perform voluntary community service as an alternative to possible fines or jail time as part of the disposition of a criminal court proceeding. The grant money will keep the program April 19, 2011 Page 4 operational and be applied to the Supervisor's salary, thereby reducing the amount needed from the State's Attorney's Office budget. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve submission of an application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a $30,950.00 Weekend Intake Center grant for the Work Crew Supervisor salary. The motion passed unanimously. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION — WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2011 Debra Murray, Finance Director, introduced Lindsey Rader, Bond Counsel, and County staff who assisted with preparation of the Official Statement necessary to the process. Ms. Murray requested authorization to issue and sell General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,365,000.00 for financing public facilities and refunding outstanding maturities. She reviewed the 2011 approved bond amounts of $16,654,300.00, now reduced by $2,484,000.00, to arrive at the current amount contained in the proposed Resolution - $14,170,000.00. She indicated that upon review of current bond projects, the Rubble Fill Capping project of $1,697,000.00 would be withdrawn from this issue and postponed to a future year, along with the Winebrenner Wastewater Treatment Plant project, whose construction has been delayed for a year due to a Maryland Department of the Environment pilot project. Ms. Murray advised that the $2,484,000.00 reduction allows deferment of debt service and that millions would be saved by doing the pilot project and deferring the amount. Ms. Rader discussed the details of the refunding process with the Commissioners. She stated that Ms. Murray has the authority to pull the refunding or elect to choose items as the process moves along before the sale date, by working with her staff and advisors to see the market status up to the day before the sale, to maximize savings. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Tom Janus of 10029 Pleasant View Drive, Hagerstown, commented on the need for transparency by the Board of Education regarding its financial reserves. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION — WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2011 (cont.) Ms. Rader continued her presentation of the refunding bonds proposal. She advised that the Bond sale is scheduled for May 10 and would be advertised in the Herald -Mail newspaper. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the resolution authorizing the County Commissioners to issue and sell General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,365,000.00 for financing public facilities and refunding outstanding maturities as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2011-05 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) April 19, 2011 Page 5 OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray advised that there would be no Commissioners' meeting on April 26, 2011. WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY WEEK AND EIGHTH ANNUAL MUSEUM RAMBLE William Knode, President -Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites, Thomas Riford, President and CEO, Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and Linda Irvin -Craig, Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society, appeared to discuss Washington County History Week and the Eighth Annual Museum Ramble to be held on April 30 and May 1. Mr. Riford informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites and the CVB sponsor the Museum Ramble. Mr. Knode indicated that the self -guided tour highlights twenty museums located in the Comity and that the Fort Frederick Market Fair is also being held that weekend. President Baker presented a proclamation to the individuals in recognition of Washington County History Week, observed April 30—May 6, 2011, and to celebrate the Eighth Annual Museum ramble. REOUEST TO AMEND SCHOOL MITIGATION AGREEMENT — REGENT PARK Mike Thompson, Planning and Zoning Director, and Warren W. Churchey, operating Manager of Churchey Group, III, LLC, appeared before the Commissioners to request the amendment of a School Mitigation Agreement for a twenty-five unit single-family development known as Regent Park, located on Trovinger Mill Road off Jefferson Boulevard, Mr. Thompson stated that an amendment to a Mitigation Agreement dated July 14, 2009 would permit the applicant to pay the $5,821.52 school mitigation fee per dwelling unit at the time each lot is transferred rather than prior to approval of the final plat. Mr. Churchey stated that due to poor economic conditions, the payment in full imposes a significant and unnecessary burden. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Ms. Callaham requested figures to support Mr. Churchey's statement that a faster start on the project would be a boost in the County's tax revenue from the properties. Mr. Churchey stated that he would return at a future meeting with additional information. HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY PROGRAM - PROCLAMATION & POSTER CONTEST AWARD WINNERS Kevin Lewis, Director, and Verna Brown, Emergency Management Coordinator - Department of Emergency Services, accepted a proclamation from the Comrnissioners in recognition of Home Chemical Safety Week in Hagerstown and Washington County, observed April 17-23. Mr. Lewis noted that the contest was renamed the "Mario Barnhart Poster Contest" in memory of the former Herald -Mail reporter. He described the program curriculum that is presented to fourth grade students in the County. Mr. Lewis recognized April 19, 2011 Page 6 finalists Ellie Baer—Sharpsburg Elementary, Joe Curry -Rockland Woods Elementary, Bethany Morris -Pleasant Valley Elementary, Trinity Sclrlotterbeck-Williamsport Elementary, and Autumn Stone -Hancock Elementary. Mr. Lewis announced the winners: Honorable Mention: Ellie Baer and Bethany Norris, 3`d Place: Autumn Stone, 2"d Place: Joe Curry, and 15` Place: Trinity Schlotterbeck. The winners received lunch, tee shirts, medals, and prizes from participating sponsors, and $100 gift certificates for their schools. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:12 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:40 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. BID AWARD — VIDEO VISITATION SYSTEM FOR THE WASHINGTON DETENTION CENTER Rick Curry, Buyer for the Purchasing Department, and Sheriff Doug Mullendore, presented a recommendation to award the bid for the purchase and installation of a Video Visitation System for the Washington County Detention Center, to South Western Communications, Inc. (South Western) of Decatur, Alabama. Mr. Curry stated that South Western submitted the Base Bid of $184,129.00 and Alternate Number 1 cost of $170,410.00 for the lowest total amount of $354,539.00. He advised that the award would be contingent upon South Western obtaining proof of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Sheriff Mullendore described the system's operation and advised that his Department's Inmate Welfare Account contains sufficient funds to cover the costs. The Commissioners discussed the bids received and the bidding process regarding local preference. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaharn, moved to award the bid for the purchase and installation of a Video Visitation System for the Washington County Detention Center to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder South Western Communications, Inc. of Decatur, Alabama. who submitted the Base Bid of $184,129.00 and Alternate Number 1 cost of $170,410.00 for the lowest total amount of $354,539.00, contingent upon South Western obtaining proof of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. The Commissioners discussed the annual costs for the system. The motion passed unanimously. BUDGET DISCUSSION — OPERATING FUNDS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDS Debra Murray, Finance Director, reviewed the Major Operating Funds and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds contained in the latest draft budget for FY 2012, with the combined total of $292,609,510.00. She noted that the figure represents a decrease of $2.7 million below the FY 2011 amount. April 19, 2011 Page 7 The Commissioners discussed a request fiom the Williamsport Mayor and Council to assume ownership of the Williamsport Memorial Library. Greg Murray provided information on the financial support currently provided to the Library by the County. Commissioner McKinley discussed the Library's history - built with funds donated by Williamsport citizens to memorialize the local students killed in a school bus/train accident. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to decline the request and continue the funding now provided. Greg Murray noted that a "Citizens' Guide to the 2012 Budget" would be posted on the County's website. Debra Murray reviewed the $14 million borrowing amount proposed for Capital Improvement Projects. Commissioner Baker expressed his desire for a lower borrowing amount and stated that the Yale Drive project should be cut. The Commissioners discussed the Yale Drive/Varsity Drive projects contained in the CIP and funding for the planned Senior Center. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to take the budget as proposed to a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 10, 7:00 p.m. at Hager Hall. The Commissioners discussed changing the Public Hearing date because of another event being held that evening. Mr. Murray stated that he would contact the facility to check on available dates that week PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF FEE SCHEDULE TO GOVERN WORK AND SERVICES The Commissioners convened a Public Hearing at 3:06 p.m. regarding the Proposed Establishment of a Fee Schedule to Govern Work and Services Performed by the Division of Plan Review and Permitting Relating to the Implementation of Stormwater Management Programs. Jennifer Smith, Director -Division of Plan Review and Permitting, stated that due to recent changes in state and local requirements for stormwater management programs, new plan reviews were added to the required process of obtaining a grading or building permit. She reviewed a proposed fee structure that would provide revenue to cover approximately 70% of the cost of staff time for review and permitting process services. The Commissioners discussed the issue. Commissioner Baker opened the Hearing for public continent. There was no one present who wished to continent. The Public Hearing was closed at 3:09 p.m. The Commissioners discussed the proposed fees. Commissioner Callaham moved to approve the Proposed Establishment of a Fee Schedule as presented today. The Commissioners discussed the issue further. Commissioner Cline seconded the motion. The motion passed with Commissioners Callaham, Cline, and Baker voting "YEA" and Commissioner McKinley "NO." (Resolution No. RS -2011-06 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) April 19, 2011 Page 8 PUBLIC HEARING — PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT AND MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES FOR FY 2012 President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 3:25 p.m. regarding the proposed establishment and modification of certain Landfill User Fees for FY 2012. Cliff Engle, Deputy Director of the Solid Waste Department -Division of Environmental Management, reviewed the proposed fees, which would help to lower the projected FY 2012 shortfall in the Department's operating budget. Mr. Engle noted that the mattress disposal fee is proposed to remain the same and a new discount for permits issued to Disabled American Veterans is included in the recommendations. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 3:29 p.m. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Debra Murray stated that without the proposed fees, a $1 million deficit would exist in the County's revenue budget line. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to adopt the Proposed Establishment and Modification of Certain Landfill User Fees for FY 2012 as proposed. The motion passed with Commissioners Callaham, Cline, and Baker voting "YEA" and Commissioner McKinley "NO." (Resolution No. RS -2011-07 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) PUBLIC HEARING — MODIFICATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR FY 2012 A Public Hearing was convened at 3:43 p.m. regarding proposed changes to the Schedule of Utility Rates for FY 2012. Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, reviewed the proposed utility rates proposed to facilitate the Department of Water Quality's long-range financial plans. She stated that a 4% increase in water revenue and a 4% increase in sewer revenue are proposed. Commissioner Baker opened the Hearing for public comment. Brian Gabriel of Sharpsburg commented that his bills have not gone down since his family size decreased and that there is no incentive to save water with the current billing system. The Public Hearing was closed at 3:51 p.m. The Commissioners discussed fees charged to maintain service and Julie Pippel and Greg Murray explained why a fee is necessary even when the service to a property is turned off. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adopt the Proposed Rate Schedule for FY 2012 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2011-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) April 19, 2011 Page 9 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 4:04 p.m. to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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 personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A, Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; and at various times Tim Troxell, EDC Director; Cliff Engle, Director -Solid Waste Department; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Julie Pippel, Director -Division of Environmental Management; Rob Slocum, Deputy Director -Public Works; and Ed Plank, Highway Department Director. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded McKinley, moved to adjourn at 4:54 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregor urray, CoVhty Administrator Kirk C. Downey Xssistant Coun nrpey /y (IPI.. l , _ �-.� •. Vi&i C. Lumm, County Clerk