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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.29.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 29, 2011 JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education in Room 255 of the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Maryland. County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. In attendance were Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Board of Education members present were Paul Bailey, Wayne Ridenour, Donna Brightman, Edward Forrest, Karen Harshman, and Jacqueline Fischer. Pupil Generation Rates Mike Thompson, Washington County Planning Director, and Chad Criswell, Director of Facilities Planning and Development -Washington County Board of Education (BOE), discussed pupil generation rates developed for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS.) Mr. Thompson outlined the process used by the Board of Education and the County's Planning Department to project pupil generation rates using data acquired from sixteen residential developments. Mr. Criswell stated that use and occupancy permits and student address data were used to calculate the rates to meet the requirements of Section 5.5 of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance entitled "Measuring for Available Capacity." The Boards discussed the information presented. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the following pupil generation rates for subdivisions as proposed by the Board of Education for calculations for student projections: Sinele Familv - Average 0.84 per household (elementary 0.42, middle 0.20, high school 0.22); Townhome — Average 0.38 per household (elementary 0.21, middle 0.07, high school 0.10); and Multi-Familv — Average 0.51 per household (elementary 0.28, middle 0. 11, high school 0.12). The motion passed unanimously. PROPOSED FY 2012 GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, WCPS, presented details of the proposed FY 2012 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools. Mr. South described the reason for a request for increased funding from the Commissioners of $2,819,575.00, or 3.19% more than FY 2011. He stated that the increase covers the County's Maintenance of Effort requirement and the cost of replacement school buses, making the County's total appropriation for FY 2012 $91,253,305.00. The Commissioners discussed, among other items, the $2,144,123.00 funding requested for the replacement school buses, crossing guards, and the Judy Center's Program Manager's salary, which are costs above the maintenance of effort requirement. The Commissioners made no decision on the request and will discuss the details further in future budget discussions. The joint meeting ended at 9:17 a.m March 29, 2011 Page 2 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:48 a.m. in Room 227 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 22, 2011 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of March 22, 2011. The motion passed unanimously, COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline reported that he participated in the "Meet the Commissioners" booth located at the Valley Mall on Saturday and the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Hancock last evening. He noted that he is the Co -Chair for the April 30 March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk at the Hagerstown Fairgrounds and that proceeds would be used locally. Commissioner Cline wished his father, World War II veteran Harry "Buck" Cline, a very happy 80a' birthday yesterday. Commissioner Callaham stated that she attended an Eagle Court of Honor event and presented certificates of merit to the honorees on behalf of the Commissioners. She enjoyed the tribute to Anna and Jack Hershey to benefit a Hagerstown Community College scholarship fund. Ms. Callaham spoke to citizens at the Commissioners' Valley Mall booth and attended the MML meeting. She reported receiving a request from the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County (CPWC) to meet individually with the Commissioners regarding various concerns. The Commissioners offered to meet with CPWC during a workshop session where staff would also be available to address members' concerns. Commissioner Barr stated that he also attended the tribute for the Hersheys and noted that the event raised an astounding $165,000.00. He enjoyed the Beatles Tribute Band performance last week featuring the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Barr attended a Clear Spring Fire Company fundraiser and a gun safety course for youth given by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He stated that he would be in Annapolis tomorrow for a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) "Meet the Governor" event. Commissioner Barr noted that he would be staffing a Maryland Symphony Orchestra webinar during today's lunch break. Commissioner McKinley discussed meetings he attended of the Economic Development Commission, Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission, and MML. He stated that he enjoyed speaking to citizens visiting the Commissioners' booth at the Valley Mall. Mr. McKinley also attended the tribute in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Hershey. March 29, 2011 Page 3 Commissioner Baker reported that he staffed the Commissioners' booth on Saturday where citizens stressed their desire to keep taxes low and cut spending. He reported on a Community Action Council meeting and noted several events including a l OK Run to be held at Fort Ritchie in the fall. He announced that Kim Reno of the Herald -Mail was named "CAC Volunteer of the Year." Commissioner Baker attended a Social Services meeting and advised that the Commissioners would tour the new Family Center during next week's regularly scheduled meeting. Mr. Baker met recently with the Economic Development Commission's newly restructured "team" and reported on its positive energy and ideas for the County. APPROVAL FOR RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM EASEMENT - HUFFER PROPERTY Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Cody Shaw, Land Preservation Planner recommended that the Commissioners approve the Delbert M. and Delores J. Huffer Rural Legacy Program Easement Project for $686,551.51. Mr. Seifarth indicated that Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement funds are 100% state -paid and are used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historic features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. If not accepted by Washington County, funds would be allocated to other Maryland counties. The Commissioners discussed the recommendation with Mr. Seifarth. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the Delbert M. and Delores J. Huffer Rural Legacy Program Easement project for $686,551.51 as presented, to approve an Ordinance to approve the purchase of a Conservation easement over the Huffer property under the Maryland Rural Legacy Program, and to execute such documents as may be required. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) FY 2012 ANNUAL TRANSIT GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION Kevin Cerrone, Transit Department Director, requested authorization to file an application for a grant under the Federal Transit Act for federal and state operational and capital grant funding through the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan. Mr. Cerrone advised that his Department applies annually to the Maryland Transit Authority for Federal and state operational and capital grant funding through the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan for its basic funding needs. He indicated that funds are forward -funded by the County, and then accepted during the year as disbursed, for each authorized program operated by the Transit Department in Washington County. Programs covered are the Section 5307 Public Transportation Program -Fixed Route Transit buses and "JOBS," the Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) Ride -Assist Voucher Program, the Disabilities (ADA) Paratransit Program for individuals with disabilities, and the Capital Assistance Program. The Commissioners discussed the details with Mi•. Cerrone. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the resolution authorizing the filing of the application for a grant under the Federal Transit Act and execution of the grant March 29, 2011 Page 4 upon receipt by way of concurrence of the County Attorney, as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2011-02 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. OTHER BUSINESS: Annointment to Boards and Commissions Washineton Countv Soil Conservation District Board of SunerVISOYS Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Scott Shank to the Washington County Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors for a five-year term extending through March 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Haeerstown Reeional Airport Advisory Commission Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint Brett Wilson to the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission for a second, three-year term, extending through November 30, 2013; and to appoint Norman Morin to a first, three-year term, extending through March 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Washineton Countv Board of Zoning Anneals Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint current alternate member Matt Harsh, as a full member on the Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals to fulfill an unexpired term through June 30, 2011, and to appoint Robert Coblentz as an alternate member to fulfill Mr. Harsh's term through July 31, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray reported that he would be in Annapolis tomorrow for a Chesapeake Bay Restoration Coalition meeting, on which he serves as president. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR FIRE POLICE APPOINTMENTS Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, discussed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hagerstown and Board of County Commissioners relating to Fire Police working for fire and rescue companies within the corporate limits of Hagerstown. Mr. Wilkinson stated that the agreement outlines that the Washington County Sheriff appoints Fire Police members, pursuant to state law, and that no employee - employer relationship is created by the appointment. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Fire Police appointments as presented, and to approve execution of any related documents. The motion passed unanimously. March 29, 2011 Page 5 PURCHASING DEPARTMENT — EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Rick Curry, Purchasing Agent, recognized Brandi J. Naugle, Procurement Specialist II in the Purchasing Department, for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Inc. (MPPA.) Mr. Curry stated that Mrs. Naugle was surprised with the award during an MPPA meeting in Linthicum, Maryland on March 10, 2011. President Terry L. Baker presented a proclamation to Mrs. Naugle, on behalf of the Commissioners, in recognition of the award and congratulated her for her hard work and dedication to her job. Mrs. Naugle thanked the Commissioners for the recognition. CONTRACT AWARD — REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, and Joe Kulma, Real Property Administrator, presented a recommendation to award the contract for Real Property Appraisal Services (PUR-1149) to Bowers Appraisal Service, LLP (BAS) of Hagerstown, Maryland based on the responsive, responsible proposal with the lowest sum total amount of $28,755.00. Mr. Kroboth advised that of the four bids received, a significantly lower bid was submitted by BAS. He advised that associates fiom BAS were interviewed to assure that the scope of work was fully understood, and they affirmed that it was. Mr. Kroboth recommended that a secondary contract be awarded to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland for $109,600.00, in the event that Bowers is incapable of performing the set -vices or when a second opinion is required. The Commissioners discussed the details concerning the "requirements" contract. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to award a primary requirements contract for Real Property Appraisal Services to Bowers Appraisal Services, LLP of Hagerstown, Maryland for $28,755.00, and the secondary requirements contract to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland for $109,600.00 as presented. The Commissioners discussed the procedure if BSA could not fulfill the contract. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION - REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION SERVICES Joe Kulma distributed additional information requested by the Commissioners during their discussion on March 15, 2011 regarding the contract award for real property acquisition services. Mr. Kuhna and Joe Kroboth answered questions from the Commissioners concerning past amounts billed by the incumbent company and the method to be used for reimbursement of mileage expenses in the contract yet to be awarded. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have the contract award item scheduled for discussion and vote at a future meeting. FY 2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Joe Kroboth, Public Works Director, and Jennifer Smith, Deputy Director of Public Works, presented proposed new fees for engineering review services performed by the Land Development Engineering Department. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the fees relate to March 29, 2011 Page 6 new state regulations for stormwater management and help to cover the costs of services. The Commissioners discussed the fees and the actual costs of services. Ms. Smith stated that some fees were significantly reduced after discussions with the State of Maryland. The Commissioners took the proposal under advisement. Debra Murray, Finance Director, reviewed proposed landfill fee increases for the Solid Waste Fund, including a $5.00 increase in permit fees per year and offering a second vehicle permit at a slightly reduced fee. Recycling was also discussed. RECESS FOR LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:57 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:28 p.m., with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. FY 2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET DISCUSSIONS (cont.) Greg Murray discussed the request by Veterans to receive a $30 fee reduction when using the landfill, which would result in an approximate $15,000.00 reduction in landfill fees to the County. He noted that senior citizens age 65 years and older now receive a $30 reduction. The Commissioners discussed the request. Ms. Murray stated that General Fund operating budgets were cut a total of 4.8% for the third consecutive year and that overall, the base budget has been decreasing by 2.17% the past five years. She noted that employee benefit costs rose by 10% due to health care increases. Ms. Murray reviewed General Fund expenditures regarding the Education, Library, Public Safety, Fire and Rescue, and Animal Control Services categories. Also reviewed were Other Government Programs such as Circuit Court, the Health Department, and Cooperative Extension Services. She indicated that funding to non -profits was reduced by a flat 2% the past two years. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:06 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 consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; 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 was unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has March 29, 2011 Page 7 jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; and consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. 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; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times, Angela Smith, Deputy Director -Permits and Inspections Department; Greg Larsen, Airport Business Development Manager; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Phil Ridenour -Airport Director; Brett Wilson, Chair - Airport Advisory Commission; Jennifer Smith, Deputy Director -Land Development Engineering; William Sonnik, III, Human Resources Director; Julie Pippel, Director - Division of Environmental Management; Dan DiVito, Director -Permits and Inspections; and Brian Overcash, Safety Administrator. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in regular session at 4:26 p.m. Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Tri-Countv Council for Western Marvland Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Robert Coblentz and Brent Taylor to the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland as private citizen representatives, for terms extending through December 2, 2014; and to appoint Hancock Mayor Daniel Murphy (David Smith, Designee), and Williamsport Mayor James McCleaf (Michael Sparks, Designee), as mayoral representatives, for terms extending through December 2, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 4:28 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Mutray, County dministrator r C. Downey, AssistanLE y orney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk