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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.19.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland July 19, 2011 The Commissioners attended "Happy Camper Day" and lunch at 12:00 p.m. with campers attending the Washington County Recreation Department's Summer Camp Program at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Park. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:36 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Arme Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. MEET AND GREET RECEPTION — HONORABLE M. KENNETH LONG. JR. The Commissioners met with M. Kenneth Long, Jr., the newly appointed Washington County Circuit Court Administrative Judge. Judge Long introduced Court Administrator Eunice Plank. He stated that he looked forward to the excellent working relationship he had with the Commissioners while formerly serving as State's Attorney. HE, INTERN Herald -Mail reporter Heather Keels introduced summer intern Aaron Saunders who attends North Carolina Central University. The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Saunders and wished him well during his internship. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION —1049 AND 1051 SECURITY ROAD Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of two option agreements for the partial acquisition of properties located at 1049 and 1051 Security Road, to allow for future widening and improvements planned in the area. Mr. Kulma detailed that $58,650.00 is contained in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for the acquisitions. The Commissioners discussed the issue with Mr. Kuhna. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve two option agreements to acquire the real property for $58,650.00 as presented, to approve "An Ordinance to Approve the Purchase of Real Property," and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-13 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) PERMIT STATUS - WASHINGTON COUNTY STORMWATER NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM Jennifer Smith, Director -Division of Plan Review and Permitting, presented an overview of the Washington County Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Permit that requires the County to meet six minimum control measures for stormwater management under the Clean Water Act. Ms. Smith indicated that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) performs an annual review of the permit progress and that Washington County is in its sixth year of the MS4 NPDES permit. She July 19, 2011 Page 2 advised that the permit is scheduled for re -issuance between late 2011 or early 2012. Ms. Smith anticipated that the new permit would require the County to meet load reduction and program implementation requirements of the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), among other items. The total estimated costs for TMDLs in Maryland range from $77,000,000.00 to $400,000,000.00. The Commissioners discussed the information presented and the costs involved. DISCUSSION OF PRIORITIES FOR THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNUAL TOUR MEETING Joseph Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, introduced a discussion regarding the transportation project priorities that the Commissioners would like to highlight during the Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Annual Tour stop in Washington County. He presented various initiatives for consideration encompassing pedestrians, bicycles, highways and their maintenance, mass transit, aviation, and Park -n -Ride facilities. The Commissioners discussed the need for upgrades to the interchange at Interstate 70 and Maryland Route 65 corridor and the heavy truck traffic in Williamsport. Mr. Kroboth advised that he would provide MDOT with a list of the County's priorities prior to the October 6, 2011 meeting. I: iJsll�llTYl7:1►�y y Dl:i.� MAUGANS AVENUE I PROJECT TO TRANSIT BUS TRANSFER CENTER Rob Slocum, Deputy Director -Public Works, advised that the Maugans Avenue I Project had been finalized and that $605,082.00 remains in unused project funds. He stated that staff had separated the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds from the local funds used for the project. Mr. Slocum recommended that the Commissioners approve a budget transfer of $245,000.00 from the Maugans Avenue I Project to the Transit Bus Transfer Center. The Commissioners discussed the details with Mr. Slocum. Commissioner Baker stated that he did not support the inclusion of a blacktopped parking lot when the Transit Center bid vote was taken, and in order to remain consistent, he would not be supporting the request today. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve a budget transfer of $245,000.00 from the Maugans Avenue I Project to the Transit Bus Transfer Center Project. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, McKinley, Callaham and Cline voting "AYE" and Commissioner Baker "NO." MAUGANS AVENUE I PROJECT TO PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM Rob Slocum requested approval of a $355,000.00 budget transfer from the Maugans Avenue I Project to the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Slocum provided details of the request that includes software estimated to cost $225,000.00 for updated survey and road condition information that is significant to the operation of the Program. July 19, 2011 Page 3 Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve a budget transfer of $355,000.00 from the Maugans Avenue I Project to the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program as presented. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION — COMMISSIONER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES REGARDING BUDGETARY FUNDING AND OPERATIONAL TARGETS County Administrator Greg Murray introduced a discussion of Commissioners' budgetary goals and objectives, concerning funding to non-profit entities and organizations that perform governmental functions, and the distribution of funds fiom the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The Commissioners reviewed information provided regarding County funding over the past few years. They expressed the desire to develop standards or results -based criteria for providing funds from the Hotel Rental Fund. Commissioner Callaham suggested developing a data based method to decide which organizations should receive funding in the future. Commissioner McKinley suggested giving higher priorities to organizations that contribute to education, transportation, or health and safety. Mr. Murray commented that the distribution of Hotel Rental Tax Fund monies could be handled similar to yearly Gaming Commission distributions, and the Commissioners could reserve some funds for unanticipated requests. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to develop a procedure and criteria to be used to further define the process. Greg Murray discussed a proposed Revolving Loan Fund that would be another tool to foster economic development, create jobs, and assist new and expanding businesses. The Commissioners expressed support for such a fund and agreed to discuss the proposal in August after obtaining budget information from Finance Director Debra Murray. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:55 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, compensation, 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 consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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, compensation, 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 consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. 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; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times July 19, 2011 Page 4 Richard Willson, Director -Washington County Housing Department, Judith Ferro, Board Chair; Jennifer Smith, Director -Division of Plan Review and Permitting; Phil Ridenour, Airport Director; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; and LeRoy Myers. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at 5:43 p.m. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:43 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF KEEDYSVILLE 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 7:26 p.m. at Keedysville Town Hall, 19 South Main Street, Keedysville, with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was offered by Pastor Mark Sandell of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 12.2011 Motion made by Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, to approve the minutes of July 12, 2011. The motion passed unanimously. KI]rLlr�l(.X9[I7►1�1:7.�I7�lZ�]i71KYl`►i1K1 a7'i�l�l►`YK� Commissioner Callaham thanked the Town of Keedysville for hosting the meeting this evening. She stated that she attended Bike Nights held in Hagerstown and Williamsport. Ms. Callaham reported on a meeting of the Public Golf Corporation Board. Commissioner Cline reminded those present that the Ag Expo would be held July 23-30 at the Agricultural Education Center. He reported on an Agricultural Education Center Board meeting, stating that the Farm Family of the Year would be named during the Spud Fest event. Mr. Cline attended the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association picnic, a Washington County Lobbying Coalition meeting with Commissioner Callaham, and a press conference held by Senator Barbara Mikulski. He thanked the Recreation Department for hosting the Happy Camper Day lunch and visit with the Commissioners earlier today. Commissioner McKinley reported on a meeting of the Economic Development Commission Board and its work being done to bring jobs to Washington County. He attended the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame banquet where his brother, Donald, July 19, 2011 Page 5 was inducted. Mr. McKinley attended the public announcement by Senator Mikulski of the $600,000.00 funding award from Appalachian Regional Commission to projects planned for the Mt. Aetna Farms area. He congratulated County Little League programs for having a great season. Commissioner Barr reported on meetings in Annapolis by the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) where attendees discussed county budget actions among other items. Mr. Barr attended a meeting of an ad hoc committee formed by MACo to study investment policies. He enjoyed the Eggs and Issues breakfast sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce where Clayton Wilcox, the new Washington County Public Schools superintendent, addressed attendees. Commissioner Barr attended the Area Agency on Aging Board meeting. He stated that he participated in the Bone to be Wild motorcycle ride to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County, Commissioner Barr mentioned that he would be volunteering at the gate during Ag Expo along with several of his fellow Commissioners. Commissioner Baker thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He advised that he was also present at the announcement made by Senator Mikulski. Mr. Baker enjoyed the Happy Campers Day event at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Park where 400 children are attending camp this summer. Commissioner Baker noted that Ag Expo would have carnival rides this year and he encouraged all to attend. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Keedysville Mayor Matt Hull was delayed by the sudden storm and was unable to make the meeting. Assistant Mayor Barry Levey thanked the County for access to signs to advise citizens of road outages. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Oscar Evans of 16943 Sprecher Road, Sharpsburg commented on transportation needs for the current Keedysville Senior Center and the planned Center at Hagerstown Community College. Gerry Ditto of 14736 Ditto Road, Clear Spring, commented on Urban Growth Area issues. OTHER BUSINESS Auuointments to Washineton Countv Boards and Commissions: Historic District Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint George Anikis to fill an unexpired term on the Historic District Commission, extending through December 31, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. Mental Health Advisory Committee Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to reappoint Patrick Flickinger to a second, three-year term on the Mental Health Advisory Committee, retroactive from July 19, 2011 Page 6 February 28, 2011 through February 28, 2014; and to appoint Florine Foster as a consumer representative to a first three-year term through June 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. PenMar Development Corporation Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint Patrick Pascoe to a second, four-year term on the PenMar Development Corporation Board through June 30, 2015; to reappoint Tim Henry and Jason Divelbiss to their first, full four-year terms through June 30, 2015; and to appoint James Devlin, Patrick Fleagle, and W. Christopher Metz to their first, four-year terms through June 30, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. Housini? Authoritv Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley moved to appoint Robert Coblentz to fill an unexpired term on the Washington County Housing Authority, extending through August 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Board of Zonine Anneals Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Matt Harsh to a first full, three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals through June 30, 2014; and to reappoint Neal Glessner to a first full, three-year term as an alternate member through June 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Animal Control Authoritv Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Randall Wagner as a member -at -large on the Animal Control Authority Board to fulfill an unexpired term through February 28, 2013; and to appoint Steve Palmer and Jessica Nelson as alternate members to first full, three-year terms extending through July 31, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Plumbine/Mechanical Board Commissioner Ban, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Brian Tana as the Master Plumber representative and William K. Vantz as the member -at -large representative on the Washington County Plumbing/Mechanical Board, both to first full, three-year terms through July 31, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He requested authorization from the Commissioners to send a letter of support for the extension of the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park Advisory Commission and the continuation of the current commission membership and structure. Mr. Murray provided information regarding the request from Senator Ben Cardin, who has sponsored legislation to reauthorize the Commission. The Commissioners discussed the request and its importance to many municipalities in Washington County. July 19, 2011 Page 7 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to send a letter of support for the C&O Canal National Historical Park Advisory Commission as requested. The motion passed unanimously. Mi. Murray stated that the Town of Williamsport has requested a letter of support from the Commissioners to the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland for the use of $20,000.00 in unused Appalachian Regional Commission funds to assist with the Town's revitalization and tourism programs. Mr. Murray stated that funds would be used for marketing and the development of bike lane signage among other items. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to send a letter of support for the Town of Williamsport as requested. The motion passed unanimously. Renorts from County Staff Denartment of Emereencv Services Kevin Lewis, Director -Emergency Services, requested permission to fill two full-time budgeted positions in the 9-1-1 Center: 1) Assistant Supervisor, Grade 10, and 2) Emergency Communications Specialist, Grade 8. Mr. Lewis indicated that the positions would likely be filled from the current pool of part-time employees. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the requests as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 8:27 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory xray, Coy my Administrator John M. Mar•tirano, un Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk