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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.30.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland August 30, 2011 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:16 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. CONTRACT AWARD — PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR EASTERN BOULEVARD Robert Slocum, Deputy Director, and Scott Hobbs, Chief of Capital Projects, Division of Public Works, recommended the award of the construction contract for Professional Services for Eastern Boulevard Extended (PUR-1054) to the responsive, responsible frrin, Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP (RK&K) of Baltimore, Maryland, for a total lump sum fee of $120,000.00. Mr. Slocum provided details of the project, and requested the inclusion of a $95,000.00 Eastern Boulevard earmark in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. He indicated that the contract includes a traffic study and corridor alignment for improvements to Eastern Boulevard Extended. The Commissioners discussed the request. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to award Contract PUR-1054 to Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP to provide for Professional Services for Eastern Boulevard Extended as presented. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATED BYLAWS - WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) requested approval of Revision 3 of the Bylaws for the WCCP and Local Management Board (LMB). Ms. Stone advised that the Bylaws must be reviewed every three years pursuant to specifications in the bylaws. As also required, the LMB reviewed and approved the proposed revision during its April 15, 2011 meeting. She reviewed the changes with the Commissioners. (Commissioner Callaham left the meeting at 1:26 p.m.) Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve Revision 3 of the Bylaws for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families as presented. The motion passed with Cormnissioners Barr, McKinley, Cline, and Baker voting "AYE." Commissioner Callaham was absent during the vote. August 30, 2011 Page 2 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN - NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY, FY 2012 AWARD FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (LOCAL LMB) Stephanie Stone requested approval of a $706,675.00 grant, which represents an award to develop a Community Partnership Agreement with the Governor's Office for Children (GOC), on behalf of the Children's Cabinet for FY 2012. Ms. Stone stated that the purpose of the service to be provided is to fulfill the requirements contained in a Community Partnership Agreement that will be entered into as of July 1, 2011 between the Board of Commissioners and the State of Maryland GOC, acting through the WCCP. Ms. Stone indicated that the WCCP Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the recommendation for continuation of all the FY 2011 programmatic strategies into FY 2012. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the LMB's recent award to develop a Community Partnership Agreement with the Governor's Office for Children, on behalf of the Children's Cabinet for FY 2012 as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners McKinley, Barr, Cline, and Baker voting "AYE." Commissioner Callaham was absent during the vote. HEALTHY FAMILIESMOME VISITING GRANT FOR FEDERAL FUNDS FROM THE MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION/EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES Stephanie Stone requested approval of a grant for $277,993.00 for federal funds from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Set -vices. Ms. Stone indicated that the award of funds is for the implementation of the local Healthy Families home visitation program in Washington County for FY 2012. She stated that Healthy Families Washington County is a child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves first time parents in Washington County through home visits. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the Local Management Board's award of $277,993.00 from the Maryland State Department of Education to implement the local Healthy Families home visitation program for FY 2012. The motion passed with Commissioners McKinley, Barr, Cline, and Baker voting "AYE." Commissioner Callaham was absent during the vote. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 1:32 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; and to consider the August 30, 2011 Page 3 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. (Commissioner Callaham returned to the meeting at 1:38 p.m.) 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; and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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 Lurnm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 2:17 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. COMMERCIAL STIMULUS PROGRAM — PAD READY SITES Tim Troxell, Director, and Robert Mandley, Marketing Specialist, of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), presented a proposal for a program created by the EDC Staff and endorsed by its Board, to entice developers to further invest and improve their properties. Mr. Troxell indicated that the program to have "pad -ready" sites available for commercial/industrial development could improve the County's chance of attracting new jobs and investment to the area. It offers priority review of plans, deferment of fees, and a 40% real estate tax credit once a building is constructed. Mr. Troxell stated that the program would apply solely to undeveloped parcels zoned Industrial, Industrial/Flex, and Commercial, would exclude shopping centers and "big box" retailers, and would allow County Planning staff to approve minor site plan changes at the time of building permit application. Site plan review and application fees would be deferred until the time of application for a building permit. EDC Board member Ron Bowers recommended that shovel ready projects also be included. The Commissioners discussed details of the proposal, stating that the program could be revisited and adjusted in the future if desired. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve implementing the Pad -Ready Sites Commercial Stimulus Program and evaluate its continuance after twenty- four months. The motion passed unanimously. The County Attorney's Office will prepare a resolution outlining the program. 2011-2012 WORKERS COMPENSATION EXCESS INSURANCE RENEWAL Becky Maginnis, Risk Management Administrator, and Ed Seward of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc., Cumberland, Maryland, discussed renewal of the County's excess workers August 30, 2011 Page 4 compensation insurance coverage with New York Marine and General Company at a rate of $0.2667 per $100.00 of payroll, for a total premium of $101,468.00 for policy year September 1, 2011 to September 1, 2012, at the current retention level of $500,000.00, subject to an end of the year policy audit. Mr. Seward advised that CBIZ performed a full market survey for the renewal since the workers compensation rates have seen an increase throughout the entire market. He provided details of the survey's results and recommended coverage with New York Marine and General Insurance Company. The Commissioners discussed the proposal with Ms. Maginnis and Mr. Seward. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to renew the County's excess workers compensation insurance coverage with New York Marine and General Insurance Company at the rate of $0.2667 per $100.00 of payroll as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 2011 HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION TRANSFER Steve Goodrich, Interim Director of the Planning and Zoning Department, requested approval of the transfer of Washington County's allocation to the Community Development Administration, for the issuance of housing bonds for first time homebuyers in Washington County. Mr. Goodrich advised that each year, State law allows local governments to collaborate in a statewide bond pool for first time homebuyers. Washington County has traditionally used the allocation to participate in the Maryland Mortgage Program. He indicated that the 2011 allocation is $4,914,561.00. Mr. Goodrich addressed several questions from the Commissioners regarding the program. Commissioner Ban•, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the transfer of Washington County's 2011 allocation of $4,914,561.00 to the Community Development Administration, for the issuance of housing bonds for first time homebuyers in Washington County. The motion passed unanimously. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION —18227 MAUGANS AVENUE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval to enter into an option agreement for real property at 18227 Maugans Avenue for $324,000.00. Mr. Kuhna indicated that the total acquisition is necessary due to the road realignment and improvements planned at the intersection of Shawley Drive. He discussed details of the project with the Commissioners and noted that no relocation costs are involved. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to enter into an option agreement for real property at 18227 Maugans Avenue for $324,000.00 for the purpose stated, to adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-18 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) August 30, 2011 Page 5 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH ACTIVITIES AND LAUNCH OF CITIZEN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM Kevin Lewis, Director, and Verna Brown, Emergency Management Coordinator - Department of Emergency Services (DES) discussed activities planned for "National Preparedness Month" and the launch of the Citizen Emergency Notification System. Mr. Lewis stated that the event is observed in September and it serves to encourage all citizens of the County to prepare their homes, businesses, schools, and communities for disasters of all kinds. He discussed the recent east coast earthquake and Hurricane Irene, the effects of which were felt by Washington County citizens. He indicated that DES would be launching a new Countywide Emergency Notification System through the Everbridge technology, which allows the public to register multiple forms of contact for the purposes of receiving emergency and other optional forms of messaging. Mr. Lewis reminded citizens of the annual "Remembrance in the Park" service to be held on September 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Emergency Services Tribute Gardens at Hagerstown City Park. He and Ms. Brown distributed emergency supply backpacks to the Commissioners. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Lewis, Ms. Brown, and the Department of Emergency Services for their work done on behalf of Washington County citizens. CSAFE DIRECTOR — CAROLYN BROOKS Carolyn Brooks, Director of CSafe, thanked the Commissioners for supporting the program, formerly called HotSpots, since 2003. She provided a history of CSafe and examples of the positive effects it has had on youth in the community. Ms. Brooks stated that she would retire as its Director in September. She thanked the Commissioners for past support and expressed the desire for their support in the future for several programs in which she will be involved. The Commissioners thanked her for her years of service to the organization. ETHICS ORDINANCE REVISIONS Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey presented a discussion regarding proposed revisions to the Washington County Ethics Ordinance, pursuant to new State regulations. Mr. Downey advised that once the Commissioners approve the proposed revisions, the document would be reviewed by the State Ethics Commission to ensure compliance with State law. He recommended repealing the current ordinance and replacing it with the one proposed, which is based on the State model. The Commissioners generally discussed the proposed ordinance. They also discussed several specific provisions that needed to be resolved prior to moving forward in the process. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a draft of the proposed ordinance to the State for initial review and to schedule a public hearing to obtain public comment on the proposed new Ordinance. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:58 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and to discuss August 30, 2011 Page 6 personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, 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; and discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. 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; and Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:18 p.m. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:18 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF BOONSBORO 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 The Eugene C. Smith Community Center, 37 Park Drive, Boonsboro, 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 The Invocation was offered by Commissioner Barr followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — AUGUST 2.2011 RZ-11-001(HOLCIM) PUBLIC HEARING AND AUGUST 9.2011 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2011 RZ-11-001 (Holcim) Public Hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2011 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker welcomed the citizens of Boonsboro to the meeting and thanked them for turning out in large numbers. August 30, 2011 Page 7 Commissioner Callaham reported that she attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference and discussed sessions she attended on transportation, P1anMaryland, and the use of social media to achieve higher efficiency in government. She attended a meeting of the Black Rock Golf Board and a workshop at Rocky Gap with commissioners from Allegany and Garrett counties sponsored by MACo. Ms. Callaham enjoyed Augustoberfest in downtown Hagerstown, the Spudfest at the Agricultural Center, and Williamsport Days. She reported attending the fourth anniversary celebration of Gr•eenfest by the Boonsboro Recycling Task Force that was held the same evening as the County's informational meeting on recycling. Commissioner Callaham noted several non- profit organizations that conduct recycling in the community that also participate in the Greenfest events. Commissioner Barr stated that Ire presented a proclamation to the Hancock Tri-State Community Health Center during a National Health Center Week event that was also attended by Senator Edwards and Delegate LeRoy Myers. He attended the MACo workshop at Rocky Gap with Commissioners Cline and Callaham. Mr. Barr enjoyed the Spudfest event and congratulated the Weddle family of Creek Bound Farms for being named Farm Family of the Year. He described workshops he attended during the MACo Sumner Conference. Commissioner Barr participated in the coin toss for the Hagerstown Youth Football League at Mike Callas Stadium. Commissioner Cline thanked County Department heads and staff for completing the paving of Monroe Road in Boonsboro. He attended meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, Economic Development Commission, and Solid Waste Advisory Commission. He reported using County Commuter buses to travel to various locations in the County and complimented the new Transit Center Transfer facility. Mr. Cline enjoyed Fairplay Days, the Leitersburg Peach Festival, and Williamsport Days. He congratulated Krumpe's Donuts for sponsoring the 5K "Rally in the Alley" run to support the Wounded Warriors Foundation. He attended a Health Fair at the Walnut Street Health Center and an Ox Roast sponsored by the Williamsport Lions Club. Commissioner Cline was present at the tribute and fundraiser in memory of Nick Adenhart at the Hagerstown Suns' Stadium. He reported on a meeting of the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company and a Chamber of Commerce event at the new Tire Plus business on the Dual Highway. Mr. Cline described his presentation of a proclamation, on behalf of the Commissioners, to the Hagerstown Barron family and French Bignon family to honor the book Jason's Helmet. He also represented the Commissioners at an event to honor Jay Grimes for fifty years of volunteer service to the Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS Company. He attended the PlanMaryland workshop and the recycling informational meeting held at North Hagerstown High School. Commissioner Cline participated in the MACo workshop with commissioners from Allegany and Garrett counties. He attended the retirement luncheon for County Facilities Manager Bob Farmer and wished him well. Commissioner Cline commended the Spudfest event and the announcement of the Washington County Farm of the Year. He August 30, 2011 Page 8 congratulated the Weddle family and runner up Randy Thompson of Big Cork Vineyards. Commissioner Cline enjoyed the Augustoberfest in downtown Hagerstown. He wished his mother, Elaine Cline, a happy 84th birthday on August 18. Commissioner McKinley thanked the attendees for their interest in local government. He stated he also attended the P1anMaryland meeting and the County's informational meeting regarding recycling. Mr. McKinley was present at the Department of Business and Economic Development event at Suns Stadium and volunteered at the Williamsport Lions Club Ox Roast. He enjoyed the Augustoberfest celebration. Commissioner McKinley commended Habitat for Humanity for presenting keys to a new home on Salem Avenue to a young mother with three children, built by the Women Build group. He attended meetings of the Planning Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Baker noted his attendance at picnics for the Republican Club and Democratic Club. He attended the public meeting on recycling and the Farm of the Year presentation to the fourth generation Weddle farming family. Mr. Baker enjoyed the Williamsport Lions Club Ox Roast, noting that proceeds go toward scholarships and vision testing, among other things. He attended an EDC Board meeting and the P1anMaryland meeting. Commissioner Baker commented on seminars he attended during the MACo summer conference, which were very informative. He described a session on green initiatives. rl' /�`(1771`►i1�Z1Ii7�[y71SK17i� leIJl BVI K5 Boonsboro Vice Mayor Howard Long welcomed the Commissioners to the Town and stated that Mayor Charles F. "Skip" Kauffman could not be present. He thanked the Commissioners for paving Monroe Road and discussed its composition. Council member Barbara Wetzel invited the Commissioners to the Greenfest event scheduled for May 2012. She discussed her membership on the Boonsboro Recycling Task Force (BRTF) and stated that the Commissioners should revisit how to finance recycling. Council member Kevin Chambers spoke about the County's Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) and the mitigation policy for schools. He favored a standardized formula to arrive at mitigation amounts for developers. Town Manager Deborah Smith requested assistance from the County on stormwater management problems experienced on St. Paul Street. Council member Janeen Solberg addressed the Commissioners regarding a safety concern at the Boonsboro Library where snow and ice could fall from the roof. She also commented that the library's entrance sign is too small. Ms. Solberg informed the August 30, 2011 Page 9 Commissioners of the October 22 "Read Always and Shine" event where proceeds will go toward literacy and renovation costs of the Washington County Free Library. Council member Natalie Mose and Town Planner Megan Smith introduced themselves. Vice Mayor Long passed along a request from Mayor Kauffman regarding the need for mass transportation from Boonsboro to Hagerstown. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Eric Whittenton, President of the Citizens for the Protection of Pleasant Valley (CPPV), commented on revisions planned to the County's Ethics Ordinance. He stressed the need for an ordinance that is stronger that what is being required. Rosemary James, BRTF Chair, commented that the County should move faster toward curbside recycling. She recommended specific actions that the Commissioners should do to facilitate recycling. Lee and Joyce Stouffer of St. Paul Street described water problems they have experienced in the Lakin Avenue and St. Paul Street area. Other residents commenting on the water problems were Mary Lou Bowers, Scott Doyle, Mike Miller, and Rick Byrd, Council member Richard Hawkins indicated that the Boonsboro Library needs gutters on the building to stop water runoff that is destroying shrubbery. Larry Newmar spoke in favor of the efforts of the BRTF and the necessity to recycle for future generations. Kristin Bowl described recycling efforts in Fairfax County when she lived there ten years ago. Mike Miller requested police presence on St. Paul Street due to traffic speed and that the area be cleared around a partially hidden speed limit sign. OTHER BUSINESS Aunointrnents to Washineton Countv Boards and Commissions Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metronolitan Planning Oreanization Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Megan Clark as the municipal representative to the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization Interstate Council for a first, two-year term through August 30, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. August 30, 2011 Page 10 Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray discussed recycling and how he appreciated the feelings expressed by members of the BRTF. He stated that the dilemma is how to make a program work that does not charge those who are not using it. Mr. Murray indicated that the Commissioners are planning to address the issue at the end of September. Their desire is to find proper balance to foster a program. Mr. Murray advised that a Council of Governments meeting would be held on September 22 and he outlined several issues to be discussed. He congratulated the Town of Hancock for bringing a new business there - Evolve Composites, Inc. The Open House and welcoming ceremony will be held in the Town on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. He stated that a public hearing on the Ethics Ordinance would be scheduled soon. Commissioner Barr made note of the approaching tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 event. He suggested that attendance by the Commissioners at remembrance events be coordinated among the group. Renorts from Countv Staff Solid Waste Denartment Recycling Coordinator Tony Drury offered to meet with citizens after the meeting if desired to answer questions regarding recycling. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B Murrayounty Administrator .A'�— (n - -' John M. Martirano, unty A rney C. Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk