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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.20.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland September 20, 2011 The Commissioners attended the Transportation Association of Maryland's (TAM) Annual Conference at Hager Hall, 901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, and presented a proclamation to the organization to commemorate the statewide convention. WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION FUNDING DISCUSSION County Administrator Greg Murray convened a discussion with President Terry L. Baker, Vice President John F. Barr, and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William McKinley; Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) representatives, including President Glenn Fishack, Secretary Rick Blair, and WCVFRA legal counsel Bruce Poole; and Delegation members Senator Christopher Shank, and Delegates Andrew Serafrni, John Donoghue, and LeRoy Myers. The parties discussed the distribution of County gaming fund revenue to volunteer fire and rescue companies. After discussion and comments, the Delegation members stated that they would meet with company representatives to hear their comments within the next six weeks. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:00 a.m. (Commissioner William McKinley left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.) President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 11:10 a.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, and Jeffrey A. Cline. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Sentember 13.2011 Motion made by Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, to approve the minutes of September 13, 2011 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. HAGERSTOWN-WASHINGTON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION. INC. (CHIEF) DISCUSSION Gregory Snook, newly elected President of the Hagerstown -Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF) met with the Commissioners to discuss its history and working relationship with the County. Mr. Snook discussed previous projects accomplished by CHIEF and the new Mt. Aetna Farms corridor project. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Snook for the informative discussion and wished him well in his new position. September 20, 2011 Page 2 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Cathy Hanson, Program Coordinator for the Alzheimers Association, provided information on the organization and the nationwide Alzheimer's "Action on the Square" event to be held on Wednesday, September 21 in downtown Hagerstown. The Commissioners thanked her for her work on behalf of the organization. (Commissioner Callaham left the meeting at 11:26 a.m.) COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline commented on the September 11, 2001 ten-year anniversary remembrance event held last week at Hagerstown City Park and the Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Breakfast with new Herald -Mail Publisher Andy Bruns. He attended the Transportation Association of Maryland's convention this morning with his fellow Commissioners. Mr. Cline was present at meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, Rural Heritage Museum Board, and Alzheimer's Association. He attended a celebration for the Family Involved program at the Department of Social Services and the dedication of the Linn Hendershot Memorial Garden at the Western Maryland Hospital. Commissioner Cline reported on a Chamber of Commerce event to welcome Potomac Edison back to the community. He enjoyed attending the Volvo/Mack Truck Open House and the Washington County Recreation Department's Princess Party at Hagerstown Community College. He participated in a parade to observe the 75th anniversary of the Clear Spring Fire and Rescue Company. Mr. Cline described the dedication ceremony of the Dr. Fahmey office at the Rural Heritage Museum. He noted that Dr. Fahrney, a dentist in the community, founded the San Mar Children's Home and the Fahrney-Keedy Home. Commissioner Bair stated that he also attended the Chamber of Commerce events at the Springfield Barn and the Eggs and Issues breakfast. He reported on a Community Foundation Board meeting and a tribute for the Waltersdorf/Henson Challenge held at Hagerstown Community College (HCC.) Mr. Barr attended a meeting at the University Systems of Maryland -Hagerstown Campus to discuss the search for a new executive director and noted that Coppin State University would join the list of colleges that offer courses at the downtown location. He enjoyed the Rural Heritage Museum's Dr. Fahmey office dedication and the Autumn Arts Festival at City Park. Commissioner Barr visited Boonsboro Elementary School with Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey to distribute dictionaries to students donated by the Hagerstown Rotary Club. Commissioner Baker thanked Kevin Lewis and staff for the City Park remembrance event. He also thanked County staff for handling calls he received regarding weeds, roads, and transit. He thanked the Delegation and WCVFRA for the discussion held this morning. Mr. Baker thanked Transit Director Kevin Cerrone for helping to organize the TAM convention currently being held in Hagerstown. September 20, 2011 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS Aunointments to Washington Countv Boards and Commissions: Washington Countv Animal Control Authority Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Gary Kauffman as an alternate member on the Animal Control Authority to fulfill an unexpired term through July 31, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Washington Countv Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to reappoint Steve Ernst to a second, three- year term on the Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee through June 30, 2014; and to appoint Dean Boggs to a first, three-year term through September 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Michael Hough to a first, three- year term on the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission through September 30, 2014, to appoint John Miller to a first, three-year term through November 30, 2014, and to reappoint Kent Oliver to a second, three-year term through October 31, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray requested approval to advertise to hire for the following budgeted positions: 1) Full -Time, Grade 13, Senior Planner in the Plan Review and Permitting Department; 2) Full -Time, Grade 8, Accounts Receivable Specialist in the Budget and Finance Department; 3) Full -Time, Grade 10, Building Maintenance Supervisor in the Parks and Facilities Department, 4) Full -Time, Grade 16, Chief Planner in the Planning and Zoning Department, 5) Full -Time, Grade 11, Specialist Supervisor in the Department of Emergency Services, and a 6) Full -Time, Grade 8, Department of Emergency Services Call Taker. Mr. Murray discussed the information provided regarding justification for the positions that had been requested during last week's meeting. Commissioner Cline requested that the positions be first advertised internally and Mr. Murray stated that it is the County's policy to do so. Jim Sterling, Director of the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department requested permission to fill future vacancies that may occur if any of the positions were filled internally, thereby creating another opening. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to discuss the matter after Commissioner Callaharn returned to the meeting in the afternoon. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:52 p.m. September 20, 2011 Page 4 AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:35 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr, and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham and Jeffrey A. Cline. RECYCLING PROGRAM OPTIONS REVIEW Cliff Engle, Deputy Director of the Division of Environmental Management -Department of Solid Waste, provided an overview of recycling options considered by the County and their costs. He stated that the County's Solid Waste Plan contains a goal to increase the overall recycling rate to 50%. Mr. Engle introduced Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) members Rick Schulman, Jerome Martin, David Gysberts, David Hanlin, and Cathy Vesely. Ms. Vesely, SWAC Chair, read the group's recommendations that include options 1) strengthening and enforcing the current recycling ordinance that requires haulers to provide the collection of recyclables, 2) increasing public awareness of recycling, 3) providing technical assistance to municipalities for their own recycling programs, 4) increasing the annual permit fee to $200.00 and implementing a "pay as you throw" program, and 5) ending the subsidy of the current recycling program through tipping and permit fees by transferring it to the County's General Fund. SWAC board member David Hanlin read a minority report from member Joseph Caha and himself concerning the high costs of operation, loss of landfill revenue, and locating funding sources. He detailed the "pay as you throw" program, which uses pre -paid bags that cost more for trash disposal than those for recycling materials. The Commissioners discussed the proposals. The discussion was suspended due to a scheduled public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING — WASHINGTON COUNTY ETHICS ORDINANCE President Baker convened a public hearing at 2:03 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the recommended repeal and reenactment of the Washington County Ethics Ordinance (Ordinance.) Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey reviewed the amendments being proposed as a result of a change in regulations at the State level. He indicated that as required, the State Ethics Commission had reviewed the draft Ordinance for compliance, and made one minor suggestion. Mr. Downey recommended that following the public hearing, the Ordinance be brought back before the Commissioners for consideration during their next scheduled meeting. The public hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The public hearing was closed at 2:07 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners. It was their consensus to consider the proposed Ordinance at the next Commissioners' meeting. RECYCLING PROGRAM OPTIONS REVIEW (continued) Greg Murray continued the discussion of recycling program options and the proposals being considered. Commissioner Baker was not in favor of increasing permit fees to $200.00 per year as recommended by SWAC. Commissioner Callaham expressed her desire to include a "pay as you throw" system in the final decision. September 20, 2011 Page 5 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr moved to approve Options 1-3 presented by SWAC with the inclusion of the "pay as you throw" method listed under Option 4. Commissioner Callalram recommended the exclusion of the "pay as you throw" method in the motion so that details regarding its proposal may be discussed after the vote. Commissioner Cline agreed to amend the motion to approve Options 1-3 only as recormnended by SWAC. Commissioner Barr seconded the motion. The Commissioners discussed the issues. Cliff Engle stated that the recently approved Solid Waste Plan Update includes Options 1-3. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners discussed Option 4 and how to cover operating costs of the landfill and the current County recycling program it subsidizes, by increasing the annual permit fee, and implementing a "pay as you throw" program. Greg Murray stated that the proposal requires further information regarding cost per bag and costs to the department. He also addressed the drop boxes in the community that cost approximately $500,000.00 per year that are often overflowing and filled with umecyclable materials. Commissioner Callaham proposed to set a 30-60 day period to develop a "pay as you throw" program proposal and replacement program for all unmanned recycling containers that would address curbside recycling. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to make every effort to have a plan in place within sixty days. EXTENSION OF CONTRACT - RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER SERVICES Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, recommended the extension of the current Recycling Drop-off Center Services contract (PUR-990) with Allied Waste Services of Hagerstown, Maryland at the current contract rate of $166.02 per trip, based on the original Option `B" bid award for a period of nine months from October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Ms. Luther indicated that the services involve the supply of containers and the removal, processing and marketing of recyclables for the residential recycling drop-off sites, and that the contract would cover through the current fiscal year. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve extending the current contract with Allied Waste Services of Hagerstown, Maryland at the current contract rate of $166.02 per trip, as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FUNDING Debra Murray, Budget and Finance Director, reviewed a draft plan to determine criteria and define the procedure used to provide funds to community organizations and non- profits by the County Commissioners. Ms. Murray provided an overview of the draft proposal that includes the appointment of a Funding Committee to be overseen by the Gaming Office. Funding priorities would be based on the Commissioners' top community service priorities, after education and roads, as follows: 1) families and children, 2) health and special needs, 3) the workforce, 4) the elderly, 5) parks and recreation programming, and 6) public safety. The Commissioners discussed details of the proposal with Ms. Murray and Jim Hovis, Gaming Director. It was the Commissioners' consensus to work September 20, 2011 Page 6 with the structure being proposed and to have Ms. Murray provide a list of items for further discussion and review. The cutoff date of January 15, 2012 was set to include the proposed changes into the next County budget cycle. Ms. Murray requested that the Commissioners provide service priorities to be included in the list. REOUEST TO FILL POSITIONS (continued from Countv Administrator Comments) County Administrator Greg Murray requested approval to advertise to hire for the six budgeted positions discussed earlier under County Administrator comments. The Commissioners discussed the various requests. Commissioner Callaham requested a consensus from the Commissioners to allow staff to hire without their express approval in the future if certain parameters are set ahead of time and followed. The Commissioners did not reach a consensus on this issue. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to advertise to hire for the six positions as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Baty, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 3:38 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 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, and Jeffrey A. Cline. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney, and at various times Rick Rock, Director of the Mental Health Authority; and Stephanie Stone, Director of the Health and Human Services Department. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 3:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. CSAFE FUNDING Commissioner Callaham requested information regarding County funding to CSAFE for after school programming. September 20, 2011 Page 7 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 3:47 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregor urray, Co 10 Administrator i John M. Martirano, o y Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk