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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.11.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland October 11, 2011 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:06 p.m. with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffery A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. PROCLAMATION —CHARACTER COUNTS! MONTH Carolyn Brooks, former CSAFE Coordinator, accepted a proclamation fi•om President Baker, on behalf of the Commissioners, to recognize October 2011 as Character Counts! Month in Washington County. The Commissioners praised Ms. Brooks for her hard work and professional accomplishments. Ms. Brooks spoke on the importance of the "Character Counts!" program and thanked the Commissioners for the recognition. MAP AMENDMENT (RZ-11-001) HOLCIM (US) INC. Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney, and Stephen Goodrich, Planning and Zoning Director, reviewed the application for Map Amendment RZ-11-001, Holcim (US) Inc. The applicant has requested a rezoning change from Agriculture (Rural) to an Industrial, Mineral floating zone for 120.11 acres located on both sides of Old Forge Road between Antietam Drive and Herman Myers Road. The zoning change will allow expansion of Holcim's mining operation onto the site. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the history of the application, including a previous public hearing, The Commissioners discussed the issue. It was the unanimous consensus of the Commissioners to approve the rezoning application. A formal vote will be taken at a future meeting after the County Attorney's Office prepares findings of fact to support the decision. PROCLAMATION — DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH Joe Kuhna, Vice -Chair of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, discussed the responsibilities and duties of the Disabilities Advisory Committee. Mr. Kuhna accepted a proclamation from President Baker, on behalf of the County Commissioners, in recognition of Disabilities Awareness Month for October 2011 in Washington County. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT ELMER A. STONE. JR. Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Department of Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the Elmer A. Stone, Jr. Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement project for $35,678.32. Mr. Seifarth indicated that CREP funds are 100% state -paid and are used to protect highly erodible land. If not accepted, 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 approve the Elmer A. Stone Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easement project for $35,678.32 as presented, to adopt an Ordinance approving the purchase of the Conservation Easement October 11, 2011 Page 2 over the Elmer A. Stone, Jr. property under the Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and to authorize the execution of all necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-22 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION — ROBINWOOD DRIVE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of three option agreements for the partial acquisition of properties located at 11314, 11302, and 11067 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, to allow for future widening and improvements planned in the area. Mr. Kuhna detailed the purchases and stated that $131,366.00 is contained in the Capital Improvement Project budget for the acquisitions. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve three option agreements to acquire the real property for the purpose stated, to adopt an Ordinance approving said purchases, and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisitions. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2011-23 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION - PLUMB GROVE Stephen Goodrich, Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, presented a recommendation to place the historic Plumb Grove property, a 19th century farmhouse located in Clear Spring, on the National Register of Historic Places (Register.) Mr. Goodrich indicated that the owner, the Clear Spring District Historical Association, supports the application. He detailed that the Register is a federal government listing of properties deemed worthy of recognition and preservation for their significance in American history and culture. A listing on the Register is beneficial for certain tax credits and consideration in the planning of federal and State projects. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to concur with the Historic District Commission's action to recommend listing of Plumb Grove in the National Register of Historic Places. The motion passed unanimously. WASHINGTON COUNTY 2012 BUILDING CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE Jennifer Smith, Director, and Brennan Garrett, Chief Plans Examiner, Division of Plan Review and Permitting, initiated a discussion regarding the formation of a Washington County 2012 Building Code Review Committee. Ms. Smith stated that the Division of Plan Review and Permitting would be forming a committee of experts in the building construction field to make recommendations for adopting the 2012 Maryland Building Performance Standards and building codes. It is anticipated that the State of Maryland will adopt the 2012 ICC building codes on January 1, 2012 and all local governments are required to adopt new codes within six months. Jennifer Smith stated that the role of the Committee would be to review proposed changes to the existing International Building Code and make recommendations to the Commissioners regarding adoption or modifications. The Commissioners discussed the issue and agreed to advise Ms. Smith of any suggestions or modifications they may have regarding its formation. October 11, 2011 Page 3 HOTEL RENTAL TAX FUND AGENCY APPLICATION — HAGERSTOWN AVIATION MUSEUM Tom Riford, President and CEO, Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and John Seburn, President of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, requested $10,000.00 from the County's Hotel Rental Tax Fund for the Hagerstown Aviation Museum's Wing and Wheels Expo 2011 to be held on October 15-16,2011. The two-day event features different types of aircraft and vehicles and allows various companies to showcase their products and job opportunities by participating in the event. Mr. Seburn stated that this is the largest event the Museum has ever promoted within Washington County. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to support the request as presented, with $10,000.00 to be taken from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 2:55 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, 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 consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. 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 B. Murray, County Administrator; Katie Yoder, Executive Assistant to the Comity Administrator; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; and John Martirano, County Attorney. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Banc, moved to reconvene in open session at 3:13 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:15 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF HANCOCK 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 7:05 p.m. at Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham and Jeffrey A. Cline. (Commissioner William B. McKinley was at the 35th Annual Washington County Showcase of Marching Bands event to present a proclamation on behalf the County Commissioners and was absent during the evening meeting.) October 11, 2011 Page 4 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag buy the full assemblage. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Callaham reported on meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation and Historical Advisory Committee. She attended the dedication of a Meditation Garden at the Meritus Medical Center and presented a proclamation to Mike Day for his contribution in raising $16 million for the medical center. Ms. Callaham attended the Alsatia Club's 100`h Anniversary celebration that also honored its life members. She reported that she has been actively reading Herald -Mail newspaper articles regarding operations of the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association and had attended a meeting with the Association and staff. Commissioner Barr reported attending the grand opening of the Keller Williams Realty office at the Valley Mall. He was present at anniversary celebrations of the Smithsburg Library, Fort Richie Community Center, and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Barr enjoyed the Hangerfest fundraiser to benefit Discovery Station held at the Rider Jet Center. He attended the Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction awards banquet where local contractors received awards for projects to be recognized at the national level. Commissioner Barr and Economic Development Commission members travelled to Baltimore for a Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development appreciation luncheon. He stated that he is the current Chair of the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland and attended its fall retreat last week. Mr. Barr met with several individuals to discuss code compliance and the requirements for applying for building permits. Commissioner Cline thanked the Town of Hancock for hosting the Commissioners' evening meeting. He reported attending the Tri -County Council meeting and praised Commissioner John Bar for the job he does in chairing the committee. Mr. Cline participated in the United Way Day of Caring by working on a thrift store building in Hancock. He attended the Historic District Commission meeting, and along with fellow Commissioners, the Maryland Department of Transportation Annual Tour meeting held in Washington County. Commissioner Cline attended the 30th Washington County Elementary School Cross Country Run at Black Rock Park. He visited the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company during its open house and presented a proclamation to District Governor Stephen Finger for his years of service at a District 22 Lions Club event. Mr. Cline attended a World War II reenactment event at the Springfield Barn in Williamsport. He and Commissioner Baker attended the Washington County Farm Bureau meeting. Commissioner Cline visited the Washington County Division of Plan Review and Permitting during its first Customer Appreciation Week. Commissioner Baker thanked the Mayor and Council for hosting the meeting. He reported on a Washington County Farm Bureau meeting where new officers were appointed and members discussed concerns about a leash law. He attended a Recreation and Parks Board October 11, 2011 Page 5 meeting and mentioned two events to be held at the Rural Heritage Museum, a November 12 country breakfast and December 3 Christmas Open House. Commissioner Baker thanked Dave Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, and staff of the Washington County Family Center, for arranging the Family Center tour by the Commissioners last week. HANCOCK MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Hancock Mayor Daniel Murphy thanked the Commissioners for sponsoring a meeting in the Town. He also expressed appreciation for the recognition given the current winner of the Soap Box Derby and for contributions to the United Way Day of Caring in Hancock. Mayor Murphy praised Hancock's new business, Evolve Composites, stating that it has employed sixty residents from the immediate area. He also discussed the possibility of creating a job credit program that would entice companies to locate in the Town. David Smith, Hancock Town Manager, referenced a call received from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation regarding a tax issue with the Stanley E. Fulton Industrial complex. Mr. Smith requested that the Commissioners and the Town work together to resolve the issue. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Rebecca Massie Lane, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, thanked the Commissioners for their consensus in supporting the Museum of Fine Arts' State matched funds for an exhibit commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator Comments Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator, reported that the Division of Plan Review and Permitting is holding its first Customer Appreciation event this week to show appreciation to customers and citizens of Washington County. He invited all to partake in the event and to meet the Division staff. In a follow-up to the October 4 Board meeting where a $20,000.00 loan to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts was discussed, Mr. Murray asked for a consensus of the Commissioners to approve an additional $20,000.00 from Hotel Rental Tax Funds, to the Museum's existing County loan, to assist with State matching funds for an exhibit commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Mr. Murray advised that the State of Maryland and the Museum Board of Directors have accepted the idea. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve a $20,000.00 loan to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts from Hotel Rental Tax Funds, for the Civil War Exhibit at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The motion carried with Commissioners Cline, Barr, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Callaham "ABSTAINING." October 11, 2011 Page 6 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Bair, moved to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregbry B. lurray, Co" Administrator 1 11 A 0 k h. John M. Martirano, Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk