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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.01.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland November 1, 2011 The Commissioners attended a lunch and tour of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum at 14235 Oak Springs Road, Hagerstown, with representatives of the organization. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:18 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline and William B. McKinley. (Commissioner Ruth Anne Callaham was absent due to attending a meeting of the 1-81 Corridor Coalition in Blacksburg, Virginia.) PROCLAMATION — PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH, Jessica Wagoner, Division Director of the Western Maryland March of Dimes, spoke on activities of the organization and accepted a proclamation from the Commissioners in recognition of Prematurity Awareness Month in November. She presented plaques to Commissioner Cline and County employee Krista Shipley for their efforts in making Washington County the second highest fundraising organization during last year's March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk. BID AWARD - NEW AGRICULTURE MUSEUM, PHASE II, Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing Department, and Jim Sterling, Director of the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, presented a request to award the bid for construction of the New Agriculture Museum -Phase II, to the responsive, responsible bidder JCS Communications, Inc. of Frederick, Maryland for $232,156.00. Mr. Curry informed the Commissioners that the contract is for the construction of a new building to be located at the Agricultural Center Complex. He provided details of funding for the project and the bids that were received. Mr. Sterling discussed the building's construction and indicated that it would house exhibits such as wagons, sleighs, buggies, and antique cars. Commissioner Barr stated that he would abstain from voting due to his company being a sub -contractor for some bidders on the project. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the bid for construction of the New Agriculture Museum -Phase II, to the responsive, responsible bidder JCS Communications, Inc. of Frederick, Maryland with the lowest total bid amount of $232,156.00, consisting of a Base Bid of $216,156.00 and Add Alternate #1 for ceiling panels of $16,000.00, as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Cline, McKinley, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Barr "ABSTAIN." PLANMARYLAND DRAFT DOCUMENT Stephen Goodrich, Director of the Planning and Zoning Department, initiated a discussion of the latest draft of the P1anMaryland document, a State Development Plan for Maryland that is authorized by law and intended to serve as a guide for Maryland agencies and local governments in making land use and funding decisions. Mr. Goodrich advised that the November 1, 2011 Page 2 deadline for comments regarding PlanMaryland is November 9. He stated that the latest draft has undergone substantial revisions and now has a less demanding and more collaborative tone. It contains the wording "if counties choose to participate," meaning that local governments will have a choice. However, if they do not, he advised that the State could possibly refuse funding to projects that violate the State plan. Mr. Goodrich indicated that implementation of the document is planned for early 2013. The Commissioners discussed their concern that the State is applying standards meant for counties in urban settings versus more rural settings. They also voiced their preference that the PlanMaryland document be handled through the legislative process. The Commissioners discussed criteria to be contained in their letter to the State regarding the PlanMaryland document. It was their consensus to praise the State for softening its latest draft, but to recommend that its implementation be delayed and handled through legislation, with State legislators given time to thoroughly review the document. Mr. Goodrich stated that he would draft a letter for their review and approval. Commissioner Baker advised the Commissioners of meetings he attended with commissioner representatives from five western Maryland counties regarding PlanMaryland and the proposal that each member county contribute $3,000.00 to hire a consultant/lobbyist to protect their interests. Commissioner Baker stated that Frederick, Allegany, and Carroll counties have expressed approval of the proposal, and that Garrett County was willing to contribute $500.00 toward a breakfast meeting. The consultant/lobbyist would obtain the latest information and provide it to participating counties so that informed decisions could be made, and would lobby on behalf of the member counties concerning the PlanMaryland document or any other issues that may arise. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and their main objective that PlanMaryland be handled through the legislative process. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize up to $5,000.00 from the Commissioners' Contingency Fund to secure the services of a lobbyist, as presented and described by Commissioner Baker. The motion passed unanimously. PROPOSED URBAN GROWTH AREA COMPREHENSIVE REZONING PLAN Stephen Goodrich discussed the Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Rezoning (UGA) Plan being proposed for discussion and possible final vote during the next County Commissioners' meeting. He reviewed contents of a notebook provided to the Commissioners containing the rezoning proposals, requests from citizens, changes made, and concerns received during the comment period. Mr. Goodrich recommended that the Commissioners review the information provided therein and contact him regarding any questions they may have. The Commissioners discussed the information provided with Mr. Goodrich. November 1, 2011 Page 3 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 2:35 p.m. to consider matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations, 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 considered matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lunmt, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management; and Stephanie Stone, Director of the Health and Human Services Department. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 3:32 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:32 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING 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 7:03 p.m. at the Clear Spring Library, 12624 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline and William B. McKinley. 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 — OCTOBER 25.2011 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of October 25, 2011 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked Highway Department employees for their continuing cleanup work after this weekend's early snow event. He publically commended Potomac Edison employees for their efforts to restore power to citizens experiencing outages. Mr. Cline thanked Hancock residents Betty Lou and 'ferry McNabb for inviting him to view the Hancock Halloween Parade from their home. He reported on a PlanMaryland meeting he attended in Annapolis organized by State Senator Edward J. Pipkin. He was present at the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) Hawk Athletic Boosters Green/White Dinner and November 1, 2011 Page 4 congratulated retiring basketball coach Marlys Palmer for her many years coaching at HCC. Commissioner Cline noted that the Commissioners presented a proclamation to March of Dimes' representative Jessica Wagoner earlier in the day to recognize November as Prematurity Awareness Month. He offered condolences to the family of the late Dave Cole of Williamsport, who was formerly a major league baseball player and contributed much time to community efforts. Commissioner Bair thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He reported on a Board meeting of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and stated that the new atrium addition is frequently used. Mr. Barr noted that he serves on the national Board of The Salvation Army and recently attended a meeting at its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the annual Senior Coalition Senior Forum on State issues, where local Delegation members discussed concerns with seniors. Commissioner Barr indicated that attendees discussed the planned Senior Center at HCC. He noted the many planned uses of the community facility, including recreational and educational. Commissioner McKinley attended the Changing of Leadership ceremony at the Maryland Correctional Training Center to welcome new Warden Wayne Webb. He attended a meeting of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission where members discussed uses for the Grove-Kendle-Brumbaugh Farm located on Airport property. He stated that Airport staff continues to work on acquiring a new carrier to replace Direct Air. Mr. McKinley met with a representative on broadband access in Maryland and stated that our State needs to acquire more broadband access that would help to bring jobs to the area. He also discussed the HCC Hawk Green/Wbite dinner and the scholarships it provides to deserving students. Commissioner McKinley attended the PlanMaryland meeting sponsored by Carroll County, stating that the document may not be the best one for Maryland's more rural counties. Commissioner Baker thanked the citizens for turning out for the evening meeting. He attended a Community Action Council Board meeting where concerns were expressed regarding the County's discussion to change procedures to determine funding to non-profit organizations. He attended the P1anMaryland meeting with Commissioner McKinley and discussed its effect on property rights. Mr. Baker announced that a Country Breakfast Buffet would be held on November 12 at the Agricultural Education Center to benefit the Rural Heritage Museum Blacksmith Shop. County Administrator Greg Murray noted that during the Senior Forum attended by Commissioner Barr, the moderator asked who favored the location at HCC, and a majority of attendees raised their hands. Mr. Baker stated that his earlier support of the Senior Center location at HCC was based on cost. He indicated that for what the County now spends to lease space, it would have a new state of the art facility in an accessible location. November 1, 2011 Page 5 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Paul D. Hose, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners to Clear Spring and thanked them for assisting with issues that arise in the Town. Vice Mayor Steve Blickenstaff discussed youth athletics in the area and the need for a community center in Clear Spring. The Commissioners and Greg Murray referred Mr. Blickenstaff to individuals who could assist him with information on how to proceed. Town Clerk Juanita Grimm thanked the Commissioners for allowing the Town to piggyback on the Hazardous Mitigation and Watershed Implementation Plans. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Kimberly Faith expressed support of Vice Mayor BlickenstafPs request for additional recreational facilities in the Town. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator Greg Murray advised that the Washington County Delegation and County Commissioners would be holding a roundtable discussion on November 8 regarding what could be done to foster a more business -friendly climate in Washington County and to hear any other ideas for the community. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. hurray, Cou ty Administrator John M. Martiran Co my Attorney '7� C . - Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk