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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.06.2011 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland December 6, 2011 JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY DELEGATION REGARDING 2012 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS The Board of County Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly in Room 255, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 9:12 a.m. In attendance were Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, and Jeffrey A. Cline. (Commissioner William B. McKinley was absent from the meeting.) Washington County Delegation members in attendance were Senator Christopher Shank and Delegates Andrew Serafini and Neil Parrott. Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey reviewed the legislative issues of interest to the County Commissioners during the upcoming 2012 legislative session. Delegation members supported drafting a gaming fund bill for review by the Commissioners to clarify guidelines for the distribution of gaming funds to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. They also agreed to support a bill to clarify that no payments in lieu of property taxes for power generation facilities need be distributed to the Town of Williamsport, when such facilities are not, and have never been, located within the town limits. Delegation members discussed the request to modify qualification criteria for tax credits related to job creation, expressing their preference to reduce corporate income taxes in Maryland, among other business -friendly measures that may be considered. The Delegation discussed the Commissioners' concerns regarding the difficulty in locating responsible parties for the maintenance of foreclosed properties. The Delegation and the Commissioners discussed a proposal to authorize plain -clothed police officers in unmarked vehicles to charge drivers with fleeing and eluding under certain limited circumstances and a proposal to allow removal of old and unserved criminal warrants from databases if they are not likely to be served. Both bodies discussed watch items such as the shifting of liability from the State to local subdivisions, including teachers' pensions and transportation costs. The PlarrMaryland document was discussed, as well as the implications that may be created by its passage. The joint meeting ended at 10:20 a.m. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to order at 10:40 a.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, and Jeffrey A. Cline. (Commissioner William B. McKinley was absent from the meeting.) INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr requested a moment of silence in memory of Boonsboro Police Sergeant and retired State Police Corporal Rich Poffenberger. Mr. Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. December 6, 2011 Page 2 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Warren H. Furmann, a resident of Washington County, discussed operations of the County Commuter. Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) President Glen Fishack introduced President—Elect Dale Hill, who will assume office on January 1, 2012. The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Hill and wished him well in his new position. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 29.2011 Commissioner Bair, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of November 29, 2011. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Callaham reported attending the Charlie Brown Christmas tree display at the Springfield Barn in Williamsport and a press conference by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot held at the Premium Outlets to promote local shopping. She participated in a conference call of the I-81 Corridor Coalition, which addresses issues and works to improve I-81. Ms. Callaham attended the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. Commissioner Callaham reflected on her first year serving as a County Commissioner. Commissioner Cline expressed his sympathy to the Poffenberger family. He attended an open house at Frostburg State University sponsored by the Liberal Arts and Science programs. He reported on a meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Board and noted that two positions would be opening up on the Board. He thanked Kathleen Vesely and Rick Shulman for their service. Mr. Cline promoted a new business in Hancock, the Blue Goose, operated by the Randy and Penny Pittman. He attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Hagerstown City Park and a candlelight tour of the historic village at the Agricultural Education Center. He enjoyed the Santa breakfast in Clear Spring sponsored by the local fire department, the Hancock Christmas tree lighting, and the Smithsburg Christmas parade. Commissioner Cline attended the Rural Heritage Museum open house, Comptroller Franchot's press conference, and a Planning Commission meeting. He noted that Williamsport's Byron Memorial Park was beautifully illuminated. Commissioner Cline commented on his first year as a County Commissioner. He thanked staff for their support and citizens for the opportunity to serve. Commissioner Barr thanked his fellow Commissioners for their service and camaraderie during the first year as a Board. He stated that he looks forward to serving citizens the next three years. Commissioner Baker echoed comments of his fellow commissioners regarding their first year in office. He thanked staff for their assistance and for the information they provided when needed. He offered his sympathy to the Poffenberger family. Mr. Baker attended a Social Services Board meeting and passed along the Board's thanks for the County's assistance with the new Family Center. He noted that 10,000 Washington County citizens December 6, 2011 Page 3 assisted with food stamps this past year. He advised that a Homeless Resource Day would be held on March 3, 2012 at the REACH Center. Commissioner Baker obtained a consensus among the Commissioners to send a letter of support to Congressman Roscoe Bartlett for House Bill 13 to permit more runners on the Appalachian Trail during the 50th Annual JFK Ultra -Marathon. County Clerk Vicki Lumm commented on the Goodwill "GoodShred" Open House event that she attended with Economic Development Commission Deputy Director Rob Ferree. She discussed the shredding service and several others offered by Goodwill to fund programs that teach job skills to people with mental and physical disabilities. INSURANCE RENEWAL — WASHINGTON COUNTY 1+IRE AND RESCUE COMPANIES Becky Maginnis, Risk Management Administrator, and Ed Seward of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc. of Cumberland, Maryland (Selective) discussed commercial property, auto and casualty insurance renewal and workers' compensation coverage for Washington County's Fire and Rescue Companies for the period from January 1, 2012 -January 1, 2013. Ms. Maginnis advised that Selective adjusted its pricing to reflect accurate vehicle values and the actual numbers of first responders. She added that risk management efforts in the workers compensation program have yielded a reduction in premiums this year. Ms. Maginnis stated that Selective provided three options. She discussed those options, which include the addition of flood and earthquake coverage and the maintenance of vehicle value guard (an automobile add-on program) coverage in place. Mr. Seward discussed the value guard endorsement and answered questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to support Option 3 and accept Selective Insurance Company's renewal quote of $529,627.00 for renewal of the commercial property, auto, and casualty package (adding flood and quake coverage and reducing vehicle loss value to actual cash value instead of replacement value for all vehicles except those that have liens) and a $529,754.00 premium for renewal of the workers compensation coverage for volunteers. The motion passed unanimously. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that an attempt would be made to locate $48,000.00 in savings from currently budgeted money rather than increasing the budget in mid -year. He stated that a transfer of funds might be necessary. OTHER BUSINESS Annointments to Countv Boards and Commissions Washineton Countv Mental Health Authoritv. Inc. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Phyllis Keliher as the family member representative on the Washington County Mental Health Authority, Inc. to a first, three-year term from January 1, 2012 through December 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. December 6, 2011 Page 4 County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray stated that he would be attending a City of Hagerstown Master Parking Plan meeting tomorrow. He advised the Commissioners that they would be provided a chart of action items voted on this year, and that term goals would be discussed in January. Mr. Murray stated that the amount of debt on the County books was reduced by $12 million, and that the after borrowing for next year's projects, the amount would still be substantially less than at the beginning of the last fiscal year. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Director of the Health and Human Services Department, requested permission to advertise to hire a full-time, Grade 8 Emergency Communication Specialist due to an employee resignation. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REOUEST FOR PROPOSAL — STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLAN FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, CITY OF HAGERSTOWN. TOWNS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDER AGENCIES AND ENTITIES Timothy R. Troxell, EDC Director, and Stuart Mullendore, Strategic Planning Task Force Chair, presented a request for proposals involving the Strategic Economic Plan for Washington County, City of Hagerstown, Towns, and Other Stakeholder Agencies and Entities (SEDP.) Ivh•. Mullendore stated that EDC has recognized the need to develop a community -wide strategic plan and that due to the size and importance of the effort, an experienced and qualified professional consultant is essential to facilitate the development of such a plan. The Task Force is proposing to proceed with making application to the Appalachian Regional Commission for grant funding of up to $50,000.00, with the County to provide up to $75,000.00 in funding. He indicated that EDC would be seeking additional funding for the project from the Hagerstown -Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) and several other entities. CHIEF has agreed to collaborate with EDC by issuing the request for proposal, reviewing the responses, and making the final award. The Commissioners discussed the funding proposal and the role of CHIEF. County Attorney John M. Martirano suggested that his office first review the proposed bidding process to ensure that it would not violate requirements for a project using County funds. Greg Murray stated that funds would be used from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund, which may be used for economic development projects. Commissioner Baker did not favor a County contribution until other possible partners are solicited. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to consider up to $75,000.00 funding as proposed from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund, with additional solicited funding from partners, and that the legal aspects regarding purchasing policies be reviewed. It was agreed that the item would be brought before the Commissioners at a future meeting. December 6, 2011 Page 5 FIRE AND RESCUE REVOLVING LOAN FUND REQUEST Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Emergency Services, recommended approval of a loan from the Fire and Rescue Revolving Loan Fund to the Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services (Sharpsburg EMS) for $94,476.00. He stated that Sharpsburg EMS would like to purchase an ambulance to replace its 2000 Ford F-550 Horton unit. Sharpsburg EMS would initiate a note with the Board of County Commissioners for the repayment of said funds. Mr. Lewis indicated that the Fund currently contains $300,000.00. Jonas Zeigler, Assistant Chief of Sharpsburg EMS, addressed questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve a loan to the Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services for $94, 476.00 for the purchase of an ambulance, and to secure a note between the Board of County Commissioners and the Sharpsburg EMS for repayment of said funds. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD — PURCHASE OR LEASE AND SUPPLYING GOLF CARTS FOR BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Darrell Whittington, Golf Pro at the Black Rock Golf Course, presented a request to award the bid for the lease and supply of golf carts to the County's Black Rock Golf Course to Golf Cart Services, Inc. of New Oxford, Pennsylvania. Ms. Luther detailed that the bid involves the leasing and supplying of seventy-two rental golf carts and one heavy-duty range cart with a requirement of the exchange for new carts at the end of three years. This recommended option also includes a service agreement of weekly maintenance, winter service of the fleet, and 24-hour emergency service. At the end of the six-year lease, the golf carts are to be returned to the vendor. Funds for the golf carts are included in the Golf Course budget. Mr. Whittington endorsed the company, which has been providing the service for six years. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to award the bid for the lease and supply of golf carts to the County's Black Rock Golf Course to Golf Cart Services, Inc. of New Oxford, Pennsylvania based on its low bid on Option Number 1 (six year lease) at an annual amount of $62,605.44 for a total six-year cost of $375,632.64 and Alternate No. 1 (six -year -lease) at an annual amount of $2,010.24 for a total six-year cost of $12,061.44, for a grand total of $387,694.08, and contingent upon final approval of the lease documents by the County Attorney's Office. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 12:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. December 6, 2011 Page 6 The Commissioners attended a luncheon and presentation by the Washington County Department of Social Services at 122 North Potomac Sheet, Hagerstown. Gregory B.Murray, County Administrator I (V � - /�" John M. Martirano, - Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk