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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.24.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland January 24, 2012 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 12:06 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. "VOLUNTEER WASHINGTON COUNTY" PRESENTATION Bernadette Wagner and Roxanne Ober, Co -Directors, and Sam Cool, President, of "Volunteer Washington County," a newly formed non-profit organization to facilitate the coordination of volunteer services in Washington County, discussed projects, upcoming events and how Washington County can support the organization. Ms. Wagner and Ms. Ober stated that the group's mission is to build a strong, healthy and engaged community by connecting volunteers of all ages with opportunities to serve. They advised that the service largely works through the website www.volunteertivashinatoncountvmd.ora. The group requested that the County supply and share its existing resources, such as copying services, insurance coverage, technical support, legal advice, and any such in-kind gifts. The Commissioners commended members for their volunteerism and agreed to have staff look into what services may be provided to the organization through the County. FFY 2008 INTEROPERABLE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GRANT REVISION Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Emergency Services, recommended acceptance of a revision to the FFY 2008 Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) of $243,000.03. Mr. Lewis advised that the original FFY 2008 award was $103,500.00 and that an additional $139,500.03 has been authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Maryland, specifically for the Washington, Allegany, and Garrett County Interoperability Network (WAGIN) enhancements. He described WAGIN, which was designed to enhance tactical planning, training, exercise development and statewide interoperability with Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Commissioners discussed the grant with Mr. Lewis. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize the execution of the required documentation for a 2008 Grant Adjustment Notice with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and accept the total award of $243,000.03. The motion passed unanimously. MARYLAND INSTITUTE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS MATCHING FUND GRANT Kevin Lewis requested acceptance of a Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) matching fund grant of $16,898.45. Mr. Lewis advised that on an annual basis, MIEMSS offers a matching grant program for cardiac defibrillators to all fire, rescue and emergency medical services organizations in the State. The County was January 24, 2012 Page 2 awarded matching fianding for the purchase of one LifePak 15 monitor/defibrillator. He indicated that acceptance of the matching funds reduces the cost of the project to his Department's current operating budget. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize the execution of the required documentation and accept a MIEMSS Matching Fund Grant of $16,898.45 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. STATIC. OF MARYLAND HOMELAND SIt'CURITY GRANT PROGRAM Kevin Lewis provided information on the FFY 2011 State homeland Security Program (SI -ISP) grant of $175,848.60 that provides funds to build/expand capabilities within Washington County and to implement the goals and objectives included in State Homeland Security strategies and initiatives. He advised that the County is required to ensure that at least 28% of SHSP appropriated funds are dedicated toward law enforcement terrorism prevention -oriented planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. Mr. Lewis discussed the positive fiscal impact for the County, as the grant would offset costs associated with multiple projects. No matching funds are required fiom the County. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize the execution of the required documentation with MEMA and accept a FFY 2011 State Homeland Security Program Grant of $175,848.60. The motion passed unanimously. DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD President Baker presented a Certificate of Merit to Debra Murray, Director of the Budget and Finance Depiniment, in recognition of the Department being chosen to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Administration for Fiscal Year 2011. County Administrator Greg Murray described the criteria necessary to qualify for the award, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Ms. Murray introduced and credited members of her staff in attendance. The Commissioners congratulated all for the achievement. PROPOSED CHANGE ORDER - DEVIL'S BACKBONE PARK AND DAM Joe Kroboth, III, Director, and Scott Hobbs, Chief of Capital Projects, Division of Public Works, discussed recommended improvements that would eliminate ongoing erosion issues on the east side of Antietam Creek at Devil's Backbone Park and Dam. Mr. Kroboth indicated that due to net savings on the construction of the dam rehabilitation project, there is the opportunity to address the Iong-standing issue of maintaining the only access to the east side of the park. He described the two options developed to improve access and greatly reduce fature maintenance costs. Option 1 involves placing concrete pavement on the existing ground surface, costing approximately $65,000.00; Option 2 would expand Option I by constructing a concrete path, following Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements, by raising the path to meet acceptable grades/slopes and other requirements. Mr. Kroboth advised that the current budget for the construction portion of the project, January 24, 2012 Page 3 including Change Order No. 1, is $1,578,316.00. He stated that the final projected construction costs, incorporating Option 2 into the project, are $1,495,000.00. The Commissioners discussed the project and the details of both options. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve Option 2 for additional work to the Devil's Backbone Park and Dam as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 12:58 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction, to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction, discussed other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. 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; and John Martirano, County Attorney. PUBLIC HEARING — REVISIONS TO EASEMENT PRIORITY RANKING SYSTEM President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 1:37 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) purchased easement program, including the implementation of competitive bidding. Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning Department, advised that the MALPF purchased easement program is very competitive. The Agricultural Land Advisory Board (Ag Board) ranks each application using the approved priority ranking system. After farms are ranked and placed on the priority list, the County forwards the top ten properties to MALPF. Mr. Seifarth indicated that easements are bought in order from the priority list until funds are exhausted. He detailed the following revisions discussed during the November 29, 2011 County Commissioners' meeting: Item #3 - Previous Applicant: move from 5 points to 1 point, Item #6 - Priority Preservation Area: move from 2 points to 5 points, and Item #8(c) - Best Management Practices: move from 2 points to 5 points. In addition, the competitive bidding process would add up to five add-on points. Commissioner McKinley commented that the inclusion of a Previous Applicant category may be unnecessary. Mr. Seifarth stated that the Ag Board requested its inclusion due to comparisons with new applicants entering the system. January 24, 2012 Page 4 The public hearing was opened for public comment. Steve Ernst, 13614 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring, a member of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, spoke in favor of the proposed changes to the ranking system. He also commented on the Previous Applicant category and the input received from the farming community to include it in the ranking system. Gerry Ditto, 14736 Ditto Road, Clear Spring, spoke in favor of the changes and stated that they positively affect the point system for priority preservation areas. He also agreed with Commissioner McKinley regarding the Previous Applicant category and recommended its removal in the future. The Public Hearing was closed at 1:46 p.m. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the revised priority ranking system including the implementation of competitive bidding. The motion passed unanimously. CONCEPT DISCUSSION — HAGERSTOWN TO WE' VE RAIL TO TRAIL Dick Cushwa, Hagerstown Bike Advisory Committee member, Rodney Tissue, City Engineer, and Joe Kroboth, III presented a discussion on a concept to create a Hagerstown to Weverton rail to trail project for pedestrian and bicycle recreation. Mr. Kroboth stated that the concept to construct a rail to trail project along the former B&O rail line (most recently CSX) was discussed previously with the State of Maryland, and the State had acquired most of the necessary rights-of-way. However, the project was abandoned after budget reductions and other factors. Mn Cushwa described the positive recreational and potential economic benefits of the proposed trail and requested a consensus authorization from the County to reconsider the project and begin the process of collecting information, petitioning CSX, and seeking out potential funding sources. The project would be a long- term one, estimated at costing approximately $16 million. The Commissioners discussed the proposal including the reconstruction of several bridges on the path, approval/notification of adjacent property owners, and the need for public hearings on the matter. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to direct Mr. Kroboth to draft a letter to adjacent property owners along the proposed trail to notify them of possible plans for a rail to trail project, and return at a future date to discuss the matter further. SUBMISSION OF COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES TO MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Joe Kroboth, III stated that as a follow-up to the Annual Tour Meeting held by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in Washington County in September 2011, MDOT has requested a list of transportation priorities from the County earlier than in the past. Mr. Kroboth indicated that during the next sixty days, staff would be January 24, 2012 Page 5 developing this list in preparation for its submittal before the deadline. He described criteria developed by MDOT to rank projects, including quality of service, safety and security, system preservation and performance, environmental stewardship, and connectivity to daily life. He described projects that may be listed, including the Professional Court Extension project (Mt. Aetna Farms), improvements to the Eastern Blvd. corridor at the YMCA, reconstruction of the I-70 and Md. 65 Interchange, and certain initiatives that may be recommended by the I-81 Corridor Coalition. Mr. Kroboth also discussed possible projects at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. He advised that he would return for finalization and approval of the recommendations at a future Commissioners' meeting. SUPPORT FOR GEOCACHE CONVENTION Commissioner Callaham advised that the County Commissioners have been asked by the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau to provide a letter of invitation for a convention called "GeoWoodstock" to hold the annual event in Washington County in 2014. The group consists of approximately 6,000 geocacher•s and events would be held all over the County. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve submission of a letter as requested. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 2:24 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction, to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction, to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. 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; Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services Department; Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management; and Brian Overcash, Safety Administrator. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:00 p.m. to attend a joint meeting with the Hagerstown Mayor and Council at Hagerstown City Hall, 1 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown. January 24, 2012 Page 6 RECONVENE - HAGERSTOWN CITY HALL The Commissioners reconvened at 4:12 p.m. at City Hall for a joint meeting with the Mayor and Council, with the following members present: President Terry L. Baker, Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II was present as were Council Members William M. Breichner, Martin E. Brubaker, Forrest Easton, Ashley C. Haywood, and Lewis C. Metzner. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 4:12 p.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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 Lumrn, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; and Debra Murray, Finance Director. Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II was present as were Council Members William M. Breichner, Martin E. Brubaker, Forrest Easton, Ashley C. Haywood, and Lewis C. Metzner; Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator; Donna Spickler, City Clerk; Rodney Tissue, City Engineer, and various City staff. Attendees who presented information during the meeting were James F. Kercheval, Director, Greater Hagerstown Committee; David Hanlin, and Zach Spedden. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bruchey adjourned the joint meeting at 5:42 p.m. EVENING MEETING - TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT 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 7:09 p.m. at Williamsport Town Hall, 2 North Conococheague Street, 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 Commissioner Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. January 24, 2012 Page 7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES—January 10, 2012 Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of January 10, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley described the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Celebration at Hagerstown Community College (HCC) where Reverend Darin Mency recited the "I Have a Dream" speech. Mr. McKinley attended a Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Boonsboro where information was presented on a planned monument to honor Korean War veterans in Hagerstown's north end. Commissioner McKinley reported meeting with various citizens on issues such as gasoline tax, cost shifts to the County from the State, Hagerstown Regional Airport, and the Hagerstown Suns baseball team. Commissioner Callaham attended the annual meeting of the Commission on Aging and installed its new officers. She thanked Public Works Director Joe Kroboth for providing an informative presentation on the planned Senior Center to attendees of a meeting held afterwards. Ms. Callaham attended a recognition banquet for the Community Rescue Service and thanked volunteers everywhere for their service. She attended a Washington County Delegation meeting in Annapolis and the MML meeting. Commissioner Callaham was present at the press conference held by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown at Meritus Medical Center to announce a $50,000.00 State grant to train hospital personnel to recognize cases of domestic violence. She enjoyed the HCC Diversity Day event. Commissioner Cline reported on a meeting of the Disabilities Advisory Committee and advised that the organization has several openings for interested citizens. He attended a formation meeting of the HubNetwork that will work to assist local citizens in need. Mr. Cline was present at the grand opening of the H&R Block office located on Pennsylvania Avenue. He discussed the HCC Diversity Celebration and Washington County Delegation meeting in Annapolis. Mr. Cline attended a Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) meeting and Community Rescue Service Awards Banquet. He complimented Joe Kroboth on the Senior Center presentation. Commissioner Cline was present at Lt. Governor Brown's press conference and the MML meeting. Commissioner Barr reported that he was out of town last week but attended Lt. Governor Brown's press conference and the MML meeting hosted by the Town of Boonsboro. Commissioner Baker recognized Mayor James McCleaf and Town Council members in attendance and thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He reported on a Board of Social Services meeting and recited some statistics disclosed during the meeting. Mi•. Baker attended meetings of the WCVFRA and Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company. January 24, 2012 Page 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor James McCleaf welcomed the Comrnissioners to Williamsport. He reported on recent events held in the community and invited attendees to view the Town's Facebook page. The mayor thanked Greg Murray, Julie Pippel and staff for assistance with its sewer project. He requested a letter of support for a water tower project. Council member Joan Knode noted grants received for the Heart of the Civil War Heritage 149°i Anniversary year and discussed a planned bus tour and several Canal Towns partnership events. Vice Mayor Tony Drury thanked the Commissioners for their assistance with water and sewer matters. OTHER BUSINESS ADDointments to Boards and Commissions Area Aaencv on Aeine Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Karen Starliper to a first, three-year term on the Area Agency on Aging for the period of January 1, 2012 through January 1, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. ProDerty Tax Assessment ADDeals Board Recommendation Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham moved to submit the names of David Drawbaugh, Gregory Weaver, and Alfred E. Martin to Governor Martin O'Malley as nominees for appointment to an open position on the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He announced that a Council of Governments meeting would be held on January 26 at 6:00 p.m. at 16232 Elliott Parkway. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Bob Moncrief, WCVFRA Vice President, discussed a recent Gaming Bill being introduced into legislation and read a statement from the WCVFRA expressing its opposition and concerns. RECOGNITION — JUNE BENCHOFF President Baker presented a certificate of appreciation and County pin to June Benchoff, who has been a school crossing guard in the Williamsport area for over 55 years. Ms. Benchoff thanked the Commissioners for the recognition. January 24, 2012 Page 9 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 7:39 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. "lr-- Gregory B. Murray, Con"y Administrator John M. Martirano, Cou�hty Attprney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk