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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.14.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 14, 2012 The Commissioners attended an Eggs and Issues breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. sponsored by the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1718 Underpass Way, Hagerstown. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:43 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—Februar-v 7.2012 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of February 7, 2011 The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked all who participated in last week's State of the County events. He reported on the ribbon -cutting ceremony for L&L Classic Clothing in the Old Orchard Shopping Center and the Skills USA Western Region Championship competition at the Washington County Technical High School. Mr. Cline attended the United Way "Cycle United" fundraiser at the Valley Mall. He thanked all who participated including numerous County employees. Commissioner Callaham welcomed Korean War Veterans who were attending the meeting. She reported on meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation, Commission for Women, and Historical Advisory Committee. Ms. Callaham stated that she participated in an I-81 Corridor Coalition conference call. She commented on last week's Lobbying Day in Annapolis and praised County Administrator Greg Murray and Department of Environmental Management Director Julie Pippel, and other County staff for their participation. Commissioner Callaham reported that the legislative reception held in Annapolis was very nice and she noted the participation of several local businesses including Palmyra Farms. Commissioner Barr reported that he attended the Lobbying Day in Annapolis where he met with the Western Maryland Delegation and representatives of the Maryland Stadium Authority. He attended an Associated Builders and Contractors legislative meeting and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Company banquet. Mr. Barr praised the recent Maryland Symphony Orchestra's performance at the Maryland Theatre and commented on February 14, 2012 Page 2 the excellent quality of life in Washington County. He attended the Skills USA competition and complimented the student participants on their skills. Commissioner Barr was present at a Parent -Child Center fundraiser and volunteered at the Antietam Exchange Club Italian Festa. Commissioner McKinley reported on a recent Economic Development Commission (EDC) Board meeting where Dan Pheil was elected Vice Chair of the Board. He travelled to Annapolis and spoke to various officials about Washington County matters. Mr. McKinley attended the Skills USA competition and praised the participants, their families, and the community for its support. He reported meeting with several members of the Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hagerstown Committee, and County citizens on matters of interest. SUPPORT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO STADIUM STUDY Commissioner McKinley commented on a recent joint closed session meeting of the County Commissioners and the Hagerstown Mayor and Council regarding a potential new multi -use stadium/facility that was reported in the Herald -Mail newspaper. In an effort to maintain openness with citizens and evaluate their support, he suggested that a formal vote be taken by the Commissioners regarding the consensus agreed to during the joint meeting, which was to support moving forward with further evaluation of the economic benefits of a new or renovated stadium/facility in the community by funding a feasibility study in an amount up to $50,000.00, to be expedited through the Hagerstown -Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF). Both parties had agreed to contribute up to $25,000.00 each toward such a study. Commissioner McKinley stated that it is his understanding that a recent quote from Ripken Designs for such a study was $36,000.00. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Baker commented that he did not support funding the study and suggested that a study group be assembled to represent interested parties. Commissioner Barr stated that the Maryland Stadium Authority requires that a study be performed before a stadium would qualify for State funding. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to allocate up to $20,000.00, in conjunction with the City of Hagerstown, in a collaborative effort toward a stadium/facility design study. Commissioner Callaham stressed that this does not commit the County to anything but the study. Greg Murray advised that the study's timeline would be compressed into a two -three month period instead of up to one year. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, McKinley, and Callaham voting "AYE" and Commissioners Baker and Cline "NO." Commissioner Baker commented that well over 400 persons attended the State of the County presentations last week and he thanked staff for the work done to produce the video. He attended the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Department banquet and thanked volunteers for their service to the community. Mr. Baker discussed the Skills USA championships and publicly thanked Congressman Roscoe Bartlett for presenting the awards. He attended the L&L Classic Clothing ribbon cutting event and EDC Board meeting. Commissioner Baker welcomed the Korean War Veterans to the meeting and thanked them for their service. February 14, 2012 Page 3 KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL Wayne Winebrenner, Past Commander, and Charles Mobley, Chairman of the Monument Committee, Antietam Chapter 312, Korean Was Veterans Association, presented a request for a $5,000.00 contribution from the Commissioners toward a planned Korean War memorial. Mr. Winebrenner gave a history of the Korean War and discussed activities of Chapter 312. Mr. Mobley described the monument to be located in the Mealey Parkway area to honor Washington County residents who served and gave their lives during the Korean War. He stated that the committee would like the memorial completed by 2013 to observe the 60th anniversary of the Korean War puce agreement. The Commissioners discussed the project and commended the Chapter for its efforts. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to donate $10,000.00 to the Antietam Chapter 312, Korean War Veterans Association at such time that $60,000.00 is reached in other contributions for the memorial project.. The Commissioners discussed other methods to donate to the project and incentivize the community. Mr. Mobley stated that Delegate John Donoghue would be introducing a bill this session that would request up to $40,000.00 in matching funds from the State for the project. Commissioner McKinley restated his motion to contribute $10,000.00 of Hotel Rental Tax Funds toward the project at such time that the $60,000.00 level is reached in monetary contributions as well as in-kind services. Commissioner Barr seconded the motion for discussion. The Commissioners further discussed the issue. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Ned Renner, of 20804 Gaywood Drive, Hagerstown requested that the County investigate possible violations on a neighbor's property. Greg Murray advised that the County would review the matter and report on the situation by next Tuesday. BUDGET TRANSFER — NARCOTICS TASK FORCE Sheriff Douglas Mullendore requested the transfer of funds seized as part of several narcotics investigations by the Narcotics Task Force (NTF.) He indicated that $301,857,77 was forfeited to the NTF in 2011 as part of criminal proceedings through the court system. According to State law, the County Commissioners must approve the transfer of funds in excess of $25,000.00. Sheriff Mullendore advised that the funds would be used to purchase needed vehicles and perhaps a Mobile Command Vehicle in the future. The Commissioners discussed the forfeiture procedure and the use of funds. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the transfer of funds as requested. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Attornev Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey stated that Delegate Neil Parrott has requested a letter of support from the Commissioners for House Bill 524 that would permit a February 14, 2012 Page 4 Washington County Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff, who has been admitted to the Bar, to practice law in the State of Maryland except in Washington County. It was their consensus to support the bill. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray advised that a video shown during last week's State of the County address is available free on Digital Demand through Antietam Cable Television, the County's webpage, and perhaps on Channel 6 in the near future. He stated that there are additional thumb drives of the presentation available upon request. Mr. Murray named several County inspectors that participated as judges in the Skills USA competition: Rich Gaver, Mark Mummert, Rich Upton, and Rich Eichelberger. Commissioner Baker stated that they were instrumental in making the event a success. He congratulated Rich Gaver for being named State Inspector of the Year. CHANGE ORDER — RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM Pete Loewenheim, Deputy Director of Information Systems -Wireless Communications, requested approval of Change Order No. 9 for $31,127.00 to Motorola Solutions, Inc. regarding Purchase Order PUR-936 for a "NICE Inform/Organizer." He stated that the product enhances the ability to record 9-1-1 radio and telephone calls, allows multiple users restricted access, creates recordings for outside agencies, and allows for the consolidation of data, among other things. Mr. Loewenheim stated that the necessary funds are contained in the Department's budget. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the request to approve and execute Change Order No. 9 for $31,127.00 to Motorola Solutions, Inc. as presented. The motion passed unanimously. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT — YALE DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, requested approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Board of County Commissioners, Hagerstown - Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF), and the Meritus Endowment Development Company (Meritus) relating to the Yale Drive Extension Project (Project.) Mr. Kroboth indicated that the Commissioners previously approved the Project as part of the County's FY 2012 budget. He advised that lands and right-of-way must be obtained from CHIEF and Meritus to construct the road as well as a regional storrawater management pond, which would be more efficient and cost-effective than a series of smaller ponds. The MOA stipulates the roles and responsibilities of the parties relating to the Project, and has already been approved by CHIEF and Meritus. The Commissioners discussed the project. Commissioner Baker objected to the amount of contributions being made by the other involved parties to the MOA and expressed concern that it bypasses the County's bid process. Joe Kroboth described the County's policy that February 14, 2012 Page 5 provides for a competitive bidding process for firms currently on a list to perform engineering work for the County. CHIEF President Greg Snook answered questions regarding CHIEF's bid process and development in the area. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve a Memorandum of Agreement between the Board of County Commissioners, Hagerstown -Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc„ and the Meritus Endowment Development Company relating to the Yale Drive Extension Project and the execution of any necessary documentation. Commissioner Baker commented on transparency to citizens regarding government processes. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Callaham, and McKinley voting "AYE" and Commissioners Baker and Cline "NO." RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 p.m, to attend a luncheon with the League of Women Voters at Bulls and Bears Restaurant, 38 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:50 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DISCUSSION — DRAFT I Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Joe Kroboth, 111, Public Works Director, presented an overview of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year 2013. Ms. Murray stated that the Ten -Year Capital Plan (Draft 1) totals $444,281,740.00, with the following breakdown of categories: 40% -Education, 39% -Road Infrastructure, 13% - Enterprise, 3% -Public Safety, and 5%-0ther. She indicated that the Capital Improvement Plan Committee cut approximately 40% from the total project requests of $754.6 million for FY 2013, Ms. Mur -ay provided a breakdown of project funding that would be derived from State and federal grants, borrowing, and County funds. The level of borrowing for the proposed draft CIP is $14 million, based on an analysis of debt -affordability. Ms. Murray gave an overview of projected revenue that included excise and transfer taxes. She noted that the current market for debt is at a historic low of 2.6% - 3.3%. The County's model for a twenty-year period is based on 3.5%. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS PRESENTATION — FEBRUARY 2012 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive February 2012 Youth Meritorious Awards: Caitlin Kline of Clear Spring Middle School and Mackenzie Peperak of Boonsboro Middle School. Each student received a $100 Office Max gift card from the WCCP. The Commissioners commended the students for their leadership, academic, and extra -curricular activities. February 14, 2012 Page 6 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 3:20 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, compensation, 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, compensation, 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, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Jim Hovis, Director of the Office of Community Grants Management; and Stephen Goodrich, Director of the Planning and Zoning Department. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Gamin¢ Commission. Plannine Commission, and Commission for Women Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the following recommendations for appointments to Washington County Boards and Commissions: To reappoint Gregory Shank to a second, two-year term on the Washington County Gaming Commission through February 28, 2014; to reappoint Terry Reiber to a second, five-year term on the Washington County Planning Commission through February 28, 2017; and to appoint Anne Raye Martin to the Washington County Commission for Women to a first, three-year term through February 28, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. L."I 011J171!a_I_Iion Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 3:32 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. B. Murray, Cohnty Administrator I- „. . ' rk John M. Mart Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk