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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.31.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland January 31, 2012 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 10:03 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr provided the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JANUARY 24, 2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Banc, moved to approve the minutes of January 24, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked the Town of Williamsport for hosting the Commissioners' evening meeting last week. He attended meetings of the Washington County Delegation and the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) in Annapolis. Mr. Cline reported on the Council of Governments meeting that provided a good forum for conversation among the Commissioners and municipalities. He attended the Maugansville Raritan Club Pancake Breakfast and thanked members for their work in the community. Commissioner Cline enjoyed award banquets for the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company and First Hose Company of Boonsboro and thanked members for their service. Commissioner Cline, along with Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II, was present at the kickoff for the "Relay For Life" event to be held in June this year. He announced that the Recreation and Parks Department and City of Hagerstown would be sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day 5K Run and Walk in downtown Hagerstown. Commissioner Callaham thanked the Town of Williamsport for the hospitality shown during last week's evening meeting. She reported on the Washington County Delegation meeting in Annapolis. Ms. Callaham attended a Hagerstown -Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting where members discussed a Senate Bill that would reorganize the group's concept and change the input of local governments. Commissioner Callaham volunteered at the Maugansville Pancake Breakfast and discussed issues with several residents. She reported on the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company banquet and congratulated two long-time members, Jason Baer and Charles Shindle, Sr. for sixty years of service. Commissioner Barr thanked the Maugansville Ruritan Club for its community spirit and volunteerism. He attended meetings in Annapolis where he represented the Commissioners as their MACo delegate. He reported on several topics and bills being brought before the Legislature. January 31, 2012 Page 2 Commissioner McKinley spoke on the volunteerism in Washington County and commended citizens for assisting their fellow citizens. He reported on meetings of the MPO, Economic Development Commission (EDC) Regulatory Committee, and Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission. Mr. McKinley thanked EDC member Stu Mullendore for speaking at the Airport Commission meeting about Airport marketing. He also thanked the Town of Williamsport for hosting last week's evening meeting of the Commissioners. Commissioner Baker volunteered at the Maugansville Pancake Breakfast. He attended a benefit dinner for a Hancock resident who needs a triple organ transplant. Mi•. Baker was present at the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company banquet where Airport Director Phil Ridenour's late brother, Frank, was recognized for his many years of service. Commissioner Baker attended a Republican Club meeting and met candidates running for the Sixth District Congressional seat. He presented trophies to winners of the Williamsport Youth Basketball shootout. Commissioner Baker commented on a recent Herald -Mail article regarding a monetary contribution by the City and County toward a feasibility study for the relocation of Hagerstown Suns Stadium. He stated that it was a majority vote and he did not personally vote to support such a study. lvlr. Baker announced that the County would be holding an evening presentation of the State of the County address at Hager Hall on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Callaham announced that the Exchange Club is having a spaghetti dinner on February 12 at the Williamsport Fire Hall. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Attor•nev Senate Bill 189 Assistant County Attorney Kirk C. Downey requested approval to send a letter in support of Senate Bill 189, which corrects the address of the Rural Heritage Transportation Museum from Sharpsburg to Boonsboro in an appropriation concerning the 2006 $100,000.00 matching grant to the Museum. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to agree to send a letter in support of the bill. Countv Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray reiterated that an evening State of the County presentation would be held on February 7 to allow interaction between the Commissioners and the public. He spoke about several bills in Annapolis that the Commissioners have been asked to discuss and/or support regarding gaming, fire and rescue, and billing for emergency services on Interstate highways. Mr. Murray advised of a Frederick County Bill that would allow counties to have authorizing legislation to waive property tax on structures and land that a County does not own. January 31, 2012 Page 3 REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Economic Develoument Commission Tim Troxell, EDC Director, stated that the City of Hagerstown Enterprise Zone, originally applied for in 1992, needs to be renewed. As part of the renewal, he would like to consider expanding the Zone into the Hopewell Valley area. Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Health and Human Services Director, introduced two newly hired employees: Alexander Reed - Watershed Specialist, and Nicole Goins - Legal Secretary. The Commissioners welcomed them to their new positions. Ms. Stone requested permission to advertise and fill two budgeted, full-time positions recently vacated due to internal promotions: Land Preservation Planner and Comprehensive Planner in the Department of Planning and Zoning. The Commissioners discussed the open positions with Ms. Stone and Steve Goodrich, Director of Planning and Zoning. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to advertise to fill the two positions as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Public Works Joe Kroboth, Public Works Director, announced that a public information meeting hosted by the Maryland State Highway Administration would be held tonight at the Funkstown Fire Station at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Garis Shop/Poffenberger Road improvement project. The State, County, and Town of Funkstown are partners in the project. Phil Ridenour advised that a bill is ready to be signed for reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration Essential Air Set -vice through February 17, 2012 at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. He noted that the Airport and Hagerstown Aircraft Services would host a conference of the Maryland Airport Managers Association this year on May 3-5, in which the Commissioners will be invited to attend and participate. Mr. Ridenour stated that the Wings and Wheels Expo would be held at the Airport on September 22-23 this year in conjunction with a Discovery Station fundraiser. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION J.P. Phillips, General Manager of Apple Valley Waste, commented on the recycling program proposal by Allied Waste that is to be discussed later in the Commissioners' meeting. He stated that Apple Valley has offered recycling services to its customers since 2010. Rick Toms, 14401 Marsh Pike, Hagerstown, discussed baseball in Washington County and spoke in favor of efforts to keep the Hagerstown Suns Major League team in the County. January 31, 2012 Page 4 Alvin Wood, 13802 Distant View Avenue, Maugansville, spoke against the elimination of free recycling drop off locations in the County and any increased costs to citizens. Rick Blair, Treasurer, on behalf of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA), spoke in favor of a legislative bill allowing emergency services billing for incidents occurring on interstate highways. He requested that a letter of support endorsing the bill be sent fiom the Commissioners to the Washington County Delegation. Mr. Blair indicated that the WCVFRA Board and all 27 -member companies voted to endorse such a bill during a special meeting held last night. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support the concept. ANNUAL REPORT - HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Richard Willson, Executive Director -Housing Authority of Washington County, commended his Board members and introduced those in attendance: President Richard Keesecker, Vice -Chair Judith Ferro, Tim O'Rourke, and Executive Assistant Teddi Garrison. Mr. Willson presented the annual report of the Authority. He highlighted the success of the Rent -to -Own Homeowner Program and noted that 37 families were working with his office regarding budgeting, education for better jobs, and moving toward self- sufficiency. Mr. Willson indicated that available federal government funding has declined. He discussed the State's point system rating scale for proposed projects, and the fact that points are lost when senior housing is proposed. Commissioner Callaham recommended lobbying through the Community Lobbying Coalition. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Willson for the encouraging report. LIGHTING INSTALLATION REOUEST - MARTIN L. "MARTY" SNOOK PARK Dan McCarthy, Halfway Field Lighting Committee, and Jack Jenkins, Halfway Little League President, requested permission from the County Commissioners to install lights at the Major League baseball field at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Park. Mr. McCarthy stated that members canvassed the impacted area by distributing surveys, holding a public meeting, and soliciting feedback concerning the plan to install a four -pole Qualite Sports Lighting system at the field, which the League leases from the County. Mr. McCarthy reported concerns expressed by two citizens regarding possible light spillage and noise from late night play on the fields. He provided information on funding received for the project and indicated that the League would pay all operating expenses. The Commissioners discussed the concerns expressed by area residents and whether the Recreation and Parks Department was in favor of the project. They commended the Committee for obtaining funding and working to bring the project to fruition. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to allow the Halfway Little League to install field lighting at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Park, Commissioner Baker asked if the motion should include whether the Recreation and Parks Department was in favor of the project. Commissioner McKinley restated his motion to add, "based on the usage policy and approval of the Parks and Recreation Department." Commissioner Callaham seconded the restated motion. The motion passed unanimously. January 31, 2012 Page 5 HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM PROPOSAL Ron Bowers, Chair of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) Site Development and Regulatory Committee (SDRC), and Tim Troxell, EDC Director, presented a proposal to adopt a "High Performance" Building Tax Incentive Program recommended by the SDRC. Ron Bowers indicated that the SDRC reviewed the City of Hagerstown's "High Performance" Tax Credit Program to see whether it should be recommended for adoption by the County Commissioners. The SDRC found that many developers design buildings to conform to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems. The SDRC believes that having the tax incentive for LEED Certified buildings could lead to more development. Mr. Bowers stated that the SDRC is recommending the County create and adopt an Ordinance to grant a tax credit for the construction or renovation of commercial property that attains a LEED Certification Level of Silver, Gold, or Platinum, to be applied as follows: Silver — 20%, Gold — 25%, and Platinum — 30%. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and expressed support for such a program for industrial, commercial, and general business properties. Mr. Bowers discussed the SDRC's proposal to encourage construction and boost employment by phasing out or eliminating the County's Building Excise Tax. The Commissioners discussed the suggestion and the effect on Capital Improvement Project funding in the coming years. It was their consensus to address the excise tax matter at a future time. Greg Murray stated that the discussion would be part of upcoming budget discussions. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to adopt a High Performance Building Tax Incentive Program for Industrial, Commercial, and General Business, by a Resolution to be prepared by the County Attorney's Office and approved at a future meeting. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:04 p.m. President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:39 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. (Vice President John F. Barr was absent from the afternoon regular session.) CZARRA FAMILY CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning Department, recommended approval of a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement for Little Antietam Farm Properties, LLC/Doris Lane Czarra (Czarra Family January 31, 2012 Page 6 Conservation Easement) for $206,857.36. Mx. Seifarth indicated that CREP funds are 100% State -paid and used to protect highly erodible land. The Commissioners discussed the reconnnendation with Mr. Seifarth. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easement for Little Antietam Farm Properties, LLC/Doris Lane Czarra for $206,857.36 as presented, to adopt an Ordinance approving said purchase, and to authorize the execution of all necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-02 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM PROPOSAL Don Groseclose, Chesapeake Area Municipal Manager for Allied Waste, presented information on a proposal to provide bi-weekly curbside recycling set -vices to pilot areas in Washington County based on the highest density areas. MI-. Groseclose indicated that Allied Waste would be responsible for the management and financial responsibilities of the program. Residents in the selected areas would have the opportunity to opt out of the program prior to its start date, estimated to be June 4, 2012. He stated that the service would be offered to participants for a fee of approximately $36.00 per year. Greg Murray indicated that Allied Waste had approached the County regarding the proposal. The County's support would be through education, identification of target areas, and the target service areas. Mr. Murray stated that in lieu of the pilot program, a rate increase would be necessary to cover costs or eliminate all formal recycling programs provided by County Government. The Commissioners posed questions to Mr. Groseclose and Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management. Mr. Murray advised that only the County's manned centers would be maintained once the program is in operation. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to provide support of the Allied Waste proposal to provide curbside recycling in Washington County as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent during the vote.) HOUSE BILL 125 — PROPERTY TAX CREDIT JOB CREATION Greg Murray distributed information on House Bill 125 entitled "Frederick County — Piopetty Tax Credit - Job Creation by Small Businesses." He advised that Washington County could be included in the bill that allows County government to provide a property tax credit against the County property tax imposed on real property owned or leased by specified new or existing businesses. He requested that the Commissioners review the Bill and advise him if there was any interest in having Washington County added to the bill. Mr. Murray would then advise the Washington County Delegation members. RECOGNITION OF TOM GROSH FOR PHONE BOOK RECYCLING CONTEST Tony Drury, Recycling Coordinator, Department of Solid Waste introduced Tom Grosh of Grosh's Lawn Service and recognized him for supporting the annual Washington County Phone Book Recycling Contest, which was originated with Mt•. Grosh three years ago. Mr. Drury stated that Mr. Grosh sponsored the contest alone the first two years during Earth January 31, 2012 Page 7 Day events. The program involves a competition where students in Washington County schools collect used phone books. The event helps to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and keeps the phone books out of the waste stream. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Grosh for his time and dedication to the contest and the community. WASHINGTON COUNTY 2011 REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE AWARDS Tony Drury and Rick Shulman, a member of the Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, presented the County's "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Awards" for 2011 that recognize outstanding local community efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Mr. Drury stated that nominations were made by the community, evaluated by the SWAC, and approved by the Commissioners. He introduced the following categories and winners: School: Clear SDrine Elementary School — designated as a Maryland Green School for its implementation of recycling programs School: Williamsport Elementary Maenet School for Mathematics, Science and Technoloev — perform recycling education and compost and recycling programs Non -Profit Business: Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance. Inc. — over 100 volunteers annually perform a rubbish roundup where trash and recycled materials are collected Non -Profit Business: The ARC of Washington Countv, Inc. — has recycled materials for years and uses disabled adults as its labor force Small Business: Recvcled Crochet — members make usable items from recycled materials The recipients were presented County pins and plaques made from recycled materials CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 2:46 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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. (Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting at 2:50 p.m.) In closed session, the Commissioners discussed a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners, Terry L. Baker, John R. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, Ruth Anne Callaham, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney, Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; and Phil Ridenour, Airport Director. January 31, 2012 Page 8 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 3:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. GoSgory B.(Murray, County Administrator John M. Martiran , Cou Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk