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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.06.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 6, 2012 The Commissioners attended the State of the City forum at 7:30 a.m. sponsored by the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Academy Theatre, 58 East Washington Street, Hagerstown. JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education in Room 255 of the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Maryland. County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. In attendance were Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Amie Callalram, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Board of Education members present were Paul Bailey, Wayne Ridenour, Justin Hartings, Donna Brightman, Edward Forrest, and Jacqueline Fischer. Punil Generation Rates Stephen Goodrich, County Planning and Zoning Director, and Chad Criswell, Director of Facilities Planning, and Development for the Washington County Board of Education (BOE), discussed pupil generation rates developed for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Criswell outlined the process used by the Board of Education and the County's Planning and Zoning Department to develop figures by analyzing seventeen residential developments, use and occupancy permits, and student address records to meet the requirements of Section 5.5 of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance entitled "Measuring for Available Capacity." The Boards discussed the information presented. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the 2012 Pupil Generation Rates prepared by Washington County Public Schools in accordance with the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, Section 5.5, as follows: Sinele Family - Elementary 0.41, Middle 0. 18, High School 0.24 average per household; Townhomes — Elementary 0. 19, Middle 0.08, High School 0.09 average per household; and Multi -Family - - Elementary 0.30, middle 0. 12, high school 0.11 average per household. The motion passed unanimously. 2011-12 Official Student Enrollment Undate Mr. Criswell reviewed official enrollment figures for WCPS students and data on tine percentage of Free and Reduced Meal Students (FARMS). As of September 30, 2011, the student enrollment was Grades K-5: 10,042 students; Grades 6-8: 5,024 students; Grades 9-12: 6,601 students; and Special Centers: 83 students. Mr. Criswell indicated that 46.8% of students are classified as FARMS. The criterion used to receive free and reduced meals is based on income and the number of students in the family. Overall, 86 more students were classified as FARMS this year and the figure has steadily risen since 2000. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Criswell for the information presented. March 6, 2012 Page 2 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 9:50 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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. 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; Stephen Goodrich, Planning and Zoning Director; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. Elected Board of Education members present were Paul Bailey, Wayne Ridenour, Justin Hartings, Donna Brightman, Edward Forrest, and Jacqueline Fischer; and Board of Education staff: Dr. Clayton M. Wilcox, Superintendent; Chris South, Boyd Michael, Chad Criswell, Rob Rollins, Anthony Trotta. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 10:58 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 — February 28, 2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of February 28, 2012 with incorporated changes. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline wished his brother Mike a happy birthday. He reported on the March of Dimes "March for Babies" kickoff event held last week. Mr. Cline discussed the Washington County Business Awards sponsored by the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce and congratulated the winners. He presented certificates to participants in the Recreation and Parks Department volleyball program at Hagerstown Community College (HCC). Commissioner Cline enjoyed the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company awards banquet and thanked all volunteers for their set -vice to the community. March 6, 2012 Page 3 Commissioner Callaham attended MACo meetings in Amapolis last week where participants voiced their resistance to the shift of pension costs to counties. She encouraged all citizens to advocate the same. Ms. Callaham congratulated the nominees and those receiving awards during the Business Awards dinner. She attended the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County (CPWC) Town Hall meeting. Commissioner Callaham enjoyed the Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services' banquet and publicly thanked all volunteers. She commended the City of Hagerstown for its State of the City presentation this morning and stated that the City and County are working well together on various issues. Commissioner Callaham reminded citizens of the March 13 deadline to register to vote in the April primary election. She noted her presence at a dinner at the Hempen Hill restaurant hosted by the Potomac Fish and Game Club's Woman's Auxiliary. Commissioner Barr reported on MACo meetings in Annapolis and advised that he and Commissioner Callaham attended Education and Legislative sub -committee meetings. He commented on a proposed bill to mandate that sprinkler systems be installed in new residential construction in all counties. He participated in a dinner discussion with minority delegation members. Mr. Barr enjoyed the Western Maryland Sportsman Club's oyster feed and the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet where he presented a certificate from the County thanking members for their service. He attended a piano concert at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and a reception in the new atrium. Commissioner Barr commented on topics discussed at the CPWC Town Hall meeting and restated his support of the Yale Drive project and the extension of Professional Court, Commissioner McKinley thanked his wife for attending the Business Awards in his place. He commented on the State of the City presentation this morning and the positive things happening in the County. Mr. McKinley reported on the Planning Conunission meeting. Commissioner Baker attended a Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting and thanked Joe Kroboth, Dick Cushwa and Rodney Tissue for providing a presentation on the Rails to Trail proposed for south County. It was the consensus of that Board to send a letter of support for the project. County Senior Planner Jill Baker spoke on land preservation for parks and recreation areas during the meeting. Mr. Baker also presented certificates to participants in the HCC volleyball league. Ile attended the Business Awards event and congratulated the award wirmers and Chamber of Commerce for the program. Commissioner Baker enjoyed the Potomac Fish and Game Club Meet and Greet oyster feed and the Hagerstown Fire and Rescue awards banquet at the Park -N -Dine restaurant in Hancock. OTHER BUSINESS County Attorney Economic Develonment Commission Ordinance, County Attorney John M. Martirano reviewed the revised draft Ordinance for the Economic Development Commission (EDC) that incorporated the suggested revisions of the Commissioners during their February 28 meeting. Commissioner McKinley proposed March 6, 2012 Page 4 an addition to the draft Ordinance that would allow for retirees and other individuals who live in Washington County but do not own a business or are not employed in the County to be eligible for consideration as EDC members. The Commissioners agreed by consensus to the verbiage suggested by Mr. Martirano to accommodate that request. The Commissioners further discussed the Ordinance. Upon review, the Commissioners agreed to hold an evening public hearing to obtain public comments on the proposed Ordinance. ADDOintmentS to Boards/Commissions Economic Development Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Kate Rader to the Economic Development Commission as a representative from the City of Hagerstown, to fulfill an unexpired term through June 30, 2012. The motion passed unanimously TOWN OF BOONSBORO ANNEXATION RE, OUEST — McKINNEY PARCEL Stephen Goodrich, Planning and Zoning Director, presented an annexation request from the Town concerning a 14.97 -acre parcel owned by Walter McKinney, located on the Town's northern boundary and east of Alternate Route 40. Mi•. Goodrich discussed the "express approval" process that is required whenever a substantially different use than the existing zoning is requested, or uses at a density 50% or more than the current district are being proposed. The Kinney parcel is currently zoned "Agricultural" under Washington County's zoning designation and is proposed to receive Boonsboro's TR -Town Residential designation as part of the annexation agreement. Mr. Kinney plans to construct an assisted living/nursing home facility on the property, which is a special exception in Boonsboro's TR zoning district and Washington County's Agricultural district. Mr. Goodrich advised that the Planning Commission is recommending that the Commissioners approve the Town's request for express approval. The Commissioners discussed the proposal with Mr. Goodrich and Megan Clark, Town of Boonsboro Planner. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to grant express approval of the Town of Boonsboro's intention to assign the Town's TR -Town Residential zoning classification to the Walter McKinney parcel upon annexation. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:48 a.m. Eva -1 9DlIR09Z97►&IWUli k President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:30 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. ANNUAL NATIONAL PIKE FESTIVAL WAGON TRAIN Tom Riford, President and CEO, Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), provided details of the 24th Annual National Pike Festival Wagon Train event to be held May 18, 19 and 20, 2012, Mr. Riford stated that the CVB is March 6, 2012 Page 5 co -sponsoring the event with the James Shaull Wagon Train Foundation. Jamie Baker, co- organizer of the event with his wife Christy, discussed plans for this year's event that retraces the Historic National Road from Clear Spring to Boonsboro. He requested assistance from the Commissioners as provided in the past: 1) that the festival is added to the County's event insurance rider, 2) that the County provide two Sheriff's deputies for the front and rear of the parade, and 3) that the orgatrizers may use the County's mailroom service. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to support the event as presented, with the general fund costs to be reimbursed from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The motion passed unanimously. SCHOOL BUS MONITORING CAMERAS, Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, presented a request to advertise and hold a public hearing concerning an ordinance to approve school bus monitoring cameras. Mr. Wilkinson stated that a new State law allows school bus monitoring cameras to record vehicles that uniawfitlly pass a school bus. However, prior to their use, the local governing body must pass an ordinance approving the use of the cameras. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to advertise and hold a public hearing concerning an ordinance to approve school bus monitoring cameras. The motion passed unanimously. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW, Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, and Stephen Goodrich, Planning and Zoning Director, presented a discussion of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) planned in the coming years for the Board of Education. Mr. Kroboth described maintenance projects for various facilities, the new Hester Elementary School, and Phase I of a proposed West City Elementary School among other items. Mr. Kroboth highlighted projects for Haeerstown Communitv Colleec that include the replacement of the Athletic Recreation and Community Center's roof and expansion of the Student Center. Dr. Robert Spong answered questions regarding the budget requests. Mr. Goodrich advised that the Plamring Commission had reviewed the planning program to ensure that the CIP is consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan. HUMAN RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS, Stephanie Stone, Health and Human Set -vices Director, provided information on Human Resource recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013 covering County Employee Plan/Benefit changes for Medical, Dental, Vision, and General Benefits. Ms. Stone summarized personnel requests from various County departments for FY 2013 as follows: Election Board - to pay four part-time employees; Public Safety - hire Information Technology Specialist; Sheriffs Department: hire Program Director for Horne March 6, 2012 Page 6 Detention/Day Reporting Program and Deputy Sheriff for Day Reporting Center; Emergencv Services Snecial Operations - increase part-time wages for overnight hours and hire an Emergency Services 9-1-1 Emergency Call Taker; Emenzencv Services — hire a Wireless Communications employee; Transit: hire a Senior Office Associate at the Transit Transfer Center; and Airport - upgrade an Office Associate position from part-time to full- time. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 2:51 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and 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 discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; 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 Lumm, County Clerk; and John Martirano, County Attorney. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:18 p.m. to attend a joint meeting with the Hagerstown Mayor and Council at City Hall, One East Franklin Street, Hagerstown. RECONVENE - HAGERSTOWN CITY HALL The Commissioners reconvened at 4:08 p.m. at Hagerstown City Hall for a joint meeting with the Mayor and Council, with the following members present: Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II was present as were Council Members William M. Breiclmer, Martin E. Brubaker, Forrest Easton, Ashley C. Haywood, and Lewis C. Metzner. MULTI -USE OUTDOOR SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTER Hagerstown City Administrator Bruce Zimmerman discussed a plan for the creation of a Multi -Use Outdoor Sports and Events Center (Center) in Hagerstown's City Center. He stated that the goal is for the City and County to work together to create a Center at the intersection of Baltimore Street and Summit Avenue. The project includes a baseball stadium that would potentially spur downtown revitalization by bringing business investment and property revitalization, increasing foot traffic, and expanding entertainment and recreation events. Mayor Bruchey recommended the formation of a Project Committee March 6, 2012 Page 7 to coordinate efforts and provide information regarding the project. He proposed that the City coordinate the community's efforts through Jill Estavillo, the City's Economic Development Manager, who would serve as the project manager. Both bodies discussed the proposal, the ongoing Ripken Designs stadium feasibility study, and their desire to work together to pursue a possible downtown Center. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 4:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Administrator John M. Martirano, C unty E Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk