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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.21.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 21, 2012 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:05 a.m, at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Bair, 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 — FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of February 14, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. R MZ11t3AIR Commissioner Cline reported that he attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) meeting in Annapolis last week. He participated in a formation meeting of the HubNetwork that will work to unify the needs of County citizens into an organized structure. Mi•. Cline attended a podcast sponsored by the County's Parks and Recreation Department featuring a weight loss presentation by Dan Hawthorne. He reported on a Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) meeting and the Bergman Eye Care Center ribbon cutting. Commissioner Cline enjoyed the Discovery Station "Titanic Casino Evening" fundraiser and a pancake breakfast at the Downsville Ruritan Club. He attended the Senior Idol competition and congratulated winner Jack Koch. Mi•. Cline attended the Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company Awards banquet and commended the organization for forty years of service to the community. He mentioned the 5K "Run for Your Luck" event to be held on St. Patrick's Day and kickoff for the March for Dimes "March for Babies" fundraiser on February 29 at the Robinwood Medical Center. Commissioner Cline thanked Jersey Mike's for sponsoring the event. Commissioner Callaham noted the observance today of Shrove Tuesday. She attended the MACo meeting in Annapolis. Ms. Callaham reported on a meeting of the Commission on Aging Board and commented that discussions are being held to consider expanding the planned Senior Center gymnasium to make it available for youth activities. She was present at the Black Rock Golf Board meeting and the ribbon cutting for the new Walnut Street Community Health Center mobile dental unit. Commissioner Callaham reported speaking to U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin regarding the provision for Essential Air Set -vices at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, The Commissioners agreed by consensus to send a letter to Senators Cardin and Mikulski thanking them for their efforts to continue EAS service. Ms. Callaham enjoyed the Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Company banquet and the YMCA Achievers Black History Month program. February 21, 2012 Page 2 Commissioner Barr attended MACo meetings in Annapolis for the Education subcommittee and legislative conference section. He noted that the legislative session is now at its halfway point. Mr. Barr attended a press conference to request that Governor O'Malley pull the planned teacher pension shift to Maryland counties. Commissioner Barr attended the Bergman Eye Center ribbon cutting and commended Dr. Bergman for an attractive facility that incorporates "green building" initiatives. He attended the United Way campaign finale to celebrate its successful campaign this year, where over $1.6 million was raised. Mr. Barr enjoyed the "Titanic Casino Night" fundraiser for Discovery Station, the Senior Idol contest, and the Myersville Fire Department pancake breakfast. He attended the black tie affair for Miss Washington County, Miss Western Maryland, Miss Washington County Outstanding Teen, and Miss Western Maryland Outstanding Teen. Commissioner Barr attended the Hagerstown Rotary Club Bull and Oyster Roast and spoke to Senator David Brinkley regarding Washington County issues. Commissioner McKinley attended the Downsville Ruritan Club pancake breakfast. He reported meeting with Sandy Mehalko, Regional Director of the Maryland Small Business Development Center -Western Region, regarding economic development. Mr. McKinley stated that he met with Christopher Uhl, Western Maryland Coordinator for Governor O'Malley, and together they visited various Washington County sites, attended an Airport Advisory Board meeting, and discussed issues of importance to the County. Commissioner McKinley praised the Bergman Eye Center on its new facility. He attended the Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company banquet. Mr. McKinley introduced Ryland Jones of Boy Scout Troop 7, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, who was attending the Commissioners' meeting with his grandfather, Dr. Lawrence Jones. Ryland is working toward the rank of Star Scout. Commissioner McKinley presented both a Washington County pin. Commissioner Baker attended the WCVFRA meeting and Downsville Raritan Club pancake breakfast. He congratulated his mother-in-law for being awarded second place in the Senior Idol contest and Jack Koch for taking first place. Mr. Koch will now compete in the State competition in Bowie. Commissioner Baker enjoyed the Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company banquet and thanked members for their service. OTHER BUSINESS County Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray advised that a report would be heard Thursday in Annapolis regarding a disparity grant and supplemental Governor's appropriation. MACo has taken an opposing position that the grant is a short-term fix that negatively affects counties in future years. Mr. Murray discussed the procedure that would move funds from other counties for one year in order to offset State employee pension costs. He stated that if pension costs are shifted, the disparity grant would help, but overall, the County should support being eligible for the grant regardless of pension shifts. Mr. Murray agreed with the MACo position that a one-year grant is not the outcome Washington County should support. February 21, 2012 Page 3 Mr. Murray noted that a presentation would be given later in the meeting regarding first year accomplishments of the new Board of County Commissioners. He indicated that the major points would be used as a platform for future goals of the Commissioners and County departments. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone requested permission to advertise and fill a full-time, Grade 6 Maintenance Worker position in the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department due to a promotion. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Stone requested permission to advertise and fill a full-time, Grade 8, Wireless Communications Technician position in the Wireless Communications Department due to an employee's resignation. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Lankford Sprecher, Public Relations and Community Affairs Director, announced that Antietam Cable Television would be replaying the State of the County address on channel 30 on February 22, 25, 26 and 29. The Commissioners thanked Antietam Cable for providing the public service. FIRST YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS County Administrator Greg Murray presented an overview of the first year accomplishments of the new Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of review and planning for future goals. He described achievements in Fiscal Management and Operational Efficiency, Economic Development, Incentives for Job Growth, Maintaining Services to Citizens, and Infrastructure Development. The Commissioners thanked County staff for their role in the accomplishments and Sarah Lankford Sprecher and Vicki Lunen for their work done to assemble the information. Mr. Murray reviewed a draft Term Goals Master Plan with the Commissioners that outlined goals and objectives of County divisions and departments. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Dr. Lawrence Jones advised of the planned Civil War sesquicentennial commemoration exhibit sponsored by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, to be displayed at the Museum from June 16, 2012 through July 28, 2013. February 21, 2012 Page 4 Washington County resident Paul Muldowney commented on the Yale Drive Extension project and the role of the Hagerstown -Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF). BID AWARD — PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM — FY 2012 HOT MIX ASPHALT APPLICATIONS Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, and Blair Reynolds, Project Manager, Public Works -Capital Projects, presented the recommendation to award the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2012 -Hot Mix Asphalt Applications contract (Contract MS - PMP -155-28) to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Craig Paving, Inc., of Hagerstown, Maryland for $1,730,220.42. Mr. Slocum provided details of the contract's specifications to provide asphalt preservation, repair, and rehabilitation. He indicated that four bids were received for the project, which was estimated by engineering staff to be $1,810,695.79. The Commissioners discussed the recommendation. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2012 -Hot Mix Asphalt Applications contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Craig Paving, Inc. for $1,730,220.42. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD — PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM — FY 2012 CHIP SEAL APPLICATIONS Rob Slocum and Blair Reynolds discussed the recommendation to award the Pavement Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program FY 2012 Chip Seal Applications contract (Contract MS -PMP -156-28) to American Paving Fabrics, Inc. of Hanover, Maryland for $1,221,428.45. Mr. Slocum discussed the two bids received for the contract, which encompasses asphalt preservation and repair to 41.67 miles of roadway. Staff engineers had estimated the project to be $1,256,260.45. Mr. Slocum discussed the details with the Commissioners. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to award the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2011 Chip Seal Applications contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, American Paving Fabrics, Inc. of Hanover, Maryland for $1,221,428.45. The motion passed unanimously. BUDGET REOUEST - WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT Elmer Weibley, District Manager, and Denise Price, Urban Program Director, Washington County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD), presented an overview of services provided by the WCSCD and funding by Washington County and the State of Maryland. Mr. Weibley presented the FY 2013 Urban Program budget for the WCSCD of $162,259.00 that includes a request for a $50,090.00 annual increase to provide adequate funds for development plan review and approval services. He advised that if development would February 21, 2012 Page 5 increase, WCSCD would not keep the funds provided under this premise. Mr. Weibley also stated that WCSCD is requesting a one-time amount of $80,000.00 to address a deficit of approximately $86,000.00 to allow it to remain on sound financial footing and provide set -vices needed by the development community. He requested support and maintenance of staffing. The Commissioners discussed the information provided by Mr. Weibley and Ms. Price. Greg Murray indicated that the budget request would be included in the County's budget review process during the next few months. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Weibley and Ms. Price for the information presented. HAGERSTOWN FAIRGROUNDS PARK FIELD LIGHTING PARTNERSHIP PROJECT Mike Kelbaugh and Mike Shiffler, of the Hagerstown Fairgrounds Softball Association (HFSA), presented a request that the County, City of Hagerstown, and HSFA form a partnership to provide funding to install lights on the softball fields at Fairgrounds Park. Mr. Kelbaugh described the project and the positive aspects for the community that include hotel rentals by individuals participating in and attending tournaments held at the Park. The total estimated cost is $114,000.00, with the following proposed breakdown of funding: City of Hagerstown - $24,500.00 down payment and $3,226.18 per year for seven years totaling $47,083.26; Washington County - $24,500.00 down payment and $3,226.18 per year for seven years totaling $47,083.26; and HFSA - $5,000.00 per year for seven years totaling $35,000.00. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and other sources/methods that could be used to fund the project. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review the figures and methods of funding the request and schedule a discussion in two weeks. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:11 p.m. to attend a luncheon meeting with the Maryland Theatre Board of Directors at 21 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:57 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. FISCAL YEAR 2013 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, reviewed the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year 2013 for the Airport, Bridges, Drainage, General Government, Parks and Recreation, Railroad Crossings, Public Safety, Transit, and Library categories. Mr. Kroboth described the Airport projects proposed for FY 2013 and advised of changes to funding percentages this year through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that are now 5% for the County's share compared to 2.5% previously. He discussed February 21, 2012 Page 6 modifications planned to the Airport's terminal. Mn Kroboth reported on Bridge maintenance inspections that are performed every two to four years that drive the CIP budget for that category. Under the Drainage category, he advised of new requirements regarding pollution and stormwater management control that were not previously mandated. Greg Murray discussed procedures required to offset impervious surfaces with pervious surfaces. Mr. Kroboth described several projects under the General Government category including the proposed renovation of the County Administration Building to configure a larger meeting room and other offices. He reviewed Parks and Recreation proposals that include a "North Central County Park" off Eastern Boulevard in 2016. Mr. Kroboth advised of Railroad Crossing maintenance, stating that all crossings have been inspected and are now consolidated into one category in the budget. Under Public Safetv. Sheriff Doug Mullendore described the need for future renovations to the County's Detention Center and the replacement of fleet vehicles. Mr. Kroboth discussed the planned replacement of several communication towers later in the ten-year plan. He advised that Transit projects are funded through capital grant programs through the Maryland Transit Administration using percentages, and include replacement buses and bus shelters. Under the Library category, Mr. Kroboth advised that a new library is being planned for the Town of Hancock to replace the present facility that is in poor condition. The project will be a joint effort involving the sharing of expenses by the State, County, Town, and private contributions. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 2:56 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, demotion, removal, resignation, 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, discipline, demotion, removal, resignation, 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 M. Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; and at various times Angela Smith, Deputy Director, and Jennifer Smith, Director, of the Plan Review and Permitting Department; Stephanie Stone, Director of Health and Human Services; Kevin Lewis, Director of Emergency Services; Bardona Woods, Director, and Alan Crawford, Deputy Director of Emergency Communications; and Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney. February 21, 2012 Page 7 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 3:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Murray, C tty Administrator John M. Martiranor.o n Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk