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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.10.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 10, 2012 The Commissioners attended the annual Breakfast Advisory Meeting at the Technical High School at 7:30 a.m. located at 50 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 10:00 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. 1k,\Y�ZN71[�]`►/:l`►i7T1) D)1ZeiZ177\ /111 �Cei/�►C�DI Commissioner Barr provided the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 27.2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of March 27, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING — PROPOSED ENACTMENT OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF SCHOOL BUS MONITORING CAMERAS President Baker convened a public hearing at 10:03 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding the proposal to enact an Ordinance authorizing the use of school bus monitoring cameras in Washington County. Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, advised that a new State law provides that school bus monitoring cameras may be used to record vehicles unlawfully passing a school bus, and that the Commissioners must pass an Ordinance approving the use of said cameras if so desired. The hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comrnent. The public hearing was closed at 10:04 a.m. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and endorsed the enactment of such an Ordinance. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve an "Ordinance Authorizing the Use of School Bus Monitoring Cameras in Washington County, Maryland." The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-05 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) SECOND OUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS — BOARD OF EDUCATION FY 2012 GENERAL FUND Chris South, Chief Financial Officer for Washington County Public Schools, requested adjustments to the Second Quarter FY 2012 General Fund Budget by decreasing the following categories: Revenue - $341,000.00, Administration - $173,266.00, Mid -Level Administration - $151,465.00, Other Instructional Costs - $226,515.00, Special Education April 10, 2012 Page 2 - $557,000.00, Student Personnel Services — $22,000.00, Student Transportation Services - $64,349.00, Operation of Plant - $530,730.00, Capital Outlay - $26,575.00 and Fixed Charges - $50,660.00; and by increasing the following categories: Instructional Salaries - $682,471.00, Instructional Textbooks and Supply - $83,389.00, Student Health Services - $20,700.00, and Maintenance of Plant - $675,000.00, for a net change in fund balance of $0. Mr. South provided details on several line items. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the requested Second Quarter adjustments to the Board of Education's FY 2012 General Fund Budget for a net change in the fund balance of $0. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline offered condolences to Parks and Facilities Director Jim Sterling on the death of his father. He commented on anniversaries of the passing of Williamsport native Nick Adenhart three years ago and the April 11, 1935 school bus accident in Rockville that killed fourteen Williamsport High School students. The event resulted in improved safety regulations for railroad crossings and contributions to construct the Williamsport Memorial Library. Mr. Cline thanked Jersey Mike's, Always Ron's, and Uno's restaurants for promotions to assist the March of Dimes "March for Babies" campaign. He reminded all that there is still time to register for the "March for Babies" Walk on Saturday April 28. Commissioner Cline attended the dedication of the refurbished Kepler Performing Arts Center and a Recognition Program at the Department of Social Services. He enjoyed the Technical High School breakfast fundraiser last week. He thanked the County's Recreation Department and the Williamsport Volunteer Fire Department for sponsoring egg hunts in the community. Mr. Cline attended the Downsville Ruritan spaghetti dinner and a Historic District Committee meeting. He advised that the new owner of Elmwood Farms, Selena Wilkes Tory, plans to open a Bed & Breakfast. He reported on a celebration held by the Town of Williamsport to observe its 225th anniversary. Commissioner Cline advised of a pancake breakfast at the Agricultural Education Center on April 14 to benefit the 4-H Program. Commissioner Callaham attended the rededication of the Kepler Theatre and a Hagerstown Municipal Band concert at the Maryland Theatre where she presented a certificate to the Band. She attended the Chamber of Commerce's Eggs and Issues breakfast where the Small Business Administration gave a presentation entitled "Access to Capital." Ms. Callaham reported on a PenMar Development Corporation Board meeting and encouraged all to attend the First Annual Bass Fishing Tournament to be held at Fort Ritchie's Lake Royer on June 23. She also enjoyed attending Williamsport's 225th Anniversary event. April 10, 2012 Page 3 Commissioner Barr discussed the recent "Race for Ryan" scholarship fundraiser race held in memory of his nephew, Ryan Myers. He noted that Commissioner Callaham participated with her grandson. Mr. Barr praised the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's sellout concert featuring the Texas Tenors. Commissioner McKinley congratulated the Town of Williamsport on the observance of its 225`h Anniversary. He thanked the Technical High School for inviting the Commissioners and staff this morning to an Advisory Meeting and breakfast where professionals donate time to advise faculty on various trades. He attended the rededication of the Kepler Theatre and commented on the outstanding facility. Mr. McKinley reported on a Planning Commission meeting and the Eggs and Issues breakfast. He thanked Potomac Edison for hosting a reception prior to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra concert. Commissioner Baker thanked the Technical High School for hosting the Advisory Meeting and breakfast this morning. He attended the Town of Clear Spring's Mayor and Council meeting and advised that Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, would be giving a presentation to the Town on April 23 regarding the Watershed Implementation Plan Phase II. Mi•. Baker stated that Rick Blair, Treasurer of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, invited the Commissioners to his swearing-in as President of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association on April 15 at the Funkstown Fire Hall. Conunissioner Baker attended the Department of Social Services Recognition Luncheon and thanked Director Dave Engle and staff for their work in the community. Mr. Baker attended the Technical High School pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit students participating in national trade competitions this year. Commissioner Baker thanked Recreation Department staff for sponsoring the successful egg hunt this past weekend. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Attornev County Attorney John Martirano advised that one additional reason for this afternoon's scheduled closed session was inadvertently omitted from the Commissioners' agenda. He stated that the item "to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State" should have been included and will be added to the agenda. Aunointments to Boards and Commissions Board of Zonin¢ Anneals Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Neal Glessner to a first full, three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals from April 1, 2012 through March 30, 2015, and Robert Coblentz to a first full, three-year term from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. April 10, 2012 Page 4 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Wilmer Lankford to fulfill the term of alternate member Neal Glessner on the Board of Zoning Appeals from April 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014, and Paul Fulk to fulfill the term of alternate member Robert Coblentz from June 1, 2012 through July 31, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray commented on several articles and editorials published recently in The Herald -Mail newspaper on County recycling, landfill operations, and accountability for Hotel Rental Tax Funds. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 11:06 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, 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, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, 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 John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley; and at various times Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 11:42 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:42 a.m. /:1�IZ1 t�►'7 `(IZI7►(.9 x.Y.y Cllr;/ President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:40 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. PUBLIC HEARING — MODIFICATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES AND PROPOSED DELINOUENT WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNT BILLING FEES FOR FY 2013 President Baker convened a public hearing at 1:40 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the modification of water and sewer rates and proposed delinquent water and sewer account billing fees for FY 2013. Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of April 10, 2012 Page 5 Environmental Management stated that an increase in revenue is required in order to facilitate the Department of Water Quality's long-range financial plans. Ms. Pippel presented the revised rate schedule and delinquent water and sewer account billing fees being proposed. She discussed the reasons for rate increases, which were to help fund enhanced nutrient removal technology and to keep up with rising costs for chemicals and electricity to operate the treatment plants. Delinquent billing fees would be broken down into increments for turning off and on service, and the entire process would be reduced to 42 days instead of 72. Greg Murray advised that the General Fund would no longer be subsidizing the Water and Sewer Fund as of FY 2013, making the Fund fully self- supporting. The hearing was opened for public comment. W. Robert Bloyer of 10901 Graystone Drive, Hagerstown commented on the County's policy of charging a minimum base rate for water usage instead of actual amounts used below the minimum rate. The Public Hearing was closed at 1:51 p.m. The Commissioners plan to vote on the proposals before finalizing the FY 2013 budget. Earth Day Observance Ms. Pippel advised that she and Sarah Lankford Sprecher, Public Relations Director, would be coordinating the County's observance of Earth Day with a tree planting ceremony on April 24 at Springfield Middle School. She distributed booklets and pencils to the Commissioners for Earth Day activities in the community. (Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 1:54 p.m.) GENERAL FUND BUDGET Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, discussed overall large adjustments made to the FY 2013 General Fund Budget. Ms. Murray indicated that in an effort to balance the budget without raising taxes, her Department used a "no new programs or services" principle while reviewing requests fiom various County departments and agencies. She stated that the Board of Education's $89,857,490.00 maintenance of effort amount and the State -mandated pension shift increase of $647,000.00 remain in the budget proposal. Ms. Murray discussed items not recommended for funding, which include additional funding for School Health Nurses, Hagerstown Community College, additional Library employees, and the Sheriff's Department Day Reporting Center. The Commissioners discussed the Day Reporting Center and it was their consensus to consider its inclusion in the FY 2014 budget in an effort not to corninit to a reoccurring expense at this time. In addition, new positions requested for the 9-1-1 Center are recommended to be filled after January 1, 2013. Regarding the State pension issue that was partly addressed by the Legislature last night, Greg Murray asked whether the Commissioners agreed to send a letter to Anthony South, Maryland State Board of Education Executive Director, requesting a waiver for an amount April 10, 2012 Page 6 yet to be determined, which could be in the form of an impeded, agreed on, or rebasing waiver based on discussions with our Board of Education for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to do so. Greg Murray stated that the recommended adjustments to the proposed budget would be discussed later for a consensus among the Commissioners, and decisions must be made on Airport operating subsidies, implementing a sticker fee for drop-off recycling, modifying the County's senior tax credit so that seniors who make $15,000.00 per year or less do not pay any County property tax, and changing the excise tax -rate structure for commercial buildings so all types of commercial uses would have the same rate. The Commissioners expressed interest in offering a future early out option for employees that would achieve operational savings in the long term. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 3:13 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; 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. (Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting at 3:18 p.m.) In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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 John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, 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; and at various times Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joe Kroboth, IIl, Public Works Director; Pete Loewenheim, Deputy Director, Information Services -Wireless Communications; Sarah Lankford Sprecher, Director of Public Relations; Richard Willson, Executive Director of the Housing Authority; Norman Bassett, Disabilities Advisory Coordinator; and Julie Rohm, General Manager of the Valley Mall. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:24 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. April 10, 2012 Page 7 RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:24 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING — PROPOSED NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ORDINANCE FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY President Baker convened a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the proposed new Economic Development Commission (EDC) Ordinance for Washington County, Maryland, County Attorney John M. Martirano reviewed the process taken thus far to obtain recommendations of the EDC Board and County Commissioners in order to revise the Ordinance and clarify the principles governing the EDC. The hearing was opened for public comment. County Clerk Vicki Lumm administered the oath to those who planned to give testimony. The following individuals provided comments: Stuart L. Mullendore, 3 Maple Avenue, Boonsboro Jim Laird, 1903 Maplewood Drive, Hagerstown Tom Janus, 10029 Pleasant View Drive, Hagerstown Allen E. Swope, 14606 Falling Waters Road, Williamsport Robert Harsh, 15834 Falling Waters Road, Williamsport Barbara Hovermill, 16286 Spielman Road, Williamsport Pat Schooley, 20702 Old Forge Road, Hagerstown The public hearing was closed at 5:49 p.m. President Baker stated that the Commissioners would be discussing and voting on the proposed Ordinance at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. *Tay, Counj Administrator - A.-- f�' (/,/ John M. Martirano,. ou y Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk