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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.20.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 20, 2012 The Commissioners attended a breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. with the University of Maryland Extension and Advisory Council at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:17 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 —March 13, 2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of March 13, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING — JOINT APPLICATION FOR THE CITY OF HAGERSTOWN/WASHINGTON COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE REDESIGNATION AND EXPANSION President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 9:20 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding an application for redesignation and expansion of the City of Hagerstown - Washington County Enterprise Zone (Zone) on property located within the corporate boundaries of the City of Hagerstown (City) and Washington County. Susan Buchanan, Fiscal Specialist for the Economic Development Commission (EDC), advised that the City and the County submitted a joint application to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) for the redesignation of the Enterprise Zone in October 2002, which designation was effective December 15, 2002 and remains in effect until December 14, 2012. Ms. Buchanan stated that the objective is to redesignate the Zone for ten more years and expand it to include additional areas within the City and County. She indicated that the expanded Zone would give the City and County an increased ability to offer incentives to stimulate existing business expansions and attract new businesses. The Zone will expire in 2012 if not renewed. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and its potential to expand business opportunities. The public hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 9:28 a.m. Commissioner Barr stated that he owns property in the Zone and would be abstaining from voting. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve a resolution authorizing support for the joint application for redesignation and expansion of the City of Hagerstown -Washington County Enterprise Zone on property located within the corporate March 20, 2012 Page 2 boundaries of the City of Hagerstown and Washington County. The motion passed with Commissioners McKinley, Cline, Callaham, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Barr "ABSTAIN." (Resolution No. RS -2012-04 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH Julie Barr -Strasburg, Executive Director of the local American Red Cross Chapter, presented information on activities of the Chapter. Ms. Barr -Strasburg accepted a proclamation from the Commissioners proclaiming March as "American Red Cross Month" in Washington County. The Commissioners thanked her and the Red Cross for the services provided to County citizens and beyond. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION —1052 SECURITY ROAD Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of an option agreement for the acquisition of property located at 1052 Security Road to allow for future realignment and improvements to Eastern Boulevard. Mr. Kuhna advised that $145,000.00 is contained in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget for the acquisition. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of renting the property until it is needed for the project and returning any unused land to the tax roles. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve an option agreement for the real property acquisition located at 1052 Security Road for the purposes stated, adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-04 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) PROCLAMATION — COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Cline presented a proclamation to Holly Luther, Community Health Educator for Cancer Screening Programs, and Wendy Beckley, Program Coordinator, representing the Washington County Health Department, designating the month of March 2012 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Ms. Luther and Ms. Beckley provided an overview of services provided to the community. The Commissioners thanked them for reminding citizens to be tested for colorectal cancer. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Attornev County Attorney John Martirano provided the Commissioners an update regarding the formal adoption of the Urban Growth Area (UGA) Comprehensive Rezoning and UGA Boundary Adjustments. He stated that the County Attorney's Office recently completed the draft ordinance and it has been forwarded to the Planning Department and staff for final review. It is anticipated that the final ordinance will be brought before the Commissioners for their review and consideration on April 17. In addition, Planning staff will be discussing the implementation of the UGA rezoning and the actual effective date of the ordinance with the Commissioners during their March 27 meeting. March 20, 2012 Page 3 Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray offered condolences to the family of Quinn Hoover, the son of a County employee, who passed away unexpectedly this weekend. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley stated that he visited three businesses in the community last week, two that were new store openings — Misty Meadow Creamery in Smithsburg, and Mattress Discounters on Massey Boulevard. He mentioned that the mattresses sold there are manufactured in Williamsport. Commissioner McKinley reported on a tour and history of Beachley Furniture given by David Beachley. He commended Agriculture Marketing Specialist Leslie Hart for her work done to market agriculture in the community and her participation on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) Board. Commissioner Barr stated that he was out of town last week. He reported that he was honored to attend a ceremony for John Thomas Yeargan of Clear Spring, and present him a certificate on behalf of the Commissioners for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Barr congratulated Misty Meadow Creamery on its grand opening. He noted that an equine and equestrian event would be held on March 24 at the Agricultural Education Center•, Commissioner Callaham thanked the Extension Office for this morning's breakfast meeting. She discussed several programs supported by the organization. Ms. Callaham attended a 4-H recognition dinner and toured Beachley Furniture. She reported on the Young Inspiration Artist Show at the University System of Maryland -Hagerstown campus. Ms. Callaham visited the Brooklane Stonebrook High Intensity group home for teenage girls. She attended a Housing Authority Board meeting and a Greater Hagerstown Committee Transportation forum presented by the City of Hagerstown. Commissioner Cline offered his sympathy to the Hoover family. He advised of a 5K Fun Run this weekend at the Antietam Battlefield sponsored by Keller -Williams Realty. Mr. Cline thanked the Maryland Extension Service for the breakfast meeting. He attended the ribbon -cutting ceremonies for Misty Meadow Creamery and Mattress Discounters. He also toured Beachley Furniture and commented on the beautiful handcrafted work done there. Commissioner Cline enjoyed the Clear Spring Lions Club Minstrel and Variety Show and spaghetti dinner and the Hagerstown Community College Flower and Garden Show. He thanked the City of Hagerstown and County for sponsoring the March 17 5K Run for Your Luck where funds raised benefitted the Community Free Clinic. Mr. Cline was present at the 4-H ceremony at the Agricultural Education Center and a Williamsport Lions Club fundraising event. He stated that Jersey Mike's would be holding a live broadcast on March 24 to support the March of Dimes "March for Babies" to be held on April 28. Commissioner Baker offered condolences to the Hoover family. He thanked the Extension Office for the programs offered in the community. Mr. Baker advised that he presented certificates to two Marines through the Marine Corps League to thank them for their service. He was present at a Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) meeting where residential fire sprinklers were discussed. Commissioner March 20, 2012 Page 4 Baker attended the St. Patrick's Day 5K Run for Your Luck race this past weekend and noted that participants included Commissioner Callaham, Sara Lankford Sprecher, and Stephanie Stone. He participated in the March Madness fundraising event sponsored by the Williamsport Lions Club. Greg Murray advised that he and County staff testified in Annapolis yesterday regarding legislation to provide improved reporting by volunteer fire and rescue companies. He reported on small business development and the work being done to assist small businesses in the HCC incubator. OTHER BUSINESS (cont.) Board of Elections Kaye Robucci, Election Director, informed the Commissioners of Early Voting to be held on March 24 -March 29 at the local Red Cross office located at 1131 Conrad Court. She advised that sample election ballots are being mailed to citizens this week. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Barry Schmidt, of 11310 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, questioned when the UGA would be adopted by the Commissioners. County Attorney John Martirano advised that the ordinance to formally adopt the UGA would be presented to the Commissioners for their review and consideration on April 17. Greg Murray stated that the County would provide a letter to Mr. Schmidt to show the final rezoning change. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 10:36 a.m. 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. In closed session, the Commissioners 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; John Martirano, County Attorney; Phil Ridenour, Airport Director; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Tim Troxell, EDC Director; and Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 11:25 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. March 20, 2012 Page 5 RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:25 a.m. to attend a luncheon and budget presentation by the Hagerstown Community College Board of Directors at 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 2:27 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW — SOLID WASTE Cliff Engle, Director, Solid Waste Department, reviewed the FY 2013 operating budget for the Solid Waste Fund. He discussed the projected revenue that does not cover expenses for the Forty West Landfill to make it a self-supporting operation. Greg Murray advised that if the Commissioners were considering a new $36.00 per year recycling fee for green box use, it must be decided upon before the budget is prepared for public hearing. If not, the landfill is an additional $200,000.00 short and further measures will need to be taken. The Commissioners discussed landfill operating and recycling costs and their options. They decided to discuss the issue further in a few weeks. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee, reviewed projects in the FY 2013 CIP budget. Ms. Murray advised that the CIP contains $20 million in projects with a proposed $14 million borrowing amount. The Commissioners discussed the borrowing level and the effects of postponing any projects. Commissioner Baker stated that he preferred to borrow only $10 million, or the amount of debt paid off by the County last year. The Commissioners discussed several projects and the savings in borrowing that could be realized by their postponement. There were no projects discussed that would lower the proposed borrowing level by any significant amount. Commissioner Callaham indicated that she preferred to borrow money during a depressed economy when interest rates are lower. Commissioner Barr stated that the projects listed were essential needs in the County and he approved of the $14 million borrowing level. Commissioners McKinley and Cline agreed with the proposal. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the $14 million borrowing level contained in the proposed FY 2013 CIP. OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW — GENERAL FUND Ms. Murray and Mr. Kroboth provided a brief overview of the General Fund Operating Budget that showed an additional decline in revenue over previous years. The Commissioners discussed pension costs being shifted from the State to the County and the possibility that several counties may be considering raising property taxes. Additional discussion and General Fund expenditure reviews will occur within the next few weeks. March 20, 2012 Page 6 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:51 p.m, to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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 other 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 considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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 other 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 Phil Ridenour, Airport Director; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Tim Troxell, EDC Director; Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager; and an individual who discussed a proposal for a business to potentially locate in the State; and an individual who discussed a personnel matter. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved.to adjourn at 4:33 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Ntu ray, C unty Administrator John M. Martirano, tAttorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk