Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.24.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 24, 2012 The Commissioners attended an Earth Day tree planting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Springfield Middle School, 334 Sunset Avenue, Williamsport, Maryland. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 11:06 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callabam, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Mark Sandell of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —APRIL 17.2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of April 17, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Dan Spedden, 41 Mealey Parkway, Hagerstown, commented on the importance of minor league baseball in the community. Dot McDonald -Kline, 1036 Benjamin Place, Hagerstown, discussed the Hagerstown Regional Airport, economic development, and various articles on County government appearing in The Herald -Mail, Brenda Evans, 16943 Sprecher Road, Sharpsburg, commented on the shift of teacher pensions from the State to the counties. Oscar Evans, 16943 Sprecher Road, Sharpsburg, commented on the Board of Education budget, Hagerstown Regional Airport, the proposed downtown multi -use stadium, and job creation in the County. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION — WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2012 Debra Murray, Finance Director, introduced Lindsey Rader, Bond Counsel, to review a resolution to issue and sell 2012 bond amounts of $17,765,000.00 for Public Improvement Bonds and $9,225,000.00 for Refunding Bonds. Ms. Rader stated that by law, the Board of County Commissioners are empowered to issue and sell bonds at Public Sale upon its full faith and credit to provide funds to finance the cost of the construction, improvement or development of certain public facilities in Washington County. She advised that Finance Director Debra Murray has the authority prior to the issuance or bond sale to make adjustments for various purposes by working with her staff and advisors to see the market April 24, 2012 Page 2 status to maximize savings. Ms. Rader stated that the bond sale would be advertised in The Herald -Mail on April 26 and held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. She indicated that this year's process would be different in that there would be a fifteen -minute window between the receipt of bids for the two types of bonds. The Commissioners discussed the Capital Improvement Program projects to be funded by the bonds. Ms. Murray advised that $1.5 million in project requests were previously reduced in the budget. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the resolution authorizing the County Commissioners to issue and sell General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,990,000.00 for financing public facilities, refunding outstanding maturities as presented, and prepaying the MICRF and MILA loans. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2012-06 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) BUDGET DISCUSSION County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the consensus agreed to by the Commissioners during their April 17 meeting to implement a $3 fee for recycling services at the County's landfill. He stated that during the discussion, a possible method for funding physicals for fire and rescue applicants was also discussed, and that the matter may have been inadvertently tied to the recycling fee consensus. The Commissioners affirmed their consensus last week to support the $3 recycling fee. They discussed various methods of providing fire and rescue applicant physicals with Kevin Lewis, Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Lewis advised that the physicals are costlier and more intensive due to certifications that must be attained by trainees. The Commissioners expressed their desire to recoup some of the costs for physicals for those who never become firefighters, estimated to be 65%. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to reserve up to $150,000.00 in the General Fund Budget for volunteer fire and rescue applicant physicals, and discuss the matter further, along with accountability issues, with the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:12 p.m. to attend a luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony at Discovery Station, 101 West Washington Street, for the historic Moller Organ exhibit. AFTERNOON SESSION 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. PROCLAMATION — NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK On behalf of the Commissioners, President Baker presented a proclamation to employees representing the Victims' Rights Unit of the State's Attorney's Office, designating the week of April 22-28, 2012, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Charles Strong, State's Attorney, and Jill Ritter, Victims Rights Coordinator, thanked the Commissioners April 24, 2012 Page 3 for the proclamation and described activities planned to observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the assistance given to victims of crime and thanked those who advocate on their behalf. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT VIRGINIA P. CLAGETT. ET AL. Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Department of Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the Virginia P. Clagett Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement project for $111,747.22 for 33.2 easement acres. Mr. Seifarth advised that CREP funds are 100% state -paid and are used to protect highly erodible land. He described the property and stated that the permanent easement would run with the land. Mr. Seifarth indicated that the Commissioners must adopt an ordinance if approving said purchase. If not accepted, Washington County funds would be allocated to other Maryland counties. The Commissioners discussed the recommendation with Mr. Seifarth. Commissioner Callalram, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the Virginia P. Clagett, et al. Conservation Reserve Entrancement Program easement project for $111,747.22 for 33.2 easement acres as presented, to adopt an Ordinance approving the purchase of the easement purchase, and authorize the execution of all necessary documentation to finalize the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-09 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) GEOWOODSTOCK NATIONAL CONVENTION Tom Riford, President and CEO of the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, announced that the National GcoWoodstock convention might be held in 2014 at the Agricultural Education Center in Washington County. He indicated that Geocachers are individuals who go on real life outdoor "treasure hunts" using GPS - enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Mi•. Riford introduced local geocacher Dwight Wingert, who described the convention activities and the positive tourism effects gained by cities and counties sponsoring such conventions. Mr. Wingert indicated that over 3,500 people would be expected to attend the event. The Commissioners expressed their support for the endeavors being made to host a GeoWoodstock convention in Washington County. GRANT APPLICATION - WEEKEND INTAKE CENTER WORK CREW SUPERVISOR SALARY Charles P. Strong, State's Attorney, and Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative Sanctions, State's Attorney's Office, requested approval of a $30,950.00 grant application for the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor for the Weekend Intake Center. Ms. Cunningham advised that the Work Crew Supervisor oversees persons who have agreed to perform voluntary community service as an alternative to possible fines or jail time as part of the disposition of a criminal court proceeding. The grant money will keep the program operational and be applied to the Supervisor's salary of $53,265.00, thereby reducing the amount needed from the State's Attorney's Office budget. April 24, 2012 Page 4 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve submission of an application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a $30,950.00 Weekend Intake Center grant for the Work Crew Supervisor salary. The motion passed unanimously. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT GRANT REOUESTS Cody Miller, Grants Coordinator for the Sheriffs Department, requested approval to apply for several grants from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Justice, as follows: Governor's Office Of Crime Control and Prevention — Bodv Armor Renlacement Grant - To cover the cost of body armor replacement - $29,402.00 covers two years and forty-one vests (matching grant required, a federal grant will be applied for to cover costs.) Governor's Office Of Crime Control and Prevention — Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement Grant - To support supervisor training and salaries of two part-time civilian staff to assist the registrar of sex offenders - $27,068.00 (no -match grant.) U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Justice Proerams — Edward Bvrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant - To support a variety of law enforcement projects, events, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, equipment purchases, and emergency events - $13,869.00 (no -match grant.) Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention — School Bus Safetv Enforcement Grant - To cover overtime for deputies to follow school buses and enforce the law - $14,960.00 (no match grant.) Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the submission of and the acceptance of all grants as presented. The motion passed unanimously. BUDGET DISCUSSION (cont.) Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, discussed several personnel matter approvals for the FY 2013 General Fund Budget that were discussed and decided upon by the Commissioners, as follows: Election Board Budeet Increase — It was the consensus of the Commissioners to maintain the current Election Board budget based on its history of having excess budget funds remaining over several past fiscal years. Emereencv Services Snecial Operations Emplovees— It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve three additional Call -Taker positions at the 9-1-1 Emergency Center, beginning on January 1, 2013. Transit Transfer Center Attendant— There was a consensus among the Commissioners not to support the new position at this time. April 24, 2012 Page 5 Haaerstown Reeional Airnort Office Associate - It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve moving a current part-time Airport Office Associate to full- time employment as of July 1, 2012, Greg Murray announced that the Public Hearing regarding the County's FY 2013 Budget would likely be held on May 22 at the Kepler Theatre. OTHER BUSINESS Aunointments to Countv Boards and Commissions Washineton Countv Commission for Women Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Kathy Saxman to the Washington County Commission for Women to a first, three-year term through April 30, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. Washineton Countv Economic Development Commission Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Sandy Mehalko as an ex - officio member of the Washington County Economic Development Commission to tern ending with the Board of Commissioners' on December 2, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD — PROPOSED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SHEETS/ALESHIRE PROPERTY Rob Slocum, Deputy Director of Public Works, and Scott Hobbs, Chief of Engineering Design, recommended award of the contract for Proposed Drainage Improvements for the Sheets/Aleshire property to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lonestar Builders, Inc. of Williamsport, Maryland for $128,835.98. Mr. Slocum provided details of the project to alleviate ongoing flooding issues and the four bids received. He advised that total construction expenses are estimated at $151,027.78, including the bid amount. The Commissioners discussed the project with Mr. Slocum. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to award of the contract for Proposed Drainage Improvements for the Sheets/Aleshire property to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder Lonestar Builders, Inc. for $128,835.98 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Baker left the meeting at 2:42 p.m. and Commissioner Barr assumed the Chair) FY 2013 ANNUAL PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PROJECTS Jim Sterling, Director of the Parks and Facilities Department, met with the Commissioners to discuss FY 2013 Program Open Space (POS) funding as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Board. Mr. Sterling indicated that the proposal includes FY 2012 POS Reverted Funded Projects. Funds to be reverted are from the Ruth Ann Monroe gymnasium, Agricultural Education Center water improvements, and Devil's Backbone April 24, 2012 Page 6 Dam project. He reviewed the requests received from various municipalities, the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, City of Hagerstown, and Washington County for consideration of POS funds, and presented the following recommendations: FY 2013 POS Allocation Boonsboro: King Farm Park Development - $31,500.00; Haeerstown: Memorial Park Phase II - $49,500.00, Portable Metal Bleachers for Various Parks - $7,200.00, Potterfield Pool Pavilion - $9,000.00; Hancock: Kirkwood Park Pavilion - $35,000.00; Smithsburg: Veterans Park Pavilion Upgrade - $12,600.00; Williamsport: Byron Park Signage - $3,150.00, Byron Park Bike Racks - $1,242.00; Board of Education: Boonsboro High Track - $157,500.00, Washineton Countv: M.L. Snook Park Softball Field Lights - $350,000.00, M.L. Snook Park Retaining Wall - $6,750.00, Woodland Way Park Sidewalk Replacement - $10,800.00, Agricultural Education Center Pole Barn 3 Concrete - $34,438.00, Pinesburg Softball Fields Topsoil - $21,600.00; and Tennis Courts Resurfacing - $15,235.00. FY 2012 POS — Reverted Funded Proiects Funkstown: Veterans Park Ballfield Fencing Replacement - $3,500.00; Washineton Coun : M.L. Snook Pool ADA Improvements - $20,000.00, M.L. Snook Park Basketball Court Overlay - $8,100.00, M.L. Snook Park Softball Fields Fence Replacement - $24,300.00, Regional Park Disc Golf - $22,500.00, Senior Center Gymnasium Expansion - $300,000.00; Haeerstown: Fairgrounds Park Lighting Project- $47,100.00. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Bair, moved to approve the annual FY 2013 Program Open Space Program including the FY 2012 Reverted Funded Projects as presented and recommended by the Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Baker was absent from the vote.) YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS PRESENTATION — APRIL AND MAY 2012 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive April 2012 Youth Meritorious Awards: Joseph Ernst of Clear Spring Middle School and Emily Gross of Springfield Middle School. The May 2012 awards went to Bailey Covington of Western Heights Middle School and Devin Fales of Boonsboro Middle School. Each student received a $100 Office Max gift card from the WCCP. The Commissioners commended the students for their leadership, academic, and extra- curricular activities. CONTRACT AWARD — CLINICAL SERVICES FOR TEENS Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, and Melissa Nearchos, Senior Grant Manager for the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management, presented a request to award the contract for Clinical Services for Teens to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Washington County (PUR-1178) to the responsive sole proposer, Community Free Clinic, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $73,800.00. Ms. Luther April 24, 2012 Page 7 advised that the Local Management Board has approved the recommendation. Ms. Nearchos described the scope of work and population to be served under the contract, which would tentatively commence on July 1, 2012 and end June 30, 2013. The contract may be renewed for up to two consecutive fiscal years. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the contract for Clinical Services for Teens to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Washington County to the responsive sole proposer, Community Free Clinic, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $73,800.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Baker was absent from the vote.) CONTRACT RENEWAL — PLUMBING AND HEATING MAINTENANCE SERVICES Karen Luther and Jim Sterling recommended renewal of the contract for Plumbing and Heating Maintenance Services (PUR-1060) with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland based on its letter dated February 21, 2012 requesting a 1.5% increase in the plumber's hourly rate from $34.63 to $35.15 for work performed during regular hours. Ms. Luther described the services to be performed under the as -needed contract. She indicated that Beaver did not request any rate increases in FY 2012. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to renew the bid for Plumbing and Heating Maintenance Services with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Baker was absent from the vote.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 3:23 p.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; to discuss personnel matters that affect 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 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. (Commissioner Baker returned to the meeting at 3:31 p.m. and assumed the Chair.) In closed session, the Commissioners discussed potential appointments to County boards and commissions, personnel matters involving county employees, legal and contractual issues related to a construction project, potential property acquisition, and issues relating to the proposal for a business to remain in the State. Staff was directed to place the potential appointments on a future open session agenda and was further directed to continue discussions relating to the potential property acquisition. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, April 24, 2012 Page 8 and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Jim Sterling, Director of Parks and Facilities; Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 6:02 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory—B. 1Imray, Co� N�John M. Martirna o, dyunty Attorney 7rt:t . n. Y - Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk