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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.15.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland May 15, 2012 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST The County Commissioners met at the Hagerstown Hotel and Convention Center, 1910 Dual Highway, Hagerstown at 7:30 a.m. for the annual employee Service/Retirement Awards breakfast and program. President Terry L. Baker gave the Invocation and the Commissioners presented awards in appreciation to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government. The following retirees were also recognized: Frederick Armstrong, Robert Farmer, Joyce Hilgeman, Lesa Bakner, Dennis Minnick, Terence Taylor, Steven McCarty, Carolyn Motz, Kenneth Kitchen, Ronald Laughman, William Stahoviak, Michael Thompson, Kelly Reynard, Dennis Engle, Benjamin Myers, Robin Folrner, J. Rob Smith, Vicky McKenzie, David Spessard, III, Bernard Bossler, David Shrader, John Lehman, and Paula Blenard. The Commissioners thanked the employees for their work and dedication in serving Washington County citizens. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:48 a.m. in the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 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 —MAY 8, 2012 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of May 8, 2012 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline congratulated County employees and retirees recognized during this morning's Service Awards breakfast. Mr. Cline attended an open house at First Energy and an Exhibition of Learning at Fountaindale Elementary. He reported on meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee and Rural Heritage Museum Board, Commissioner Cline toured Creek Bound Farm and commended the owners for installing a new solar energy system. He attended a meeting of the Building Code Review Committee and a Business Exposition sponsored by the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cline enjoyed the Wilson Ruritan pancake breakfast and the Washington County Technical High School's annual themed dinner by students in the Culinary Arts program. He congratulated Boonsboro's Greenfest Committee for a successful event. Commissioner Cline attended a yard sale at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center and the annual Firemen's' Bonanza. He was present at the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) GED External Diploma Award ceremony and the Health Care Career Exposition sponsored by U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin. May 15, 2012 Page 2 Commissioner Callaham attended many of the same events as her fellow Commissioners including the visits to Palmyra and Creek Bound Farms and the First Energy open house. She enjoyed visiting Fountaindale Elementary School for the Celebration of Excellence. Ms. Callahani reported on a Historical Advisory Committee meeting where Ron Little of the Maryland Historical Trust spoke on preserving entities in the County. She attended the Safe Streets Initiative (formerly C -SAFE) meeting where a gang prevention program was discussed. Commissioner Callaham congratulated the Boonsboro Greenfest Committee for its informative and well -attended event. She stated that she helped to welcome visitors from the Civil War Roundtable of Vermont who were touring the County. Commissioner Barr attended Meritus Medical Center's Crystal Ball that raised funds for affordable health care including the John Marsh Cancer Center. He commended students at the Technical High School for their successful themed dinner. Mr. Barr reported that he traveled with Economic Development Commission (EDC) Business Development Manager Greg Larsen to Allegiant Air's annual conference in Nevada. Commissioner Barr and Mr. Larson provided details of the conference and unveiled the "Low Cost Airport Award" presented to the County during the event, which was a model Allegiant airplane mounted on a plaque. Commissioner McKinley congratulated employees receiving services awards this morning. He attended HCC's GED External Diploma Award ceremony and congratulated the graduates. Mr. McKinley congratulated Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village on its anniversary open house. He attended the Greenfest, the Maryland Conductor's Circle event with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and the First Energy open house. Commissioner McKinley also toured the Palmyra and Creek Bound Farms and discussed the solar operation and modem technology employed in farming today. He reported on a recent EDC meeting and work being done to promote economic development in Washington County. Commissioner Baker also attended the First Energy facility tour. He reported on discussions held during a recent EDC Board meeting. Mr. Baker stated that the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board recently toured the Devil's Backbone Dam project and praised the improvements that are nearly completed. He attended the Wilson Ruritan Club breakfast, Greenfest event, and the Master Gardeners' plant sale at the Agricultural Education Center. Commissioner Baker thanked the Human Resources Department for coordinating the County Employee Service Awards breakfast this morning and thanked all employees and retirees for their service. BESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, announced that the Advisory School Design Review Committee (Committee) has reviewed construction plans for the new Bester Elementary School Project and is recommending that the project be authorized to proceed with advertisement for construction bids. Mr. Kroboth described the plans for the facility and the input received from Committee members. He indicated that as of 2010, all public May 15, 2012 Page 3 school projects are required to be LEED Silver -Certified. The Commissioners discussed the matter with Mr. Kroboth, Boyd Michael, Chief Financial Officer, and Rob Rollins, Director of Facilities Planning and Development, for Washington County Public Schools. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to authorize the Board of Education to advertise for competitive bids for the Bester Elementary School Project as recommended by the Advisory School Design Review Committee. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Ron Lytle, Executive Director of the Contemporary School for the Arts, 4 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, requested assistance with a mural project planned for a West Franklin Street building. Per Olaf and Alice Bachman, 19121 Manor Church Road, Hagerstown, requested the establishment of a noise ordinance in Washington County due to loud events held at a location near their residence. Carroll Earp, 20315 Ayoub Lane, Hagerstown, thanked the County's Highway Department for repairs done to roads in the Mt. Aetna Road area. He requested that the County look into dilapidated houses and a possible dangerous situation in an area of the Dual Highway. OTHER BUSINESS: Countv Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray commented on the G-8 Summit being held at Camp David later this week that will affect access to the High Rock area. He reminded citizens of the County's Budget Hearing to be held on Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 p.m., at the HCC Kepler Theatre. Mr. Murray discussed the special legislative session of the General Assembly currently being held in Annapolis. He stated that Washington County would not be receiving a disparity grant this year and that the $3 million teacher pension burden would likely be shifted to counties during the session. Commissioner Barr commented that he testified during the special session on behalf of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) concerning the pension shift and other State initiatives. Public Works Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, distributed copies of a letter being sent to property owners along the Civil War "Rail to Trail" Project area regarding a public meeting scheduled on June 21 at the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FUNDING COMMITTEE BYLAWS Jim Hovis, Director of the Community Organization Funding Committee (Committee), introduced draft bylaws that detail the responsibilities of the newly formed Committee and govern the manner in which it will conduct business. He indicated that each County Commissioner has appointed a representative to serve on the five -member Committee. May 15, 2012 Page 4 Mr. Hovis discussed the initial term to be served by the inaugural Committee with the Commissioners. It was their consensus to approve a first, three-year term through June 30, 2015, then two-year terms thereafter. In the case of misfeasance or malfeasance by a Committee member, it was their consensus to dismiss, if necessary, as a Board, and not individually. Mr. Hovis stated that once the bylaws are approved, the Committee would move forward with preparations for the Fiscal Year 2014 funding cycle process previously approved by the Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed non-profit organizations that are currently approved for funding as set forth in Section 1-108 in the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washineton Countv. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the Community Organization Funding Committee Bylaws with incorporated changes as discussed. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD — COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING HVAC SYSTEM Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing Department, and Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director, recommended award of the bid for the Washington County Office Building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System (PUR-1176) to the responsive, responsible bidder, M.S. Johnston Co., Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland for the lowest Base Bid of $123,340.00. Mr. Curry provided details of the two bids received for the project, which includes demolition, renovation, and construction necessary to install a roof top HVAC unit at 33-35 West Washington Street. He advised that total estimated construction expenses were $163,280.00 but the lowest base bid of $123,340.00 is recommended due to insufficient funds. The Commissioners discussed the project and alternative options with Mr. Kroboth. He advised that a change order could be approved later if a favorable budget is found and the bidder would honor its price for a defined period of time. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to award the contract for the Washington County Office Building Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning System to the responsive, responsible bidder, M.S. Johnston Co., Inc., for the lowest Base Bid of $123,340.00 as presented and to later examine funding sources to consider the alternative option. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:37 a.m. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:35 p.m. in Room 255 of the County Administration Building with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. DISCUSSION OF BUILDING CODES/TRADE CODES Jennifer Smith, Director, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, Division of Plan Review and Permitting, discussed recommendations to the Building Code that were developed by a Committee of experts in the field of building construction formed in 2011. Jennifer Smith May 15, 2012 Page 5 stated that as part of the process to adopt new 2012 Maryland Building Performance Standards, County trade boards reviewed modifications to the 2011 National Electrical Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2012 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2012 International Plumbing Code. Some of the Committee's suggestions included the treatment of agricultural structures, setback requirements for balconies and decks, replacing plumbing fixtures without a permit, and the requirement of residential automatic fire sprinkler systems (HB 366 to be signed by Governor O'Malley.) Assistant County Attorney Kirk Downey informed the Commissioners that staff is also recommending as part of this code adoption process that the Commissioners approve a consolidation of the existing fee schedules in order to consolidate all fees relating to these specific codes into one resolution/fee schedule. This consolidation is necessary because of last year's departmental reorganization and only includes fees that are currently charged in these areas. The new proposed consolidated fee schedule does not include any increase in fees and its purpose is solely to make it easier and more convenient for the public. The Commissioners discussed the information presented and it was their consensus to set a June 5 public hearing to obtain comments regarding the proposal. The Commissioners relocated to Room 227 at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 2:54 p.m. to consider a matters that concern the proposals for businesses to locate or remain in the State; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; to consult with staff about pending or potential litigation; and to consider matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations, in accordance with Section 10-508(a)(4)(7)(8) and (9) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed issues relating to a company's proposal/plan to locate in the County; legal issues relating to the scope of health insurance coverage with counsel; issues relating to ongoing union negotiations including certain terms of employment with staff, and issues relating to a company's proposal to remain in the County. The Commissioners decided in Closed Session to continue discussions next week relating to issues regarding whether several companies will remain/locate in the County. The Commissioners also provided specific direction to Staff as to the scope of health insurance issue as well as the outstanding issues relating to ongoing union negotiations. 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; Andrew F. Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; and at various times Joe Kroboth, III, Public Works Director; Phil Ridenour, Airport Director; and Greg Larsen, EDC Business Development Manager. May 15, 2012 Page 6 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Mfrray, Co ty Administrator John M. Mattirano, C Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk