HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.03.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
July 3, 2012
President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 11:48 a.m. in Room 227
at 100 West Washington Street, with the following members present: Vice President John
F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B.
McKinley.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at
11:48 a.m. to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial
organization to locate, expand or remain in the State; and consult with staff, consultants, or
other individuals about potential litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508(4) and (8) of
the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed
unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the specifics of a proposal/request for
economic assistance from a business that hopes to remain in the County and State; and
discussed issues relating to a matter that may at some future time lead to the initiation of
litigation. During Closed Session, the Commissioners provided staff with parameters
relating to the County's continued discussions with the business entity hoping to remain in
the County. Present 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; and John M. Martirano, County
Attorney.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at
11:48 a.m. The motion passed unanimously.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag by the full assemblage.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — June 19, 2012
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of
June 19, 2012. The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADnointments to Countv Boards and Commissions
Economic Development Commission
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Kate Rader as a City of
Hagerstown representative to the Economic Development Commission, to a first, three-
year term through June 30, 2015. The motion passed unanimously.
July 3, 2012
Page 2
Local Management Board
Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Bridgett Jones Smith as a
community representative to the Local Management Board to a first, three-year term
through July 31, 2015; and to reappoint Deena Holder to a second, three-year term through
July 31, 2015; reappoint Samuel Key to a second, three-year term through June 30, 2015;
reappoint Peter Thomas to a second, three-year term through July 31, 2015; reappoint
Mary Towe to a second, three-year term through June 30, 2015, and reappoint Charles
Wainwright to a second, three-year term through June 30, 2015. The motion passed _ .
unanimously.
PenMar Development Comoration
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Peter Kurz to a
second, four-year term on the PenMar Development Corporation Board through June 30,
2016; to appoint Patrick Fleagle and William Carter to fust, full four-year terms through
June 30, 2016; appoint Brian Flook and Richard Lum, Jr. to first, four-year terms through
June 30, 2016; and appoint Sharon Disque to fulfill an unexpired term through June 30,
2013. The motion passed unanimously.
Countv Administrator Comments
Environmental and Prooerty Assessments — Hagerstown Regional Airport
County Administrator Greg Murray referred to the previous vote taken by the
Commissioners to approve funding for appraisals and environmental assessments of vacant
property at the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) to assist with economic development
efforts. The total amount approved at the time was $105,000.00; however, the cost is
actually $114,815.00 to complete the assessment. Mr. Murray requested a motion to
approve $9,815.00 in additional funding from the same source, Hotel Rental Tax Funds, to
complete the project.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve an additional $9,815.00 to
complete the study as presented. Commissioner Barr commented that the project was a
mandated requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the airport have
an environmental assessment using official appraisals under FAA guidelines, which caused
an expenditure by the County. The motion passed unanimously.
Mecaer Aviation Croon (MAG. Inc.)
Greg Murray announced that the County has been in discussions with Mecaer Aviation
Group (MAG, Inc.) regarding a potential economic development incentive of $20,000.00
per year for five -years ($100,000.00) relating to the company's plan to begin operations at
the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR). He stated that under the proposed terms, MAG, a
helicopter fixed -wing maintenance, repair, and overhaul company based in Philadelphia,
must hire at least eighteen full-time positions each year with an average annual salary of
$50,000.00. The company plans to locate in a 17,000 square foot airport hanger beginning
on or about August 30, 2012. The Commissioners discussed the company and its bid to
July 3, 2012
Page 3
perform maintenance on State Police helicopters, which requires skilled mechanics such as
those being trained at the local Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Mr. Murray requested
formal approval of the terms as presented.
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the $20,000.00 per year
economic incentive to MAG, Inc. as presented. Commissioner McKinley amended his
motion to include a five-year term. The motion passed unanimously. Greg Murray stated
that the County would be sending a letter of support to the Maryland Secretary of
Transportation for the company to be awarded State helicopter maintenance -type contracts
that would support local employment and business at HGR.
BUILDING EXCISE TAX ORDINANCE — PROPOSED REVISION 9
Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney stated that as part of the budget discussion,
the Commissioners expressed a desire to assist small businesses by adjusting the building
excise tax applied when a change in use occurs concerning non-residential structures. The
proposed draft specifies that until June 30, 2015, a change in use of a structure from non-
residential non -retail to non-residential retail will incur no excise tax liability. Mr. Downey
and Jennifer Smith, Director of Plan Review and Permitting, discussed the language
contained in the proposed Revision 9 to assure that it accomplished the actual intent of the
Commissioners. Ms. Smith advised that, as drafted, the proposal would still result in excise
tax being due and owing for changes in use of nonresidential nonretail structures when no
excise tax had ever been paid. After discussion, the Commissioners reached a consensus
and directed staff to structure the amendment so that no excise tax would apply for changes
in use of nonresidential structures until June 30, 2015, so as to further the adaptive reuse of
existing structures. They also agreed to schedule the matter for a future public hearing.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 1:07 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
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John M. Martiran' o, Con Attorney
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Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk