HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.02.2012 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
October 2, 2012
The Commissioners attended a Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign event at
10:30 a.m. sponsored by Meritus Medical Center at Boonsboro High School,
10 Campus Avenue, Boonsboro.
President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:28 p.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 provided the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag by the full assemblage.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of
September 25, 2012. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Cline thanked the Maugansville Raritan Club for hosting the
Commissioners' evening meeting last week. He attended a business outreach visit to
Antietam Cable. Mr. Cline discussed a meeting with Maryland Association of Counties'
(MACo) President Ingrid Turner, Executive Director Michael Sanderson, and local
individuals to discuss County/State issues. Commissioner Cline attended the University
System of Maryland -Hagerstown Campus Start Up Maryland event and the Chamber of
Commerce Passing of the Gavel ceremony. He reported on a seminar held by the Plan
Review and Permitting Office with contractors to review energy codes. Mr. Cline attended
his first Leadership Washington County class meeting. He thanked those who participated
in this morning's Distracted Driving Awareness event in Boonsboro. Commissioner Cline
reminded all of this weekend's Harvest Hoedown in Williamsport where proceeds will
benefit the Williamsport area Food Bank.
Commissioner Callaham attended business visits to Antietam Cable and EPS Inc., a
provider of resins and colorants for the manufacture of paint. She discussed the MACo
luncheon meeting and the Start Up Maryland event. Ms. Callaham noted that October is
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encouraged all to wear pink.
Commissioner Barr thanked MACo representatives for the informative luncheon meeting
last week. He advised that he would be attending a fall conference retreat this week with
representatives of the Western Maryland Consortium and Tri County Council.
October 2, 2012
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Commissioner McKinley stated that the Commissioners' evening meeting in Maugansville
resulted in a good discussion of issues in the community. He attended the MACo luncheon
meeting and business outreach visits to EPS Inc. and Antietam Cable. Mr. McKinley spoke
at a meeting of the South Hagerstown High School football team's Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. He described his experience as a judge for the Rat Rods category during the
weekend Thunder in the Square event in downtown Hagerstown. Commissioner McKinley
attended a Plamiing Commission meeting where one topic discussed was the proposed
offset policy presented by the Division of Environmental Management during a recent
County Commissioners' meeting,
Commissioner Baker thanked the Maugansville Ruritan Club for hosting the evening
meeting. He discussed the Chamber of Commerce event and a Meet and Greet with
Frederick County Commissioner President Blaine Young. Mr. Baker attended a meeting of
the local Republican Club. He thanked Meritus Medical Center for sponsoring this
morning's Distracted Driving Awareness event at Boonsboro High School.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Attorney Jason Divelbiss, Hagerstown, commented on the Commissioners' purchase of the
West City I"elementary School site.
Bentley Wigfield, Hagerstown, commented on distracted driving, computer use at the
Western Maryland Consortium, and the County Commuter transit system.
OTHER BUSINESS
REPORTS FROM COUNTY S'T'AFF
There were no reports brought forward by County staff.
CONTRACT AWARD — BOND COUNSEL SERVICES
On behalf of the Coordinating Committee, Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Debra
Murray, Budget and Finance Director, recommended award of the contract for Bond
Counsel Services (PUR-1193) to the responsive, responsible firm of Funk and Bolton,
P.A., Attorneys at Law, Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. Luther stated that the firm's proposal is
$108,200.00 plus out-of-pocket expenses related to bond issues and for all other work. She
discussed the estimated costs for professional hourly rates for supplemental services. Ms.
Luther indicated that the contract's initial term is a one-year period tentatively commencing
November 1, 2012 and ending October 31, 2013, with an option by the County to renew for up
to four consecutive one-year periods thereafter, based on the annual lump sum fees proposed
by the firm. The Commissioners discussed the proposal.
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to award the contract for Bond
Counsel Services to the responsive, responsible firm of Funk and Bolton, P.A., Attorneys
at Law, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
October 2, 2012
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MULTI -HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
Kevin Lewis, Director, and Verna Brown, Emergency Management Coordinator, Division
of Emergency Services, recommended approval of an updated Multi -Hazard Mitigation
Plan (Plan) that is a prerequisite for counties wanting to be considered for post disaster
mitigation grant funding via the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The document
emphasizes State and local mitigation planning for natural hazards, including all nine
municipalities in Washington County, and must be updated every five years. Mr. Lewis
stated that all Washington County municipalities, the Maryland Emergency Management
Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the Plan.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the updated Multi -Hazard
Mitigation Plan as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr moved to convene in closed session at
2:03 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation and/or performance
evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body had
jurisdiction; and to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific
individuals, in accordance with Section 10-508(1) of the State Government Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential reappointment of an
individual to a County authority as well as the potential first time appointment of
individuals to a County appointed council position, a County board, and a County
commission. The Commissioners also discussed staff's recommendation to fill an open
County employee position.
During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to place the potential
appointments/reappointments on a future open session agenda for further consideration and
discussion, and to place staff s recommendation to fill an open position on the
Commissioners' next open session agenda for further consideration.
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, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times, Jennifer Smith,
Director, Plan Review and Permitting.
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Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 2:37 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
September 2, 2012
Page 4
Gregory B. lurray, Co my .Administrator
John M. Martirano, Co/ily Attorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk