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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.03.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 3, 2015 The Board of County Commissioners participated in the State of the County forum sponsored by the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at Fountain Head Country Club, 13316 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Myers offered the Invocation at 1:19 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:19 p.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners LeRoy E. Myers and William J. Wivell. Commissioner John F. Barr was absent and arrived later in the meeting. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Myers reported that he attended a Washington County Planning Commission meeting and discussed the Washington County Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Cline thanked the Hagerstown—Washington County Chamber of Commerce for hosting the morning State of the County presentation. He thanked the County staff involved in the presentation. Mr. Cline attended the Washington County Agricultural Education Center board meeting and the First Hose Company of Boonsboro awards banquet. He extended congratulations to Andrew Serafini for being appointed to the Maryland Senate. Commissioner Wivell thanked all involved with the State of the County video presentation. He discussed the procedures of County employment position submittals to the Commissioners. Commissioner Baker thanked the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce for hosting this morning's State of the County presentation and thanked County Staff who created the video. Commissioner Baker, along with Commissioner Cline, attended the press conference for the 2015 "St. Patrick's Day Run Fest." He reported attending the First Hose Company of Boonsboro awards banquet where he received numerous compliments concerning County Administrator Greg Murray. Commissioner Baker presented a certificate from First Hose to Mr. Murray recognizing his years of support to the Company and Washington County. Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the public meeting regarding the proposal to charge fees on the C&O Canal where he voiced his opposition to the proposal. February 3, 2015 Page 2 REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, and Lauren Pogue, Communications Coordinator, displayed informational presentation boards for the Commissioners to view. Ms. Sprecher advised that the materials presented would be used during the upcoming Day in Annapolis event with the Lobbying Coalition. County Administrator Greg Murray reminded citizens of the free evening presentation of the State of the County video, followed by a question and answer period with the Commissioners, to be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington County Free Library. He thanked the Public Relations and Community Affairs Department staff for all their hard work on the presentation. Mr. Murray introduced his grandson, Raekwon Becks, a student a Springfield Middle School, who is shadowing the County Administrator for the school's 8th Grade Day on the Job program. PRIOR MEETING DISCUSSION ITEM 2015 Legislative Items Deputy County Attorney Kirk Downey presented several items to be considered for legislative action during the current legislative session. These items were also discussed at the January 27, 2015 Board meeting. 1. Countv Clerk's Duties — Code of Public Local Laws — the Board discussed a proposal to remove/update obsolete language concerning the duties and bonding requirements of the County Clerk. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Myers, moved to request the removal/ update of obsolete language relating to the duties and bonding requirements of the County Clerk as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) 2. Building Codes — the Board discussed a proposal to allow Washington County to move to a six-year cycle, rather than three-year cycle, for adoption of certain building codes. The Commissioners discussed this item with Rob Slocum, Director of Engineering and Construction Management. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to request legislation implementing the proposal for the adoption of a six-year cycle for updates of certain building codes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) 3. Hotel Rental Tax — The Board discussed a proposal to change the due date for reporting hotel rental tax income from September 1 to November 1 of each year. The Hotel Rental Tax revenue distribution requirement was also discussed. It is currently split between the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the County on a 50/50 basis. Commissioner Wivell suggested a revised 40/60 split, with 40% to the CVB and 60% to the County. February 3, 2015 Page 3 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Wivell, moved to request legislative revision of the due date for reporting hotel rental tax income from September 1 to November of each year and to also request that the revenue distribution be changed from the current 50/50 split to the suggested 40/60 split as proposed. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) 4. Tax Increment Financina (TIF) Act — the Board discussed a proposal to amend the current TIF statue to provide the County with additional authority to engage in TIF proposals. Maryland law allows the use of TIF for public infrastructure projects but an amendment would allow a developer or company to issue bonds and use a portion of taxes to repay the debt. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to request expansion of the County's authority to engage in tax increment finance for certain public and private projects. The motion passed with Commissioners Cline, Myers and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." (3-1, Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Commissioner Barr arrived at the meeting at 2:27 p.m.) 5. Property Tax Credit for Larae Economic Develooment Projects — the Board discussed with Department of Business Development Director Kassie Lewis, a proposal to establish a tax credit for business entities that invest at least $10,000,000 in Capital Improvements and create at least 100 new full-time positions. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Wivell, moved to request authority to allow for the establishment a tax credit for business entities that invest at least $10,000,000 in Capital Improvements and create at least 100 new full-time positions. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Baker shared a recent letter from the Washington County Health Department seeking a letter of support from the Board for its proposed local legislative amendments to Article 24 regarding Washington County's licensed tobacco establishments. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Barr, moved to submit a letter of support for the Washington County Health Department's proposal of local legislative amendments to Article 24 regarding the County's licensed tobacco establishments. The motion passed unanimously. C&O CANAL FEE DISCUSSION The Commissioners discussed the proposed entrance fees being discussed for the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historic Park introduced by the National Park Service. The Board discussed their opposition to the fees. February 3, 2015 Page 4 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to submit a letter of opposition to the National Park Service, the local and federal delegations in regard to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park proposed entrance fees. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Garrett Kercheval, age 13, stated he is shadowing his father, James Kercheval, for the Stn Grade Day on the Job program. He expressed his appreciation for all the hard work the Commissioners have done for the community. Garrett took a "selfie" on his cell phone to show his classmates and teacher. James Devine, P.O. Box 2177, Hagerstown, discussed his concerns about the recent measles outbreak, speed cameras, homeless regulations, and e -cigarettes. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS — BUDGET AND FINANCE Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, Budget and Finance, introduced Deputy Director, Sara Greaves who has earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Greaves has successfully completed the requirements to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Maryland. Ms. Murray also recognized Purchasing Director Karen Luther for being honored as the State of Maryland Purchasing Manager of the Year. Ms. Luther was awarded this honor due to the contributions and achievements over her tenure with Washington County Government, her outstanding contributions to the profession of purchasing (both locally and over the state), her good fiscal management and her overwhelming dedication to the National Institute for Government Purchasing and her employer. The Commissioners presented certificates and County pins to the employees in recognition of their achievements. RECESS The County Commissioners recessed at 3:05 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown. Commission President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 3:43 p.m. In attendance were Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Board of Education members present were Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, Jacqueline Fischer, Michael Guessford, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams. February 3, 2015 Page 5 BOARD OF EDUCATION'S 2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CORE VALUES AND LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Donna Brightman, President, Washington County Board of Education, discussed the Board's legislative program for the 2015 legislative session. The following initiatives were discussed: Alternative financing option for capital improvements projects; streamlined local certification in critical shortage areas; and superintendent's reappointment contract exemption. The Commissioners discussed each initiative with the Board of Education members. The Board of Education discussed future joint meeting starting times with the Commissioners and also the suggestion of a County -wide event calendar. Greg Murray, County Administrator, introduced his grandson Raekwon Beck, who is shadowing the County Administrator for the 8th Grade Day on the Job Program. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners and County staff attended an evening presentation of the State of the County Address at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. rr e�or . Murray, punt Administrator g Y Y� Y John M. Martirano, County rney r Katie R. Yoder, ExiWutive Assistant