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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.03.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 3, 2015 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner John F. Barr offered the Invocation 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 1:13 p.m. in the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 24, 2015 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of February 24, 2015. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Cline, Myers and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell "ABSTAIN.". REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Robert Slocum, Director of Engineering, reported that the County inspectors from Engineering and Construction are now picking up plans from each of the municipalities located in Washington County and delivering them to the necessary agencies in order to expedite the plan review process. Mr. Slocum reported that the Washington County Free Library was awarded the Sustainable Growth Award from the State of Maryland. Commissioner Leroy E. Myers discussed House Bill 0916 (H130916) entitled Economic Development -Community Revitalization and Improvement Zones sponsored by Delegate Brett Wilson. Delegate Wilson would like the Commissioners' support on the bill by providing a letter. He is also asking that a Commissioner testify during the hearing. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to further discuss HB0916 at a future Commissioner meeting after the Board has read the complete bill. COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION Susan Buchanan, Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management, Charles P. Strong, Jr., State's Attorney, and Nan Regan, Director of Alternative Sanctions, requested approval of the submission of a $30,950 grant application for the Community Service Grant Program to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Ms. Buchanan indicated that the grant supports State or local government agencies whose purpose is to provide the judiciary with a meaningful pre-trial diversion or post trial sentencing option that places non-violent adult offenders into practical, unpaid work assignments. In Washington County, the Alternative Sanctions Programs provides this service. Nan Regan indicated that the grant application would supplement the County's share of the wages and benefits of the Work Crew Supervisor, thereby reducing the amount needed from the March 3, 2015 Page 2 State's Attorney's Office budget. The Work Crew Supervisor oversees individuals 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 Commissioners discussed this item. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the submission of a $30,950 grant application for the Community Service Grant Program to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, to accept the awarded funding, and approve the execution of all necessary documents, subject to the review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, to effectuate the grant. The motion passed unanimously. NATIONAL ATHLETIC MONTH PROCLAMATION The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Smithsburg High School Athletic Trainer Ryann Frye, Regional Coordinator for Pivot Physical Therapy, in recognition of National Athletic Training Month observed in March by the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Ms. Frye introduced other colleagues in attendance to receive the proclamation. The Commissioners thanked the group for all they do for the County. ANNUAL TRANSIT GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION — FISCAL YEAR 2016 Kevin Cerrone, Transit Director, requested authorization to file an application for a grant under the Federal Transit Act for federal and State operational and capital grant funding through the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan. Mr. Cerrone indicated that his Department applies annually to the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) for federal and State operational and capital grant funding through the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan for basic funding needs. Grant funds are used to operate the Section 5307 Public Transportation Program -Fixed Route Transit, the American Disability Act Complementary Paratransit Program, the Job Opportunity Bus Shuttle program, the Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (Ride Assist Voucher Program), and the Capital Assistance Program (CAP). Funds are forward -funded by the County, and then accepted during the year as disbursed, for each authorized program operated by the Transit Department in Washington County. The Fiscal Year 2016 Section 5307 application requests $1,194,788 in State and federal funds from MTA and the Federal Transit Administration and $581,270 in local funding of which the Washington County Department of Social Services provides $109,000. The Ride Assist Voucher application requests $146,917 in State funds from MTA and a $68,972.00 in-kind service (non-cash) match. The CAP requests $383,630 in State and federal funds from the MTA for one small replacement Paratransit bus and preventative maintenance. Mr. Cerrone discussed the Transit Department's funding, ridership, and the Paratransit program with the Commissioners. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the resolution authorizing the filing of the application for a grant under the Federal Transit Act and the execution of the grant agreement upon receipt, subject to review and the approval by the County Attorney's Office. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2015-03 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) March 3, 2015 Page 3 FISCAL YEAR 2016 BUDGET DISCUSSION - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, introduced a discussion of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP.) The following items were discussed: • General Government - Equipment and Vehicle Replacement Program has been decreased by $219,000 and Systematic Improvements -Buildings has also been reduced by $21,000. The Renovation of the Massey Shell Building has been eliminated from the budget with a total reduction of $988,000. Total General Government is $13,523,826. • Parks and Recreation — Black Rock Capital Equipment Replacement Program has decreased by $8,000 and Kemps Mill Park was eliminated from the budget for a total reduction of $914,000. North Central County Park is reduced by $48,000 with a grand total for Parks and Recreations at $1,512,481 budgeted. • Public Safety — Changes due to projected available revenue sources are as follows: The Replacement Emergency Services/911 Center, Phase 2—Detention Center Expansion and Detention Center Renovations have been removed from the budget for a total reduction of $228,900,000. Emergency Services Equipment and Vehicle Program has been reduced by $2,621,500. Public Safety Total is $7,576,983. • Railroad Crossings - $279,000 reduction change due to projected available revenue sources. • Road Improvement — Total adjustments are decreased by $25,648,000 from the original request of $150,682,685 for a grand total submission of $125,034,685. • Solid Waste — Reduction is based on existing contingency funds for solid waste for a total reduction of $26,000. • Transit — no adjustments. • Water Quality — Reductions based on existing contingency funds for utility funds and level funding of equipment and vehicles replacement programs for rate stabilization and annual budgetary for a total reduction of $1,179,416. Operating Budget Discussion • Parks and Recreation Department — The Department is asking to increase the employees' wages within the department by $0.25 per hour as they achieve job specific certifications and licenses that enable the County to better their talents for specific tasks that require a certified or licensed person to perform. This process is consistent with what the Highway Department provides for their employees. • Planning and Zoning — Proposing an upgrade for a current employee from GIS Technician position at Grade 9, step 3, to a new position as GIS Analyst at grade 11, step 1, based on level of education, experience, and having received the Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification. This would eliminate the GIS Technician position. • Airport — is requesting a two-step increase from a Grade 7, step 2, to a Grade 7, step 4, to the Airport Maintenance Worker/Firefighter to compensate for additional duties and responsibilities taken on by the employee. March 3, 2015 Page 4 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; to discuss any other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed several specific County employee matters/ personnel recommendations with County staff; and discussed specific legal issues relating to pending and potential litigation with counsel. During closed session, the Commissioners provided specific direction to County staff and the County Administrator regarding several specific County employee matters/personnel recommendations and provided direction to Counsel and staff as to various issues relating to pending and potential litigation. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Katie R. Yoder, Executive Assistant; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services. CODE HOME RULE DISCUSSION Commissioner Myers introduced an initial discussion relating to Code Home Rule. A comparison between Code Home Rule, Commissioner, and Charter forms of government was discussed. Commissioner Myers stated that Washington County citizens should be educated on the different forms of government and suggested that County staff research Home Rule for Code Counties and bring the information back for the Commissioners to review and discuss. The Commissioners discussed this item. Commissioner Myers stated this subject was brought up for discussion purposes only to seek the Board's insight and have the appropriate staff obtain information so the Board could be properly educated on the matter. It was the consensus of the Board to have the appropriate staff research and obtain information on Code Home Rule and provide the information to the Commissioners so they may be properly educated on Code Home Rule. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Tom Berry, Park Hall Road, Rohrersville, reported on his experience with Charter Home Rule. March 3, 2015 Page 5 Commissioner John Barr reported that Delegate Neil Parrot's office contacted the Commissioners for a letter of support and asked Commissioner John Barr to testify on behalf of the Maryland Association of Counties and Maryland Municipal League on House Bill 837 (HB837), Transportation -Motor Fuel Tax and Highway User Revenue—Increased Local Share. The Commissioners were presented the House Bill to review. The Commissioners discussed HB837. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to submit a letter of support for HB837, provided that the Washington County Delegation has approved the bill first. Commissioner Cline withdrew his second. A revised motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, to submit a letter of support for HB837 Transportation — Motor Fuel Tax and Highway User Revenue— Increased Local Share. The motion passed unanimously. President Baker requested a consensus of the Commissioners to request that the Department of Natural Resources send letters to property owners at the Four Locks area of Clear Spring that they work together to control the deer population in that area. The Commissioners reached a consensus to do so. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in Closed Session at 4:02 p.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (3) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners briefly discussed various issues relating to a real property matter. During closed session, the Commissioners provided specific direction to County staff/ County Administrator regarding a real property matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Katie R. Yoder, Executive Assistant; John Martirano, County Attorney; and Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. March 3, 2015 Page 6 -1/1�6q Gregory B. M rray, Co my Administrator ]`r ohn M. Martirano, County Atto 2 e Katie R. Yoder xecutive Assistant