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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.10.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 10, 2015 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner 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 1:09 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 — JANUARY 27, 2015 Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of January 27, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Budizet and Finance Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, Budget and Finance, presented an economic and financial trends analysis summary compiled by the department on a monthly and quarterly basis, or when disbursements, such as income tax, occur. She advised that the Commissioners would be provided a monthly summary showing major revenue for the County's General Fund, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Solid Waste, and economic benchmarks such as the number of permits issued, current unemployment rates, and home sales data. Commissioner Wivell posed several questions regarding the statistics and requested details of the variances shown in the report. Health and Human Services — Vacant Emtnlovee Positions Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested permission to advertise and/or fill vacant County positions. Ed Plank, Director, Highway Department, detailed duties of positions in the department that were first advertised in-house, as follows: One Motor Equipment Operator I, Grade 6 One Motor Equipment Operator II, Grade 7 One Motor Equipment Operator II, Grade 7 One Motor Equipment Operator II, Grade 7 Commissioner Myers commented on the increased time required by Highway employees to mow and maintain stormwater-management ponds and discussed the possibility of hiring a contractor for such duties. The Commissioners discussed County job advertising procedures and the five-day internal advertisement requirement for union positions. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve filling the four positions as presented. The motion passed unanimously. February 10, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Plank discussed the open position of Motor Equipment Operator III, Highway Department, Grade 9. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve filling the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Dave Mason, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Management, provided information on the vacant position in the Solid Waste Department for a Landfill Attendant, Grade 4. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to approve filling the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Kevin Cerrone, Transit Director, provided details on the open position of Deputy Director of Operations, Grade 14 that has been advertised internally and externally. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve filling the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, described the vacant position of Survey Technician, Grade 6 in that department. The Commissioners discussed the position. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Rocky Bishop, Maintenance Superintendent, Environmental Management, presented information on a vacant Utility Worker II position, Grade 6, at Water Quality. Commissioner Wivell questioned the duties of the position and requested information on unionization of the department. The Commissioners took no action regarding the job request. Tom Brown, Professional Services Administrator, Emergency Services, described the vacant 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Call Taker position, Grade 8. Commissioner Barr questioned how the department operates during employee vacancies. Commissioner Wivell suggested revising the department's employee scheduling structure due to suggestions expressed to him during the election campaign. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, announced that Tina Dagenhart, Procurement Specialist I, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Inc. The organization surprised Ms. Dagenhart with the honor during its recent officer installation dinner. Ms. Dagenhart has served as the organization's February 10, 2015 Page 3 Education Chair, has organized local purchasing seminars, and also holds her Certified Professional Public Buyer's certification. The Commissioners presented Ms. Dagenhart a certificate of recognition and commended her for the achievement. FISCAL YEAR 2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM -- DRAFT 1 Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, members of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee presented an overview of Draft 1 of the FY 2016 CIP Plan (Plan.) The Plan contains approximately 200 capital projects totaling $649,002,781 to be considered for the County's ten-year CIP. Ms. Murray indicated that the projects as submitted represent additional local funding of approximately $97 million over last year's approved ten-year CIP. Of that amount, the data shows increases over last year's submissions of $62 million for the Board of Education, $9 million for Public Safety, $6 million for Enterprise Funds, $3.4 million for HCC, and $2 million for Roads, as well as additional amounts for the current proposed year ten. Last year, $16 million in debt was proposed for tax -supported bonds backing the plan that was presented for that nine-year period, with $12 million in borrowing approved for FY 2015. Additional information presented included revenue projections for excise taxes, permit issuance, and property transfer tax income. Ms. Murray also discussed debt -affordability levels and ratios. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. Commissioner Myers questioned the County's excise tax and whether it should be eliminated. He discussed neighboring counties that had eliminated it, thereby increasing new business interest in those counties. Washington County's real estate transfer tax was noted as being one of the lowest rates in the State. Ms. Murray discussed the County's policy of not exceeding 8% of General Fund revenues for debt service. She requested that the Commissioners indicate their preferred borrowing level so that adjustments may be made to the projects submitted for consideration. Commissioner Wivell expressed his preference for a $10 million borrowing level, using the goal of borrowing less new money than is to be retired ($10.4-$10.5 million.) Commissioner Cline suggested a $12 million borrowing level. Commissioner Myers discussed taking advantage of current low interest rates for borrowing and contractors' competitive bidding prices. Commissioner Barr discussed the County's poor road conditions and infrastructure as a factor to be considered for additional borrowing. Commissioner Baker supported Commissioner Wivell's suggested $10 million borrowing level. Commissioner Wivell proposed using end of the year reserves, if available, toward reducing borrowing for next year to $10 million. Ms. Murray indicated that the operating reserves are now at a 17% level. She advised that if borrowing is reduced to $12 million, it would result in a 25% reduction of projects. The Commissioners reached a consensus to gear the budget toward a $12 million borrowing level with the understanding that if there is a $2 million surplus, it would go toward reducing the borrowing level from $12 million to $10 million. Staff will design the next budget draft toward that amount. February 10, 2015 Page 4 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION No citizens were present who wished to participate. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 2:52 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; or any other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) and (3) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment of specific individuals to a commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed a specific County employee matter/employment recommendation with staff, briefly discussed a preliminary proposal relating to an entity hoping to expand its business operations in the County; and discussed various aspects of a number of the potential purchases of real property with County staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments to a commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during this evening's open session meeting; provided specific direction to staff relating to a County personnel matter; and provided instruction to staff regarding several potential purchases of real property in the County. 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; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times Jim Hovis, Director, Community Grant Management; Rob Slocum, Director, Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, and Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, Engineering and Construction Management; and Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:03 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN An evening meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held at Funkstown Town Hall, 30 East Baltimore Street, Funkstown. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. February 10, 2015 Page 5 CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Myers discussed the County's permits process and his meetings with staff to address concerns and improve service to citizens. Commissioner Barr reported on recent trips to Annapolis to fulfill his duties as First Vice President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo.) He discussed the tight Maryland budget and the low probability of significant highway user funds being returned to counties in the near future. Mr. Barr indicated that he and Commissioners Baker, Myers, and Wivell, along with various staff, would be traveling to Annapolis on Wednesday to discuss legislative issues with the local Delegation. Commissioner Cline stated that he also attended meetings with the Washington County Delegation that included one with the current Leadership Washington County class. He indicated that the Commissioners expressed to the Delegation their opposition to fees proposed by the National Parks Service for use of the C&O Canal. Mr. Cline attended the Economic Development Commission's business outreach visit to Big Cork Vineyards in Keedysville. He attended the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department awards banquet and congratulated those receiving awards. Commissioner Baker also attended the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company awards banquet. He attended last week's morning State of the County presentation sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and the evening presentation sponsored by County Government. He reported on the SkillsUSA Regional Championship competitions at the Washington County Technical High School. Assistant County Administrator Sarah Sprecher noted that Funkstown resident Rich Gaver served as a judge for the competition. Commissioner Wivell reported attending the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department awards banquet. He discussed a recent PenMar Development Corporation board meeting, indicating that the Maryland Historical Trust has reduced the size of the historical area at PenMar that may assist in developing the property. Mr. Wivell thanked the National Parks Service for dropping its proposal to charge fees for use of the C&O Canal due to overwhelming opposition from citizens and officials. Commissioner Wivell referenced an email recently received from a retired commander of the U.S. Navy requesting a proportional property tax credit beginning at 50% for service -disabled veterans. Commissioner Myers stated that a request for enabling legislation regarding this type of property tax credit could be proposed during their planned visit to Annapolis tomorrow. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to present this request to the local Delegation. February 10, 2015 Page 6 MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Paul N. Crampton, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners to Funkstown. Council Member John Phillips discussed the new Maryland governor and his tight budget constraints. He congratulated the Commissioners on their election. Council Member Robert "Bobby" Rodgers, Jr, thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in the town. He voiced support for volunteer fire companies in the County. Mayor Crampton discussed the County's permitting process and the requirement that a permit be obtained to replace a home water heater. He praised Director Rob Slocum for his excellent work in the Division of Engineering and Construction. Mayor Crampton expressed disappointment that no additional highway user funds would be made available to Maryland counties by the State. He discussed the State's inmate work program that provides labor to the Town's park and the difficulties in hiring guards to supervise and transport those inmates. Commissioner Myers suggested discussing the concern during tomorrow's meeting with the local Delegation. Council Member Rogers thanked the Commissioners for Hotel Rental Tax funding to municipalities that Funkstown uses for town -sponsored events. Commissioner Wivell indicated that the Commissioners are proposing that Hotel Rental Tax revenue be split 60/40 (50/50 currently) between the County and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to place more money into "bricks and mortar" projects. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Funkstown resident Ken Myers requested information on the closing of the Shenandoah Family Farms plant outside Funkstown. Funkstown resident Barry Warrenfeltz requested updates on the Southern Boulevard and Robinwood Drive projects. County Administrator Greg Murray provided the information and indicated that both projects are moving forward. Mr. Warrenfeltz described a delay he experienced in obtaining a permit fee exemption that must be approved by the County Administrator and requested information on the County's current procedure. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions Washington County Gaming Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Wivell, moved to appoint Curtis Graff and Charles "Dick" Miller to the Washington County Gaming Commission to serve first, two-year terms from March 1, 2015 through February 28, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray requested permission to hire Jim Sterling as the Director of Public Works at the Grade 19, Step 12 salary level of $102,236. Mr. Sterling is currently the Director of Parks and Facilities. He is enrolled in the County's Deferred February 10, 2015 Page 7 Retirement Option Plan and must retire in 3.5 years. His current position would not be filled and the Deputy Director of Parks and Facilities would report directly to Mr. Sterling in his position as the Director of Public Works. Mr. Murray discussed salary and benefits savings of approximately $135,000 to be realized through the proposal. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to eliminate the position of the Director of Parks and Facilities now held by Jim Sterling and to not fill the position in the future. The motion passed with Commissioners Myers, Barr, Cline, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell "NO." Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to hire Jim Sterling as the Director of Public Works the Grade 19, Step 12 salary level of $102,236. Commissioners Myers and Barr commented on Mr. Sterling's competency and experience. Commissioners Wivell and Baker discussed the fact that the job description for Public Works Director recommends a Bachelor's degree. Commissioner Wivell disagreed with the salary and benefits savings quoted since the Public Works' position was previously split into two positions. Commissioner Baker discussed the lost opportunity of hiring an individual who holds a Bachelor's degree. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Myers, and Cline voting "AYE" and Commissioners Wivell and Baker "NO." ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. array, unty Administrator —,-fo-A. Martirano, County A o ey Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk