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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.12.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland May 12, 2015 JOHN FRYE HISTORIC PRESERVATION LUNCHEON AND AWARDS CEREMONY The Board of County Commissioners attended the 2015 John Frye Historic Preservation Awards luncheon at 1:00 p.m. at the Academy Theatre, 58 East Washington Street, Hagerstown, sponsored by the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee and the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. President Terry Baker presented awards to the following organizations and individuals: "Preservation Award" to Foltz Manufacturing and Industrial Supply Co., Inc., Henry Calvin Foltz, II1, President, for 138 years of successful business operations in a 101 year-old building built by his great- grandfather; the "Advocacy Award" to George F. Franks, III, author and founder of the Battle of Falling Waters 1863 Foundation, Inc. who restored the 1830s Donnelly house, a focal point of the battle that was part of the Gettysburg Campaign; and the "Adaptive Re - Use Award" to the Discovery Station Museum for its adaptation of a vintage 1910 bank building into an inter -generational museum featuring hands-on exhibits including an RMS Titanic model. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 3:04 p.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Barr reported on an Allegiant Air conference he attended last week in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Hagerstown Regional Airport Director Phil Ridenour and Airline Station Leader Peggy Siler. He indicated that Allegiant flies to 92 airports. Hagerstown is only two of its service areas to receive the "Going Above and Beyond" award based on its zealous marketing efforts and support of Allegiant charity events. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Ridenour for his work and recognized the County's Public Relations and Community Affairs staff for their outstanding marketing work. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT APPLICATIONS President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 3:10 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the County's ten-year Agricultural Land Preservation District agreements for property owned by Samuel P. and Dana M. Wright, Clarence W. and Celia E. Cook (2 properties), Seth R. Lanhardt, Michael Martz, Justin and Hilary Barber, Raven Rock Investments, LLC, and Jerilyn Cogan totaling approximately 701 acres. Rural Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth and Land Preservation Planner Chris Boggs provided information on the history of the program. If approved, applicants will be restricted to agricultural use only for a period of ten years. In exchange, the landowners would not pay May 12, 2015 Page 2 County property tax on the agricultural land or buildings and would receive a credit of up to $711 on a farmhouse. The properties would receive tax credits that equal approximately $84,120 ($12 per acre) for the full ten-year period. Land Preservation Planner Chris Boggs described the properties and indicated that the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board has found the applications to be consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. There were no individuals present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 3:16 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners, who offered no comment. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the ten-year Agricultural Land Preservation Districts for the properties discussed as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent during the vote.) MODIFICATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management, presented the proposed modification of water and sewer rates for the Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund Budget. Ms. Pippel noted an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 3% (or $4.67) for water and 3.5% (or $4.98) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the model for the department that shows water and sewer funds beginning to break even around Fiscal Year 2019 as part of a long-term twenty-year plan. Currently, excess fund balances are used for rate stabilization purposes; the funds will become self-sufficient on an annual basis when the initial 96A bond issue is fully paid. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the water and sewer rate increases as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2015-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2016 OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, and Kim Edlund, Director, Budget and Finance, announced that this morning the County had received bid offers for its Refunding Bonds and New Money Bonds. The Public Improvement Bonds of $15.4 million went for the top award of 3.1% for twenty years. Refunding Bonds of $26.6 million came in at 2.3%. Ms. Murray indicated that the total interest expense savings to be realized over the next four years under the refunding series is $1.5 million. Since 2004, the County has attained $18.6 million in interest expense savings. The Commissioners commented that the County's recent upgraded ratings from Fitch Ratings and Moody no doubt influenced the low interest rates. May 12, 2015 Page 3 The Commissioners discussed the Fiscal Year 2016 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget. The General Fund and other major operating and restricted funds total $252,721,865, with CIP funds at $52,010,000, for a combined total of $304,731,865. The County's real property tax rate remains at $0.948 per $100 of assessed value. Commissioner Cline suggested a change relating to community funding in the Operating Budget, to transfer two C&O Canal Trust funding line items totaling $4500 to Children's Village. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to agree to the recommendation. Commissioner Spong discussed the current $10,000 funding for gypsy moth spraying and the possibility of using additional contingency fund money toward that problem and the eradication of black flies. Commissioner Cline suggested discussing the issue with the local Delegation during their meeting next week to recap the 2015 legislative session. The Commissioners discussed the CIP budget that contains a $12 million borrowing level and their preference to repay up to $2 million if projects come in under budget in FY 2016. Commissioner Myers proposed to use $500,000 in the CIP budget set aside for one-time Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) roof -replacement projects toward a future use after learning WCPS has cash reserves to fund the projects. He suggested using those funds toward a future use. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to agree to the proposal and use the funds toward a future use to be determined. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the FY 2016 Operating Budget and FY 2016 Capital Improvement Budget, including the discussed and agreed upon amendments and the specified FY 2016 tax rates as presented and discussed. The motion passed unanimously. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION REVIEW AND RANKING Jim Hovis, Director, and Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management, introduced Guy Winterberg, Assistant Director of the Tri -County Council of Western Maryland. Ms. Buchanan described the process taken to compile the preliminary project description prioritizations as determined and forwarded to the Tri - County Council of Western Maryland (TCC) for funding consideration. She indicated that area development projects require a cost match of 50% of total project costs, whereas access road projects are 100% Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funded. This year's ARC funding for Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties totals $1,500,000 for Area Development Projects and $2,500,000 for Local Access Road Projects. Funding for Washington County's Area Development Projects includes six proposed projects requesting $1,624,790 in ARC funds. Funding from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21" Century (TEA -21) Access Road category includes four projects requesting $2,300,000 in funding. Total requested ARC funding for all ten projects is $3,924,790. There is no required match for TEA -21 funds. Mr. Winterberg discussed the overall goal of ARC ' funding to improve the quality of life and economy through jobs creation. May 12, 2015 Page 4 Ms. Buchanan presented the requests developed from submittals by various municipalities and organizations for funding through the ARC as follows: 1) Washington County Free Library (Hancock Branch) - $500,000; 2) Washington County Sheriffs Office (Day Reporting Center) - $364,790; 3) City of Hagerstown (Downtown Student Housing) - $300,000; 4) Town of Boonsboro (Sewer Main Replacement) - $120,000; 5) Hagerstown Community College (Smart Building Energy Efficiency Training Center) - $300,000; and 6) Town of Boonsboro (Collection System Maintenance) - $40,000. Requests for TEA -21 Funds for Local Access Road Projects were submitted by 1) Washington County (Colonel H.K. Douglas Drive Extension) - $1,000,000; 2) Town of Funkstown (Road Overlay) - $500,000; 3) Town of Williamsport (Road Overlay) - $500,000; and 4) Town of Hancock (Stanley E. Fulton Access Road) - $300,000. The Commissioners discussed the proposed projects including the Day Reporting Center funding request and where the facility would be located. There are no matching funds for such facility in the County's just approved FY 2016 Operating Budget. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the Appalachian Regional Commission Preliminary Project Description prioritizations as prioritized by the Board and to forward the ranking to the Tri -County Council of Western Maryland for funding consideration; to allow applicants to proceed with application submission to the Appalachian Regional Commission for those projects that receive Tri -County Council's funding recommendation from the Tri -County Council; and to accept grant funding approved and provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission as presented. The motion passed unanimously. NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK RECOGNITIONS Kassie Lewis, Director, Department of Business Development, and Paul M. Crampton, Jr., Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission, discussed National Small Business Week begun in 1963 to highlight the impact of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Ms. Lewis stated that the Economic Development Commission, Department of Business Development and the County's municipal mayors selected recipients. Mr. Crampton described the positive effect of having small businesses in the local towns. The Commissioners presented proclamations to businesses being recognized during National Small Business Week. Those honored were Blondy & Company of Funkstown, Bonnie's at the Red Byrd of Keedysville, Douglas Motors, Inc. of Hancock, Nutter's Ice Cream of Sharpsburg, Water Street Financial, LLC of Smithsburg, and Tiger Eye Benefits Consulting of Hagerstown. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — WASHINGTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER HVAC-AHU REPLACEMENT/IMPROVEMENTS Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, presented the recommendation to award the Washington County Detention Center HVAC-AHU Replacement/Improvements contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Mick's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. of Thurmont, Maryland, for $344,180.00. Mr. Hobbs described May 12, 2015 Page 5 the project that involves providing improvements to the Detention Center's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for the administrative areas, work release/female housing unit front desk, and the multi-purpose room. Funding will also be used to provide roof repairs to the Detention Center. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to award the Washington County Detention Center HVAC-AHU Replacement/Improvements contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Mick's Plumbing and Heating, Inc. of Thurmont, Maryland, for $344,180.00. The motion passed unanimously. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM FY 2015 HOT MIX ASPHALT APPLICATIONS Scott Hobbs presented the recommendation to award the base bid and add alternate for the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2015 Hot Mix Asphalt Applications contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Craig Paving, Inc. of Hagerstown for $3,086,817.78. He discussed the bids received for the project that involves asphalt preservation, repair and rehabilitation work. The project will include 9.3 miles of paving applications. The add alternate involves an overlay on cart paths at the Black Rock Golf Course. Program Open Space funds will cover that expense up to $204,000. Mr. Hobbs indicated that the list of roads affected by paving is posted on the County's website. He noted that $250,000 would be provided to update the County's seven-year old pavement management program that collects road condition assessment and traffic counts. Commissioner Barr discussed the need for the return of highway user funds from the State. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to award the base bid and add alternate for the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2015 Hot Mix Asphalt Applications contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Craig Paving, Inc. of Hagerstown for $3,086,817.78 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT AWARD — REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, and Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, presented the recommendation to award a primary requirements contract for Real Property Appraisal Services (PUR-1278) to Bowers Appraisal Service, LLP of Hagerstown, Maryland, based on its responsive, responsible price proposal dated April 3, 2015 with the lowest Sum Total Amount of $107,450 and, as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a secondary requirements contract to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, based on its proposal dated March 31, 2015 with the next lowest Sum Total Amount of $129,400,000 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed) in each firm's price proposal. Ms. Luther explained that the backup firm, Diversified Property Services, Inc. would serve as a backup firm in the event Bowers Appraisal Service is unable to perform the services at any time. She indicated that due to the Division of Engineering and Construction Management's ongoing workload, it is anticipated that it will require right-of-way related support from outside May 12, 2015 Page 6 consultants. The requirements contract will provide that necessary assistance. The contract term is for one year with an option by the County to renew for up to three additional consecutive one-year periods. No guaranteed minimum or maximum amount of services is to be provided. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to award the primary requirements contract for Real Property Appraisal Services to Bowers Appraisal Service, LLP of Hagerstown, Maryland, based on its responsive, responsible price proposal dated April 3, 2015 with the lowest Sum Total Amount of $107,450 and, as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a secondary requirements contract to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, based on its proposal dated March 31, 2015 with the next lowest Sum Total Amount of $129,400,000 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed) in each firm's price proposal. The motion passed unanimously. REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT AWARD — REAL PROPERTY SERVICES Ms. Luther and Ms. Small discussed the proposal to award a primary requirements contract for Real Property Services (PUR-1279) to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, based on its responsive, responsible proposal dated March 21, 2015 with the lowest Sum Total Amount of $123,180; and as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a secondary requirements contract to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson of Sparks, Maryland for its responsive, responsible proposal dated April 2, 2015 with the next lowest Sum Total Amount of $125,720 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed) in each firm's price proposal. No specific projects are covered under this contract at this time. The contract term is for one year with an option by the County to renew for up to three additional consecutive one-year periods. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to award a primary requirements contract for Real Property Services to Diversified Property Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, based on its responsive, responsible proposal dated March 21, 2015 with the lowest Sum Total Amount of $123,180; and as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a secondary requirements contract to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson of Sparks, Maryland for its responsive, responsible proposal dated April 2, 2015 with the next lowest Sum Total Amount of $125,720 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed) in each firm's price proposal. The motion passed unanimously. BID RESULTS/AWARD UPDATE — NATURAL GAS SUPPLY SERVICE TO WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION Karen Luther and Jim Sterling, Public Works Director, presented a recommendation to enter into the record the results of the contract award made on April 21, 2015 to WGL Energy Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, of the bid for Natural Gas Supply Services at the following rate: Base Bid Price C — All -In Fixed Price to the City Gate for 36 months May 12, 2015 Page 7 of service beginning July 1, 2015 at $0.447 per/therm. Ms. Luther advised that on March 31, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners approved entering into a cooperative purchasing effort with the Washington County Public Schools. The appointed Primary Representative and a Secondary Representative (Alternate) for previous electricity bids acts on behalf of the Board to enter into a contract immediately following the bid opening for natural gas supply services. Richard Anderson of CQI Associates, the County's consulting firm, was unable to attend the presentation. The bid reflects a recent decline in the price of natural gas. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to enter into the record the results of the contract award made on April 21, 2015 to WGL Energy Services, Inc. of Timonium, Maryland, of the bid for Natural Gas Supply Services at the following rate: Base Bid Price C — All -In Fixed Price to the City Gate for 36 months of service beginning July 1, 2015 at $0.447 per/therm. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT AWARD —_ INSURANCE BROKERAGE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Karen Luther and Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Administrator, Health and Human Services, recommended awarding the contract for Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management Services (PUR-1283) based on a drawing of lots in public to either CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc. of Cumberland, Maryland, or Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Maryland, of Baltimore, Maryland, the responsive, responsible proposers, with their price proposals tied at $50,000 for each of years 1 through 5, totaling $250,000. Ms. Luther indicated that this is a one-year contract, with an option by the County to renew for up to four additional consecutive one-year periods thereafter, contingent upon satisfactory annual performance by the contractor and fiscal appropriations. Ms. McCammon described the services covered under the contract, which include identifying and managing public sector risks and exposures encountered in the County's daily operations, preparing insurance specifications for the insurance market, marketing and solicitation of insurance quotations, placement of insurance policies at the request of the County, and efforts to insure those volunteer fire and rescue companies that are members of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. Commissioner Myers drew the winning bid, which was Aon Risk Services, Inc. The Commissioners discussed the policy of drawing lots in such situation. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to award the contract for Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management Services based on a drawing of lots in public to Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Maryland, of Baltimore, Maryland, the responsive, responsible proposer at $50,000 for each of Years 1 through 5, totaling $250,000. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION There were no citizens present who wished to participate. May 12, 2015 Page 8 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 5:06 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; 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), (3), (7), and (8) 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 a specific individual to a local commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed four specific County employee matters/personnel recommendations with County staff, discussed specific details relating to the potential purchase/acquisition of real property for public use; and discussed specific legal issues relating to pending litigation with counsel and staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointment to a commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during this evening's meeting; provided specific direction to staff regarding four County personnel matters/ recommendations; provided specific direction to staff relating to the potential purchase/acquisition of real property for public use; and also provided direction to staff regarding a pending litigation matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. 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, Kendall McPeak, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times Kassie Lewis, Director, Business Development; Paul M. Crampton, Jr., Vice Chair, Economic Development Commission; Stephanie Stone, Director, and Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Administrator, Health and Human Services; and Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to reconvene in open session at 5:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The County Commissioners recessed at 5:48 p.m. May 12, 2015 Page 9 EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at the Eugene C. Smith Community Center, 37 Park Drive, Boonsboro. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Charles F. "Skip" Kauffman welcomed the Commissioners to Boonsboro. He discussed the need for public transportation in the town. He thanked the Commissioners for their consideration of Program Open Space and Appalachian Regional Commission funding. Mayor Kauffman referred to several slow permit issuances in the County process. He discussed the town's library facility and the deteriorating condition of the outside woodwork. Greg Murray advised that the County's Public Works Department is addressing the woodwork repair. Mr. Murray discussed the town's request for public transportation that involves State and federal funding with the State approving all routes. Delegate William Wivell attended the meeting and indicated that he would look into the matter. Council member Barb Wetzel discussed the tax differential method. She proposed to adjust the differential so it might provide seed money to purchase a bus for the transportation needs of Boonsboro citizens. Mr. Murray discussed the tax differential structure that groups together municipalities. He indicated that the last transportation study was in 2009 and the State still is not recommending any routes to Boonsboro. Assistant Mayor Howard Long discussed traffic light changes made by the State and the dangerous conditions for pedestrians crossing streets. He requested assistance from the County and referred to an upcoming meeting with State Highway Administration officials. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Myers thanked the town for hosting the meeting. He commented on the ABATE meeting at the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to promote awareness of motorcycles on the road, especially this time of year. He noted the upcoming retirement of Rebecca Snyder from the MVA. Commissioner Myers discussed new programs in the Plan Review and Permitting Department to streamline permitting procedures to make the ' process more user-friendly. He mentioned the passing of Bob Everhart who recently retired from the Board of License Commissioners. May 12, 2015 Page 10 Commissioner Barr commented on his recent trip to the annual Allegiant Air conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Washington County was awarded the "Going Above and Beyond" award for its marketing efforts and participation in Allegiant charity events. He thanked citizens for their response to last week's budget public hearing and the positive comments he received regarding the budget and the state of the County. Commissioner Spong reported attending the visit by State Comptroller Peter Franchot to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts to present three local students the Maryland Master's Award. The Comptroller then awarded Loretta Mulcahey the William Donald Schaeffer Helping People Award for forty years of volunteering at the local Red Cross. Commissioner Cline attended the business outreach visit to Fahmey-Keedy. He attended a meeting with Executive Director Arlene Lee from the Governor's Office for Children and the groundbreaking of a new wing at Somerford Place. Mr. Cline was present at the ceremony to honor Gardenhour Orchards in Smithsburg as the 100th Maryland Farm to be recognized for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship. He noted that it is the 27th farm in Washington County to earn the award. Commissioner Cline attended the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month event at the MVA. He attended the Home Builders Association Land Council meeting and the National Day of Prayer with Pastor Mike McNamee from Faith Christian Fellowship. Mr. Cline attended the local visit to the Red Cross by Comptroller Franchot and presented a proclamation to nurses from Meritus Medical for National Professional Nurse's Recognition Week. He was present at the groundbreaking for the latest Habitat for Humanity home honoring the late Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mayo. He attended a breakfast and tour of Star Community. Commissioner Cline congratulated the recipients of this afternoon's John Frey Historic Preservation Awards. He attended the Bonanza Extravaganza IAFF Local 1605, International Association of Firefighters fundraising event. He congratulated the town for another successful Green Fest event that he attended. Council member Wetzel noted that it collected fifty pallets of used televisions during the event. She thanked the county for waiving the landfill fee. Commissioner Baker discussed today's John Frey Historical Preservation Awards luncheon attended by the County Commissioners. He thanked staff and County Administrator Greg Murray for their work on the budget public hearing presentation. Mr. Baker attended the Excellence in Career Technology Education awards. He provided information on a Recreation and Parks Board meeting where members discussed Program Open Space projects. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards and Commissions Economic Development Commission Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Michael Reyka as an at -large member of the Economic Development Commission to serve an unfulfilled term through June 30, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. May 12, 2015 Page 11 Public Relations and Community Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, noted that Business Development Director Kassie Lewis would be presenting an economic development discussion this Friday, May 15, at Vesta's in Boonsboro, and all are invited. She thanked the Public Relations staff for their work done to promote Allegiant Air. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —APRIL 28, 2015 AND MAY 5, 2015 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of April 28, 2015 and May 5, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Chief Oley Griffith of First Hose Fire Company discussed the Brownsville Pond issue and requested it be placed on a future County Commissioners' meeting agenda. Council member Brigitte Schmidt introduced herself and indicated that the town is moving forward with a solar field project near the former wastewater treatment plant. Delegate William Wivell introduced himself to citizens and congratulated the town on the successful Green Fest event. He noted that this weekend is Smithsburg Pride Days. County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He discussed the circumstances regarding the wood repair at the town library and stated that a contractor would be working on it next week. He advised that Senator Ben Cardin would be visiting the County's newest solar field at Kemp's Mill this Friday, May 15. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 7:51 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ",vt I Gregory B. trray, Coutty Administrator . \� r, c John M. Martirano, County Att ey Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk