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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.21.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 21, 2015 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 1:05 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 and LeRoy E. Myers. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 1:05 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 consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) and (4) and (7) 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 three specific individuals to a local board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed the specifics of a proposal received from a local company, including employment and legal issues, relating to the expansion of its business operations in the County. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments to a board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during the open session portion of today's meeting; and provided specific direction to staff relating to a specific proposal from a local company relating to the expansion of its business operations in the County. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works; John Pennesi, Deputy Director, Parks and Facilities; and Kassie Lewis, Director, Department of Business Development. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to reconvene in open session at 1:14 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. April 21, 2015 Page 2 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —APRIL 14, 2015 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of April 14, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline expressed sympathy to the family of Jay Grimes on his recent passing. He attended the 17th Annual Celebration of Business Awards sponsored by the County's Department of Business Development. He threw out the first pitch at opening day ceremonies for the Williamsport Girls' Softball League. Mr. Cline presented the Commissioners a plaque from the league to thank them for their support. He was present at the Eagle Court of Honor for Matthew Scalese of Boy Scout Troop 252. Commissioner Cline presented a proclamation this morning on behalf of the Commissioners during a Child Welfare Workshop to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month. He referred to calls received from County retirees requesting a cost of living increase and he recommended giving them a 3% raise in Fiscal Year 2016. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that it involves the County's retirement trust fund that is now in good standing after the recent recession period. He will notify CBIZ, the County's benefits and insurances services advisor, which will advise the Commissioners regarding the proposal. Mr. Cline reminded all that this Saturday, April 25, is the March of Dimes March for Babies event. Commissioner Myers expressed sympathies to the Grimes and Simmers families on their losses. He commented on the successful Celebration of Business event and the amount of years that many local businesses that have been in operation in Washington County. Mr. Myers passed along positive comments received from the owner regarding assistance from County staff for the Truck Enterprises construction project. He recognized Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, and staff for their work. Commissioner Barr reported on meetings he attended on behalf of the Maryland Association of Counties as the legislative session was winding down. He offered condolences to the Grimes and Simmers families. Mr. Barr reported participating in an I-81 Corridor Coalition teleconference this morning to address issues discussed during a recent conference in Roanoke, Virginia. Commissioner Baker attended the Celebration of Business event and commented on the excellent speaker, film and television producer Jon Macht. He attended the Department of Social Services' employee recognition event that Maryland Secretary of Human Resources Sam Malhotra attended. Mr. Baker presented him a County flag and lapel pin. He congratulated local citizens who participated in this week's Boston Marathon — Rob Hovermale, Andy Mason, and Katie Baker. April 21, 2015 Page 3 REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services — Advertise to Fill Vacant Countv Positions Debbie Peyton, Benefits Administrator, Health and Human Services, requested permission to advertise to fill two vacant County positions, as follows: One Emergency Communications Specialist, Grade 8, Emergency Services. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. One Plant Operator Trainee, Grade 7, Environmental Management. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Engineering and Construction Management Updates Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, discussed several updates regarding the department and the Plan Review and Permitting Department. Permitting items included a new Permit Application by Appointment service and a Same Day Permit program. He discussed the 2015 code adoption and the weekly and monthly department meetings held to prepare for their implementation. The Commissioners discussed the high cost to homeowners of the State's fire sprinkler mandate. Mr. Slocum detailed local adopted amendments that would or would not require permits for fixture and appliance work. He noted that implementation of the Accela permitting system is progressing well and will offer improved citizen access and user interface. Mr. Slocum advised that he has been speaking to State officials regarding the widening of Interstate 81 in Washington County. It has been the County's first priority of requests made during the Maryland Department of Transportation's annual public meeting. He announced that the Burnside Bridge repair project would be completed next week. Commissioner Barr commended Mr. Slocum and staff for progress made the past year to implement suggestions made by contractors and developers to improve the County's permitting process. Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions Board of Zoning Anneals Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to reappoint Neal Glessner to serve a second, three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals retroactively from April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Plumbing and Electrical Board Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Roy Ebersole to serve as the Master Plumber representative for a third, three-year term retroactively from March 1, April 21, 2015 Page 4 2015 through February 28, 2018, and appoint Michael Wathen to serve as the Master HVAC representative for a first, three-year term through March 31, 2018 on the Plumbing and Electrical Board. The motion passed unanimously. Emergencv Services Advisory Council Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to appoint Richard Hopkins (Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association representative) to a first full, three-year term through March 31, 2018, reappoint Paul Miller (citizen at -large representative) to a second, three-year term through March 31, 2018, and appoint C. Kingsley Poole (Commissioner Baker's representative) to a first, full three-year term through March 31, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Tri-Countv Council for Western Marvland Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to appoint Roger Fairbourn and John Miller to serve as citizen representatives, and appoint Donnie Stotelmyer and Janeen Solberg to serve as mayoral designees, to the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland through December 4, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Tri -County Council for Western Marvland Revolving Loan Fund Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to reappoint Ronnie Brezler (commercial lender) Brian Selders, (commercial lender), and David Kline (industry representative) to serve on the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland Revolving Loan Fund through December 4, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Agricultural Education Center Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Marge Peters, Bonnie Weddle, and Kathleen Carr to serve first, three-year terms on the Agricultural Education Center Board from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray reminded citizens that the public hearing for the County's Fiscal Year 2016 budget would be held May 5 at the Kepler Theatre. A citizens' guide to the budget will be available online sometime next week. PROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING MONTH Susan Buchanan, Senior Grants Manager, Community Grant Management, introduced representatives from organizations that provide housing services in the community. The Commissioners presented them a proclamation in recognition of Fair Housing Month observed in April. The observation marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities. The Commissioners thanked the individuals and their organizations for the work they do in the community. April 21, 2015 Page 5 WEAVER RURAL LEGACY EASEMENT PROPOSAL Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the James E. Weaver, Carl P. Weaver and Patricia A. Weaver Conservation Easement Project of $428,220 under the Maryland Rural Legacy Program (RLP). Mr. Boggs indicated that RLP Easement funds are 100% state -paid and used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historic features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources funds the program and Washington County is the holder of the RLP easements. Washington County was awarded RLP grants for Fiscal Year 2015 totaling $1,445,000. Mr. Boggs described the 143.74 total easement acres located on Jordan Road in Fairplay. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the James E. Weaver, Carl P. Weaver and Patricia A. Weaver Conservation Easement Project of $428,220 under the Maryland Rural Legacy Program as presented, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement, and authorize the execution of all such documents as may be required to effect the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD - 2015 -03 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) COGAN CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM PROPOSAL Chris Boggs recommended approval of the Jerilyn J. Cogan Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Project of $376,170.75 for 111.76 total easement acres. Mr. Boggs indicated that since 2010, Washington County has been funded to purchase CREP easements on 463 acres of land. CREP funds are 100% State -paid and derived mainly from Program Open Space funds. The program serves to protect water quality by removing marginal agricultural land from production and replacing it with best management practices. Easement applicants are chosen from those currently enrolled in a 15 -year CREP contract. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the Jerilyn J. Cogan Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Project of $376,170.75 as presented, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement, and authorize the execution of all necessary documents as may be required to affect the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2015-04 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) HEART OF THE CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, presented a recommendation to approve an amendment to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan to replace the current management entity, the Tourism Council of Frederick County (TCFC), with the non-profit Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, Inc. The amendment approval also includes acknowledgement that at the appropriate time, the County's Comprehensive Plan will reflect the appropriate references to the new management entity. Mr. Goodrich indicated that large portions of Washington County are included within the boundary of the April 21, 2015 Page 6 three -county heritage area (Washington, Frederick and Carroll counties) known as the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA). Heritage area activities, including grant applications and finances, are currently managed by the Tourism Council of Frederick County. The HCWHA is a new non-profit organization created for the purpose of managing the specific heritage area. Non-profit organizations and local governments within heritage areas have access to grants, loans and tax credits to promote tourism, create and improve heritage tourism attractions and protect heritage sites. Management responsibilities will be transferred from the TCFC to HCWHA if the action is requested by the County Commissioners. The transition must be approved by each participating jurisdiction including participating municipalities in Washington County, i.e., the City of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Hancock, Smithsburg, Williamsport, and Sharpsburg. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve an amendment to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan to replace the current management entity, the Tourism Council of Frederick County, with the non-profit Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, Inc. as presented. Amendment approval includes acknowledgement that at the appropriate time, the County's Comprehensive Plan will reflect the appropriate references to the new management entity. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF MEDAAF LOAN AND LOCAL INCENTIVE - TEMPUR SEALY INTERNATIONAL, INC. Kassie Lewis, Director, Department of Business Development, recommended approval of a resolution for the endorsement of the State of Maryland's $400,000 Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) loan and $250,000 conditional loan from the County. Ms. Lewis indicated that loan proceeds would be used by Tempur Sealy International, Inc. to reimburse eligible project costs at the Newgate Boulevard project site. These can include construction or installation of machinery, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, leasehold improvements, site improvements, or infrastructure improvements at the site. Tempur Sealy estimates investing a minimum of $5 million in the project that will create 120 new full-time positions and retain over 112 current positions. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and the positive employment opportunities for citizens. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve a resolution for the endorsement of the State of Maryland's $400,000 Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund loan and the $250,000 conditional County loan as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2015-06 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — MARCH AND APRIL 2015 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM) to receive March and April 2015 Youth Meritorious Awards. March 2015 awards went to Emily Getz of North Hagerstown High School, Zacharie Loveless of Williamsport High School, and Nathanael Saunders of Boonsboro High School. April 2015 awards were presented to April 21, 2015 Page 7 Tanisha Lee of the Washington County Technical High School, and Lindsey Draheim of Smithsburg Middle School. Each student received a Washington County lapel pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Staples gift card from the OCGM. The Commissioners commended the students and their families for their achievements. ACOUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY —1090 AND 1140 JEFFERSON BOULEVARD Rob Slocum, Director, and Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, Engineering and Construction Management, requested permission to approve an agreement for real property acquisition at 1090 and 1140 Jefferson Boulevard, Hagerstown, and for the acquisition of easements necessary for future road widening along Eastern Boulevard from Jefferson Boulevard to Antietam Drive. Budgeted funds of $567,500 are available for the acquisition. The Commissioners discussed the project. Commissioner Cline seconded by Myers, moved to approve an agreement for real property acquisition and easements at 1090 and 1140 Jefferson Boulevard, Hagerstown, to adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2015-05 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There were no citizens present that wished to participate. PUBLIC HEARING — MODIFICATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2016 CHARGES. RENTALS, AND FEES AT THE HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT President Baker convened a public hearing at 4:00 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the proposed modification of charges, rentals, and fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR). Airport Director Phil Ridenour presented the proposed schedule of rates and charges for Fiscal Year 2016, which would become effective July 1, 2015. He indicated that this is only the second rate increase requested since 2008. The 4% increase covers hangar rentals, hangar offices, and hangar commercial and corporate space at HGR and still falls 25% below a Fair Market Value analysis conducted in 2013. Mr. Ridenour indicated that if adopted, the new schedule of rates and charges would provide approximately $18,696.00 in additional revenue, with $8,000 being placed in a maintenance reserve account. All hangars are currently rented and there is a waiting list according to Mr. Ridenour. The hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. Commissioner Barr commented positively on the $8,000 being placed in a maintenance reserve account. The Public Hearing was closed at 4:06 p.m. April 21, 2015 Page 8 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to adopt the proposed rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2016, effective July 1, 2015, as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2015-07 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 4:07 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. urray, Co my Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk