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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.18.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland August 18, 2015 CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 1:14 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 1:14 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; and to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; 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 eight specific County personnel recommendations/employee matters with County staff. During closed session, the Commissioners provided specific direction to staff regarding eight County personnel recommendations/employee matters. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, 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; and Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; and at various times Jennifer Swisher, Deputy Director, Emergency Communications; Stephanie Overcash, Assistant Director, and Shawn Harbaugh, Fleet Manager, Transit; and Ed Plank, Director, Highway Department. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to reconvene in open session at 1:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —AUGUST 4, 2015 Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of August 4, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services — Advertise to Fill Positions Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise and fill a full-time, Grade 6, Step 1, Motor Equipment Operator I position in the Highway August 18, 2015 Page 2 Department's Eastern Section. The position would be advertised internally for five days and then externally if necessary. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Stone also requested permission to advertise to fill a full-time, Grade 15, Step 1, Collections Superintendent position at the Department of Water Quality. The position would be advertised both internally and externally. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Spong, moved to advertise to fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards and Commissions Economic Development Commission Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Joshua Martin to serve a first, three-year term as an at -large, manufacturing representative member of the Economic Development Commission through June 30, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the Economic Development Commission (EDC) member positions that are designated using a matrix developed by EDC members as directed by the County Commissioners. EDC members therefore embody a wide variety of representation and skills. SENATOR AMOSS FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services, and Dale Hill, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, discussed the recommendation for distribution of the Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund subsidy allotted to counties by the State of Maryland for disbursement to fire and rescue companies. Mr. Lewis indicated funds may be used toward capital expenses such as firefighting apparatus and companies receiving such funds must submit spending reports each year. The Fiscal Year 2015 allocation of $265,983 is proposed to be distributed as follows: $202,147.08 divided between the nineteen fire companies (which includes $63,835.92 divided between the six Hagerstown Fire Departments), and $63,835.92 divided between the six ambulance companies in the County. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Hill discussed concerns expressed by City of Hagerstown firefighting companies regarding their share of funding that is remitted to the City and not directly to the companies. The Commissioners discussed the funding process. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to distribute the Fiscal Year 2015 Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue & Ambulance Fund subsidy of $265,983 as discussed and outlined in the attachment to the Agenda Report Form. The motion passed unanimously. August 18, 2015 Page 3 CREATION OF BACK-UP COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT LOCATIONS Kevin Lewis requested permission to purchase a Back -Up Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and associated software from Keystone Public Safety, Inc. for $69,106. The CAD system allows for mapping, E9-1-1 and Phase II Wireless E9-1-1 services, fire, medical, and police dispatch software integration, and fire and emergency medical services alerting. Mr. Lewis indicated that with the acquisition, both the primary and secondary Public Safety Answering Point centers would have redundancy in computer-aided dispatch. He advised the Commissioners that funding for the acquisition is allocated through a $34,000 grant approved in 2014 by the previous Board of County Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Spong, seconded by Barr, moved to purchase a Back -Up Computer Aided Dispatch System and associated software from Keystone Public Safety, Inc. for $69,106 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS - EARLY VOTING SITE Kaye Robucci, Election Director, discussed the recommendation by the Washington County Board of Elections to continue with only one early voting site at Tandy Drive during the 2016 Presidential Primary election and the 2016 Presidential General election. Ms. Robucci advised that State guidelines allow each county to establish one additional early voting center if the State Board, local board and County governing body agree. She indicated that there are no budgeted resources or voter turnout to support a second site. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to continue with one early voting site during the 2016 Presidential Primary election and the 2016 Presidential General election. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners and Ms. Robucci discussed the location of the Election Board offices and storage space needed for the paper ballot system. DISCUSSION OF BEAVER CREEK SCHOOL MUSEUM FUNDING Commissioner Spong initiated a discussion of funding support for the historic Beaver Creek School Museum (Museum) that requires $10,000 per year of Washington County Historical Society (Historical Society) funds to maintain. He proposed that the County support the Museum by providing $10,000 annually the next three years to the Historical Society to be used toward the maintenance/preservation of the Museum with funds ceasing at the end of the current County Commissioners' term in 2018. Mr. Spong discussed the record of support given by the Historical Society to other historical sites such as the Burnside Bridge and Dunker Church, which were then gifted to the National Park Service. Commissioner Spong, seconded by Barr, moved to provide $10,000 annually the next three years to the Washington County Historical Society to be used toward the maintenance/preservation of the Museum with funds ceasing at the end of the current August 18, 2015 Page 4 County Commissioners' term in 2018. Mr. Barr referred to a letter received from the Historical Society regarding annual Museum maintenance costs and the possibility of selling the property or turning it over to the County. The letter indicates an internal deadline of December 31, 2015 to decide on the property's future. The Commissioners discussed where County funding would be derived. County Administrator Greg Murray reviewed the County's policy of having non-profit agencies pre -approved for funding through Section 1-108 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland (1-108 List), wherein such organizations are then eligible to apply each year for specific County funding that is reviewed by the Community Organization Funding Committee (COFC). The Historical Society typically receives $20,000 per year for general use through that method. If the Commissioners choose to use funds from their Contingency Fund, it would have to be increased using a budget adjustment. Mr. Murray indicated that Hotel Rental Tax Funds designated for economic development or tourism would not apply because the Museum's maintenance costs are ongoing expenses. Commissioner Cline cited the needs of many worthwhile organizations in the community and expressed his preference to see a list of maintenance items for the Museum that could be voted on for separate approval, with the Historical Society applying for Museum assistance through the COFC the next budget cycle. Commissioner Myers suggested the Historical Society could also apply for gaming funds next year to be used specifically toward the Museum, which it has not done in the past. He also preferred to obtain a list of itemized expenses of the Museum for consideration by the Commissioners. Commissioner Spong requested a short recess. After the recess, Commissioner Spong withdrew his motion and Commissioner Barr withdrew his second. The Commissioners agreed to request a list of itemized bills from the Historical Society for their review and consideration. APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-15-003) Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, discussed proposed Text Amendment RZ-15-003 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance) which would add a new Article 16A — Planned Unit Development and similar amendments to the existing Article 16 — Mixed Use District. The amendment would address deficiencies in the Ordinance regarding Planned Unit Development (PUD) plan changes that were identified as the basis for the Circuit Court's reversal of the County Commissioners' decision to approve a Concept and Development Plan change for the Emerald Pointe PUD. It would incorporate an existing administrative procedure developed to address the need for guidance in the PUD plan amendment procedures into the text of the Zoning Ordinance that is consistent with the public review intentions in the Ordinance. Mr. Goodrich referred to the Commissioners' public hearing on August 4, 2015 during which a "major" or "minor" change was discussed. He noted that the Planning Commission always errs on the side of caution regarding what may be a major and minor change. The Commissioners discussed the matter including comments received during the Public Hearing. August 18, 2015 Page 5 Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to adopt the Ordinance and Decision granting the requested text amendment for RZ-14-003 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -15-18 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) Commissioner Myers raised the possibility of proposing amendments to clarify the definition of a Planned Business Center and the size of shell buildings under Article 28A and the ability, or inability, to establish convenience stores in the Business Local (BL) zone, both issues that were raised during the Public Hearing. Staff was directed to consider the issues and provide specific recommendations to the Commissioners that could then be considered through the standard amendment process. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR MAP AND TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-14-002) President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 3:03 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the Application for Map and Text Amendment (RZ-14-002) by the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning relating to the Rural Business Districts of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance). The proposed text and map amendment would repeal in its entirety Article 5E -Rural Business -Existing, and amend Article 5F -Rural Business -New to merge the two zoning districts into one new district called Rural Business; amend the definitions of Home Occupation and Resident Business; and amend the Zoning Map. Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, presented the Staff Report and Analysis dated April 7, 2014 that recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the Ordinance for the following reasons: (1) Removing the development "criteria" evaluation process eliminates confusion and interpretation when a business wishes to expand or change its operation; (2) removing the development "criteria" evaluation process provides more flexibility and predictability to property owners to market the land commercially; and (3) consolidating the RB districts into one zone provides flexibility to property owners and/or purchasers who wish to cease commercial operations in favor of having a residential use. After reviewing comments from the August 26, 2014 Public Hearing, the Board of County Commissioners remanded the case to the Planning Commission for further evaluation and development. The Planning Commission has reviewed the comments and has included additional changes to the text. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. Anthony Eugene Commer, Sr., 11419 Pine Tree Lane, Williamsport, Maryland, commented against the location of a business that is next to his residence. Upon Commissioner Myers request, Jill Baker provided examples of how the amendment would eliminate complications encountered by applicants. The Public Hearing was closed at 3:21 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners, who offered no further comment. The requisite documents will be prepared for adoption at a later meeting. August 18, 2015 Page 6 CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION There were no citizens present who wished to participate. RECESS The County Commissioners recessed at 3:23 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at Smithsburg Town Hall, 21 West Water Street, Smithsburg. 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 7:03 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. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS. Commissioner Cline reported attending last week's Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City. He commended Governor Hogan for his staff's strong presence during the event. He wished his mother, Elaine Cline, an Alzheimer's patient, a happy 88th birthday. Commissioners Cline and Barr attended today's graduation ceremony for the most recent Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics class. Commissioner Barr attended a banquet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Washington County Soil Conservation District. He also attended the MACo conference and commented on the support and comradery expressed among attendees. Mr. Barr noted that attendance at this year's event broke last year's record. Commissioner Myers thanked the town for hosting the evening meeting of the Commissioners. He discussed the MACo conference and thanked staff for their work done on the County -sponsored booth that offered homemade peach cobbler during the popular "Taste of Maryland" event. He commented on the cooperation among the current Board of County Commissioners that has worked together on the County's permitting process and economic development, among other things. Commissioner Spong reported attending his first MACo conference and meeting the State Assistant Secretary of Planning during the event. He attended an Emergency Services Advisory Council board meeting. August 18, 2015 Page 7 Commissioner Baker thanked the community for the warm welcome. He reported attending two National Night Out events held in Boonsboro and Smithsburg. Mr. Baker met with Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot during his visit to Washington County to tour the Agricultural Education Center and Rural Heritage Museum and Village. The Comptroller complimented the County for its use of Program Open Space funds. Commissioner Baker thanked staff for their support during the MACo Conference. He attended the Soil Conservation District anniversary banquet. Mr. Baker reported meeting with Delegate Kelly Schultz during the MACo Conference to discuss re -opening the exhibit at Sideling Hill. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers welcomed the Commissioners to the Town and thanked the County for its assistance whenever needed. She introduced Council members Jack Wenthe and Benjamin Buss, and Town Clerk Betsy Martin. Council member Wenthe invited the Commissioners to the groundbreaking for the Kevin Jaye home through the program "Homes for Our Troops" this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at 15953 Shinham Road, Hagerstown. Council member Buss welcomed the Commissioners to the town. He commented on snow removal by the County in Whispering Hills, recommending that its two entrances be made a priority. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray commented on the recent Smithsburg Carnival. He noted that the yearly meeting of the MACo Administrator's Affiliate would be held in Washington County in October. He advised that the Senior Citizen's Center and Robinwood Drive improvements would soon be completed. Public Relations and Community Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, announced upcoming events in the County including the October 3 Wings and Wheels event at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, the August 22 Spudfest at the Rural Heritage Museum, and the August 24 Comprehensive Planning Meeting in Boonsboro. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION No citizens were present that wished to comment. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Myers, seconded by Spong, moved to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. August 18, 2015 Page 8 Gregory B. array, Cou y Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney C. Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk