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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.22.2015 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland September 22, 2015 OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON -CUTTING FOR NEW BIOMAG® BALLASTED SYSTEM AT THE SMITHSBURG WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT The Commissioners attended an open house and ribbon -cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. hosted by Evoqua, Kershner Environmental and Washington County at the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant to highlight the new BioMag® ballasted system. The system enhances activated sludge processes and is the first such system installed in the State of Maryland. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage at 100 West Washington Street, Room 255, Hagerstown. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 1:08 p.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 255, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of September 15, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of County Commissioners met jointly with the Board of Education. In attendance were President Terry L. Baker, Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. Board of Education (BOE) members present were Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, Jacqueline Fischer, Michael Guessford, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams. Ms. Brightman introduced student board member Erica Greenfield. FISCAL YEAR 2017 STATE AND LOCAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), and Dr. Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent, presented information on the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) request for systemic renovations and large capital improvement projects including the Academic Hub project. Dr. Wilcox stated that the CIP had recently been amended to include BOE funding for several roofing projects as previously discussed by the Commissioners. Dr. Michael gave an overview of the CIP that includes projects at South Hagerstown High School, Funkstown Elementary School, Hancock Middle/High School, Boonsboro Elementary School, and the new Jonathan Hager Elementary School. He provided details of plans for the proposed Academic Hub that preliminarily call for funding of $4 million from the County and $1.5 from the City of Hagerstown. The September 22, 2015 Page 2 Commissioners would also be asked to provide a $6 million loan to be repaid through annual payments from the operational budget of WCPS. Dr. Wilcox indicated that small learning communities in the County have proved successful and could potentially save millions of dollars by not having to build a new comprehensive high school. The Commissioners discussed the CIP and the Academic Hub project including its possible tie-in with potential expansion plans of the Maryland Theatre. Commissioner Myers suggested that the BOE should explore the option of public/private partnerships and leasing space for the Academic Hub in light of many available buildings in the downtown area. The Commissioners further discussed WCPS' request for approval of the second and fourth quarter budget adjustments and whether the specific budget transfer requests have been substantiated. The parties also discussed the undesignated fund balance. RECESS The joint meeting recessed at 2:24 p.m. RECONVENE The Commissioners reconvened at 2:36 p.m. in Room 227. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Emplovee Recognition — Jerry Ward Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management, announced that Jerry Ward, Lab Technician, Water Quality, had received the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst award this month during the organization's annual meeting. The award recognizes Mr. Ward's outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. The County Commissioners commended Mr. Ward's motivation and dedication to his work and his willingness to assist others. 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 Department. The position would be first advertised internally then externally if necessary. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the personnel request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Hagerstown Rep-ional Airport — Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport, referred to the letter of agreement regarding the Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead (Farmstead) located on airport property. The agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Maryland September 22, 2015 Page 3 Historical Trust (MHT) and Washington County outlines certain obligations regarding the adaptive reuse of the Farmstead, as follows: 1) publishing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the adaptive reuse of the Farmstead for an aviation -related purpose; 2) relocating the Farmstead somewhere on the Airport property; or 3) relocating the Farmstead off-site of the Airport. Mr. Ridenour indicated that the FAA and MHT have agreed to advertise the RFP that lists Options 2 and 3 together should no proposals be received for Option 1. He requested approval from the Commissioners to proceed with the advertisement as stated. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to advertise the RFP for the Brumbaugh- Kendle-Grove Farmstead listing Options 2 and 3 together should no proposals be received for Option 1. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions Hagerstown Regional Aimort Advisory Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to appoint Paula Lampton and William McKinley to the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission to fulfill two unexpired terms through January 31, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. Community Organization Funding Committee County Clerk Vicki Lumm indicated that Commissioner Cline's representative on the Community Organization Funding Committee, Mike Guessford, has resigned. In accordance with the organization's bylaws, Commissioner Cline has selected Mary Towe to serve as his representative to fulfill Mr. Guessford's term through June 30, 2017. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Mary Towe to serve as Commissioner Cline's representative on the Community Organization Funding Committee through June 30, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. C&O Canal Federal Advisory Commission Ms. Lumm requested approval to forward the name of George F. Franks, III to serve as the Commissioners' representative on the C&O Federal Advisory Commission. The Commissioners were asked to submit the names of two applicants due to the reestablishment of the Commission and previously submitted the application of Teri Murray. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Spong, moved to nominate George F. Franks, III to serve as the Commissioners' representative on the C&O Canal Federal Advisory Commission. The motion passed unanimously. MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION GRANT Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Phil Ridenour, Hagerstown Regional Airport Director, requested acceptance of a grant award from the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) for Fiscal Year 2016 of $98,384. Mr. Ridenour indicated that the airport submitted an application for the grant to fund several projects September 22, 2015 Page 4 including marketing efforts, security, airfield inspections, equipment and firefighting equipment. The total project cost of $131,179 is to be divided between the MAA - $98,384 (75%) and the County - $32,795 (25%). The County's 25% required match is included in the airport's approved Operating and Capital Improvement budgets. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to accept the grant award from the Maryland Aviation Administration for Fiscal Year 2016 of $98,384 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. FISCAL YEAR 2016 RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM GRANT Stephanie Lapole and Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, requested acceptance of the 2016 Rural Legacy Program grant award of $990,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Seifarth indicated that the yearly request submitted by the County's Planning and Zoning Department provides for the purchase of easements in the County's Rural Legacy Area. Easements are purchased from landowners who agree to protect areas vulnerable to development that can weaken the area's natural resources. Washington County has received over $17 million in grant funding for such easements since 1998. The funding would be allocated to other Maryland counties if rejected by Washington County. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the 2016 Rural Legacy Program grant award of $990,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and approve the execution of all necessary documents to effectuate the grant award. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL 2016 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES Deputy County Attorney Kirk C. Downey introduced a preliminary discussion of potential legislative initiatives the County may like to see addressed during the 2016 session of the General Assembly, including: 1) Authoritv to Update Trade/Building Codes on a Six -Year, Rather Than Three -Year Cycle — The Commissioners discussed the proposal that was put forth during the 2015 legislative session of the General Assembly. The Commissioners decided to talk to Delegate Neil Parrott and do preliminary work before requesting again such legislation. 2) Nuisance Abatement Lien Authoritv; Abilitv to Recover Costs — The request involves certain circumstances where dilapidated or blighted properties are declared a nuisance and the County is authorized by a court to abate the nuisance. Such abatement efforts would incur costs and recovery of those costs could be enhanced if a lien could be served against the property. Some other counties have similar authority. September 22, 2015 Page 5 3) Enforcement Authority and Compliance for Civil Citations; Liens — The Commissioners discussed problems with enforcement of civil citations and the collection of finds issued pursuant to those citations. The Commissioners agreed that they did not wish to pursue lien authority under such circumstances. 4) Code of Public Local Laws (CPLLI, Section 1-108 Process Revision —The proposal involves amendments to the CPLL to revise and streamline certain procedures. 5) Sewer Collection Authority, Unpaid Bill Recovery; Liens — The request involves the County's difficulties with collecting its sewer bills if the sewer cannot be plugged or the County is not the agency providing water service. A mechanism is needed where the unpaid amount goes onto a tax bill if the owner has not complied with deficiency and collection notices and refuses to pay. 6) Director of Emereency Services Authority, Delectation of Authority, CPLL Revisions — The issue involves ambiguity in delineating specifically who is charged with providing oversight of emergency services in the County. The request would identify the County Commissioners as the authority having jurisdiction. The Commissioners, staff, emergency volunteers, and Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) members and its attorney, Bruce Poole, discussed the proposal and expressed differing opinions as to whether legislation was necessary. It was suggested that the WCVFRA and the Commissioners discuss proposed verbiage that could be drafted to the satisfaction of both parties. 7) Local Emergencv Management Authority, Declaration of Emergencv — This proposal would consider strengthening the County's authority to make decisions during the early stages of a state of emergency without the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor. 8) Emereencv Communications — Microwave Path Protection, Interior Building Coverage — The proposal involves a review for tall structures proposed for construction that might block microwave communications paths the County relies on to communicate during emergencies. Similarly, some buildings hamper radio transmissions when emergency responders are inside the buildings; authority to require the installation of repeaters or other ameliorative devices could resolve the problem. Further investigation will discern whether the issue will require legislative authority or whether existing local authority is sufficient using the Zoning Ordinance or building codes. Commissioner Myers discussed his concern regarding whether enough financial information is being disclosed by organizations in the County requesting and receiving public funding through the Gaming Commission or Community Organization Funding September 22, 2015 Page 6 Committee. He questioned whether the County should be requiring more accountability of organizations and discussed the possibility of a statewide bill that would help address the mishandling of funds. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION There were no citizens present who wished to participate. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 3:53 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 matter that affects one of 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 the potential reappointment of a specific individual to a board of examiners and supervisors over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed the potential reappointment of a specific individual to a board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed the potential reappointment of a specific individual to an authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed a specific County personnel recommendation/ employment matter with County staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential reappointments to two boards and an authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during a future open session meeting; and provided specific direction to County staff regarding a personnel/hiring recommendation. 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 at various times Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Angela Smith, Deputy Director/Deputy Code Official, Plan Review and Permitting; and Ed Plank, Director, Highway Department. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 4:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. September 22, 2015 Page 7 Gregory B. Mtirnr y, County 4dmini 3o n M. Martirano, County Attorney 1 t; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk