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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.29.2015 Minutes;IL BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland September 29, 2015 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Commissioners observed a moment of silence 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 10:13 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and Vincent G. Spong. Commissioner John F. Barr arrived later in the meeting at 10:44 a.m. due to attending the Community Health Needs Assessment Findings program at the Robinwood Professional Center. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Commissioner Spong, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of September 22, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Engineering and Construction Management Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, announced an open forum to be held by the State Highway Administration at South Hagerstown High School on September 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. regarding a proposed cloverleaf interchange at Interstate 70 and Maryland 65. Mr. Slocum discussed the full cloverleaf design that would eliminate two traffic signals, improve public safety, and support economic development in that area. The Commissioners gave their consensus to send a letter signed by President Baker to the State Highway Administration that encourages a proactive solution using a full cloverleaf design. Health and Human Services — Advertise to Fill Position Brian Overcash, Safety Administrator, Health and Human Services; and John Pennesi, Deputy Director, Parks and Facilities, requested approval to advertise and fill a full-time, Grade 10, Step 1, Assistant Field Operations Supervisor position in the Parks and Facilities Department due to a retirement. The position would be advertised internally and externally. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the personnel request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) Countv Clerk — Appointments to Countv Boards/Commissions Animal Control Authoritv Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to appoint Lt. Arthur Overcash as the sworn officer member of the Animal Control Authority to serve a first, full three-year term through October 31, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) September 29, 2015 Page 2 Electrical Board of Examiners and Supervisors Commissioner Cline, seconded by Spong, moved to reappoint Troy McIntire as a Master electrician representative to the Electrical Board of Examiners and Supervisors to serve a second, two-year term through September 30, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) Plumbing and Mechanical Board Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to reappoint Gary Price as a Master HVAC representative to the Plumbing and Mechanical Board to serve a second, three-year term through October 31, 2018. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) BID AWARD — 2016 CREW CAB TRUCK Rich Curry, Buyer, Purchasing; and Ed Plank, Director, Highway Department, recommended award of the contract for the purchase of one 2016 Class 5, F550 Crew Cab Truck (PUR-1294) to the responsive, responsible bidder, Hagerstown Ford of Hagerstown, Maryland, that submitted a Base Bid of $72,840 and Alternate No. 1 (extended warranty) of $4,015 for a total of $76,855. Mr. Curry discussed the two bids received and indicated that the low bid of $70,915 is not being recommended due to the truck body not meeting specifications. The truck would replace a 1998 model with over 195,000 miles on the odometer. Commissioner Myers questioned the eight-year extended warranty on the proposed vehicle and whether the warranty would replace in-house service time. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Spong, moved to award the contract for the purchase of one 2016 Class 5, F550 Crew Cab Truck to the responsive, responsible bidder, Hagerstown Ford of Hagerstown, Maryland, for a total of $76,855 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Captain Paul Boyer, Sheriffs Department, requested approval to submit an application to renew the Cooperative Agreement between the Maryland Department of Human Resources Child Support Enforcement Administration and the Board of County Commissioners and to accept the award funding of $226,844. Ms. Buchanan indicated that the request would reimburse the wage and benefit expenses of two full-time deputies and provide partial reimbursement of two part-time deputies and two Senior Office Associates that provide child support enforcement services. There is no match requirement associated with the agreement. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the submission of an application to renew the Cooperative Agreement between the Maryland Department of Human Resources Child Support Enforcement Administration and the Board of County Commissioners and to accept the award funding of $226,844 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) IL September 29, 2015 Page 3 HOTEL RENTAL TAX REVENUE DISTRIBUTION REPORTING REOUIREMENTS Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney, requested approval of a Resolution Imposing a Hotel Rental Tax in Washington County. He indicated that the local resolution reflects the changes made to State law and incorporates the date changes and reporting requirements for Hotel Rental Tax funds. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the Resolution Imposing a Hotel Rental Tax in Washington County as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Resolution RS -2015-18 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) EASTERN BOULEVARD WIDENING PHASE I — REAL PROPERTY/ EASEMENT ACQUISITIONS Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of option agreements for temporary construction easements, a perpetual drainage easement and a fee simple acquisition totaling $5,985 to allow for the future widening of Eastern Boulevard. Ms. Small described the project that will widen Eastern Boulevard from a two-lane roadway to a four -lane divided roadway. The affected properties are located at 479 Antietam Drive, 1260 Security Road, and 272 Eastern Boulevard. The Commissioners discussed details of the acquisition with Ms. Small and Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction. (Commissioner Barr arrived at the meeting at 10:44 a.m.) Commissioner Spong, seconded by Myers, moved to approve option agreements for temporary construction easements, a perpetual drainage easement and a fee simple acquisition totaling $5,985 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance Nos. ORD -2015-22 and ORD -2015-23 are located in the County Commissioners' Office.) FEE SIMPLE ACOUISITION —1251 AND 1252 FREDERICK STREET Susan Small requested approval of option agreements for fee simple acquisition (by quitclaim) and temporary construction easements at 1251 and 1252 Frederick Street totaling $200 for the future construction of Southern Boulevard. The project includes the construction of a two-lane divided open section roadway, new intersections at each extent of the project, and roundabouts at Frederick Street and East Oak Ridge Drive. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to approve option agreements for the fee simple acquisition and temporary construction easements at 1251 and 1252 Frederick Street totaling $200 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD - 2015 -24 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) FEE SIMPLE DEDICATION — 241 RAILWAY LANE Ms. Small requested approval to accept the dedication of a fee simple area owned by The Bowman Group, LLP at 241 Railway Lane to allow for future intersection improvements. September 29, 2015 Page 4 The property owner has agreed to dedicate 2,459 square feet in fee simple at no cost to the County. Ms. Small described the project that includes the installation of a traffic signal and designated turn lanes at Underpass Way and Railway Lane. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to accept the dedication of a 2,459 square feet fee simple acquisition at 241 Railway Lane from The Bowman Group, LLP at no cost as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2015-25 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) HABITAT FOR HUMANITY REOUEST FOR PROPERTY DONATION Susan Small presented a request from Habitat for Humanity that the County declare real property located at 13529 Spriggs Road surplus property, approve its conveyance to Habitat for Humanity at no cost, and authorize advertising the County's intent to convey the property. Ms. Small stated that the property was purchased by the County during the Maugans Avenue widening project and is currently assessed at $140,000. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and other options including advertising the property as surplus property and offering it for sale to the public. Commissioner Spong, seconded by Myers, moved to declare real property located at 13529 Spriggs Road surplus property, approve its conveyance and advertise it for sale. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Countv Administrator — Economic Development Opportunity with Korea County Administrator Greg Murray announced that he, President Baker, Commissioner Barr and Chief Financial Officer Debra Murray would be traveling to Jangheung County, South Korea in October as part of a business opportunity that could bring 100 jobs to Washington County. Mr. Murray indicated that representatives from a prospective company approached County officials regarding their interest in establishing an organic food growing and processing business to include a culinary institute and bed and breakfast. The company's investment includes purchasing property that would result in approximately $60,000 the first year from transfer tax, recordation tax, income and real estate tax. Greg Murray noted that the contingency would also visit another company interested in waste -to -energy projects that was familiar with the County's ongoing project at the Forty West Landfill. He discussed similar visits conducted by Montgomery County in 2012 that resulted in eight companies from South Korea bringing operations to Maryland. He also noted that a "sister county" relationship has been discussed with Jangheung County. Mr. Murray indicated that funding for the trip would come from the County's portion of the Hotel Rental Tax Fund that can be used for economic development projects. The Commissioners endorsed the visit and commented on the positive economic opportunity for the County. September 29, 2015 IL Page 5 PROCLAMATION - FIFTH ANNUAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK Kassie Lewis, Director, Business Development, and Hugh Breslin, Chair, and Pete Thomas, Board member, Economic Development Commission (EDC), accepted a proclamation from the Commissioners in recognition of Economic Development Week, observed September 28—October 2, 2015. The observation serves to increase an understanding of economic development's contribution to the State of Maryland's business climate, job growth and quality of life. Mr. Breslin described the "Love My Business" campaign that involves mailing cling -type logos to businesses and farms for display with the chance to receive prizes this week from a County prize patrol. The Commissioners discussed positive economic development endeavors in Washington County and thanked staff and EDC members for their efforts. 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 11:54 a.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 a specific County personnel recommendation/employment matter with County staff. During closed session, the Commissioners provided specific direction to County staff regarding a specific County personnel recommendation/employee matter. 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 Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services; and Alan Crawford, Deputy Director of Operations, Emergency Communications. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Spong, moved to reconvene in open session at 12:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:15 p.m. September 29, 2015 Page 6 EVENING MEETING — MAUGANSVILLE RURITAN CLUB The evening session of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held at the Maugansville Ruritan Club, 18007 Maugans Avenue, Maugansville. 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 meeting to order at 7:08 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 Spong reported on a meeting of the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization where widening the Route 11 bridge was discussed. He attended the Remembrance in the Park event to honor victims of 9/11 and emergency personnel that died in the line of duty. Mr. Spong discussed the recent town hall meeting he attended that addressed the heroin epidemic occurring locally and in many communities. He attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony with his fellow Commissioners for the new BioMag® ballasted system at the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant. Commissioner Spong presented a certificate on behalf of the Commissioners at Hagerstown City Hall to welcome visitors from China. Commissioner Cline reported attending the Eagle Court of Honor for Cole Trippett. He also attended this week's farm tour by Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. He commended Governor Hogan for having his cabinet secretaries visit Maryland counties to hear their concerns. Commissioner Barr participated in the American Heart Walk of Summit Health as co-chair of the event. He attended the farm tour by Secretary Bartenfelder and noted that Secretary Kelly Schultz of the State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation was recently in town to hear local concerns. Mr. Barr attended the Business Before Hours networking event at the Hagerstown Regional Airport where airport businesses, pilots and at times Allegiant Air representatives attend. Commissioner Barr discussed his upcoming induction as President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). He commented that there would be local MACo events hosted by Washington County during his term. Commissioner Myers thanked the Ruritan Club for hosting the evening meeting. He reported learning that the Town of Williamsport had received several million dollars from Governor Hogan and the federal government for C&O Canal efforts. Commissioner Baker reported attending the popular Princess Party with his granddaughter that was sponsored by the County's Recreation and Fitness Department. He also attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony for a new water tank at Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village. September 29, 2015 Page 7 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Maugansville Ruritan Club member Charles Lumm requested that the club be considered for playground equipment that may be abandoned with the planned closing of Winter Street Elementary and Conococheague Elementary Schools. The club would also like to pursue obtaining excess property from Washington County Public Schools adjacent to its property. Virginia Walton, Maugansville, thanked the Commissioners for repaving/repairing the roads in the area this summer. Alvin Wood, 13802 Distant View Avenue, Maugansville, requested a permanent solution regarding a swale on his property and the Best Lumber property that continually needs cleaned out. Mary Webb, 16936 Shinham Road, Hagerstown, commented on the closing of the nutrition center at the current Senior Center location and that no such center is planned at the new Senior Center. Gerry Ditto, 14736 Ditto Road, Clear Spring, expressed concerns with farming methods that may be used by the South Korean company interested in establishing an organic food growing and processing business in the County. Nat Webb, 16936 Shinham Road, Hagerstown, requested that the County look into drainage problems in that area. Martin Lumm, Hagerstown, referred to the poor condition of the club's tennis courts and asked if the County could assist in their repair or refer the club to any funding sources. Pastor Chad Carter, Maugansville Bible Church, commented that the church counsels individuals affected by drug addiction and encouraged the Commissioners to address the problem by doing whatever they can. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 8:19 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Grg�B. urray, County Administrator ,b - John M. Martirano, Coun Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk