HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.15.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
January 15, 2013
President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 10:04 a.m. at 100 West
Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr
and Commissioner Ruth Amre Callaham. (Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline and William B.
McKinley were absent from the meeting.)
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at
10:05 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance
evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body had
jurisdiction; and to discuss any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific
individuals; in accordance with Section 10-508 (1) of the State Government Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and
McKinley were absent.)
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment and
reappointment of individuals to various bodies over which the Commissioners have
appointment authority.
During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential
appointments/reappointments during the open session agenda for further consideration and
discussion.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, and Ruth
Anne Callaham. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah
Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John M.
Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times, Leslie Hart, Agriculture Marketing
Specialist.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at
10:30 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and McKinley were
absent.)
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Callaham offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag by the full assemblage.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JANUARY 8.2013
Commissioner Bair, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of January 8,
2013. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and McKinley were absent.)
January 15, 2013
Page 2
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
There were no citizens present who wished to participate.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Callaham reported attending a wrestling tournament at North Hagerstown
High School where the Hubs took third place. She was present at a PenMar Development
Corporation Board meeting and Washington County Historical Advisory Committee
meeting. Ms. Callaham discussed how both groups can work together to enhance historical
elements in the community. She discussed various documents/studies that must be melded
together for the future of Washington County, including a marketing study for the PenMar
Development Corporation, the Hagerstown Regional Airport Marketing Plan, Hagerstown
Master Plan, and the Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP.) Commissioner
Callaham stated that Historical Society members praised Rural Preservation Administrator
Eric Seifarth and Land Preservation Planner Chris Boggs for their efforts through
preservation programs to protect lands in Washington County.
Commissioner Barr wished Commissioner Cline well during his recuperation from
surgery. He discussed his recent flight on Allegiant Air and commented that Allegiant's
operations at the Hagerstown Regional Airport are working well.
Commissioner Baker thanked the Cascade community for hosting last week's evening
Commissioners' meeting. He attended a local reception for newly elected Congressman
John Delaney. Mr. Baker discussed a recent business outreach visit to High Rock. He
attended an Economic Development Commission (EDC) board meeting where it was
announced that the SEDP would be presented on January 26. He thanked outgoing EDC
Vice Chair Andrew Sargent for his service to the board and wished him well in his new
position as the City of Hagerstown's Downtown Manager. Mr. Baker stated that EDC
Marketing and Public Relations Committee members recently met with the Chamber of
Commerce and Greater Hagerstown Committee to produce a video of local businesses to
be presented during the Legislative Day in Annapolis on January 30. He announced that
EDC's Celebration of Business would be held on April 16, 2013.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Clerk — Auuointments to County Boards/Commissions
Washineton County Agricultural Marketin¢ Advisory Committee
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint Jeanne Dietz -Band to a
second, tlnee-year tern on the Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee through
January 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and McKinley
were absent.)
Area A¢encv on Aeine
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to reappoint Blanton Croft and
Elizabeth Creech to second, three-year terms on the Area Agency on Aging through
January 15, 2013
Page 3
February 28, 2016; and to appoint Frank Getz to a first, three-year term from February 1,
2013 through January 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline
and McKinley were absent.)
Washin¢ton Countv Economic Development Commission
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to appoint Council members Kristin
Aleshire and Donald Munson as non-voting, ex -officio representatives from the City of
Hagerstown to the Hagerstown Washington County Economic Development Commission.
The Commissioners discussed whether ex -officio members should serve specific or open-
ended terms. Commissioner Barr amended his motion to include a term through the
Commissioners' current term, which ends on December 2, 2014. Commissioner Callaham
seconded the amended motion. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline
and McKinley were absent.)
Countv Administrator
County Administrator Greg Murray advised that the SEDP presentation is tentatively
scheduled for Saturday, January 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Maryland Theatre.
It will be a four-hour complete presentation by the consultant that is open to the public.
Mr. Murray indicated that workshops would later be scheduled by the Commissioners to
review and discuss the SEDP.
Mr. Murray announced that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget has been
submitted and will soon be reviewed by the Commissioners. He noted that the initial
ten-year CIP request includes $200 Million over last year's Plan.
Greg Murray updated the Commissioners on plans for a Senior Center at the former Army
Reserve Center on Willard Street. He advised that a Request for Proposal for engineering
and architectural design work should be ready this week and that the project should be
placed for bid within eight to nine months.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Stone requested permission to advertise
and fill a vacancy for two budgeted positions, a Grade 9 Auto Body Technician and Grade
9 Motor Equipment Operator III in the Highway Department, both due to retirements. The
Commissioners discussed the concept of whether to grant permission to backfill positions
as they open up in the hiring process. `
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve both requests as presented.
The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and McKinley were absent.)
SENIOR CENTER
Commissioner Callaham questioned whether the new Senior Center building could be used
for other purposes in the interim period while design, planning, and bid proposals are
occurring. Mr. Murray stated that it may be a possibility but reminded the Commissioners
January 15, 2013
Page 4
that the facility must be used primarily as a Senior Center. He advised that the property's
closing date is tentatively set for January 30. The County would assume maintenance and
any needed updates to the property on that date.
FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2013 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS GRANT
Kevin Lewis, Director of Emergency Services, requested authorization to execute a
Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency
(MEMA) to accept a $25,300.00 grant ($13,000.00 for Planning, and $12,300.00 for
Training) for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2013 Hazardous Materials Emergency
Preparedness. Mr. Lewis stated that MEMA distributes funding to all local jurisdictions on
an annual basis to enhance State and local effectiveness in handling hazardous materials
accidents and incidents. The funds enhance the Implementation of Emergency Planning
and Community Right -to -Know Act of 1986, and encourage a comprehensive approach to
emergency training and planning. The grant requires a 20% recipient match or $6,325.00.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the $25,300.00 Hazardous
Materials Emergency Preparedness grant as presented and to authorize the Director of
Emergency Services to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maryland
Emergency Management Agency for that purpose. The motion passed unanimously.
(Commissioners Cline and McKinley were absent.)
YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARD PRESENTATION — JANUARY 2013
The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Joshua Davis of Clear Spring
Middle School, who was selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for
Children and Families (WCCP) to receive a Youth Meritorious Award for January 2013.
He also received a Washington County pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Office
Max gift card from the WCCP. The Commissioners commended Joshua and his family for
the award.
E 1I mi-11►1u I DI►Y Y
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 11: 20 a.m. The motion
passed unanimously. (Commissioners Cline and McKinley were absent.)
Gregory B.1)GGlurray, Comy Administrator
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John M. Martirano, Con Attorney
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Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk