Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.19.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 19, 2013 The Commissioners attended a breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. hosted by the University of Maryland Extension and Advisory Council at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. INVOCATION Pastor Greg Martin of Zion Lutheran Church, Williamsport, gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:32 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Baker led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSION — DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management, presented an overview of the Department of Water Quality budget that includes water and sewer rates. She advised that as of FY 2012, the County's General Fund no longer is required to support this Enterprise Fund. Rates for utility funds have been structured so that minimal increases occur each year to build a fund balance reserve, thereby keeping rate increases to a minimum. Ms. Pippel stated that the proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2014 include an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 2.1% (or $3.01) for water and 3.0% (or $3.99) for sewer. Similar increases were proposed for other user classes. One additional proposed fee increase involves raising laboratory sample collection fees'from $15.00 to $25.00. This fee covers the cost of a laboratory technician collecting and processing samples typically taken from residential clients for well water testing required by loan agencies. The fee has remained the same for over ten years. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to hold a public hearing on April 9, 2013 regarding the proposed water rates, sewer rates, and laboratory sample fees. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD — NEPTUNE WATER METERS Dan DiVito, Deputy Director, and Kim Bowers, Superintendent of Operations, Department of Water Quality (DWQ), presented a recommendation to award a sole source contract for the procurement of 410 Neptune Water Meters at various costs totaling $100,845.00 from HD Supply Waterworks. Mr. DiVito detailed that the purchase is part of an overall program to replace outdated and failed meters currently in the County -owned systems of Mt. Aetna, Sandy Hook, Elk Ridge, Highfield, and Sharpsburg. Funds of $101,000.00 are contained in the FY 2013 budget for purchase of the meters. March 19, 2013 Page 2 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the request to award a sole source contract for the procurement of 410 Neptune Water Meters at various costs totaling $100,845.00 from HD Supply Waterworks as presented. The motion passed unanimously. RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM EASEMENT — LITTLE ANTIETAM FARM PROPERTIES, LLC (CZARRA FAMILY) Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning Department, recommended approval of the Little Antietam Farm Properties, LLC (Czarra Family) Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project for $595,000.00. Mr. Seifarth indicated that Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement funds and associated administrative costs are 100% State -funded and are used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historic features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. Mr. Boggs described the 150.02 easement acres located on the east side of Route 67 at Rohrersville Road that are contiguous to an existing Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easement buffering the Little Antietam Creek. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the Little Antietam Farm Properties, LLC (Czarra Family) Rural Legacy program (RLP) Easement Project for $595,000.00 as presented, adopt an ordinance approving the purchase, and authorize the execution of such documents as may be required. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-05 is located in the County Commissioners' Office). INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE — MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing Department, Kevin Lewis, Director of the Division of Emergency Services, and Doug Mullendore, Washington County Sheriff, requested approval to authorize by Resolution, an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase for the Division of Emergency Services to purchase one Mobile Command Vehicle for $589,418.00 from Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. of Manassas, Virginia, and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract that was awarded by the Houston -Galveston Area Council. Mr. Lewis and Sheriff Mullendore described the specially equipped vehicle that will be used to respond, coordinate, and manage emergency incidents. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Mr. Curry advised them of the intergovernmental cooperative purchase procedure and requirements. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to authorize by Resolution an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase for the Division of Emergency Services to purchase one Mobile Command Vehicle for $589,418.00 from Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. of Manassas, Virginia and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract that was awarded by the Houston -Galveston Area Council. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2013-02 is located in the County Commissioners' Office) March 19, 2013 Page 3 CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline attended the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company and Hancock Volunteer Fire Company banquets. He attended a Quarter Auction for the Smithsburg Food Bank. Mr. Cline described business outreach visits to Twigg Cycles and MAG, Inc. He enjoyed judging cakes for an Ag Expo and Fair committee fundraiser at the Valley Mall. Commissioner Cline announced that the Ag Expo and Fair would be held this year on July 20-27. He was present for the Run for Your Luck 5K Run/Walk in downtown Hagerstown to benefit the Community Free Clinic. Mr. Cline enjoyed the Oyster Feed at the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Callaham attended the business visits to Twigg Cycles and MAG, Inc. She attended a Black Rock Golf Course Board meeting. Ms. Callaham was present at the Hancock and Leitersburg volunteer fire company dinners. She reported on a Commission on Aging board meeting. Commissioner Callaham participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Wareham Professional Building. She attended a dinner for the Washington County Commission for Women. Commissioner Barr reported attending several fire and rescue banquets. He invited his fellow Commissioners to be his guests at The Salvation Army Civic Appreciation Dinner on April 1. Commissioner McKinley thanked the University of Maryland Extension and Advisory Council for hosting this morning's breakfast. He congratulated the Hagerstown Community College's men's basketball team for making it to the first round of national tournament finals in Texas. Mr. McKinley attended the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company awards banquet. He was present at the Eagle Scout ceremony for Benjamin Connelly. Commissioner McKinley attended the Twigg Cycles business visit and the Wareham Professional Building ribbon cutting ceremony. He remarked on the celebration of service event held for retiring Public Works Director Joe Kroboth, III. Mr. McKinley reported on a meeting with Congressman John Delaney at the Hagerstown Regional Airport where the Airport's control tower and the impact of the federal sequestration were discussed. Commissioner Baker thanked the University of Maryland Extension and Advisory Council for the morning breakfast meeting. He also thanked the Town of Boonsboro for hosting the recent evening meeting of the County Commissioners. Mr. Baker attended an Economic Development Commission board meeting where the Strategic Economic Development Plan was discussed and members agreed to recommend hiring a person to oversee its implementation. He attended the MAG, Inc. small business outreach visit at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Baker thanked all who organized and participated in the successful Run for Your Luck 5K Run/Walk event. He attended the March 19, 2013 Page 4 Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department's oyster feed fundraiser and the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company's awards banquet. Commissioner Baker reported on a Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee meeting and noted that a disc golf course was being constructed at the Black Rock Golf Course. Commissioner Callaham commented on the potential hiring of an individual to oversee the Strategic Economic Development Plan. County Administrator Greg Murray stated that the person would be a part-time temporary or contracted employee paid by the County, or perhaps a volunteer. Ms. Callaham expressed her desire to have the position open to all individuals and to be involved in the hiring process. LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR FLAGPOLE AT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY Gary Pozzouli, Project Manager, Capital Projects Engineering, and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval to authorize President Baker to execute a License Agreement with the City of Hagerstown to allow a flagpole to be placed within a public right of way owned by the City at the new Washington County Free Library. Mr. Pozzouli stated that the Library project includes the display of the American, State, and County flags and their original planned location was too close to the building. A solution was to reposition the flags further away from the building in a City right of way. The City has agreed to grant such a license to the County. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to authorize President Baker to execute a License Agreement with the City of Hagerstown to allow a flagpole at the Washington County Free Library as presented. The motion passed unanimously. ACOUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY — STEVENSON ROAD BRIDGE REPAIRS Joe Kuhna requested permission to close negotiations for the acquisition of a right of way for culvert repairs at the Stevenson Road Bridge. Mr. Kuhna advised that the right of way is necessary to permit construction of new drainage pipes and related structures to repair the bridge culvert which has shown signs of deterioration. The new bridge culvert will allow for improved flows under the road and prevent future flooding. He stated that budgeted funds of $11,040.00 are available for the acquisition. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to close negotiations to approve the acquisition of a right of way for culvert repairs as presented, to adopt an ordinance ' approving said purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-06 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) ACOUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY — CHARLES MILL ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT Joe Kuhna requested permission to close negotiations for the acquisition of a right of way for repairs for the Charles Mill Road Culvert Replacement Project. He stated that the right March 19, 2013 Page 5 of way is necessary to permit replacement of a deteriorated drainage structure that will prevent roadway shoulder erosion and allow for more efficient stream flow. Mr. Kuhna indicated that budgeted funds of $2,500.00 are available for the acquisition. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to close negotiations to approve the acquisition of a right of way for culvert repairs as presented, to adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2012-07 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) OTHER BUSINESS REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF There were no staff members present having items to bring forward at this time. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 11:02 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, 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 10-508 (1) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment and/or reappointment of several individuals to various bodies over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed the potential luring of individuals and related; compensation issues for three County employee positions. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments during a future open session agenda for further consideration and discussion; and provided specific direction to staff relating to the potential hiring of several individuals and related compensation issues for three County employee positions. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Luimil, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Marcie Jackson, Chair, Mental Health Authority, Inc.; Liz Thompson, Chair, Hagerstown - Washington County Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Lewis, Director, Division of Emergency Services; Dale Hill, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association; Jennifer Smith, Director, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, Plan Review and Permitting; and Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services. March 19, 2013 Page 6 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr moved to adjourn at 12:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. e -^—- B. Tray, Count Administrator 1 M . t John M. Martirano, ,,ty Attorney Utel ./ ----� Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk