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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.26.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 26, 2013 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:58 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. BUDGET DISCUSSION — PROPOSED FY 2014 GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Superintendent, and Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), provided an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2014 General Fund Budget. Mr. South stated that the Board of Education (BOE) is requesting $94,453,570.00, which represents a 1.6% increase over the previous year. This amount is based on maintenance of effort requirements and increases in teacher pension transfer costs. Mr. South advised of measures taken to reduce baseline expenditures that included the elimination of several BOE central office positions through attrition and internal employee moves. He also discussed the expected 1.7% State revenue increase, which is in line with the total budget request to the Commissioners of $254,448.968. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 10:20 a.m. to attend a visit by Senator Barbara Mikulski to Sierra Nevada Corporation, 18632 Jarkey Drive, at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, after which they attended a luncheon and budget presentation by the Hagerstown Community College Board of Directors, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 2:28 p.m. with the following members present: President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Ordinance to Exempt Leased Pronertv from Countv Real Pronertv Taxes County Attorney John Martirano requested approval of an "Ordinance to Exempt Leased Property from County Real Property Taxes." He stated that the Ordinance pertains to five land leases with Rider Jet Center, Inc. relating to Buildings 26, 64, 65, 66, and 67 located at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The Commissioners previously voted to approve the exemption during their January 29, 2013 meeting. Mr. Martirano advised that the Ordinance would have an effective date of July 1, 2012. March 26, 2013 Page 2 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the Ordinance as presented. The motion passed with Commissioner McKinley, Cline, Callaham, and Barr voting "AYE" and Commissioner Baker "NO." (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) Ordinance Establishing the Salaries of Certain Elected Officials Deputy County Attorney Kirk C. Downey presented an "Ordinance Establishing the Salaries of Certain Elected Officials for Washington County, Maryland." Mr. Downey recalled previous discussions with the Commissioners concerning proposed annual salaries for various offices pursuant to the Salary Study Commission process. The salaries will commence with the terms of office following the 2014 gubernatorial election, as follows: Board of County Commissioners: President - $33,000.00, Member - $30,000.00; Board of Education: President - $7,200.00, Member - $7,000.00; Orphans' Court Judges: $7,800.00; Sheriff: $100,000.00; Treasurer: $6,000.00; Board of Liquor License Commissioners: President - $10,850.00, Member - $10,600.00; and also that each judge of the Orphans' Court be entitled to an annual expense stipend of $500.00, in accordance with Board policies concerning expenses and reimbursements. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the Ordinance as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-09 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) Application for Man Amendment - Case No. RZ-12-003 Kirk C. Downey presented a proposed Decision and findings of fact for Case No. RZ-12-003 concerning the rezoning of certain properties based upon changes in the character of the neighborhood. The applicants requested a change in their properties zoning classification from Residential Rural (RR) to Business Local (BL.) During the February 12, 2013 Public Hearing, the Commissioners agreed by to support the requested rezoning based upon changes in the character of the neighborhood. Commissioner McKinley stated that he was absent during the Public Hearing but had listened to the audio recording of that hearing and could, therefore, participate in the decision of the case. The Commissioners discussed the Planning Commission's recommendation that any rezoning be conditioned to require a traffic study to accompany any site plan submitted concerning any of the subject properties that are contiguous to Paden Avenue in Smithsburg. Mr. Downey advised that the Decision would include that condition. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adopt an "Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map for Washington County, Maryland" and to adopt the Decision and its incorporated findings of fact in RZ-12-003, with the condition that there will be a, requirement for a traffic study submittal along with any site plan submittal in relation to any property having access to Paden Avenue. The motion passed with Commissioners Cline, Callaham, Barr, and McKinley voting "AYE" and Commissioner Baker "NO." (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-10 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) March 26, 2013 Page 3 BUDGET DISCUSSION: PUBLIC SAFETY — EMERGENCY SERVICES, Kevin Lewis, Director, Division of Emergency Services, and Dale Hill, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA), presented the FY 2014 budget for the WCVFRA. Mr. Lewis stated that the $13.5 Million budget reflects a 21% increase over the current fiscal year's budget. Mr. Hill discussed the $7.8 Million portion of the budget covering volunteer fire and rescue services. He described programs to provide service awards for volunteers such as credits for property tax, college tuition, and child care. Mr. Hill stated that the costs of physicals and insurance also have risen. Other categories covered by Mr. Lewis included increases for the 7-54 Air Unit, Special Operations, 9-1-1 Communications, Fire and Rescue Operations, and Emergency Management. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. County Administrator Greg Murray reiterated that the County wants to see a comprehensive Fire Master Plan that incorporates many of these requests and plans for future operations. He also commented on the lack of additional revenue sources in the next budget year to accommodate most of the requests presented. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — MARCH 2013 The County Commissioners presented certificates of merit to students who were selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive March 2013 Youth Meritorious Awards: Jeison Torres of Western Heights Middle School and Madison Gaines of Springfield Middle School. Each student received a $100 Office Max gift card from the WCCP and a County pin from the Commissioners. The Commissioners commended the students' families for their parenting skills and the students for their leadership, academic abilities, and participation in extra -curricular activities. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION Debra Murray, Finance Director, discussed the revenue side of the County's General Fund Budget for FY 2014. The budget contains a $201.2 Million revenue figure which is a 2.5% increase over the current approved budget this year. She reviewed categories for revenue that included property tax (real estate, personal property and all other associated property tax credit programs), local taxes (income tax, admissions and amusement tax, recordation tax and trailer tax), interest income (investments, overnight account, revolving loan accounts) and program revenue (services such as court costs, fines, permitting, prisoners, recreation, and State grant aid for police protection and 9-1-1 fees.) Ms. Murray described estimated figures for real estate taxes and the effect of the latest reassessment cycle where assessments continue to go down. An increase in recordation tax is estimated due to slight housing market changes. Ms. Murray discussed unemployment figures and their effect on County revenue. PUBLIC HEARING — AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING EXCISE TAX, ORDINANCE (REVISION 10) President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 3:39 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding amendments to the Building Excise Tax Ordinance for Washington County, March 26, 2013 Page 4 Maryland (Revision 10.) Jennifer Smith, Director, Division of Plan Review and Permitting,.. described the amendments that change the amount of excise tax charged for residential construction from $3.00 per square foot of habitable gross square footage to $1.00 per square foot and change the amount of excise tax charged for nonresidential retail construction from $3.00 per square foot to $1.00 per square foot of the first 15,000 square feet and to $3.00 per square foot thereafter. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. Eight individuals commented in favor of Revision 10: Trey Alter, Dynacorp Inc., 18702 Crestwood Drive, Hagerstown; Attorney Jason Divelbiss, 13424 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown; Tim Fields, Clear Spring; Christopher Smith, 10335 Lantern Lane, Hagerstown; Michael Johnston, M.S. Johnston Co., Hagerstown; Corey Linthicum, Hagerstown, President of the Home Builders Association of Washington County; and Ron Bowers, Maugansville, Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission. The Public Hearing was closed at 4:05 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner McKinley commented that today's proposal is the right thing at the right time for Washington County. Commissioner Callaham stated that the excise tax had been revised a number of times showing that it progressed along with the changes in the economy. Commissioner Baker commented that he while would like to discuss the elimination of the excise tax stimulus program in the future, he would currently like to extend it through December 2013. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the amendments to the Building Excise Tax Ordinance for Washington County, Maryland (Revision 10) as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-11 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 4:10 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body had jurisdiction; and to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (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 reappointment of several individuals to various bodies over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed the potential hiring of an individual for a short-term contractual position and related compensation issues. March 26, 2013 Page 5 During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments and reappointments during a future open session agenda for further consideration and discussion; and agreed to discuss in a future open session the potential hiring for a short term contractual position and related compensation issues. 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 Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times, Jennifer Smith, Director, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director, Division of Plan Review and Permitting. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:48 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at the L.P. Snyder Library, 12624 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring. 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 7:01 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 5, 2013 AND MARCH 19, 2013 Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of March 5, 2013 and March 19, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Barr attended the dedication of the Behavioral Sciences and Humanities Building at Hagerstown Community College (HCC.). He enjoyed the Maugansville Ruritan Club's breakfast and the Home Builders Association Home Show at HCC. Mr. Barr discussed a meeting to be held this week involving Greg Murray and several staff March 26, 2013 Page 6 members to discuss tier mapping with Maryland Secretary of Planning Rich Hall. The Commissioners previously expressed their desire to have the issue decided before Sine Die which is April 8. Commissioner McKinley thanked the Town for hosting the Commissioners' evening meeting. He discussed several items pertaining to the Commissioners' earlier meeting involving budget presentations by the Washington County Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College, and a visit by Senator Mikulski to the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Mr. McKinley also attended the HCC building dedication, the Cyber Security Awareness Day at the Technical High School, and the Home Show at HCC. Commissioner Callaham reported on business visits to Holcim Cement and National Golden Tissue. She attended the Royal Rangers Silver Award ceremony for Bryce Schloe and the Eagle Scout ceremony for Nicholas Dougherty. Ms. Callaham also attended the Maugansville Ruritan Club breakfast and the Home Builders' Home Show. She discussed the morning visit with Senator Mikulski and the lunchtime budget presentation by HCC. Commissioner Callaham mentioned the HCC Athletic Recreation and Community Center's planned roof replacement project and recommended that a solar or green -type roof should be considered for the facility. Commissioner Cline reported attending the Holcim Cement and National Golden Tissue business visits. He attended HCC's new building dedication and the Maugansville Ruritan Club's breakfast. Mr. Cline thanked the Recreation and Parks Department for sponsoring an Easter Egg hunt at the Agricultural Education Center and reminded all of the April 6 museum dedication planned at the facility. Commissioner Cline thanked Keller Willams Realty for sponsoring the recent "March for Kids Health" 5K run at the Antietam National Battlefield. He attended the Home Show at HCC and the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Nicholas Dougherty. Mr. Cline was present at the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Funkstown. He reminded those present of the March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk on April 27. Commissioner Cline described his participation in a midnight job site maintenance project that was performed by Highway Department crewmembers. Commissioner Baker reported attending the dedication of the new HCC building. He enjoyed the Maugansville Ruritan Club's breakfast and the Agricultural Education Center's Easter Egg Hunt. Mr. Baker described the Equine Wellness Workshop and Tack Sale/Swap sponsored by the 4-H Bits and Bridles Horse and Pony Club and the Washington County Economic Development Commission held at Washington County Ag Center. He also attended last evening's MML meeting. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Clear Spring Mayor Paul Hose, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners. He thanked them for the assistance given the Town during the past year. March 26, 2013 Page 7 CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Douglas Clater, 11385 Big Pool Road, Big Pool, discussed the former Massey Ford building in Hagerstown and suggested its use as a vocational education center that would complement the Technical High School. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Annointments to Boards and Commissions Washinaton Countv Mental Health Authoritv, Inc. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Christine Cassatt as a consumer representative to the Mental Health Authority for a second, three-year term through March 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Washinaton Countv Economic Development Commission Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to appoint Ed Lough to serve an unfulfilled term through June 30, 2014 as a representative of the Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce to the Economic Development Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Washington Countv Animal Control Authority Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley moved to appoint Randall Wagner as a member at large to the Animal Control Authority for a first full, three-year term, retroactive from March 1, 2013 through February 28, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Washington Countv Emeraencv Services Advisory Council Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint to the Emergency Services Advisory Council the following individuals representing each listed Commissioner; to serve as at -large members for initial terms as follows: Commissioner Cline — Larry Lee Hines (1 -year term through March 31, 2014); Commissioner Barr — David Kline (1 -year term March 31, 2014); Commissioner Baker - Brent Taylor (2 -year term through March 31, 2015); Commissioner Callaham - Rev. Alan Weatherholtz (3 -year term through March 31, 2016); Commissioner McKinley - Robert Lunsford (3 -year term through March 31, 2016); and Paul Miller as an at -large member (2 -year term through March 31, 2015.) The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint John Latimer, III, Mike Reid, and Ronald David Hays as representatives of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association to the Emergency Services Council, for terms to be determined. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray thanked the Mayor and Town Council for hosting the meeting. He advised that the County's Strategic Economic Development Plan would be March 26, 2013 Page 8 discussed in the coming weeks and that the Town should convey any suggestions concerning the implementation of the Plan. Mr. Murray discussed Washington County's membership in the Maryland Rural Counties Coalition which is made up of eleven Maryland counties representing over one million citizens. The Coalition uses representation to maintain an informed presence in Annapolis during the legislative session. The Commissioners. discussed whether they were in favor of providing a $5,000.00 match in the coming year(s) for membership in the Coalition using funds from the Commissioners' Contingency account. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to provide a $5,000.00 per year contribution to the Maryland Rural Counties Coalition for the remaining two years of the Commissioners' term as discussed. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, introduced herself and Public Relations Manager James Jenkins. She informed attendees of the County's new Public Relations and Community Affairs Office located at 120 West Washington Street, Hagerstown. Ms. Sprecher invited the Mayor and Town Council members to follow the County's Facebook page for the latest information and to also contact the office for assistance in promoting events planned by the Town. She advised of the Public Relations Office Open House to be held on Tuesday, April 2 from 3:00 — 6:00 p.m. During the event, visitors may enter to win a round of golf at the Black Rock Golf Course or a pool party at the Marry Snook Park pool. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gr6g-ory A. Purray, County Administrator John M. Martirano, Coun ttorney '&P -k -k , " (� , �=, - Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk