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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.09.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 9, 2013 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 11:04 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. (Vice President John F. Barr was absent.) PUBLIC HEARING — MODIFICATION OF FY 2014 WATER AND SEWER RATES AND CERTAIN OTHER FEES President Baker convened a public hearing at 11:04 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding the proposed modification of water and sewer rates and laboratory sample collection fees for Fiscal Year 2014. Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management, presented the proposed schedule of water and sewer rates, which includes 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 are being proposed for other user classes. Ms. Pippel also presented the proposal to increase laboratory sample collection fees from $15.00 to $25.00, which covers the cost of a laboratory technician collecting and processing samples typically taken from residential clients for well water testing required by loan agencies. County Administrator Greg Murray provided details of the financial model developed to facilitate the Department of Water Quality's long-range financial plans; thereby avoiding large, one-time increases to customers. The hearing was opened for public comment. Bill Green, Salisbury Street, Williamsport, representing the Williamsport Town Council, commented on the effect of rate increases to Town residents. Russ Weaver, 234 West Main Street, Sharpsburg Town Council member, commented on the effect of rate increases to residents of the Town. Charles Delzer, Cascade, commented on his personal water and sewer bill. The Public Hearing was closed at 11:25 a.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. Commissioner McKinley stated that the Commissioners would consider the comments made today before voting on the matter at a future date. Commissioner Cline requested that staff try to assist Mr. Delzer with his water and sewer issues. Commissioner Callaham suggested that a town summit regarding water and sewer issues be held with municipal representatives and Commissioner Cline suggested discussing the issue during the next Council of Governments' meeting on April 25, 2013. PUBLIC HEARING — MODIFICATION OF FY 2014 CHARGES, RENTALS, AND FEES AT THE HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT President Baker convened a public hearing at 11:28 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding the modification of charges, rentals, and fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport April 9, 2413 Page 2 (HGR). Airport Director Phil Ridenour introduced Airport Advisory Commission Chair Brett Wilson and member John Miller. Mr. Ridenour presented the proposed schedule of rates and charges for Fiscal Year 2014, which involve only T -Hangars, stating that this is the first increase requested since 2008. He described the 4% increase being proposed for hangar rentals, hangar offices, and hangar commercial and corporate space at HGR that is in line with changes to the Consumer Price Index over the last four years. Mr. Ridenour indicated that HGR rates are approximately 30% lower than surrounding airports. If adopted, the new schedule of rates and charges would become effective on July 1, 2013 and provide approximately $17,000.00 in revenue. The hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 11:32 a.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. Commissioner Cline verified that the Airport Advisory Commission was in favor of the proposed increases. Commissioner McKinley commented that the Airport operates as an enterprise fund and needs to modify its rates from time to time. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to adopt the proposed rate schedule for FY 2014 as presented today by Airport Director Phil Ridenour. County Attorney John Martirano advised that a resolution to that effect would be prepared by his office. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Resolution RS -2013-04 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD — SPX GENFARE VENDSTAR TICKET VENDING MACHINE FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSIT DEPARTMENT, Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, presented a request to award a sole source contract for one SPX Genfare's Vendstar Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), associated spare parts, and maintenance from SPX Genfare of Elk Grove Village, Illinois for $131,521.00; and to also approve a budget amendment to transfer funds from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) — Grant #MD-NCI-4(NSPl) of $9,086.00, DHCD program income of $47,435.00, and County Funds of $75,000.00 to Transit's Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Account as outlined in the Budget Adjustment request, for use by the Washington County Transit Department (County Commuter). Ms. Luther discussed the sole source procedure as outlined in Section 1-I06.2(a) (1) and (2) of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Mr. Cerrone indicated that the ticket vending machine would be placed in the County's downtown Transit Transfer Center. The Commissioners discussed details of the vending machine's operation with Mr. Cerrone. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the Sole Source contract to SPX Genfare of Elk Grove Village, Illinois as stated in the Agenda Report Form. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). (Commissioner Barr was absent.) April 9, 2013 Page 3 RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:44 a.m. to attend a tour and lunch meeting with the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Board at 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:55 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION — 334 EAST OAK RIDGE DRIVE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of an option agreement for real property acquisition of 4.53 acres at 334 East Oak Ridge Drive along Frederick Street and East Oak Ridge Drive to allow for future intersection realignment and improvements planned for Southern Boulevard. Mr. Kuhna advised that owners Paul N. Crampton, Jr. and Pamela Crampton have agreed to a $135,690.00 purchase price and that those funds are contained in the Capital Improvement Project budget. The Commissioners discussed the Southern Boulevard project and the three additional properties that still need to be acquired. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the option agreement for real property acquisition at 334 East Oak Ridge Drive for the purpose stated, adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-12 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Doug Mullendore announced breaking news that four individuals were arrested in the recent series of arson cases throughout the County. The Commissioners thanked the Sheriff s Department and all law enforcement agencies that assisted in the arrests. OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSION — GENERAL FUND Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, provided an overview of the proposed General Fund Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2014. Ms. Murray indicated that negative growth is predicted for 2015 with a somewhat flat growth in 2016-2017. The General Fund budget shows an overall revenue increase; but if the disparity grant and excess fund balances are taken out, the County only experienced a 1.06% increase in revenue. Overall it shows a 2.8% increase that includes a disparity grant of $1.5 Million and the use of excess fund balances of approximately $1 Million. Ms. Murray reviewed the allocation categories for the General Fund budget that are comprised of Education - 53% or $106.2 Million; Public Safety - 19% or $38.3 Million; Capital, Transfers, General Operations - 8% or $16.1 Million; Debt Service — 7% or $14.4 Million; and Other Programs and Services (40 different line items) - 13% or $26.1 Million. Apri19, 2013 Page 5 In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment of an individual to a County board or commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed the specifics of a request/proposal by a local entity to expand its presence in the County by acquiring several parcels of property. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointment of an individual to a County board or commission for further consideration and discussion; and provided direction to staff regarding further discussions with a local entity relating to its request for the conveyance of real property. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, 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; and John M. Martirano, County Attorney. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:07 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:07 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF HANCOCK The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Ruth Anne Callaham 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 meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. at Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock, with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. (Vice President John F. Barr was absent.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 26, 2013 AND APRIL 2, 2013 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of March 26, 2013 and April 2, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Callaham stated that she attended the grand opening of the Rural Heritage Transportation Museum at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center and a board meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation. She presented a proclamation at Meritus Medical Center in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Ms. Callaham Apri19, 2013 Page 6 attended a Washington County Historical Advisory Board meeting and the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) tribute to Howard "Blackie" Bowen. She attended the ribbon cutting for the new State Farm Insurance office of Dan Hall. Commissioner Callaham advised that Hancock resident Rev. Alan Weatherholt was recently appointed by the Commissioners to the Emergency Services Advisory Council. Commissioner Cline noted the passing of Hancock firefighter Ron VanMetre. Mr. Cline attended grand openings of the new State Farm Insurance office on Virginia Avenue and the Veiled Lady Collectibles store in Williamsport. He attended a press a conference at the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) regarding efforts to keep the local control tower staffed after federal spending cuts take effect. Commissioner Cline congratulated "Blackie" Bowen for being honored at the HCC scholarship endowment program fundraiser. He attended the grand opening of the Rural Heritage Transportation Museum and fundraising events at St. Mark's Church and St. James Brethren Church. Mr. Cline presented a proclamation during the press conference at Meritus Medical Center announcing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. He also attended the Funkstown Town Council meeting. Commissioner McKinley also was present at openings of the Veiled Lady Collectibles store and State Farm Insurance office. He reported on a meeting to discuss HGR sustainability with an airport marketing team subcontracted by Power Marketing. He attended the HGR control tower press conference and announced that federal support to operate the tower has now been extended through June 15, 2013. Mr. McKinley enjoyed the Antietam Recreation Center's Rock `n Roll musical and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's Pops Concert. He thanked the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Board for hosting the lunch meeting with the Commissioners. Commissioner McKinley described a recent meeting with municipalities and involved entities to discuss the top five goals to be implemented in the Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP). Commissioner Baker thanked the Hancock Mayor and Council for hosting the Commissioners' meeting and congratulated newly elected and returning members: He remarked favorably on the open house held last week by the County's new Public Relations and Community Affairs Office. Mr. Baker attended a Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting and reported that a Frisbee golf course at the Black Rock Golf Course is almost complete. He attended a reception in Annapolis sponsored by the Rural Counties Coalition. He was present at a Weed Control Committee meeting and the SEDP meeting. Commissioner Baker congratulated HCC on its tribute to "Blackie" Bowen and noted that its fundraisers have raised over $1 Million to -date for the scholarship endowment fund. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Hancock Mayor Daniel Murphy thanked the Commissioners for holding their meeting in the Town. He introduced newly elected Council members Homer Schetromph and Dr. Ralph Salvagno and also current member Sinclair Hamilton. Mayor Murphy thanked the April 9, 2013 Page 7 County for assisting the Town with several matters including preparation of its ball fields for spring. He announced that local business Evolve Composites, operating in the former Fleetwood facility, had recently received several job orders including one from Lowe's. Mayor Murphy thanked Bob Mandley, EDC Project Manager, for his assistance with projects in the Town. The mayor introduced local resident Jerry Spessard, who has invented a product to be manufactured in Hancock that will provide employment opportunities. Mayor Murphy mentioned permitting problems experienced by the town and was advised by County Administrator Greg Murray of changes being implemented in the Division of Plan Review and Permitting to address such issues. The Mayor discussed a recent fire that destroyed the Hancock Reel Deal Bait & Tackle Shop. The Commissioners discussed building options and whether the owner would consider operating a temporary facility. Ms. Callaham suggested discussing the matter with Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Secretary Dominick Murray during his upcoming visit to Washington County. Vickie Swink, Regional Development Representative from the Maryland DBED, introduced herself. Ms. Swink has been assisting the Town with several economic development matters. Mayor Murphy discussed plans for a new Hancock library in Widmyer Park and requested assistance to accomplish them sooner rather than later. He indicated that an original study contained a $3.7 Million cost estimate. Washington County Free Library Director Mary Baykan has secured a $1.4 Million grant toward those costs. The Mayor suggested that building plans could be changed to lower the price of the planned facility, and by using local assistance, would leave a $1 Million amount to be funded. Commissioner McKinley stated that the County is now discussing solutions to make that project work. Council member Schetromph commented that several of the Town's roads need repaired. Council member Salvagno commented that Hancock is not that far from Hagerstown but would benefit by having public transportation. Town Manager David Smith asked whether the County had an influence regarding the Washington County Junior Football League that now requires Hancock participants to drive to games in Hagerstown while none are being held in Hancock. Council member Lewis announced that the Town has been working on increasing tourism by highlighting natural resources such as the C&O Canal and Potomac River. Jerry Spessard provided information on his inventions "Game Face" and "Eagle Eye Electronic Home Plate", whose parts he plans to have manufactured in Hancock. He shared information on his purchase of a Virginia company that he would relocate to Hancock. Apri19, 2013 Page 8 OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Appointments to Countv Boards/Commissions Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to appoint Elisabeth Creech to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board for a first, full three-year term retroactive from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator Comments Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator advised that the County is continuing to improve and expedite permitting procedures and that a new project liaison employee will begin work on April 15 to work internally to keep business projects on task. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, introduced herself and Public Relations employees Tabitha Porterfield and Emily Ahalt. Ms. Sprecher invited the Mayor and Town Council members to contact the office for assistance in promoting local events. Department of Emerizencv Services Kevin Lewis, Director, Department of Emergency Services, advised that he would be assisting Hancock's fire department to assure adequate coverage during the funeral of firefighter Ron VanMetre. He also noted the passing of another firefighter, Lee Ridenour. Mr. Lewis discussed improvements in emergency communications affecting Hancock, Morgan and Berkeley Counties in West Virginia, and Fulton County in Pennsylvania. He spoke on several items including the arrests of individuals charged with the recent string of arson fires in the Washington County. Greg Murray commented on the Council of Governments meeting scheduled for April 25 and invited Town representatives and residents to attend. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Hancock resident Nigel Dardar spoke about the area's Canal Towns Committee that meets on the third Wednesday of each month. He asked Greg Murray to speak on the Chesapeake Bay cleanup and its effect on wastewater. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 17466. Gregory B. Mtay, � e �, �-- 7ohn M. Martirano, Administrator Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk