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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.23.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 23, 2013 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner 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 regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 8:36 a.m. in the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, 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 — APRIL 9, 2013 AND APRIL 16, 2013 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of April 9, 2013 and April 16, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Callaham attended a Teacher of the Year reception where Ayako Shiga of Boonsboro High School was presented the award. Ms. Callaham attended the Department of Social Services' Employee Recognition luncheon. She presented a proclamation during the Administrative Professionals' brunch. Commissioner Callaham attended the Celebration of Business event sponsored by the County's Economic Development Commission (EDC). Commissioner Cline attended the EDC Celebration of Business event and visited the new Caf6 Rio Mexican Grille at the Valley Mall. He attended an Agricultural Education Center Board meeting and the Department of Social Services' Employee Recognition luncheon. Mr. Cline attended the Habitat for Humanity pancake breakfast and the Parent -Child Center Telethon at the Valley Mall. He was present at the Mitchell Akers Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund Lacrosse fundraiser in Smithsburg. Commissioner Cline enjoyed the Sound of Music presentation by the Hagerstown Children's Theatre and he participated in the Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser at Turner's Bowling Center. He attended the volunteer recognition luncheon sponsored by Volunteer Washington County, Commissioner Barr reported on the EDC Celebration of Business recognition event and The Salvation Army banquet. He participated in the Associated Builders and Contractors Open House where he and other business professionals assisted businesses in navigating through employee and regulatory issues. Mr. Barr described a benefactor's event he attended in the courtyard atrium of the Museum of Fine Arts. He enjoyed the Habitat for Humanity Pancake Breakfast and the last concert in a series by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation on behalf of the Commissioners during the Parent -Child Center Telethon. A- pril 23, 2013 Page 2 Commissioner McKinley congratulated EDC office and Commission members on the successful Celebration of Business event. He attended the Cafe Rio Mexican Grille ribbon cutting and economic business meetings with Volvo and National Golden Tissue. Commissioner Callaham recognized Commissioner McKinley for assisting in student educational improvements to assist Volvo with workforce training. Mr. McKinley attended the Department of Social Services' employee recognition event and the Boy Scouts of American Clay Shoot in Keedysville. He enjoyed the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's concert and participated in the Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser. Commissioner McKinley attended the luncheon for Volunteer Washington County and thanked all volunteers in the community for their volunteerism. Commissioner Baker attended the EDC Celebration of Business and an open house at the Technical High School. He was present at the Department of Social Services' Employee Recognition luncheon and also attended its Board meeting. Commissioner Baker announced that the Washington County Day of Giving to benefit non -profits in the community, hosted by Community Foundation of Washington County, would be held on May 2. GENERAL FUND BUDGET — DRAFT 2 Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, discussed Draft 2 of the General Fund Budget that represents changes made within the Budget since the last review by the Commissioners. Ms. Murray advised that if approved, the $286.2 Million budget, representing a 0.43% increase, would be taken to public hearing on May 7. Greg Murray indicated that the proposed draft budget is less than the County's budget of several years ago with minimal increases for public services, among other items. County Administrator Greg Murray referred to the "Notice of a Proposed Real Property Tax Increase" printed today in The Herald -Mail containing State -required verbiage that may be misleading to the public. He reiterated that the County is not raising property taxes, despite the wording contained in the notice. Commissioner Callaham suggested that an advertisement be placed in the newspaper using language that gives the public a clear picture of what is being stated. Pertaining to the Capital Improvement Project Budget, Debra Murray advised that the Board of Education wishes to use its $750,000.00 share of the $1.5 Million disparity grant toward a capital improvement project and that the County's share would be used toward a capital maintenance project. The Commissioners discussed the proposed $12 Million borrowing amount contained in the draft budget and Hagerstown Community College's (HCC) request that a proposed Public Safety Training Center be placed earlier in the ten- year budget plan. Debra Murray advised that HCC has developed an additional funding source for the project using $550,000.00 in private contributions to reduce the County's local share. The project is slated for 2018. Apri123, 2013 Page 3 The Commissioners discussed the new Hancock Library project scheduled for years 2022- 23. Ms. Murray indicated that the Central Library staff has discussed forward funding the project with the County reimbursing the Library in the out years. Greg Murray stated that the County would have to fund some part of the operating costs but the Library may be able to absorb those costs from current operating funds. Commissioner Callaham discussed the public's repeated requests for road maintenance and the decreased amount of highway user funds contributed by the State. She stated that she would consider a $14 Million borrowing amount if the additional $2 Million could be earmarked toward road improvements. Commissioner Cline commented that he was against raising the borrowing level and would rather cut a CIP project. The Commissioners discussed Commissioner Callaham's proposal. It was their consensus to allocate $2 Million in additional funds toward the road maintenance budget by increasing the borrowing level to $14 Million. Greg Murray stated that conference calls with rating agencies are planned this week to determine the County's rating and hence the interest rate to be offered for the upcoming bond sale. The County is currently rated "AA." GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION GRANT FOR WEEKEND INTAKE CENTER Charles Strong, State's Attorney, and Sharon Cunningham, Director of Alternative Sanctions, State's Attorney's Office, requested approval of a $30,950.00 grant application that would cover the County's share of the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor for the Weekend Intake Center. Ms. Cunningham stated that the Work Crew Supervisor oversees persons who have agreed to perform voluntary community service as an alternative to possible fines or jail time as part of the disposition of a criminal court proceeding. The grant money will keep the program operational and be applied to the Supervisor's salary, thereby reducing the amount needed from the State's Attorney's Office budget. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the submission of an application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a $30,950.00 Weekend Intake Center grant as presented. The motion passed unanimously. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION GRANT "MONITORING SUPPORT AND TRAINING" Deputy Carly Hose, Sheriff's Department, requested approval of a Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention — Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement in Maryland grant of $26,450.00. Deputy Hose stated that the grant would support the salaries of two part-time civilian employees who assist the Sex Offender Registrar with monitoring support. The grant is a no -match grant. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the grant award as presented. The motion passed unanimously. April 23, 2013 Page 4 OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk - Aimointments to Boards and Commissions Washington County Agricultural Education Center Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Mary Ellen Waltemire, Dave Moore, and Joseph Layos to second, three-year terms on the Washington County Agricultural Education Center through April 30, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Richard Hawkins and Jeff Semler to second, three-year terms on the Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board through April 30, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the difficult decisions made during the budget process with no additional revenue being received. He thanked County staff for their efforts to keep budgets lean and refine efficiencies. Mr. Murray stated that the budget public hearing would be held May 7 at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theatre. Mr. Murray referred to the EDC Celebration of Business dinner held last week and congratulated the County's existing businesses for their retention and expansion efforts during the current economic climate. He also thanked EDC staff and their team that works to support economic development. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Stone requested permission to advertise and fill vacancies for two budgeted positions; a Grade 9 Automotive Service Technician in the Highway Department and a Grade 12 Airport Maintenance Supervisor at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, both due to retirements. The Commissioners discussed the positions. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve both requests as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Division of Emergency Services Kevin Lewis, Director, Division of Emergency Services, requested a budget transfer of $40,500.00 from the Division's currently approved FY 2013 Operating Budget to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget to replace an emergency vehicle in FY 2014. Mr. Lewis stated that the transfer is necessary due to the County's policy of not carrying leftover funds into the next fiscal year. He advised that no additional funds were being requested. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the $40,500.00 budget transfer as presented. The motion passed unanimously. April 23, 2013 Page 5 Hagerstown Regional Airport Airport Director Phil Ridenour requested permission to apply for a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to replace a crash truck at the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR). This is the first phase of a two-phase program contained in the CIP budget for several years to replace two aging vehicles. He described the vehicle that would replace a 1980 vehicle and also satisfy certain requirements of the FAA to adequately service Allegiant Air flights. The federal grant is funded 90% FAA, 5% State, and 5% County. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve acceptance of the grant as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Ridenour stated that Allegiant Air's last local flight before going on hiatus would be August 12 and that it would resume operations at HGR on November 15. He discussed a dodge ball fundraiser being proposed and sponsored by Allegiant, to be held on the Airport Terminal's front lawn area on July 13. Proceeds from the tournament would benefit three charitable organizations, one being the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF A WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Jeanne Singer and Dr. Mitesh Kothari, representing the Education Forum of The Greater Hagerstown Committee, presented information on a possible Washington County Scholarship Program that would guarantee every graduating senior from Washington County free tuition for two years at Hagerstown Community College or an equal financial allotment for use at another approved local education institution. Dr. Kothari stated that the program has been discussed in the community over the past ten years. If a countywide scholarship program would be implemented in the future, the County Commissioners would need to decide on various aspects of the program that would affect the overall cost and impact. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Singer and Mr. Kothari for the information presented. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION James Ulrich, Chief of Operations for the Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and acting Chair of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue EMS Committee, discussed the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program in the Fairplay area where numerous firefighters and EMS volunteers have offered to assist staff. Chris Motz, on behalf of the Hagerstown Rotary Club, announced that the second Childhood Literacy Summit would be held on May 3 at HCC's Merle Elliott Continuing Education Center. CONTRACT AWARD — ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON COUNTY SENIOR ACTIVITIES CENTER AND COMMISSION ON AGING OFFICES Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, and Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, Public Works, recommended awarding the contract for Architectural and Engineering Services for the April 23, 2013 Page 6 Washington County Senior Activities Center and Commission on Aging Offices — Washington County, Maryland, to the responsive, responsible proposer, Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland for the eight phases of the project with the lowest Total Lump Sum Fee of $209,430.00. Ms. Luther discussed the contract specifications and the bids received. Rob Slocum described the former Army Reserve Center site at 21 Willard Street, Hagerstown, that includes three separate buildings identified as building 1 with approximately 19,200 square feet; Building 2 with approximately 2,500 square feet; and Building 3 with approximately 5,400 square feet. The Board of County Commissioners anticipates that all three buildings would become integrated as a Community/Senior Activities Center and offices for the Commission on Aging. It is their desire to keep the project on a fast track for a possible January 2015 occupancy date. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to award the contract for Architectural and Engineering Services for the Washington County Senior Activities Center and Commission on Aging Offices to the responsive, responsible proposer, Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc., as written in the Commissioners' Agenda Packet. The motion passed unanimously. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY GRANT MANAGEMENT — LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD BYLAW REVISIONS Jim Hovis, Director, Office of Community Grant Management, and Kendall Desaulniers, Assistant County Attorney, presented proposed revisions to the Office of Community Grant Management — Local Management Board (LMB) Bylaws (Revision 5). Ms. Desaulniers advised that the Bylaws are required to be reviewed every three years pursuant to County and State policies. She indicated that the proposed revisions are technical in nature, dealing with LMB membership, and accurately reflect the codification of current practices. Mr. Hovis advised that the LMB reviewed and approved the proposed revisions during its January 18, 2013 meeting. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve Revision 5 of the Bylaws of the Washington County Local Management Board, as presented. The motion passed unanimously. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2013 Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Lindsey Rader, Bond Counsel, reviewed a resolution to issue and sell General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,000,000.00 for financing public facilities and refunding outstanding maturities. Ms. Rader stated that by law, the Board of County Commissioners is empowered to issue and sell bonds at Public Sale upon its full faith and credit to provide funds to finance the cost of the construction, improvement, or development of certain public facilities in Washington County. She advised that the County is looking this year to refund all of the outstanding, callable maturities of the County's Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2005 and/or the outstanding, callable maturities of the County's Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2006. The Public Improvement Bonds of 2013 will be issued in a maximum principal Apri123, 2013 Page 7 amount not to exceed $12 Million and the Refunding Bonds of 2013 not to exceed $14 Million. The Finance Director has the authority to make certain adjustments prior to the sale date of May 7, 2013 after seeing the market status and maximize savings. Debra Murray advised that the County could anticipate interest savings of approximately $800,000.00 through the sale. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the resolution authorizing the County Commissioners to issue and sell General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $26 Million for financing public facilities and refunding outstanding maturities as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2013-06 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE — FARM WINERIES, BREWERIES AND BANQUET/ RECEPTION FACILITIES AND CONFERENCE CENTERS (RZ-12-002) Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney introduced a discussion of the Text Amendment pertaining to Farm Wineries, Breweries and Banquet/Reception Facilities and Conference Centers (RZ-12-002). The County's Planning and Zoning Department staff originally proposed the text amendment, the Planning Commission made recommendations regarding its text, and the Commissioners reached a consensus to approve the Planning Commission's recommendations. Mr. Downey stated that at the January 29, 2013 Public Hearing, a request was made to supplement the language with a sentence clarifying that farm breweries and wineries and their accessory uses shall be considered "a bona fide and normal agricultural activity and an agricultural land management activity." The supplemental language is meant to clarify that farm breweries and wineries are subject to no greater regulation than is any other agricultural activity. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the text amendments as modified by the Planning Commission in RZ-12-002 and to adopt Ordinance ORD -2013- 13 entitled "An Ordinance to Amend Certain Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance for Washington County, Maryland" with the addition of the supplemental language discussed. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-13 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION AND REPORT Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management, provided a report on the Division's latest projects and activities. She updated the Commissioners on the EPG Solar project at the Forty West and Resh Road Landfills, and the many ways in which this project will benefit Washington County. Tony Drury, Recycling Coordinator, provided information on the phone book recycling program sponsored in various local schools. Alex Reed, Watershed Specialist, discussed a partnership project with PetSmart to install pet waste stations at County parks. Seven County and municipal parks are planning to allow pets in those parks. Ms. Pippel announced that DOT Foods is sponsoring an Earth Day X -X -F 3, 2013 Page 8 cleanup project along Elliott Parkway on April 25, and a tree planting will be held with the Washington County Soil Conservation District on April 30. She indicated that Boonsboro's Greenfest event is planned for May 11. Alex Reed collaborated with the Board of Education to obtain a Governors' Green Challenge Award to plant trees at local schools. Greg Murray stated that he recently looked into a methane energy project and that a project to convert waste into usable projects would be announced in the future. The Commissioners presented a proclamation to the individuals and thanked them for the informative presentation. Greg Murray recognized the County's Administrative Professionals, in honor of Administrative Professional Day, observed April 24. He stated that the Commissioners would now be attending a ceremony for graduating students of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, 18434 Showalter Road, Hagerstown. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 12:04 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Itrray, Coun Administrator John M. Martirano, I unty Att Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk