Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.17.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland September 17, 2013 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 2:37 p.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. PUBLIC HEARING — INTENTION TO ABANDON AND CONVEY PROPERTY President Terry L. Baker convened a Public Hearing at 2:37 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the County's intention to abandon and convey Hollyhock Road, located on the east side of Broadfording Road in Hagerstown. County Attorney John Martirano advised that due to legal advertising requirements the Commissioners may not take any formal action on the matter until after September 26, 2013. A resolution to abandon the road and an ordinance to authorize the conveyance of the property will be presented for consideration at that time. Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, stated that Bowman Hollyhock, LLC, the property owner to the north of Hollyhock Road, has plans to improve its property with commercial development and has requested that the County abandon the road since it will become part of a private redevelopment plan and would no longer be needed for a public purpose. The property owner on the southeast corner of the road has no interest in any of the abandoned road. The hearing was opened for public comment. There were no individuals in attendance who wished to comment. The Commissioners confirmed with Mr. Kuhna that there would be no residential impact by abandoning the road and that it would become taxable property. The public hearing was closed at 2:41 p.m. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners and there were none. The issue will be brought forward during the Commissioners' October 1, 2013 meeting. FISCAL YEAR 2014 RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM GRANT Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, requested approval of a 2014 Rural Legacy Grant Agreement of $1,245,000. Mr. Seifarth indicated that with the addition of the FY 2014 award, Washington County's total Rural Legacy Program (RLP) preserved land would surpass the 5,000 -acre mark on 39 farms through grant awards exceeding $15.25 million. He advised that RLP funds are 100% State -paid, mainly from the Department of Natural Resources Open Space funds, and are used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historical features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the 2014 Rural Legacy Grant Agreement of $1,245,000 as presented and to authorize the execution of such documents as may be required. The motion passed unanimously. September 17, 2013 Page 2 RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONER CALLAHAM President Baker presented a proclamation to Commissioner Callaham on behalf of the Commissioners in recognition of her being named "Woman of the Year" by the Hagerstown Business and Professional Women's Club. She thanked her fellow Commissioners for the acknowledgment and credited those around her for helping her attain the honor. PURCHASE OF NEW FIREARMS - SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Lieutenant Mark Knight, representing the Washington County Sheriff's Department, requested approval to purchase 130 new Glock 22 pistols and 128 holsters for a total cost of $65,076.96 from low bidder Atlantic Tactical of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. The new firearms would replace 145 pistols now in use that are 7-11 years old. Lieutenant Knight advised that the trade in value of the pistols is $47,385, leaving a total cost of $17,691.96. That amount would be taken from funds confiscated by the Narcotics Task Force, leaving no budgetary impact to the County. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the Sheriff's Department's purchase of new Glock 22 pistols and holsters as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT AWARD — LANDFILL INSPECTION SERVICES REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, and Dave Mason, Environmental Engineer, Division of Environmental Management, presented a recommendation to award the contract for Landfill Inspection Services (PUR-1229) with Duffield Associates, Inc. of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for the lowest price proposal of $250,516 based on the estimated annual quantities and unit costs in its proposal dated August 26, 2013. Ms. Luther advised that the inspectors are utilized for various landfill -related projects throughout the County on an as -needed basis with no minimum or maximum guaranteed number of hours or testing procedures. She indicated that approximately $167,000 was spent in 2013 under the current contract with Duffield. The award is contingent upon approval of the contract agreement by the County Attorney's Office. The Commissioners discussed details of the proposal with Ms. Luther and Mr. Mason. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to award the contract for Landfill Inspection Services with Duffield Associates, Inc. of Carlisle, Pennsylvania as presented. The motion passed unanimously. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ACTIVITY UPDATE Terry Irwin, Project Liaison, Public Relations and Community Affairs Department, provided an update of active and proposed development projects that he has been involved in during his five-month tenure with the County. He described his role to support the work of the Division of Plan Review and Permitting and the Department of Planning and September 17, 2013 Page 3 Zoning. Mr. Irwin commented that the planned upgrade to the Accela computer program that ties departments and projects together would have a positive effect on efficiency. The Commissioners were advised that the approval period for projects entering the system is now at a minimum turnaround time. County Administrator Greg Murray reminded all that the County's Residential Stimulus Program ends on September 30, 2013. The County will continue to accept plans through the end of the month, but they must be complete and ready for review. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Irwin for his work done to bring projects to fruition in the County. TEXT AMENDMENT - ADEOUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE ALTERNATE MITIGATION CONTRIBUTION Greg Murray announced that the discussion of this matter would be deferred so that questions received relating to verbiage in the proposed Text Amendment to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance could be adequately addressed. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 3:47 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body had jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; and to consult with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508 (1) (4) (7) and (8) 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 a board as well as an advisory council over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; the specifics of an incentive proposal that may be offered to a company hoping to expand its business operations in the State/County; the employment status of a current County employee, and the potential filling of several current open County positions and the effect such action would have on other current County employees; and discussed two legal issues with Counsel and staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments and reappointments of several individuals to a board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion in open session; requested further information relating to a potential appointee to an advisory council; provided direction to staff relating to the incentive proposal that will be offered to a company hoping to expand its business operations in the County; provided general direction to Counsel and staff relating to various legal issues concerning an agreement and the specifics of a current County ordinance; provided direction to staff relating to the September 17, 2013 Page 4 filling of a current open County position and directed staff to bring the potential appointment for further discussion and consideration in open session; and provided direction to staff relating to the employment status of a County employee. 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 Angela Smith, Deputy Director, Plan Review and Permitting; Jim Hovis, Director, Community Grant Management; Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Debra Murray, Finance Director; Rob Slocum, Deputy Director, Public Works; and Bob Mandley, Project Coordinator, Economic Development Commission. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 6:01 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 6:01 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF KEEDYSVILLE The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held in front of the Keedysville Town Hall, 19 South Main Street, Keedysville. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Callaham offered 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 7:06 p.m. 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 — AUGUST 27, 2013 Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of August 27, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline commended the Preparedness in the Park event and 9/11 Remembrance Service held in Hagerstown City Park. He participated in the Boonsboro 9/11 Remembrance Parade with Commissioners Barr, McKinley, and Callaham. Mr. Cline commented on the noon grand opening of the temporary Senior Center located at the Western Maryland Hospital Center. September 17, 2013 Page 5 Commissioner McKinley attended the Town of Boonsboro's 9/11 Remembrance Parade and the Remembrance in the Park ceremony. He also attended a meeting of the Economic Development Commission and a luncheon meeting at the Department of Business and Economic Department offices. Mr. McKinley stated that he is looking forward to many positive things for the County in the coming year. Commissioner Callaham attended meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation and Historical Advisory Committee. She reported on a recent Black Rock Golf Course board meeting where members discussed marketing efforts. Commissioner Baker reported on a recent EDC meeting and a City Center meeting at the EDC office. He congratulated the Commission on Aging for the new temporary Senior Center location. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Neither Mayor Matt Hull nor any council members were present. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator Budget Adiustments to Accept Grants County Administrator Greg Murray requested approval of two budget adjustments due to the annual receipt of grant funds toward the following programs: 1) $86,756 award for the Circuit Court's Juvenile Drug Court Program, and 2) $144,426 award for the Circuit Court's Family Law Program. The funds will be applied to the respective programs. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the two budget adjustments as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) Appointment of Director Of Eneineerina And Construction Management Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Rob Slocum the new Director of Engineering and Construction Management at Grade 19, Step 13. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise and fill two full-time, budgeted positions: (1) Grade 8, Permit Technician in the Division of Plan Review and Permitting due to an employee transfer, and (1) Grade 9, Communications Coordinator in the Public Relations and Community Affairs Office due to an employee resignation. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to advertise and fill both positions as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) September 17, 2013 Page 6 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Martin Lumm, Hagerstown, commented that the Maugansville Ruritan Club is looking forward to hosting the Commissioners' evening meeting next month in Maugansville. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Maii ay, County Administrator (h John M. Martirano, County mey t Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk