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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.03.2013 Minutes;4. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland December 3, 2013 JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of County Commissioners met jointly with the Board of Education in Room 255, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown. County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. In attendance were Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Board of Education (BOE) members present were Justin Hartings, Paul Bailey, Donna Brightman, Jacqueline Fischer, Karen Harshman, Melissa Williams, and Wayne Ridenour (8:50 a.m.). REPORT ON THE 2013-14 OFFICIAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND FREE AND REDUCED MEAL ELIGIBILITY RATES Chad Criswell, Senior Project Manager/Planning Supervisor, and Jeff Proulx, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), reported on the official student enrollment figures provided by the Student Services Department and data on the percentage of Free and Reduced Meal Students (FARMS) for the 2013-14 school year. Mr. Criswell stated that overall student enrollment figures were up slightly for the thirteenth consecutive year. Mr. Proulx discussed the FARMS program and advised of a 1.1 % overall increase of eligible students. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. (Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 9:00 a.m. to attend a meeting in Annapolis representing the Maryland Association of Counties.) PROGRESS REPORT ON THE NEW WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Superintendent, and Bradley Otto, WCPS Project Manager, discussed the progress of renovations being made at the new WCPS Administrative Center at 10435 Downsville Pike. Mr. Otto presented the layout plan for the facility that incorporates administrative offices, student classrooms, and a cafeteria with an instructional food preparation center. Dr. Wilcox stated that the project is currently under budget and a dedication ceremony is planned for January 2014. BOE President Justin Hartings discussed the board's legislative priorities that include adequacy and equity in funding, local discretion in decision-making, and unfunded mandates. He stated that member Donna Brightman is the Chair of its Legislative Committee. The joint meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m. The Commissioners relocated to Room 227. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Callaham offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. December 3, 2013 Page 2 CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:36 a.m. in the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William McKinley. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 19, 2013 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of November 19, 2013. The motion passed with Commissioners McKinley, Callaham, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Cline "ABSTAIN." (3-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION AND CONVEYANCE — 316 EAST OAK RIDGE DRIVE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval to close negotiations for the acquisition of real property located at 316 East Oak Ridge Drive for $300,000. Mr. Kuhna stated that the right of way is necessary to permit the construction of Southern Boulevard. The Commissioners discussed the acquisition and expressed their appreciation toward the property owners who are conveying their property for the project to improve traffic congestion in that area. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to allow the Real Property Administrator to close negotiations for acquisition of a right of way as presented, to adopt an ordinance approving said acquisition, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2013-33 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) OTHER BUSINESS Division of Environmental Manaeement Julie Pippel, Director, and Dave Mason, Environmental Engineer, Division of Environmental Management, requested approval of Change Order #4 for $71,456.09 regarding the Scale House Relocation and Wheel Wash Facility Project at the Forty West Landfill. Mr. Mason advised that the project is now complete. This final change order involves the adjustment of final quantities and will serve to close out the project. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept Change Order #4 for $71,456.09 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray expressed condolences to the family of Bob Davenport, former Director of the Solid Waste Department, on his recent passing. -IL December 3, 2013 =1 Page 3 25TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL ILLUMINATION AT THE ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD Tom Riford, President and CEO of the Hagerstown/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Georgene Charles, founder of the Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination event, and Charles Brown, President of Rest Haven Cemetery, provided information on the 25th Annual Memorial Illumination to be held on December 7. Mr. Riford described its positive impact to hotels in Washington County. He and Ms. Charles discussed the recent federal government sequestration that threatened to cancel this year's event and advised that supporters are attempting to form a 501(c)(3) corporation to allow the event to become self-sustaining. Photographer Judi Quelland presented the Commissioners a framed commemorative print of photos from past illuminations. The Commissioners praised the individuals for their volunteer work. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Rodney Pearson, Sr., Keedysville, proposed several legislative items that he believes should be presented to the County's General Assembly Delegation. Phil Physioc, 20241 Beaver Creek Road, Hagerstown, commented on the possibility of gaining access to property in the Mt. Aetna area. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 10:24 a.m. to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (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 desirability of legislative changes relating to certain statutory provisions in light of litigation involving the County. During closed session, the Commissioners directed staff to formulate potential statutory changes that could amend existing law. 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 Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 10:41 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. December 3, 2013 Page 4 RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 10:41 to attend a meeting at 11:00 a.m. with the Washington County Delegation at Hagerstown Community College, 11400 Robinwood Drive. PRE -LEGISLATION FORUM WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY DELEGATION The Commissioners met with members of the Washington County Delegation at 11:18 a.m. at Hagerstown Community College and discussed the following items: 1) Sheriffs Initiative, 2) Accounting for Growth Initiatives, 3) Stormwater Utility Fee (Rain Tax), 4) Highway User Revenue, 5) Emergency Services Authority, 6) Disparity Grant, 7) Miscellaneous Changes Based on County Restructuring, and 8) Eastern Boulevard Corridor. Commissioner Baker requested that the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington Countv, Marvland be amended to state that the County Commissioner receiving the highest number of votes in the general election shall become its President. The Commissioners and Delegation members discussed those items and others including the gas tax, corporate business taxes in Maryland, the minimum wage rate, and the Yale Drive Project. Delegation Chair Andrew Serafini advised that the County would likely receive a disparity grant this year. Delegation members requested information on the Yale Drive Project and its financing. They also requested a letter of support from the Commissioners if a consensus is reached among them regarding Commissioner Baker's proposal. The meeting was adjourned at 12:16 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 12:58 p.m. in Room 227, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William McKinley. (Commissioner Barr was absent.) COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley viewed the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on its tour stop at the Hagerstown Premium Outlets. He announced that the naming ceremony for the "Coach Jim Brown Court and Basketball Arena" would be held on December 13 at the Hagerstown Community College's Athletic, Recreation and Community Center. Commissioner Cline attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Zach Boger of Williamsport's Troop 17. He noted that Troop 17 would be celebrating its 100 -year anniversary in February 2014. Mr. Cline attended the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Clear Spring and the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Commissioner Cline attended a meeting of the citizens group organized to keep an off road vehicle trail from being established at Sideling Hill in Hancock. Commissioner Callaham participated in the Turkey Trot and attended the MML meeting. She attended a Farm Bureau meeting and noted that members have assembled an educational mobile classroom trailer to be used for visiting local school students in grades 1-3. Ms. Callaham reported on a recent Chamber of Commerce board meeting. December 3, 2013 Page 5 Commissioner Baker thanked staff and attendees of the recent joint public hearing held for the Emerald Pointe Redevelopment Plan. He attended a Republican Club meeting and the Sideling Hill citizens' group meeting. Mr. Baker spoke to students at E. Russell Hicks Middle School on local government. He stated that he attended a recruitment meeting for the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Countv Attornev Washinaton Renewable Eneray. LLC Agreement Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney, presented a proposed agreement between the County and Washington Renewable Energy, LLC (WRE) regarding methane collection at the County's landfill that did not occur due to various reasons. The agreement specifies that the County is purchasing associated engineering documents for internal use and 0 absolves the County and WRE from obligations under the previous agreement. This will allow the new waste to energy project with American First to move forward. Commissioner, Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve execution of the agreement between the County and WRE as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) Amendment to Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Agreement — Westfields Subdivision Mr. Downey requested approval of an amended Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) Agreement between the County and Westfields Investment, LLC regarding the Westfields Subdivision. The proposed agreement sets forth how the forward -funded excise taxes paid by Westfields will be credited for the remainder of that project. Mr. Downey advised that no money is being refunded by the County. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve execution of the amended APFO agreement with Westfields Investment, LLC as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) Countv Administrator Emnlovee Stipend County Administrator Greg Murray discussed operational savings remaining from the FY 2013 budget and how County departments worked to increase energy efficiency and cost saving measures to stay within or below their budgets. He suggested using some of those savings toward a salary stipend for County employees in appreciation for their services and hard work. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner McKinley requested information on fuel costs for County vehicles. Commissioner Callaham requested information on County salaries and expressed her desire to give raises to employees in the near future. December 3, 2013 Page 6 Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to provide a net $500 stipend to permanent, full-time County employees the next pay period. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 1:31 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. urray, Co ty Administrator irk C. Downe , , eput ney C... Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk WI