HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.10.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
December 10, 2013
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Barr 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 regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:40 a.m. in the County
Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown,
with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, and
William B. McKinley. (Commissioner Ruth Anne Callaham was absent.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — DECEMBER 3, 2013
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of December
3, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Callaham was absent.)
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Cline thanked emergency responders and highway crews for their efforts
during the recent snow events. He attended the United Way Rally In The Square and
several breakfasts sponsored by local volunteer fire companies. Mr. Cline enjoyed the
holiday luncheon and caroling with employees in front of the County Administration
Building. He was present at the Antietam Battlefield Memorial Illumination and
Hagerstown City Park lighting event. Commissioner Cline attended the Williamsport
Volunteer Fire and EMS Company's open house.
(Commissioner Ruth Anne Callaham joined the meeting at 9:44 a.m.)
Commissioner Barr reported on a meeting of the Tri County Council and stated that he
would be representing Washington County as its 2014 Chair. He praised the Maryland
Symphony Orchestra's (MSO) recent performance featuring Hagerstown Choral Arts and
students from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA). Mr. Barr attended the
Agricultural Education Center's Rural Heritage Open House and the University System of
Maryland -Hagerstown Campus's Feast and Frolic fundraiser. He enjoyed the 55th
anniversary reception at the Home Builders Association. Mr. Barr reported on a meeting in
Annapolis he attended last Tuesday with the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo)
President Rick Pollitt, various officials, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, where
the reestablishment of the Intergovernmental Council was announced. Commissioner Barr
reviewed several legislative topics discussed by MACo.
Commissioner McKinley echoed the comments of Commissioner Cline regarding the work
done by emergency personnel during the snow events. He attended the Charlie Brown
Christmas event at Williamsport's Springfield Barn and the Republican Club's Christmas
December 10, 2013
Page 2
party. He was present at the business forum at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr.
McKinley attended Hagerstown's Christmas In The Square and the Home Builders holiday
reception.
Commissioner Callaham attended the business forum at the Agricultural Education Center
that focused on agricultural regulations. She praised the MSO concert and discussed the
positive aspects of having BISFA in the community. Ms. Callaham attended the
Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS Company banquet and the Charlie Brown Christmas
event. She enjoyed the County Administration Building's holiday party. Commissioner
Callaham attended the Home Builders Association open house and the Citizens for the
Protection of Washington County (CPWC) meeting.
Commissioner Baker wished the local Delegation success in the coming legislative
session. He attended the Home Builders Association holiday event and the CPWC
meeting. Mr. Baker was present for the Central Maryland AFL-CIO Council's Christmas
party. He thanked employees for organizing the caroling and holiday get together in the
County Administration Building. He also attended the Holiday in the Square tree -lighting
event in downtown Hagerstown.
Commissioner McKinley reminded the Commissioners of the naming ceremony for the
"Jim Brown Court and Basketball Arena" on December 13 at Hagerstown Community
College's Athletic Recreation and Community Center. He also announced that the second
floor fitness center would be named the "Doctor Marlys Palmer Fitness Center."
PUBLIC HEARING — ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-13-006)
DEFINITION OF SANITARY LANDFILL
President Terry L. Baker convened a public hearing at 10:06 a.m. to obtain public
comment on a proposed amendment regarding the definition of a sanitary landfill in the
Washington County Zoning Ordinance (RZ-13-006). Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning
and Zoning, stated that the current definition is forty years old and does not reflect landfill
technology and practices that have evolved over that time, including recycling and other
options for the treatment of waste. He indicated that following a November 19, 2013
public hearing, the County Commissioners adopted amendments to the Solid Waste
Management and Recycling Plan to acknowledge and support the proposed public/private
partnership at the landfill property to turn waste into energy. Kirk C. Downey, Deputy
County Attorney, and Mr. Goodrich discussed recent written comments received from
Attorney Jason Divelbiss (which will be made part of the official record of this public
hearing and will be Exhibit #1) on behalf of Apple Valley Waste, Inc., requesting the
addition of exclusionary language to the definition. The Commissioners and Mr. Goodrich
discussed the intent of the amendment being proposed.
The public hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished
to comment, although Mr. Divelbiss' written comments were made a part of the record of
the public hearing and identified as Exhibit #1.
December 10, 2013
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The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Downey advised of
the available options and stated that the amendments would not go in effect until ten days
after formal action by the Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the verbiage of
the amendment. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to revise the proposed
amendment language to address and clarify the issue raised and to bring forth the final
amendment for a vote during the next regular meeting.
The public hearing was closed at 10:21 a.m.
BID AWARD — ATTENUATED TRASH PUMP FOR DEPARTMENT OF WATER
OUALITY
Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing Department, and Brian Brandt, Collections Superintendent,
Department of Water Quality, requested award of the bid for one Attenuated Trash Pump
(PUR-1231) to the responsible, responsive low bidder, Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc.
of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for an annual lease payment of $14,250 per year for six
years. Mr. Curry advised that the Department of Water Quality has rented pumps from
various companies in emergencies. The new pump will meet the department's needs in
those situations and would both improve response time and save money by not having to
pay for the rental and pickup of pumps. The Commissioners discussed the proposal with
Mr. Brandt.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to award the bid for one Attenuated
Trash Pump to the responsible, responsive low bidder, Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc.
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Countv Administrator — MACO Commissioner Le0siative Representatives
County Administrator Greg Murray stated that the Maryland Association of Counties'
(MACo) Legislative Committee annually requests that each member county recommend a
Commissioner representative and alternate to serve on the Committee. He advised that the
current representatives are Commissioner Barr and Commissioner Cline, respectively.
They both indicated their desire to serve again in those capacities.
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to recommend that
Commissioner Barr serve as MACo's Legislative Committee representative and
Commissioner Cline the alternate. The motion passed unanimously.
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
Pieter Bickford, representing What's Nxt magazine, invited the Commissioners to the first
"New Year's Downtown Donut Drop" planned for New Year's Eve at 6:00 p.m. in the
Hagerstown Square. He described events associated with the family celebration including
free donuts from Krumpe's Do -nuts. He also discussed several projects and events being
sponsored by the magazine in the coming year.
December 10, 2013
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REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Enuineerine and Construction Manaeement Updates
Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, reported on several
projects including permitting system upgrades in the Plan Review and Permitting
Department, progress on acquiring the Agricultural Education Center, discussions with
CSX regarding railroad crossing upgrades for future development, Shawley Drive
improvements, Robinwood Drive Project progress, and plans for Yale Drive. County
Administrator Greg Murray stated that he would today provide the Commissioners,
Delegate LeRoy Myers, and the media, the latest conception plans for Yale Drive. Mr.
Slocum indicated that he would be presenting an overview of the project during
tomorrow's downtown Rotary meeting. He also stated that the Senior Center final bid
documents are being developed and the project will be bid for construction shortly
thereafter.
(Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 10:53 a.m.)
Health and Human Services
Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise
and hire for the following budgeted, full-time positions: 1) Two Grade 8, Emergency
Communications Specialist Call Takers, Emergency Communications Center, 2) One
Grade 9, Transit Fleet Technician, Transit, 3) One Grade 10, Office Manager, Highway
Department, 4) One Grade 14, Plan Reviewer, Plan Review and Permitting, 5) One Grade
9, Administrative Assistant, Engineering and Construction Management, and 6) One Grade
11, GIS Analyst, Engineering and Construction Management.
Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to advertise and fill all positions as
presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
Ms. Stone informed the Commissioners that she had just received her Certified Human
Resources Professional designation. The Commissioners and staff congratulated her on the
accomplishment.
UPDATED BYLAWS AND RESOLUTION — HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney, and Jennifer Smith, Director, Public Works,
discussed proposed revisions to the bylaws of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory
Commission (AAC). Mr. Downey described the amendments that serve to increase the size
of the AAC from five to seven members and abrogate previous versions of the bylaws. He
further advised that Article 6 (B) in the proposed bylaws attached to the Agenda Report
Form should state, "Officers are eligible for re-election." The current AAC members
approved that verbiage. The Commissioners discussed the matter.
December 10, 2013
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Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the revised bylaws
and associated resolution for the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission as
presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2013-19 is located in the
County Commissioners' Office.) (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at
11:08 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline,
demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees,
employees, or officials over whom this public body had jurisdiction, 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 of an individual
to commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority, and discussed a
current issue and the role a specific County employee should play going forward relating
to said issue.
During closed session, the Commissioners informed staff that they would like to meet
individually with the potential appointees before making a final appointment and instructed
staff to schedule said interviews. The Commissioners also provided staff with general
direction as to role of a specific County employee relating to a current issue
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; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C.
Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times Stephen Goodrich, Director,
Planning and Zoning.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 11:33 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
The Commissioners attended a luncheon meeting with the Department of Social Services
employees and board members at 122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown.
Gregory B. M i -ray, Count Administrator
John M. Martirano, County Kmey
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk