Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.15.2013 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland October 15, 2013 EVENING MEETING — MAUGANSVILLE RURITAN CLUB An evening meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held at the Maugansville Ruritan Club, 18007 Maugans Avenue, Maugansville. 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 meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham and Jeffrey A. Cline. Commissioner William B. McKinley was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — OCTOBER 8, 2013 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of October 8, 2013. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner McKinley was absent.) INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS FROM CHINA John Brantley, Kaplan University, introduced a group of Chinese business and agricultural leaders from Guangxi Province, China, who have been visiting Washington County the past few weeks to study American models of economic development. Mr. Brantley described visits to the Maryland Food Bank, Horizon Goodwill, National Golden Tissue, and educational and agricultural locales. The Commissioners welcomed the guests and wished them well in other planned educational visits in Maryland. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline extended condolences to the family of longtime County employee Bob Graff, who passed away this week. Mr. Cline attended a meeting of the Emergency Services Advisory Council and helped to judge entries during the Pink Palooza fundraiser for breast cancer. He enjoyed the Williamsport Homecoming events that included a parade and World War II exhibits at the Springfield Barn. Commissioner Cline visited the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company's Open House and the Harvest Hoedown at the Hagerstown Fairgrounds. He announced that the Agricultural Education Center would be holding its Annual Living History Days on October 19. Commissioner Barr attended the Wings of Freedom event at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's monthly concert. He and Commissioner Callaham attended the Housing Authority of Washington County's 35th anniversary celebration and presented certificates on behalf of the Commissioners and Governor Martin O'Malley. October 15, 2013 Page 2 Commissioner Callaham introduced Chad Smith, a local businessperson who focuses on healthy living. She participated in the Williamsport Homecoming parade by marching alongside a pink cement truck owned by a breast cancer survivor. Commissioner Baker thanked the Maugansville community for the nice turnout of citizens. He attended an Economic Development Commission meeting and announced that Paul Crampton, Jr. was named its Vice Chair. During that meeting, members also discussed workforce development, and internships and coops for students. OTHER BUSINESS REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Haaerstown Regional Airport — Rider Jet Center Lease Agreement Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Director Phil Ridenour highlighted business operations at the facility. He requested approval of a lease agreement for a proposed Building #25 at HGR to be built and leased by David Rider of Rider Jet Center (RJC). Mr. Ridenour indicated that the building would be used in conjunction with RJC's Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at HGR and would replace the existing lease for Hangars 4-D, E, F, 5-E, G and the walkway that previously connected the two hangars. He discussed lease terms and stated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently reviewing the lease. Approval by the Commissioners would be contingent upon the FAA agreeing to the lease terms. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Mr. Ridenour advised that the premises would not be leased or sub -leased without the prior permission of the County and that all repairs will be the responsibility of RJC. He explained FBO operations at HGR and noted that airplanes could fly in, refuel, file flight plans, and rest between flights at the new facility. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the lease agreement, pending FAA approval of the terms, as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner McKinley was absent.) Mr. Ridenour discussed the Downwind Cafe airport lounge that RJC proposes to operate at HGR that would be open to incoming aircraft and the public. RJC is seeking approval through the Board of License Commissioners for an On/Off Sale Class B liquor license and is requesting a letter of endorsement from the Board of County Commissioners as the property owner. It was the consensus of the Commissioners, as the property owner, to send a letter to the Board of License Commissioners in favor of the request. Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, referred to the new banners displayed during the meeting that were used in the Washington County booth at the recent Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference. She introduced Public Relations Manager James Jenkins and Marketing Specialist Tabitha Porterfield who staffed a table containing County marketing materials. October 15, 2013 =� Page 3 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Martin Lumm, Ruritan Club member, thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in the town. He stated that the club's next pancake breakfast on October 26 would offer free pancake breakfasts to breast cancer survivors. Ben Thomas, Franklin County Municipal Manager, who was visiting the meeting, welcomed the Commissioners. A citizen commented on Washington County recycling. Tim Troxell, Foxleigh Meadows, Hagerstown, commented on the proposed Emerald Pointe redevelopment plan. A citizen commented on the recent approval given by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a truck stop near the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Raj Patel, owner of the Microtel near Maugansville, commented on the planned Community Rescue Service station to be located next to his business. HAGERSTOWN-WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT Stu Mullendore, EDC board member and Strategic Economic Development Plan Coordinator, introduced Fred Frederick, former chair of the Economic Development Commission's Infrastructure and Site Development Committee, who gave an informational presentation of the Infrastructure Needs Assessment Report. The eighteen -month project was undertaken by volunteers to provide a view of infrastructure readiness of nine economic development regions in Washington County and three specific areas within the City of Hagerstown. Committee members reviewed and weighed the information to develop a "readiness" ranking for each infrastructure component for the economic development regions. The Commissioners discussed the report, which will serve as an important economic development tool. They thanked the individuals for the many volunteer hours spent compiling the information. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ,44141 - Gregory B. lurray, Cou ty Administrator John M. Martirano, County Atto Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk