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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.28.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland January 28, 2014 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 10:13 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 — JANUARY 14, 2014 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of January 14, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked the County's Highway crews and emergency responders for their work performed during recent snow events. He congratulated Plan Reviewer Gray Hebb on his recent retirement from the County. Mr. Cline attended a meeting of the Town of Boonsboro's Economic Development Commission (EDC) where Leslie Hart, County Agricultural Marketing Specialist, was the guest speaker. He attended a retirement event for outgoing Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Tom Riford. Commissioner Cline was present at the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department and Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company award banquets. He attended last night's Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting. Commissioner Callaham expressed condolences to the family of Jone Bowman on her recent passing. Ms. Callaham attended the Boonsboro EDC meeting and the Eagle Court of Honor for Jason White. She reported on a Fort Detrick Alliance meeting and its work to ensure jobs at the facility. Commissioner Callaham attended the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company banquet. She reported attending the local visit by Attorney General Douglas Gansler who spoke on the Antietam Creek watershed. Commissioner Barr reported on legislative meetings he attended in Annapolis representing the Commissioners and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). He attended the open house at Smith Implements and thanked Leslie Hart for her agriculture marketing efforts. Commissioner McKinley attended a job seminar at Hagerstown Community College that included participation by several EDC individuals. He attended a second meeting in the Town of Hancock to obtain citizen input regarding the Comprehensive Rezoning of Town Growth Areas and thanked residents for their participation. Mr. McKinley was present for January 28, 2014 Page 2 the Commission on Aging member swearing-in ceremony and the Martin Luther King celebration at Hagerstown Community College. He attended the Washington County Technical High School advancement program and toured the Maryland Theatre to see what the facility needs for its future sustainability. Mr. McKinley reported on a meeting of the Airport Advisory Commission and advised that it would be forming committees to discuss Airport growth and marketing. He attended the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department awards banquet and thanked all County emergency service volunteers. He also attended the MML meeting. Commissioner Baker expressed condolences to the family of Jone Bowman. He reported speaking to the Washington County Home Builders Association about the Technical High School trades services. Mr. Baker visited the Maryland Theatre to view its condition and hear of improvements proposed by its board. He attended the Maugansville Ruritan Club breakfast and the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department banquet. Commissioner Baker was present at the Social Services board meeting and attended the MML meeting. PROCLAMATION — KRUMPE'S DO -NUT DROP The Commissioners presented a proclamation to representatives of organizations that sponsored the Krumpe's Do -Nut Drop held on New Year's Eve 2013 in downtown Hagerstown - Max Krumpe, Rudy Krumpe, and Fred Krumpe of Krumpe's Do -Nuts, Rich Daughtridge of High Rock Studios, and Pieter Bickford and Melissa Fountain of What's NXT magazine. The Commissioners thanked the individuals and commended them for their work to achieve the successful and well-received event. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Phil Physioc, 20241 Beaver Creek Road, Hagerstown, commented on the possibility of gaining access to property in the Mt. Aetna area. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise for and hire a budgeted full-time, Grade 6 Utility Worker II position in the Department of Water Quality due to an employee promotion. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the request as presented. The motion passed unanimously. STATE OF MARYLAND HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services, recommended acceptance of the FFY 2013 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant of $112,369 that would provide funds to build/expand capabilities within Washington County and implement the goals and objectives included in State Homeland Security strategies and initiatives. The County is required to ensure that at least 28% of SHSP-appropriated funds are dedicated toward law January 28, 2014 Page 3 enforcement terrorism prevention -oriented planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. No matching funds are required from the County. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Mr. Lewis indicated that the grant would offset costs associated with multiple projects. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to authorize execution of the required documentation with Maryland Emergency Management Administration and accept the FFY 2013 State Homeland Security Program Grant of $112,369. The motion passed unanimously. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — COFFMAN FARMS ROAD BRIDGE Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, recommended award of the Coffman Farms Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $671,136. The conditional award is based on receiving concurrence from the Maryland State Highway Administration. Mr. Hobbs described the project that involves the rehabilitation of the one - lane, two -span historic stone arch bridge over the Little Antietam Creek on Coffman Farms Road in Keedysville. He indicated that 80% of project costs would be reimbursed by federal funds. The historic bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Structures and all repairs must follow federal standards in restoring historic stone bridges. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to award the Coffman Farms Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, for $671,136 subject to the concurrence of the Maryland State Highway Administration. The motion passed unanimously. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION — ANDREW ESHLEMAN Commissioner McKinley presented a certificate of recognition to Andrew Eshleman, Structural Engineer in the Division of Engineering and Construction Management, who earned the status of Professional Engineer. The Commissioners commended Mr. Eshleman for achieving the accreditation. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION — ALEX SHIFLER Alex Shifler, Survey Technician, Engineering and Construction Management, was presented a certificate of recognition by Commissioner Baker for attaining the status of Professional Land Surveyor in the State of Maryland. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Shifler for the accomplishment. CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION CONTRACT TO SUPPORT COUNTY PROJECTS Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, provided information on the proposal to award the Total Bid for Construction and Demolition Contract to support County Projects at several locations, to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, Allegany Wrecking and Salvage of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $111,700. Mr. Slocum January 28, 2014 Page 4 indicated that the work involves County projects located at 120 West Washington Street, 11325 Robinwood Drive, 1051, 1114, 1116 Security Road, and 1240 Frederick Street. Funds for the projects are contained in several CIP project budgets. The Commissioners discussed the bids received and details of several referenced projects with Mr. Slocum. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to award the Total Bid for Construction and Demolition Contract to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, Allegany Wrecking and Salvage of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $111,700 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION — STEPHANIE STONE Commissioner Barr presented a certificate of recognition to Stephanie Stone, Director of Health and Human Services, for attaining certification as a Professional in Human Resources. Ms. Stone is also a member of the Cumberland Valley Society for Human Resources Management and the Society for Human Resource Management. The Commissioners congratulated her on the accomplishment. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 11:20 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (3) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed with staff specific details relating to the potential acquisition of real property needed by the County for a public project. During closed session, the Commissioners directed staff to gather additional information about the property in question and to bring the matter back for further discussion with the Commissioners at a later date. 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; Rob Slocum, Director, and Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 12:02 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:02 p.m. January 28, 2014 Page 5 AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:39 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. MARYLAND THEATRE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND REOUEST FOR COUNTY SUPPORT Benito Vattelana, Board of Directors President, and Jessica Green, Operations Manager of the Maryland Theatre Association, Inc., discussed the necessary repairs and funding needed to accomplish the Theatre's $1.5 million Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan. Mr. Vattelana indicated that $260,000 in funding has been pledged by the City of Hagerstown and $250,000 by the Hamilton Foundation. The goal is to obtain matching funds before State Delegate John Donoghue introduces a $750,000 bond bill in March that would help to achieve the total funding goal. Mr. Vattelana and Ms. Green requested $260,000 in funding support from the County toward the CIP. The Commissioners discussed using County Hotel Rental Tax Funds toward the project. Commissioner Baker suggested providing an additional $75,000 toward an advanced performer fee fund. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to approve $300,000 for the Capital Improvement Project at the Maryland Theatre. The Commissioners questioned whether the motion was to provide $300,000 strictly as capital or partly toward advanced performer fees. Commissioner McKinley advised that it was for capital needs only. Commissioner Callaham referenced the $40,000 proposed above the $260,000 amount requested and whether it should be set forth that it is to be used as a contingency fund for capital investment in the Theatre. The Commissioners further discussed the matter. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to amend the original motion to state that $40,000 will be placed in a budget line as a contingency for the current projects listed in the presentation packet. The Commissioners discussed the amended motion and the $40,000 that may close the gap on any shortfall from the State; or that it be used for additional capital projects, and not toward other operational dollars or something not discussed. Commissioner McKinley indicated that his original motion was to ensure that local funding is in place prior to the legislative request. Upon further discussion, Commissioner Callaham withdrew her amended motion. The Commissioners voted on Commissioner McKinley's original motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Commissioners suggested discussing at a future meeting a possible contribution toward performance fee funding to attract performers that may require such deposits. County Administrator Greg Murray indicated that the Commissioners would plan to meet with the City's Mayor and Council to continue discussions of its downtown goals/plans, and how the Maryland Theatre ties in with such plans. January 28, 2014 Page 6 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 2:24 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; 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/reappointment of a number of individuals to several County boards and a commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed the potential nomination of several individuals to a State appointed appeals board. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments/reappointments to several County boards and a commission for further consideration and discussion during today's open session meeting; and provided direction to staff as to the names of the individuals who the Commissioners will nominate to a State appointed appeals board. 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; and at various times Jim Sterling, Director, Parks and Facilities; and Nikki Snyder, Supervisor, Adult Protective Services, Washington County Department of Social Services. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 2:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATION - MENTORING MONTH Tom Kline, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, accepted a proclamation from the County Commissioners to observe January 2014 as Washington County Mentoring Month. Mr. Kline described the mentoring program and the observance that helps to raise the awareness of mentoring, recruit individuals to mentor, and encourage organizations to engage and integrate quality mentoring into their efforts. He introduced several program participants in attendance. The Commissioners thanked all for their volunteerism and service to the community. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Annointments to Boards and Commissions Washington County Prooertv Tax Assessment Anneals Board Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to forward a letter to Governor O'Malley recommending the appointment of current alternate member Donna Long to full January 28, 2014 Page 7 membership on the Board and to consider Mary Johnson or Leroy Burtner for appointment as an alternate member. The motion passed unanimously. Washington County Planning Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to appoint David Kline to the Washington County Planning Commission to serve an unfulfilled term through June 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Sando Adetunji as a community representative to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board to serve a first, three-year term through January 31, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. Public Golf Corporation Board Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint Robert Alton to the Public Golf Corporation Board to serve a second, three-year term through January 31, 2017; and appoint Selena Wilkes Tory to serve a first, three-year term through January 31, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. Recreation and Parks Board Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint Greg Shank and Chris Malott to the Recreation and Parks Board to serve third, three-year terms through January 31, 2017; and reappoint Eric Michaels to serve a second, three-year term through January 31, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 3:10 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Murray, Coun�y Administrator __A John M. Martirano, County A ney n Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk