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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.11.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland February 11, 2014 The Commissioners attended a luncheon meeting with the League of Women Voters at 12:00 p.m. at 38 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:49 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. FISCAL YEAR 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM -- DRAFT 1 Debra Murray, Finance Director, and Sara Greaves, Accountant, of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee, presented an overview of Draft 1 of the FY 2015 CIP Plan (Plan). Ms. Murray indicated that the Plan corrects the overutilization of cash reserves the past year and assumes no additional revenue sources in 2014-15. Slow growth is predicted in the construction -related revenue categories such as excise tax and transfer taxes. The ten-year CIP amounts to $487 million over the next ten years; of that, 40% consists of educational projects (Washington County Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, and Washington County Library System), 34% roads, 11% environmental (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste projects), and the remaining 15% transportation -related and other projects (Transit and Hagerstown Regional Airport). She advised that those departments are significantly behind in equipment replacement due to the County's moratorium in previous years. Ms. Murray stated that the Plan would be supported 55% by cash reserves and grants through the General Fund, Reserves, Airport, Highway, Water and Sewer and Solid Waste funds, and a combination of federal and State grants. The remaining 45% is derived through tax -supported debt and self -supported debt (Water and Sewer utility funds and Landfill). The average life on assets financed with twenty-year bonds is forty years. Three main categories in the Capital Plan are: 1) the Washington County Board of Education, where five schools are to be completed or starting construction, 2) Hagerstown Community College, where plans include a Police, Fire, Emergency Services Training Center to be built on-site, and 3) Road and Bridge Projects, which include the construction of Yale Drive Extended, Eastern Boulevard Widening Phase I, and Southern Boulevard (the "Funkstown Bypass"). Ms. Murray indicated that the CIP Committee made over $129 million in reductions regarding FY 2015 requests and several projects were moved further into the future. The CIP includes the issuance of $12 million of new tax -supported bonds. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. Commissioner Baker announced that Commissioner Barr would not be present during the discussion of the next item due to his unrelated business interests with the owner of Emerald Pointe, Inc. February 11, 2014 Page 2 REVISION TO EMERALD POINTE PUD FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, described the request by Applicant Fox & Associates, Inc. to modify the Emerald Pointe Planned Unit Development (PUD) Final Development Plan (RZ-13-005). The property owned by Emerald Pointe, Inc. is located on the east side of the Marsh Pike and the south side of Longmeadow Road in Election District 18. Mr. Goodrich described the process taken thus far that included two joint public hearings of the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners. Subsequent to the second public hearing, the Planning Commission met and recommended approval of the Development Plan with the following conditions: 1) access for the commercial area to and from Marsh Pike should be denied; 2) the owner/developer should provide an interconnecting road between the commercial and residential portions of the Emerald Pointe PUD; and 3) appropriate and substantial screening should be provided between the commercial area and residential development on all sides. Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney, described the procedure taken to obtain public comments and stated that the record is closed at the conclusion of the final public hearing. He advised of the options available to the County Commissioners regarding the requested amendment to the concept and development plan. The PUD zoning classification remains on this property regardless of the Commissioners' action on the subject request; the question before the Commissioners is what uses are allowed in that PUD zone. The Commissioners discussed the Planning Commission's recommendations and concerns regarding the access road and traffic routing to the commercial area. They emphasized the need for a traffic impact study to determine traffic numbers, patterns, and access points, which would be paid by the developer. Commissioner Baker indicated his preference that the developer continue to develop under the original PUD plan approved by the County in 2003. After continued discussion, the Commissioners reached a consensus to further discuss this matter at their next regular meeting. (Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting at 3:43 p.m.) YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — FEBRUARY 2014 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) to receive February 2014 Youth Meritorious Awards: Andrew Scalese and Gabriel Juedemann of Boonsboro Middle School. Each student received a Washington County lapel pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Staples gift card from the WCCP. The Commissioners commended the students and their families for their accomplishments. PUBLIC HEARING — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION — NATIONAL GOLDEN TISSUE, INC. President Terry L. Baker convened a Public Hearing at 3:56 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding a proposed resolution of support authorizing the submission of the County's application for an Economic Development Community Block grant on behalf of National Golden Tissue, Inc. Susan Buchanan, Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant February 11, 2014 Page 3 Management, and Robert Mandley, Business Development Specialist, Department of Business Development, discussed the proposal to submit an application requesting up to $1,020,000 to assist with the expansion of National Golden Tissue, Inc. (NGT). NGT intends to use the funds as part of a financing package to acquire the former West Marine building located at 19224 Longmeadow Drive, Hagerstown. The purchase would facilitate the company's plans to expand operations and create 100 new jobs. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. There were no individuals present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 4:01 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. There were no comments. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve a resolution of support authorizing the submission of the County's application for an Economic Development Community Development Block Grant of up to $1,020,000 on behalf of National Golden Tissue, Inc. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2014-02 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 4:03 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 has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (1) (3) and (7) 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 an authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed with staff and counsel specific details relating to the potential acquisition of real property needed by the County for a public project. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointment to a County authority for further consideration and discussion during this evening's open session meeting; and provided staff general direction as to how to proceed in the ongoing negotiations for a parcel of property needed for a public project and further instructed staff to bring the matter before the Commissioners during a future open session meeting for further discussion and consideration. 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 February 11, 2014 Page 4 Lumm, County Clerk; and John M. Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times Angela Smith, Chief, Plan Review and Permitting; Robert Slocum, Director, and Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:23 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:23 p.m. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at Smithsburg Town Hall, 21 West Water Street, Smithsburg. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave 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: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of February 4, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Barr thanked the Town for the warm welcome on a cold evening. He reported on meetings in Annapolis as the Commissioners' Legislative Committee representative and as the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). Mr. Barr attended a community fundraiser in Blair's Valley to benefit a local citizen. Commissioner McKinley thanked members of the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Company for inviting the Commissioners to its recent awards banquet and for the work they do in the community. He discussed the Commissioners luncheon meeting today with the League of Women Voters. Mr. McKinley noted that four Commissioners would be traveling to Annapolis tomorrow to participate in legislative discussions pertaining to Washington County. February 11, 2014 Page 5 Commissioner Callaham attended the business visit to Windmill Acres Farm. She attended a pancake breakfast and butchering at the Wilson Ruritan Club and the Chocolate Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church in Smithsburg. Ms. Callaham enjoyed the Smithsburg Fire Company banquet and reported on the PenMar Development Corporation board meeting. She described a Black History Month presentation she attended at the Robert Johnson Community Center, formerly known as the Memorial Recreation Center. Commissioner Cline thanked all who organized and participated in the evening State of the County video presentation at the Washington County Free Library. He attended the Trinity Lutheran Church's Chocolate Festival, Smithsburg Fire Company banquet, and the citizen fundraiser in Blair's Valley. Commissioner Baker referred to an email from citizens in the Sideling Hill area requesting support for legislation prohibiting off-road vehicle trails in that area. He attended the Recreation and Parks board meeting and announced that it would be sponsoring a Superhero Party on February 21 for children ages ten and under. Commissioner Baker, along with his fellow Commissioners, attended the State of the County presentations at Fountain Head Country Club and the Washington County Free Library. He helped to distribute tee shirts during Hancock Basketball League games. Mr. Baker thanked the Smithsburg Fire Company for inviting the Commissioners to its recent awards banquet. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers welcomed the Commissioners to the Town and thanked the County for its assistance throughout the years. Council member Jim Fritsch commented on the good communications between the County and the Town. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION James Ulrich, Chief, Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services, commented on several volunteer issues and thanked the Commissioners for gaming funds that are critical to its operations. He discussed the possible future relocation of the station outside of the town away from existing railroad tracks. Washington County resident Ryan Minor thanked the Commissioners for supporting local businesses and assisting them to grow. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Annointments to Countv Boards/Commissions Animal Control Authoritv Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Deborah Sadler as the Veterinary Technician representative to the Animal Control Authority of Washington County to serve a first, three-year term from March 1, 2014 through February 28, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. February 11, 2014 Page 6 Housing Authoritv of Washington County Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint David Pool as a community representative on the Housing Authority of Washington County to serve an unexpired term through August 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. Countv Administrator Comments Legislation — HB 322 County Administrator Greg Murray stated that Delegate Andrew Serafini has asked whether the Commissioners support the Board of License Commissioners' ("Liquor Board") request (HB 322) regarding restaurant seating capacity and the issuance of a liquor license. It was their consensus to approve a letter of support regarding the proposal. Hiahwav Department - Office Manager and Senior Office Associate Positions Greg Murray requested permission to promote Senior Office Associate Alicia Heil to Office Manager in the Highway Department at Grade 10, Step 6. Ms. Heil has ten years' experience as the Senior Office Associate for Fleet Management and has been performing both jobs since the retirement of the former Officer Manager. If approved, the Highway Department would like to advertise the Senior Office Associate position at Grade 8, Step 1. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve both requests as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Letter of Support - Town of Boonsboro Grant Application Mr. Murray advised that the Town of Boonsboro has requested a letter of support for its grant application of $26,000 to the Maryland Heritage Area Authority to replace and add additional Town signage within the Town. The Town plans to provide a $26,000 match for the project. The proposal is consistent with the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan that could potentially draw more visitors to the County and State. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approved sending the letter of support as requested. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 7:34 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory 13. M array, County Administrator John M. Martirano, County Att ey Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk