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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.03.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland June 3, 2014 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:06 p.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. UPDATE/DISCUSSION — WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Betty Shank, Chair of the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee, Pat Schooley, representing the Washington County Historical Trust, and Linda Irvin -Craig, Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society, discussed items of importance regarding the historical aspect of the County, including the 2014 "John Frey Historical Preservation Awards," the comprehensive rezoning of the Town Growth Area boundaries, and the preservation of rural municipalities, villages and farmlands. The individuals promoted the establishment of a resource office for supporting preservation with a tie-in to the State of Maryland. The Commissioners commended the individuals for their advocacy of historical preservation matters. PROCLAMATION - MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WEEK President Terry Baker presented a proclamation to Gregory Evans, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, in recognition of Maryland Symphony Orchestra Week observed June 2-6. The Orchestra was founded in 1982 and is one of only four professional symphony orchestras in the State. The Commissioners commended the organization for providing a wide variety of programs including the nationally known Salute to Independence Concert at the Antietam National Battlefield. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS — EDWARD J. BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM, FISCAL YEAR 2014 LOCAL SOLICITATION Deputy Carly Hose, Sheriff's Department, recommended acceptance of a U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs — Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program grant of $16,131. Grant funds would be used to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on needs and conditions, including holiday and community events, traffic enforcement initiatives, crime prevention patrols, equipment purchases and emergency events. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs — Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program grant of $16,131 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. June 3, 2014 Page 2 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION — EDWARD J. BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT Ms. Hose presented a recommendation to accept an Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant of $47,100. She indicated that the grant funds would be used by the Sheriff s Department to purchase ten mobile data terminals and related vehicle installation equipment. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant of $47,100 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. WEST CITY ELEMENTARY DESIGN APPROVAL Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, presented findings of the County's Advisory School Design Review Committee that reviewed architectural and engineering designs for the "West City" Elementary School. He described the planned two-story, 65,433 square foot facility that will replace the Conococheague and Winter Street elementary schools at the current cost estimate of $16,773,636 or $256 per square foot. Mr. Slocum indicated that approximately 471 students would be accommodated by the school that will incorporate a phased design approach to address the immediate and future needs of staff and students. Once approved by the County Commissioners, the plans would be presented by Washington County Schools staff to the Washington County Board of Education and then submitted for approval to the Maryland Department of General Services. The Commissioners discussed specifics of the school project with Mr. Slocum and Chad Criswell, Director of Facilities Planning and Development, Washington County Public Schools. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve design plans for the "West City" Elementary School as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, McKinley, and Callaham voting "AYE" and Commissioners Cline and Baker "NO." NATIONAL GOLDEN TISSUE EXPANSION PROJECT Robert Mandley, Business Development Specialist, Department of Business Development, requested adoption of a Resolution approving a $300,000 local incentive in the form of a conditional loan to National Golden Tissue, Inc. (NGT) for the creation of 120 new jobs over a five-year period. The company currently has 70 employees. The County's conditional loan will be funded through Hotel Rental Tax Fund revenues. The County previously approved a resolution accepting a grant from the State of Maryland, through the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), under the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, for $1,020,000. Mr. Mandley indicated that the County Commissioners would sub -grant $1 million to NGT and Camelot Real Estate, LLC (Camelot), to be used by NGT and Camelot for land and building acquisition for the expansion of its operations in Washington County, Maryland, with the remaining $20,000 to be used by the Washington County Office of Community Grant June 3, 2014 Page 3 Management for administrative costs. NGT plans to purchase the former West Marine building at 19224 Longmeadow Road for its growing operations. Additional partners in the project include Sun Trust Bank, DBED, the Tri -County Council for Western Maryland, and the CDBG Program. The Commissioners discussed the project with DBED representatives Les Hall and Joel McCrea, who were in attendance. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to adopt the Resolution approving the County's $300,000 conditional loan to National Golden Tissue as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2014-10 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) SPOONIRE RURAL LEGACY EASEMENT PROPOSAL Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the Richard A. and Kendra S. Spoonire Conservation Easement under the Maryland Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project for $151,950. Mr. Seifarth indicated that RLP Easement funds are 100% state -paid and used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historic features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources funds the program and Washington County is the holder of the RLP easements. Mr. Boggs described the 50.65 total easement acres on Mt. Briar Road, consisting of three separate parcels located in Keedysville. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the Richard A. and Kendra S. Spoonire Conservation Easement under the Maryland Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project for $151,950 as presented, adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement, and authorize the execution of all such documents as may be required to effectuate the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2014-09 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM APPLICATION — HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Becca Burford, Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity of Washington County (Habitat), requested approval of a resolution of support for Habitat's Community Investment Tax Credit program application. Ms. Buchanan indicated that such tax credits support eligible nonprofit organizations by awarding allocations of State tax credits for use as incentives to attract contributions from individuals and businesses to benefit local projects. The tax credit allocations cover projects in Washington County and require a resolution of support by the County Commissioners. Ms. Burford stated that the local "Washington County Community Construction Program" currently has three lots available for construction. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the resolution of support for Habitat for Humanity of Washington County's Community Investment Tax Credit program application as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS - 2014 -11 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) June 3, 2014 Page 4 BID AWARD — HEATING, VENTING, AIR CONDITIONING AND AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MAINTENANCE SERVICES Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing, and Jim Sterling, Director, Parks and Facilities, presented the recommendation to award the Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls Maintenance Services (PUR-1250) contract to the responsive, responsible bidder Miller & Anderson, Inc., of Clear Brook, Virginia, based on the Total Base Bid of $253,630. The one-year contract tentatively commences July 1, 2014, with an option by the County to renew for up to four additional one-year periods, and covers County facilities, the Washington County Health Department, Washington County Free Library, and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Curry and Mr. Sterling described the bids received and the services to be performed under the contract. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to award the Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls Maintenance Services contract to the responsive, responsible bidder Miller & Anderson, Inc., of Clear Brook, Virginia, based on the Total Base Bid of $253,630 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 2:24 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; or other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (1) and (4) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment and reappointment of specific individuals to several County boards over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and the Commissioners interviewed three potential candidates for two open County employee positions. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments and reappointments to several County boards over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during the evening open session meeting; and the Commissioners instructed staff to keep moving the selection process forward regarding the two open positions. 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; and at various times Commissioner John F. Barr; Kathy Kroboth, Zoning Coordinator, Plan Review and Permitting; Elisabeth June 3, 2014 Page 5 Creech, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council; Dan Pheil, Chair, Economic Development Commission; Bob Mandley, Business Development Specialist, Department of Business Development; and three potential candidates for open County employee positions. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:57 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:57 p.m. EVENING MEETING — FORT RITCHIE COMMUNITY CENTER The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at Fort Ritchie, 14421 Lake Royer Drive, Cascade. 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 Vice President John F. Barr called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Commissioner Barr announced that President Terry L. Baker was absent from the meeting due to attending graduation ceremonies for the Washington County Technical High School. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 20, 2014 AND MAY 30.2014 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of May 20, 2014 and May 30, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked the community for welcoming the Commissioners. He commended the towns of Boonsboro and Sharpsburg for holding Memorial Day parades to honor veterans. He reported on business outreach visits to Kent Nutrition on Hopewell Road and Laundry Equipment Services on Salem Avenue. Mr. Cline attended graduation ceremonies for the Family Center and the Washington County Fire and Rescue Academy. He was present for the Memorial Day Service at Marty Snook Park and the Eagle Court of Honor for Zach Stauffer in Benovola. Commissioner Cline also visited the Western Maryland Blues Fest in downtown Hagerstown. j Commissioner Callaham stated that she attended the joint Eagle Scout Court of Honor held for Steven Rishell and Allen Reynolds. She participated in the Sharpsburg and Boonsboro Memorial Day parades. Ms. Callaham reported touring a waste to energy facility in June 3, 2014 Page 6 Montgomery County with several Commissioners and staff. She attended the Memorial Day ceremony in Smithsburg's Veterans Park and the change of command ceremony at the Maryland Correctional Institute (MCI). Commissioner McKinley reported attending many of the same events as his fellow Commissioners including the small business visits to Laundry Equipment Services and Kent Nutrition that produces animal feed. He attended the Family Center graduation for pregnant or young mothers graduating from high school. He participated in the Sharpsburg and Keedysville Memorial Day parades. Mr. McKinley described the change of leadership ceremony at MCI for new Warden Richard Dovey. He attended the Fire and Rescue Academy graduation ceremonies and the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Zach Stouffer. Commissioner McKinley also attended a Planning Commission meeting and the Blues Fest. Commissioner Barr reported attending an unveiling reception at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts featuring an exhibit of photographs by Ansel Adams. He attended the Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues breakfast and the Association of Professional Firefighters meet and greet event for County Commissioner candidates. Mr. Barr enjoyed a concert at the Maryland Theatre featuring the New Horizons string orchestra and students from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. He attended the Bowman Historical Fine Arts award ceremony to distribute grants to a number of non-profit entities in the County. Commissioner Barr participated in a quarterly board meeting of the University System of Maryland -Hagerstown Campus. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Chris King thanked the Commissioners for holding a meeting in the community and praised the Fort Ritchie Community Center and the activities held there. He informed attendees of the One Mountain Foundation Heritage Days event to be held June 28 in the form of a family picnic. He discussed several events planned in the future to support the Foundation's college scholarship program. John Van Der Cruyssen, Cascade, commented on the lack of campaign signs in the area by County Commissioners running for office. Charles Trite, Pen Mar, commented on Pen Mar Park and odors/noises from the local pumping station. Warren Suker, Cascade, questioned whether tax incentives are available to interested parties wishing to locate businesses in Cascade. He also discussed drainage issues in the area. Local residents Dale and Becky Buffington praised senior group activities offered at the Fort Ritchie Community Center. Neal Bechtel also praised the community center that is popular with nearby residents. June 3, 2014 Page 7 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Buck Browning, Executive Director of the Fort Ritchie Community Center, welcomed the Commissioners. He introduced Bev Coyle, Public Relations Manager, and Kaitlyn Miller, who will be heading the summer youth programs at Fort Ritchie. Commissioners McKinley and Callaham commented that citizens are always welcome to contact the Commissioners directly with any concerns they may have. Ms. Callaham discussed the role of Robert Borris, Fort Ritchie's new Project Manager hired to market the property, who is a direct link to the County government. County Administrator Greg Murray discussed County assistance given Fort Ritchie and the Cascade area including recent support for the Sustainable Communities designation, and discussions with Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Dominick Murray relating to businesses that may be interested in locating in the community. He reported on past tours of the base and region and advised attendees of the County office established to work on small business development. He advised that the County is actively seeking a new Department of Business Development director. Assistant County Administrator Sarah Sprecher introduced herself and staff members representing the County's Public Relations and Community Affairs Office. She also discussed her role in overseeing the County's Department of Business Development. Attendees were invited to sign up for email notices through the County's social media venues and to contact the Public Relations staff to publicize local events. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to reappoint Allen Ditto, Catherine Drummond, and Mary Jane Sharer to additional three-year terms through June 30, 2017, and Jill Parker to a second three-year term through June 30, 2017, on the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) Washiniton County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to reappoint Matthew Harsh to a second, three-year term retroactively from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2017 on the Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) Washington County Board of Social Services Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint William Beard, Randall Schultz, and Evelyn Williams to second, three-year terms through June 30, 2017, to appoint Philip Kelly to a first, three-year term through June 30, 2017, and appoint David June 3, 2014 Page 8 Pool to fulfill an unexpired term through June 30, 2015 on the Washington County Board of Social Services. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) Area Aaencv on AOu Advisory Board Commissioner Callaham, seconded by McKinley, moved to appoint Karen Cook and Susan Hurd to fulfill unexpired terms on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board through January 31, 2015. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) Washington Countv Board of Zoning Appeals Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Matthew Harsh to the Board of Zoning Appeals to serve a second three-year term from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) County Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray commented on the National Golden Tissue business agreement approved today by the Commissioners that would support 120 new jobs in Washington County. He advised that the construction bid for the Senior Activity Center and Commission on Aging offices would soon be awarded. Mr. Murray stated that updates on economic development and the state of the County's economy would be presented in upcoming County Commissioners' meetings. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Department of Emeraencv Services - Updates Charles Summers, Deputy Director, Emergency Services, advised of the receipt of a $2.4 million grant from the Maryland Emergency Number Systems Board for upgrades to the County's 9-1-1 phone system that could potentially double the volume of emergency calls handled. A portion of those funds will be used to place two phones at the Maryland State Police barrack. He announced that the new Assistant Director of Emergency Medical Services Operations, Dave Chisholm, has begun working in the Department. Department of Emergencv Services - Chansze Order for Mobile Command Vehicle Charles Summers requested approval of a $110,144 change order to be applied toward the costs of infrastructure and equipment upgrades, plumbing configuration, and facilities changes to the Emergency Communications and Command Mobile Vehicle approved for purchase by the Commissioners on March 19, 2013. Mr. Summers indicated that the equipment would enhance functional capabilities and address changes in technology since the vehicle's specifications were developed. Several accounts will be used to cover the cost of the upgrades. The Commissioners discussed the proposal with Mr. Summers and Sam Anderson, Emergency Planner, Emergency Services. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the $110,144 change order for the Emergency Communications and Command Mobile Vehicle as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) June 3, 2014 Page 9 Hagerstown Regional Airport Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) requested approval of a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) covering three projects at HGR — Taxiway A and D Rehabilitation (design), Taxiway C and Terminal Loop Rehabilitation (design), and Snow Removal Equipment Acquisition. The grant money is available due to HGR attaining at least 10,000 enplanements last year, mainly through the services of Allegiant Air and Sun Air. Mr. Ridenour indicated that $444,497 of the $1 million grant would be used now, with the remainder being deferred until next year for those construction projects. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve submission of the grant application to the FAA, acceptance of the forthcoming grant agreement, and authorization for the President of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the grant agreement contingent upon review by the County Attorney's Office. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Baker was absent.) ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 8:44 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gkgory B. r urray, Cour ty' Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney 117 -f',Lc0—, . Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk