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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.14.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland October 14, 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 9:37 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. PROCLAMATION — CHARACTER COUNTS! MONTH The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Carolyn Brooks, founder/coordinator, and Terri Beckett, coalition member, Character Counts! of Washington County, in recognition of Character Counts! Month in October. Ms. Brooks described the pillars of the program. The Commissioners thanked the volunteers for their work on behalf of the program. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-14-003) President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 9:45 a.m. to obtain public comment on proposed Text Amendment RZ-14-003 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance.) Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the Staff Report and Analysis of the proposal being submitted by the Department of Planning and Zoning. The purpose is to correct typographical errors made in the zoning text and to effectuate the intent of the Commissioners. The amendments proposed would amend Article 21 -"AP" — Airport District and Article 22 — Division IX — Animal Husbandry Facilities. Mr. Goodrich indicated that both amendments have no material or substantive effect on the application of the Ordinance except to insure that it be applied in the intended manner. He advised that the Planning Commission held a public meeting on September 8, 2014 and subsequently endorsed the text amendment in its letter dated October 9, 2014. The hearing was opened for public comment. No individuals offered comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 9:51 a.m. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners and there were none. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve Text Amendment RZ-14- 003 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance ORD -2014-17 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) October 14, 2014 Page 2 PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR MAP AMENDMENT (RZ-14-005) President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 9:52 a.m. to obtain public comment on the application for Map Amendment RZ-14-005 to the Washington County Zoning Map from Applicant Jason L. Adkins/Adkins Automotive LLC. Commissioner Baker reviewed procedures for the Public Hearing and administered the oath to those who planned to give testimony in the matter. Justin Lindley, Comprehensive Planner, Planning and Zoning, presented the Staff Report dated August 5, 2014 on behalf of the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning. The subject parcel is located on the west side of Crystal Falls Drive, north of the intersection of Crystal Falls Drive and White Oaks Road, consisting of approximately 2.3 acres. The Applicant has requested that it be rezoned from RV -Rural Village to the RB—N Rural Business -New floating zone. Mr. Lindley indicated that the rezoning application meets the RB -N District requirements and staff recommends its approval with the premise that side yard buffers would be evaluated during the zoning appeal process and site plan review. He advised that the Planning Commission held a public meeting on September 8, 2014 and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the map amendment. Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, described that RB -N floating zones are based upon a specific use, in this case, an automotive business. The hearing was opened for public comment. Travis Poole, Esquire, presented testimony on behalf of Applicant Jason L. Adkins. He indicated that Mr. Adkins constructed the building for personal use and now would like to operate a business at the location. The Public Hearing was closed at 10:13 a.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the requested map amendment. The requisite documents will be prepared for adoption at a later meeting. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION No citizens were present who wished to participate. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF. Information Svstems Technolouies Ronald Whitt, Director, Information Systems Technologies, described additional fiber, internet, and intranet connections the County would acquire due to a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding through the Maryland Broadband project. Enaineerina and Construction Management Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, reminded all that the Maryland Department of Transportation's annual public meeting in Washington County to discuss transportation priorities would be held at the Washington County Free Library on Thursday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. He announced that the U.S. Green Building Council had awarded a LEED Silver Certificate to the new Library facility. .1. October 14, 2014 Page 3 COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline discussed numerous events held by local nonprofits and thanked all organizations for their service to the community. He reported attending the business celebration of Bikle Manufacturing founded in 1971. Mr. Cline attended the 100th anniversary of Williamsport's Boy Scout Troop 17 that holds the longest continuous charter in Maryland. He noted that over 72 Eagle Scouts have originated from that organization. Commissioner Callaham attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony for Bikle Manufacturing. She presented a proclamation to Meritus Medical in recognition of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in October. Commissioner Barr thanked all who attended the recent Christian Business Men's Leadership prayer breakfast. He enjoyed the recent performance by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at The Maryland Theatre. He congratulated the downtown library facility on its one-year anniversary celebration. Commissioner Barr attended the Surgeons vs. Chefs pumpkin carving contest fundraiser sponsored by Discovery Station. Commissioner McKinley enjoyed taking his grandson to the historic aircraft on display at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. He congratulated Fairplay citizens for their fundraising efforts to restore volunteer emergency services to the area. Mr. McKinley attended the Williamsport Boy Scout Troop 17 celebration and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra performance. Commissioner Baker participated in the three recent election forums. He reported that he and Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Meritus Medical for Patient Care Awareness Month. APPLICATION FOR MAP AMENDMENT — CUMBERLAND VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC REAL ESTATE, LLC (RZ-14-001) Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, initiated a discussion of Map Amendment RZ-14-001 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance from Applicant Edward C. Wurmb, IV (Cumberland Valley Veterinary Clinic Real Estate, LLC.) The subject parcels are located east of the intersection of Halfway Boulevard and Virginia Avenue consisting of approximately 5.69 acres that are requested to be rezoned from RU -Residential, Urban, to BG—Business General. The Applicant has suggested that a mistake was made in the zoning of the property in 2012. The County Commissioners held a public hearing on the map amendment on August 5, 2014. The Planning Commission has recommended approval. The Commissioners discussed barking dog concerns raised during the public hearing and recognized that the proposed use would be subject to further review by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the requested map amendment. The requisite documents will be prepared for adoption at a later meeting. October 14, 2014 Page 4 PROPOSAL REJECTION — FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES Karen Luther, Purchasing Director, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, recommended rejection of the proposal from Public Financial Management, Inc. (part of The PFM Group) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Financial Advisor Services (PUR-1262) due to its price proposal exceeding the budget for the services and to re - advertise for the services. Ms. Luther indicated that one proposal was received, which was considered to be responsive. It was discovered during the process that the incumbent firm had not received direct notification of the request for proposal (RFP) from the e -Maryland Marketplace notification system due to the dropping of the Commodity Code from the incumbent service provider's information during a transfer to a new system three years ago. Notwithstanding the above, the County met its RFP advertising requirements to proceed in a possible award. However, because Public Financial Management, Inc.'s price proposal exceeds the funds budgeted for these services, the Coordinating Committee is recommending rejection of its proposal and the re -advertisement for the services. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to reject the proposal from Public Financial Management, Inc. (part of The PFM Group) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, due to its price proposal exceeding the proposed budget for the services and to re -advertise for the services. The motion passed unanimously. FISCAL YEAR 2015 RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM GRANT Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the 2015 Rural Legacy Grant Agreement of $1,445,000. Mr. Seifarth advised that the State monies originate mainly from Department of Natural Resource Open Space funds and would be allocated to other Maryland counties if rejected by Washington County. With the 2015 award, Washington County's total Rural Legacy Program (RLP) preserved land would approach the 5,500 -acre mark on 43 farms through grant awards exceeding $16.65 million. RLP funds protect active and productive farms and help to buffer sensitive areas that eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Mr. Boggs described the program. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the 2015 Rural Legacy Grant Agreement of $1,445,000 and the execution of all necessary documents as required. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:22 a.m. to attend a luncheon with staff at the Black Rock Golf Course, 20020 Mt. Aetna Road, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:38 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. October 14, 2014 Page 5 APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT — LIMITED MULTIPLE PARCEL CLUSTERING PROGRAM (RZ-13-004) Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, discussed the application for Text Amendment to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance) that would add a new section entitled "Division XII — Limited Multiple Parcel Clustering Program." The purpose of the amendment is to allow adjacent properties under common ownership to "cluster" development rights onto a single piece of land. The Planning Commission held a public meeting on April 21, 2014 and subsequently voted to recommend approval of the text amendment. The County Commissioners held a Public Hearing on August 26, 2014. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Ms. Baker indicated that the amendment would concentrate potential development, preserve open space, and give farmers additional tools to maintain existing agricultural operations. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve Text Amendment Application RZ-13-004. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance ORD -2014-18 Is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE, RESCUE, AND AMBULANCE DEPARTMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, introduced a discussion regarding the proposal to adopt a Resolution Establishing Standards for Volunteer Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Departments to codify established standards for the provision of emergency services in Washington County. He discussed the standards established for fire, rescue, and ambulance departments that are necessary to promote and secure the public's health, safety, and welfare. The Resolution formally adopts standards currently used by the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) and the County to prescribe emergency equipment and response. It also provides the WCVFRA ninety days for the investigation, enforcement, and compliance action against any department failing to comply with the standards before the department would be subject to suspension or non- recognition by the County. The Commissioners discussed the matter and expressed their appreciation to the volunteer organizations. Dale Hill, President, WCVFRA, conveyed support of the Resolution by WCVFRA members. Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services, commented that the document sets the benchmarks and defines the mission to enhance what now exists in practice. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the Resolution Establishing Standards for Volunteer Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Departments as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2014-17 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) WORLD ROUTES 2014 AVIATION CONFERENCE RECAP James Jenkins, Public Relations Manager, described the World Routes Aviation conference in Chicago, Illinois, which he attended on behalf of the County. "Routes" October 14, 2014 Page 6 coordinates regional networking events between airlines and holds the yearly event to bring together all regions. Over 3,000 aviation industry experts, 300 airlines, 800 airports, and 200 tourism authorities attended the conference. Mr. Jenkins recommended that County representatives concentrate on leisure markets and attend smaller conferences to cultivate relationships. The Commissioners discussed the information presented and methods to increase Sun Air ridership. Commissioner McKinley discussed the information gained from the conference and its link with the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission's Marketing Committee. FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2014 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT Kevin Lewis, Director, Division of Emergency Services, recommended approval of the FFY 2014 Emergency Management Performance Program Grant of $103,772 from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). He indicated that MEMA distributes funding to all local jurisdictions on an annual basis to enhance and strengthen emergency management capabilities at the State and local level. Funds are used to offset the costs of personnel, operational, and training expenses for local emergency management and must be matched 100% with local funds that are contained in the Division's budget and/or in-kind assistance. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to accept the FFY 2014 Emergency Management Performance Program Grant of $103,772 as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documentation to effectuate the grant. The motion passed unanimously. FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2014 STATE OF MARYLAND HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM AWARD Kevin Lewis recommended approval of the FFY 2014 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant of $115,876 that provides funds to build/expand capabilities within Washington County and to implement the goals and objectives included in State Homeland Security strategies and initiatives. He advised that the County is required to ensure that at least 28% of SHSP appropriated funds are dedicated toward law enforcement terrorism prevention -oriented planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities. No matching funds are required from the County. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to accept the FFY 2014 State Homeland Security Program Grant of $115,876 as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documentation to effectuate the grant. The motion passed unanimously. 2014 EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF Lauren Pogue, Communications Coordinator, Public Relations, discussed the 2014 County Employee Campaign for the United Way and Community Health Charities. She introduced Melissa Reabold, Executive Director of the United Way, who spoke on the organization. October 14, 2014 Page 7 Ms. Pogue read a statement from Community Health Charities. She described the County's incentive program that includes a chili cook -off competition and a Halloween costume contest. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline moved to adjourn at 2:36 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. M ay, Count} Administrator John M. Martirano, County Atto7 Lft�° kms_ L . Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk