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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.20.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland May 20, 2014 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST The County Commissioners participated in the annual employee Service/Retirement Awards breakfast program held at 7:30 a.m. at the Hager Hall Conference and Event Center, 901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown. County Administrator Greg Murray gave opening remarks and President Terry L. Baker provided the Invocation. The Commissioners presented awards in appreciation to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government. The following retirees were also recognized: Delores Hawbaker, Melvin Swope, Penny Powell, Martin Van Evans, Thomas Newton, Sam Billotti, Monte Miller, Joseph Kroboth, Kristin Devault, Leah Detwiler, Guy Sentz, Ellis Snyder, Rusty Baker, Patricia Witmer, James Blevins, Rachel Mobley, and Sharon Cunningham. The Commissioners thanked the employees for their work and dedication in serving Washington County citizens. 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 10:08 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 — MAY 6, 2014 AND MAY 13, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of May 6, 2014 and May 13, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline toured the exhibits at Discovery Station. He attended Eagle Scout Courts of Honor for Kyle Carey of Boonsboro Troop 20, and Steven Nelson of Sharpsburg Troop 51. Mr. Cline attended the Senior Expo at Hager Hall and the Chamber of Commerce mixer at the Agricultural Education Center to promote the Ag Expo and Fair. He stopped by Funkstown to watch the National Wagon Train head to Boonsboro. Commissioner Cline attended the Day of Hope at Wheaton Park and a dance recital at North High sponsored by the County's Recreation and Fitness Department. Mr. Cline attended the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Boonsboro. He congratulated all County employees honored this morning during the annual service awards breakfast. Commissioner Callaham thanked staff and congratulated employees honored at the service awards event. She attended a Black Rock Golf Board meeting and the Eagle Scout Courts of Honor. Ms. Callaham toured the Exhibition of Student Learning at Maugansville May 20, 2014 Page 2 Elementary School. She attended the Boonsboro Economic Development Commission meeting where a representative from Fahmey Keedy presented its future plans. She attended the MML meeting and Senior Expo. Commissioner Callaham watched the National Road Wagon Train reach Boonsboro. Commissioner Barr reported attending the annual True Grit Awards sponsored by the local YMCA to honor a student from each Washington County High School and Hagerstown Community College. He attended the Lincoln/Reagan Day dinner. He reported meeting with Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Dominick Murray to discuss local economic development interests. Mr. Barr enjoyed the Spring Gala for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation. He attended the Chamber of Commerce mixer and the American Red Cross Heroes Reception for volunteers. Commissioner Barr attended a reception at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts to showcase the sculptor of "The Fishing Lesson" to be placed in Hagerstown's City Park. He attended the Eagle Scout ceremonies and MML meeting. Commissioner McKinley attended the MML meeting, a local Red Cross reception, and a Boy Scouts of America executive council meeting. He reported on a Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) board meeting where it was announced the County had obtained a $1 million essential air service federal grant based on HGR's number of enplanements the past year. Mr. McKinley commended volunteer participants in the emergency disaster drill held at HGR. He attended the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) commencement ceremony and a luau sponsored by the Hancock Lioness Club: Commissioner Baker recognized Health and Human Services staff for planning the employee service awards ceremony and thanked all employees for their service. He attended the Lincoln/Reagan Day dinner and congratulated Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers for receiving the D. Eldred Rinehart award. Mr. Baker participated in the HCC commencement ceremony where 702 graduates, the largest number to -date, received diplomas. He enjoyed the youth dance recital sponsored by the Recreation and Fitness Department. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator Comments County Administrator Greg Murray thanked participants of the Airport disaster drill. He commented on the 2262 total years of service by employees honored at the service awards this morning. He discussed the public roadwork being performed during the summer months and asked citizens to report any road issues they may observe. Mr. Murray noted that applications for building permits had increased, which correlates to local residential and commercial investment. He indicated that interviews are ongoing for the positions of Director of Business Development and Project Liaison. Mr. Murray stated that bids for the Senior Center have been received and the project would be awarded soon. May 20, 2014 Page 3 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Mark Halsey, Executive Director, University System of Maryland -Hagerstown Campus (USMH), commented on the Strategic Economic Development Plan report relating to USMH. Peggie Fisher, 11439 Rock Hill Road, Hagerstown, discussed fencing to be placed by the County behind the methadone clinic near her residence. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN - FINAL TOP FIVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES REPORT Stuart Mullendore, volunteer Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP) coordinator, provided a final report on the top five strategic priorities of the SEDP, as follows: 1) Infrastructure Needs Assessment Report, 2) Workforce Development, 3) City Center, 4) Marketing Plan, and 5) EDC Organization Structure. He indicated that the EDC Organization Structure priority was not addressed by his committee due to the County Administrator's determination that the current structure is the most effective one at this time and the County's ongoing interviews for the Director's position. Bob Jeffers, Co - Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, indicated that having a more educated workforce is paramount to attracting and retaining companies. Ed Lough, Co -Chair of the City Center Committee, reported on suggestions to revitalize Hagerstown's downtown including a "Marsh Run Development Plan," expanding the Maryland Theatre, building an additional parking deck, and establishing a Hagerstown Sports Authority. The Commissioners discussed several priorities with the individuals. The remainder of the presentation was postponed until the afternoon session due to time constraints. MARYLAND STATE TROOPER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION The Commissioners presented a certificate of recognition to Williamsport High School graduate Marlin Meyers for being selected the 2013 Maryland State Trooper of the Year. Trooper Meyers was also honored by local representatives of Senators Barbara Mikulski, George Edwards, and Benjamin Cardin, and Delegate Neil Parrott. Trooper Meyers thanked the individuals for the recognition. The Commissioners hosted a reception for family members and attendees after the presentation. RECESS - JOHN FRYE HISTORIC PRESERVATION LUNCHEON AND AWARDS CEREMONY The Commissioners recessed at 11:46 a.m. to attend the 2014 John Frye Historic Preservation Awards luncheon and ceremony at the Academy Theatre, 58 East Washington Street, Hagerstown, sponsored by the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee and the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. President Terry Baker presented awards to the following organization and individuals: "Preservation Award" to Hagerstown City Market for the preservation and operation of the historic City Market established in 1783; "Advocacy Award" to Donald F. Corbett, founder, and Marian May 20, 2014 Page 4 Golden, co-founder of the Hancock Historical Society Museum, for promoting heritage education and preserving historical treasures of the Hancock area; and the "Adaptive Re - Use Award" to Mark and Amy Myers for the historical preservation and establishment of Dollie's Tea Room within a historic structure. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:58 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN - FINAL TOP FIVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES REPORT (continued) Stuart Mullendore discussed on the fourth item of the Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP) priorities, "Marketing Plan." He reported that the sub -committee met to identify industry clusters and how to best market those attributes. It identified a target marketing and outreach program for federal government offices and facilities that includes agriculture and agribusiness, aircraft and aviation technology services, and arts, culture, and tourism. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Mullendore and his team members for the many hours of volunteer time contributed to research and compile the report. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — OLD FORGE ROAD BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, recommended award of the Old Forge Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $1,192,471. The conditional award is contingent on receiving concurrence from the Maryland State Highway Administration. Mr. Hobbs described the project that involves the rehabilitation of the existing one -lane, three span stone arch bridge over the Antietam Creek on Old Forge Road between Hagerstown and Smithsburg. He indicated that 80% of project costs would be reimbursed by federal funds. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to award the Old Forge Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $1,192,471, subject to the concurrence of the Maryland State Highway Administration. The motion passed unanimously. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — BURNSIDE BRIDGE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT Scott Hobbs recommended award of the Burnside Bridge Road Bridge Replacement Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lone Star Builders, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $559,645. Mr. Hobbs described the work that includes replacing the deteriorated steel girder bridge on concrete and masonry abutments with a new concrete box culvert. Project costs are contained in a budgeted Capital Improvement Program fund. May 20, 2014 Page 5 Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to award the Burnside Bridge Road Bridge Replacement Project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lone Star Builders, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for $559,645 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. HOTEL RENTAL TAX FUNDING REOUEST — MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Jim Hovis, Director, Office of Community Grant Management, presented a request from the Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) to fund $29,850 for direct expenses associated with the 291h Annual Salute to Independence event to be held July 5, 2014 at the Antietam National Battlefield. In attendance were MSO Executive Director Michael Jones and Director of Development Vicki Willman. Mr. Hovis indicated that this popular event positively impacts hotels and businesses in Washington County and meets the seven goals established by the Commissioners for Hotel Rental Tax funding. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to provide $30,000 from the County's portion of the FY 2014 Hotel Rental Tax Funds to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's Salute to Independence event. The motion passed unanimously. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — MAY 2014 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to the following students selected by the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM) to receive May 2014 Youth Meritorious Awards: Cassie Blank of Boonsboro Middle School, daughter of Rex Blank; and Danielle Cornwell of Clear Spring Middle School, daughter of Howard and Teresa Cornwell. Each student received a Washington County lapel pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Staples gift card from the OCGM. The Commissioners commended the students and families for their accomplishments. ACCEPTANCE OF THE STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN - FINAL TOP FIVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES REPORT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to accept the Strategic Economic Development Plan priorities presentation for informational purposes, and conclude the services of the Strategic Economic Development Plan Coordinator. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 2:54 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 any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; to consult with staff, consultants, or individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (1), (7) and (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. May 20, 2014 Page 6 In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointments and reappointments of specific individuals to several County boards over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed specific legal issues with counsel and staff related to ongoing litigation. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments and reappointments to various County boards over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during an open session meeting; and provided direction to counsel and staff as to various issues relating to pending litigation. 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; Kendall Desaulniers, Assistant County Attorney; and at various times, John Kenney, Program Manager, Department of Social Services; Eric Seifarth, Rural Land Preservation Administrator; David Engle, Director, Department of Social Services; and Bonnie Elgin, Randy Schultz, and Robert Petties, Social Services Board members. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Murray County dministrator To - nn M. Martirano, County Attu �,.c.�.. Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk