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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.15.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland July 15, 2014 JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown. County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. In attendance were Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Board of Education members present were Justin Hartings, Paul Bailey, Donna Brightman, Jacqueline Fischer, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams. STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS FOR 2014-2023 Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent, and Chad Criswell, Senior Project Manager and Planning Supervisor, Washington County Board of Education (BOE), discussed student enrollment projections for 2014-2023 for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) prepared by Public Pathways, Inc. Mr. Criswell indicated that the figures were reviewed and approved by the Maryland Department of Planning for use in the 2014 Educational Facilities Master Plan. The Full -Time Equivalent Enrollment projections for 2014 as of September 30, 2013 were Elementary (including full-time equivalent Pre -K students) — 10,440; Middle — 5,140; and High School — 6,684. Those same category predictions for 2023 are Elementary — 11,470; Middle — 5,515; and High School — 7,288. The Boards reviewed the information presented. ACADEMIC HUB, BOUTIQUE ATTENDANCE SITE OPTIONS FOR STUDENT EDUCATION Dr. Justin Hartings, BOE President, discussed innovative methods being pursued to deliver education through a proposed downtown academic hub and boutique attendance sites to house programs currently located at the Washington County Technical High School. The academic hub would provide classroom space for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA), a public service academy on Frederick Street, and other programs in the downtown area. Dr. Hartings discussed vacant property on South Potomac Street between BISFA and The Maryland Theatre and a possible public/private partnership with the developer. The total estimated cost for the project is $15 million, which will require financial backing from the County of approximately $4 million. Dr. Hartings indicated that the Hagerstown Mayor and Council would be asked to provide $1.5 million in assistance with parking, waiver of permit fees and other construction -related costs. The proposal would potentially delay the need to construct a new comprehensive high school costing $80-$100 million. The Commissioners expressed support of the project concept and agreed that both parties would continue to study the plan and its costs, and develop possible funding options. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 9:14 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly July 15, 2014 Page 2 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 the potential acquisition of real property or properties for the establishment and/or enlargement of school facilities. During closed session, the Commissioners gave staff direction concerning the potential acquisitions. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, Ruth Anne Callaham, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah L. Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; BOE members Justin Hartings, Paul Bailey, Donna Brightman, Jacqueline Fischer, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams; and WCPS staff members Chris South, Boyd Michael, Chad Criswell, Anthony Trotta, Michael Markoe, Rob Rollins, and Richard Wright. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at 9:41 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:41 a.m. and returned to the County Administration Building, 100 W. Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown. 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 10:30 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 — JULY 1, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of July 1, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline thanked emergency crews and County employees who have done an outstanding job during recent severe weather events. He commended the Salute to Independence event held at the Antietam Battlefield. Mr. Cline attended a Tri County July 15, 2014 Page 3 Council meeting and participated in the business outreach visit to Apple Valley Recycling. He congratulated Hagerstown Ford for investing in the community by remodeling its facilities and holding a Grand Re -Opening. Commissioner Cline attended the retirement dinner for Housing Authority Director Richard Willson and the Retreat Through Williamsport Civil War reenactment. He congratulated the Hagerstown Municipal Band on its 100th Anniversary. Commissioner Callaham reported traveling to Texas the past few weeks. She commented positively on the academic hub/boutique student education ideas presented by the Board of Education during the joint morning meeting. Commissioner Barr attended the Sparkle fundraiser for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Jack Barr Memorial Run sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors. He attended the pre -concert picnic sponsored by Potomac Edison before the Salute to Independence celebration and a fundraising event for gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan. Mr. Barr reported on topics discussed during a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) planning retreat in St. Michaels. He attended the Hagerstown Ford Grand Re -Opening and the retirement event for Richard Willson. He also congratulated the Municipal Band on its 100th anniversary. Commissioner Barr promoted this year's Ag Expo event that opens July 19 at the Agricultural Education Center. He expressed concern with the effects of the recent influx of illegal immigrants into several states including Maryland. Commissioner McKinley attended the Sparkle fundraiser and Salute to Independence event at the Antietam National Battlefield. He attended the Hagerstown Municipal Band picnic and 100th anniversary concert. Mr. McKinley commented on the organization's history and importance to the citizens of Washington County. Commissioner Baker thanked the Board of Education for hosting the joint morning meeting. He attended the Salute to Independence event and shared positive citizens' comments received regarding the celebration. Mr. Baker reported on several topics discussed during a recent Economic Development Commission board meeting. He thanked local churches that continue to assist citizens in the Clear Spring community affected by the recent flood. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION No citizens were present who wished to participate. OTHER BUSINESS County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray advised that the County's Planning and Zoning Department has moved to 120-128 West Washington Street. He thanked staff for their assistance. July 15, 2014 Page 4 REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Euineerina and Construction Manaizement Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, distributed a seven- year analysis of rainfall in the County that showed increased storm intensity the past four years. He discussed County infrastructure's capacity to handle such events and the interaction between the State, City, and County. Mr. Slocum reported on letters sent to citizens in response to their calls and concerns regarding storm damage. Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested permission to advertise and fill two budgeted, full-time positions: one (1) Grade 9 Motor Equipment Operator III, Highway Department; and one (1) Grade 11 Emergency Communications Specialist Supervisor, Emergency Services. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve advertising to fill the Grade 9 Motor Equipment Operator III, Highway Department position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve advertising to fill the Grade 11 Emergency Communications Specialist Supervisor, Emergency Services position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REAL PROPERTY ACOUISITION —10656 DOWNSVILLE PIKE Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, requested approval of an option agreement to purchase fee simple real property at 10656 Downsville Pike for $25,000. He indicated that acquisition of the property contiguous to Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park would allow for the park's expansion and future improvements. The Commissioners discussed the proposal that would be funded using Program Open Space funds. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve an option agreement for real property at 10656 Downsville Pike for $25,000, to adopt an ordinance approving said purchase, and to authorize execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2014-12 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) TEXT MODIFICATIONS PRIOR TO PUBLIC HEARING — PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS RZ-13-004 AND RZ-14-002 Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, requested approval of proposed modified language of Text Amendments RZ-13-004 and RZ-14-002 for public hearing. Ms. Baker indicated that the County Attorney's Office recommended the minor changes to the language of the proposed text amendments prior to their subjection to a public hearing. Text Amendment RZ-13-004 proposes amendments to add a section to the Zoning Ordinance to allow the clustering of new lots from multiple adjacent properties under the same ownership. RZ-14-002 is a proposal to convert the Rural Business -Existing and July 15, 2014 Page 5 Rural Business -New districts to overlay districts, retain as overlays the zone in all of its current locations, and assign appropriate underlying districts for Rural Business -New properties. The text amendments were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The modified language recommended by the County Attorney's Office is for clarification and does not change the overall intent or effect of the proposed amendments. The Commissioners discussed the matter and reached a consensus to take the amendments to public hearing with the changes proposed by the County Attorney's Office. AWARD OF GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN — FISCAL YEAR 2015 FUNDING Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM), requested acceptance of a $706,675 funding award for FY 2015 from the Governor's Office for Children proposed for the following programs: • Rural Out of School Time Initiative (Boys and Girls Club) — $122,500 • Juvenile Delinquency Prevention and Diversion Initiative (Pressley Ridge) — $174,625 • Tomorrow's Leaders (Boys & Girls Club) — $44,181 • Post -Secondary Education and Training Coordination (HCC) — $60,545 • Family Centered Support Services (Department of Social Services) — $35,700 • Regional Family Navigation Program (MD Coalition for Families) — $134,474 • School Based Mental Health Services (To Be Determined) — $69,650 • OCGM Administration - $65,000 Ms. Lapole described each program and discussed the $65,000 funding included for the OCGM administrative costs. The programs require no County funding. The Local Management Board has approved submission of the application. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to accept the FY 2015 funding award of $706,675 from the Governor's Office for Children as presented. The motion passed unanimously. AWARD TO SUPPORT THE HEALTHY FAMILIES HOME VISITING PROGRAM Stephanie Lapole recommended acceptance of an award from the Maryland State Department of Education for the provision of Healthy Families Home Visiting Services Program for Fiscal Year 2015 for $277,993. The services fulfill the requirements of the Maryland State Department of Education/Early Intervention Services and the Healthy Families America model prevention program. Ms. Lapole indicated that the Washington County Health Department is the vendor contracted to provide these services that aim to prevent child maltreatment through early intervention, promote healthy growth and development, and strengthen parent -child -family relationships. This is the second year of a four-year contract. Funding of $6,950 is included in the award for County administrative support. No County funds are involved. The Local Management Board has approved the proposal. The Commissioners discussed the funding for the program. July 15, 2014 Page 6 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to accept the award from the Maryland State Department of Education for the provision of Healthy Families Home Visiting Services Program for Fiscal Year 2015 for $277,993 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:25 a.m. to attend a Happy Camper Day luncheon at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park with attendees of the Recreation and Parks Department's Summer Camp Program. AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the afternoon session to order at 1:40 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. THE MARYLAND THEATRE SEATING REPLACEMENT PROJECT Benito Vattelana, President, and Jessica Green, Executive Director, The Maryland Theatre, discussed the campaign launched to raise funds for the final major phase of the Theatre's restoration plan. The seating replacement project includes flooring, carpeting, lighting and seating. The campaign allows community members and groups to be part of the campaign, offering naming rights and a golden ticket to donors. Commitment from local government and donations from all local media outlets is requested to complete the project, which has a total budget of $650,000. The State of Maryland has awarded $125,000 toward the project and the County is asked to contribute $200,000. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and the overall improvement plan of the Theatre. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve $200,000 for The Maryland Theatre's Seating Replacement Project, contingent upon a consensus approval of the County Commissioners of the Theatre's comprehensive plan once it is fully developed. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION — FORT RITCHIE SEWER RELINING PROJECT Dori Nipps, Executive Director, PenMar Development Corporation, advised that the board plans to submit a grant application to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development requesting $100,000 in support toward a project total of $118,000 to reline 1,850 linear feet of a ten -inch sewer line on the Fort Ritchie property. Ms. Nipps discussed ongoing sewer issues at Fort Ritchie and requested a resolution of support from the Commissioners for the grant application. She indicated that the application is tied to the Sustainable Communities Designation. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve a resolution supporting the $100,000 grant application to the Department of Housing and Community Development for the sewer line project as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2014-14 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) July 15, 2014 Page 7 CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 2:15 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; in accordance with Section 10-508 (1), (4), 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/reappointment of specific individuals to boards and commissions; discussed personnel matters concerning several employees; considered a proposal and an incentive for several businesses to locate in the State/County; and considered the acquisition of real property for public use. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments/reappointments to a commission and an authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during a future open session meeting; directed staff to take certain actions in regard to certain personnel issues; gave staff direction concerning the location of certain new businesses in the County; and provided direction to staff concerning the acquisition of real property. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; and at various times, Commissioner Terry L. Baker; Richard Willson, Director, Housing Authority; Jim Sterling, Director, Parks and Facilities; Dave Chisholm, Assistant Director, Emergency Medical Services; Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport; and Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 3:52 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. array , C my Administrator Ki"M C. Downey, Deputy Co my Attorney -7,7' b2i— C - Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk