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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.02.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland December 2, 2014 The County Commissioners -Elect attended their swearing-in ceremony at the Washington County Circuit Courthouse presided over by Administrative Judge M. Kenneth Long, Jr. Dennis J. Weaver, Clerk of the Circuit Court, administered the oath of office to the following members: Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. A reception was held afterwards at the Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Terry L. Baker convened the first meeting of the 2014-2018 Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, at 1:32 p.m. ELECTION OF BOARD PRESIDENT Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Myers, moved to elect Terry L. Baker president of the Board of County Commissioners for the 2014-2018 term of office. The motion passed unanimously. ELECTION OF BOARD VICE PRESIDENT Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to elect Jeffrey A. Cline vice-president of the Board of County Commissioners for the 2014-2018 term of office. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 1:35 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed several specific County personnel matters, including the appointment of certain County -appointed positions and other staffing issues, and also discussed several County Commissioner transitional issues. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to reconvene in open session at 2:27 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. December 2, 2014 Page 2 APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, AND COUNTY CLERK Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator; Debra S. Murray, Chief Financial Officer; and Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk for the 2014-2018 term of office. The motion passed unanimously. COUNTY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Myers, moved to direct that the County's Organizational Chart be revised so that the County Attorney reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' MEETING SCHEDULE The Commissioners discussed holding work sessions one week and voting sessions the next in an effort to thoroughly discuss matters and attain transparency in their decision-making. It was their consensus to schedule alternate work sessions and voting sessions during their term, and to begin most meetings at 1:00 p.m. for more citizen accessibility. SPENDING ACCOUNTABILITY The Commissioners discussed spending accountability and County hiring practices. Commissioner Myers expressed the Commissioners' desire to be advised of decisions regarding employee hiring and major capital purchases in a report form or consent agenda in an effort to show the Commissioners are aware of these decisions as they are made. Mr. Murray advised that the Commissioners' hiring policy would need to be revised as it currently provides that the Commissioners approve by name only those individuals hired at Grade 14 and above. The Commissioners discussed details of the request and their desire not to approve each person for each position but to be apprised in advance of individuals proposed to be hired. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Wivell, moved that the Commissioners be provided on a regular basis a list of all individuals proposed to be hired for County positions; to approve the revision of the County's hiring policy to reflect that change, and to be provided a list of major expenditures. Commissioner Myers clarified the Commissioners' desire not to approve each position hiring, but to be provided a list of who is proposed to be hired for what position prior to hiring. Mr. Murray discussed with the Commissioners information regarding County budgets and expenditures that would be provided them by staff during work sessions. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONER REPRESENTATION ON BOARDS/COMMISSIONS County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the County Commissioners' liaison representation on various boards and commissions and asked them to express their preference in the near future. December 2, 2014 Page 3 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Cline publicly thanked former Commissioners William B. McKinley and Ruth Anne Callaham for their dedication and service. He expressed appreciation to County staff for organizing the day's swearing-in activities. Mr. Cline stated that he looks forward to working with the new board. Commissioner Wivell thanked staff for organizing the day's activities. He advised of a Local Government panel discussion at St. James School sponsored by Leadership Washington County on January 9; however, the Commissioners will be attending the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference on January 7-9. Mr. Wivell requested further clarification on the retirement incentive program approved November 18 by the previous Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Myers commented on his former position as a Maryland Delegate and his election as a County Commissioner, stating that he looks forward to serving in this new capacity. He indicated that Washington County has been a model in the State for such programs as its Gaming Fund. He looks forward to more accountability to citizens in government spending. Commissioner Barr welcomed the new Commissioners. He discussed his duties as MACo's First Vice President. Mr. Barr stated that he was proud that the County Commissioners have worked side-by-side with other local and governmental entities to serve County citizens. He complimented County staff for the job they do. Commissioner Baker echoed the positive comments of his fellow Commissioners. He thanked all who assisted in the swearing-in ceremony and stated that he looks forward to the next four years. COUNTY CLERK SWEARING-IN Circuit Court Clerk Dennis J. Weaver administered the oath of office to Vicki C. Lumm to serve as County Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS County Administrator Greg Murray stated that he looks forward to working with the Commissioners to set and accomplish goals and initiatives to make Washington County a better place to live, work, and play. He indicated that, as in prior years, the Commissioners would discuss goals and target dates, their service on boards and commissions, and legislative initiatives in an upcoming meeting. They will also be given instructions on how to access all County financial information and reporting on the County system as is currently available. Mr. Murray referenced the upcoming budget discussions that begin in January 2015 and efforts made the past four years to cut internal costs and absorb State pension costs. He congratulated the Commissioners on their election and encouraged communication between them and County staff regarding their objectives. December 2, 2014 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 2:59 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. I -A61 Gregory B. urray, Co my Administrator 'John M. Martirano, County Attorn Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk