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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.29.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 29, 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 1:33 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — APRIL 15.2014 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the minutes of April 15, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT APPLICATIONS President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 1:34 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the County's ten-year Agricultural Land Preservation District agreements for property owned by Jeffrey and Kathy Barnes, Dorothy N. Benton, Charlene Bragunier, and Lee and Linda Worthington, totaling approximately 496.83 acres. Rural Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth provided information on the history of the program. If approved, the applicants will be restricted to agricultural use only for a period of ten years. In exchange, the landowners would not pay County property tax on the agricultural land or buildings and would receive a credit of up to $711 on farmhouses. The properties would receive tax credits that equal approximately $54,650 for the full ten-year period. Land Preservation Planner Chris Boggs described the properties and indicated that the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board has approved the proposal. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment. There were no individuals present who wished to comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 1:41 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners, who offered no comment. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the ten-year Agricultural Land Preservation District agreements for the properties discussed as presented. The motion passed unanimously. RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM EASEMENT — PAYNE-HOLDER PROPERTY Eric Seifarth and Chris Boggs, recommended approval of Payne -Holder Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project for $356,896. Mr. Seifarth indicated that RLP Easement April 29, 2014 Page 2 funds and the associated administrative costs are 100% State -funded and used to preserve farmland and open space containing significant agricultural, environmental and cultural or historic features surrounding the Antietam Battlefield. Mr. Boggs described the 111.53 easement acres located on the west side of Monroe Road in Boonsboro. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to accept the Payne -Holder Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project for $356,896 as presented, adopt an ordinance approving the purchase, and authorize the execution of such documents as may be required. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2014-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office). COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley attended the Celebration of Business event sponsored by the County's Department of Business Development. He attended a meeting of the Hagerstown Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization where attendees discussed issues concerning Interstate 81 and Route 340. Mr. McKinley attended Commissioner Cline's re- election rally and the business visit to Custom Machines. He advised of comments voiced during a Planning Commission public meeting regarding the proposed change of the Rural Business -Existing zoning district to Rural Business. He attended a forum with The Greater Hagerstown Committee and Economic Development Commission to discuss a scholarship program for youth in Washington County. Commissioner McKinley attended the groundbreaking of Baltimore Mack's new facility location on the Greencastle Pike. He was present at a zoning workshop of the Planning Commission where reforestation was a major topic. Mr. McKinley visited Bester Elementary School. He reported on a successful fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America at the Austin Flook farm. Commissioner McKinley enjoyed a dinner at the Hancock Methodist Church where funds went toward malaria efforts around the world. He and his fellow Commissioners participated in the Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser. Commissioner Cline reported attending numerous fundraising events the past week including the March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk supported by many Washington County government employees. He congratulated the recent graduating class of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA). Mr. Cline participated in the Bowl For Kids' Sake event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. He attended a double Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Aaron Morris and Daniel Morris of Troop 51, Sharpsburg, Maryland. Commissioner Cline attended a Workers Memorial ceremony at the local AFL-CIO chapter. Commissioner Barr attended the Chamber of Commerce -sponsored Mix and Mingle event at the Sargent Shriver Head Start Center where Executive Director Paul Pittman was recognized for his many years of service. Mr. Barr participated in the Potomac Edison energy saving initiatives meeting held in Frederick. He reported on a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting where members discussed pedestrian safety and the new methadone clinic location. Commissioner Barr attended a Tri -County Council/Revolving Loan Fund Committee board meeting in Cumberland. He was present at the business visit April 29, 2014 Page 3 to Custom Machines. He attended the open house for Global Data, which announced its acquisition of Interstate Communications to enhance services to the tri-state area. Mr. Barr discussed the recent business visit to Antietam Cable and the improved broadband and fiber access to the County that will enhance economic development and education. He enjoyed this season's final concert by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and a benefactor's reception at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. He discussed Governor O'Malley's one-time grant to counties for pothole repairs and questioned whether it would be shared with municipalities. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that he would obtain information on the State's one-year extension of highway user funds to municipalities. Commissioner Callaham reported attending a PenMar Development Corporation board meeting and advised that Robert Borris, Fort Ritchie's new Project Manager, would be presenting a program on May 1 during the Economic Development Commission board meeting. Ms. Callaham attended a Farm Bureau meeting and noted that local beekeepers are planning to join the organization. She attended a meeting hosted by Volvo Powertrain to discuss needed enhancements to I-81 and to involve local stakeholders in the discussions. Commissioner Callaham attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Aaron Morris and Daniel Morris. Commissioner McKinley commented on the unemployment numbers in Washington County, noting that four years ago the level was 11.2%, and is now 7.4%, representing an almost 4% decrease in unemployment. Commissioner Baker congratulated Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brien Poffenberger on being hired to head the State Chamber. Mr. Baker thanked Mary Kay Albowicz for speaking at the Celebration of Business awards. He referred to an email received from Kathy Stumpf in the Hancock area requesting support of Sunday hunting on public lands only, not State lands. ELEVENTH ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM RAMBLE! William Knode, President of the Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites, and Rachel B.K. Nichols, representing the Hagerstown -Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), provided details of the Eleventh Annual Washington County Museum Ramble! which has been expanded this year to cover the full month of May. Mr. Knode advised that the Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites has developed the Countywide museum Ramble during Washington County History Week observed the first week in May. This year the County has been divided into four different regions to encourage citizens to visit more locations and some sites will be offering special "Ramble Rewards" such as buy one -get one entries. Mr. Knode distributed newly designed Ramble brochures featuring the County's forty museums and historic sites. The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Mr. Knode, Ms. Nichols, and museum representatives in attendance to recognize Washington County History Week. April 29, 2014 Page 4 CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Nicki Woodhams, 4241 Main Street, Rohrersville, commented on the Big Cork Winery being constructed in Rohrersville in relation to text/zoning amendments. Dave Hanlin, Washington County Free Library, and Tara Sargent, Executive Director, Leadership Washington County, discussed the Third Annual Literacy Summit to be held May 2 at the Elliott Conference Center, Hagerstown Community College. Bill Beard, Board President, Commission on Aging, introduced Amy Olack, newly hired Executive Director of the Commission on Aging. She thanked the Commissioners for their continuing support of Commission programs and the planned Senior Citizen Center. Terri Magnante and Roger Brown discussed a water line issue on the "Baker's Lookout" property. Gerry Ditto, 14736 Ditto Road, Clear Spring, commented on a letter received from the Department of Assessments and Taxation sent to landowners in Assessment District 1 in the County regarding the validation of farming uses by their properties. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Administrator County Administrator Gregory Murray discussed information obtained on the one-year extension of highway user funding from the State to municipalities. He advised that local municipalities would be sharing $1,051,976 in highway user funds this year from the General Assembly that the County is not receiving; therefore, the $390,000 share to Washington County for pothole repairs will not be shared among the municipalities. Mr. Murray reported the positive comments received about Washington County during the recent Maryland Economic Development Conference he and Sarah Sprecher attended, including the County's reorganization measures, budget restraints, and public information relayed through social media that assists economic development. Public Relations Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, advised that the meeting with Robert Borris of Fort Ritchie and the Economic Development Commission would be held on May 8, not May 1. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise and hire a budgeted full-time, Grade 7, Collections Operator Trainee in the Department of Water Quality. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to advertise and fill the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously. April 29, 2014 Page 5 En2ineerin2 and Construction Manaizement Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, advised that the County was awarded $360,000 toward the Total Maximum Daily Loan (TMDL) reduction project at Devil's Backbone. He also noted that CSX has requested a three-day closure at the Long Meadow railroad crossing and a two-day closure at the Oak Ridge tracks in mid- May for necessary repairs. HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT - AMENDMENT TO RIDER JET CENTER FIXED BASE OPERATION LAND LEASE Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Director Phil Ridenour requested approval of a Rider Jet Center (RJC) Land Lease Amendment to include an additional 4,423 feet of land at the fair market value of $0.25 per square feet. Mr. Ridenour indicated that revisions to the lease encompass the additional land needed to provide a safer flow of vehicle movement in the area of Hangar #5 used in conjunction with RJC's Fixed Base Operation at HGR Rider Jet Center would demolish a 20 x 30 section of the T -Hangar at its own expense and increase its land lease by 4,423 square feet. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Callaham, moved to approve the Rider Jet Center Land Lease Amendment to include an additional 4,423 feet of land at $0.25 per square foot as presented. The motion passed unanimously. HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT - ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE Mr. Ridenour advised of a tentative order received from the U.S. Department of Transportation to terminate essential air service provided by Sun Air at HGR, which also was directed to twelve other airports in Maryland. Mr. Ridenour discussed the options available to the County regarding the order. He detailed issues that affected Sun Air's initial poor performance when it first began service and the vastly improved marketing efforts under its new CEO. He recommended that the Commissioners file a letter of objection based on the reasons stated. Mr. Ridenour discussed the service and the possible loss of approximately $30,000 revenue in supporting services including landing fees. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter of objection to the U.S. Department of Transportation based on the information provided and discussed. MODIFICATION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the proposed modification of water and sewer rates and the proposed modification to certain landfill user fees proposed for the Fiscal Year 2015 General Fund Budget. He indicated an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 1.6% (or $1.50) for water and 3.5% (or $3.60) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. Mr. Murray also described the schedule of landfill user fees for FY 2015 that proposes to offer a discounted rate of $45 per ton for large haulers bringing in 1,000 tons or more per year of general refuse/ municipal solid waste (with contract). The Commissioners discussed the rates and model for the program. April 29, 2014 Page 6 Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the water and sewer rate increases as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2014-07 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the modification to certain landfill user fees as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution RS -2014-08 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Callaham, moved to convene in closed session at 4:09 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, to discuss 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 of several individuals to a County advisory commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed the potential appointment of specific individuals to several County boards over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed specific issues/matters relating to a proposal of a business entity to expand or locate its business operations in the County; and also discussed the recommendation to fill a current open County employee position with staff. During closed session the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments to a County advisory commission for further consideration and discussion during a future open session meeting; instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments to several County boards for further consideration and discussion during an open session meeting; provided direction to staff relating to the continuing discussions with a business entity hoping to expand or locate its business operations in the County; and provided direction to staff relating to the recommendation to fill an open County employee position and instructed staff to bring that matter forward during open session for further discussion and consideration. 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; and at various times Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management; Jim Sterling, Director, Recreation and Parks; Janice Riley, Vice President, Commission for Women; Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services; Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction; Hilton Smith, and Christopher Smith. April 29, 2014 Page 7 RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to reconvene in open session at 5:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Callaham, moved to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B"ay, Administrator k tv John M. Martiran� o, County A nCy Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk J