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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.16.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland December 16, 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. Commission President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. In attendance were Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Board of Education members present were Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, Jacqueline Fischer, Michael Guessford, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams. FIRST OUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS - BOARD OF EDUCATION FY 2015 GENERAL FUND BUDGET Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, Washington County Public Schools, requested adjustments to the First Quarter FY 2015 General Fund Budget by decreasing the following categories: Administration - $30,565, Other Instructional Costs - $31,636, Student Transportation Services - $147,400, and Fixed Charges - $100,000, and by increasing the following categories: Instructional Textbooks and Supply - $31,636, and Operation of Plant - $277,965, for a net change in fund balance of $0. Mr. South provided information regarding several category changes. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the requested First Quarter adjustments to the Board of Education's FY 2015 General Fund Budget. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 8:43 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (3) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed various aspects of the potential purchase of real property with County staff, the elected members of the Board of Education, and various Washington County Public Schools staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to begin discussions with the property owners regarding the potential purchase of certain parcels of real property and to provide the elected bodies with updates throughout the process. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah L. Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management; Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning; Board of Education members Donna Brightman, Justin Hartings, Jacqueline Fischer, Michael December 16, 2014 Page 2 Guessford, Karen Harshman, Wayne Ridenour, and Melissa Williams; and Washington County Public Schools staff members Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Chris South, Boyd Michael, Chad Criswell, Anthony Trotta, Richard Wright, and Rob Rollins. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 9:32 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:32 a.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage in the County Administration Building located at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, Hagerstown, Maryland. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 1:11 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 18, 2014, DECEMBER 2, 2014, AND DECEMBER 9, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of November 18, 2014. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Cline, and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioners Myers and Wivell "ABSTAIN." Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the minutes of December 2, 2014 and December 9, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline attended the business outreach visit to Good Spirits Tree Farm by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. He also attended a Mental Health Task Force meeting and the Hagerstown Community College Police Academy graduation ceremonies. Mr. Cline commented on the meaningful Memorial Illumination held Saturday at the Antietam National Battlefield. He presented a certificate on behalf of the Commissioners at the dedication ceremony for the new Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company station. Commissioner Cline attended the Walnut Street Community Health Center announcement ceremony for a new facility location to open in summer 2015. Commissioner Wivell attended the Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination. He congratulated Sharpsburg Boy Scout Troop 9 on its new charter. December 16, 2014 Page 3 Commissioner Myers congratulated the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company and Boy Scout Troop 9 on their ceremonies. He attended the recent Economic Development Commission meeting with Commissioner Baker and noted the positive energy in the room. Commissioner Barr reported meeting in Annapolis with Lieutenant Governor Elect Boyd Rutherford. He attended the County Administration Building holiday luncheon and the business visit to Rust-Oleum. Mr. Barr met State Comptroller Peter Franchot during his visit to the Good Spirits Tree Farm. He also attended the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission meeting. Commissioner Barr was present at the University of Maryland -Hagerstown Campus Board of Regents dinner with staff and guests. He and Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Executive Director Michael Sanderson traveled to Garrett County to meet with the all-new Board of Garrett County Commissioners. He attended the public service reception at Bulls and Bears restaurant with former Hagerstown Council and County Commissioner members honored for their service to the community. Mr. Barr attended the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert and the reception hosted by Potomac Edison. He attended the new charter ceremony for Boy Scout Troop 9 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Commissioner Barr attended the dedication ceremony for the new Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company facility. Commissioner Baker thanked the Board of Education for hosting the joint morning meeting. He attended the Fire Police Christmas banquet and opening ceremonies for the Girls' Volleyball League at Hagerstown Community College. Mr. Baker attended the Big Pool community breakfast with Santa. He congratulated the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company on its new facility. Commissioner Baker wished all County employees and citizens a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. CONTRIBUTION TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY LOBBYING COALITION Paul Frey, President, and John Latimer, IV, Government Affairs Committee Chair, Hagerstown -Washington County Chamber of Commerce, discussed the Washington County Community Lobbying Coalition (Coalition) and its past effectiveness in hiring a lobbyist for issues that directly affect Washington County. Coalition partners have consisted of the City of Hagerstown, Hagerstown/Washington County Convention and Visitors' Bureau, Washington County Government, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Hagerstown/Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF), Greater Hagerstown Committee, Washington County Free Library, and Washington County Public Schools. The Coalition's agenda items for this year's upcoming legislative session include the Professional Court Bridge and extension construction financing, the widening of Interstate 81, and continuing educational efforts to promote Washington County as an area for economic prosperity and innovation in Maryland. December 16, 2014 Page 4 Commissioner Myers commented on the non -communication and non -productivity of the Coalition's previous lobbying firm. Mr. Latimer advised that the Coalition is looking at firms with combined annual revenues of $2.5 million. Commissioner Wivell questioned why Coalition partners have an equal vote and commented that the majority of the contributions are paid using taxpayer money. Commissioner Baker indicated that Bruce Bereano was his first choice to hire as the Coalition's lobbyist. The Commissioners discussed the choice of lobbying firms. Mr. Latimer provided details of a planned evening trade show/reception sponsored by the Coalition on February 4 at the Calvert House in Annapolis, which has been positively received in the past. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve a $10,000 contribution to the Washington County Lobbying Coalition for 2015. The motion failed with Commissioners Barr and Myers voting "AYE" and Commissioners Cline, Wivell, and Baker "NO." REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Public Relations and Communitv Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, distributed copies of State of the County, a newsletter published by the County's Public Relations and Community Affairs staff. She noted that the County's unemployment rate has dropped to pre -recession levels, falling from 6.7% in October to 6.3% according to the Maryland Department of Labor, the lowest rate since 2008. She discussed the bi-monthly Department of Business Development newsletter that highlights local businesses and programs available to help businesses. Enaineerina and Construction Manaaement Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, advised that a preliminary agreement has been reached to transfer the Agricultural Education Center property to the County for $1. He discussed with the Commissioners the County's recent land purchase that will provide additional access to the Center. He also praised the many volunteer hours invested by citizens in the facility and grounds that include the Rural Heritage Museum. Plannin-2 and Zoning Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, reported that the Planning and Zoning Department has convinced the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) to remove almost all of its comment areas regarding the Priority Funding Areas (PFA) in the Urban Growth Area. He described its importance since the State is required to target its spending to PFA guidelines that are designated by Washington County. The MDP had accepted those areas but had disagreed in some instances using comment areas. Those areas have now been removed. December 16, 2014 Page 5 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM BUDGET TRANSFER — HANGAR 19 ROOF REPLACEMENT Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) requested the transfer of funds from two Capital Improvement Project (CIP) accounts - $20,000 from the Building 18 Partial Roof Replacement, and $40,000 from the Air Traffic Control Study, to create a new CIP Project for the replacement of the Hangar 19 roof. He indicated that the roof in the facility currently occupied by Plane Care, LLC is in need of immediate replacement due to leaks and mold issues. Mr. Ridenour added that no additional funds would be required to accommodate the project. The Commissioners discussed the request with Mr. Ridenour. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the transfer of $20,000 and $40,000 from two CIP accounts for the Hangar 19 roof replacement project as presented. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPRESENTATION The Commissioners decided their representation on various boards and commissions that require their participation as follows, though several positions will be decided in the near future: Commissioner Baker - Community Action Council, Economic Development Commission (with Barr & Myers), Emergency Services Advisory Council (all 5 rotate), Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization, Museum of Fine Arts Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, Social Services Board, Weed Control Committee, and Western Maryland Consortium. Commissioner Cline - Agricultural Education Center Board, Area Agency on Aging (shared with Wivell), Commission on Aging (shared with Wivell), Disabilities Advisory Committee, Emergency Services Advisory Council (all 5 rotate), Environmental Committee (to be formed/named), Historic District Commission, Public Golf Corporation Board (Black Rock), and Tri -County Council for Western Maryland. Commissioner Barr - Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, Economic Development Commission (with Baker and Myers), Emergency Services Advisory Council (all 5 rotate), Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission, MACo Legislative Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Tri -County Council for Western Maryland. Commissioner Myers - Economic Development Commission (with Barr and Baker), Emergency Services Advisory Council (all 5 rotate), MACo Legislative Committee (as Alternate), Planning Commission, and Tri -County Council for Western Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. December 16, 2014 Page 6 Commissioner Wivell - Area Agency on Aging (shared with Cline), Commission on Aging (shared with Cline), Emergency Services Advisory Council (all 5 rotate), Fort Detrick Alliance, Local Management Board, and PenMar Development Corporation. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES County Administrator Greg Murray introduced a discussion of potential legislative initiatives to be brought forward by the local delegation, including: Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zones - surrounding anchor educational institutions and nonprofit entities that allow local governments to provide comment on the creation and boundaries of a zone. The institution would apply to be part of the zone and the County Commissioners would determine what part of a tax increment would be paid, with a minimum of 50%, and then recycled back into the zone. The Commissioners would decide what zones to designate and other institutions that would qualify for application. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) - currently available only as authorized by statute and can only be used for public infrastructure. Other counties have requested legislative amendments that would allow local governments to approve TIF use for other items such as manufacturing, construction, and demolition. This would be an additional incentive for businesses to use in Washington County. The County Commissioners would specifically approve use of the tax increment for a defined period to assist with the expansion of a business in the County. The local amendment would be consistent with other local amendments and can target industries that provide substantial benefit to the community. Deputy County Attorney Kirk C. Downey described two potential local initiatives as follows: Hotel Rental Tax Reporting Date - a proposal to change the due date for reporting hotel rental tax income by municipalities, which is now required to be submitted to the Delegation by September 1 (which is too close to the end of the fiscal year.) The date would be changed to October or November to allow more preparation time after the fiscal year end date. Code of the Public Local Laws of Washiniaton County, Maryland (CPLL) — the removal/updating of outdated language concerning the financial duties and bonding requirements of the County Clerk. Commissioner Wivell requested clarification of items on the draft list of potential initiatives received from the local delegation. The Commissioners discussed Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs) and tax incentives that are State -involved. Commissioner Myers requested a list of initiatives from County staff that would be unnecessary if Washington County were a Home Rule county. The Commissioners discussed potential State Highway Administration (SHA) initiatives involving local control. December 16, 2014 Page 7 Mr. Downey indicated that County staff would develop a proposal of local items for consideration to be forwarded to the Delegation by the Commissioners including the TIF, Hotel Rental Tax Reporting Date Change, and the County Clerk CPLL update. He requested that the Commissioners advise the County Attorney's Office of any other legislative or "watch" items to be included in their legislative discussions in January 2015. Greg Murray indicated that he and Rob Slocum would develop several local SHA initiatives concerning local control for possible submission to the delegation. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF TERM GOALS Greg Murray opened a general discussion of County Commissioner term goals. He provided information on past goals that may have included funding support, CIP approval, and regulatory changes, etc. that were incorporated into an overall plan to identify action items that the Board desired to see completed. Mr. Murray indicated that goals are set as action items including steps to be taken, the level of necessary funding support, target dates, and tracking. The Commissioners will review and develop their goals in the coming weeks. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Wallace Yater, 21118 Mousetown Road, Boonsboro, commented on 27 acres he donated to a local blacksmith guild that is to develop a facility to demonstrate and teach the craft. He requested assistance in obtaining non-profit status for the guild. WD FARMS, LLC CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT PROPOSAL Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, and Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the WD Farms, LLC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Project of $180,120.36. Mr. Boggs described the 57.63 total easement acres situate in the Fairplay area. Mr. Seifarth advised that since 2010, Washington County has been funded to purchase CREP easements on 315 acres of land. CREP funds are 100% State -paid and derived mainly from Program Open Space funds. The program serves to protect water quality by removing marginal agricultural land from production and replacing it with best management practices. Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the WD Farms, LLC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Project of $180,120.26 as presented, adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement, and authorize the execution of all necessary documents as may be required to effectuate the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2014-24 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 3:12 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees December 16, 2014 Page 8 or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other 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 the potential appointment of specific individuals to a County commission and an advisory council over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed a specific County employee matter with staff, and discussed several additional County personnel matters with the County Administrator. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments to a County commission and an advisory council over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during a future open session meeting; and provided specific direction to staff relating to a specific County employee issue. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator and John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; Kevin Lewis, Director, Emergency Services; Kassie Lewis, Director, Business Development; and Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by Wivell, moved to adjourn at 5:53 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. It rray, Cou ty Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorneyi---� Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk