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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.28.2014 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland October 28, 2014 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 12:39 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to convene in closed session at 12:39 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 matters that affect 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; and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1), (3) and (4) of the General Provisions 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 a board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; received an update from staff regarding a local entity's plans to expand its operations in the County; considered specific details regarding the potential acquisition of real property for public use; and discussed a specific personnel matter with staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointment/reappointment to a board over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion during this evening's open session meeting; briefly discussed the plans of a local entity to expand its operations and provided staff with general direction as to how to proceed; instructed staff to schedule a public hearing relating to the potential acquisition of real property for public use; and instructed staff to bring forth the employment issue for further discussion and consideration in this evening's open session meeting. 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 Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Jim Sterling, Director, Parks and Facilities; Mary Ellen Waltemire, Agricultural Education Center board member; and Sue Hull, Ag Expo & Fair Committee President. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 1:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. October 28, 2014 Page 2 STONER FAMILY FARMS, LLC CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT PROPOSAL Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of the Stoner Family Farms, LLC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement project of $85,575.10. The 30.39 total easement acres are located in St. James. Mr. Boggs stated that since 2010 Washington County has received funds 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 McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the Stoner Family Farms, LLC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Project of $85,575.10 as presented, adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement, and authorize the execution of all such documents as may be required to effectuate the purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance No. ORD -2014-20 is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) APPLICATION FOR MAP AMENDMENT — RURAL BUSINESS (RZ-14-002) Jill Baker, Chief Planner, Planning and Zoning, initiated further discussion of Map Amendment RZ-14-002 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance. The Map Amendment concerns converting the Rural Business -Existing and Rural Business -New districts to overlay districts, retaining as overlays the zone in all of its current locations, and assigning appropriate underlying districts for Rural Business -New properties. The primary purpose for amending the Rural Business District to be a floating zone was to eliminate the strict standards of a rezoning to meet the State -required change or mistake rule. Ms. Baker indicated that the floating zone provides an opportunity for local elected officials to deliberate using unique criteria that set predictable standards for business applicants to adhere to, dependent upon their unique location in the rural area. Adjusting or eliminating certain criteria at this phase in the rezoning process does not allow for proper analysis of the effects upon the process as a whole. A public hearing was held on August 26, 2014 to obtain public comments. The County Commissioners directed Planning staff to review those public comments. As a result of that review, Planning staff is recommending remand of the proposed changes to the Planning Commission for further evaluation and consideration. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to remand the proposed changes to the Planning Commission for further evaluation, consideration and possible inclusion of public comments received. The motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Department of Business Development employees Linda Spence, Business Support Specialist, and Carmen Harbaugh, Administrative Assistant, in recognition of Economic Development Week observed October 28, 2014 YI ' Page 3 October 26-31, 2014. Ms. Spence announced that the Commissioners had visited 100 local businesses since the inception of the business outreach program. She also described the "Love My Business" campaign that involved the mailing of 7,000 cling -type logos to businesses for display and the chance to receive prizes this week from a County prize patrol. The Commissioners thanked staff for their support of economic development endeavors in Washington County. CONTRACT AWARD — PEOPLESOFT CONSULTANT SERVICES REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Ron Whitt, Information Technology Director, presented a recommendation to award the PeopleSoft Consultant Services Requirements Primary Contract (PUR-1254) to the responsive, responsible proposer, The WaterStreet Group, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, for $294,612.50 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed); and as permitted in the Request for Proposals, a "standby list" of consultants at their specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed) as follows, contingent upon registration by the Hypergen, Inc. with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation as a foreign corporation, and being in good standing: 1) Hypergen, Inc. of Roanoke, Virginia, 2) Metaformers, Inc. of McLean, Virginia, 3) ERP Analysts, Inc. of Dublin, Ohio, and 4) Cherry Road Technologies, Inc. of Morris Plains, New Jersey. Ms. Luther indicated that the County spent approximately $161,000 last year under the current contract. The bid threshold amount is $50,000, at which time the other consultants would be included in the bidding process. She noted a I% decrease in costs from the prior contract. The "as -needed" contract is for two years with an option by the County to renew for up to three additional one-year periods. Mr. Whitt described plans to upgrade the County's PeopleSoft program and implement position management and time management programs in the Division of Budget and Finance. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Callaham, seconded by Barr, moved to award the PeopleSoft Consultant Services Requirements Primary Contract to the responsive, responsible proposer, The WaterStreet Group, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, for $294,612.50 at the specified unit costs and estimated hours as presented and as written in the Commissioners' Agenda Report. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 1:55 p.m. to attend the grand opening of the "Target Maryland" exhibit at Discovery Station, 101 West Washington Street, Hagerstown. LATE AFTERNOON SESSION President Terry L. Baker called the late afternoon session to order at 3:06 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. October 28, 2014 Page 4 YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — OCTOBER 2014 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to students selected by the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM) to receive October 2014 Youth Meritorious Awards: Boonsboro High School student Frank Liao, son of Weidong Liao and Mei Chen, and Smithsburg High School student Michael Robinette, son of Joseph and Nancy Robinette. Both students 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. HAGERSTOWN-WASHINGTON COUNTY FOREIGN TRADE ZONE #255 ZONE SCHEDULE Kendall McPeak, Assistant County Attorney, and Linda Spence, Business Support Specialist/FTZ Co -Administrator, Department of Business Development, discussed revisions to the Washington County Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #255 Zone Schedule and the acquisition of property owner agreements. Ms. Spence advised that Robert Mandley, Business Development Specialist, has agreed to serve as the FTZ #255 Administrator and she as Co -Administrator. She indicated that the current document is consistent with federal laws and regulations governing the FTZ #255's operations. Proposed changes include updates to references of applicable and current sections of the Code of Federal Regulations; modification of federal agencies' official names responsible for foreign trade zone oversight, inclusion of definitions for Zone Administrator and Co -Zone Administrator, updates to fees charged by the FTZ Board, and elimination of the County's administrative fees charged grantees. The most significant change pertains to fees charged by the County to operators; the first time application fee of $5,000 plus annual fees are proposed to be eliminated. The Commissioners discussed the recommended proposal. Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to adopt the recommended changes to Foreign Trade Zone #255 Zone Schedule as presented. The motion passed unanimously. WASHINGTON COUNTY STAFF RECOGNITIONS The County Commissioners recognized the following group of County employees that were nominated by a County citizen, organization, or Division Director for excellent public service: Parks and Facilities - John Pennesi, Ernest Reese, Jeff Weller, Terry Golden, and Danny Hixon Information Technologv - Ron Whitt, Doug Oliver, and Damien Reisch Enaineerina and Construction Management - Rob Slocum and Brennan Garrett Plan Review and Permitting - Terry Irwin, Rich Upton, Rich Eichelberger, Rebecca Shank, Kathy Kroboth, Angela Smith, Julie Rice, Kathleen Lange, and Monica Lindsay Hagerstown Reaional Airoort - Phil Ridenour, Janet Moats, Pam Deal, Danny Shirley, John Keefauver, Peggy Siler, Terry Stouffer, Kim Anderson, Bobby Hoopengardner, Eric Powell, Jeannette Violet, and Gene Bolanowski Water Quality/Environmental Management - Dan DiVito, Brian Brandt, Craig Reid, Josh Bowman, Ben Harbaugh, Alex Dodson, Ryan Rowland, Vince Shank, and Julie Pippel October 28, 2014 Page 5 Emer2encv Services - Kevin Lewis, Amanda Leissler, Nathan Sauser, and Lindsay Wilkinson Sharpsburg Emerizencv Medical Services - Bobby Follin, Kelli Morgan, and Warren Miller Hi2hwav Department - Ed Plank and Doug Levine The Commissioners commended the employees and their supervisors for their excellent work ethic and service to the public. 2010-2014 WASHINGTON COUNTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Assistant County Administrator Sarah Sprecher introduced a presentation by County staff of the many accomplishments made during the past four years by Washington County Government. She noted the County's upgraded bond rating to AA+ from rating agency Standard and Poors and the current unemployment rate of 6.7%, down from 7.7% in August. Several highlights presented by Department and Division Directors were as follows: Hijahwav Department - Colonial Park Roundabout, South County Communication Tower, and Keedysville Fueling Site Parks and Facilities - $2.5 Million Program Open Space Projects, Rehabilitation of Devil's Backbone Dam, and Installation of Disc Golf Course at Regional Park Transit - 100% Increase in Ridership, Opening of Transit Transfer Center, and Implementation of Electronic Fare Tickets and Passes Hagerstown Regional Airport - Rider Jet Center Office Complex that Houses Sierra Nevada Corporation, New Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Facility, and Expanded Passenger Terminal and Baggage Handling System/Allegiant Air Service Success Enaineerin4 and Construction Manaizement - 54 Completed Capital Improvement Program Projects, Washington County Public Schools Project Support, Central Library New Construction, and Issuance of 20,422 Permits Plannin4 and Zoning - 36 Properties Under Easements Using Grant Funding, Streamlining of Policies and Procedures for Development Plan Approvals, and Adoption of Comprehensive Urban Growth Area Zoning Map and Text Amendments Environmental Management - Waste to Renewable Energy Project, Solar Project Installation on County Landfill Locations, and Stormwater Stenciling Project/Stream Restoration Program Emerizencv Services - Relocation of the Backup 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, Approval of Multiple Grant Awards for Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Resolution Establishing Standards for Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Companies Budget and Finance - Maintaining Low Debt Service, Redemption of 2006 Airport Runway Extension Project Bonds Saving $4.63 Million in Future Interest Expense, and Award of Rating Agency Upgrades Information Technolo2v - Completion of Broadband Impact and Assessment Study, Implementation of Detention Center Video Visitation and Medical Records Systems, and Completion of Major Administrative Software System Enhancements October 28, 2014 Page 6 Health and Human Services - Move Toward a Paperless Office, Enhancement of the County's Defined Retirement Option Plans, and Implementation of PeopleSoft Open Enrollment The Commissioners credited staff for the accomplishments and thanked them for supporting the Commissioners' initiatives. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:13 p.m. EVENING MEETING — MAUGANSVILLE RURITAN CLUB The evening session of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held at the Maugansville Ruritan Club, 18007 Maugans Avenue, Maugansville. 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 meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. 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 — OCTOBER 21, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of October 21, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner McKinley recognized citizens who turned out for the meeting. He thanked staff for the informative reports on 2010-14 accomplishments presented during the Commissioners' afternoon meeting. Commissioner Barr attended the business outreach visit to Pittman's Market in Hancock. He attended the Hagerstown Regional Airport Commission meeting and noted that Allegiant flights to Florida have resumed at the local airport. Mr. Barr described exhibits at the Agricultural Education Center in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Maryland Extension Service program. Commissioner Cline attended the business visit to Pittman's Market. He attended the Ag Expo & Fair meeting where increased attendance was reported for this summer's event. He rode in the Alsatia Mummers Parade with his fellow Commissioners. Mr. Cline attended the retirement party for June Benchoff who served as a crossing guard for 57 years. He congratulated Maugansville Ruritan members for their successful pancake breakfasts. October 28, 2014 Page 7 Commissioner Callaham stressed the importance of voting in the upcoming election. She recognized County staff for their accomplishments during the past four years and support of the Commissioners' initiatives. Commissioner Baker thanked the Ruritan Club for hosting the evening meeting. He participated in last week's County Commissioner candidate forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Baker attended the 100 -year anniversary celebration of the Maryland Extension Service and participated in the Alsatia Mummers Parade. He enjoyed volunteering at the recent Ruritan Club pancake breakfast. Commissioner Baker congratulated club member Karl Pile for 57 years of membership. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Martin Lumm, Hagerstown, noted several events planned by the Ruritan Club. He requested the status of the planned Community Rescue Service (CRS) building on Crayton Boulevard. Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, responded that building permits from CRS have not yet been submitted. Karl and Pat Pile, Hagerstown, noted their 601h wedding anniversary. Robert Walton, Maugansville, requested assistance with needed repairs for the local tennis courts estimated to cost $30,000-$40,000. Nat Webb, Shinham Road, Hagerstown, commented on vehicle speeds on Shinham Road. Duane Arch, Maugansville, requested the status of planned road improvements to the area at Hub Labels. Rob Slocum responded that the Maryland Department of Transportation is now involved in the process to acquire necessary property at the Interstate 81/Maugans Avenue area. OTHER BUSINESS Countv Clerk — Appointments to Countv Boards/Commissions Public Golf Corporation Board Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to reappoint Richard Reichenbaugh to the Public Golf Corporation Board to serve a second, three-year term through December 31, 2017; appoint Paul Crampton, III to serve a first, three-year term from December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2017; and appoint Matthew Dick to serve a first, three term from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. County Administrator Sheriff s Department — Emolovee Agreement with Chief Deputy County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the proposal from Sheriff Doug Mullendore to appoint Randy Wilkinson his Chief Deputy as of November 1, 2014. Mr. Wilkinson October 28, 2014 Page 8 currently serves as Chief Deputy but officially retires from County employment as of October 31, 2014. Mr. Murray requested approval of an employee agreement developed between the parties. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the employee agreement with Randy Wilkinson as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Health and Human Services — Personnel Reauests Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to advertise and fill three budgeted, full-time positions, as follows: (1) Grade 6, Maintenance Worker in the Parks and Facilities Department due to a retirement, (1) Grade 10, Systems Mechanic II at Water Quality due to a transfer, (1) Grade 6, Transit Bus Operator, due to a retirement. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the personnel requests as presented. The motion passed unanimously. En2ineerin2 and Construction Management — Personnel Requests Rob Slocum, Director, Engineering and Construction Management, presented the proposal to hire the following individuals for three full-time, budgeted positions in the Division of Engineering and Construction Management, as follows: 1) Grade 15, Step 1, Civil Engineer - Mark Mishler, 2) Grade 14, Step 1, Real Property Administrator - Susan Small, and 3) Grade 14, Step 1, Plan Reviewer — Rebecca Calimer. Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve hiring the recommended individuals as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Public Relations and Community Affairs Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator, introduced Public Relations Manager James Jenkins and Marketing Specialist Tabitha Porterfield who staffed a table containing County marketing materials. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gr&gory B. i' array, Cott Ly Administrator 1 John M. Martirano, Co my At ey �Z,k._� (2, =.- Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk