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HomeMy WebLinkAbout910129 January 29, l99l Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President, Richard E. Roulette, with the following members present: Vice President Ronald L. Bowers and Commissioners Linda C. Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank and Gregory I. Snook. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Dottie Shinham, Administrative Secretary in the Engineering Department, led the assemblage in The Lord's Prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 15 & 16, 1991 Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to approve the minutes of January l5 and l6, l99l, as submitted. Unanimously approved. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Irvin-Craig reported on the Historic Advisory Committee meeting; Commissioner Bowers reported on the Social Services Board meeting; Commissioner Snook reported on the United Way meeting and the seminar on child abuse sponsored by the Exchange Club; Commissioner Shank reported on the Mental Health Advisory Board meeting, the Mental Health Authority meeting and the Parks Board meeting; and Commissioner Roulette reported on the Association for Retarded Citizens Board meeting, the Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting and the Goodwill Board of Directors meeting. REQUEST FOR VEHICLES - SHERIFF CHARLES MADES Sheriff Charles Mades met with the Commissioners to request authorization to replace five cruisers which have excessive mileage and are over five years old. Sheriff Mades informed the Commissioners that the County can purchase these vehicles under the State's contract with Bob Bell Chevrolet for the purchase price of $l2,909 per unit. He explained that the order would be placed in February, but delivery would be made after July l and paid from the FY l992 budget. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to authorize the Sheriff's Department to purchase five cruisers under the State contract price of $l2,909 per unit, with the stipulation that delivery and invoicing occur after July l, l99l. Unanimously approved. FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD - REVISED GUIDELINES Ronald Karn, Chief, Fire & Rescue Communications, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed changes in the Fire & Rescue Advisory Board guidelines. Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve the revised guidelines for the Fire & Rescue Advisory Board as presented. Unanimously approved. SCHEDULED MEETING WITH DELEGATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a meeting has been scheduled with the Delegation for 3:00 p.m. in Annapolis on February ll. APPOINTMENT - ADVISORY BOARD OF HEALTH Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Bowers, to appoint Kristin Grosh to the Advisory Board of Health. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT - HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to appoint Gerald Ditto to the Historic District Commission for a three year term. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF REDUCTION IN FORCE POLICY Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Snook, to adopt the policy entitled Reduction in Force as part of the County's Personnel Policy, as presented. Unanimously approved. (Copy of policy attached.) BANK ACCOUNTS - REHAB PROGRAM Barry Teach, Administrator, reviewed correspondence from Richard Willson, Director, Housing & Community Development, requesting a consolidation of seven bank accounts used for the Rehab Program into three accounts. Commissioner Shank raised concerns regarding the large balance required by one of the accounts, and the Commissioners asked for additional information before taking formal action on this request. SLUDGE UTILIZATION PERMIT - FREDERICK COUNTY Mr. Teach informed the Commissioners that he has received notification from the Department of the Environment that a property owner in Frederick County has applied for a permit for land application of sludge and, the Commissioners are given the opportunity to request a public hearing if they so desire since the property is located within one mile of Washington County. The Commissioners decided not to request a hearing. JANUARY 29, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. PROGRESS REPORT - CHILDREN & YOUTH COORDINATOR Kristin Grosh, Children & Youth Coordinator, and Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizens Services, appeared before the Commissioners to present a progress report. Ms. Grosh reported that she has completed the Child Care Survey for County employees, she assisted the League of Women Voters with their Child Care Directory and is currently working on a survey of County-wide programs dealing with children and youth and to determine what services are being provided by church organizations. The Commissioners made several suggestions and thanked Ms. Grosh for doing an excellent job. At this time, Libby Earley, representing the League of Women Voters, presented the Commissioners with the new Child Care Directory they have compiled. SIX MONTH STATUS REPORT - CURRENT YEAR BUDGET James Young, Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to discuss the status of this fiscal year's budget. Mr. Young stated that, as of December 3l, l990, the General Fund budget was in very good shape and the first distribution of income tax on November 30 was 7.6% above the preceding year and recordation tax through December 3l was $l,l87,000. During the second half of the year Mr. Young projected that property taxes would be $300,000 over budget and income tax revenue under budget by $6l5,500. Mr. Young also reviewed departmental budgets for the first half of the year. He indicated that the second quarter distribution will be critical and felt that in a worst-case scenario, there could possibly be a deficit of $56,000 in the General Fund budget. Barry Teach, suggested to the Commissioners that any expenditure for capital outlay or travel between now and the next income tax distribution, be approved by he and/or James Young in advance. He also suggested that if the next income tax distribution is in the "worst case" that a freeze be placed on hiring for the remainder of the fiscal year, except for positions which must be filled with overtime wages. Mr. Young stated that he feels the County will end the year with a balanced budget if these measures are taken. BID OPENING - FIRE & RESCUE INSURANCE PACKAGE Bids for the Fire & Rescue insurance package were publicly opened and read aloud. The following firms and their proposals were as follows: Rob Cochran Insurance Agency - Total premium - $252,029 with a separate policy for oil and machinery of $9,765; Stine, Davis & Peck - Total Premium - $232,809 with a separate policy for oil and machinery of $l3,392; and Wright-Gardner Insurance - Total Premium - $378,243, including oil and machinery. The bids will be reviewed by appropriate officials prior to a decision being rendered. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION There was no one in attendance who wished to speak at this time. REHAB BANK ACCOUNTS Richard Willson, Director, Housing & Community Development, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the consolidation of rehab bank accounts. Commissioner Shank expressed his concerns regarding the amount of funds in the account. Mr. Willson explained the restrictions on the use of the program. Commissioner Roulette suggested that they investigate regulations to see if it is possible to co-mingle these funds with the County's General Funds. Mr. Willson agreed to check into the possibility. WESTERN MARYLAND RAILROAD TRAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he has received correspondence from Secretary Torrey Brown of the Department of Natural Resources who is requesting that the Commissioners submit names of individuals who may be interested in serving on the Western Maryland Railroad Trail Advisory Committee which is now being formed. The Commissioners felt that the Towns of Clear Spring and Hancock may know individuals who are interested in serving. VIOLATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE - STORAGE OF TRAILERS The Commissioners discussed the violation of the Zoning Ordinance by Mr. Hilton Smith who has had a great number of truck trailers parked on property which is not zoned for this use. Mr. Teach stated that Hilton Smith was sent correspondence informing him that he was in violation and giving him 30 days to remove the trailers from the property. The Commissioners directed Ralph France, County Attorney, to enforce the Ordinance and file an injunction if necessary. The Commissioners also discussed the possibility of raising the maximum penalty rate of $l00 per day in the Zoning Ordinance. JANUARY 29, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. CHILD CARE CENTER PROJECT - HAGERSTOWN JUNIOR COLLEGE Barry Teach, Administrator, provided information to the Commissioners regarding the operation, size, administration, etc., of the proposed Child Care Center to be constructed at Hagerstown Junior College. Mr. Teach noted that they are projecting a deficit of $8,000 for the first year of operation, which he feels may be optimistic since they are basing this projection on weekly rates of $85-95 . The Commissioners also felt that these rates were unaffordable and asked that a program be developed for financing and income which is more realistic. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at l2:l5 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at l2:45 p.m. by President Richard E. Roulette, with the following members present: Vice President Ronald L. Bowers and Commissioners Linda C. Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank, and Gregory I. Snook. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to convene in Executive Session at l2:50 p.m. in regard to personnel and property matters and to confer with the County Attorney, in accordance with Section l0.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to reconvene in Regular Session at 2:00 p.m. MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with Board of Education members, Janice Cirincione, Kenneth Grove, Boyd Michael and B. Marie Byers. Also present were Dr. Wayne Gersen, Superintendent of Schools, Wayne Stouffer, Director of Finance and Budget and Thomas Downs. Dr. Gersen informed the Commissioners that the Interagency Committee (IAC) has recommended deferral of the North Hagerstown High School project. Dr. Gersen reviewed the proposed revised Capital Improvements Projects budget for Fiscal Years l990-l99l and the proposed projects for l992-l997. Mrs. Cirincione acknowledged that the Commissioners have appropriated $5 million per year for capital projects for l99l through l995, but asked if this could be extended to l996 and l997. The Commissioners agreed that they could not extend this commitment beyond l995 at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the revised Capital Improvements Projects Budget for Fiscal Year l990-9l as presented by the Board of Education. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve the revised Fiscal Year l990-9l Operating Budget for the Board of Education as presented. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of initiating a committee to provide specific, detailed review and involvement with construction plans and design prior to bidding to make sure they are as cost effective as possible. The Board of Education members and the Commissioners agreed to formation of such a committee and will solicit names of people with appropriate expertise to serve. Mr. Edward Reushling, expressed concerns regarding the priority of academic space needs at Smithsburg High School. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convene in Executive Session at 3:40 p.m. in regard to personnel and property matters and to confer with the County Attorney, in accordance with Section l0.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to reconvene in Regular Session at 5:04 p.m. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 29, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. EMPLOY - SUMMER SWIMMING POOL STAFF Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to employ the following persons at the Martin L. Snook Memorial Park swimming pool for the summer season: Scott Bossler, Head Lifeguard - $6.25/hr.; Kenneth Carbaugh, Jeffery Dill, Stacey Henson, and Tracy Phillipson as Lifeguards at $4.75/hr; Lisa Grove, Bret Mower, and Timmy Weaver as Lifeguards at $5.00/hr.; Scott Mower as Lifeguard at $5.25/hr.; and Paul Hartman and Kevin Smith as Cashiers at $4.50/hr. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT - PLUMBING BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to reappoint Richard Long to the Plumbing Board for a one year term. Unanimously approved. EMPLOY - PART-TIME CUSTODIAN Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to employ Ricky Kline as a Part-Time Custodian to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY - REVISION OF MEETING TIME Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to appoint Cathy Wantz as Chairperson of the Animal Control Authority for the specified two-year term and to to hold a public hearing in order to amend the Ordinance to specify that they meet once a month as opposed to twice a month. Unanimously approved. CORRESPONDENCE - 2020 COMMISSION, AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION, AFSCME LEGISLATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR LEGISLATION The Commissioners agreed to draft correspondence to the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly opposing the recommendations made by the 2020 Commission. They also agreed to send correspondence asking that limited cuts be made in the Agricultural Preservation program to allow for purchase of approved State easements, and to inform the Delegation that they do not object to the legislation sponsored by AFSCME as long as it is purely enabling and does not affect the Commissioners' decision making authority. Regarding the legislation on appointment of the local directors of the Department of Social Services, the Commissioners felt there was no need for correspondence at this time since there will be a letter sent from the Washington County Board of Social Services. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:l2 p.m., to be reconvened at 7:00 p.m. at the Clear Spring Town Hall. EVENING SESSION - TAX DIFFERENTIAL MEETING The Evening Session was convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Clear Spring Town Hall by the President, Richard E. Roulette, with the following Commissioners present: Linda C. Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank and Gregory I. Snook. Also in attendance were Betty Shank, Mayor of Clear Spring and Gary Grove, Vice Mayor; James Myers, Mayor of Hancock, and Town Councilmembers Sally Fost, Gerald Shaw, J. Theodore Wolford and John Shepard. Tax Differential Barry Teach, County Administrator, stated that pursuant to Article 8l of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax differential or payment-in-lieu of taxes program. He informed Clear Spring officials that they will receive the base payment of $2,000 since they do not provide for parks, highways or police protection services on which the formula is based. Mr. Teach stated that the Town of Hancock will receive approximately $32,760, but this amount is subject to audit of actual expenditures. Hancock officials thanked the Commissioners for their commitment on the industrial park and provided information about plans for the new senior citizens center to be constructed. Betty Shank, Mayor of Clear Spring, stated that the Town is still interested in construction of a complex to include senior citizens housing, a senior citizens center and library. She informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Free Library performed a consultant study and is recommending interim services. The Commissioners and Town officials discussed finding an appropriate site for the proposed complex and stated that, although they have negotiated with a property owner for a site, it may be desirable to look at alternate sites as well. Leila Vance, representing the Clear Spring Senior Citizens Club, reiterated the need for a library and senior citizens complex. Mayor Shank informed the Commissioners that the Town has voted to begin a growth management study to analyze "what they are" but not necessarily to designate a growth area. Mayor Shank also inquired as to contracting services for zoning and building inspection from the County and snow removal in the alleys. Mr. Teach informed her that the Town has a standing offer to contract with the County regarding these JANUARY 29, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. services. Regarding snow removal, Mr. Wolford, County Roads Department Superintendent, stated that he would have to see if their trucks could pass through the alleyways before agreeing to do this for the Town. Also discussed was sludge removal regulations and FOCUS, Inc. Mayor Shank suggested that the Commissioners and all county municipal officials hold a summit once or twice a year to discuss common issues and possible ways to share resources. The Commissioners felt this was a good idea and suggested scheduling this through the Municipal League. Several citizens of Clear Spring expressed the need for a library in town. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney Clerk