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HomeMy WebLinkAbout910212 February l2, l99l Hagerstown, Maryland 2l740 The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County met with Secretary J. Randall Evans, Department of Economic & Employment Development, at 8:00 a.m. in the second floor conference room. Also present were Economic Development Commission members Terry Randall, Howard Bowen, Steven West, Lois Harrison, James Holzapfel and Malcolm Davis. EDC Targeting/Marketing Study EDC President Terry Randall informed Secretary Evans of the targeting/marketing study which the EDC has undertaken to provide an indexed profile of the types of businesses which may be interested in locating in the Washington County area. Mr. Randall also noted that the study will develop a matrix of the type of industry meeting the profile and identify specific companies. Secretary Evans advised that the State is trying to develop a self-assessment project that the County could utilize in working with the private sector. Gateway Enterprise Zone Leroy Burtner, Director of the Washington County EDC, informed Secretary Evans that the Historical Trust has cleared the application for the Gateway Enterprise Zone and the application is now complete. Also discussed were the City of Hagerstown's plans to annex this site in the future, and the Commissioners reiterated that the County supports this annexation. Secretary Evans stated that DEED would like to see the County have an agreement with the developer for development of the property and written confirmation that the County and City are in agreement with this proposal. State Participation - Intersection Improvements to Rt. 40 and l44 Barry Teach, County Administrator, explained that part of the package with regard to the Gateway Enterprise Zone project is the extension of Western Maryland Parkway which serves the Industrial Park just south of this location. He said that the County has an informal agreement that the City will provide $l00,000 toward the extension, the County will provide $200,000, and the State has committed to $300,000, with the developer providing the right-of-way necessary and possibly additional funding. Mr. Teach said that it is necessary that this roadway be constructed if the project is to proceed and also to remove truck traffic from the residential streets in Hagerstown as promised. He also noted that without State participation it is unlikely that the City and County could proceed. Secretary Evans promised to get back to them with an answer about the State's participation. PATS Grant Mr. Teach explained the status of application for the PATS grant. Secretary Evans said he did not anticipate any problems with approval of this grant. Treatment Facility at MCI - 20l Facilities Plan Lynn Palmer, Executive Director of the Sanitary Commission, informed Secretary Evans that the State and County entered into an agreement through the County's 20l Plan, for a commitment to allocate 70,000 gallons of capacity to be maintained for the St. James service area. Mr. Palmer stated that, although this allocation will not take care of the existing needs due to the physical restraints, he feels the plant could be expanded to handle the additional area which would be less expensive than building a new facility and also environmentally sound. Airport - Runway Extension Leigh Sprowls, Airport Manager, presented three options for extension of a runway at the Regional Airport. It was Mr. Sprowls' opinion, that the third option, which would be to extend the runway 400', would be the most feasible. The new director of the Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that he will consider this option. Mr. Sprowls stated that many letters of support have been submitted to justify the need for the extension. Secretary Evans indicated that he would try to get a letter of support from Governor Schaefer. Health Department Expansion The Commissioners also discussed the Health Department expansion project and informed Secretary Evans that the County is providing a commitment of up to $3.5 million for this, but an additional $l-2 million is needed to complete the facility. The Commissioners felt that the project should be given a higher priority from the State since funding has been allocated by the County and it would also be more efficient to have all programs located in one area and save money now spent in leasing space. FEBRUARY 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. Agricultural Land Preservation Program Eric Seifarth, Associate Planner - Agriculture, reported on the County's concerns that the State has proposed a $l7 million cut in funding from the Agricultural Land Preservation Program. The County has taken applications for l5,000 acres for establishment of agricultural land preservation districts and has 32 applications for easements. Mr. Seifarth questioned that if the County purchases easements with their portion of the 60/40 match, with the cuts made by the State, will the County receive a credit for next year. He also asked if the County would lose the funds which the State holds for a three year period, if it is not spent because of budget cuts. Maryland 2020 Commission Plan (Recommendations) Commissioner Roulette stated that the County has done much the 2020 Commission Plan says the County should be doing and has no problem with the concept, but he feels the difficulty is that the proposed legislation goes beyond the concept and deals with mechanics. James Brittain, Executive Director of the Planning Commission, presented the impact of the proposed legislation on the County. Secretary Evans agreed to have someone knowledgeable about the 2020 legislation visit with County officials. The meeting was recessed at 9:50 a.m. The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was called to order at l0:00 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 The Invocation was delivered by Irene Shives, Copy/Mail Room Clerk, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENTS - SMITHSBURG/LEITERSBURG PIKE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the right-of-way agreements for future widening of the Smithsburg/Leitersburg Pike, as follows: Gary & Norma Happel for 2.806 acres, Plat L784/f754; Robert & Darlene Householder, L794/fl064; Harold & Doris Leer - L926/fl03; Ivan & Sharon Williams - L777/fll; William Schelling - L624/f8l8; Richard & Susan Hefflebower - L79l/f549; Douglas and Judith Phelps - L8l7/f296; and Wilson Claudy - L/6l3/f485. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve two Option Agreements for the Smithsburg/Leitersburg Pike for 9,6l9 sq. ft. in Fee Simple and 7,552' in Revertible Easement with Dr. Ray Johns in the amount of $2,900; and Robert Eshelman for 5,860 sq. ft. in Fee Simple for $l,700. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICTS The Commissioners convened at l0:30 a.m. in order to consider applications for establishment of Agricultural Land Preservation Districts. Eric Seifarth, Associate Planner - Agriculture, reviewed each of the applications with the Board and stated that the applications have been approved by the Advisory Board and found by the Planning Commission to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. No public testimony was given for any of the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve applications AD-90-53, AD-90-54, and AD-90-55, submitted by Elmer Stone, for establishment of Agricultural Land Preservation Districts. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve application AD- 90-60, submitted by Charles Lohman, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve Application AD- 90-62, submitted by Larry and Paul Loudenslager for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve application AD-90-63, submitted by Mary and Marvin Martin, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. FEBRUARY 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Irvin-Craig reported on the Historic District Commission meeting, the Historical Trust meeting, the Transportation Commission meeting, Crimesolvers, and the Homelessness Task Force meeting; Commissioner Snook reported on the Health Planning Agency meeting and the Recreation Commission meeting. VISIT FROM CONGRESSWOMAN BYRON Congresswoman Beverly Byron visited with the Commissioners to discuss their concerns and requests. The Commissioners discussed the possible cuts to the Agricultural Land Preservation Program at the State level, the runway extension proposed for the Airport, the importance to Washington County that current levels of funding being maintained for the Community Development Block Grant program, and homeless services. The Commissioners also inquired as to the status of the Antietam Battlefield Advisory Council which they recommended be created to allow local residents to work with the National Park Service on issues that affect the local community. Also discussed was the opening of the Conococheague Water Treatment Plant, the Americans with Disabilities Act, elderly housing projects and escalating health care costs. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Elizabeth Graff, representing the Washington County Historical Society, and Tracy DeMeritt spoke to the Commissioners regarding the Fox Deceived property, located within the Hagerstown City limits, which is scheduled for demolition by developers of the property. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to contact the Mayor and Council of the City of Hagerstown to encourage them to seek other alternatives and to negotiate with the developers to save the historic Fox Deceived property and also to address the timeliness of the demolition permit, issued by the City. Unanimously approved. Charles Cunningham spoke to the Commissioners on a variety of concerns. DISABLED CITIZENS COORDINATOR - STATUS REPORT Cindy Mease, Disabled Citizens Coordinator, and Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizens Services, appeared before the Commissioners to provide a status report. Ms. Mease gave a brief review of her job and stated that she provides information and referral services to the community on programs, services, products, equipment and legislation. She also coordinates services for people with disabilities, serves as an accessibility consultant, provides community education services, sign language interpretation, and helps to implement and monitor compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Mease distributed information regarding various committees on which she serves and her continuing and current projects and goals. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at l2:40 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at l:l5 p.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. FOUR COUNTY SOLID WASTE STUDY Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, met with the Commissioners to review the Executive Summary of the Four County Solid Waste Study which will be presented in its entirety on March 4. Mr. Davenport informed the Commissioners that the Committee was formed to plan for the expansion or replacement of existing landfills and developing new waste management strategies for the future. The Executive Summary presents highlights and overall findings of the study, which consists of the following tasks: l) Waste Stream Assessment and Existing Systems Review; 2) Energy and Materials Marketing Survey; 3) Projected Opportunities and Technology Considerations; 4) Legal and Financial Review; 5) Environmental Requirements; and 6) Economic and Institutional Analysis. The study identifies l5 different systems that could possibly be used and the Committee narrowed it down to 8. Mr. Davenport felt that a material resource recovery facility, a yard waste composting program and refuse derived fuel use would be possibilities for the County to consider. SCHEDULE FOR INFORMATION MEETING - RECLAMATION LANDFILL The Commissioners agreed to schedule the information meeting for the reclamation landfill for March l9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Williamsport Town Hall. FEBRUARY 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 29, 1991 Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve the minutes of January 29, l99l, as submitted. Unanimously approved. HARWOOD ROAD - REQUEST TO PURCHASE COUNTY PROPERTY Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he received a request from a property owner to purchase a 60' x 250' parcel of land owned by the County on Harwood Road. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to advertise the sale of a 60' x 250' parcel of land on Harwood Road by submittal of sealed bids. Unanimously approved. GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to commit up to $35,000 to the State's Gypsy Moth Spraying Program for Fiscal Year l99l-92 for the spraying of 6,900 acres. Unanimously approved. BOARD OF EDUCATION - APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 1992 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM BUDGET Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Bowers, to approve the Capital Improvements Program budget for Fiscal Year l992 as submitted by the Board of Education in the amount of $5,942,000. Unanimously approved. RECOMMENDATIONS - BUILDINGS INSPECTORS MEETING Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners of recommendations made by County Inspectors. He reported that they would like to see homeowners pass a short plumbing test on basic knowledge to determine if they should be issued a homeowners plumbing permit. Mr. Teach explained that they feel too much of their time is being spent on call-back visits and that homeowners are abusing the privilege by having unlicensed plumbers perform the work. Commissioner Shank asked to see the number of homeowners plumbing permits issued and the number of call back visits the inspectors make for this. He also suggested increasing the price for call back visits. Mr. Teach explained that the inspectors would also like to have the authority to issue civil citations for violations of codes. Commissioner Roulette suggested that they have the inspectors scheduled for a regular meeting to more fully explain these recommendations. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convene in Executive Session at 2:30 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 4:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. LINE ITEM TRANSFER - PARKS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the line item transfer requested by the Parks Department to transfer $550 to Contracted Services - Printing and Advertising (0l-5-l80l-521-000) and $l6,500 from Capital Outlay - Land (0l-5-l80l-580-000) to Capital Outlay - Machinery and Equipment (0l- 5-l80l-682-000), to cover the purchase of a utility tractor. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed the meeting at 4:50 p.m. to be reconvened at the Boonsboro Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TOWN OF BOONSBORO The Evening Session was convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Boonsboro Town Hall with the following members present: President Richard E. Roulette, and Commissioners Linda C. Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank, and Gregory I. Snook. Also present were Boonsboro Town officials, Charles "Skip" Kauffman, Mayor, and Councilmen Richard Gross, Kevin Chambers, Eldon Jones and Howard Long. Tax Differential Barry Teach, Administrator, stated that pursuant to Article 8l, Section 32 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners must meet annually with elected officials of each municipality to discuss the tax differential or payment in lieu of taxes program. Mr. Teach stated that during the present fiscal year, FEBRUARY 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. Boonsboro's payment was $32,002 and it is estimated that it will be $4l,372 in Fiscal Year l99l-92, but this amount will be adjusted after the County's yearly audit. Program Open Space Monies Mayor Kauffman questioned when they will receive the Program Open Space funding for the Charles House since it has been determined by the State that it is an eligible project. Mr. Teach stated that he will talk to the Parks Administrator about this and contact the Town Administrator. Commissioner Roulette suggested that the County may look at the possibility of forward funding this project with POS monies to be repaid directly to the County. Center Street Survey Mayor Kauffman asked the Commissioners about the ownership of Center Street, where the County's elderly housing project will be located. Ralph France, County Attorney, answered that he has researched this and has found a plat dated in the l960's showing that the Town owns part and the County owns part of Center Street but they could not determine from the plat who owns which part. Mr. France stated that they are now doing a title search and have advertised for a survey in order to convey the necessary deeds. Other items discussed were the possibility of extending bus service to the elderly housing project when completed, the income tax distribution, enforcement of the County Livability Code, status of a roving County Planner, the King Road Bridge project, and the possibility of the Town hiring a County Deputy for patrol. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk