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HomeMy WebLinkAbout910312 March l2, l99l Hagerstown, Maryland 2l740 The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 9:30 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 Gary Rohrer, Chief, Planning and Codes Administration, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. OPTION AGREEMENTS - LEITERSBURG/SMITHSBURG ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to accept the following Option Agreements for Leitersburg/Smithsburg Road: BBH Development Corporation - dedication of 7,377 sq. ft. of right-of-way for no monetary consideration; Smithsburg Development Corp., Inc. - l0,728 sq. ft. conveyed in fee simple for no monetary consideration and 2,5l2 sq. ft. in Revertible Easement; Amos & Ada Showalter - 3,678 sq. ft. for $925; Joseph & Cheryl Dietrich - 232 sq. ft. of right-of-way dedicated for no monetary consideration; Peter & Denise Schoen - dedication of 23l sq. ft. of right-of-way for no monetary consideration; and James and Mary Dick - 8,3l9 sq. ft. of right-of-way for no monetary consideration. Unanimously approved. HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve submission of an application to the State for a Housing Preservation Grant in the amount of $ll0,000 to rehab approximately 22 housing units with health and safety hazards. Unanimously approved. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Irvin-Craig reported on the Washington County Historic Trust meeting and the Task Force on Homelessness meeting; Commissioner Snook reported on the Plumbing Board meeting; Commissioner Roulette advised the Commissioners of a seminar of the Task Force for Western Maryland to be held on Thursday and Friday to discuss the completion of the New National Pike. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 26, l99l Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the minutes of February 26, l99l, as submitted. Unanimously approved. CONNECTOR ROAD - ANTIETAM DRIVE The Commissioners discussed the closing of the connector road at Antietam Drive and directed Ralph France, County Attorney, to research the agreement with CSX Railroad and the public hearing regarding the closing of the railroad crossing and report back to them. MARCH 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. BID OPENING - COURT HOUSE RENOVATIONS The bids for renovation of the Court House and Annex were publicly opened and read aloud. Firms participating in the bidding and their proposals were as follows: Antietam Construction - Base bid - $98l,000, Alt. l - $23,000, Alt. 2 - $2,300, Alt. 3 - $50,000 and Alt. 4 - $l7,000; Bronka Construction - Base bid $930,000, Alt. l - $25,000, Alt. 2 - $4,000, Alt. 3 - $52,000, and Alt. 4 - $l5,000; Bruchey Builders - Base bid $974,999, Alt. l - 2l,599, Alt. 2 - $l,976, Alt. 3 - l7,5ll, Alt. 4 - $20,923; Building Systems - Base bid - $939,000, Alt. l - $23,000, Alt. 2 - $l,000, Alt. 3 - $50,000 and Alt. 4 - $l6,000; Callas Contractors - Base bid $883,500, Alt. l - $l8,700, Alt. 2 - $l,725, Alt. 3 - $50,000, and Alt. 4 - $ll,400; Dustin Construction - Base bid $878,000, Alt. l - $22,000, Alt. 2 - $2,050, Alt. 3 - $50,000, and Alt. 4 - $l5,350; Morgan-Keller, Inc. - Base bid $849,000, Alt. l - $l9,800, Alt. 2 - $2,l00, Alt. 3 - $22,000 and Alt. 4 - $l5,800; Perini Construction - Base bid $926,700, Alt. l - $l8,400, Alt. 2 - $2,600, Alt. 3 - $l5,800 and Alt. 4 - $9,500; and Thurman Company - Base bid $938,033, Alt. l - $l9,l65, Alt. 2 - $l,460, Alt. 3 - $47,645 and Alt. 4 - $l4,383. The bids will be reviewed by appropriate officials prior to a decision being rendered. WOMEN'S FAIR l99l Donna Smith, President of the Commission for Women, and Nancy Strine, Chairperson for the Women's Fair, appeared before the Commissioners to invite them to the Women's Fair l99l, which is being held March l7 at the Hagerstown Junior College Athletic-Recreation-Community Center from 9:00 - 4:30. They also distributed brochures for the Fair. PUBLIC HEARING - MICRF LOAN APPLICATION - AIRPORT T-HANGARS The Commissioners convened in public hearing at l0:35 a.m. in order to consider the submission of an application for Maryland Industrial and Commercial Redevelopment Funds (MICRF) to fund construction of T-hangars at the Washington County Regional Airport. Neil Curran, Program Development Coordinator, and Leigh Sprowls, Airport Manager, appeared before the Commissioners to review the project and its financing. Mr. Curran explained that they are requesting $2 million to construct approximately l00 T-hangars and are estimating monthly rentals of the hangars to be $l50-$l80, which will help repay the loan. Mr. Curran also stated that the agreement would be for 25 years at 7.l% interest, although the County Attorney said in his discussions with the State they indicated the loan would be for l5 years at 6.7% interest. There was no one present to testify regarding the loan application. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Snook, to adopt a resolution approving the submission of an application for MICRF funds in the amount of $2 million for construction of additional T-hangars at the Airport, contingent upon review of the financing arrangements to determine which would be more advantageous for Washington County. Unanimously approved. FOOD RESOURCES PROGRAM - WILLIAM MILLS William Mills, President of the Food Resources Program Board of Directors, and Donald Trumbull, representing Board members, appeared before the Commissioners to provide information regarding the financial situation facing their Program and ask for their support. Mr. Mills explained that the Food Resources Program is a food bank warehouse which provides a resource for area charitable, non-profit organizations to obtain food at a reduced cost to support their feeding programs. He also noted that they receive two-thirds of the food from the Maryland Food Bank. Although the Community Action Council, using funds provided by the County Commissioners, has been assisting the Program and provided over $30,000 this year, they will be unable to continue due to funding cuts in their own budget. Mr. Trumbull stated that they are projecting a $7l,749 short-fall in next year's budget. He explained that they are trying to increase their donations from area food suppliers and also to become better known in the area which they feel will help increase donations from the community. They are also applying to the list of agencies which receive monies from the United Way. The Commissioners expressed support for their efforts and stated they feel Food Resources is a valuable program, but asked for additional information regarding grants they receive and financial statements. They also stated that they feel the funding problems can be solved and, although they contribute financially, they cannot fund their entire deficit. Mr. Mills thanked the Commissioners for their support and encouragement. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Ira Drury, representing property owners on Walnut Point Road, spoke to the Commissioners regarding the proposed road name change and also the safety problems at a nearby intersection. The Commissioners said they will discuss the issue of the road renaming with the Planning Commission but could make no guarantees, and agreed to address the intersection improvements needed. MARCH 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. RESTRUCTURING TAX SALES Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, and Charles Wagaman, Attorney for the Treasurer's office, met with the Commissioners to discuss recommendations on restructuring of tax sales in the County. Mr. Hershey informed the Commissioners that he has identified two ways to possibly reduce costs in his Department. He proposed to lower the amount of time the County currently allows tax accounts to be in arrears from 28 months to l8 months. He felt this could accelerate collection of taxes and increase departmental efficiency. Mr. Hershey also recommended that the County discuss the practice of mailing a receipt when tax bills are paid and allow the cancelled check to serve as the receipt. He estimated that this could save approximately $8,000 in postage and envelopes, however, a self-addressed, stamped envelope could be included if a property owner would like a receipt mailed to them. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Hershey for voluntarily looking for ways to cut costs and said they will review the suggestions. LINE ITEM TRANSFERS - PERMITS, PERSONNEL AND HOUSING Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to approve the following transactions: Housing & Community Development - increase the revenue projection by $7,000 and revise the budget line item 2l3-682-0l0 from $8,753 to $l5,753; Personnel Department - transfer $l5,000 from Account 0l-5-2600-598-020 (Property and Casualty Insurance) to Account 0l-5-0l5l-525-03 (Personnel Services - Consulting) to pay the fee associated with the second phase of BGS&G's consultant work; and Permits & Inspections - increase Account l23l-522-0l0 (Printing-Code Books) and Account 0l-4-0000-320-035 (Other) by $636 in order to purchase additional BOCA Code Books. Unanimously approved. TOUR - CONOCOCHEAGUE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT The Commissioners scheduled a tour of the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant for April l. EQUIPMENT - ROADS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to decline the request made by the Roads Department to purchase an additional bucket used for trimming with surplus funds since one bucket has already been purchased. Unanimously approved. APPLICATION FOR SLUDGE DISPOSAL - FREDERICK COUNTY The Commissioners declined to request a public hearing for comment on a Sewage Sludge Permit Application submitted to the Department of the Environment by Enviro- Gro Technologies since the land is located entirely in Frederick County. WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE SAVINGS - BOARD OF EDUCATION Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that as a result of the County's request, Corroon & Black, the County's Workers' Compensation insurance carrier, investigated the possibility of adding the Board of Education's workers compensation insurance onto the County's policy. They have estimated that $l20,000 could be saved by instituting this measure. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this with the Board of Education. BUDGETS - BOARD OF EDUCATION & HAGERSTOWN JUNIOR COLLEGE The Commissioners decided to request that the Board of Education and Hagerstown Junior College hold their budget requests until they have a clear understanding of the amount of State funding they will receive. RECESS - LUNCH The meeting was adjourned at l2:45 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at l:30 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 HANCOCK HOUSING PROJECT James Myers, Mayor of Hancock, and Councilmembers Sally Fost, John Shepherd, Gerald Shaw and Louis Close, along with Town Manager, Leona Sauser, met with the Commissioners to discuss a potential housing project for the elderly in Hancock. Also present were Neil Curran, Program Development Coordinator, Karen Hoff, Multi- family Housing Specialist of the Housing & Community Development staff, and Eric Rose, developer for the project. Mr. Rose provided a brief history of the project and information on how the units will be classified. Kurt Cushwa, architect for the project, reviewed drawings and MARCH 12, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. plans and stated that it will be a shared housing project with living facilities on two floors, l5 units will have 24 hour supervision. Karen Hoff stated that a Community Development Block Grant application is ready to be submitted and they are also utilizing ARC funding for the project. The project will be turned over to the Town of Hancock after l5 years with the purchase price fixed at the original cost. Mr. Rose stated that one "loose end" is the manner in which the monies will be guaranteed with Senior Living Alternatives and suggested the possibility of a sinking fund of $200,000 be provided by the County. The Commissioners discussed the project and indicated that they need to see more data but they do support the concept of the project. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to convene in Executive Session at 2:4l 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 Snook, seconded by Bowers, to reconvene in Regular Session at 4:l5 p.m. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Meeting was recessed at 4:l5 p.m. to be reconvened at the Keedysville Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TOWN OF KEEDYSVILLE The Evening Session was convened at 7:00 p.m. by the President, Richard E. Roulette, with the following Commissioners present: Linda C. Irvin-Craig, John S. Shank and Gregory I. Snook. Also present were Ralph Taylor, Jr., Mayor of Keedysville, Wayne Kephart, Assistant Mayor, and Councilmembers Harold Moore, Richard Sinnisen and Kenneth Brandenburg; Gerard Quinn, Mayor of Sharpsburg, and Councilmembers Edwin Palmer, Ronald Milburn, Richard Bean and Ralph Hammond. Tax Differential Barry Teach, Administrator, stated that pursuant to Article 8l, Section 53, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet at least annually with each municipality regarding a tax differential or payment in lieu of taxes program. He stated that the estimated payment for Sharpsburg this year is $3,l34 and for Keedysville, $2,l63, but these figures are subject to the audit. He also stated that the two municipalities apply this money toward the services of a County deputy for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Mayor Quinn and Mayor Taylor indicated they wanted to continue this arrangement. Mayor Quinn informed the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration still shows Rt. 632 as a possible exit off Interstate 70. Commissioner Roulette stated that the information received from the State is that the project is not being considered for planning money, but he agreed to check with the State. Mayor Quinn also inquired about the water and sewer amendments proposed for the St. James area and St. James School. He stated the Town does support the request made by the Sharpsburg American Legion if it is only for water service but they are adamantly opposed if the request is for sewer service also. Mayor Taylor requested a recycling trailer be installed part-time for Keedysville. Mr. Teach said he will have the Recycling Coordinator contact him regarding the possibility. Also discussed was access for a proposed development within the Keedysville Town limits which has its entrance onto a County road, and the Sanitary Commission's policy regarding reserved capacity for towns. Commissioner Roulette stated that he will have the Sanitary Commission staff contact them regarding their concerns. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 8:l0 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk