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HomeMy WebLinkAbout910319 March 19, 1991 Hagerstown, Maryland 2l740 The Commissioners presented service pins to those employees in the Housing & Community Development office, the Fire & Rescue Communications Office, the State's Attorney's Office, and the Citizen's Services Office. The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 9:l0 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 Eric Seifarth of the Planning Department, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT & SERVICE PIN PRESENTATION - "BUD" WISSINGER Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizens Services, presented a service pin to Arnold "Bud" Wissinger" for 9 years of County employment. Mr. Wissinger, who will be retiring March 3l, was also presented with a Certificate of Merit by the Commissioners in recognition of his faithful service at the Parks Department. The Commissioners also commended Mr. Wissinger on the excellent work he performed on the County's behalf. PROCLAMATION - CANCER CONTROL MONTH Commissioner Roulette presented a proclamation to Dr. Harold Gist naming April l99l as Cancer Control Month in Washington County and urging all citizens to support the American Cancer Society's annual campaign. Dr. Gist expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for the proclamation. BID AWARD - RENOVATION OF COURT HOUSE & ANNEX Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to award the bid for renovation of the Court House & Annex to Morgan-Keller, Inc., who submitted the low bid of $908,700, which includes Alternates l-4, as recommended by the Chief, Division of Planning and Codes Administration. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICT Eric Seifarth, Associate Planner-Agriculture, presented applications for establishment of Agricultural Land Preservation Districts. He then briefly explained the program and stated that all seven applications for review have been recommended for approval by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission. Mr. Seifarth reviewed the application for AD-90-37, submitted by Carl and Joan Hendershot. There was no one present to testify regarding this application. MOTION made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve Application AD- 90-37, submitted by Carl and Joan Hendershot, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. Applications AD-90-64 for ll8.90 acres and AD-90-65 for l4l.3l acres, both submitted by Leon and Doris Bowers, were reviewed. There was no one present to testify regarding these applications. Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to approve application AD-90-64, submitted by Leon & Doris Bowers, for establishment of an Agricultural Land preservation District. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to approve application AD-90- 65, submitted by Leon & Doris Bowers, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. Unanimously approved. Application AD-90-69, submitted by Earl and Keitha Grove was reviewed. There was no one present to testify regarding the application. MOTION made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve application AD-90-69, submitted by Earl and Keitha Grove, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. Application AD-90-70, submitted by G. Philip and Barbara Nowak, for l35 acres was reviewed by the Commissioners. Mr. Seifarth stated that this property will soon be sold to Michael Stivers, who also supports the application. Mr. Stivers was in attendance and spoke in favor of the application and also stated that he may put more of this parcel into an Agricultural District in the future. Gail Mongan, an adjacent landowner, spoke in favor of the application. MOTION made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve application AD-90-70, submitted by G. Philip and Barbara Nowak, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservtion District. Unanimously approved. MARCH 19, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. AD-90-7l was submitted by G. Philip and Barbara Nowak, for a 206 acre parcel. The application was reviewed by Mr. Seifarth and Gail Mongan spoke in favor of the application. MOTION made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to approve application AD-90-7l, submitted by G. Philip and Barbara Nowak, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. Application AD-9-73 for l89.55 acres, submitted by Vera Ernst Schultz and Betty Ernst Bauer, was reviewed. Carlton Ernst spoke in favor of the application. MOTION made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve application AD-90-73, submitted by Vera Ernst Schultz and Betty Ernst Bauer, for establishment of an Agricultural Land Preservation District. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION - AMENDMENT TO THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commissioners convened the advertised public hearing at l0:00 a.m., sitting as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, to consider a request made through the Maryland Department of Transportation to have the Fiscal Year l99l-93 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amended, as requested by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The amendment would allow Penn DOT to include the I- 8l Welcome Center in Franklin County, PA, to their program. There was no one in attendance to testify regarding the proposed amendment. Commissioner Roulette suggested that any action be deferred until the County received confirmation by Penn DOT regarding their approval of Maryland's State Highway Administration to install traffic signalization at the State Line Road intersection. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to conditionally approve the proposed amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program, subject to confirmation that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has given authorization for Maryland's State Highway Administration to install a traffic signal at the State Line Road intersection. Unanimously approved. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Irvin-Craig reported on the l99l Women's Fair; Commissioner Snook reported on the Recreation Commission's Spring schedule; and Commissioner Roulette reported on the Western Maryland Task Force Workshop. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 28 AND MARCH 5, 1991 Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to approve the minutes of February 28, l99l, and March 5, l99l, as corrected. Unanimously approved. PROPOSED CLOSING - CONNECTOR ROAD - ANTIETAM DRIVE Ralph France, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that he has researched the matter, and the railroad crossing at Antietam Drive cannot be closed until the Maryland Secretary of Transportation acts on an application which must be submitted by the railroad. He also stated that no application for this has been submitted by CSX as of this date. The Commissioners discussed the agreement with CSX. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Snook, to abide by the decision made by the Secretary of Transportation when action is taken by him regarding closing of the railroad crossing on Antietam Drive, and if the Secretary decides against closing this crossing, then the County agrees to close the connector road at this location. Unanimously approved. NAME CHANGE - WALNUT POINT ROAD (EAST) Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that in response to last week's discussion regarding the road name change for the eastern fork of Walnut Point road, the Grid Technicians have informed him that the reason for changing this fork was because there are less residences and less addresses to be changed on that section. James Brittain, Director of the Planning Department, stated that he would like to review this with the County Roads Department Superintendent to see which road will be maintained as the "through road" before making a decision. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of establishing County policy for road name changes that the through road maintain the original name throughout the length of the road. ON BEHALF OF BOND PROGRAM - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to discuss a recommendation for taking a different approach to the allocation of On Behalf Of Bond Program funds which the County receives in conjunction with the State's Mortgage Purchase Program. He stated that to encourge developers to build affordable housing and to insure that the County is encouraging development in Urban Growth Areas, they would like to assign 50% of this year's allocation to specific developments to be used for construction of new homes which would be within the State's price guidelines. The Commissioners discussed the recommendations and voiced some concerns regarding the percentage to be set aside for this new construction. Mr. Willson agreed to rework the figures using a 25% allocation. MARCH 19, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Bowers, to authorize the Housing & Community Development office to participate in the On Behalf Of Bond Program through the Mortgage Purchase Program and to determine the percentage to be reserved for new construction at a later date. Unanimously approved. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Tom Blickenstaff spoke to the Commissioners regarding a petition signed by a number of residents of Coffman Avenue regarding the proposed road name change. PRESS CONFERENCE - DULLES EXPRESS The Commissioners attended a press conference for Inter-Flight, Inc., who announced the inception of a direct link between the Washington County Regional Airport and the Washington-Dulles International Airport which begins April l. GUARANTEE OF FUNDING FOR TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to guarantee at least the present year's funding of $l,202,000 for purchase of textbooks and instructional supplies for the Board of Education in Fiscal Year l99l-l992, to allow them to proceed in ordering these materials for the next school term. Unanimously approved. PROPOSALS - COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to accept the proposals recommended by the County Treasurer, to discontinue the procedure of mailing receipts for tax bills and to begin tax sale proceedings when accounts are l8 months in arrears as opposed to 28 months. Unanimously approved. LINE ITEM TRANSFER - SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to transfer $4,000 from Per Diem (0l-5-l22l-528-0l0) and $200 from Tuition (0l-5-l22l-527-020) to Capital Outlay - Machinery & Equipment (0l-5-l22l-682-000) in order to replace a steam kettle at the Detention Center, as requested by the Sheriff. Unanimously approved. OUTBUILDINGS - REGIONAL PARK Barry Teach, Administrator, told the Commissioners that he has spoken to Morin- Rocco, the firm who was low bidder for renovation of the outbuildings at the Regional Park, regarding the possibility of reducing the scope of work which would also lower the cost of the project. Mr. Morin stated that additional damage has occurred due to weather conditions, but they would be willing to perform the work at the original price quoted of $23,905. The Commissioners decided to hold this project until July l for further consideration after budget review. OAK RIDGE DRIVE - RAILROAD CROSSING Commissioner Bowers raised concerns about the condition of the railroad crossing at Oak Ridge Drive and suggested that the railroad be contacted regarding necessary improvements. The Commissioners asked the County Attorney to contact the railroad regarding this and to coordinate any action with the Roads Superintendent. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to convene in Executive Session at l2:20 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. RECESS - LUNCH The meeting was recessed from l:00 p.m. to l:30 p.m. for lunch and reconvened in Executive Session. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Snook, to reconvene in Regular Session at 5:l0 p.m. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Meeting was recessed at 5:ll p.m. to be reconvened at the Williamsport Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT The Evening Session was convened at 6:30 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall 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. Also present were John Slayman, Mayor of Williamsport, James Black, Assistant Mayor, and Councilmembers Eugene Nichols, Edwin Glessner, Jr., Mark Steiner and Walter Tracy, Jr. MARCH 19, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. Tax Differential Barry Teach, County Administrator, stated that pursuant to Article 8l, Section 32 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet annually with each municipality to discuss a payment-in-lieu of taxes or tax differential program for services which the municipality provides to its residents which, absent those services, the County would have to provide. Based on the formula, the Town of Williamsport is estimated to receive $9,877 for Fiscal Year l99l-92, but this will be revised after audit. Mr. Teach also noted that Williamsport applies its payment toward services of a deputy from the Sheriff's Department, which is matched by the County, and will continue unless the Town terminates the agreement. Recycling James Black, Assistant Mayor, informed the Commissioners that they are now using a recycling trailer on a full-time basis and the Town's businesses are also recycling corrigated cardboard. He indicted that the Town is interested in a curbside recycling project but they cannot afford the costs involved and would like the County to take Williamsport as a pilot program. The Commissioners agreed to consider this request. Mr. Black also inquired as to whether the Town could be billed by the County for landfill user fees and they would pay for hauling charges. The Commissioners stated that they would have the Recycling Coordinator contact the Town regarding this proposal. Insurance for Fire & Rescue Companies Mayor Slayman asked the Commissioners if they are going to provide insurance to volunteer fire and rescue companies. Mr. Teach stated that the County has received bids for a comprehensive policy for all volunteer fire and rescue companies in the County and the bids are being reviewed at this time. Joint Purchasing Town officials asked to be included in the County's bidding packages. Mr. Teach requested that the Town inform the County's Purchasing Agent of exactly what they are interested in bidding and also noted that the Town has approval to purchase whatever office and cleaning supplies which are available in the Stockroom at the price the County purchased them. Pinesburg Slo-Pitch Softball Fields Councilman Nichols inquired if the Town would turn the softball fields at Pinesburg over to the County if they would consider extending Church Street by 700' in return. The Commissioners asked the County Attorney to investigate this recommendation. Police Coverage Mayor Slayman requested an additional deputy be assigned to Williamsport on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 p.m. to l2:00 midnight. Mr. Teach informed them that an extra deputy can be assigned to the Town for approximately $l3 per hour. The meeting with the Town of Williamsport was concluded at 7:30 p.m. PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING - RECLAMATION LANDFILL A Public Information meeting was held at 7:30 p.m. in the Williamsport Town Hall to meet with interested citizens regarding the proposed reclamation landfill to be located on Kemps Mill Road, to answer any questions, provide an update on the project and deal with the citizens' concern. Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, and James Krawczyk, Vice President of Century Engineering, provided an update on the project. Dixon Wood, geologist for Century Engineering was also in attendance to answer any questions. Mr. Davenport stated that the County has gone through the zoning process and received a Special Exception to enable them to reclaim the site. One stipulation of this determination by the Board of Zoning Appeals is that the parcel to the front of the tract not be used for rubble. He stated that the County is proposing to develop a park in this area. Mr. Krawczyk informed those in attendance that they are in Phase II of the process which included an intensive investigation of the subsurface and wetlands. Based on the findings, a preliminary design will be presented that is compatible with the subsurface. These findings have been turned over to the State Department of the Environment which will review the findings and also seek comments from other agencies. The State will hold a public hearing after Phase III. The plan calls for 36 acres to be used for cells and l2 acres for recreational use of the l30 acre site. MARCH 19, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. The meeting was then opened for comments and concerns. Those in attendance expressed their concerns regarding design of the entrance and traffic problems and potential groundwater contamination and testing procedures. With regard to testing procedures, the Commissioners stated that test wells have been installed and will be tested on a regular basis. The Commissioners suggested that the County Engineer meet with area residents to hear concerns about entrance design and traffic problems and suggested posting weight restrictions and "no trucks" signs on local roads which might be used as possible routes to the reclamation landfill. The Commissioners also informed them that a citizens group would also be appointed for solid waste management activities. Another concern expressed was regarding mud from the trucks being on the roads. Mr. Davenport explained that a wheel wash will be installed to help deal with this problem. The majority also felt that a park would cause additional problems and they would rather have a passive type park rather than a recreational area. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk