Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout910604 June 4, l99l Hagerstown, Maryland 2l740 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 The Invocation was delivered by Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. HOMELESS SERVICES PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve submittal of a grant application to the Department of Human Resources, Community Services Administration, in the amount of $l42,300, which will be utilized in conjunction of homeless services programs provided by Community Action Council ($78,495), the Salvation Army ($4l,768), and CASA ($22,037). Unanimously approved. LOAN REQUEST - VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF HALFWAY Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve the request made by the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company for a loan of $35,000 from the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund to repair and refurbish Engine 263 which will bring this to NFPA standards. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MAINTENANCE LABORER POSITION - PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizens Services, and Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to justify the need for a Maintenance Laborer position at the public housing projects. Mr. Willson provided a list of duties which would be performed in this position if approved. He also stated that it would be totally funded through monies generated from the public housing projects. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve instituting a Maintenance Laborer position for work at the public housing projects, to be totally funded from proceeds generated from the housing projects. Unanimously approved. PARKS BOARD RECOMMENDATION - FEES FOR PONY RIDES Ms. Riley discussed the Park Board's recommendation to collect a percentage of proceeds from the pony rides given at Piper Lane Park. Commissioner Roulette suggested they charge a flat fee per event rather than a percentage rate. The Commissioners took no action at this time and asked Ms. Riley to present their suggestion to the Parks Board for their consideration. RENAMING OF GAPLAND PARK Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to accept the recommendation of the Park Board and change the name of Gapland Park to Pleasant Valley Community Park to avoid confusion with Gathland State Park, which is in the same area of the County. Unanimously approved. RENTAL FEES FOR TABLES/CHAIRS - PEN MAR PARK Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizens Services, presented the Parks Board's suggestion that a rental fee be charged for use of additional tables and chairs at Pen Mar Park of $2 per table and $.50 per chair, in addition to a security deposit. After discussion, the Commissioners recommended that they collect only a security deposit since the tables and chairs are stored at Pen Mar Park and will only be used at that location. The Commissioners asked that the Parks Board reschedule this issue on their June agenda. BID AWARD - LOGGING RECORDER FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Peter Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Supervisor, and Lt. Ronald Norford of the Sheriff's Department, appeared before the Commissioners to recommend that the bid for a logging recorder be awarded to Raycal Recorders, Inc., for their VHS format machine at the price of $22,297.50, although it is the higher priced machine. He explained that the Sheriff's Department has tried both the VHS type machine and the lower priced reel-to-reel type machine on a 30-day trial test basis, and the Magnasync/Moviola Corp. reel-to-reel machine did not pass the trial test. Mr. Loewenheim also noted that the VHS type machine is easier to use than the reel-to-reel machines, which have had numerous problems with maintenance, and the VHS tapes are $7 to purchase as opposed to $45 for the reel-to-reel tapes. JUNE 4, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to accept the recommendation of the Communications Maintenance Supervisor, to purchase a logging recorder for the Sheriff's Department from Raycal Recorders, Inc., for the VHS format machine who submitted the bid of $22,297.50. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR COUNTY BUILDINGS Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to award the bid for janitorial services for County buildings to A-l Janitorial and Maintenance Company, who submitted the low bid meeting specifications of $74,352, with an additional carpet cleaning charge of $.l2 per square foot. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - HVAC AND ATC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COUNTY BUILDINGS Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Bowers, to award the bid for HVAC and ATC maintenance services to Robert F. Zeigler, Inc., who submitted the low total base bid of $49,900. Unanimously approved. STAFF MEETING - BUDGET SAVINGS Barry Teach, Administrator, and James Young, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that a special staff meeting was held to identify areas where expenditures could be reduced or deferred in individual department budgets if revenues continue to decline. He stated that, based on information received, $225,000 can be saved, but with the overrun expected at the Sheriff's Department, the savings should be $l85,000. PUBLIC HEARING - VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF HALFWAY The Commissioners convened the public hearing in regard to a request for public approval of the issuance by the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, Maryland, of its obligations in connection with the proposed financing for the purchase of equipment. Ralph France, County Attorney, explained that a public hearing must be held for the fire company to obtain tax exempt financing of equipment. The equipment to be purchased includes 29 Cairn SCBA and 29 extra air bottles, in order to meet NFPA l500 standards, for the principal amount to be financed of $70,333. Mr. France also indicated that the County has no financial obligations regarding this purchase. There was no one in attendance to speak in favor or in opposition to the proposal. Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to endorse the request made by the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company to obtain tax exempt financing for the purchase of equipment in the amount of $70,333. Unanimously approved. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - WATER/SEWERAGE PLAN AMENDMENTS The Commissioners convened the joint public hearing with the Planning Commission at l0:35 a.m. in order to consider 3 Water/Sewerage Plan Amendments. The hearing was conducted by Donald Zombro, Chairman of the Planning Commission, with the following members present: Bertrand Iseminger and Donald Spickler, and Commissioner Bowers, ex-officio member. WS-9l-5 Timothy Lung, Associate Planner, presented the application for an amendment to the Water/Sewerage Plan, WS-9l-5, which was submitted by Gerald A. Cump and Associates on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic District Church of the Brethren, to create a new multi-use water system and associated service area with a priority designation of W-3. This request is associated with plans by the owner of the property to develop a private family campground for the church, to be called Shepherd's Spring. Mr. Lung reported that the area to be developed and to be included in the new water service area consists of 2l5 acres zoned Conservation. The developer is proposing two independent water supply systems to serve the site. The main water system to serve the swimming pool and maintenance building and the future retreat lodge and dining hall is to serve approximately 246 persons with a proposed capacity of 5,520 gallons per day. There will be a well, a chlorine detention tank and two water storage/pressure tanks associated with this system. Mr. Lung also noted in his report that, based on State Health Department criteria, the proposed water systems would be classified as a non-community, non-public system that will be constructed and permitted under Washington County Health Department standards. The Commissioners and Planning Commission members then asked questions regarding the type of sewage treatment proposed and requested clarification on several points. There was no one in attendance to speak in favor or in opposition to WS- 9l-5, and Mr. Zombro announced that the record will remain open for l0 days in order to receive written comments. JUNE 4, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. BID OPENING - HOPEWELL ROAD PROJECT Bids for the Hopewell Road project were publicly opened and read aloud. Firms participating in the bidding and their proposals were as follows: William Hetzer Construction, Inc. - Base bid $645,887, Alternate l - $475,374, Total Combined Bid of $l,l2l,26l; Gen-Star - Base bid - $723,02l.50, Alternate l - $527,43l.50, Total Combined Bid of $l,250,453; George & Son - Base bid $640,385.25, Alternate l - $484,4l9, Total Combined Bid of $l,l24,804.25; Fayetteville Contractors - Base bid $567,322, Alternate l - $453,ll7, Total Combined Bid of $l,020,439; and Wolfe Brothers - Base bid $666,l46.50, Alternate l - $597,549, Total Combined Bid of $l,263,695.50. The bids will be reviewed by appropriate officials prior to a decision being rendered. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to reject the bid submitted by Craig Blacktop & Paving and to declare it ineligible since it wa received at l0:03 a.m., which was 3 minutes past the l0:00 a.m. deadline, and to return the bid unopened. Unanimously approved. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - WATER/SEWERAGE PLAN AMENDMENTS - CONTINUED The Commissioners resumed the public hearing at this time. WS-9l-6 Lisa Kelly Pietro, Associate Planner, presented the application WS-9l-6, for a Water/Sewerage Plan Amendment, submitted by Gary Swartz. Ms. Pietro explained that the request is to change the service priority designation for the proposed Cedar Green Farm subdivision from W-7 to W-5. The sewer service priority for the site is S-7. The subject property is located in the northeast corner of Rockdale Road and Broadfording Roads. Mr. Swartz is proposing to subdivide l3 single-family lots ranging from l.4 to 9.3 acres in size. The total area of the subdivision would be 50 +/- acres. The land is currently owned by George Burtner and is part of a 90 acre non-working farm. Ms. Pietro reported that the Washington County Health Department has stated that a bad peripheral water sample was taken in the site area and a test well would have to be conducted. The developer complied with the request, drilling a well 350 feet deep with l03 feet of casing to minimize ground water contamination. Samples have indicated the presence of coliform/fecal coliform. At the suggestion of the Health Department, the developer is proposing to establish a community water supply system where one well would be treated and used to supply water to all l3 lots. The system would be owned, maintained and operated by the Washington County Sanitary Commission. The applicant stated that the County Engineer had no problems with the road network, in answer to Commissioner Bowers questions regarding adequacy of the road. No one was in attendance to testify in favor or in opposition to the application. Mr. Zombro stated that the record will remain open for l0 days in order to receive written comments. WS-9l-7 Timothy Lung, Associate Planner, presented application WS-9l-7 for a Water/Sewerage Plan Amendment submitted by the Allied Engineering Corporation on behalf of Cedar Ridge Ministries for an amendment to create a new multi-use water and sewerage system and associated service area with service priority designations of W-5 and S- 5. Mr Lung noted that the site is located on the west side of Ridge Road, south of I-70. The area to be included consists of approximately l22 acres and is zoned Agricultural. The request is associated with plans by the owner of the property to replace existing on-site septic systems and wells that serve the existing improvements on the site with a new wastewater treatment facility and water supply system. The proposed improvements are also in anticipation of future expansion of the Cedar Ridge Children's Home and School. There was no one present to speak in favor or in opposition to application WS-9l-7 and Mr. Zombro stated that the record will remain open for ten (l0) days in order to receive any written comments. The hearing was closed at ll:40 a.m. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Wayne Lafferty, expressed his concern regarding the licensing system for Master Plumbers by the State and Washington County. Ralph France, County Attorney, stated that he would get back in touch with Mr. Lafferty after he reviews the docments Mr. Lafferty submitted earlier regarding this situation. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Bowers reported on the Planning Commission meeting. JUNE 4, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 21, 1991 Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Shank, to approve the minutes of May 2l, l99l, as corrected. Unanimously approved. AUDIT PROPOSAL - VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE COMPANIES After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to request proposals for auditing services for volunteer fire and rescue companies. APPOINTMENT - TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to appoint Nicholas Hill, Sr., to the Transportation Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT - BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to reappoint Carroll Shifler to the Building Code Appeals Board for a three year term. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FOR FUNDING - PROMOTION OF FARMERS MARKET Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he had received correspondence from the Economic Development Commission's Agriculture Committee requesting that the County provide a $2,000 match for promotion of the farmers market and city market, with the State Department of Agriculture. The Commissioners discussed the request and instructed Mr. Teach to inform the Committee that it is not possible for them to provide funding at this time and suggested they work with the Tourism Department. EASTERN BOULEVARD - DUAL HIGHWAY TO CANNON AVENUE Barry Teach read correspondence from the City Administrator requesting that the County provide 50% of the $2.4 million funding for construction of the next phase of Eastern Boulevard from Dual Highway to Cannon Avenue. Mr. Feller asked if the County is willing to provide this funding in the Fiscal Year l992-93 budget and provided a schedule for the project and billing. The Commissioners again discussed potential traffic problems which may result with Eastern Boulevard ending on Frederick Street. No decision was rendered and the matter was taken under consideration at this time. TRAFFIC SIGNAL - MASSEY BOULEVARD The Commissioners discussed the need for a traffic signal on Massey Boulevard near Underpass Way, at the K-Mart entrance. Mr. Teach informed the Commissioners that traffic counts are being done at this time to determine the volume and pattern of the traffic, and Ted Wolford, Roads Department Superintendent, will have a recommendation for temporary measures to help alleviate the situation until the signal can be installed. GRANT AGREEMENT - NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the grant agreement with the State of Maryland Department of Agriculture for noxious weed control in an amount not to exceed $8,000. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to convene in Executive Session at 12:35 p.m. in regard to personnel and property matters and to confer with the County Attorney, in accordance with Section 10.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to reconvene in Regular Session at 2:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 2:53 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk