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HomeMy WebLinkAbout911107 November 7, l99l Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners 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. MEETING WITH THE DELEGATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS The Commissioners met with members of the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly to discuss legislative requests for the upcoming session. Delegation members in attendance were Senators John Derr and Donald Munson, and Delegates Peter Callas, James McClellan, D. Bruce Poole, John Donoghue, and Anita Stup. Interception of Communications - Law Enforcement Sheriff Charles Mades was in attendance to discuss the draft of this bill. He explained that Washington County is one of eight counties in Maryland which have been provided with equipment to videotape stops for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) violations, but with the restrictive laws in the State for wiretapping, the audio must be turned off during the court proceedings. Sheriff Mades stated that this bill would allow the audio portion to be kept on. Delegate Poole suggested that he and Senator Munson discuss this with their respective Judicial Committees. Delegate McClellan also suggested that this bill be sponsored by the Maryland Sheriff's Association since it has Statewide implications. Washington County Home Detention Program Sheriff Mades reviewed the Home Detention Program Bill and stated that the bill would make it a criminal misdemeanor to willfully violate the terms of the Home Detention Program. He noted that the draft of this bill as returned from the Department of Legislative Reference needs to be amended to add the misdemeanor charge. He also stated that Washington County could probably add on to another bill in existence since several other counties also use the Home Detention Program. Delegate Callas requested that Sheriff Mades check with Legislative Reference about the changes and get back to the Delegation. Detention Center - Creation of State Debt Sheriff Mades reviewed the proposed legislation authorizing the creation of a State debt not to exceed $4,500,000, the proceeds to be used as a grant to the Board of County Commissioners for the design, construction, expansion, renovation and equipping of the Washington County Detention Center, subject to the requirement that the Commissioners provide and expend matching funds. Commissioner Roulette asked that Sheriff Mades work with the County Attorney in conjunction with Legislative Reference. Washington County - Bridges & Culverts - Regulation of Vehicle Speed and Weight Terry McGee, County Engineer, presented the proposed legislation requested for the purpose of providing that Washington County is not required to obtain the approval of the State Highway Administration to impose restrictions relating to vehicle weight and speed on certain bridges and culverts. Mr. McGee explained that it is time consuming and creates additional paperwork to have State Highway make this determination and that Washington County is l of l0 counties that do not have this authority. The Delegation indicated that they have no problems with this legislation. Washington County Public Improvements - County Participation Mr. McGee stated that this bill addresses problems the County has encountered when requiring a developer to make substantial improvements within County rights-of-way, to allow the County to be a minor participant, and utilize the negotiated price acquired by the developer by obtaining written quotes. He indicated that the County would have a $50,000 limit for such participation. Delegate McClellan indicated that Mr. McGee should be present to testify when this bill is heard in committee to present examples. Washington County Procurement Barry Teach, Administrator, reviewed the proposed legislation to increase the value of goods or services which the County may procure without advertising for bids in a newspaper from $l2,000 to $20,000. Creation of State Debt - Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company Mr. Teach reviewed the proposed legislation for the purpose of authorizing the creation of a State debt not to exceed $465,000, with the proceeds to be used as a grant to the Board of County Commissioners for the expansion and equipping of the Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Teach explained that the Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company serves the 7,500 inmates and staff of the State prison complex as well as the citizens within the Fairplay service area. Senator Munson indicated that the volunteer companies near other State prison complexes have the NOVEMBER 7, 1991 MINUTES, CONT'D. same problems. Delegate McClellan suggested that this be taken to the chairman of the Committee's involved to see if there is support before submitting the bill. Washington County - Property Tax Credit - Women's Club of Hagerstown, Inc. Mr. Teach explained that this proposed legislation is a housekeeping matter to specifically name the Women's Club of Washington County, Inc., in the statute to receive a personal property tax credit for certain real property owned by them. Prisoners Costs - Removal of Cases Mr. Teach reviewed the legislation which provides that State pay certain costs and expenses related to removal of a case involving an inmate in a State correctional institution who commits a crime while incarcerated in the facility. Commissioner Roulette explained that Washington County has had to pay costs for State inmates who have requested removal of their case to Allegany County and there is no way to foresee this and budget accordingly. Washington County Electric Lighting District The Commissioner introduced proposed legislation authorizing the County to impose a fixed fee per tax account in any electric lighting district to cover the cost of electric lighting provided, requiring that the fee be uniform within the district and providing that rate payments of the fee are subject to interest at the same rate and subject to the same collection procedureas as overdue property taxes. The following legislation was reviewed, which is not in draft bill form: - Enabling legislation to creat an Advisory Board of Health. - Enabling legislation for consolidation of the Parks Department and Recreation Commission into the Board of Parks & Receation. - Enabling legislation for the County to enter into collective bargaining agreements. - Enabling legislation for the County to license on-site utility contractors to perform plumbing work incident to installation of water and sewer service to within 5 feet of the structure being served. - Amendment of Sanitary District laws to provide that the Executive Director (and Assistant if such position is created) are employee(s) of the Board of County Commissioners - Enabling legislation for issuance of $30 million in general obligation bonds. The Commissioners assured the Delegation that they would send a specific listing of projects being considered under this authority. - Billing for the Hazardous Incident Response Team - to provide the authority for them to collect payments to cover their costs for materials used in dealing with hazardous chemical spills. Commissioner Irvin-Craig asked that legislation regarding the Economic Development Commission be clarified. Senator Munson agreed that there is some confusion in the way the law is written and asked the Commissioners to send a letter to follow up on this matter. Commissioner Snook asked that the Commissioners be included in the notification process when a permit is requested for burning of hazardous waste. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to adjourn at l0:50 a.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk