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January 7, 1992
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by the President, Richard E.
Roulette, with the following members present: Commissioners Linda C. Irvin-
Craig, Gregory I. Snook, and John S. Shank.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Roulette, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage.
BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS
Commissioner Irvin-Craig reported that a Mid-Maryland Emergency Medical
Services Advisory Council meeting has been scheduled to explain Med-Evac
dispatching procedures; and Commissioner Snook reported that he and
Commissioner Shank met with representatives from the Parks Board and
Recreation Commission about combining the two groups and also reported on
the Recreation Commission meeting.
FOREST CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR MUNICIPALITIES
Steve Goodrich, Senior Planner, and Bill Stachoviak, Parks Planner, reviewed
the Forest Conservation Act of l99l passed by State Legislature and
emphasized that Section 5-l603 (a)(3) states that a municipality which has
planning and zoning authority may, with concurrence of the County and the
department, assign its obligations under this subtitle to the County. Mr.
Goodrich asked that the Commissioners accept the responsibility for the
municipalities which have responded that they wish to use the County's
program. The municipalities requesting to assign their obligations to the
County are Hancock, Smithsburg, Boonsboro, Sharpsburg, and Clear Spring.
Mr. Goodrich also asked that the County accept responsiblity for Keedysville
if they decide to do so.
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to assume the
responsibility for the Forest Conservation Programs as requested by the
municipalities of Hancock, Smithsburg, Boonsboro, Sharpsburg, Clear Spring,
and possibly Keedysville, and as provided for the Forest Conservation Act
of l99l. Unanimously approved.
CHANGE ORDERS - COURT HOUSE PROJECT AND AIR TERMINAL BUILDING
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve the
Change Order for adjustments in the consultants' fees due to redesign for
the Court House Project in the amount of $6,l95. Unanimously approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to approve a
Change Order for the Air Terminal Building project in the amount of $9,l32
for installation of handrailing for the ramps. Unanimously approved.
OPTION AGREEMENTS - HOPEWELL ROAD PHASE III PROJECT
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to approve the Option
Agreement for the Hopewell Road Phase III project with A.C.& T. for
dedication of 6,722 sq. ft. of right-of-way plus the addendum relating to
ingress and egress; and to approve the Option Agreement with Fast Gas Co.
for their dedication of 26,8l5 sq. ft. of right-of-way with the addendum
that the County agrees to purchase the house located on the property for the
price of $48,000 and to reimburse the current renter $500 for improvements
made to the property. Unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 23, 1991 & DECEMBER 10, 1991
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Shank, to approve the
minutes of December 23, l99l, as corrected. Unanimously approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the
minutes of December l0, l99l, as corrected. Unanimously approved.
FOCUS RECOMMENDATIONS - EMERGENCY SERVICES
Kathleen Riley, Chief, Division of Citizen Services, met with the
Commissioners regarding the recommendations made regarding emergency
services by FOCUS, Inc. in their publication "Shaping Our Future". She
introduced Betsy Wilson, Dan Devito, Mark Jameson and Herb Meininger,
members of the FOCUS committe who were in attendance. Ms. Riley stated that
she agreed with the recommendation that these services be operated from a
central authority and not from individual,
independent centers of operation. She also stated that if the
recommendation to hire a Public Safety Coordinator is carried out, the
remaining recommendations made can be more easily implemented. The
approximate cost to the County if they assume financial responsiblity for
the fire & rescue companies would be $l.5 million to $2 million annually for
operational costs, excluding capital costs. Mr. Devito also indicated that
the Committee recommended establishment of a
JANUARY 7, 1992
MINUTES, CONT'D.
Public Service Committee to represent all areas of the County and determine
funding priorities. Commissioner Roulette stated that it is the County's
intent to continue to proceed with implementation of FOCUS recommendations
that can be put into place immediately and those which cannot will be put
into a work program for implementation at a later date. He also agreed that
additional revenue sources must be identified in order for full funding to
occur.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Cindy Mease, Disabled Citizens Coordinator, appeared before the
Commissioners to explain the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) Title II, which will take effect January 26. She stated that the
County is required to establish a grievance procedure to address any
complaints against the Washington County government regarding services for
the disabled. Ms. Mease indicated that such a policy is in effect under
Section 504 and it must be updated. The other requirement is establishment
of a policy regarding financial funding to outside agencies by Washington
County. Ms. Mease stated that any agency which receives County funds must
sign assurances that it will comply with ADA provisions even if they would
not otherwise have to comply with the Act.
CONFIRMATION OF RE/APPOINTMENTS - COMMISSION ON AGING
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to confirm the
appointments and terms of the following individuals to the Commission on
Aging Board of Directors: Elected Members - Alice Moses and Odell Rosen to
three year terms, and Appointed Members - Juanita Bell, Ronald Pike, Donna
Palmer, Rev. Leonard Curlin and Winifred G. Kelsh for three year terms.
Unanimously approved.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT - DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Barry Teach, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a
Compliance Agreement and Permit has been received from the Department of the
Environment authorizing treatment of leachate from the old City/County
landfill. He stated that it will be put out for bids as soon as possible.
REAPPOINTMENTS - MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to reappoint
William Kercheval, Cindy Mease and Nancy Myers to the Mental Health
Authority for three year terms. Unanimously approved.
PUBLIC HEARING - COUNTY COMMUTER
The Commissioners convened a public hearing, as advertised, at l0:05 a.m.,
dealing with reduction of services proposed for the Washington County
Transportation Commission (W.C.T.C.), the Transportation ADA Plan, and the
Fiscal Year l993 Ride Assist and Section l8 Grant application for the
W.C.T.C.
Proposed Reductions in Service
Commissioner Roulette explained that the County Commuter has received budget
cuts from the State in the amount of $62,000 which leaves them with a
shortfall, and the County government is looking for ways to reduce this
deficit. The reductions to be reviewed would save $88,000 annually, but
only $44,000 for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Keith Godwin, Manager of the W.C.T.C., reviewed the proposed reductions and
also provided the Commissioners with copies of letters received about the
service cuts proposed. They are as follows: Route l - cut evening Valley
Mall/Long Meadow service Monday-Thursday between 6:25 and 9:55 p.m. and the
4:45 express and 5:45 p.m. regular Valley Mall trips; Route 2 - cut two mid-
day Smithsburg trips; Route 3 -cut 6:46 and 7:45 a.m. Funkstown and 7:l5,
8:l5, and 9:l5 a.m., and 4:l5 p.m. Salem Ave/West End trips; Route 4 - cut
2:l5, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. Williamsport trips, as well as 3:45 and 4:45
Maugansville trips. Mr. Godwin also proposed that the Commuter close for
Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday and Veterans Day - all
of which are currently regular service days.
The Commissioners then opened the meeting for questions and comments from
those in attendance. After all testimony was heard, Commissioner Roulette
stated that
the issue will be readdressed to see if alternatives can be found. He then
concluded this portion of the hearing.
Transportation Plan - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Mr. Godwin explained the methods they will use to comply with the ADA and
indicated the planned service. He stated that they plan to provide the
required complementary paratransit service through an additional contract
with the current paratransit provider, Turner's Taxi, Inc. He also reviewed
service area, fares, hours of service, etc. The Commissioners opened the
meeting for public comment. After hearing public testimony, Commissioner
Roulette stated that the record will be held open for l4 days in order to
receive written comments.
JANUARY 7, 1992
MINUTES, CONT'D.
Fiscal Year l993 Ride Assist and Section l8 Grant Application
Mr. Godwin indicated that they are requesting $25,073 in State funding for
the Section l8 Grant application which would require a $8,357 local share.
The Ride Assist (SSTAP) Grant application request is for $84,208, and a
local soft-match of $28,069. He also stated that the W.C.T.C. is requesting
approval to submit a supplementary application for $45,550 which requires a
local match of $6,l67 for the provision of one small bus and necessary
operating expenses to implement the ADA requirements.
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the
submittal of grant applications for the Section l8 and Ride Assist (SSTAP)
programs as presented by the Manager of the Washington County Transportation
Commission. Unanimously approved.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Chester Hessler, 27l0 Longstreet Drive, protested the name change of
Longstreet Drive in Williamsport. After hearing comments from the Planning
staff, the Commissioners agreed to discuss this matter further.
YOUNGSTOUN BOND ISSUE - RESOLUTION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to approve the
Resolution pursuant to the Maryland Economic Development Revenue Bond Act
providing for the approval of the execution, issuance, sale and delivery by
the County Commissioners of Washington County, of bonds designated "County
Commissioners of Washington County Multifamily Rental Housing Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Serices l992A and Series l992B (FHA insured mortgage loan -
- Youngstoun Apartments Phase II Project)" in the aggregate principal amount
not exceeding $4,300,000. There is no liability on the part of the County,
and the bonds are limited obligation bonds and are not backed by the taxing
authority or power of the County. Unanimously approved. (Copy of
Resolution attached.)
ROAD NAME CHANGE - COFFMAN FARMS LANE
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to officially
rename Coffman Road in Keedysville, Coffman Farms Lane. Unanimously
approved.
SITE #3 T-HANGARS PROPOSED RATES
The Commissioners discussed the rates proposed for the new Site #3 T-hangars
at the Regional Airport. The proposal is to charge $l85 for large hangars,
$l50 for small, and $65 for office. The Commissioners took this under
advisement at this time.
ANNUAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED WITH MUNICIPALITIES
The Commissioners agreed to proceed in scheduling the annual meetings with
the municipalities in the County as required by Article 8l, Section 32, of
the Annotated Code of Maryland, regarding payment in lieu of taxes.
HAGERSTOWN JUNIOR COLLEGE - TECHNICAL INNOVATION CENTER GRANT APPLICATION
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to approve the
submittal of an application for an Economic Development Administration grant
for the Technical Innovation Center at Hagerstown Junior College in the
amount of $l.2 million, with a local share of $406,l00, which would
constitute the total capital improvement program funding for HJC by the
County for the next 2 years, and also to reappraise the funding situation at
the time of EDA's decision. Unanimously approved.
INTENTION TO CONVEY LAND - WASHINGTON COUNTY TRADES FOUNDATION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convey .272
acres, known as Lot A-5, located on St. Clair Street, to the Washington
County Trades Foundation. Unanimously approved.
RECESS - LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at l2:05 p.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The Afternoon Session was convened at l2:25 p.m. by the President, Richard
E. Roulette, with the following Commissioners present: Linda C. Irvin-
Craig, John S. Shank, and Gregory I. Snook.
CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convene in
Executive Session at l2:30 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. (The Commissioners interviewed candidates for the Airport Manager
position from l:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
JANUARY 7, 1992
MINUTES, CONT'D.
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to reconvene in
Regular Session at 5:50 p.m. Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENTS - HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Snook, to appoint Paula Reed
to fill the unexpired term of Ralph Donnelly extending to January l6, l993,
and to appoint Richard Bachtell to a three year term on the Historic
District Commission. Unanimously approved.
SITE #3 T-HANGAR RATES
Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to approve the
proposed rates for the Site #3 T-hangars of $l85 for large, $l50 for small,
and $65 for office. Unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to adjourn at
5:55 p.m. Unanimously approved.
County Attorney
Clerk