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HomeMy WebLinkAbout920714 July 14, 1992 Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 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, 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. EDC BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS Michael Eckard, Chairperson of the Economic Development Commission, recognized the 1992 Beautification Award winners for businesses in Washington County which are considered outstanding properties. He stated that he hopes this will encourage other businesses to follow in their footsteps and show pride in their community through the appearance of their facilities. Paulette Sprinkle, Community Coordinator, presented a slide show featuring the businesses of each of the 3 recipients. Mr. Eckard then presented plaques to Craig Burnett representing the Park 'n Dine Restaurant, Michael Gardner, President of Wright-Gardner Insurance, and Norman Morin and Dennis Rocco of M. R. I. Partnership. The Commissioners, Hagerstown City Councilman, William Breichner, and Hancock Councilperson, Sally Fost, congratulated all of the winners. ESSENTIAL UTILITY AMENDMENT Robert Arch, Director of the Planning Department, reviewed the additional changes made to the Essential Utility amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The Commissioners discussed the amendments and agreed to proceed with a public hearing. Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Shank, to proceed with requirements necessary to hold a public hearing on August 4, l992, for the purpose of considering the proposed Essential Utility Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Unanimously approved. T-HANGAR PROJECT - WASHINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT Rod Shoop, Airport Manager, and Gary Rohrer, Chief, Division of Planning and Codes Administration, appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the status of the T-hangar project. Mr. Shoop recommended that they proceed with Scenario 3, which would allow construction of 2 T-hangars and stockpile the spoil material for future use at Taxiway "F", with the $l,856,000 funds remaining for the project. The Commissioners agreed to this scenario and gave their permission to proceed with the bidding process. M.P. MOLLER COMPANY - PRESENTATION OF BUSINESS PLAN Leroy Burtner, Director of the Economic Development Commission, introduced Mike Dreisbach, Workplace Community Associates, who presented an overview of the business plan for employee buy-out of the M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company. Mr. Dreisbach stated that the Moller plant has been closed for 90 days, and the major reasons for its financial problems were the high costs related to productivity and high overhead costs. He indicated that the employees' group plans to increase production and flexibility, reduce job classifications from l7 to 7, reduce Union members from 79 to 60, and reduce wage benefits. Donovan Bachtell, accountant with Albright, Crumbacker, Harrell and Moul, presented historic financial information from l987 - l99l and used this to make future projections. Mr. Dreisbach presented the following plan for possible sources of raising working capital: Union (IUE) - $500,000, Washington County - $600,000, City of Hagerstown - $300,000, DEED - State of Maryland - $500,000, and private investors - $500,000, for a total of $2,400,000. The Commissioners discussed the plan and the request for a $600,000 commitment. Mr. Dreisbach stated that they are trying to have all financial commitments by tomorrow so they will know if they should continue with the proposed contract closing in August. Commissioner Roulette applauded the group's efforts but stated that the Commissioners will have to discuss this request, and he could not promise that an answer can be given by tomorrow. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for attending the public meeting regarding Clean Rock Industries and stated that he thinks everything turned for the best. HAZARDOUS WASTE INCINERATION REVIEW COMMITTEE - STATUS Malcolm Davis, member of the Hazardous Waste Incineration Review Committee, reported on the status of the Committee. He indicated that they held their final meeting last week and requested that the Committee be permitted to continue in a broader scope, possibly as an Environmental Review Committee. The Commissioners took this matter under advisement at this time. JULY 14, 1992 MINUTES, CONT'D. LEACHATE TREATMENT FACILITY - REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, met with the Commissioners to discuss the bids received for construction of a leachate treatment facility at the old City/County Landfill. Mr. Davenport indicated that the low bid exceeded the amount budgeted by $1.2 million and explained that the reason the bids were over the estimate was the nitrate and ammonia problems which were discovered. He stated that he felt it would be in the County's best interest to proceed in building the treatment facility even though it exceeds the budgeted amount and suggested that last Fiscal Year's funding for the Materials Recovery Facility be transferred for use in the Leachate Treatment Facility project. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to transfer $1.2 million from the Fiscal Year 1992 Capital Improvements Projects budget for use in the Leachate Treatment Facility Project. After discussion, a Motion was made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig to TABLE the vote on the previous Motion to transfer $1.2 million to the Leachate Treatment Facility project until further information can be obtained. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convene in Executive Session at 12:40 p.m. regarding personnel and property matters 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 Shank, seconded by Snook, to reconvene in Regular Session at 1:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 1:40 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at 2:00 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to convene in Executive Session at 2:05 p.m. regarding personnel and property matters 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 Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to reconvene in Regular Session at 2:59 p.m. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL BY M. P. MOLLER COMPANY EMPLOYEES The Commissioners discussed the proposal presented in the Morning Session by the M. P. Moller Company employees to commit the $600,000 requested to help facilitate the buy-out of the company. Commissioner Roulette expressed concerns about lending money to a business without collateral guaranteeing payment of the loan. Commissioner Bowers and Irvin-Craig indicated they would like to help Moller and retain these jobs if at all possible, and Commissioner Bowers suggested they initiate a revolving loan fund. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to commit up to $300,000, contingent upon the estimated $2.1 million commitment necessary being secured from the other sources prior to obtaining funds from the County. The Commissioners also requested that Leroy Burtner, Director of the Economic Development Commission, look at possible funding sources for this package. ANNUAL STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETING Barry Teach, Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the annual meeting with the State Department of Transportation is scheduled for September 24 at l:00 p.m. Commissioner Roulette asked that the meeting be rescheduled for the 22nd if possible. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 30, 1992 Motion made by Commissioner Irvin-Craig, seconded by Snook, to approve the minutes of the June 30, 1992, meeting as submitted. Unanimously approved. JULY 14, 1992 MINUTES, CONT'D. ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD - GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Barry Teach informed the Commissioners that the Historical Advisory Committee has offered their input on the General Management Plan for the Antietam National Battlefield which provides that the Commissioners may appoint a special committee for the Antietam Battlefield. The Commissioners took this under advisement at this time. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Irvin-Craig, to adjourn at 4:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk