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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990126 January 26, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES - HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners and the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College (HCC) met for their annual luncheon at Hagerstown Community College. Wayne Alter, Chairman of the Board, along with members Carolyn Brooks, Florence Murdock, Roger Flynn, Merle Elliott, Norman Shea, and Bill Reuter were present. Mr. Alter presented a review of revenue for FY2000 which included a request to the County for an $83,000 (2%) increase and an increase of $401,829 (11%) from the State. There will be no tuition increase again this year for in- county students. Expenditure highlights included a salary increase of 4%, the impact of the new Learning Resource Center (LRC), a Center for Instructional Technology to assist the faculty in developing new teaching strategies utilizing new technologies, reduction of the faculty/student ratio in math classes, and a Communications Faculty which allows utilization of the LRC areas set aside for these programs. Mr. Alter then presented the FY2000 Capital Budget which included a new LRC,  Childrens Learning Center (completed), Alumni Amphitheater (Phase I complete; planning for Phase II underway), stormwater management pond (75% complete), Ric-well-heating/cooling loop and boiler plant upgrade, renovation of the old library to create a student center and president/board room complex, renovation of the Administration Building, Career Programs Building, and Classroom Building (scheduled through 2004). Following this, Dr. Norman Shea presented a brief statistical and financial profile of HCC. REVIEW OF FY2000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Robert Arch, Director of Planning and Community Development, met with the Commissioners to present a draft of the Fiscal Year 2000 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget as proposed by the CIP Committee. Ms. Bastian stated that the draft CIP budget proposes the use of $14,617,849 million in general obligation bonds and a General Fund contribution of $2,000,000. The total CIP budget is $31,153,776 which includes a combination of bond funds, reserves transferred from last fiscal year, and federal and state grants. Mr. Arch and Ms. Bastian reviewed each of the projects proposed for funding in Fiscal Year 2000 and the projected costs for each project. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Arch and Ms. Bastian for the presentation. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Smithsburg Town Hall by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also in attendance were Mayor Thomas Bowers and Council Members Michael Rohrer, Charles Slick, and James Cunningham. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Wivell, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 19, 1999 Commissioner Iseminger noted a correction on page 3, Presentation of City  Request for Tax Set-Off, in the fourth sentence, using should be changed  to used and the word in (before HB216) should be deleted in the seventh  sentence. Commissioner Wivell noted that (in the same section) two staff  members should be changed to one staff member. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of January 19, 1999, as corrected. TAX REBATE - TOWN OF SMITHSBURG Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax- Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax set-off or payment-in-lieu-of-services program. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 1998, Smithsburg received $23,895; and in Fiscal Year 1999, it is projected that the town will receive $29,505 - an increase of 23.48%. He also explained that the estimated amounts will be subject to an audit of expenditures. Commissioner Snook reviewed the summary and formula for JANUARY 26, 1999 PAGE TWO highways, police, and parks. ALTERNATE PROPOSAL FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT ON PARK HALL ROAD Tom Berry, Washington County citizen, recommended to the Board of County Commissioners that Park Hall Road be closed. Mr. Berry was referring to Washington County Planning Department project #14-122 - Park Hall Road; bridge replacement #08/04. His recommendation was based on three  considerations: safety, preservation, and financial. Mr. Berrys presentation reflected numerous points to which residents in the area of the proposed project were opposed as well as the worthwhile elements of the project. He urged the Commissioners to share his comments with the Public Works Department and request an alternate proposal. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he would ask Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, to take another look at the project. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION At this time, Commissioner Snook opened the meeting for Citizens  Participation. Bob Jones addressed the Board on distance education and the proposed University of Maryland Hagerstown Campus. Commissioner Snook explained that the University of Maryland has expressed an interest in Washington County, but nothing is definite at this point. Glenn Fishack suggested more blacktop at the Smithsburg transfer station. Joe Lane discussed cell phone tower regulations. Commissioner Snook noted that the Commissioners have asked the Planning Department to begin the process of working on regulations and that, once a draft has been developed, a public hearing would be held. Mr. Lane requested that his name be placed on the Planning Commission list for notification of any public hearing on this topic. Melanie Socks and Timothy Berry, Administrator of Williamsport Nursing Home, talked to the Commissioners about Holly Place, an assisted living home for elderly, low income people, and the need for financial assistance to keep the doors open. Lee Stine, Yvonne Hoch, Pat Schooley, Harold Boyer, and Mary Stenson urged the Board to save the Kemmerer house, circa 1774, on the Airport property. The Kemmerer house is currently slated for demolition. All who spoke conveyed to the Board that there is enormous public interest in restoring the house. Commissioner President Snook said that the Board would contact Citicorp, owner of the property, and make an attempt to discuss the subject. Commissioner Iseminger noted that the Board recognizes the historical value of the Kemmerer house and that he and Commissioner Schnebly would meet with Citicorp officials. Delmas Knight presented a petition to the Commissioners which was signed by property owners on Mt. Lock Hill Road in Sharpsburg requesting that the County widen, blacktop and add guardrails to the road. Kim Strite addressed school bus safety on the same road. The Commissioners agreed to do a site visit and then make an official report to the property owners in that area. Commissioner President Snook thanked everyone for their comments. (Commissioner President Snook was excused from the meeting at approximately 8:20 p.m. Commissioner Vice President Swartz conducted the rest of the meeting.) RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE WHOLESALE PRICE/CUBIC YARD FOR MULCH/COMPOST Washington County conducts a compost and mulch operation at the rubblefill. Harvey Hoch, Washington County Recycling Programs Coordinator, stated that wholesale dealers with whom he has talked in the past do not like to buy these products by the ton (weight) primarily due to moisture content. The industry prefers to buy by volume (cubic yards). The Solid Waste Department needs the flexibility to sell to wholesale customers on occasion to operate more efficiently. Mr. Hoch assured the Commissioners that every effort would be made to maintain sufficient quantities of materials on site to serve the established customer base. He noted that the average revenue is $12,000/year from the sale of mulch and a similar amount is anticipated from wholesale customers. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minimum of 10 cubic yards/load of mulch - $3.00/cubic following prices: a yard, and a minimum of 10 cubic yards/load of compost - $5.00/cubic yard as recommended by staff. Commissioner Wivell questioned the market rate, JANUARY 26, 1999 PAGE THREE stating the price of $3/cubic yard was too low. An amended motion was made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the suggested prices using $3.00/cubic yard of mulch as the floor. Unanimously approved. RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR STATE-FUNDED SCRAP TIRE RECYCLING AMNESTY DAY Mr. Hoch also informed the Commissioners that Maryland Environmental Service (MES) will sponsor a Scrap Tire Recycling Amnesty Day on Saturday, April 24, 1999, to be funded by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). MES will be responsible for contracting the transportation/recycling/disposal service for each participating county and will pay for up to 75 tons of tires received from Washington County residents. MDE/MES will also provide up to $1,500 towards the advertising costs for the event. The County would be responsible for advertising, supervising, and providing the collection site (Resh Landfill) and would also bear the responsibility for collection, transportation, and disposal of tires in excess of 75 tons. Mr. Hoch indicated that problems existed for some participating counties last year because some collection sites were inundated with tires and far exceeded their 75-ton limit. However, he felt that, based on the experience of two County Bulk Trash Days which included free tire disposal, the fiscal risk of receiving tires in excess of the limit was manageable and the cost of temporary help should not exceed $6,000. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, that Washington County enter into an agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service to 1999 Tire Amnesty Day provide a . Unanimously approved. NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION BUILDER LICENSING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Jim Fahey, President of the Home Builders Association (HBA), appeared before the Board of County Commissioners to request enabling legislation to allow Washington County to implement builder licensing in an effort to set quality standards and criteria for those in the construction business. Mr. Fahey noted that home improvement contractors are licensed at the State level while home builders are not. The permits and inspections process only insures that minimum requirements are met. Discussion focused on the reasons for such legislation and the proposal submitted by the Home Builders Association. Commissioner Wivell pointed out that the HBA proposal might forbid a homeowner from building his own home and would add additional costs  and regulations, making the American Dream even more unaffordable. Paul Prodonovich, Director of the County Permits & Inspections Department, stated that, although he had no objection to licensing contractors and that his department is capable of issuing licenses, some matters for consideration are possible additions to staff, the burden to the department, and additional fees. Mr. Prodonovich offered comments and questions he felt should be considered with regard to the outline submitted by HBA in a memo to the Commissioners, dated January 26, 1999. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to request enabling legislation to give Washington County the authority to license new  home builders. Commissioner Iseminger, Schnebly, and Swartz voted aye, with Commissioner Wivell casting the opposing vote. HAGERSTOWN-WASHINGTON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION, INC. (CHIEF) REQUEST FOR RELIEF FROM COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES County Attorney Richard Douglas presented the Commissioners with a resolution granting a property tax credit to CHIEF on two parcels of land along Hopewell Road in the Newgate Industrial Park (Parcel 3 - 83 acres, and Parcel 4 - 32 acres, on Tax Map 48) which cannot be properly marketed until the County provides road access. Merle Elliott of CHIEF explained that the commitment to provide road access was made when CHIEF entered into the agreement with the County; however, the County has been unable to fund the extension of the road in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP)budget. He also stated that tax relief was a matter of equity, not a request for a handout, and that CHIEF has made significant contributions to the County and is specifically devoted to economic development. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the Resolution Granting a Property Tax Credit to Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. in accordance with Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article, Section 9-323(a)(ii) in the amount of $32,243.44. Commissioners  Iseminger and Schnebly voted aye, with Commissioner Wivell casting an opposing vote. JANUARY 26, 1999 PAGE FOUR  COUNTY ATTORNEYS ISSUES: Request to Approve Software License Agreement/Software Maintenance Agreement with Sierra Computer Systems, Inc. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a Software License Agreement and a Software Maintenance Agreement with Sierra  a PERMITSPlus Computer Systems, Inc. for software system to upgrade the existing Sierra software package used by the County Permits & Inspections Department. Unanimously approved. District Court Lease  County Attorney Douglas requested the Boards approval to extend the lease agreement with District Court while the new building is under construction. The extension would terminate at the end of the year 2000 but contains a three-month hold-over period. Bob Graff, Facilities Administrator, concurs with the lease extension. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to extend the lease agreement with District Court as proposed by Mr. Douglas. Unanimously approved. Extension of Public Comment Period for H. B. Mellott Quarry Rezoning Assistant County Attorney Beth Evans requested that the Commissioners hold the record open on the H. B. Mellott quarry rezoning for one week from  todays date (1/26/99) to allow additional time for citizen in-put. After some discussion, Commissioner Iseminger suggested holding the record open for another ten days (from 1/26/99). Ms. Evans noted that the County  Attorneys Office would notify the applicants and legal counsel. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to extend the  public comment period for ten days from todays date of 1/26/99. Unanimously approved.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Richard Gross to the Parks & Recreation Board of Directors, as recommended by County Administrator Rod Shoop. Unanimously approved. Mr. Shoop noted that during the last joint meeting with the Hagerstown Mayor and Council, the Commissioners and Council reached a consensus on the appointment of two elected officials and one department head from each entity to serve on a task force to examine the tax set-off issue. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Commissioners Iseminger and Wivell, who had both agreed to serve on the task force, as the County officials and to appoint Debra Bastian as the County staff representative. Unanimously approved. University of Maryland - Hagerstown Campus  Mr. Shoop also requested the Boards approval of a grant to the University of Maryland System in the amount of $25,000.00 to provide funding for a consultant to define program need and rationale and an architectural program  statement. The money will be taken from the Countys CIP contingency fund. Mr. Shoop indicated that he would forward the grant approval to Skip Myers, the Interim President of the University Systems of Maryland. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve a grant in the amount of $25,000 to the University Systems of Maryland. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell announced that he had received a letter inviting the Commissioners to participate in a spelling bee to be held on Saturday, February 13th, at North Hagerstown High School. This project, sponsored by the Herald Mail, will provide newspapers in the schools. The cost of participation is $25/person. Commissioners Wivell, Swartz and Schnebly will participate and will pay the fee personally. County funds will not be used.  Smithsburg Mayor Tom Bowers, at Commissioner Wivells request, provided an  update on the Smithsburg Veterans Park, the new library, and the skateboarding park. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Board. He will be bringing the issue of the t-hangar leases back to the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Black Rock Golf Course Board and the Department of Social Services Board. Commissioner Swartz reported on the  Childrens Council and Commission on Aging. JANUARY 26, 1999 PAGE FIVE Commissioner Vice President Swartz thanked the citizens and Smithsburg Mayor  and Council for attending the Commissioners meeting and offered his compliments to Smithsburg. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________ Rodney M. Shoop County Administrator _____________________________ Richard W. Douglas County Attorney ____________________________, Clerk Joni L. Bittner (Prepared by Joyce A. Wyckoff, Executive Office Associate)