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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990304 March 4, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland WORKSHOP SESSION A workshop session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Bertrand L. Iseminger and John L. Schnebly. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the revised meeting schedule for the month of March. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to cancel the workshop scheduled for March 11. (Commissioner Swartz arrived at the meeting at 5:00 p.m.) 1999 Goals and Initiatives Mr. Shoop reviewed the goals for 1999 which were developed by the County  staff for the Commissioners consideration and adoption. After discussion and revisions, it was the consensus to approve the following goals for calendar year 1999: - Purchase and implement an integrated financial management system by 12/31/99 - Pursue establishment of University Systems of Maryland Quad-State Campus - Evaluate alternatives to fund the Capital Improvements Program - Develop a draft Comprehensive Plan by 12/31/99 - Develop a plan to accept Fort Ritchie infrastructure into the County system - Strengthen intergovernmental partnerships by promoting consolidation efficiencies, cooperation in water and sewer services and annexation  - Financially support City of Hagerstowns downtown revitalization  initiatives - Submit justification to FAA for extension of Runway 09/27 by 12/31/99 During discussions of the goals, the Commissioners asked staff to investigate possible funding sources for capital projects to include the establishment of impact fees or special taxing districts and the authorization necessary to have an additional percentage added to the sales tax which would be designated for Washington County. With regard to intergovernmental cooperation and elimination of duplicate services, the Commissioners agreed that these projects would have to be determined at a later date. They also considered possible sources of funding for the projects. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the design of the Funkstown by-pass and an update on State funding for the millennium events and activities. Commissioner Snook supplied information on the proposal made to the County Delegation to the General Assembly regarding funding for the construction of a University of Maryland Systems Campus in Washington County. The Commissioners asked Mr. Shoop to draft a letter to Governor Glendening requesting a meeting with him regarding the campus. Commissioner Schnebly asked to have time scheduled to have a philosophical discussion regarding the direction of the school system, school districts, and the impacts to the surrounding neighborhood. The Commissioners briefly reviewed the four-year County initiatives and how they correspond to the 1999 goals. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk