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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990309 March 9, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 2 & 4, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of March 2 and 4, 1999, as submitted. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell stated that he had received an inquiry regarding the possibility of receiving County or Gaming Commission funding for the new fire substation in Boonsboro. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health meeting. Commissioner Schnebly commented on a recent meeting that he and several of the Economic Development Commission members attended. They were informed of a jurisdiction in Texas which receives an additional .5 percent sales tax to be used specifically for economic development projects. Commissioner Swartz reported on the organizational meeting of the new committee on disability issues. He also reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting and the fire police convention. Commissioner Snook read correspondence from a citizen requesting that Manor Church Road be realigned. The Commissioners agreed to have the Public Works staff review the request. Commissioner Snook reviewed a letter sent by the Director of Human Resources to agencies outside County government which  utilize the Countys health care plan regarding changes in the coverage. He informed the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration will begin an overlay project on eastbound I-70. He provided information on projects to be advertised for bids this month. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Sierra Club will be addressing the impact of hog  factories in Maryland at its March 13 at Mount St. Marys College. He stated that he has been invited to speak at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Y2K issues on March 20. The MARCH 9, 1999 PAGE TWO Commissioners discussed the University of Maryland Systems campus and agreed to request that Governor Glendening visit the proposed site for the campus in Washington County. If the Governor is unable to come to the County to see the site during the legislative session, they agreed to send a letter to him asking for a meeting with him in Annapolis. The Commissioners also discussed the impact of House Bill 1149 which would recouple the County with the State on income tax calculations. BUDGET WORKSHOP - GENERAL FUND REVENUES The Commissioners, along with Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director of Finance, held a budget workshop session to review the Fiscal Year 2000 General Fund budget revenues. Ms. Bastian reviewed the schedule for the budgets. She stated that the public hearing is scheduled for April 27 and she will need to make the final adjustments to the budget to be taken to hearing by April 8. Ms. Bastian projected a 3.6 percent increase in personal property tax revenues. She stated that she has projected $300,000 above the State estimate based on several large projects in the County which will be completed during the next fiscal year. Ms. Bastian explained that the real estate and personal property revenue is expected to be $63.2 million and Income Tax revenue is projected to be $41.5 million. She projected that total revenues for FY 2000 will be $111,186,404.00. She indicated that she would like to discuss income tax projections in more detail after she receives information from the State. Ms. Bastian then reviewed County revenue projections on a line-by-line basis and provided supporting documentation on the projections.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Marc Silverman ofSilverman, Hirsch and Lloyd, appeared before the Commissioners to request their consideration of a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a project his firm is developing in conjunction with Interfaith  Housing of Western Maryland, Inc. He stated that the activeadult senior living apartment complex would be located on Robinwood Drive near Hagerstown Community College and would contain 64 rental units in Phase I. Jerry Busey, representing Interfaith Housing of Western Maryland, stated that the results of a market study show that there is a lack of affordable senior housing and there are no active adult projects for seniors in Washington County. Mr. Silverman explained that their application for funding must be submitted to the Community Development Administration by March 15. He stated that the project will not be workable without some type of local contribution to the project such as a PILOT, waiver of impact fees, or grant, to help reduce capital costs. He requested a PILOT of $175 per unit for 64 units. After discussion, the Commissioners took the request under consideration and scheduled a meeting for March 10 at 11:45 a.m. to discuss the request in more detail. Pat Schooley expressed concerns regarding the recent demolition of the historic Fox Deceived structure due to an error on the part of the Permits Department. Mrs. Schooley asked that some modifications be made in the process to assure that something like this does not happen again. She also stated that the regulations in place should be enforced. Jane Hershey stated that she had informed one of the owners of the structure that the house was a historic structure. Mrs. Schooley indicated that the data on  historic structures was entered into the Countys computer system. Commissioner Snook recognized that there was a mistake made by the Permits Department and indicated that the County will review the procedures in place. Mrs. Schooley provided information prioritizing historic structures in the County which are threatened by development or neglect. Ronald Bowers urged the Commissioners to reconsider placing the justification to the FAA regarding the extension of runway 09/27 by 12/31/99 as a County goal for 1999. He indicated that the type of extension being contemplated, the size of the planes, and the impact on the neighborhood and businesses in the area should be considered. Mr. Bowers asked that they keep the area property owners in mind when making this decision. Commissioner Snook explained that these issues would be addressed as part of the justification process. Mr. Shoop stated that the environmental assessment will address the issue of noise raised by Mr. Bowers and that public hearings will be held during the process.  GRANT REQUEST - STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE  Kenneth Long, States Attorney, met with the Commissioners to request approval to submit a grant proposal to the Division of Parole & Probation for a part-time contractual work crew supervisor. He explained that the MARCH 9, 1999 PAGE THREE work crew supervisor would supervise a crew of community service volunteers  in the Hot Spots areas on the weekend on public interest projects. Mr. Long stated that the project would require no County funding. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the submission of a grant request to the Division of Parole and Probation by the  States Attorneys Office for a part-time work crew supervisor for the Hot Spots area. Unanimously approved. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION - HALFWAY BOULEVARD/I-81 INTERCHANGE Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding improvements at the interchange of Halfway Boulevard and Interstate 81. Ms. Evans explained that the agreement provides that SHA will design the widening and replacement of the County-owned bridge, include the bridge construction in its contract, and oversee construction. The County would reimburse the State for all costs it incurs in connection with the bridge portion of the project. Ms. Evans stated that the County will be reimbursed through Federal TEA-21 funding over the next six years for 80 percent of the costs. Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Highway Administration regarding the Halfway Boulevard/I-81 interchange improvements, as presented by the Assistant County Attorney. Unanimously approved. Joe Kroboth, Assistant Chief Engineer, provided a brief update on the Hopewell Road improvement project. DISCUSSION OF 1999 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the following 1999 Goals for Washington County which were discussed by the Commissioners at the March 4 workshop meeting: 1) Purchase and implement an integrated financial management system by 12/31/99; 2) Pursue establishment of University Systems of Maryland Quad-State Campus; 3) Evaluate alternatives to fund the Capital Improvements Program; 4) Develop a draft Comprehensive Plan by 12/31/99; 5) Develop a plan for Fort Ritchie infrastructure; 5)Strengthen intergovernmental partnerships by promoting consolidation efficiencies, cooperation in water and sewer services and annexation; 6) Financially  support the City of Hagerstowns downtown revitalization initiatives; 7)Submit justification to FAA for extension of Runway 09/27 by 12/31/99. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to modify the wording used in the goals and to include an additional goal for the establishment of financial benchmarks for development of a financial plan. The Commissioners asked Mr. Shoop to revise the goals and schedule them for discussion and adoption at  next weeks meeting. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY UNDER SECTION 9.3.1 OF THE ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed a resolution designating the Washington County Health Department as the enforcement agency to provide for the enforcement of civil and criminal violations under Section 9.3.1 of the Ordinance to Provide for Solid Waste Collection Licensing (the  Ordinance). He explained that the Ordinance, which was adopted on June 22, 1995, provides that the civil and criminal provisions of the Ordinance shall be enforced by those persons or agencies designated by the Commissioners. Mr. Douglas recommended that the Washington County Health Department be designated as the agency responsible for enforcing those provisions of the Ordinance. Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt a resolution designating the Washington County Health Department as the enforcement agency under Section 9.3.1. of the Ordinance to Provide for Solid Waste Collection Licensing in Washington County, Maryland, as presented by the County Attorney. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly,  Iseminger, and Snook voting AYE and Commissioner Wivell voting NO. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 11:50 a.m. to discuss personnel issues, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. MARCH 9, 1999 PAGE FOUR RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 12:01 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. RECESS - LUNCHEON AT COMMISSION ON AGING The Commissioners recessed at 12:01 p.m. to attend a luncheon at the Commission on Aging offices. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:10 p.m. by the President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. BUDGET WORKSHOP - WATER & SEWER FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, met with the Commissioners to review projections for the Water & Sewer Department. Also present were Clarence Scheer, Michael Armel, and Bonnie Parks, who are members of the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she received IRS approval today for a closing agreement which will allow the County to better utilize the pre-treatment facility. She stated that she will contact the Department of the Environment to begin plans to restructure the Maryland Water Quality bonds. (Commissioner Swartz arrived at the meeting at 1.30 p.m.) Mr. Murray, reviewed the proposed budgets for the General Services Fund, the Water Fund, and the Sewer Fund. He stated that the General Services Fund will increase by 1.6 percent overall for a total budget of $2,835,370. There is an 8% reduction in Water Fund for a budget of $1,062,014. Mr. Murray indicated that the Sewer Fund budget is $7,901,020 or a 1.0% reduction over FY 1999. He stated that there is a 1.1% decrease in the three budgets overall. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Scheer complimented Mr. Murray for his management of the Water & Sewer Department. He stated that the Advisory Commission will make a recommendation to the Commissioners to set water and sewer rates in the near future. Mr. Scheer asked the Commissioners to work closely with them to help resolve the debt issues at the pretreatment facility. BUDGET WORKSHOP - GENERAL FUND REVENUES (CONTINUED) Ms. Bastian provided a history of income tax revenues from 1989 to the present. She informed the Commissioners that the State is projecting that Washington County will receive $37,400,000 for Fiscal Year 2000. She stated that if the Commissioners feel that the economy will continue to be healthy through July 1, 2000, she will consider including a reasonable increase in income tax projections. Ms. Bastian explained that this revenue source is the hardest to project and stated that she would like to obtain additional information from the State before making a recommendation on the projection for FY 2000. She then provided information on other County revenue sources. AIRPORT CONSULTING ENGINEER - EXTENSION OF CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the extension of the contract for engineering consulting services at the Hagerstown Regional Airport with URS Greiner for an additional two-year period. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:48 p.m. to attend a meeting with the Board of Education at Williamsport Elementary School. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION - WILLIAMSPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at Williamsport Elementary School at 3:15 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Edwin Hayes, B. Marie Byers, Dori Nipps, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Andrew Humphries, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; Teresa Flak, Assistant Superintendent; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; and Christian South, MARCH 9, 1999 PAGE FIVE Director of Budget & Finance. Capital Improvement Plan Funds - South High, Phase II  Dennis McGee requested the Commissioners approval to use available funds from Phase I of the South Hagerstown High School project to hire an architect and then reimburse the Phase I monies when the budgeted Phase II monies are received in July. He estimated that billing would be $50,000 for the architectural drawings for Phase II of the project. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the request to use $200,000 in available funds from Phase I of the South Hagerstown High School Improvement Project to hire an architect to design Phase II of this project. Unanimously approved. Board of Education Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Strategic Plan William McKinley and Dennis McGee requested that the Commissioners consider increasing the CIP funding for the Board of Education from $2.5 million per year to $5 million over the course of the six-year plan. Mr. McGee explained that the Strategic Plan identified ongoing maintenance problems at the schools which were built in the 1970's to accelerate renovations of the older schools. He stated that their six-year plan includes major renovation projects at South High, Clear Spring Elementary, Williamsport Elementary, Salem Avenue Elementary, Bester Elementary, Maugansville Elementary, and Pangborn Elementary. Mr. McGee indicated that this action would allow them to accelerate the renovations and also to access available matching funds from the Interagency Committee. The Commissioners discussed the request and agreed to review it in conjunction with the entire County budget. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners will look at several scenarios to determine if it is feasible when they review the CIP budget. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Commissioners would also consider establishing impact fees to help prepare for growth in schools in certain parts of the County. Proposed Gymnasium at Hancock Middle/Senior High School Mr. McGee stated that there is only one gymnasium for both the Hancock Middle and Senior High School to utilize for their athletic programs. He indicated that the Town of Hancock is requesting that an auxiliary gym be constructed near the existing high school. Dr. Bartlett stated that the Board of Education supports the project. Daniel Murphy, Mayor of Hancock, informed the group that the citizens in Hancock have thus far raised $45,000 for the project. He stated that the estimated cost of the gymnasium would be $335,000. Mayor Murphy stated that the Recreation & Parks Board has agreed to commit $100,000 in Program Open Space funds toward this project each year for the next two years. Commissioner Swartz stated that the Commissioners also support the project. He asked the Board of Education to commit funding for the ADA improvements needed. Dr. Bartlett indicated that the Board will provide 10 percent of the project costs. Commissioner Snook stated the Program Open Space recommendations will be presented to them on March 23 and they will review the entire package before making a commitment. Impact of Cohort Adjustment on FY 2000 Budget Phil Ray, Director of Human Resources, reported on the impact of the cohort adjustment on the budget. He stated that the one-time cost including benefits will be $1.1 million in FY 1999. He stated that this has the effect of moving the teachers higher in the rankings with other counties in the State. Mr. Ray noted that the adjustment raised the salary for beginning teachers from 21st to 16th in the State. Dr. Bartlett expressed  concern with the masters level salary scale where Washington County is ranked 24th. The Commissioners then discussed the scale. Mr. Ray indicated that the cost to continue for next fiscal year would be $56,000. The Commissioners asked the Board members to distribute their budget to them as soon as possible before the April 6 hearing in order to give them time to thoroughly review it. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:45 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TAX SETOFF PROGRAM - TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. John Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also in attendance MARCH 9, 1999 PAGE SIX were Mayor John Slayman, Assistant Mayor James Black and Council members James Kalbfleisch, Earle Pereshuck, Gloria Bitner, Roxanne Long, and Walter Tracy, Jr. Tax Setoff Program 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 setoff program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 1999 the Town is estimated to receive $50,819. He reminded the Mayor and Council of the importance of getting an accurate count in the upcoming census. Extension of East Church Street - Update Commissioner Snook provided a copy of the design drawings for the expansion of the elderly housing project and the extension of East Church Street. He stated that the project has a 2001 completion date. Mayor Slayman gave an update on the negotiations with Columbia Gas for service to the area. He stated that the Town rejected the latest proposal made by Columbia Gas. Commissioner Snook stated that he will have Richard Willson, Director of the Washington County Housing Authority, get in contact with them. Commissioner Schnebly discussed the impacts of proposed legislation regarding utility deregulation. Mayor Slayman stated that the Town may lose $244,000 in revenues. Commissioner Wivell provided an update on the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee and their position on several issues. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk