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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990316 March 16, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. 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 8, 9, & 10, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of March 8, 9 and 10, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - TALL CEDAR OF LEBANON WEEK Commissioner Schnebly presented a proclamation to Walt Shepherd, Grand Tall Cedar of the Hagerstown Forest, naming the week of March 14-29, 1999, as Tall Cedars of Lebanon Week and commending this observance to all citizens. Mr. Shepherd thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and distributed roses. which are used to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, to the Commissioners.  PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE WOMENS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT DAYS Commissioner Swartz read and presented a proclamation to Maryls Palmer,  coach of the Hagerstown Community College womens basketball team,  designating the week of March 17-20, 1999 as National Junior College Womens Basketball Tournament Days and encouraging citizens to attend and enjoy this sporting event. Commissioner Swartz stated that HCC will be hosting the tournament for the top 12 NJCAA teams in Region II. He congratulated the team for qualifying for the tournament. Ms. Palmer thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and stated that she is very proud of her  team. She promised that they will give it their all on the basketball court. REQUEST FOR USE OF COUNTY COMMUTER BUS AND CONTINGENCY FUND APPROVAL Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve a request from the local chapter of the Mason-Dixon Council of sthe Boy Scouts to furnish a County Commuter bus to provide transportation during a jamouree to be held at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and to fund the cost of $325.00 for this from the Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the State will be constructing a new juvenile detention center to replace the facility owned by the County on Jonathan Street. He stated that he has been informed that there has been some interest in the community in purchasing the building from the County when the new center is completed. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED 1999 GOALS The Commissioners reviewed the goals for 1999 with revisions made at last  weeks meeting. Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the following goals for 1999: 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) 5) Develop a plan for Fort Ritchie infrastructure; 6)Strengthen intergovernmental partnerships by promoting consolidation efficiencies, cooperation in water and sewer services and annexation; 7) Financially  support the City of Hagerstowns downtown revitalization initiatives; 8)Submit justification to FAA for extension of Runway 09/27 by 12/31/99; and 9) Develop financial targets. Unanimously approved  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissiner Iseminger reported on the Housing Authority meeting. He suggested that the Commissioners send a letter of appreciation to the Towns of Hancock and Clear Spring for helping travellers who were stranded during the recent snowstorm. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that the joint City/County committee on water and sewer issues is prepared to discuss accelerating the Sharpsburg Pike project. He also reported on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting and upcoming events being sponsored by the EDC. MARCH 16, 1999 PAGE TWO Commissioner Swartz reported that he met with several constituents regarding their concerns. He stated that the stadium committee feels they have a plan in place to present. Commissioner Swartz thanked everyone for their prayers during his recent heart catheterization. He stated that he is scheduled to have an angioplasty later this week. Commissioner Snook expressed his appreciation for the fine job done by the Highway Department during the recent snow storm. He informed the Commissioners that the Economic Development Commission received 526 responses on the survey regarding the Uninversity of Maryland Systems campus and they are compiling the data at this time. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Department of Social Services will be holding its employee recognition day on March 17. He stated that he received  notification from the Governors office that the Kemps Mill softball field project will receive $45,000 in Program Open Space funding. He also distributed a letter from Governor Glendening informing them of the appointment of David Iseminger as student representative to the State Board of Education. BUDGET WORKSHOP - GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES 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 proposed General Fund budget requests - expenditures. Mr. Shoop reviewed the budget requests and the recommended budget for each department. Ms. Bastian provided additional explanations on the budgets which are over or under the current year budget by four percent and $5,000. Commissioner Iseminger asked to see information on the detention center, its capacity, additonal slots, and income received from contracting for out-of-County prisoners. Also discussed were possible sources of funding for fire and rescue budgets. Mr. Shoop stated that he feels the County needs to find some way to address the need for additional funding for fire and rescue. Commissioner Schnebly indicated that the volunteer companies need to develop a uniform billing policy which will take advantage of the provisions contained in most  homeowners policies. They agreed to wait until the revised emergency services study is received to continue discussions on this subject. The Commissioners suspended their budget discussions at 10:30 a.m. in order to hold citizens participation.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION John Himes stated that there is a need for an additional patrol deputy to be assigned to the southern section of the County because of the length of time it takes them to respond to calls. He also expressed concern about school bus safety. Commissioner Snook stated that he has spoken to Sheriff Mades regarding this situation, and the Sheriff has assured him that any deputies in the Boonsboro area respond to calls in the southern part of the County. He told Mr. Himes that he will talk to Superintendent Bartlett about the school bus problems at Routes 67 and 340. Bob Maginnis asked the Commissioners why there were no goals in regard to  fire and rescue issues listed on the Countys goals for 1999. Commissioner  Snook stated the emergency services study was included in last years goals. The consultant was asked to go back and revisit the study and the County has not received the revisions. Commissioner Iseminger informed Mr. Maginnis that the Commissioners met with the Fire & Rescue Association a few weeks ago and issues are being addressed that are not specifically listed on the goals. BUDGET WORKSHOP - CONTINUED The Commissioners continued discussions on the budget. Ms. Bastian reviewed the funding proposed for non profit agendies. The Commissioners also discussed increasing funding to the Washington County Free Library. RECESS - LUNCH & TOUR OF COUNTY COMMUTER The Commissioners recessed at 11:55 a.m. to attend a luncheon and tour of the Transportation Department. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:31 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger and John L. Schnebly. MARCH 16, 1999 PAGE THREE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATIONS - KAMMERER HOUSE & PIPER HOUSE Stephen Goodrich, Senior Planner, met with the Commissioners to present two applications for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the applications for the Kammerer House and the Piper House and the criteria which each property meets under the National  Registers qualifications for nomination. Mr. Goodrich then reviewed the criteria for eligibility on the National Register. He stated that Washington County, as a Certified Local Government, can recommend properties for nomination. Both applications have been endorsed by the Historic District Commission. Merle Elliott, representing CHIEF which owns the Kammerer House, stated that a decision is expected from Citicorp in the near  future regarding the Countys proposal to lease the Kammerer House to the Historical Society. The Commissioners discussed each of the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to submit the application to the Maryland Historical Trust nominating the Johann Ludwig Kammerer House for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as recommended by the Historic District Commission. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to submit the application to the Maryland Historical Trust nominating the Piper House for for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as recommended by the Historic District Commission. Unanimously approved. AGRICULTURAL TRANSFER TAX COMMITMENT Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, appeared before  the Commissioners to request their approval to increase the Countys commitment to the Agricultural Preservation Easement Program (60/40 match component). Mr. Arch explained that the County now has more than $675,000 in the agricultural transfer tax fund due to the sale of several large properties. Mr. Arch stated that $590,000 of the funds are uncommitted and could be used for easement purchase. If these funds were added to the  Countys current match of $350,000, they would yield $1,375,000 for easement  purchases when matched with the States 60 percent match of the funding. Commissioner Iseminger stated that it is important to get the full $1 million match from the State for agricultural easements and recommended that the County furnish the 40 percent match needed to obtain the State funds. The Commissioners agreed that general fund monies of up to $50,000 could be used to meet the $640,000 match if it is not received through agricultural transfer tax monies. Commissioner Snook requested additional information on the prior commitments for purchase of agricultural easements and the length of time remaining on these commitments. Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to commit $666,666.66 to the  States 60/40 match component of the States Agricultural Preservation Easement Purchase Program for Fiscal Year 1999 to allow the County to maximize the full $1 million in State funding, by dedicating agricultural transfer tax funds and supplementing this amount with general funds monies if necessary. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS - FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the following appointments to the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board for three- year terms: Jeffrey Ringer; Leonard Heller, Chris Amos, Wayne Williams,  Warren Bo Miller, David Knight, Gail Cookie McDowell and William Shawley. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT - PLUMBING BOARD Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by iseminger, to appoint G. Clair Baker, Jr. to the Washington County Plumbing Board to fill the unexpired term of Wallace Giffin and to terminate the appointment of Mr. Giffin due to his lack of attendance. Unanmously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 2:08 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 3:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. MARCH 16, 1999 PAGE FOUR In closed session, the Commissioners considered one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State,and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) issues. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Chris Bell and Brian Hekemian, Greencastle Development Company, and Mike Shifler, Fox & Associates. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 9.3.1 AS THE AGENCY TO ENFORCE THE BAN ON OPEN BURNING UNDER SECTION 2.3.1 OF THE ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND Richard Douglas, County Attorney, asked the Commissioners to adopt an amended resolution designating the Health Department under Section 9.3.1 as the agency specifically designated to enforce the ban on open burning in the Ordinance to Provide for Solid Waste Collection Licensing. He stated that the amended resolution will rescind and replace the similar resolution adopted last week which was in error. Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the amended resolution designating the Washington County Health Department under Section 9.3.1 as the agency to enforce the ban on open burning under Section 2.3.10 of the Ordinance to Provide for Solid Waste Collection Licensing in Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously approved. AGREEMENT WITH FORMER DEPUTY WILLIAM BLAIR FOR CARE OF FORMER POLICE DOGS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve an agreement by and between the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff of Washington County, and former deputy William C. Blair to release two police  dogs, Samantha and Iwan, which have been removed from police work to Blairs personal care under the terms and conditions outllined in the agreement. Unanimousl approved. RESOLUTION - EASEMENT EXCHANGE AGREEMENT - PHOENIX COLOR CORPORATION Richard Douglas reviewed an agreement to exchange certain parcels of land near the Regional Airport Phoenix Realty, LLC and Phoenix Color Corporation. Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve an agreement to convey to Phoenix (MD) Realty, LLC, an affiliate of Phoenix Color Corporation, a parcel of property consisting of approximately 26.6566 acres in exchange for an agreement to convey to the County a parcel of property consisting of 15.8 acres with Phoenix to pay the County the sum of $152,500 in addition to the parcel conveyed. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:40 p.m. in order to attend the joint monthly meeting with the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council at City Hall JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members Al Boyer, Susan Saum-Wicklein, and Wallace McClure, at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 4:05 p.m. to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 4:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Robert Arch, Director MARCH 16, 1999 PAGE FIVE of Planning & Community Development; Mayor Robert Bruchey, II, and Hagerstown City Council Members Al Boyer, Susan Saum-Wicklein, and Wallace McClure; John Urner, City Attorney; Richard Kautz, City Planner; Alfred Martin, Director of Finance; Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator; Brenda Donovan, Acting City Clerk; Irvin Gish, the Bowman Group, and Thomas Gearhart, Hagerstown Trust Company. Arts and Entertainment District Plan for Downtown Hagerstown James Pierne, Chair of the Arts & Entertainment District Subcommittee, made a brief presentation regarding establishment of an Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Hagerstown. Mr. Pierne stated that the goal of the A&E District is to foster continued concentration on cultural, dining, educational and entertainment enterprises in downtown Hagerstown. He explained that the plan focuses on both long-term and short-term development strategies and reviewed the conceptual plan for both stragegies. Mr. Pierne reviewed the strengths of the downtown area and also the challenges associated with establishing an A&E District. He also provided recommendations for a short-term funding plan for the concept utilizing both private and public funding. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that there may be funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for grant funding for the project. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners and Councilmembers discussed what they feel is important for the area. They indicated that housing issues need to be addressed, as well as secure, well- lighted parking areas and infrastructure. Merle Elliott, President of the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, asked the Commissioners to approve the concept of the Arts and Entertainment District. Mayor Bruchey thanked all of the members in attendance for serving on the Committee. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, approve in concept the plan for the Arts & Entertainment District as presented and to authorize staff to proceed with the submission of a grant request to the Appalachian Regional Commission in the amount of $25,000. Unanimously approved.  Gods and Generals - Discussion Robert Ernst, Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank, provided an update on the status of the financing of pre-production and screenplay costs for the film  Gods and Generals. He stated that the line of credit is now fully extended and the interest-only loan matures at the end of March. The City and County hold a security interest in the film to assure repayment of the loan and that the movie will be made substantially in Washington County. Mr. Ernst indicated that he has spoken to Ronald Maxwell and Jeff Shaara of Antietam Filmworks and they have not yet obtained financing for the film. He stated that they would like to have additional time to meet that goal. After discussion, it was the consensus of the group to request a status report to include information on the timeline of the film, financing status, and the anticipated date of delivery of the screenplay from Mr. Maxwell before taking formal action to extend the line of credit. Mr. Urner provided information on options available to them regarding the loan. Complete Count Committee - Census 2000 Norman Bassett and Karen Giffin, Public Information Officers for Washington County and the City of Hagestown respectively, met with the group to provide an update on Census 2000. Ms. Giffin stated that the Complete Count Committee is being formed with Commissioner Paul Swartz as its chair. Ms. Giffin indicated that the Census Bureau is asking for assistance with the following items: - identifying a Census 2000 coordinator to promote and encourage participation in Census 2000; correcting maps and address lists; recruiting workers, placing questionnairs in vital locations, organizing promotional events; and providing space for testing and training census employees. She indicated that the Complete Count Committee will help with this request and asked the Commissioners and Mayor and Council to provide names of individuals who may be interested in serving on the committee. Tax Set off Meeting 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 City is estimated to receive $856,511. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the joint City/County committee discussing possible MARCH 16, 1999 PAGE SIX revisions to the tax set off has been meeting and will return with recommendations. Joint City/County Task Force on Water and Sewer Issues Commissioner Schnebly reported that the joint City/County task force on water and sewer issues is recommending proceeding with the Sharpsburg Pike project. He stated that the Department of the Environment may provide the necessary funding. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:55 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TAX SETOFF PROGRAM - TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Clear Spring Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. and John Schnebly. Also in attendance were Mayor Paul Hose and Vice Mayor Julianna Albowicz. 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 the Town of Clear Spring will receive the minimum payment of $2,000. He reminded the Mayor and Council of the importance of getting an accurate count in the upcoming census. Isabelle Stottlemyer presented a petition to the Commissioners requesting that the Commissioners support funding for a library in Clear Spring. Numerous citizens spoke in support for funding to establish a library. Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, reviewed the history of the proposed senior citizens housing project in Clear Spring. He stated that the study has been completed and numerous sites have been considered for the project over the years. Several citizens of the Town spoke to the Commissioners regarding the need for the project. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk