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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990323 March 23, 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 16, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of March 16, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Weed Control Committee meeting and the meeting of the Historical Advisory Committee. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the Boys and Girls Club celebration at Frederick Manor and spoke at a recent Ruritan Club meeting. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center. He stated that the Board of Social Services toured the Schoolhouse Manor site. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he received a call from an official of the Washington County Junior Football League regarding the policy of the Recreation and Parks Department not to allow temporary signs to be placed on fences. Commissioner Snook indicated that he has asked that the Recreation & Parks Board reconsider this policy. Commissioner Snook stated that the Planning Department held a retirement party for Jim Brittain last week. He informed the Commissioners that he spoke recently to a group on Y2K issues. He asked that the media be kept  informed of the Countys Y2K Committees actions. BUDGET WORKSHOP - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) EXPENDITURES The Commissioners, along with Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, held a budget workshop session to review the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for Fiscal Years 2000-2005. Mr. Shoop stated that the Commissioners  need to address the Board of Educations request for $5 million from the CIP budget. Mr. Arch reviewed a memorandum to the Commissioners from the CIP Committee summarizing the major revisions to the proposed CIP budget which have occurred since the last presentation to the Board. He stated that several landfill projects have been advanced for funding this year including completion of funding for the new access bridge, and funding for a cell liner and fencing and screening. Mr. Arch asked the Commissioners to consider the impacts on projected borrowing if the funding for the Board of Education is increased to $5 million. He stated that with the added projects, the projected borrowing has increased from $10 million to $12 million. Commissioner Wivell expressed strong concerns about the amount of bond funding and that he feels some of the projects could be delayed. The Commissioners reviewed the following projects which had been added to the CIP budget since the last discussions. The Commissioners agreed to the addition of $550,000 to the project for construction of the extension of Massey Boulevard from Halfway Boulevard to the relocated Cole Road and to the inclusion of $750,000 for a stormwater management pond at the Airport. The Commissioners discussed the inclusion of $200,000 for construction of a library for the Town of Clear Spring. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to include the costs for the library along with a footnote that a firm cost estimate and plan are needed before they will consider final approval as well as a recommendation from the Library Board of Trustees and the Town of Clear Spring. The Commissioners agreed to eliminate $165,000 for construction of a new gym in Hancock and $87,000 for amphitheater seating at Hagerstown Community College from the CIP budget and to fund these projects with Program Open Space (POS) monies. They recommended removing $135,000 from North County Park project and $20,000 MARCH 23, 1999 PAGE TWO from lighting for the Agricultural Education Center from the POS annual program. The Commissioners decided to include $250,000 for downtown revitalization efforts, even though a specific project has not been approved, and $35,000 for a culvert on Broadfording Road. At this time Ms. Bastian and Mr. Arch addressed the points outlined for discussion by Commissioner Wivell. The Commissioners discussed the Agricultural Education Center and decided to bid the project with an alternate for the museum portion only. The Commissioners discussed the  Board of Educations request for $5 million in CIP funds. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he would like to see a more definitive plan from the Board of Education for the projects to be funded and long-range projects. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to include $3.5 million in the CIP budget for the Board of Education at this time. Mr. Arch suggested that the Board of Education staff work with the Planning staff in a joint effort to design a long-range construction plan to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Schnebly recommended scheduling a discussion after the budget is approved on impact fees for schools.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Yvonne Hope, President of the Historical Advisory Committee, informed the Commissioners that they have scheduled a forum with representatives of the Maryland Historic Trust and Historic District Commissions to be held on Tuesday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the Frostburg State University Center. Ms. Hope also stated that the Historic Advisory Committee would like CHIEF, owner of the Kammerer house, to make a written reply on the fate of the Kammerer House and provide an official justification for the plan to sell the property and demolish the house. Rosemary Burtner expressed concerns about Johnsongrass and its effect on agriculture in Washington County. She cited laws used in Pennsylvania to help eradicate Johnsongrass. Ms. Burtner spoke in support of hiring a full- time employee to work with the Weed Control Coordinator in the County. PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL PROGRAM OPEN SPACE (POS) PROGRAM Ronald Kidd, Director of the Recreation and Parks Department, and Ed Hess, Vice Chairman of the Recreation & Parks Board, met with the Commissioners to present the Fiscal Year 2000 POS budget and projects proposed for the County and for municipalities. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners would like to have additional funding to complete the construction of the new gymnasium in Hancock and amphitheater seating at Hagerstown Community College included in the POS annual projects for the next fiscal year. The Commissioners asked the Recreation & Parks Board to revisit their recommendations and consider including those projects in the program. Mr. Kidd stated that the County would have to own or lease the property in order to use POS funding for the seating at the amphitheater. He indicated that the County would have to enter into a joint use agreement with HCC. Mr. Kidd provided information on the process used by the Board to select projects for funding. He reviewed the budgeted amounts for the projects in the development and acquisition programs and provided a brief description of each project. He stated that the County is estimated to receive a total of $500,000 in POS funding. The Commissioners discussed the proposed projects and the selection process.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the next meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be held on  April 7 at Richardsons at 8:30 a.m. Commissioner Schnebly agreed to attend on behalf of the Commissioners. It was decided that Commissioners Swartz and Wivell would attend the reception at Salem Avenue Elementary School celebrating their Blue Ribbon School designation and the rest of the Commissioners would attend the tax setoff meeting in Sharpsburg this evening. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners of the budget workshop which is scheduled for March 25 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. CHANGE ORDER - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to approve a change for the Local Management Board to consolidate purchase orders in the amount of $31,987 for administrative purposes in diversion residential services provided by the Association for Retarded Citizens. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint Ben Clopper, MARCH 23, 1999 PAGE THREE Jeffrey Poffenberger, John Staub, Frank Newcomer, and Robbie Shaw to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. LUNCH AND TOUR - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT The Commissioners recessed at 11:47 a.m. for lunch and tour of the Highway Department. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:37 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. PRESENTATION - FLOOD BUYOUT OF PROPERTIES IN HANCOCK Daniel Murphy, Mayor of Hancock, and Lou Close, Town Manager, met with the  Commissioners to request the Countys participation with the Town of Hancock to buy out six properties located in the flood area on West Main Street in Hancock. Mr. Close explained that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has approximately $164,000 available for acquisition of properties in flood areas and will fund 75 percent of the project. He asked that if the Maryland Emergency Managemen Administration (MEMA) would  provide 12 percent of the remaining cost, the Town and County would each provide 6 1/4 percent of the cost. He stated that the County share would be approximately $15,000 - $29,000. Mr. Close provided information and the estimated cost of purchasing the six properties. He stated that the land would then be developed as a park to complement the Rails to Trails program. Commissioner Snook expressed concern that this might set a precedent. Mr.  Shoop stated that there may be a way to limit the Countys exposure by requiring that FEMA, MEMA, and local funding be required before the County would provide funding. The Commissioners also asked Mr. Close to assure that these properties are not historic before they proceed. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the request to provide 6 1/4 percent of the funding needed to participate in the FEMA buy out program for purchase of six properties located in the flood zone in the Town of Hancock in the FY 2000 Capital Improvement Program budget after investigating whether Program Open Space funding could be used for the project. Motion carried with Commissioners, Swartz, Schnebly, and  Iseminger voting AYE and Commissioners Snook and Wivell voting NO. VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL - MARTY SNOOK PARK Ray Linebaugh and James Sprecher, representing the Joint Veterans Council, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the construction of the veterans memorial wall at Marty Snook Park. Mr. Linebaugh stated that the wall is approximately 50% complete. The outstanding invoices on the wall total approximately $10,000. Mr. Sprecher requested funding to defray the existing costs of construction. He also asked that the Parks Department be permitted to help install the railings which could also save them a significant amount in installation costs. The Commissioners took their requests under consideration and urged the Joint Veterans Council to continue their fund-raising efforts. Commissioner Snook presented Mr. Sprecher with a personal check for the Memorial Wall fund from his family. Commissioner Swartz also suggested that the group reapply to the Gaming Commission for funding. Commissioner Wivell offered his support for any fund-raising efforts. The Commissioners requested an update on what materials are needed for completion of the wall. Mr. Sprecher thanked Commissioner Snook for his generous donation of $5,000. LEASE OF SPACE - SHARPSBURG WATER TOWER Motion made by Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the lease with APC Realty and Equipment Co., LLC to allow them to place nine antennas on the Sharpsburg water tower for a rent of $14,400 for the first year which will increase by 4% per year thereafter, compounded. The lease may be renewed every five years for up to 25 years. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FOR LIGHTING - SENIOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD Commissioner Swartz asked about the status of the request for lighting at the Senior League baseball field at the Marty Snook Park. Mr. Shoop explained that the Recreation & Parks Board has not made a recommendation on the request. He reported to Commissioner Swartz that the Fort Ritchie MARCH 23, 1999 PAGE FOUR property is still owned by the U.S. Army and the lighting at that facility cannot be removed. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:24 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, 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 Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 3:48 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, 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 one (1) issue. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent; and Robert Rockwell, Richard Sampson and Jonathan Topazian representing Semmes, Bowen and Semmes. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - JOHN KAIN Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the memorandum of understanding with John Kain, Groundskeeper at Black Rock Golf Course which outlines the terms and conditions of his employment. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:48 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TAX SETOFF PROGRAM - TOWN OF SHARPSBURG The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Sharpsburg Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. and John Schnebly. George Kesler, Mayor of Sharpsburg and Councilmembers George Hammond, Denise Troxell, Patti Hammond, Sidney Gale, Hal Spielman, and Russell Weaver. TAX REBATE PROGRAM - SHARPSBURG 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. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 2000 Sharpsburg is estimated to receive $4,427. However, the money for the municipality is applied toward the cost of a County deputy for 30 hours per week. Also discussed was the possible establishment of heritage areas and the concerns of the Town Council. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk