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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990330 March 30, 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 Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 18 & 23, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of March 18 and 23, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS  Commissioner Iseminger stated that he was a guest on Will Kauffmans radio talk show on WHAG/WQCM last week. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that the joint City/County subcommittee on water and sewer issues met last week. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Blue Ribbon School celebration at Salem Avenue Elementary School. He also reported on the home show sponsored by the Washington County Homebuilders Association. Commissioner Snook suggested that funding for the HCC amphitheater be discussed at the budget presentation for Hagerstown Community College next week. He asked that someone from the Planning staff meet with the Sharpsburg Mayor and Council to explain the requirements of the heritage area program. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that work will begin on the new interchange at Halfway Boulevard this week. BID AWARD - AUTOMATED FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, SLAB CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION OF ABOVE GROUND DIESEL FUEL AND GASOLINE STORAGE TANK AND REMOVAL OF EXISTING TANKS - SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT (RESH LANDFILL) Motion made by Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for the automated fuel system, slab construction and installation of above ground diesel fuel and gasoline storage tank and removal of existing tanks at the Resh Road landfill to the Samuel K. Spigler, Co., Inc. which submitted the low responsible, responsive total lump sum bid of $79,046. Unanimously approved. RENEWAL OF CONTRACT - RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to renew the contract with Browning Ferris, Inc. for recycling drop-off center services with the requested increase of 1.8% from $89.74 per service to $91.36 per service at each location. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASES - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the purchase of one (1) trailer-mounted generator from a bid processed by the City of Hagerstown, awarded to Curtis Engine & Equipment at a cost of $46,400. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the purchase of one (1) cubed body truck from the bid processed by Montgomery County and awarded to Criswell Chevrolet at a cost of $33,971.77. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the purchase of one 1999 Chevrolet Model CC7H042 cab and chassis, 33,000 lb. GWWR from a bid processed by Montgomery County and awarded to Criswell Chevrolet, Inc. at a cost of $43,863.27 contingent upon the review of the Purcchasing Agent. Unanimously approved.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that final adjustments to the budget will be made on April 13. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES & COMMISSION ON AGING Department of Social Services - Spence Perry, Chairman of the Board of MARCH 30, 1999 PAGE TWO Social Services, met with the Commissioners to present the Fiscal Year 2000 budget request for a County appropriation of $214,310. Mr. Spence along with board members Frederica Buehler Erath and Barbara Downey highlighted the Adult Foster Care Program, the Washington County Family Center, and the School Family Liaison Program. Commission on Aging - Dr. Fred Otto, Director of the Commission on Aging, and Ann Macon, President of the Board of Directors, presented the Fiscal Year 2000 budget request for the Commission on Aging. Mr. Otto requested County funding in the amount of $375,860. He also presented information on the programs provided by the Commission and its mission statement. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, to accept the budget presented by the Commission on Aging as presented in full. Commissioner Iseminger agreed in concept with the Motion and agreed to second it with the caveat that it is undestood that the Commissioners have the ability to revise it subject to final budget adjustments. Commissioner Swartz did not accept the amendment to the original motion. Commissioner Schnebly stated that they need to look at the entire budget  picture before adopting one agencys budget. Commissioner Snook expressed concern that they would be setting a precedent which is not fair to the other groups who have not yet presented their budgets. Commissioner Swartz withdrew his motion and Commissioner Iseminger his second of the motion at this time.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION John Staub and John Shank, members of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center, appeared before the Commissioners. Mr. Staub stated that they heard the Commissioners were reconsidering whether the County should fund the addition to the farm museum which was to be used for office space at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Staub and Mr. Shank outlined the benefits of having the Extension Service offices at that location. They also stated that the County would own the facility instead of paying rent in perpetuity for office space. Commissioner Snook informed them that the staff was asked to revisit the plans in light of number of CIP budget requests. Commissioner Wivell stated that it may be more efficient for the Extension Service to remain at its current location due to its daily interaction with other agencies in the same building and the convenient location of the offices. Mr. Shank made a presentation justifying the expense of the new facility and its benefits to the agricultural community. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reviewed the two alternates which were advertised for bid. He stated that one included office space and the other is only for the farm museum. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that Mr. Rohrer meet with the Board of Directors to discuss the options and make a recommendation. Pete Callas, member of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center, thanked the Commissioners for their assistance and stated that he supports the position that the Extension Service office be relocated to this Agricultural Education Center site. Margaret Comstock spoke on behalf of the Health Department and its programs. Commissioner Snook thanked the representatives of the League of Women Voters who were observing the meeting. Lynn Little, an employee of the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, urged the Commissioners to review the information provided to them on the possible relocation of their offices and thanked them for their support of the Extension Service. PROCLAMATION - PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK Commissioner Iseminger presented a proclamation to Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer, designating the week of April 5-11, 1999, as Maryland Public Health Week in recognition of the positive role that public health programs play in Washington County. Dr. Parker stated that there will be various activities commemorating Public Health Week. He reported that the Health Department has made a policy decision to be a totally smoke-free campus. BUDGET REQUEST - HEALTH DEPARTMENT Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer, and Gene Jenkins, Director of Finance, MARCH 30, 1999 PAGE THREE presented the Fiscal Year 2000 budget request from the Washington County Health Department in the amount of $3,380,831 for the County's local share of the total budget. Jack Costa, President of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, expressed his support of the budget as presented. The Commissioners also received updates on several of the programs offered by the Health Department. Mr. Jenkins asked for permission to use the $100,000 surplus remaining in the school health care budget for the following three capital projects: replacement of an air-conditioning unit, repair of the elevator, and purchase of an x-ray processor. He stated that they anticipate a surplus of $250,000 in budget which could be used for the deficit in the personal care program. Commissioner Iseminger recommended that they review the fee structures as a possible source of additional revenue. Rodney MacRae, Director of the Environment Health Division distributed information on the environmental health fees charged by each county in Maryland. He estimated that $57,000 in additional revenues would be generated if the fees were raised to the levels proposed by the Advisory Board. Commissioner Iseminger asked that the fees be tied to the cost associated with performing the service. He strongly recommended that the fees be raised. RECESS - LUNCHEON & BUDGET PRESENTATION - WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:40 a.m. The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees of the Washington County Free Library at the Western Maryland Room in the library for a luncheon and budget presentation. Mary Strauss, President of the Board of Trustees, reviewed the budget request for  Fiscal Year 2000. The Librarys budget request was for $1,254,900 in County funding for FY 2000. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:45 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. GAMING COMMISSION - GUIDELINES FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS Kathy Schilens, Director of the Gaming Commission, and Lou Thomas, Chairman of the Gaming Commission, met with the Commissioners to review the guidelines for the disposition of gaming funds. Ms. Schilens explained that the funds are disbursed twice a year. She reviewed the eligibility requirements and the application packet. Mr. Thomas reviewed the procedure used by the Gaming Commission to disburse funds. Ms. Schilens stated that to qualify for funding the requests must benefit general charitable purposes to include health and human services, emergency services, civic and community activities, athletic and recreational activities, and educational and cultural activities. Commissioner Swartz asked if changes could be made to include a wider range of organizations. Commissioner Snook suggested that a work session be held with the Gaming Commission after the FY 2000 budget is adopted to give consideration to amending the rules and regulations. Commissioner Iseminger asked that the Gaming Commission submit a brief report to the Commissioners following each funding cycle with a summary of how the funds were distributed and including any concerns or trends they may have observed. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of amending the regulations. APPROVAL OF NEW ROAD NAME - YESHUA PLACE Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to designate a previously  unnamed lane located off of Neck Road as Yeshua Place, as requested by the property owners. Unanimously approved. PROPOSAL TO FUND MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION COORDINATOR POSITION Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, appeared before the Commissioners to request that the Commissioners provide $20,000 to fund the Millennium Celebration Coordinator position. Mr. Hart stated that $10,000 is being solicited from the City of Hagerstown to pay for the initial expense of the coordinator as well as for expenses incurred in the course of the planning and coordinating efforts. He indicated that he is hopeful that state grants, corporate sponsors, and in-kind donations will also assist in funding these expenses. Mr. Hart stated that any remaining funds would be returned to the appropriate jurisdiction on a proportionate basis. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that the State funding grants for millennium celebration projects will come through the Heritage Area program and cannot be used for administration. He stated that he is in the process of developing the MARCH 30, 1999 PAGE FOUR funding applications at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to postpone any  decision until the States grant funding is determined. Unanimously approved. ROWLAND RIDGE SUBDIVISION Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners regarding the Rowland Ridge subdivision which is located in Frederick County near the Washington County line. Mr. Murray provided a summary on the history of the Rowland Ridge subdivision and how it was divided into separate projects - one of which is totally in Frederick County and the remainder, Rowland Hills, in Washington County. He voiced his concerns about providing sewer service in  areas outside of Washington Countys boundaries. Mr. Murray also expressed concerns about high maintenance and operational costs associated with maintaining a STEP system in the area. He informed the Commissioners that the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission has recommended approval of this  project. Mr. Arch stated that it may require a change to the Countys Water  & Sewer Plan as well as to Frederick Countys plan. Mr. Murray provided information on the costs associated with serving the system and rates which would be charged. Merle Holsinger, developer of the project, provided a history of the project. He stated that they were told by the former Sanitary Commission that service would be available for the lots in Frederick County based upon their meeting the specifications. Mr. Holsinger stated that the subdivision was caught in the middle when the administration changed and the County assumed control of the Water & Sewer Department. He asked that the Commissioners authorize service for the 25-unit subdivision of Rowland Ridge in the existing service area. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that there was a misunderstanding about the letter from the Sanitary Commission in that it pertained to the four-lot subdivision of Rowland Hills located in Washington County. He asked if the Commissioners wanted to hold a public hearing to extend the boundary into Frederick County or to serve only the portion of the Rowland Ridge subdivision located in Washington County. The Commissioners asked that the Advisory Commission present their recommendation to them. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to table the request to provide sewer service to the Rowland Ridge subdivision until further information is received from the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission. Unanimously approved. INFORMAL AGREEMENT - Y2K ISSUES Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the request of Hagerstown Community College to enter into an informal partnership agreement to provide for cooperative community outreach efforts with the College and various other organizations to deal with concerns regarding Y2K issues and to provide information to the community. Unanimously approved. EXTENSION OF LINE OF CREDIT - GODS & GENERALS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a 30-day extension of the line of credit at Farmers & Merchants Bank and the requirement to provide a draft screenplay. The line of credit was secured  for the purpose of financing pre-production costs for the movie Gods and  Generals. The County Attorney was directed to attempt to obtain a copy of the draft screenplay within that time. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 3:24 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to discuss the possible acquisition of real property for a public purpose, 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 Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 4:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, to MARCH 30, 1999 PAGE FIVE consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and to discuss the two (2) issues regarding the possible acquisition of property for a public purpose. 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. UPGRADE - DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to upgrade John Budesky to the position of Director of Children, Youth & Families, Grade 12, at a salary of $34,611, to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. SUBDIVISION STREET ACCEPTANCE - KINGS CREST BOULEVARD Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to accept 20,000 square feet of Kings Crest Boulevard, which is located in the Kings Crest subdivision, from the Valentine Family Limited Partnership, Inc., for no consideration. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:35 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - WATER & SEWER RATES - FISCAL YEAR 1999 A public hearing to consider the proposed rates for water and sewer service for FY 2000 was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 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 present were Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Clarence Scheer, Bonnie Parks, Ed Renn, Christopher Diehl, Mike Armel, Glenn Fishack, and Gordon Crabb. Greg Murray, Water & Sewer Department Director, presented an overview of water and sewer operations and the rates proposed. He explained that the key variables affecting the operating budgets were: customer growth, County funding, operations and maintenance projections, capital improvement projects, and reserves. Mr. Murray reviewed the outstanding debt of the department through the year 2009. Mr. Murray proceeded to detail the sewer operations. He presented the sources of funding and the use of funds for a total budget of $8,162,200. Mr. Murray also pointed out the significant factors affecting the projected sewer rates: reduction in the County share for BNR costs, a reduction in operational costs; and no borrowing in FY97, FY98, and FY 99, and customer growth. Mr. Murray also detailed the source of funds and use of funds for the water operations, with a total budget of $1,093,030. Following are the quarterly rates proposed for Water and Sewer: Full Service Water Sewer Base for 6,000 gallons per account Residential $69.40 $68.06 Commercial I $69.40 $68.06 Commercial II $83.15 $92.72 Commercial III n/a $92.72 Volunteer Service $69.40 $68.06 Res/Comm Dist. Service $74.26 $42.85 Volume per 1,000 gallons Residential $ 6.20 $ 4.22 Commercial I $ 6.50 $ 5.82 Commercial II $ 5.50 $ 7.49 Commercial III $ 5.00 Volunteer Service $ 6.20 $ 4.22 Proposed Quarterly Rate for Water and Sewer: Water Distribution Only $74.26 per EDU Sewer Collection Only $42.85 per EDU Sewer Wholesale Customers $ 3.66 per 1,000 gallons Unmetered Service is based on 12,000 gallons per EDU Deduct Meter Fee (per account basis) - $25.00 MARCH 30, 1999 PAGE SIX Mr. Murray noted that the proposed quarterly increase for the average sewer customer would be $2.71 per quarter and $2.55 for the average water customer. He stated that the revenue increases will provide for adequate operations and maintenance, addresses capital improvement projects, builds/maintains cash reserves, and provides for funding of regulatory requirements. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Schnebly stated that there is a joint effort to work with the City of Hagerstown to transfer customers. Mr. Murray stated that the goal is to affect both groups of customers in a positive manner. At this time, Commissioner Snook opened the hearing for public testimony.  Commissioner Wivell explained the Water & Sewer Advisory Commissions recommendation for a 2.3% revenue increase and $2.995 million general fund contribution. After all testimony was duly recorded, Commissioner Snook announced that the record would remain open for ten days to receive written comment. The public hearing was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. _____________________________ County Administrator _____________________________ County Attorney ____________________________, Clerk