Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout990420 April 20, 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 - APRIL 13, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of April 13, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Disabled Citizens Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meeting of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Historic Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Swartz thanked everyone for their prayers during his hospitalization last week. He asked that the Commissioners revisit their decision to reduce funding to the Commission on Aging and the Washington County Free Library. Commissioner Snook provided information on the Smithsburg Pride Days parade. He distributed a copy of the letter received from the Smithsburg Mayor and Council and the attached petition requesting an expansion of the Smithsburg library. Commissioner Snook also informed the Commissioners that the Clear Spring Mayor and Council are requesting a grant from the Snyder foundation for a library. He stated that the State Highway Administration will begin improvements on Md. Route 57 at the intersection of Route 40 and Fairview Road. Commissioner Snook reported on actions taken at the recent Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and the items discussed for possible future funding. YOUTH OF THE MONTH PRESENTATIONS - MARCH 1999 - JUNE 1999 The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to the following youths in recognition of their selection as the Youth of the Month by the Washington County Children's Council: March 1999 - Matt Michael; April 1999 - Holly Aleshire; May 1999 - Stephanie Garrett; and June 1999 - Richard Troxell. The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Snook recognized the recipients and congratulated them on receiving this award. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS, STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE AND ADVISORY COUNCIL OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and the Army Corps of Engineers, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation. He stated that the MOU is necessary because the Corp of Engineers has determined that the development of the landfill will affect a cemetery which is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that there will be an archeological data recovery plan completed for the cemetery. Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation for the new landfill located on Maryland Route 40 West Landfill in order to obtain the permits needed to proceed with development of the landfill. Unanimously approved. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION BYLAWS Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the proposed revisions to the bylaws of the Transportation Advisory Commission as presented by the County Attorney. Unanimously approved. APRIL 20, 1999 PAGE TWO AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER - CONCEPT PLAN John Staub, President of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center, met with the Commissioners regarding the concept plan for the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Staub provided the history of the Ag-Ed Center. He stated that a large portion of the facility has been developed with volunteer labor. He reviewed the concept plan and the projects planned for development this year. Mr. Staub asked if the balance of the FY 1999 Program Open Space (POS) monies remaining from the pavilion project could be used to put toward their lighting project. Ronald Kidd, Director of Recreation & Parks, stated that the POS plan could be revised. to include this project. Mr. Staub informed the Commissioners that $15,000 will be repaid to the County this fiscal year by the Agricultural Education Center for the operating budget through fees they have collected. Commissioner Snook asked that the Board prepare 5- and 10-year plans for the Ag Center. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to revise the FY 1999 Program Open Space plan to allow the funds remaining from the pavilion project at the Agricultural Education Center to be utilized for their lighting project. Unanimously approved. ROWLAND RIDGE SUBDIVISION - WATER & SEWER ADVISORY COMMISSION Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, provided a brief update on the project. He stated that Rowland Ridge is a 26-lot subdivision located near the Washington-Frederick County boundary. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, indicated that the main concern of the staff is the precedent that would be set by providing sewer service outside of Washington County and the unknown financial implications for servicing the project. Mr. Murray explained the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission has recommended approval of the project and members are in attendance to discuss their recommendation. Mr. Murray provided information on the history of the project. In response to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Murray indicated that a separate class of customer could be created which would be responsible for any expenses of the system. Michael Armel, Vice Chairman of the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission, met with the Commissioners to provide additional information on their recommendation to provide public sewer service to Rowland Ridge. Mr. Armel stated that the Advisory Commission does not feel that this would set a precedent. He recommended that an additional class of customer be created with all associated administrative and construction costs to be borne by the developer. Mr. Armel suggested that potential homeowners in the subdivision could be advised that their rate would be higher than the Washington County customers on the system. Mr. Murray estimated that the Department would realize $33,000 in revenue from this system. Merle Holsinger, representing Civil Planning & Design, reviewed a map of the subdivision plan. He stated that, because of the correspondence they received, they believed that they had received approval and that is why they proceeded with the project. Commissioner Iseminger asked for an opinion from counsel regarding the use of County taxpayers money for out-of-County residents and the potential liabilities for County. Commissioner Snook stated that they will make a final decision when they have received the opinion from the County Attorney.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION John T. Himes spoke to the Commissioners regarding the following issues: 1) a contractor who is dumping rubble along Harpers Ferry Road and 2) the hardness in the drinking water for those connected to the Sandy Hook water system. The Commissioners stated that they would have the Engineering Department address the issues with the contractor and they would ask that the Water & Sewer Department look into any problems with the water quality. CONTRACT AWARD - ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Finance Director, met with the Commissioners to provide information on their recommendation for award of the contract for enterprise financial system software and implementation services. Rowan Miranda and Michael Madden, representing the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), which provided consultant services for the County, presented their recommendations and reviewed the schedules by speaker phone. Ms. Luther stated that the current financial system used by the County is not Y2K compatible. She  stated that the Countys Coordinating Committee selected three the proposals for review and is now recommending award of the contract to PeopleSoft USA, Inc. and APRIL 20, 1999 PAGE THREE Carrera Consulting Group. Mr. Miranda explained that the system will include: General Ledge and Financial Reporting, Budget Preparation/Control, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Fixed Assets, Accounts Receivable, Project Accounting, Grants Accounting, Human Resources, Payroll/Personnel and Utility Billing. The core modules will be installed well before the January 1, 2000 deadline and complete implementation will be completed by July 2000. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. Commissioner Schnebly asked to see the proposals submitted by the other two vendors. Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for enterprise financial system software and implementation services to Carrera Consulting Group and PeopleSoft USA, Inc. for the total amount of $2,818,500 which includes integrated financial system software, implementation services, training and technical support. The motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting  AYE and Commissioner Schnebly voting NO. BID AWARD - PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR WOODLAND WAY PARK Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for new playground equipment for the Woodland Way Park Option No. 1 to West Recreation, Inc. which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $28,725. Unanimously approved.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the appreciation dinner for board and commission members is scheduled for May 5. He reminded them that they will be meeting with officials from Mack Trucks next Tuesday for lunch. RECESS - LUNCHEON WITH LEADERSHIP HAGERSTOWN MEMBERS The Commissioners recessed at 12:00 p.m. in order to attend a luncheon with members of the Leadership Hagerstown Character Education Program. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 p.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. TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS PRESENTATION Glenda Helman, Chairperson of the Task Force on Homelessness, met with the Commissioners to provide information on the Task Force. Ms. Helman gave the history of the creation of the Task Force and reviewed its vision and goals. She introduced the other board members who were in attendance. James Martin explained how the partnerships were developed and the creation of REACH (Religious Efforts to Assist and Care for the Homeless)to assist  those who fell through the holes in the network. Ms. Helman stated that the Task Force reviews and ranks grant applications on importance, and provides housing counseling services, emergency shelter grants. Ms. Helman suggested that the Commissioners appoint a member to the Task Force. Commissioner Swartz volunteered to sit on the Board. Commissioner Snook thanked Community Action Council and the volunteers for their involvement in the community. APPOINTMENTS - MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Rev. Philip Hundley and Lucy Edmunds to the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Authority for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 1:55 p.m. 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 Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 3:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters and discussed one (1) issue regarding the possible APRIL 20, 1999 PAGE FOUR acquisition of real 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; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. TRIBUTARY STRATEGY PROGRAM PRESENTATION Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, introduced Lauren Wetzel from the Department of Natural Resources who was in attendance to present information on the Tributary Strategy Program as well as Dr. Paul Massicot and Tom Miller, members of the Upper Potomac Basin Tributary Team. Ms. Wetzel provided a history of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement which committed the states of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia to work together to restore the bay. She stated that they need to address the issues of runoff and nutrient pollution. She stated that a goal of 40% was set for nutrient reduction. Maryland was divided into 10 basin areas and tributary teams were created to provide policy advice, implementation, and community outreach and education. Dr. Massicot and Mr. Miller provided information from the Tributary Teams. Following the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:45 p.m. in order to attend a joint 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, Al Boyer, William Breichner, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure, at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. Business Park Feasibility Report - CHIEF Merle Elliott, President of CHIEF, met with the group to present an analysis of the feasibility of locating a business park at the site under consideration for a baseball stadium. The site is located between Marshall Street and Salem Avenue. Mr. Elliott stated that the location presents problems, and he does not feel that it is a viable site. He indicated that the acquisition cost and the cost of infrastructure is prohibitive. Mr. Elliott stated that, without significant contributions from the County and City, the site would not be feasible for a business park to include a stadium. He noted that the cost per acre would exceed a per-acre selling price. Mr. Elliott explained that the property is not properly zoned at this time for a business park. He stated that the site is better suited for commercial or retail space. After discussion, the Mayor thanked Mr. Elliott for taking the time to do a feasibility study of the property. Update on HotSpots Initiative Dale Jones, Chief of Police, and Carolyn Brooks, Hotspot Coordinator, presented an update on the HotSpots Initiative. Mr. Jones provided a history of the program. He also presented a status report on each of the components of the program including areas of coordination, youth intervention and prevention, mobilization, community policing, and Operation Spotlight. Ms. Brooks thanked the group for their support. She outlined several programs which will be given this summer in the HotSpots area.  She also presented information on the Character Counts! program which they hope to begin in the near future. Ms. Brooks stated that they are beginning the application for third-year grant funding from the State. Amendments to the Consolidated General Services Agreement - Sharpsburg Pike Service Area Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Rick Thomas, Director of Water Pollution Control, presented an amendment to the Consolidated General Service Agreement which would allow the transfer of flow from the Sharpsburg Pike service area to the County system, contingent upon securing funding to construct the needed infrastructure. He stated that the agreement would be revised to exclude this service area from the map of the old 201 Facilities Plan. Mr. Murray stated that the second amendment would add properties to the current joint service area. The third amendment would remove the entire area from the service area. He indicated that the flow transfer from the service area could be accomplished while maintaining the current level of revenue for the City and increasing County APRIL 20, 1999 PAGE FIVE revenue. The amendment allows for current revenue to the City to be maintained for a maximum period of five years to give them  time to resell the available capacity which would exist due to the transfer of flow to the County. Mr. Murray estimated that it would add approximately $60,000 in revenue to the County. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Councilman Boyer, to give an informal vote of confidence to the amendment and to authorize both bodies to execute the agreement. Unanimously approved. The amendment will be formally voted on at the next meeting of the Commissioners. Grant Application TEA-21 Richard Kautz, City Planner, asked the County Commissioners to  send a letter of support for the Citys application for a TEA-21 enhancement grant. Mr. Kautz stated that the grant request is to fund implementation of portions of the recent Arts & Entertainment District plan. He explained that the grant funds would allow the City to widen the alley around the new District Court building and add lighting and pedestrian amenities. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to  send a letter in support of the City of Hagerstowns application for a TEA-21 enhancement grant to fund implementation of a portion of the Arts and Entertainment District plan. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk