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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990518 May 18, 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. PRESENTATION OF IDEA AWARD - DOUGLAS OLIVER Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, presented a certificate of merit to Douglas Oliver, Computer Information Services, as the recipient of the Innovative, Dedicated Employee Award (IDEA) Program Award for the quarter. Mr. Shoop stated that Mr. Oliver was nominated by Ronald Whitt, Director of the Computer Information Services (CIS) department. Mr. Whitt stated in his nomination that CIS recently implemented a program to perform in-system  upgrades of personal computers. Mr. Whitt indicated that Dougs can do attitude was a factor in the decision to pursue this project. Mr. Oliver has implemented the program in addition to his other duties thereby saving the County approximately $81,600. In addition, this upgrade has extended the life-cycle of the units and has ensured that they are Y2K compliant. Mr. Shoop stated that the award consists of a $500 check and an additional personal day. Mr. Oliver thanked the Commissioners for the award and recognized the other employees of the CIS Department. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Oliver for his hard work and dedication.  RECOGNITION OF GOVERNORS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS - GRACE SNIVELY, BERNARD NOE, RONALD PHILLIPS, AND LINN HENDERSHOT Commissioner Swartz recognized Grace Snively, Bernard Noe, Ronald Phillips,  and Linn Hendershot as winners of the Volunteers of the Year from the  Governors Office of Service & Volunteerism. Commissioner Swartz noted that Grace Snively and Bernard Noe were previously presented with their certificates from Governor Glendening at a ceremony held last week. Mrs. Snively thanked the Commissioners for recognizing her and encouraged more citizens to get involved by volunteering in the community. Commissioner Swartz then presented the certificate to Mr. Phillips and highlighted the contributions he has made to the community through his participation as a volunteer. Commissioner Swartz presented Mr. Hendershot with his certificate and commended him on his many accomplishments in his work for the disabled. Norman Bassett, Office of Disability Issues, also recognized  Mr. Hendershots efforts to assist disabled citizens in Washington County. CERTIFIED PUBLIC PROFESSIONAL BUYER PRESENTATION OF - RICHARD CURRY  Commissioner Snook presented Richard Rick Curry, Buyer for the Water & Sewer Department, with his certification for successfully fulfilling all of  the requirements to receive the designation of Certified Public  Professional Buyer by the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council. Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, commended Mr. Curry on this achievement and reviewed the testing requirements needed to receive this designation.  MISS MARYLAND PAGEANT - 0VERTIME COSTS FOR SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve $1,300  from the contingency fund for overtime costs for the Sheriffs Department to provide police protection to the Miss Maryland contestants during their stay in Washington County for the pageant. Unanimously approved. ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-99-01) - REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS TOWERS Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve zoning text amendment RZ-99-01 which relates to the regulation of commercial communications towers heard at public hearing on March 8, 1999. The amendment would allow commercial communications towers as principal permitted uses in industrial zoning districts and as special exception uses in all other districts except residential districts. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the text amendment is attached.) ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-99-04) - SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve zoning text amendment RZ-99-04 to revise Section 4.11 - Site Plan, to include MAY 18, 1999 PAGE TWO Residential Urban (RU), Residential Suburban (RS), Residential Rural (RR), Agriculture (A), and Conservation (C)as additional districts for which a major site plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission - with the addition of language regarding agricultural buildings. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the text amendment is attached.)  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he presented proclamations for the National Pike Festival and Emergency Medical Services Week. He stated that the City/County Water and Sewer Subcommittee met last week. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Clear Spring Library Committee will be meeting with the County delegation to the General Assembly with regard to State funding for the proposed new branch library. Commissioner Swartz stated that he met with a group of retired school administrators regarding the County budget. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the Senior Fair, a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, an Area Agency on Aging meeting, and the Community Action Council volunteer reception. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended an awards banquet at Johns Hopkins University honoring middle school students who scored more than 1,000 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Commissioner Iseminger reported on the 50th anniversary celebration of Girls, Inc. of Washington County. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Historic District Commission meeting and the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting. He also stated that the USA  Today reported that Tax Freedom Day is now the 131st day of the year. It was previously the 130th day of the year. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Department of the Environment has scheduled a public informational meeting on May 27 regarding an application to apply sewage sludge on the Ellis Strite farm. He stated that the Maryland Emergency Management Administration (MEMA) will be conducting an exercise on Y2K compliance on July 2. Commissioner Snook reported that the Maryland State Police Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on June 2. He stated that the Recreation Commission has distributed its summer calendar. Commissioner Snook suggested that in the County  Attorneys absence that another mechanism be put in place for review of the minutes to keep the approvals current. He reminded the Commissioners that  the Joint Veterans Council will hold their Memorial Day ceremony on May 30 at Marty Snook Park. BID AWARD - AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM/OFFICES Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reviewed the options which were bid for the construction of a museum or museum/office space at the Agricultural Education Center. He explained that Option 1 would be a 19,557 square foot building which includes a museum shell, conference room, and 8,010 square feet for the Agricultural Extension Service. Option 2 consists of 9,114 square feet for a museum and conference room. Mr. Rohrer then reviewed the operating costs involved with each option and the amount which would have to be financed. The Commissioners then discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve Option 1 as presented for construction of a museum and office space at the Agricultural Education Center. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger,  Swartz, Schnebly, and Snook voting AYE and Commission Wivell voting NO. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for the construction of a museum and office space at the Agricultural Education Center to Myers Building Systems, Inc. which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid for Option 1 of $1,071,000. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting  AYE and Commissioner Schnebly ABSTAINING. APPROVAL OF FEDERAL FAMILY PRESERVATION CONTRACTS - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD John Budesky, Director of the Office of Children, Youth & Families, explained each of the three programs which he is asking to be funded from the monies remaining in the Safe & Stable Families grant. He stated that all three of the programs were approved by the Local Management Board and assure measurable results and fiscal accountability. MAY 18, 1999 PAGE THREE Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the request made by the Local Management Board (LMB) to award Federal Family Preservation Contracts to the following agencies: Boys & Girls Club - $10,000; Shawnee Girl Scouts Outreach Program - $10,712; and Department of Social Services School Family Liaison Program - $15,000 for a total of $35,712 from the Federal Safe & Stable Families grant. Unanimously approved.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION William Nairn, representing Nextel Communication, met with the Commissioners to ask them to address their concerns regarding the proposed text amendment on commercial communications towers. Commissioner Snook explained that since Nextel had previously received approval for a special exception status that the use would be permitted under the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Bob Maginnis, Opinion Editor of the Herald-Mail, cited a letter the Commissioners received from Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools, regarding cooperation on computer-related issues. He questioned whether the County and the Board of Education have discussed ways in which they could  cooperate. Commissioner Snook explained that the Countys Director of Computer Information Services has investigated the possibility of using the  Board of Educations system but that it is not a cure all for the County. The Board of Education system does not provide a number of the capabilities present in the package recently approved by the County Commissioners. He stated that both groups are exploring areas in which they could work together in the future. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, listed various areas in which the County now cooperates with the Board of Education, the City of Hagerstown, and Hagerstown Community College in order to save money and improve the quality of services to the citizens of Washington County. Commissioner Swartz suggested that the Commissioners consider holding fewer  closed sessions for items other than personnel. He stated that some of  the items are good news. Commissioner Snook stated that certain items are discussed in closed sessions to protect the confidentiality of economic development prospects and are therefore legal and appropriate for closed session. He stated that any announcements can be made in public following the closed session meeting if appropriate.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he is in the process of developing the summer schedule for meetings and asked the Commissioners for input regarding their vacation schedules. He stated that he is working with the Clear Spring Library Foundation to develop an application for funding from the Leonard P. Snyder Fund, Inc. Commissioner Snook asked that the Town of Clear Spring be included in the process and suggested that the Town waive the water and sewer hookup fees as a contribution. He also asked that the committee consider the option of a 6,000 square foot building. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the meeting with the City of Hagerstown was canceled because the City is working on their FY 2000 budget. He also reported that the County Attorney will be back to work early next week. RE/APPOINTMENTS - SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Commissioners discussed the proposed appointments to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and took no action at this time. Commissioner Wivell suggested that they may want to consider reducing the Committee to seven members. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 1999 Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, and Paul Heid, Financial Consultant, appeared before the Commissioners to review the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 1999 in the amount of $10,000,000 and the $7,525,000 Taxable Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds of 1999. Ms. Ruppersberger and Mr. Heid explained their roles in the bond process. She stated that the general obligation bonds are scheduled for bid on June 8. Commissioner Wivell suggested that they discuss the amount of the taxable Water and Sewer Refunding Bond and try to buy it down to $6.5 million by using surplus funds from FY 1999. He stated that the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission would like to put together a business plan for the pretreatment fund. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he feels this should be done but that it will not be resolved in the next few weeks. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, explained that she will not have the final budget numbers on the surplus until September. Mr. Heid explained how they determined the amount for the taxable refunding bond issue and the IRS MAY 18, 1999 PAGE FOUR regulations which need to be addressed. He stated that the restrictions of the Maryland Water Quality Bonds cannot be lifted to allow direct piping to the pretreatment plant unless the refunding issue takes place. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to approve the Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 1999 in the amount of $10,000,000 and the $6,500,000 Taxable Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds and to amend the Resolution to reflect the changes. The motion was denied with Commissioners  Wivell and Swartz voting AYE and Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, and  Snook voting NO. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 1999 and the $7,525,000 Taxable Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds of 1999 authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount  of $10,000,000 to be known as Washington County, Maryland, Public  Improvement Bonds of 1999, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Maryland of 1995, as amended, for the public purposes of financing the cost of general public improvements in Washington County. Motion carried  with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting AYE and  Commissioners Swartz and Wivell voting NO. (A copy of the resolution is attached.) BUDGET TRANSFER - UTILITY FUNDS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the budget transfer to eliminate the proposed borrowing budgeted for water and sewer and pretreatment projects scheduled in FY 1999 due to a combination of project savings, unanticipated connection fees and trust fund excesses: to transfer $454,288 from Bond Fund 1999 (40-4-0000-390-099) to Bond Fund 96A Water & Sewer (40-4-0000-390-096-0001)- $292,191, Sewer Fund (40-4-1303-380- 052) - $67,906, and General Fund Water & Sewer (40-4-0000-380-001) - $94,191, and to authorize the Director of Finance to negotiate with Hagerstown Trust Company to reduce the rates for this bond issue. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCHEON AT NORTH HAGERSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL The Commissioners recessed at 11:51 a.m. for lunch at North Hagerstown High School. Commissioner Swartz presented a proclamation to the North High Chapter of the Students Against Destruction Decisions (SADD) designating May 1999 as SADD Month in Washington County. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:27 p.m. by the President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. NOMINATION FOR NATIONAL HISTORICAL REGISTER - GOOD-HARTLE FARM Stephen Goodrich, Senior Planner, met with the Commissioners to present an application for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the application for the Good-Hartle Farm. He stated that Washington County, as a Certified Local Government, can recommend properties for nomination. Mr. Goodrich then reviewed the criteria for eligibility for the National Register. He stated that the property qualifies as a property with historical significance due to its physical design and construction. The Commissioners then reviewed the application and the photographs of the site. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to submit the application for the Good-Hartle farm to the Maryland Historical Trust for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Unanimously approved. UPDATE ON THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND - HAGERSTOWN CAMPUS Harley Cloud, Director of University Systems of Maryland (USM) Shady Grove Center, and Mark Beck, Director of Capital Planning for the USM, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the plans for construction of a USM campus in Hagerstown. Mr. Beck distributed a proposed time line and reviewed the status of each item. He noted that the State has approved $150,000 for planning in the State budget. Mr. Beck stated that $759,000 will be needed for design funds as of July 1, 1999. He also provided a list MAY 18, 1999 PAGE FIVE of action items for the Commissioners which need to be addressed in the near future to include a letter of intent from Allegheny Energy transferring the land to the State. The Commissioners also discussed making a request to the County degation to the General Assembly during the next legislative session for State funds. Mr. Beck asked the Commissioners to help formulate a response to the concerns raised by the Maryland Office of Planning that the County explore additional sites in the downtown area. Mr. Cloud emphasized that the County will need the support of the business community and State legislature. STATUS OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners to provide a status of current projects. Also present were Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management; Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director; Ted Wolford, Superintendent of the Highway Department; and Robert Graff, Facilities Manager. Mr. McGee and Mr. Rohrer reviewed the list of projects scheduled for construction in 1999-2000. They also reviewed the status of projects for bridges, drainage, traffic and safety, landfill, Airport, highways, railroad crossings, as well as other miscellaneous projects. Mr. Murray then reviewed projects scheduled for the Water and Sewer Department. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. McGee explained how changes affect the priority list for the projects. Commissioner Snook thanked the staff for the update. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:45 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and to consider proposals for a businesses or industrial organizations 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 Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 4:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3)personnel issues and two (2) matters involving proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gregory Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Greg Larsen, CIPF Marketing Director; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Timothy Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Tom Riford, EDC Marketing Specialist; Suzanne Downey Hayes, EDC Chairperson; Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Clarence Scheer, Bonnie Parks, Gordon Crabb, Christopher Diehl, and Ed Renn; and Rich Ellman, J.V. Wren, Lisa Ellman, and Tare Newbury representing Spirit Services, Inc., and Lloyd Schiemann representing Safety-Kleen. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:47 p.m. Unanimously approved County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk