Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout990608 June 8, 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., 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 - JUNE 1, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of June 1, 1999, as submitted. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL HOME OWNERSHIP WEEK Commissioner Snook presented Pat McMillian, Director of the Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), Joe Kuhna, Community Development Coordinator, and Dave Barnhart of Hagerstown Trust Company, with a proclamation naming the month of June 5-12, 1999 as National Homeownership Week in Washington County and commending this observance to all citizens. Pat McMillian thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and highlighted the activities planned to promote National Homeownership Week. She also distributed copies of their new  publication, A Guide to Homeownership Programs in Washington County.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the joint City/County task force on water and sewer issues. He informed the Commissioners that representatives of the Sister City Program from Wesel, Germany will be visiting Hagerstown in October. Commissioner Swartz stated that the Stadium Task Force will be making an official announcement in July. He reported that he attended the anniversary celebration for SCORE, the Hagerstown Community College Booster Banquet, and the AmVets Convention banquet. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he recently toured the SPCA facility and has handled several constituent concerns. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he was a guest on a local radio show on WHAG/WQCM Radio. Commissioner Snook reported the Western Maryland Consortium meeting. He asked for an update on whether a center line has been established for the road which will be constructed in the Robinwood corridor in the future. FISCAL YEAR 1999 RETIREMENT EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to review  the recommendation made at last weeks meeting to consider using a portion of the $1 million designated as the FY 1999 employer pension contribution for a  one-time employee bonus. He noted that the Countys pension plan is funded at a ratio of 130 percent. This funding ratio does not include the $1 million  employers contribution scheduled to be made in June 1999. Mr. Davis reviewed the two options he presented at the meeting last week. The Commissioners discussed the options which provide for either a lump-sum payment or a payment based on years of service. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to pay the bonus based upon years of actual retirement participation - 0-3 years - $750, 3-10 years - $1,000; and over 10 years of service - $1,250. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to approve Option 2, Plan A (revised), as presented by the Director of Human Resources, to provide a one-time payment to regular full-time County employees from the $1 million FY 1999 employer pension contribution in the following amounts: 0-3 yrs - $750, 3-10 - $1,000, more than 10 years - $1,250, with the balance remaining to be transferred to the Capital Improvements Program budget to reduce the amount of general bond fund borrowing. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - ROLLING HILLS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for the Rolling Hills drainage improvement project to D.L. George & Sons Construction which submitted the low bid of $19,412, contingent upon all necessary paperwork being submitted to the Chief Engineer prior to execution of the contract. Unanimously approved. JUNE 8, 1999 PAGE TWO APPROVAL OF T-HANGAR LEASE AGREEMENT Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, reviewed the proposed T-hangar lease agreement and the minor revisions to it which were requested by the Pilots Association. Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the revised T-hangar lease agreement form as presented by the County Attorney and the Airport Manager. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to authorize the Airport Manager to enter into lease agreements and execute leases at the Hagerstown Regional Airport on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENTS TO BOCA CODE AND CABO CODE The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 9:45 a.m. to consider amendments to the CABO One & Two Family Dwelling Code and amendments to the BOCA Building Code. Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, explained that the amendments to the BOCA Code are intended to close a loophole that exempts nonresidential farm buildings and structures from being reviewed by the Historic District Commission. He stated that the amendment will also add definitions and specify fees for filing appeals to the Building Codes Appeals Board. Mr. Prodonovich reviewed the amendments to the CABO Code which will include the same language regarding the Building Board Codes Appeals Board as presently exists in the BOCA Code. He stated that the amendments will add fees for filing of appeals for inspection of family day care facilities. At this time, the hearing was opened for public comment. No one present elected to speak in favor of or in opposition to the amendments. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the amendments to the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code and the BOCA Code as presented. Unanimously approved. (Copies of the amendments are attached.) PUBLIC HEARING - CLOSING OF A PORTION OF GROSH AVENUE The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:08 a.m. regarding the intention of the County to close and abandon a portion of Grosh Avenue and to convey the property to Hekbel, LLC for no monetary consideration. Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, distributed a plat of the area proposed for abandonment. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, explained that Hekbel LLC, the owner of the property surrounding the portion of Grosh Avenue intended to be closed, has requested that it be abandoned by the County. He stated that the Board of Education is only other adjacent property owner and is aware of the intended transfer. Mr. Lowry stated that Hekbel will be constructing a stormwater management pond and drainage swale in this area. The hearing was then opened for public comment. No one present elected to speak in favor of or in opposition to the closing. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to close and abandon a portion of Grosh Avenue and to convey the same to Hekbel LLC for no monetary consideration. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the quit claim deed to Hekbel LLC, as presented by the County Attorney. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT 138-140 WEST WASHINGTON STREET The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:15 a.m. for the purpose of considering the purchase of the Wareham Building located at 138-140 West Washington Street to include the attached parking deck for $635,000. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, emphasized the need for additional office space for the County. Mr. Rohrer stated that with minor renovations on the upper floors, the building will generate enough revenue to more than offset the annual operating cost of the building. He indicated that there are very few alternatives at present for obtaining the needed space in the downtown area. Mr. Rohrer reviewed the monthly rents being paid by the current tenants of the building. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners and for public comment. No member of the public elected to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposal. After discussion, the Commissioners took this proposal under consideration.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Joyce Dunn expressed concerns that the developer of her subdivision intends to JUNE 8, 1999 PAGE THREE build on a lot which is designated as a wetland and that this plan will have an adverse effect on her property. She also stated that individuals have been driving through her property to access a soccer field adjacent to her residence. Commissioner Snook agreed to have County staff to discuss the problems with her and make recommendations. He indicated that this is an issue she must resolve with the developer of the subdivision. Don Allensworth discussed his views regarding the possible implementation of impact fees in Washington County. James Devine stated that the lake at Greenbrier State Park was emptied for repairs and that it has not refilled due to the dry conditions. He questioned the work and suggested several options to have it refilled. Mr. Devine stated  that property was stolen out of his storage bin and the Sheriffs Department did not porperly investigate his complaint. He also expressed concerns about  the procedure being used to check drivers licenses between the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania.  VEHICLE REFURBISHING FOR SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT Lt. Doug Mullendore and Sheriff Charles Mades met with the Commissioners to answer questions regarding the bid to refurbish five (5) Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles. Lt. Mullendore explained why refurbishing is more cost- effective than purchasing new vehicles. He stated that the vehicles are considered new when returned to them. Commissioner Iseminger expressed concerns and stated that he feels that it is more cost effective to purchase new vehicles than to refurbish older ones. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the  contract for refurbishing five 1994 Chevrolet Caprice sedans for the Sheriffs Department to Ed Morse Chevrolet which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $64,646.49. Unanimously approved. UPGRADE OF ELECTRONIC FAREBOX SOFTWARE PROGRAM FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUTER Y2K COMPLIANCE - SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract to upgrade an electronic fare box software program for the Washington County Commuter to Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. for $28,750, with funding to be provided by Federal and State grants administered by the Mass Transit Administration with a County share of $2,875. The award is a sole source procurement based on Sections 1-106.2(a)(1) and 1-106.2(a)(2) of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for trash removal services at County facilities to BFI Waste Systems of North America which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $34,539 for a one-year period with an option by the County to renew for up to two (2) additional consecutive one (1) year periods. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL - TRANSFER STATION SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to reject the request of Waste Management of Shenandoah Valley to renew their contract for transfer station services due to the requested increase in rates - $188,000 (28%) and to rebid the contract. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF ANIMAL CONTROL AGREEMENT Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed the revised Animal Control Agreement with the SPCA. The Commissioners discussed their concerns regarding the length of the agreement and the 4% annual increase specified in the contract. Commissioner Wivell stated that the County may want to provide its own animal control services rathern than contracting for it. The discussion was interrupted at this time in order to take a telephone call regarding the bond sales. BOND SALE - TAX EXEMPT 1999 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS AND TAXABLE WATER & SEWER REFUNDING BONDS OF 1999 AND APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the low proposal of Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. at the true interest cost (TIC) of 4.9536% for the sale of the $10,000,000 Tax Exempt Public Improvement Bonds of 1999, to approve the low proposal of Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. for the sale of $7,500,000 Taxable Water & Sewer Refunding Bonds of 1999 at the TIC rate of 7.006%, and to approve a Supplemental Resolution to the Resolution JUNE 8, 1999 PAGE FOUR adopted on May 18, 1999 relating to the issuance and sale of these bonds. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the Supplemental Resolution is attached.) CONTINUATION - ANIMAL CONTROL AGREEMENT Dana Moylan, attorney for the SPCA, stated that the SPCA is willing to negotiate on the 4% annual increase proposed in the agreement. She stated that the SPCA Board of Directors has to make a decision on the size of the facility in the near future if they are going to begin construction next year. The facility would be larger if the animal control portion is included. Ms. Moylan stated that the SPCA feels they have been underfunded in regard to  animal control and that the humane side has had to subsidize these operations. She indicated that they would be willing to accept a discretionary increase which would be negotiated each year with the County rather than the flat 4% in the agreement. The Commissioners discussed the proposed agreement and suggested several options regarding the provision on animal control. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the revised Animal Control Agreement with the SPCA, contingent upon revisions being made to Section 5.5 which would allow the annual cumulative increase to  the Compensation for Services to be negotiated annually with the County.  Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Swartz, and Snook voting AYE,  Commissioner Wivell voting NO and Commissioner Iseminger ABSTAINING. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:39 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 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. PRIME RETAIL - UPDATE Brian Downie, Vice-President of Prime Retail Outlets, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on their first year of operation in Hagerstown. Mr. Downie introduced Nancy Brown, the new General Manager, and Alice Rosen, Marketing Director. Mr. Downie stated that the stores have been very successful and that sales are on a pace with their Grove City location. He informed the Commissioners that 80-85 stores are located at Prime Outlets now, and they have site plan approval for Phase III, which will add 100,000 square feet. Mr. Downie stated that Prime Outlets will be submitting another site plan for a single store to be located across from the Gap outlet. Ms. Rosen indicated that she works cooperatively with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and that Prime often provides visitor information at its customer service center. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Downie and his staff for providing them with an update and wished them success with the expansion of the project.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners of the meeting scheduled for June 16 of the Steering Committee for the University System of Maryland campus. He stated that the Picket News will be printing a weekly series of articles about the County. The Commissioners discussed the dates provided by Mr. Shoop and agreed on July 8 as the date for a joint meeting with local Delegation to the General Assembly. RE/APPOINTMENTS - ADULT PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP REVIEW BOARD Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to reappoint Catherine Drummond, Pauline Welsh, Dr. Allen W. Ditto, and Peggy Martin to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board for three-year terms and to appoint Mary Jane Sharer for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS - BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reappoint Larry Kershner to the Board of Social Services for a three-year term and to appoint Marcia Watters and C. Richard Miller for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 1:39 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider proposals for a businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, in JUNE 8, 1999 PAGE FIVE 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 2:53 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel issues and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters. 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; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Greg Larsen, CIPF Marketing Director; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Rich Ellman, President of Spirit Services; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. APPROVAL OF LOAN - CHIEF Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to provide a grant of $200,000 to the Hagerstown/Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) from the general fund to be used for the purpose of making a loan or loans for economic development. Unanimously approved. UPGRADE - GAMING COMMISSION DIRECTOR Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to upgrade Vanessa  Hines from Office Manager at the States Attorneys Office to Director of the Gaming Commission, Grade 11, to fill an upcoming vacancy. Unanimously approved. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION - WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at Williamsport High School at 3:15 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Edwin Hayes, B. Marie Byers, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Andrew Humpheys, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; Teresa Flak, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; and William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services. Results of Washington County Reading Initiative - Year 1 Dr. Teresa Flak, along with James Newkirk, Supervisor of English/Language Arts and Social Studies, and Sherry Perkey, Supervisor of English/Language Arts, made a presentation to the Commissioners on the success of the first year of the reading initiatives program. Dr. Flak provided a history of the program and the plan to provide reading instruction for grades K-12. She stated that all the data they received suggested that students could be reading better than they were. The focus was then shifted to reading and specialists were provided in each elementary school. Dr. Flak then reviewed the accountability measures and the goals which were set for the reading initiative program. Mr. Newkirk informed the Commissioners of the benchmarks which were developed and reviewed the results for the first three marking periods. He stated that students are tracked on their progress quarterly. Mr. Newkirk informed the Commissioners that County students have shown a seven percent increase in  their reading ability over last years national test results. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Dr. Flak stated that they hope to sustain the type of improvement seen this year. She indicated that they plan to include additional positions for middle school reading specialists this year. Ms. Perkey indicated that there is a critical need at the secondary level and provided information on staff development. CIP Facilities Master Plan Dennis McGee provided information to the Commissioners on the growth of the student population. He reviewed the annual update of the Facilities Master Plan and stated that he does not see the need for any new schools in the County although there are pockets of growth in certain areas which will have to be addressed. Mr. McGee then presented information on the status of renovation projects which are currently underway and those scheduled for the upcoming year. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator JUNE 8, 1999 PAGE SIX County Attorney , Clerk