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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990622 June 22, 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 - JUNE 8, 14 & 15, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of June 8 and June 14 and 15, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - CHARACTER COUNTS COMMUNITY Commissioner Wivell presented a facsimile check in the amount of $15,000 and proclamation to Carolyn Brooks, Chairperson of the Character Counts Committee,  designating Washington County as a Character Counts Community and encouraging all citizens, schools, businesses, and government to support this initiative which is based on core ethical values which form the foundation of democratic society - respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, justice, and fairness. Also present were Character Counts Steering Committee members John Budesky and Anna Pennesi. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT - GARY ROHRER AND STACEY MCLERAN Certificates of Merit were presented to Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Stacey McLeran, Recreation Superintendent, recognizing them on THE  completion of their masters degrees. The Commissioners commended Mr. Rohrer and Ms. McLeran for their dedication and perseverance and congratulated them on this accomplishment.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Board of Social Services and the Public Golf Corporation. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Commission meeting. He also stated that he and Rod Shoop, County Administrator, met with Dennis Frye and Tom Gearhart regarding the development of a proposed Civil War museum in Hagerstown. Commissioner Schnebly noted that the Smithsonian Institution has not yet made a commitment to the project. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the Kids Alive  Fest sponsored by Childrens Village. He introduced Tim Mayberry of the  Childrens Village Board of Directors. Mr. Mayberry stated that Joshua Smith  and Joel Lambert were recently inducted into the Childrens Village Hall of  Fame for utilization of the information learned at Childrens Village to prevent near-tragic events. The Commissioners commended Joel Lambert, who was in attendance, for his actions. Commissioner Swartz distributed a copy of the revised policy regarding advertising in Washington County Parks which was developed by the Recreation & Parks Board. The Commissioners had several questions regarding the policy and agreed to take it under consideration at this time. They also asked that the County attorney review the proposed policy. Commissioner Swartz stated that the County received $318,096 more than was anticipated in Program Open Space (POS) funds from the State. He reviewed the recommendations made by the Recreation & Parks Board on how to spend the additional funds. He stated that this will be presented to the Commissioners for formal approval in July. Commissioner Swartz stated that he participated in the League of Women Voters radio program on WJEJ, attended the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, the Commission on Aging meeting, the Complete Count Committee meeting, and a luncheon honoring Miss Maryland contestants. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he has heard from residents of the Park Hall Road area regarding the bridge closing. He stated that he received a letter from the Maryland Department of Transportation notifying the County of improvements being made on Franklin and Washington Streets. Commissioner Snook read a copy of a letter from Allegheny Power to the University System of Maryland reaffirming the intent to donate land for the Hagerstown campus. He asked the Commissioners if they wished to request that the Maryland Department of the Environment hold a public information meeting on a request to transport sewage sludge from Site R to the Conococheague JUNE 22, 1999 PAGE TWO Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Commissioners indicated that they did not wish to request a public information meeting. Commissioner Snook suggested contacting Allegheny Energy to see if they would entertain the idea of placing a sign underneath their sign for Friendship Technology Park along Interstate 70 to announce the site selected for the University System of Maryland campus. SEMIANNUAL BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene as the Board of Health at 9:13 a.m. Unanimously approved. Separate minutes will be kept of this session. The Commissioners adjourned as the Board of Health at 10:13 a.m. RECOMMENDATION TO SELL EXCESS PROPERTY - BEAVER CREEK ROAD Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, recommended to the Commissioners that they consider selling a three-acre parcel along Beaver Creek Road to the adjoining property owners for the total price of $13,000. Mr. Lowry stated that the land is not suitable for development because it will not pass a percolation test. He indicated that the buyers will be responsible for paying for all needed survey work. Commissioner Snook asked that the deed include the dedication of an appropriate amount of right-of-way to the County for any future road widening. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the sale of a three-acre parcel along Beaver Creek Road to the adjoining property owners, Jack Parkin and Dr. George Newman, for the total price of $13,000, with the condition that the property not be developed and that right-of-way be dedicated to Washington County for any future road widening project. Motion  carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting AYE and  Commissioner Wivell voting NO. RECOMMENDATION FOR NEW ROAD NAME - MILE MARKER LANE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to designate a private lane which accesses the recreational C&O canal recreational area along the west side of Route 40 near the intersection with Licking Creek Road as  Mile Marker Lane in accordance with the road naming policy. Unanimously approved.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth provided written testimony for rezoning case RZ-99-06. He also spoke about the differences between Maryland and Virginia regarding development issues.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Senator Mikulski is tentatively scheduled to meet with them on July 6 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. He asked the Commissioners to advise him of any items they would like to have on the agenda for that meeting. He stated that a workshop meeting has tentatively been scheduled for July 1 to discuss items for the meeting with the local delegation and to review issues which need to be addressed regarding the proposed Civil War museum project with the Hagerstown Mayor and Council. Commissioner Wivell agreed to act as honorary chairman for the Hunting and Fishing Expo which is sponsored by the Washington County Federation of  Sportsmens Clubs to be held at the Agricultural Education Center on September 25. APPOINTMENTS - COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Spring Ward, Robin Spaid, Catherine Cushwa Schoen, and Sue Tuckwell to the Commission for Women for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS - BUILDING CODES APPEALS BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint Richard Lawson and Kenneth Kline to the Building Codes Appeals Board for three-year terms and to appoint Dan Matonak for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD APPOINTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Jim Blanks to the Local Management Board. Unanimously approved. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD - GRANT PUMPS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award a sole source contract for the procurement of twelve (12) Myers simplex grinder pump packages at $2,743 each and for two (2) Myers duplex grinder pumps at $5,894 JUNE 22, 1999 PAGE THREE each for a total of $44,704 to Shafer, Troxell & Howe (STH). 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. ALLOCATION OF 508 STATE GRANT FUNDS - FIRE & RESCUE COMPANIES Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Dawn Barnes, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners regarding Section 508 grant funds allocated to Washington County by the State for fire and rescue companies. Ms. Barnes stated that a total of $169,263 was awarded for fiscal year 1998 for disbursement to the companies. She reviewed two options for allocating the funds. The first option would be to distribute the funds equally among all companies, allocating $5,269 to each company. The second option would allocate the minimum amount to the City of Hagerstown ($13,839) and the remainder to the other companies in equal shares ($7,401.14). The Commissioners discussed the options and agreed to allocate the funding in equal shares to all companies. The Commissioners agreed that the decision on whether to fund substations as separate entities needs to be addressed with the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the local delegation to the General Assembly, but agreed that it should be done independently of this grant award. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to distribute the fiscal year 1999 Section 508 State grant funds in equal shares to all fire and rescue companies in Washington County. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD ANNUAL MEETING/LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:12 a.m. in order to attend the Local Management Board (LMB) meeting and luncheon being held at the Frostburg State University Center conference room. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:14 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. RURAL LEGACY ACQUISITION OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Coordinator, made a presentation to the Commissioners with regard to properties proposed for acquisition under Phase I of the Rural Legacy grant. He stated that decisions will have to be made on prioritizing the applications for payment. Mr. Seifarth informed the Commissioners that Washington County received $1.8 million from the State for easement purchases for the Rural Legacy Program. He reviewed the criteria for preservation of land with significant agricultural, environmental or historic features. Mr. Seifarth also provided a map outlining the lands eligible for the program and targeted parcels. He reviewed a proposed worksheet for prioritizing the lands with a point system based on categories for development rights, land and land management, natural resources, other legacy areas. He stated that this will help to determine a per-acre value for the properties. At this time the meeting was opened for questions and discussion from the Commissioners. After discussion, the Commissioners provided authorization for Mr. Seifarth to proceed with the process. Mr. Seifarth explained that a public hearing will be held for each property to be purchased and that detailed information will be provided for each application. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to authorize Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Coordinator, to proceed with prioritizing applications for the Rural Legacy Program and to proceed with the easement purchase process. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 1:33 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider proposals for 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 Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 4:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. JUNE 22, 1999 PAGE FOUR In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, and discussed 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; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of Economic & Community Development; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk June 22, 1999 Board of Health Minutes The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County convened at 9:00 a.m. sitting as the Board of Health at the Washington County Health Department with Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, President; Paul L. Swartz, Vice President; Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly; and William J. Wivell present. Also present were Jack Costa, Chairperson of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health; Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer; and members of the Health Department staff. Mr. Costa brought comments from the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Dr. Parker provided a progress report and overview of the programs and services provided by the Health Department. He stated that the Health Department served 30% more individuals than it had the previous year. Dr. Parker also provided an update on the community health profile as well as information on the top ten causes of hospitalization in the County. Childhood Lead Poisoning - Environmental Health Division Rod MacRae, Director of the Environmental Health Division, informed the Commissioners that they have received a grant to provide outreach for childhood lead poisoning. Mr. MacRae provided a map showing the geographic areas of Washington County ranked according to their potential for associated risk of childhood lead poisoning. He stated that they need to define the size of the issue because they do not have an accurate picture. Dr. Parker provided information on the statistics of the screening program. Commissioner Snook asked for additional information on the program. Air Quality Information Mr. MacRae provided information and data from the air monitoring station located in the County. He reviewed a graph showing the daily average ozone levels for Washington and Frederick Counties. Proposed Fee Increases - Environmental Health Mr. MacRae reviewed information from each county in Maryland on the percentage of their budget which is derived from fees. He then reviewed the current fees and the increases proposed in each category. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to hold a public hearing on the proposed fee increases for the Environmental Health Division. FY 2000 Budget Dr. Parker expressed concerns about the State-mandated salary increases which were not funded in the County budget. He stated that the Health Department is considering cutbacks in some of their programs. Dr. Parker indicated that they have concerns about the grants they receive and if they will include the mandated salary increase. Home Health Care Crisis Bonnie Distad of the Home Health Care Program spoke of the difficulties they are experiencing in home health care. She informed the Commissioners that the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 cut Medicare home health benefits. She reviewed the national and local impacts this has had on the program. She stated that Medicare beneficiaries are being denied access to care. Ms. Distad projected a 15-20% decrease in reimbursements this year. Dr. Parker stated that the Health Department does not know how long they can continue to provide the services. He indicated that they are monitoring the program on a regular basis because they do not want to lose this service although they may have to make reductions. The Commissioners adjourned sitting as the Board of Health at 10:13 a.m. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk