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HomeMy WebLinkAbout990727 July 27, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY - MAINTENANCE BUILDING AT HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT The Commissioners attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new maintenance building at the Hagerstown Regional Airport at 1:00 p.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 2:45 p.m. by Vice President Paul L. Swartz with the following members present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 2:35 p.m. to discuss a matter of pending or potential litigation, 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 Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 2:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) matter of pending or potential litigation. Present during closed session were Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, and John L. Schnebly. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. RELEASE OF INDEMNITY MORTGAGE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Release of Indemnity Mortgage dated May 18, 1998 with Robert O. Lauver and Roberta L. Lauver, for the property outlined in the above-captioned agreement. Unanimously approved. WORKSHOP SESSION The Commissioners reviewed the major initiatives they wish to address during their four-year term. They are as follows: 1) Resolve Water & Sewer Issues; 2) Education (Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, and University of Maryland - Hagerstown); 3) Adopt Comprehensive Plan; 4) Focus on Urban Revitalization; 5) Market Tourism and PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC); and 6) Develop Financial Plans for Debt Affordability and Cash Reserve Stabilization. Update on Comprehensive Plan Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided an update on the status of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that they are in the process of putting chapters together and should have a draft available for the public by the end of this calendar year. Mr. Arch anticipates making a joint presentation of the first draft to the Commissioners and the Planning Commission sometime in November. He stated that the Planning Commission will be holding a series of public meetings on the Comprehensive Plan in the Spring. Mr. Arch stated that the current plan is very broad based. They hope to narrow the focus and provide more detailed information. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, noted that 80% of growth which has occurred in the County has been in the urban growth areas. Mr. Arch indicated that the County has experienced about one-half percent of growth per year. Financial Plan Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, provided an update on the cash reserve stabilization fund. Ms. Bastian stated that it is approximately seven percent which is considered acceptable. She indicated that the targeted goal of ten percent will be harder to attain because they are not anticipating the amount of surplus which has been realized in the past few years. Ms. Bastian stated that the surplus helps to absorb unanticipated shortfalls in revenue. She informed the Commissioners that she will have preliminary figures for FY 1999 in August. Mr. Shoop stated that the County is in excellent financial shape and outlined some of the larger programs which will be undertaken this year. Ms. Bastian presented information on her plans to develop a debt affordability plan. She summarized the preliminary targets to be addressed and stated that she will be using five counties as peer groups to help set reasonable standards. Ms. Bastian stated that the next step would be to set benchmarks for debt affordability. She agreed to have information for their JULY 27, 1999 PAGE TWO review in next six months. Commissioner Schnebly expressed the desire to discuss and review the entire tax revenue structure. The Commissioners also agreed to schedule a discussion with the Board of Education on the need for long-range forecasting. Mr. Shoop informed them that they are scheduled to meet with the Board of Education on August 10 to discuss accountability and standards and capital projects. Water & Sewer Issues Commissioner Schnebly reported on the water and sewer projects being addressed by the joint City/County task force. He stated that they are limited in scope at this time but the bigger goal is to develop a policy to implement a regionalized approach to providing these services. Education Commissioner Schnebly suggested that the Commissioners need to discuss with the Board of Education how to weave local goals and objectives into the  States goals as a partnership. He also emphasized the need to be cognizant of urban schools to assure that no one district bears too heavy a burden. Urban revitalization The Commissioners discussed parking issues in the City which need to be addressed and the location of spaces to assure that they are safe and well  lit. The Commissioners discussed the plans for the Citys Arts and  Entertainment District as well as the Countys plans to remodel both the Circuit and District Court facilities in the near future. Marketing Tourism and PenMar Development Corporation Commissioner Iseminger suggested that the Convention & Visitors Bureau consider promoting outdoor activities in the County such as bike trails, the C&O Canal, the Appalachian Trail, camping and hiking. The Commissioners also discussed the transfer of property to PMDC and the plans to address infrastructure requirements. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:25 p.m. EVENING SESSION The evening session was convened 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. and John L. Schnebly 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 - JULY 13 & 20, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of July 13 and 20, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Maryland Municipal League meeting and the issues discussed. He asked that the staff contact LeRoy Myers regarding the new branch of the Washington County Free Library to be constructed in Clear Spring. Commissioner Schnebly indicated that Mr. Myers is very optimistic that an 8,000 square foot building can be built for the funding they have acquired. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Complete Count Committee meeting for the  Year 2000 census. He stated that he was a guest on Will Kauffmans radio talk show on WHAG/WQCM last week. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the Unity in the Community event and the Quad-State Conference last week. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting of the board of directors of the Public Golf Corporation. He stated that he attended the Agricultural Education Center Board meeting. Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission made site visits last week. Commissioner Snook reported on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new airport maintenance building. He asked that an update on items at the Resh Road and Route 40 landfill be scheduled on the agenda. Commissioner Snook reported that it is estimated that 500-600 people will attend the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference in Hagerstown this year. JULY 27, 1999 PAGE THREE FUNDING REQUEST - COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC Dr. Martin Gallagher, Director of the Community Free Clinic; Lorri Rice, Clinic Director, and Donovan Bachtell, Bachtell & Co., accountants for the Clinic, reviewed the request made to the Commissioners and City Council at the June 29th meeting to provide annual funding to them for the next ten years in the range of $20,000 to $50,000 per year. Rodney Shoop, County  Administrator, suggested that the Commissioners consider bridge funding in the amount of $10,000-15,000 to enable the Clinic to remain open until they receive funding from the Gaming Commission. Mr. Shoop stated that they anticipate receiving Gaming Commission funds in mid-September. He recommended that the funding be granted contingent on the Clinic agreeing to develop a business plan which addresses revenue requirements, recruit business people to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors, and hire a business manager who will focus on fund raising. Mr. Shoop stated that the City will be considering the funding request at their meeting tonight. Ms. Rice informed the Commissioners that two retired businessmen from the community have volunteered to develop a business plan as well as work on marketing, fund raising and public relations without charge. She also stated that the clinic received an influx of donations when the community heard of their financial situation. Ms. Rice and Dr. Gallagher thanked the Commissioners for their help and the community in general for their response. Commissioner Schnebly asked they provided a follow-up report in the fall. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to provide $15,000  as emergency bridge funding to the Community Free Clinic contingent upon the conditions outlined to them, with funds to be taken from the  Commissioners Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved.  CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Commissioner Snook welcomed Boy Scouts from Troop 117 in Clear Spring who were in attendance. Allan Powell, as a resident of Brightwood Acres, asked the Commissioners to  resist the developers request to annex property on Mt. Aetna Road into the City of Hagerstown. He stated that the citizens in the area are not opposed to development of the land but feel that the development should be compatible with the neighborhood. He suggested that they seek an injunction  to allow them time to obtain an opinion from Attorney Generals office or call for a referendum. Commissioner Snook explained the referendum process for the annexation and why it would not be applicable in this situation. Helen Willis provided the Commissioners with her application and expressed concerns that she has never been interviewed for a position with the County. Lorraine Deseati asked about the hours that the Free Clinic is open and stated that she would be willing to volunteer. Joe Swope complimented the Commissioners on their decision regarding the Ten Commandments plaque and on the branch library in Clear Spring. He stated that he was disappointed in their decision regarding the expansion of the Mellott quarry. Mr. Swope suggested that they consider appointing a board dealing with environmental matters. He expressed concern about the lack of public transportation to municipalities and the discussions regarding the expansion of I-81. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY Commissioner Snook introduced John Martirano who was recently hired as the new Assistant County Attorney. He will begin work August 16. NATIONAL SMOKE ALARM PILOT PROJECT Jay Grimes, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA), and Bob Cumberland, Administrative Planner for the WCVFRA, met with the Commissioners to inform them that the Association will be kicking off a major smoke detector project in conjunction with the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Classes on smoke detectors will be held and smoke detectors will be installed in homes. Mr. Grimes stated that follow- up information will be collected on each home. He indicated that they will install 1,000 detectors in targeted areas of the County. UPDATE ON ADULT SERVICE PROGRAM David Engle, Director of the Washington County Department of Social JULY 27, 1999 PAGE FOUR Services, appeared before the Commissioners to thank them for their support of the adult service program and to provide an update on the Adult Foster Care Program. Charlie Breakall, Supervisor of the Adult Services Program, provided information on how the funding from the County impacts the program. He stated that $40,680 was provided in the FY 2000 budget for continuation of this program. Mr. Engle informed the Commissioners that if these funds were not available to help elderly and disabled citizens, many of them would have to be placed in nursing homes or left in undesirable home situations. Mr. Breakall introduced Carolyn Wilhelm, CARE home care provider, and Wilma  Weed, whose father lives in Ms. Wilhelms home care facility. Mrs. Wilhelm provided information on her clients and the activities they share in her home. She distributed photographs of various activities and thanked the Commissioners for funding the Foster Care program. Ms. Weed stated that she wanted the opportunity to thank the Commissioners for funding for the program. She thanked the Department of Social Services for their support  and related the story of placing her father in Mrs. Wilhelms home care facility and the positive experience it has been for them. FIRE & RESCUE REVOLVING LOAN FUND REQUESTS Phil Ridenour and Kim Edlund, members of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund Committee, presented two applications for funding. Mr. Ridenour stated that the applications were submitted by the Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company and the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. Mr. Ridenour reviewed a request submitted by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association in the amount of $120,000 for purchase of a building for an office facility. He stated that $120,000 is more than the guidelines allow for the purchase of real estate. Therefore, the Committee is recommending approval of a loan of $100,000. Mr. Ridenour reviewed the  Committees concerns with the request. He indicated that they first had to determine whether the Association qualified under the guidelines as an eligible fire and rescue company. Mr. Ridenour stated that three members of the Revolving Loan Committee abstained from voting on the application due to direct ties with the Association. The third concern was the restrictions to  $100,000 in the guidelines for the purchase of real estate. The Committees final concern was that the loan exceeds 80% of the reasonable value of the  applicants real and personal property. Mr. Ridenour stated that the Committee is recommending that the loan be split between the fire company allotment and the emergency services allotment. The Commissioners had several concerns and asked that Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, inspect the property to determine the general condition and whether it is located in a flood plan. They also asked that the County Attorney review the application to make a decision as to whether it is appropriate that the Association be awarded a loan since they are technically not a fire or rescue company. Jay Grimes, President of the WCVFRA, distributed pictures of the property. He answered questions from the Commissioners regarding a parcel they were offered by the County and why it could not be used for an office facility. He also protested the $100,000 cap in the guidelines and requested an additional $20,000. After discussion, the Commissioners took this request under consideration until they receive answers to their questions. They agreed to discuss the matter again at the next meeting on August 10. Mr. Ridenour reviewed the loan request of the Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Department for $75,000 to purchase a 2,000 gallon engine tanker to replace an existing unit which was taken out of service due to severe frame damage. He stated that the Committee recommends approval of the loan, contingent  upon the departments receipt of a $165,000 grant from the State of Maryland Emergency Services Trust Fund. He stated that Mt. Aetna Fire Department has stated that if they are denied the full grant they would not be in a financial position to purchase the apparatus. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the application of the Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company for a loan of $75,000 contingent upon receipt of a $165,000 grant from the State of Maryland Emergency Services Trust Fund BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT - Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz to approve a budget transfer of $300,000 from the I&I Mapping Study project (40-5-1303-584-039) JULY 27, 1999 PAGE FIVE and $200,000 from the Dewatering Building & Belt Press project (40-5-1303- 681-041) to the Sharpsburg Pike Force Main project (40-5-1303-584-046). Approval was received from the Maryland Department of the Environment to move these grant-funded projects. The monies will be replaced by MDE in Fiscal Years 2001 and 2003 at the time the funds will be utilized. Unanimously approved. FUND REQUESTS  The Commissioners agreed to the County Administrators recommendation to inform the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Association for Retarded Citizens that they will consider their funding requests during the normal budget process. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk