Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout991207 December 7, 1999 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by County Administrator, Rodney Shoop, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 30, 1999 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of November 30, 1999, as submitted. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reminded the Commissioners that the representatives from the Department of the Environment will be meeting tomorrow with the joint City/County water and sewer task force. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) winter conference. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Bulldog Federal Credit Union. Commissioner Swartz acknowledged that he was honored as the elected official of the year at the Convention & Visitors Bureau annual luncheon. He also reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting and the Census 2000 meeting with Secretary of State, John Willis. Commissioner Swartz complimented Commissioner Wivell on the presentation of his fiscal spending plan to the Washington County Taxpayers Association and Citizens for the Protection of Washington County. Commissioner Wivell stated that he would like the County staff to provide their suggestions on his fiscal spending plan. He reported on the Antietam Illumination opening ceremony. He also reported on the meetings of the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission and the Historic District Commission. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the MACo conference and the meetings of the Western Maryland Consortium and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Snook distributed a letter from Yale Stenzler of the Interagency Committee outlining the changes made in the process for determining the eligibility of schools to receive funding as recently approved by the Board of Public Works. He provided information on the upcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting and reported on the MACo conference. MEETING BETWEEN AFSCME LOCAL #2677 AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Snook announced that the scheduled meeting with AFSCME Local 2677 has been postponed due to illness in the family of Jim Bestpitch, AFSCME Representative, and will be rescheduled. DISCUSSION OF FOUR-YEAR COUNTY INITIATIVES Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the progress that been made on some of the County initiatives. Resolution of Water & Sewer Issues Commissioner Schnebly gave a short update on the issues undertaken by the joint City/County Task force. He stated that the agreement has been finalized with the City to change the boundaries of the Sharpsburg Pike sewer service area. Commissioner Schnebly provided information on some of the other subjects being explored by the task force. Some of the items include studying the use of sewer plants from a practical and geographical standpoint as well as initiating flow to the Detention Center as commercial development occurs on the west side of Interstate 81. Commissioner Schnebly indicated that there may be opportunities to obtain State funding to construct a line to direct flow to the Conococheague wastewater treatment plant. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the Commissioners need to address water and sewer rates. The Commissioners discussed the general fund contribution to reduction of the debt of Water and Sewer Department and whether the County needs to make an additional contribution. Commissioner Snook stated that the pretreatment facility will soon be making a profit. Those profits can beapplied to help slow the escalation of rates. He summarized the accomplishments that have been made and stated that there is a lot of good news on water and sewer issues. Mr. Shoop stated that the Commissioners will need to set the rates early in 2000 to allow the staff to DECEMBER 7, 1999 PAGE TWO have time to prepare for the public hearing. Commissioner Snook asked that the Advisory Commission be given adequate time to evaluate the data and comment prior to the public hearing. Education Commissioner Schnebly emphasized the importance of developing a school system that will help attract businesses to the County. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that MACo has appointed a committee to make recommendations to the State on the equity of the funding formula for capital projects in the schools. He noted that the formula may change in the next legislative session. The Commissioners discussed capital funding and the need to increase teacher salaries. After discussion, the Commissioners asked for information on how categories are funded at the Board of Education. Commissioner Swartz asked for an update on the University System of Maryland. The Commissioners also discussed a possible endowment fund for higher education and asked for a presentation by the Hagerstown Community College Scholarship Foundation. Commissioner Snook indicated that the State of Maryland will be providing the funding for the campus. Mr. Shoop summarized the educational issues discussed. Comprehensive Plan Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided an update on revisions to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that 95% of the base data has been compiled, but it is unlikely that it will be completed this year. Mr. Arch reviewed the chapters that will be included in the document and stated that it will be 300 to 400 pages in length. He stated that public meetings to obtain public comment on the proposed update and a public haring will probably be held in the spring. The Commissioners ended the discussion on four-year County initiatives at this time in order to hold the scheduled public hearing on agricultural preservation districts. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICTS The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider applications AD-99- 09, AD-99-10, AD-99-11, AD-99-12, AD-99-13 and AD-99-14 for the establishment of agricultural land preservation districts. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed each application. He stated that they have all been approved by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. The Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. No one present elected to speak on the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the following applications: AD-99-09, submitted by Donald and Carol Johnson; application AD-99-10, submitted by David and Linda Shank; AD-99-11, submitted by Tracy and Brenda Thomas; AD-99-12, submitted by Robert and Margarete Coffman; AD-99-13, submitted by Robert and Margarete Coffman; and AD-99-14, submitted by Lewis and Linda Taulton, for the establishment of a 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION  Luther Jay Grimes, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA), asked that the County require developers to set aside property in areas that have been identified for the location of future fire and rescue stations. Mr. Grimes reviewed the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) and recommended that the Commissioners include provisions  for Line of Duty Disability and Line of Duty Death Benefits. He  distributed information for the Commissioners consideration. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, recommended that the Commissioners adopt the revisions to the LOSAP Plan with regard to disability. The Commissioners took this matter under consideration. Bob Darby voiced his concerns about speeding on Crestwood Drive near Hagerstown Business College (HBC) and suggested that HBC require its students to register their vehicles. He asked Commissioners to have the  Sheriffs Department police this area. Mr. Darby also expressed his views regarding a possible expansion at HBC and stated that it is in a flood plain area. He also believes that the issue of whether to construct a new stadium should be placed on the ballot in the next election. DECEMBER 7, 1999 PAGE THREE Don Allensworth commented on the Court of Special Appeals and its duties. He also expressed his views on the fiscal spending plan presented by Commissioner Wivell. Dan Spedden voiced his support for the plan for a new stadium and asked Commissioners to support the effort. Yvonne Hope spoke on behalf of the Washington County Historical Trust and their interest in establishing a home base. She also commented on the need for the County to have a vision for the future.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the Leadership Hagerstown Alumni Christmas party is this evening. He provided an update on the manner in which two County employees secured duck blind permits at the County courthouse. He stated that it was investigated by  both the Sheriff and the States Attorney who determined that both employees gained unfair advantage over other applicants. Mr. Shoop indicated that both supervisors have taken disciplinary action and the Department of Natural Resources has revoked the permits. He informed the Commissioners that he is in the process of obtaining a permit to have the house owned by the County on Beaver Creek Road burned for fire training purposes. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the County unemployment rate is now at 2.8%. SUB-SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT - HANCOCK ELDERLY HOUSING PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the Sub-Subrecipient Agreement with the Housing Authority of Washington County with regard to the Hancock elderly housing project for the purpose of administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Block Grant for this project and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF CHAIRPERSON - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to accept the resignation of Kathy Hall from the Local Management Board (LMB) and to appoint David Engle to replace her as Chairperson of the LMB for the remainder of the designated term. Unanimously approved. LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS John Budesky, Director of the Office of Children and Youth, reviewed the recommendation of the Local Management Board (LMB) to apply for Head Start granteeship. He stated that the Community Action Council (CAC) has acted as the grantee for Head Start for 34 years. Mr. Budesky asked the Commissioners for authorization to apply for the granteeship and to continue the current structure by naming the Board of Education and the Resources for Children and Families for a minimum of two contract years. Mr. Budesky provided information about the request for proposal and the funding sources. Paul Pittman, Director of Resources for Children & Families, requested that the Commissioners take this under consideration until inaccuracies are resolved. He stated that his agency also applied for the granteeship for Head Start. Cindy Everly, an employee of Resources for Children & Families, also spoke with regard to their application. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to take this matter under consideration until next week. RECESS - LUNCH AND TOUR OF HAGERSTOWN BUSINESS COLLEGE The Commissioners recessed at 11:34 a.m. for a luncheon and tour of Hagerstown Business College. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:32 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger and William J. Wivell. SEMIANNUAL BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to convene as the Board of Health at 1:33 p.m. Unanimously approved. (Separate minutes will be kept of this session.) The Commissioners adjourned as the Board of Health at 2:30 p.m. DECEMBER 7, 1999 PAGE FOUR ROUNDHOUSE SPORTS COMPLEX Dick Phoebus, Chairperson of the Stadium Planning Team of the Chamber of Commerce, along with James Brown, met with the Commissioners regarding the proposal he outlined at the October 26 meeting for construction of a new baseball stadium in Hagerstown. He stated that the stadium would have a railroad motif and would provide a dedicated area for a railroad museum at the complex. Mike Gehr, architectural consultant, reviewed the site selected by the committee. He stated that it is approximately 40-45 acres and is located on Wesel Boulevard. Mr. Phoebus listed the benefits of the site as which include being located within the City limits, meeting the Smart Growth criteria, reusing a former industrial site, and having railroad and other  infrastructure access. He also informed them that Allegheny Energy is at  the table to assist with funding. Mr. Phoebus stated that the estimated cost of the facility is between $12 million and $15 million. He stated that the Committee is proposing that the City and County each fund $3 million, and that the State provide $6 million. They would raise $3 million in private contributions. Mr. Phoebus also reviewed projected revenues from the stadium. Richard Trump, Chairman of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), informed the Commissioners that the CVB has voted to recommend an increase in the hotel/motel tax from 3% to 5% and is willing to dedicate 1% for repayment of  the Countys investment. Mr. Phoebus stated that this would lower the  Countys annual payments by $160,000. He asked the Commissioners to make a commitment to allow them to continue efforts to keep baseball in the community. After questions and discussion about the presentation, the Commissioners stated that they will take the matter under consideration and  make a decision at next weeks meeting. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL - EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDING Glenda Helman, representing the Community Action Council (CAC), thanked the Commissioners for providing $25,0000 for emergency services again this year. She informed them that $2,000 of the money will be utilized by the REACH Cold Weather Shelter for its operation and the remainder will be used to assist families with basic life needs, such as homelessness prevention, utility assistance, medications, transportation, and other needs. Ms. Helman stated that the allocation will assist households at or below 125% of the poverty level. She provided a detailed report outlined how CAC spent the emergency services funding received from the Commissioners in 1998. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Helman for the information. APPOINTMENT - MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Charlene Lloyd and Sue Roney 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 Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 3:51 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consider proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, all 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 5:16 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, considered two (2) proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Robert Cumberland, Administrator for the WCVFRA; John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of EDC; and EDC members Thomas Newcomer, Frank Erck, Gerald Hoak, and Charles Shindle. DECEMBER 7, 1999 PAGE FIVE ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 5:16 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk