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HomeMy WebLinkAbout890124January 24, 1989 Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President, Ronald L. Bowers with the following members present: Vice President Linda C. Irvin and Commissioners R. Lee Downey, Richard E. Roulette and Martin L. Snook. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Bowers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT - SGT. RANDY WILKINSON The Commissioners presented Sgt. Randy Wilkinson with a Certificate of Merit honoring him for his quick response, while off-duty, in pulling an accident victim from a burning vehicle. The Commissioners each expressed their thanks to Sgt. Wilkinson for his actions. Sgt. Wilkinson thanked the Commisisoners for the Certificate and, at their request, recounted the details of the incident. Sgt. Wilkinson also expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for their support of the Sheriffs Department. FUNDING FOR REPLACEMENT PATROL VEHICLES Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Roulette, to authorize the Sheriffs Department to order eight cruisers for the Patrol Division plus one cruiser for the Town of Williamsport, to be reimbursed by the Town, on the State Police contract with Criswell Chevrolet for the price of $12,493 per unit with payment to occur after July 1, 1989. Unanimously approved. GOLF COURSE - ANTICIPATED PROFIT & LOSS James Young, Director of Finance and member of the Washington County Colf Course Corporation, distributed copies of the estimated cash flow requirements for Black Rock Golf Course for Fiscal Years 1988-89,1989-90, and 1990-91. Mr. Young reported that the Corporation is estimating approximatly 13,000 rounds of golf to be played in FY 1988-89, ending June 30, 1989, which will bring in approximately $209,798 in total revenue and total expenditures are estimated at $207,798 for the same period, for a net profit of $1805. Mr. Young requested that the Commissioners loan up to $270,000 to the Golf Course Corporation to allow them to purchase equipment needed to begin operation in April, with a 5 -year payback period. Motion made by Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Snook, to advance up to $270,000, to be repaid within five years, to the Washington County Golf Course Corporation for Capital Outlay needed to begin operation on April I, 1989. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the projections are attached.) BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Downey reported on the Drug & Alcohol Advisory Committee meeting; Commissioner Irvin reported on the Airport Commission meeting and Transportation Commission meeting; Commissioner Roulette gave a report on the Board of Social Services meeting; Commissioner Snook reported on the Airport Commission and Parks Board meetings; and Commissioner Bowers informed the Commissioners that the personnel study has been completed for the Commission on Aging. REZONING CASE RZ-406 The Application for RZ-406 is Lester Barnes who petitions for the reclassification of land located on the West side of Antietam Drive consisting of 4.03 acres from Residential Suburban to Business General, as indicated on a plat prepared by Fox & Associates, Inc. dated September 22, 1988 filed in this case. The lot owned by Lester Barnes is divided into two portions, one in the approximate acreage of 4.03 acres and the other lot consisting of 1.95 acres which is to remain Residential, Suburban. The portion of the said property to remain Residential, Suburban fronts on Antietam Drive to the rear of the lot, and is approximately 200 feet in width along the entire back of the property. Motion made Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Snook, and unanimously approved to call the Question on RZ-406 tabled at the December 20, 1988 meeting, and APPROVE reclassification the property of Lester Barnes from RS, Residential, Suburban, to BG, Business General. The County Commissioners make the following findings of fact relating to this case: I. The report and recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission have been read and considered. The County Commissioners find as a fact that the construction of the new boulevard, known as Eastern Boulevard, connecting Northern Avenue with Jefferson Boulevard, is a substantial change in the neighborhood and constitutes a sufficient basis for the rezoning. The neighborhood, for the purpose of this case, consists of the properties in Fiddlersburg to the rear of this property on Antietam Drive, the properties on Antietam Drive immediately North of JANUARY 24, 1988 MINUTES, CONT'D. the property in question, the unimproved hill directly West of the subject property across Eastern Boulevard, and the unimproved vacant properties directly South of the subject property. The neighborhood does not consist of properties on Jefferson Boulevard, nor does the neighborhood encompass properties close to the Long Meadow Shopping Center and the Leitersburg Pike. 2. The Commissioners find as a fact that the population in this immediate area has remained stable, and that there has been no substantial population change in the area of the proposed change. There is no public water or sewer in the immediate area of the subject property. Public water may be available in this area within five years, and public sewer service may be available within the next five to ten years. Existing development in the immediate area surrounding the site is served by private wells and septic systems. The closest existing public water; and sewer lines are located in the Potomac Manor Subdivision located approximately 700 feet West of the subject site. There is no indication that extension of the existing lines to the subject property would be possible. Fire protection is provided by the Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Department. It is anticipated that the average daily traffic (ADT) will increase substantially when the next leg of Eastern Boulevard between Maryland Route 64 and Maryland Route 40 is completed in late 1989. Traffic is expected to increase from an ADT of 5,000 vehicles to an ADT of 10,000 to 16,000 vehicles at that time. The subject property is located within the boundaries of the Hagerstown Urban Growth Area established by the County Commissioners in August, 1983. This area is designed to be a priority area for growth and development providing a desirable environment for future residents. The Comprehensive Plan states that development of all types will be encouraged in the Urban Growth Area to make use of existing public facilities. The anticipated use of this property in a BG, Business, General, zoning classification is a retail business, namely, the relocation of the Applicant's business from Antietam Drive to Eastern Boulevard known as The Gravely Center, which is a commercial and residential lawn equipment, sales and service operation. The proposed use is not inconsistent with the adopted plan for the County, the development analysis plan map, and policies of Washington County. The location of the various historic sites listed on the Washington County Historic Site Survey and located within a half mile radius of the proposed rezoning was considered by the County Commissioners. The representations made by Lester Barnes as to the proposed use of this property, namely, (a) that he was going to use the property for his existing business known as The Gravely Center, which is a commercial and residential lawn equipment, sales and service operation; (b) that Mr. Barnes wishes to lease a small portion of the proposed building on said property to another retail permitted use; (c) that Mr. Barnes proposes no outside storage on a routine basis of equipment, parts, or trash; and (d) that Mr. Barnes anticipates and proposes only one entrance from the area to be rezoned onto Eastern Boulevard. Based upon the representations and the above self-imposed limitations obtained from Mr. Barnes, and, following a personal viewing of the property by the County Commissioners, the Commissioners find that the proposed rezoning and proposed uses are compatible with existing and proposed development in the area. The Commissioners find as a fact that the construction of Eastern Boulevard has changed the character of the subject parcel's neighborhood and that a Business, General classification would be appropriate within this area. The Commissioners do not believe there was a mistake in the existing zoning classification when this parcel was originally zoned. The Commissioners believe there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property in light of the construction of Eastern Boulevard from Northern Avenue to Maryland Route 64. The Commissioners believe there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property in light of the construction of Eastern Boulevard from Northern Avenue to Maryland Route 64. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 10, 1989 Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Downey, to approve the minutes of January 10, 1989, as corrected. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 24, 1989 MINUTES, CONT'D. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM PROPROSAL Alan Davis, Director of Personnel and Insurance, suggested implementation of an annual employee recognition program to acknowledge contributions made by employees who served the County in an exemplary fashion. Mr. Davis suggested awarding either a $100 savings bond or two additional personal days to those employees recognized. He also suggested having categories for department heads, middle management and staff employees. The Commissioners took this suggestion under advisement at this time. MKS ANNEXATION PETITION Barry Teach, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Deborah Everhart, Development/Zoning Coordinator for the City of Hagerstown, regarding the City's intent to rezone the MKS property "C-2" - Commercial zoning. The owners of the MKS property have petitioned the City for annexation. The Commissioners discussed this matter and agreed that, although they do not oppose the annexation, they would like the proposed rezoning to go through the rezoning hearing process which includes holding a public hearing. Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette to notify the City of Hagerstown that the MKS property, proposed for annexation into the City and for rezoning, be required to go through the rezoning process as specified in Article 66-B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. HJC TECHNOLOGY CENTER - APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS Barry Teach, reported that Neil Curran, Program Development Coordinator, feels that there is an excellent opportunity for the County to receive Community Development Block Grant funds for the remaining funds needed to complete the technology center at Hagerstown Junior College. Commissioner Bowers also reported that there may possibly be funding available for this project through the Department of Economic & Employment Development. Motion made by Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Irvin to send a Letter of Intent to the State of Maryland seeking Community Development Block Grant funding for completion of the Hagerstown Junior College Technology Center. Unanimously approved. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - DEPARMTENT OF PERMITS & INSPECTIONS Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Irvin, to approve the transfer of $100 from Photographic (01-5-1231-510-030), $300 from Printing (01-5-1231-522-000), $200 from Per Diem (01-5-1231-528-010), $100 from Telephone (01-5-1231-530-000) and $20 from Capital Outlay - Vehicles (01-5-1231-683-000) to Office Supplies (01-5- 1231-513-000). Unanimously approved. TRANSFER OF FUNDS - FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Snook, to transfer $1350 from Account 01-5-1211-530 to 01-5-1211-687 in the Fire & Rescue Communications budget to allow them to stock replacement parts for the chairs used in the operations room. Unanimously approved. MARYLAND DAY HOLIDAY The County Administrator informed the Commissioners that two holidays, Maryland Day and Good Friday, fall on March 24 this year and suggested that the Commissioners close County offices the day after Thanksgiving to replace the Maryland Day holiday. The Commissioners agreed to this plan if it can be coordinated with State offices housed in the County buildings. SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM The Commissioners agreed to raise the number of students hired for summer employment from 50 to 60 to try to meet the increasing number of requests from County department heads for additional summer help. BID OPENING - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS - REGIONAL PARK FARMHOUSE The bids for the interior and exterior renovations for the farmhouse located on the Washington County Regional Park, were publicly opened and read aloud. Only one bid was received for each of the proposals: Interior Renovations - Gruber Building, Cleaning and Restoration - $104,167; Exterior Renovations - Gruber Building, Cleaning and Restoration - $27,951. The bids will be reviewed by appropriae officials prior to a decision being rendered. (Decision rendered later in this Session.) JANUARY 24, 1989 MINUTES, CONT'D. PROPOSED POLICY - ROAD WIDENING Commissioner Downey suggested that the Commissioners consider instituting a policy regarding financial participation by developers in widening of County roads up to 18 feet if the lots are served by a County road. Mr. Teach advised the Commissioners that the Adequate Facilities Ordinance, being drafted at this time, would address this problem but it would probably be several months until this ordinance is adopted. The Commissioners discussed several ideas regarding this proposal and agreed to request that a written policy be drafted for their consideration to require that a County road must be 16 feet wide in front of the development in order to allow development of three lots or less and, if development is to occur on three lots or more, the developer must participate in the widening of the entire road to 18 feet. APPROPRIATION FOR FAX MACHINES Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Roulette to appropriate $5092 from the Commissioners Contingency Fund to the following accounts: $4454 to Capital Outlay Control (01-5-0102-687-000), $520 to Maintenance & Repair - Office Equipment (01-5-0102-547-000) and $118 to Office Supplies (01-5-1012-513-000) for the purchase of two fax machines, service contract and thermal paper from Office Suppliers, Inc., who supplied the low quotation for this equipment. Unanimously approved. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL - REQUEST FOR LAND Barry Teach informed the Commissioners that Glenn Dull, County Engineer, has drafted 4 concepts for the housing project proposed by Community Action Council on County -owned land and presented the drawings. Mr. Dull's plans can accommodate the same number of units on approximately one-half the land. Commissioner Roulette requested that they proceed with filing a subdivision plat. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Snook, seconded by Roulette to convene in Executive Session at 11:45 a.m. in regard to personnel and property matters in accordance with Section 10.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Roulette, seconded by Irvin to reconvene in Regular Session at 1:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. ACCEPTANCE OF DEED & ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Snook, to accept from Christoper Diehl, et al, dedication of a right-of-way for a portion of Mountain Meadow Drive, Subdivision Plat #2596, for the Beaver Creek Road relocation at U.S. Rt. 40 project, to accept right-of-way dedication for Mondell Road off Lot 4, Section B, Fair Acres per subdivision plat and to accept a roadbed deed and assignment of bank account for part of Cool Hollow Terrace and Cool Hollow Way in Cool Hollow Estates, with a Maintenance Bond set at $6,700. Unanimously approved. EMPLOY MULTI -FAMILY HOUSING SPECIALIST Motion made by Comnmissioner Snook, seconded by Roulette, to employ Raymond Miller as Multi -Family Housing Specialist in the Housing & Community Development Office to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. EMPLOY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Snook to employ Lucas Cade as Economic Development Coordinator in the Economic Development Commission to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS - FARMHOUSE - REGIONAL PARK Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Roulette, to award the bid for the exterior renovations to Gruber Building, Cleaning and Restoration, less renovation of the two outbuildings, in the amount of $18,731. Unanimously approved. The bid for interior renovations will be reviewed by the Director of Planning and Review, to determine which portion of that work can be performed by the Parks Department. EMPLOY ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS - ROADS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Downey, to employ Larry Everhart as Assistant Supervisor - Central Section and Manford Hart, Assistant Supervisor - Western Section to fill existing vacancies and to proceed with filling the vacancies created. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 24, 1989 MINUTES, CONT'D. ROHR INDUSTRIES AGREEMENTS Moion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette, to accept the two agreements with Rohr Industries and to authorize Ronald L. Bowers to execute the agreements on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners for transfer of approximately two acres with no consideration and to amend the existing agreement to provide other services rather than construction of a tool shed and/or construction projects not to exceed $175,000. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette, to adjourn at 1:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney ,Clerk