HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.01.2000 MinutesFebruary 1, 2000
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, John L. Schnebly and
William J. Wivell. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the
Commissioners that they would be meeting with the local
delegation to the General Assembly tomorrow morning in
Annapolis. He stated that the meeting with the Lieutenant
Governor has been scheduled for Friday, February 4. Mr.
Shoop also informed the Commissioners that the State of the
County address has been rescheduled for February 8. He
informed the Commissioners that two joint public hearings
with the Planning Commission are scheduled for March 13 and
March 20 in Court Room #1, due to the large number of
rezoning applications filed this quarter.
BUDGET WORKSHOP – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
The Commissioners conducted a budget workshop to discuss
the projects submitted for the Capital Improvements Program
(CIP) projects for fiscal years 2001-2006. Mr. Shoop
commented that the fiscal year 2001 CIP budget would be a
challenging one, but that staff is trying to soften the
increase expected. Mr. Shoop emphasized that it is a draft
document and will require several revisions before it is
finalized for consideration at the budget hearing. Mr.
Shoop informed the Commissioners that the first draft
totals $20.6 million. It shows an increased contribution
from the General Fund to the CIP budget and bond borrowing
of $13 million. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, Robert
Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reviewed each of the
projects proposed for funding. Mr. Arch provided a
synopsis of trends and the funds proposed for larger
projects. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the
debt affordability and policy study being performed by the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Consulting
Services should be finalized in March. The study will show
benchmarks and formalize a financial policy for borrowing.
The staff then reviewed the General Government projects and
provided an explanation of the scope of each project. The
projects in this category include the renovation of the
County Office Building as well as Circuit Court renovations
needed for a fifth Circuit Court judge. Other projects
include the Sheriff’s Department patrol facility expansion,
contingency, urban revitalization, and costs associated
with general obligation bond funding. Mr. Arch asked for
direction from the Commissioners for urban revitalization
since no specific projects have been identified. The
Commissioners discussed the YMCA’s request for funding for
its new facility. Commissioners Wivell and Schnebly
expressed concerns about providing capital funding for a
non-profit agency and the precedent it would set. After
discussion, the Commissioners asked for additional
information from the YMCA on its revenues, programs, and
funding, before they make a decision on the request. The
staff then reviewed the drainage projects and road
improvement projects scheduled for funding in the CIP. The
Commissioners postponed further discussions in order to
hear comments from the public during the scheduled citizens
participation session.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Dr. Thomas Oyster presented a petition and request to
provide a permanent facility for aquatic exercise and
swimming classes. Dr. Oyster explained that many senior
citizens could utilize a heated pool for stress-free joint
exercise for those with arthritis, joint replacement, back
problems, or other physical impairments. Commissioner
Iseminger stated that the YMCA pool holds these classes.
Commissioner Snook volunteered to contact the Halfway Lions
Club to see if they would be interested in helping with
this project, and Commissioner Swartz agreed to bring this
item before the Recreation & Parks Board for consideration.
Mary Kalin confirmed that the YMCA holds classes in its
pool, but commented that it is too cold for those with
arthritis.
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
PAGE TWO
Don Allensworth voiced his opposition to an increase in the
hotel rental tax and suggested exempting local businesses
from the tax increase. He also discussed the preference
given to local bills in the General Assembly.
Wayne Lafferty stated that the number of State troopers in
the County would be reduced if there were an increase in
the number of Sheriff’s deputies on patrol. He also
discussed residency requirements and stated that the
Permits & Inspections Department should review its policy
on issuing permits for unoccupied dwellings.
ANNOUNCEMENT – EXPANSION OF SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC.
William Reuter and Ronald Frey, representing Susquehanna
Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Farmers & Merchants
Bank & Trust and Citizens National Bank of Southern
Pennsylvania, appeared before the Commissioners to announce
plans to locate Susquehanna’s new regional loan operations
center in Washington County. Mr. Reuter stated that the
new center would be located in the Topflight Airpark at the
Hagerstown Regional Airport. The center is projected to
employ 150 people now and up to 300 within three years.
Mr. Reuter informed the Commissioners that a number of
factors contributed to the decision to locate in Washington
County, among them site location, access to Interstate 81,
availability of the site, adequate parking, and the ability
to utilize training programs at Hagerstown Community
College. He thanked the State Department of Business &
Economic Development and the Economic Development
Commission for their assistance.
CONTINUATION – CIP BUDGET WORKSHOP
The Commissioners continued their first review of the FY
2001 CIP and the road improvement projects outlined.
RECESS – LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 12:04 p.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:01 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.
RECOGNITION OF TIMOTHY R. TROXELL AS A CERTIFIED ECONOMIC
DEVELOPER
Commissioner Snook presented Timothy R. Troxell, Assistant
Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), with
a Certificate of Merit recognizing him for successfully
fulfilling all of the requirements to receive the
designation of “Certified Economic Developer” from the
American Economic Development Council. The Commissioners
commended Mr. Troxell on his achievement. Commissioner
Snook stated that the certification requires testing of
knowledge, proficiency and judgment of the applicant in all
areas of economic development. Douglas Wright of the EDC
also commended Mr. Troxell for this certification and for
his good work with the EDC.
CONTRACT AWARD & BUDGET TRANSFER – ORTHOGRAPHIC PHOTOS AND PHOTOGRAMMETRIC DATA
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by
Schnebly, to award the contract for orthographic photos and
photogrammetric data to Sanborn-Lockwood Mapping Company
based on its proposal of Plan A (County ownership) in the
amount of $164,040 and additional optional deliverable A3
in the amount of $5,405 for a total proposal of $169,445,
and to approve the budget transfer request for a $100,000
grant from HUD for the project, and $54,000 (wages), and
$16,000 (employee benefits) from the Planning Department
budget. Unanimously approved.
QUOTATION CONTRACT AWARD – OFFICE FURNISHINGS FOR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by
Iseminger, to award the contract for office furnishings for
the Engineering Department to Office Suppliers, Inc., which
submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of
$25,668.68. Unanimously approved.
BID AWARD FOR TIMBER HARVESTING – 40 WEST LANDFILL SITE
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz,
to award the contract for timber harvesting at the 40 West
landfill site to James Yost
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
PAGE THREE
Logging which submitted the high bid of $105,550 for these
services. Unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF UPDATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING PLAN
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by
Schnebly, to adopt the updated Solid Waste Management &
Recycling Plan for Washington County as presented at the
public hearing held on November 30, 1999. Unanimously
approved.
DISCUSSION OF HOMEBUILDERS LICENSING/REGISTRATION
James Parker, President of the Homebuilders Association of
Washington County, and Debi Turpin, Executive Vice-
President, appeared before the Commissioners. Mr. Parker
explained the Association’s position that the County should
adopt a scheme of homebuilder licensing or registration in
the County to help protect consumers. He indicated that
the County might be exempted from the proposed statewide
legislation if a County ordinance is adopted before the
State law is passed. The County received enabling
legislation in 1999. Mr. Parker further informed the
Commissioners that the Association worked with the
Department of Permits and Inspections to draft a licensing
ordinance for the County that would be fair to the building
industry and offer protection to the consumer. David
Corey, a member of the Association, explained the
differences between the proposed bill submitted by the
State and the one proposed by the Association. He stated
that they would like to maintain local control instead of
having a State agency enforce the regulations.
Commissioner Schnebly voiced his concerns about the cost
and burden of administering the licensing program. Mr.
Corey stated that the Association would agree to act as the
testing agent for the County. Paul Prodonovich, Director of
Permits & Inspections, voiced his concerns about the
requirements. He stated that the administration of the
bill would be cumbersome. The Commissioners expressed
concerns about performance guidelines and the financial
impact to the County if it would require additional
staffing. They asked Mr. Prodonovich to provide an
estimate of the cost to his department to administer the
program and his comments on the proposed bill. Commissioner
Snook stated that the Commissioners would discuss it with
the local delegation at their meeting with them. The
Commissioners agreed to make a decision on this matter by
February 15.
PUBLIC HEARING – DOT FOODS, INC.
The Commissioners convened a public hearing regarding a
$380,000 conditional loan from the State Department of
Business & Economic Development (DBED) to DOT Foods, Inc.
Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that the purpose
of the hearing is to seek the approval of the Commissioners
for the required guaranty of the first 40% of the
conditional loan and the Commissioners’ endorsement of the
project. He informed the Commissioners that the loan would
be made pursuant to the Maryland Industrial and Commercial
Redevelopment Fund (MICRF). The proceeds would be used to
finance a portion of the cost of a storm water management
pond, access road, and secured parking facility on 4.254
acres of land adjacent to its distribution facility, which
is to be purchased from the County. Mr. Douglas stated
that this construction and acquisition are related to the
construction of a 75,000 square foot dry warehouse
facility. The hearing was then opened for public comment.
There was no one present who wished to comment.
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to
approve the proposed guaranty by the County of the first
40% of a $380,000 MICRF loan from DBED to DOT Foods, Inc.
and to endorse the project plan as outlined. Unanimously
approved.
PUBLIC HEARING – PHOENIX COLOR CORPORATION – MICRF LOAN
The Commissioners convened a public hearing to discuss the
proposed guaranty of the first 40% of the MICRF loan being
provided by DBED to Phoenix Color Corporation and the
endorsement of the project plan. Mr. Douglas stated that
DBED has offered a $500,000 conditional loan and $250,000
conditional grant to Phoenix. The loan proceeds would be
used by Phoenix to finance a portion of the cost of
equipment for its manufacturing facility. The grant
proceeds would be used to finance 25% of the cost of
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
PAGE FOUR
constructing a storm water management system on
approximately 16.4 acres of land on Airpark Road that is
owned by the County. Mr. Douglas stated that, although the
Commissioners have already adopted a resolution approving
the
project plan and the Guaranty Agreement at a previous
public hearing, the Assistant Attorney General representing
that State suggested that an additional public hearing be
conducted pursuant to an advertisement with ten days
notice, although neither the Annotated Code nor COMAR
specify such a period. The meeting was then opened for
public comment. There was no one present who wished to
comment.
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly,
to approve the project plan and the guaranty of the first
40% of the MICRF loan and grant, as required by Article 83B
of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 11 & 18, 2000
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz,
to approve the minutes of January 11 and 18, 2000, as
submitted. Unanimously approved.
ADOPTION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY’S GOALS FOR 2000
The Commissioners discussed the proposed goals for 2000
that have been revised to include adoption of a long-range
development plan for the library. Commissioner Wivell
asked that a “right to farm” ordinance be included in the
goals. The Commissioners discussed the matter and agreed
to include it. They emphasized the need to develop the
proposed ordinance in cooperation with the Farm Bureau.
Commissioner Iseminger asked that the language “begin
development of a marketing plan” be added to the goal of
adopting a comprehensive land use plan for the Airport and
vicinity.
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz,
to adopt the following as Washington County’s goals for
2000: 1) Establish County urban revitalization initiatives.
2) Review citizens’ comments and develop final
recommendations for the County Comprehensive Plan. 3)
Adopt a plan to transfer wastewater flows west of
Hagerstown to the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant
with the ultimate goal of an interconnected system. 4)
Transfer ownership of water service areas at Martin’s
Crossroads and Conococheague to the City of Hagerstown. 5)
Adopt and implement a formal debt management policy. 6)
Develop and adopt land use and marketing plans for the
Airport and vicinity. 7) Resolve County government
downtown space needs. 8) Adopt a long-range development
plan for the library. 9) Adopt a right to farm ordinance.
Unanimously approved.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS
Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Commission
and Local Management Board meetings. He also stated that
he attended the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company awards
banquet.
Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he
attended an open house for the local Census Department
office and the Community Action Council meeting. He
reported on the Commission on Aging meeting and the EDC
strategic goal-setting meeting. He also attended the
Hagerstown Suns winter banquet.
Commissioner Iseminger reported on meetings of the
Emergency Services Council, the Public Golf Corporation,
and the Agricultural Education Center. He stated that the
joint City/County committee on tax setoff issues met last
week.
Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he
toured farms in Frederick County. He also reported on the
meetings of the Social Services Board and the Water & Sewer
Advisory Commission.
REQUEST FOR USE OF COMMUTER BUS – FRIENDS OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT STATE PARK AND CONTINGENCY FUND APPROPRIATION
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by
Iseminger, to approve the request of the Friends of
Washington Monument State Park to utilize a County Commuter
bus for a fundraiser for the Park and to approve the
transfer of $80 from the Commissioners’ contingency fund to
reimburse the Transportation Department for the cost.
Unanimously approved.
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
PAGE FIVE
APPOINTMENT – TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell,
to appoint Erik Deike, Assistant Director of the Hagerstown
Public Works Department, to the Transportation Advisory
Committee (TAC). Unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION OF CHANGE IN PHILOSOPHY FOR WATER & SEWER RATE DESIGN
Christopher Diehl, Chairman of the Water & Sewer Advisory
Commission, and members Gordon Crabb, Mike Armel, Bonnie
Parks, and Steve Klick met with the Commissioners to
discuss rate-setting methodology for fiscal year 2001. Mr.
Armel requested copies of data tables from the Black and
Veatch model, which will determine whether the Advisory
Commission recommends an alternate method of allocating
costs in the rate-setting financial model. Greg Murray,
Director of the Water & Sewer Department, stated that these
tables would not give a complete comparative analysis. He
stated that alternate methods of allocating costs would
change how the rates are allocated within classes of
customers, although the total revenue received would remain
the same. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that
the model does not set rates but determines the amount of
revenue needed to run the system. Mr. Murray stated that
the philosophy for rate design should be resolved to allow
them to establish long-range rate-setting policies for the
Water & Sewer Department. He stated that the rates are now
based on a “per account” basis rather than by “equivalent
dwelling unit” (EDU) or volume. Mr. Murray indicated that
$1.5 million would be reallocated between customer classes
by changing the rate design structure. Mr. Crabb indicated
that the Advisory Commission would like to review the
requested material from the model. After discussion, the
Commissioners agreed to make the material available to the
Water & Sewer Advisory Commission with the condition that
they meet with County staff to verify their calculations
and findings. Commissioner Snook asked that the findings
not be made public until they are reviewed with the
Commissioners. He stated that the discussion on the
methodology of calculating rates has been going on for some
time now and needs to be resolved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by
Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 4:03 p.m. to
discuss personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain
legal advice, to discuss the acquisition of real property
for a public purpose, and to discuss collective bargaining
issues, 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 5:36 p.m. Unanimously
approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3)
personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal
advice on three (3) matters, discussed one (1) matter
concerning the acquisition of real property for a public
purpose, collective bargaining issues, and a matter of
pending or potential litigation. Present during closed
session were Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L.
Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also
present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; and Joni
Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Human Resources
Director; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; and John
Martirano, Assistant County Attorney.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz,
to adjourn at 5:36 p.m. Unanimously approved.
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County Administrator
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County Attorney
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Clerk