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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.15.2000 Minutes February 15, 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Swartz, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 8, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of February 8, 2000, as amended. CONTRACT APPROVAL – COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATION CENTER AND POTOMAC CASE MANAGEMENT – LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD John Budesky and Tom Mills, representing the Local Management Board (LMB), met with the Commissioners regarding a proposal to implement a Community Care Coordination Center. Mr. Budesky stated that the proposed Center would provide single-point-of-entry service to allow caseworkers to assess an entire family and then link them with the needed services. He indicated that the staff would follow through in a case-management style. Mr. Budesky stated that they hope to identify children for assessment as early as possible. He informed the Commissioners that the agencies represented by the LMB were all in agreement with the decision to award the contract to Potomac Case Management Services. Mr. Mills stated that the LMB has applied for numerous grants to fund the program and has received a grant from the Department of Juvenile Justice in the amount of $66,000. He stated that they would also be receiving new funding in the amount of $250,000 per year for 5 years from the State Full-Family Partnership program. The Commissioners agreed to approve the contract, and asked for an update on the Center in six months. Commissioner Swartz thanked Mr. Budesky for his work at the LMB and informed him that the Lieutenant Governor has also recognized his accomplishments. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the contract with Potomac Case Management Services to allow the Local FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE TWO Management Board to manage the Community Care Coordination Center to facilitate a single-point-of-entry case management system for Washington County and to approve the use of $68,000 from the LMB’s program savings for this program, contingent upon State approval, and $66,000 from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Unanimously approved. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC PROFESSIONAL BUYER – VICTORIA MCKENZIE Commissioner Snook presented Victoria McKenzie, Buyer for the Purchasing Department, with a Certificate of Merit for successfully fulfilling all of the requirements to receive the designation of “Certified Public Professional Buyer” by the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council. Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, commended Ms. McKenzie on this achievement and reviewed the testing requirements needed to receive this designation. BUDGET PRESENTATION – AIRPORT Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, presented the Airport budget for FY 2001 in the total amount of $1,053,280. She highlighted the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed increases. Commissioner Snook recommended that a reserve account be created to deal with unanticipated needs. Ms. Motz explained that the account numbers do not correspond to last year’s budget line items due to the implementation of the PeopleSoft software system. PRESENTATION OF IDEA AWARD – DENNIS ENGLE Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, presented a certificate of merit to Denny Engle, an employee of the Water & Sewer Department, as the recipient of the Innovative, Dedicated Employee Award (IDEA) Program Award for the quarter. Mr. Shoop stated that Mr. Engle was nominated by Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. Mr. Rohrer stated in his nomination form that Mr. Engle pressed to ensure that each vehicle at the Water & Sewer Department contained a “standard safety bag” that included basic safety equipment such as safety vest, eye protection, hardhat and first-aid kit. Mr. Rohrer indicated that it is not possible to quantify the savings and benefits to the County in terms of dollars and cents, but that Mr. Engle’s actions contribute to the reduction in lost days due to injuries and worker’s compensation costs. Mr. Shoop stated that the award consists of a $500 check and an additional personal day. Mr. Engle thanked the Commissioners for the award. BUDGET PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Kevin Cerrone, Transit Manager, reviewed an operating summary of revenues and expenditures for the County Commuter. He indicated that this fund is primarily funded by fare box revenues and State and Federal grants, although a General Fund contribution is required as matching funds for the grants. Mr. Cerrone presented the proposed budget for FY 2001 in the total amount of $1,453,882. He stated that the requested General Fund appropriation for FY 2001 is $318,981, which represents an 11.34% increase from last year’s appropriation. Mr. Cerrone explained that the majority of the increase is due to proposed wage increases and an increase in insurance premiums. He also presented an overview of the services provided by the County Commuter. At this time the meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. BUDGET PRESENTATION – BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Darrell Whittington, Golf Course Superintendent presented the budget request for Black Rock Golf Course for FY 2001 in the amount of $1,176,030. He projected an increase in revenue due to the initiation of new greens fees and cart fees this year. The Commissioners complimented Mr. Whittington on the facility and for doing such a fine job. Mr. Whittington provided an update on the improvements made to the course. He also informed them that they are hoping to have an Internet site that would allow scheduling of tee times. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Ed Miller, C & O Canal National Historical Park Advisory Commissioner, submitted his letter of resignation to the Commissioners. Mr. Miller stated that he has served almost 20 years on this Commission and feels it is time to resign. He thanked the Commissioners for the attention the FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE THREE County has given to the 42 percent of the Canal that is in Washington County and provided a recommendation to fill his position. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Miller for his years of faithful service. Bonnie Spooner had several questions for the Commissioners regarding the request made to the local delegation to the General Assembly to fund a stadium. She voiced concerns that a precedent is being set by the delegation dictating to the County on line item budgeting. She asked the Commissioners to be honest and wise stewards and to oppose the delegation’s mandates. Mary Ellen Waltemire, Director of the Extension Service, introduced Doug Price, the new Nutrient Management Advisor, and Lori Taylor, part-time 4-H Faculty Assistant. Mr. Price and Ms. Taylor provided information on their duties. Ms. Waltemire thanked the Commissioners for the new office space at the Agricultural Education Center and gave an update on the projected date for installation of the video- conferencing equipment that the University of Maryland is providing. William “Mac” McLean voiced his opposition to the delegation’s proposal to fund a new stadium and reduce the water and sewer debt. Mr. McLean stated that the Commissioners should develop and implement the program for debt reduction. He asked that the Commissioners oppose the reduction of Gaming Commission funds to local charities. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the intent of the Commissioners’ proposal to increase the hotel rental tax from three to five percent to help fund the debt for a new stadium has gone in a different direction than the Commissioners intended. Yvonne Hope, representing the Washington County Historical Trust, requested that a meeting be scheduled to discuss historic preservation issues and the requirements of the County’s “Certified Local Government” status. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meeting and the Emergency Services Council meeting. He stated that he attended the delegation’s meeting at South Hagerstown High School. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended a child custody hearing as part of his duties on the Social Services Board. He also reported on the delegation’s meeting on Saturday. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Smithsburg Fire Company banquet, the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting, and the PenMar Development Corporation meeting. He reported on the issues discussed at the hearing on C&O Canal lands. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended a meeting of retired school administrators. He also reported on meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the CASA Board of Directors, and the Homelessness Task Force. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended an open house for the Hagerstown Home Store and State Farm Insurance. He attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony and presented a Certificate of Merit to Rusty Wishard. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission and the delegation meeting at South Hagerstown High School. He also attended the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. CHANGE ORDER – 40 WEST LANDFILL Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve a change order with the Joseph B. Fay Company in the amount of $55,029.75 for the installation of electrical conduits in the bridge at the 40 West Landfill. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Schnebly, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” CHANGE ORDER – FENCING FOR 40 WEST LANDFILL BRIDGE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a change order in the amount of $64,515.83 in order to construct a fencing along both sides of the 40 West landfill bridge for safety reasons and to prevent trash from blowing into the Conococheague Creek. Motion carried FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE FOUR with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” BOARD OF EDUCATION – BUDGET TRANSFER Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a requested budget transfer for the Board of Education from the Maintenance budget to fund increased costs for the Williamsport chiller project and for a relocatable classroom. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the hearing for the new 40 West landfill has been rescheduled to March 1 at 7:00 p.m. He reported that the Maryland Emergency Management Administration has scheduled terrorism training on March 6 at the Ramada Inn. The Commissioners gave their approval to have Paulette Sprinkle submit a proposal to coordinate the display for the MACO summer conference. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 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. UPDATE – EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATIONS Tim Gargana, Administrator for Sharpsburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), met with the Commissioners to provide a presentation on EMS services in the County. Mr. Gargana introduced the other EMS providers who were in attendance. He presented a slide presentation on the County’s EMS departments. Mr. Gargana provided 1998 data on the number of EMS calls per year, State-mandated response standards, volunteer staffing, and the use of career paramedics. Mr. Gargana reviewed the costs of using paid staffing and the fund drives that are necessary to cover expenses. He explained that all EMS companies do third-party billing of insurance companies but that this does not cover the full cost of a call. He asked that the County provide help in several areas including worker’s compensation insurance, billing, and purchasing. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Gargana for his presentation and discussed ways in which the County may be able to assist the EMS companies. BUDGET APPROPRIATION – PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT POLICE VEHICLES FOR FY 2000-2001 Sheriff Charles Mades met with the Commissioners to request authorization to purchase replacement police vehicles by “piggybacking” onto the State contract. He stated that this would allow them to receive the best price. He explained that there is a deadline of March 10 for placing the order, but the funds would be taken from the fiscal year 2001 budget. Sheriff Mades requested authorization to purchase seven 2000 Ford Crown Victoria police cruisers and one 2000 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup truck with snow plow option and four-wheel drive for a total cost of $168,000. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to authorize the Sheriff’s Department to “piggyback” on the State of Maryland contract and to purchase seven (7) 2000 Ford Crown Victoria police cruisers at $20,453 each with funding to be taken from the fiscal year 2001 budget. They also authorized up to $20,000 for the purchase of a pickup truck with a snowplow. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Milton Bloom III (Fire), John Greenlee (EMS), and Jason Strum (EMS) to the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 1:46 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consult with FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE FIVE 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 Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 3:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator. RECESS – RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR TEXAS ROADHOUSE The Commissioners recessed at 3:15 p.m. to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Texas Roadhouse. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Susan Saum- Wicklein, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:20 p.m. Tax Setoff Program Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He then reviewed the calculations made for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for fiscal year 2000 the City is estimated to receive $894,294. Mayor Bruchey requested that the Commissioners give consideration to increasing the cap that was established in the formula in 1984. He stated that this would add approximately $390,000 per year to the City’s distribution. Commissioner Wivell stated that the joint committee would look at all items in the formula to see if they are fair. Update – University Systems of Maryland Robert Sweeney, Administrator for the University of Maryland System Campus in Hagerstown, met with them to provide an update on the status of the University of Maryland - Hagerstown campus project. Mr. Sweeney introduced Jane Briggs who will be the architect responsible for construction of the facility. Mr. Sweeney reported on the current status of the project. He stated that the Department of the Environment would be doing an environmental assessment of the Baldwin House in the next five weeks. Ms. Briggs informed the group that the structural engineering firm of Whitney, Bailey, Cox and Magnani would be providing a scope of work and would identify the existing condition of the building and its structural system. She stated that they would report on any structural deficiencies and make recommendations on how to eliminate them. Mr. Sweeney indicated that the cost of this study is approximately $11,000. He requested that the City help to fund the cost. Mr. Sweeney explained the funding budgeted last year has been “frozen” by the State legislature because the language approved the funding soley for a specific purpose. When the project was changed, the funds could not be accessed. Mr. Sweeney also suggested that the advisory committee be reestablished to provide oversight of the project. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve funding for one-half of the cost of the structural engineering study of the Baldwin house facility for the University of Maryland campus that is being performed by Whitney, Bailey, Cox, and Magnani, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners’ contingency fund. Unanimously approved. FEBRUARY 18, 2000 PAGE SIX Public Safety Concerns Michael Nye, Chairperson of the Hagerstown Board of Public Safety, appeared before the group regarding public safety issues. He stated that their concerns should be addressed through a City/County partnership. Mr. Nye covered several topics of concern including the parole and probation policy for State correctional institutions, planning for police officers to attend court sessions, the need for a centralized booking system for City, County, and State police agencies, and reform for fire and emergency medical services. Mr. Nye recommended that a joint committee is needed to implement a plan for the City and County. Councilman Metzner suggested that they contact other counties in Maryland with State correctional facilities nearby see how they handle similar problems. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:25 p.m. DINNER - HANCOCK TOWN COUNCIL The Mayor and Town Council of Hancock hosted the Commissioners for a dinner at the Hancock American Legion prior to the evening session. TAX REBATE – HANCOCK AND CLEAR SPRING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Hancock Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff or payment- in-lieu-of-services program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 1999, Hancock received $46,540. In fiscal year 2000, it is projected that the Town will receive $48,593, an increase of 4.41%. He also explained that the estimates would be subject to an audit of expenditures. Commissioner Snook reviewed the summary and formula for highways, police, and parks. Mayor Murphy thanked the Commissioners for their support of the new gymnasium. He informed them that Rayloc recently donated $10,000 toward the Town’s share of the construction costs. Mayor Murphy also noted that he has been approached by the Department of Social Services about a grant to fund a domestic violence and abuse counselor for Hancock. He also noted problems they are experiencing in obtaining qualified substitute teachers. He stated that the Council would discuss the Town Administrator’s recommendation to amend the lease for the Hancock transfer station to 6 years. He also asked that the Commissioners look into the possibility of including the Town employees in the County’s benefit package. Commissioner Snook stated that the Town of Clear Spring would receive the minimum payment of $2,000. He reminded the Mayor and Council of the importance of getting an accurate count in the upcoming census. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Towns of Hancock and Clear Spring. Commissioner Snook congratulated Clear Spring on the designation of the high school as a Blue Ribbon School. Vice-Mayor Albowicz thanked the Commissioners for the tax set-off funding. She also provided an update on the water line break in Clear Spring and thanked the County’s Water & Sewer Department staff for their assistance. Also discussed were the status of the library and safety concerns regarding abandoned buildings. The Commissioners agreed to have the County Attorney review this matter and see what possibilities are available to resolve the issue. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE SEVEN , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk