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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.18.2000 Minutes January 18, 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 Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT – WASHINGTON/BALTIMORE REGIONAL 2012 COALITION Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission, and Greg Larsen, Marketing Coordinator for the Water & Sewer Department, met with the Commissioners to request that they adopt a resolution in support of the Washington/Baltimore Regional 2012 Coalition’s effort to bring the 2012 Olympic games to our region. Mr. Troxell stated that the economic development opportunities would have a significant impact on the region. He stated that he did not anticipate that any of the events would take place in the County but lodging or training facilities could be provided to athletes prior to the games. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to adopt a resolution to support the efforts of the Washington/Baltimore Regional 2012 Coalition to bring the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to the region. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission and on the progress of the joint City/County task force on water and sewer issues. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting of the retired school administrators. He also reported on the meeting of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the CASA Board of Directors, and the Area Agency on Aging. Commissioner Swartz stated that he and Commissioner Iseminger attended the ceremony held in honor of employees and volunteers from the Town of Boonsboro. He stated that he has received complaints regarding speeding on Maugans Avenue. The Commissioners agreed to ask the Sheriff to have a deputy monitor the area. He also reminded the Commissioners that the Census office would be holding an open house tomorrow. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the awards ceremony in Boonsboro. Commissioner Wivell stated that he met with David Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, in preparation for the Board of Social Services meeting. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he attended the Williamsport Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He stated that he received a letter from the Department of the Environment that the proposed changes to the regulations regarding septic system installation are being withdrawn based on the input they have received at public meetings. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Governor has asked the County to select someone to coordinate the Maryland, You Are Beautiful Program. He asked for additional information regarding an article in the minutes of the Recreation & Parks Board meeting about tree plantings. He asked for a volunteer to assist with the Herald Mail’s spelling bee program in February. Commissioner Snook also stated that he attended the Housing Authority meeting and the planning and goal-setting meeting, which was held by the Economic Development Commission. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – AFSCME LOCAL 2677 James Bestpitch, AFSCME Local 67 Representative, and Denny Embly, President of the Local, met with the Commissioners regarding the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County Commissioners and Maryland Public Employees Council 67, AFSCME, and its Local 2677. Mr. Bestpitch introduced JANUARY 18, 2000 PAGE TWO the members of the union negotiating team who were in attendance. He provided the Commissioners with a proposed set of ground rules for the negotiations. Mr. Bestpitch asked the Commissioners to hold the negotiations in closed session rather than in open session. He informed them that he would be acting as the chief negotiator for the union. Mr. Bestpitch stated that he is prepared to present a package with changes from the current contract that cover topics such as wages, longevity, holidays, and vacations. The Commissioners agreed that one of them would attend each negotiating session on a rotating basis. The Commissioners also discussed employee morale, the merit pay system, performance evaluations, and safety initiatives. PUBLIC HEARING – ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE REVISION The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments regarding proposed amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance, originally adopted in 1990. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that a public hearing was held on the amendments on January 19, 1999, and they have been discussed at three public meetings since that time. Mr. Douglas reviewed the features of the revisions which include the following items: elimination of the blanket exemption of farm animals and the addition of specific sections exempting animals raised for agricultural purposes; clarification of the circumstances under which an animal control officer may enter onto private property; reconfiguration of the Animal Control Authority into a quasi-judicial body; rules of procedure for hearings before the Authority; provisions to deal with animals at large; a scheme for licensing and inspection of kennels; classification into commercial and noncommercial kennels; provisions for vicious and nuisance animals; provisions for exotic, wild, and domesticated animals; clarification of the enforcement powers of the animal control agency; clarification of procedures for disposition of animals; and assurance of zoning compliance through the involvement of the zoning administrator. Mr. Douglas reviewed each of the amendments with the Commissioners. He emphasized that amendments to the Zoning Ordinance would be needed and that any such amendments should become effective at the same time as the Animal Control Ordinance. The hearing was then opened for public comment. Concerns were expressed with regard to the language defining commercial and noncommercial kennels, the detrimental effect on livestock-based industries, and the zoning requirements. Several citizens voiced their support for proposed changes regarding vicious and dangerous animals. After all comments were heard, Commissioner Snook stated that the record would be held open for ten (10) days in order to receive written comments. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Tom Grosh commended the Commissioners for the good job they are doing and asked that they consider imposing impact fees to help pay for improvements needed due to increased development. Donald Allensworth voiced his opinions regarding the plan for construction of a new stadium. He commented on his recent letter to the Herald Mail regarding the annexation of property on Mt. Aetna Road and stated that developers can come in with a plan for higher density than was originally proposed. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE/TECHNICAL PROPOSALS AND PRICE PROPOSALS – LEASE OF FORMER GROVE HANGAR Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, met with the Commissioners regarding the Qualifications and Experience/Technical Proposals and Price Proposals submitted for the lease of the former Grove hangar. Ms. Luther recommended that the Commissioners reject the sole proposal received from Liberty Air Management, Inc. because it did not meet the minimum requirements outlined in the request for proposals (RFP). She recommended to the Commissioners that the RFP be revised and that it be readvertised to include airport trade publications. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reject the proposal submitted by Liberty Air Management, Inc. for the lease of the JANUARY 18, 2000 PAGE THREE former Grove hangar at the Washington County Airport, to revise the request for proposal and readvertise. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – ROTARY SNOW PLOW Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for a class IV rotary plow to Oshkosh Truck Corporation for its bid of $296,166 and to accept the price for Option 1 of $2,497 (hand-held diagnostic reader), contingent upon final review of specifications and FAA approval. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – NAMING OF NEW DISTRICT COURT FACILITY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to support efforts to name the new District Court building after the late Judge J. Louis Boublitz. Unanimously approved. HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - ACQUISITION OF BEACHLEY PROPERTY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the request made by Hagerstown Community College to assist with the purchase of the adjacent Beachley property by providing $45,000 in funds to be taken from the CIP contingency fund. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint J.D. Rinehart to the Economic Development Commission as the representative from the Municipal League, for a term to expire on June 30, 2000. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCHEON AT WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and tour at the Washington County Hospital. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:50 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. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION & AWARDS FOR Y2K PREPAREDNESS Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Paul Armstrong, Chairman of the Y2K Committee, in recognition of the efforts of the committee to assure that Washington County was prepared to address possible computer problems in conjunction with Y2K. Commissioner Snook asked Ronald Karn, Chief of the Fire & Rescue Communications, to distribute the Certificates of Merit to the members of the Emergency Management Task Force, Rumor Control Hotline, and Washington County RACES. The certificates are in recognition of their efforts in planning and coordinating Y2K preparedness in Washington County and assuring uninterrupted quality service throughout the transition into the year 2000. HERITAGE AREA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners regarding a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is needed to allow Washington County to participate with Frederick and Carroll Counties in order to complete an application to obtain the status of a “Certified Heritage Area.” He stated that a steering committee composed of seven members from each of the participating counties would be appointed to help develop a request for proposal (RFP) to obtain a consultant to complete a management plan. Mr. Arch explained the process that would be used by the committee. He stated that this action would commit the County to funding only for costs associated with advertising and administration associated with development of an RFP. Mr. Arch provided the Commissioners with recommendations for representatives in each of the categories needed on the steering committee with the exception of a business representative. The Commissioners discussed the individuals recommended by Mr. Arch for appointment and agreed to help find a representative from the business community. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding for the Heritage Area as presented and to JANUARY 18, 2000 PAGE FOUR appoint Robert Arch (Planning), Ben Hart (tourism), Dennis Frye (historical representative), Cathy Maher (municipal representative), George Kesler Mayor of Sharpsburg), and George Anikis (at-large). Unanimously approved. QUITCLAIM DEED – SANDY HOOK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve execute a quitclaim deed for .1923 acres to Sandy Hook United Methodist Church that is adjacent to the Church property. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:24 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 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 Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 4:08 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, discussed one (1) matter concerning the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, and discussed collective bargaining issues. 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; Alan Davis, Human Resources Director; and Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 4:09 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk