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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.14.2000 Minutes March 14, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Snook, Swartz, Iseminger, Schnebly, and Wivell attended the State of the City Forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by President Snook followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 7, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of March 7, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission -- (EDC) and the discussion of the EDC's office space requirements. He reported on concerns of local residents over anticipated traffic congestion due to the opening of a new Wal-Mart near Funkstown. He encouraged an effort to promote communication and cooperation between the City and the County Planning Commissions and Engineering Departments to resolve these issues. Commissioner Swartz reported on a meeting of the Retired School Administrator's. He said that the Disabilities Advisory Committee is focusing on the need for paratransit services, and has made a request to the State for additional assistance. He also reported on the Complete Count Census 2000 Committee and their plan to mail the census surveys this week. The March 17th Ron Bowers Roast at Hagerstown Community College has raised $40,000 with $27,000 going toward a scholarship fund, Swartz said. Commissioner Wivell reported that the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission has requested the opportunity to review the Water and Sewer budget prior to its adoption by the Commissioners. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Emergency Services Council's review of the Fire and Rescue study. Recommendations will be submitted soon, Iseminger said. He also reported that the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health is continuing the search for a new health officer. The State has approved salary increases of four percent (4%) for Health Department staff. The County's mandated one-third share is approximately $100,000.00, Iseminger said. President Snook reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. The City of Hagerstown has funds budgeted in fiscal year 2001 for marketing MARCH 14, 2000 PAGE TWO programs, he said. A meeting on the University Systems of Maryland (USM) project led to a recommendation to establish an Advisory Board to handle all issues involving the USM Center. He reported that this board would include government, civic and citizen representatives. County Administrator's Comments: Rod Shoop, County Administrator, reported on Recreation and Parks Advisory Board recommendations for changes in hours of operation and increases in fees at the Marty Snook Park pool. President Snook requested a comparison with pool fees at other facilities before the Commissioners take further action. Rod Shoop relayed an invitation to the Western Maryland Commissioners meeting to be held at Rocky Gap. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that a request for support for Airport runway extension and commuter subsidies be submitted as an agenda item. CONTRACT AWARD – TREE PLANTING SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for Sites 1 (Thomas Site) and 2 (Pittman Site) to Parkton Woodland Services, of Parkton, Maryland, in the amounts of $14,210.00 and $117,230.00, respectively, and to award the bid for Site 3 (Martin L "Marty" Snook Park) to Antietam Tree Service, Inc., of Hagerstown, Maryland, in the amount of $19,995.00. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED PURCHASE OF 80 WEST BALTIMORE STREET The Commissioners convened a public hearing regarding the proposed purchase of the building at 80 West Baltimore Street. County Attorney Richard Douglas and Dean Lowry, Real Estate Administrator, presented the proposal to purchase the office building located at 80 West Baltimore Street. The property consists of 1.458 acres of land and is improved by a one-story building with approximately 12,500 square feet of space. The property would be used by the County to meet immediate needs for additional office space. The price to be paid by the County for this property is $1,125,000. Commissioner Wivell expressed several concerns with the proposal, the first being the elimination of $1.2 million from the tax base, a net loss to the downtown area. Additionally, he stated that he believed there would be an increase of $400,000 in the cost of operations. Commissioner Wivell said he is not convinced of the need for additional County office space. The hearing was then opened for public comment. Buddy Morris spoke in opposition to the proposal. John Munson also spoke against the proposal. Commissioner Snook commented that a major consideration in the decision to purchase the building is the parking, comprised of 107 spaces, which will provide County customers with easy access. Commissioner Schnebly said this property is very attractive and re-marketable. Commissioner Swartz indicated that this building is handicapped accessible in that it has only one main floor. Commissioner Iseminger stated this purchase prepares county government for future growth and is in the best interests of the community. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the purchase of the property at 80 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. The motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Schnebly, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." REQUEST FOR COMMUTER BUS – HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S CHRISTMAS TOUR Nancy Baer, Chairperson for the Washington County Historical Society Tour, met with the Commissioners to discuss a request for the County to provide three County Commuter buses to shuttle approximately 500 visitors to this year's Keedysville Christmas tour and fundraiser. The event is to be held on Sunday, December 10, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. MARCH 14, 2000 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the request of the Historical Society to utilize a County Commuter bus for a Christmas Tour fundraiser and to approve the transfer of $840.00 from the Commissioners’ contingency fund to reimburse the Transportation Department for the cost. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Stan Brown spoke on behalf of the Brothers United as to needed renovations to the Martin Luther King Center. Some of the suggested repairs include new ceilings, a new floor, and lighting in the gym for a midnight basketball program. As this request represents approximately $250,000, a time will be scheduled for County and City of Hagerstown officials to meet with the Brothers United and tour the Martin Luther King Center. Lane Heimer of the Maryland Department of Agriculture introduced Billy Ware, the new Coordinator for the Washington County Weed Control Program. ALTERNATIVE SANCTIONS GRANT RENEWAL Charles Strong, Deputy State’s Attorney, and Terry Masters, Director of the Alternative Sanctions Program, met with the Commissioners to request approval of a renewal grant for the Alternative Sanctions Work Crew. The Alternative Sanctions Program has operated a work crew for the past year as a result of a grant provided by the Department of Parole and Probation to help maintain county property and provide general maintenance services in the hot spots community. This program has been successful and is appreciated by the community. Motion was made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve a renewal grant for the Alternative Sanctions Work Crew in the amount of $24,805.00 for the 2001 fiscal year. BUDGET WORKSHOP – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) Bob Arch, Director of Planning and Community Development, and Debbie Bastian, Budget and Finance Director, met with the Commissioners to continue the Capital Improvement Program budget discussions, to review special projects for fiscal years 2001–2006, and to discuss revenue policies. The Commissioners requested that Sheriff Mades be invited to address the construction and expansion of the Sheriff's Department Patrol facility. Debbie Bastian stated that the preliminary results of the Government Finance Officers Association ratio analysis will be available in April and will assist staff in projecting revenue increases over the next several years. She distributed "Debt Comparison Based On Revenue Growth" and a pie chart entitled "New Revenue Stream Allocation For FY 2001." Commissioner Wivell distributed an "Analysis of FY 2001 CIP Budget" listing projects with comments for further review and discussion. RECESS - LUNCH WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS The Commissioners recessed at 11:47 a.m. for a luncheon with the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 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, Jr. and William J. Wivell. MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA REQUEST FOR FUNDING Al Noia, President of the Board of Directors, and Susan Reed, Development Director, for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO), met with the Commissioners to discuss a request for support for the MSO FY 2001 general operating fund in the amount of $25,000. The need is a direct result of tremendous increases in operating costs in the last four years and the need to bring musicians' salaries up to market levels. As the MSO ticket prices are kept stable to continue to attract audiences, the income from ticket sales accounts for less than one-third of the funding with direct MARCH 14, 2000 PAGE FOUR contributions comprising the other two-thirds. President Snook said the Commissioners would consider the request render and a final decision in the next 30 days. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM Glenda Helman, Director of Services, Community Action Council of Washington County, Inc., presented a recommendation to the County Commissioners for approval of the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) application and Grant Agreement for FY 2000, to the office of Rental Services Programs at the Department of Community Development in Crownsville. She stated that Washington County's allocation for the program is $57,630, which directly subsidizes Washington County households. The County's Grant-in-Aid program funds $6,000 which covers a portion of the Rental Allowance Program's administration costs, with the total costs being estimated at $16,736. Commissioner Schnebly made a motion to approve the proposal, Commissioner Swartz seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS House Bill 1417 Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed House Bill 1417, entitled the Washington County Water and Sewer Debt Reduction Fund. The bill is workable, he said, provided it is amended to afford the County more flexibility in the management of its financial and budgetary affairs. A letter will be prepared for the Commissioners to send to the local delegation outlining the County's position. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Approval of Leases Richard Douglas, County Attorney, and Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, met with the Commissioners to present two proposals for the lease of county space. Mr. Lowry reported that Dobson Cellular of Maryland, Inc. (Cellular One) desires to lease portions of the roof of the County Administration Building to mount up to nine small antennas and the penthouse to place related equipment. The County has the option of a second agreement under which Cellular One would purchase and engineer a larger antenna for the roof. Both of these leases would also accommodate emergency communications for the County. Motion was made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the lease with Dobson Cellular One of Maryland, Inc. (Cellular One), to lease the roof of the County Administration Building for the installation of communication antennas and the penthouse for the placement of related equipment all for the sum of $14,400.00 per year for the lease with renewal increases of four percent (4%) per year. Mr. Lowry then reported the second proposal to lease space to American Tower, L.P. ("American Tower") for the construction of a tower structure and telecommunication facilities at the former Piper Lane Neighborhood Park property at the corner of Halfway Boulevard and York Road. The Commissioners refused the request to place an antenna at this site. President Snook requested that locations other than parkland settings be investigated. County Administrator Shoop stated that alternative tower sites will be reviewed and a new package will be submitted to the Commissioners at a later date. No other action was taken. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - WATER QUALITY BONDS, SERIES 2000 – CONOCOCHEAGUE WWTP-BNR Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the resolution to approve the form and authorize the execution, issuance, sale and delivery of a general obligation installment bond of the County in a principal amount not to exceed $4,030,444. The resolution authorizes the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between the county and the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell. Unanimously approved. MARCH 14, 2000 PAGE FIVE CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:07 p.m. to discuss one (1) matter concerning the acquisition of real estate for a public purpose in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. Present during closed session were Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Cindy Dodson, Executive Office Associate; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; and John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:29 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION – SHARPSBURG ELEMENTARY The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the Sharpsburg Elementary School at 3:10 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education Board were present: Paul Bailey, B. Marie Byers, J. Herbert Hardin, Edwin Hayes, Andrew R. Humphreys, Dori Nipps and Mary Wilfong. Staff members present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Theresa Flak, Deputy Superintendent; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance; and Phillip Ray, Director of Human Resources. Washington County staff present included Debra S. Bastian, Finance Director and Alan J. Davis, Director of Human Resources. Review of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Issues Dennis McGee reviewed the South Hagerstown High School construction program, stating that Phase I is going well and is several months ahead of schedule. As a result, he asked to forward fund $550,000 of the fiscal year 2001 CIP monies so that the project can proceed expeditiously. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to advance fund $550,000 for South Hagerstown High School from the fiscal year 2001 capital budget with the intention of reimbursing the fund with bond proceeds from the 2001 issue. The Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education discussed various issues relating to health care to include jointly bidding health care, retiree health care coverage, the accelerating costs of the prescription drug program, and re-instituting the Wellness Program. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by President Snook, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Executive Office Associate March 20, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING CASES RZ-00-02, RZ-00-03, & RZ-00-07 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room No. l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in cases RZ-00-01, RZ- 00-02, and RZ-00-07. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Planning Commission Chairman Bernard Moser. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Robert Ernst, Paula Lampton, Ben Clopper, and Robert Nichols were also in attendance. Planning staff members Stephen Goodrich and Timothy Lung presented staff reports on the cases. After presentations and public testimony for each case were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (l0) days to allow additional testimony to be submitted in writing. The hearing was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk