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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.21.2000 Minutes March 21, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 7:30 a.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, to discuss a matter of pending or potential litigation, 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 Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 8:14 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter of pending or potential litigation and discussed collective bargaining issues. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department; Joseph Kroboth, Assistant Chief Engineer; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. 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. AWARD QUOTE – WELL DRILLING SERVICES FOR BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to award a contract for well drilling services for Black Rock Golf Course to B.L. Myers Brothers, Inc., which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $28,980. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – CONSTRUCTION OF FORTY-WEST LANDFILL Joe Kroboth, Assistant Chief Engineer, informed the Commissioners that the low bid for construction of the Forty-West landfill is $1.6 million over the estimate. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, outlined options to fund the additional amount needed. She recommended using funds set aside to cap the Resh landfill and repay these funds in FY 2002 from budget or bond MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE TWO funds. After discussion, the Commissioners asked the staff to provide a formal recommendation for the additional funding. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to award the bid for initial construction of the Forty-West landfill and supporting infrastructure to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $7,728,947.49. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Wivell, Iseminger and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” BUDGET PRESENTATION – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT AND PRETREATMENT PLANT Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Dawn Barnes, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2001 budget for the Water & Sewer Department. Mr. Murray introduced the following staff members who were in attendance: Jaime Calandrelle, Jim Bishop, Rocky Bishop, Greg Larsen, Bill Dean and Julie Pepple, and Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Mike Armel, Chris Diehl, and Gordon Crabb. Mr. Murray reviewed an operating budget comparison for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for each fund. He stated that the budget he has proposed is a 2.95% increase over the FY 2000 budget and there is an overall decrease of 0.2% in operating budget, excluding the pretreatment fund. Mr. Murray presented a general summary of projected revenues for pretreatment. The proposed FY 2001 budget is as follows: General Services (total) - $462,400; Water Fund - $148,150; Sewer - $988,500; and Pretreatment Fund - $386,800. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, complimented Mr. Murray and staff on the overall decrease in the budget. He emphasized that this is the third year in a row that the County has not had to borrow bond funds and that this has an impact in keeping rates low for the users of the system. The Commissioners then reviewed the budget in more detail. PROPOSED RATE SETTING - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Mr. Murray and Ms. Barnes met with the Commissioners to set rates for water and sewer services for fiscal year 2001. They distributed a summary of the major changes that allowed a reduction in the projected rate increases. Mr. Murray reviewed two options for fiscal years 2001 through 2008. He explained that the first option is contingent upon the passage of House Bill 1417 and related bills, which would require a $500,000 payment of water and sewer debt per year from the proceeds of the hotel rental tax and savings from amendments to the gaming law, a general fund contribution of $1,927,200, and no increase in rates. The second option maintains the same general fund contribution, but without the $500,000 from the hotel rental tax and other savings, this option would result in a 2% revenue increase. He indicated that this would increase the average residential customer’s charge by $2.04 per quarter. Mr. Murray also noted that the revenues and savings the passage of House Bill 1417 and related bills would lower rates by .5% in the out years and pay off another $5 million in debt in a 10-year period. The only option presented for the water fund was a general fund contribution of $262,800 and a zero percent increase in water rates. Mr. Murray reviewed the following recommendations for allocation increases: Sewer Full Service – FY 2001 - $3,000, FY 2002 - $3,250, and FY 2003 - $3,500; Water Full Service – FY 2001 - $1,450, FY 2002 - $1,700, and FY 2003 - $1,950; Meter Fee - $325; Sewer Joint Service – FY 2001 - $2,300, FY 2002 - $2,550, and FY 2003 - $2,800; and Water Joint Service – FY 2001 - $950, FY 2002 - $1,200, and FY 2003 - $1,450. The Commissioners then discussed the recommendations and options presented. Mr. Murray assured them that the recommendations could be presented at the public hearing based on the passage of House Bill 1417 and related bills. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the rate options for water and sewer as recommended by staff which includes a general fund contribution of $1,927,200 to the sewer fund and a zero percent increase in sewer rates, predicated on the passage of House Bill 1417 and related bills that would allow the proceeds of the additional MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE THREE hotel rental tax and savings to lower debt, or a two percent increase if the bill does not pass; a $262,000 million contribution to the water fund and a zero percent rate increase in fiscal year 2001, for presentation at the public hearing. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at this time) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Paula Lampton, President of the YMCA Board, and Mike Flicek, Executive Director, stated that it is important for the County to be a part of the building project. Mr. Flicek raised the possibility of a partnership with the County and suggested that the aquatic portion of the project would address the needs of senior citizens. Ellie Doub, member of the YMCA Board of Directors, emphasized that the YMCA helps to build a strong community and strong citizens. Fred Otto, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging, stated that the YMCA helps to improve the quality of life of senior citizens and that the warm water pool would be therapeutic for them. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review the CIP budget. Sheriff Charles Mades was also in attendance to answer any questions the Commissioners might have on the proposed addition to the Sheriff’s patrol facility. He informed the Commissioners that there are no State funds available for the project. Sheriff Mades also answered questions regarding the costs involved to institute a centralized booking facility. He stated that they could apply for grant funds for that purpose. He estimated that start-up costs would be $250,000, hiring an additional 10-14 deputies to staff the facility, cell space, and office space. The Commissioners began discussions on the proposed budget. They agreed to move the YMCA’s request from the CIP budget to the operating budget. Ms. Bastian addressed questions raised by Commissioner Wivell at the March 14 meeting. She informed the Commissioners that the County would exceed the $50 million in bond authority if reductions were not made in the proposed CIP budget. Ms. Bastian stated that legislative action would be needed to raise the cap. RECESS – LUNCHEON AT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Free Library. Michael Schaefer, President of the Board of Trustees, reviewed the budget request for Fiscal Year 2001. The Library’s budget request was for $1,404,420 in County funding for fiscal year 2001. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:38 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. CIP BUDGET DISCUSSIONS – CONTINUED The Commissioners continued their review of the CIP budget. They made several adjustments to the proposed budget. The Commissioners reviewed the $6.2 million requested by the Board of Education and discussed reducing it. Ms. Bastian urged them to retain the $1.3 million budgeted for “pay-go” funds. After discussion, there was no consensus on the amount of funding to provide for the Board of Education’s portion of capital funds. They asked to have the Board’s staff present a plan of projects that could be completed if the County provided $4.5 million in the capital budget rather than the $6.2 million requested. The Commissioners also agreed that they would like to know the Board of Education’s plans for Conococheague and Maugansville Elementary Schools. Ms. Bastian informed them that, after the reductions made today, the bond issue for FY 2001 would be for $12,610,000. MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE FOUR MARTY SNOOK PARK – SWIMMING POOL RATES Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, presented the recommendations of the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board for rate increases at the Martin L. Snook swimming pool. Mr. Shoop also provided a comparison with other pools in the area. He stated that the Board has proposed daily admission rates of $3.00 for adults, children (15-17 years) $2.50, children (0-4 years) $1.00, and senior citizens $2.50. He also presented the rates for season passes and socials. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt rates for the Martin L. Snook swimming pool as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and hours of operation from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. daily. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners to submit agenda items for the meeting of the Western Maryland County Commissioners that will be held on May 5 at Rocky Gap. He stated that the dedication of the Redmen’s pavilion at the Agricultural Education Center would be held on June 3 at 9:30 a.m. He also reminded them that the Maryland Municipal League meeting is scheduled for March 27 at the Sharpsburg American Legion. REAPPOINTMENT – PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reappoint “Cokey” Robertson to the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Emergency Services Council and the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors. He stated that he also attended the annual United Way luncheon. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Commission meeting. He informed the Commissioners that he also attended the awards banquet for the Potomac Valley Volunteer Fire Company. Commissioner Swartz reported that he taped a segment for WHAG-TV Viewpoint on Census 2000. He stated that he attended the women’s basketball tournament at Hagerstown Junior College. He also attended a meeting of the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, the roast for former Commissioner Ronald Bowers, and the press conference announcing the proposed location for a Civil War museum. Commissioner Swartz also reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he presented the awards to the finalists of the essay contest sponsored by the Commission for Women. He stated that he attended the Disney Keys to Excellence seminar sponsored by the Convention & Visitors Bureau. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:43 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consider proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and discuss collective bargaining issues, all in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Wivell returned to the meeting at 3:35 p.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:59 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, considered one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State and discussed collective bargaining issues. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE FIVE Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:00 p.m. 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 4:00 p.m. County Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program Rick Thomas, Director of the Water Pollution Control Department for the City of Hagerstown , asked that both bodies approve a recommendation to consolidate City and County pretreatment programs under the Washington County Water & Sewer Department. Mr. Thomas outlined the advantages of consolidation. He stated that the County administration would relieve the City from having to fund a position that would include pretreatment program administration. Mr. Thomas stated that they hope to establish a permit application fee and a maintenance fee to pay the administrative costs. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to approve the recommendation at their next regular meeting. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the recommendation to consolidate the City and County pretreatment programs under the Washington County Water & Sewer Department as outlined. Unanimously approved. Civil War Museum Presentation Dennis Frye and Randy Harper, representing the Antietam Creek Coalition, presented the County Commissioners and Mayor Bruchey and City Council members with copies of the marketing study on the proposed Civil War museum as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Frye stated that they have requested $450,000 from the Governor’s supplemental appropriations budget. He indicated that they would be meeting with the Governor’s staff again this week. He provided additional information on the site selection of the corner of Antietam and South Potomac Streets as the site for the proposed museum. Mr. Frye introduced Chip Jeffries from Ralph Appelbaum Associates and listed the projects the firm has been involved with around the country. Mr. Jeffries provided information on architecture and a number of exhibits. Rolland Ramirez, Beach Ramirez, Inc., outlined the approaches used in developing the visitation projects. Mr. Ramirez estimated that the Museum would attract 330,000 visitors during the first full year of operation. He emphasized that Gettysburg visitation was not included in this projection. Rich Bellis, Education Capitol Markets, provided information on the need for private financing and the plan to raise capital from Wall Street and the State of Maryland. He indicated that the Museum could support $12.5 to $13 million in debt. Mr. Harper and Mr. Frye asked the group to send letters of support for funding the project to Governor Glendening and Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski. Mr. Frye stated that they hope to have both Senators meet with Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence Small in support of the project. Mr. Frye informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with them again on April 25. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to send letters in support of state and federal funding for the proposed National Civil War Museum in Hagerstown to Governor Parris Glendening and United States Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski. Unanimously approved. University System of Maryland – Update Robert Sweeney, Administrator for the University of Maryland System campus, and Chuck Milton, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, met with the two MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE SIX bodies to provide an update on the University System of Maryland campus project. He stated that they are dealing with program development, site development, and formation of a leadership council. He asked for assistance from the City and County in providing recommendations for appointments to the council. Mr. Sweeney informed them that they would wait for the results of a survey before the program is developed. He stated that they should soon have a letter from the Maryland Department of the Environment on items that need to be addressed at the Baldwin House site. He indicated they would then make a recommendation on whether to renovate the building or to demolish it. Mr. Sweeney stated that they would provide cost estimates for each option. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. Roundhouse Sports Complex Update Councilman Boyer reviewed the contents of House Bill 1427 to increase the hotel rental tax. He outlined the requirements imposed in the proposed legislation by the local delegation to the General Assembly. Councilman Boyer proposed that the City and County identify additional funds which could be used to solicit the Maryland Stadium Authority to prepare the study required by the delegation. Mayor Bruchey stated that the City has already contributed $70,000 toward the project and would provide $120,000 if the County would contribute $190,000 for the study. The Commissioners expressed concerns about the private funds pledged for the project, time schedules, and the proposed site. James Brown, member of the Stadium Committee, indicated that they need the funding to move the project forward per the requirements of House Bill 1427. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz to provide $190,000 from the County to be taken from cash reserves and reimbursed with the additional hotel rental tax if House Bill 1427 is approved. The motion died for lack of a second. The Commissioners asked to meet with representatives from the Maryland Stadium Authority and Mayor Bruchey agreed to contact them to arrange a meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 6:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk