Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.28.2000 MinutesMarch 28, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland 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. BUDGET REQUEST - HEALTH DEPARTMENT Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer, and Gene Jenkins, Director of Finance, presented the fiscal year 2001 budget request from the Washington County Health Department in the amount of $3,434,230 for the County's local share of the total budget. Dr. Parker presented an overview of services and programs provided by the Health Department. Jack Costa, President of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, expressed his support for the budget presented. William Clepp read a letter written by his mother in support of the home health care program. Bill Nairn spoke in support of the school health program. Jenny Belliotti voiced her support for the request to add the school health nurses and assistants as merit employees. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES & COMMISSION ON AGING Commission on Aging - Dr. Fred Otto, Director of the Commission on Aging, and Charles Breakall, President of the Board of Directors, presented the fiscal year 2001 budget request for the Commission on Aging. Mr. Otto requested County funding in the amount of $420,693. He also presented information on the programs provided by the Commission and a copy of the 1999 annual report. Department of Social Services - Spence Perry, Chairman of the Board of Social Services (DSS), met with the Commissioners to present the fiscal year 2000 budget request for a County appropriation of $236,651. Frederica Buehler Erath, a member of the Board of Directors, spoke in support of the Family Support Center and requested that the Commissioners continue to pay the rent for the facility. She indicated that it would be increasing this year. Reverend Donald Stevenson, board member, spoke on behalf of the School- Family Liaison program and the benefits it provides to the community. David Engle, Director of DSS, and Bo Myers, Principal at Hancock Middle/Senior High School, requested that the Commissioners continue to provide funding for the Hancock initiative. Mr. Engle stated that the program provides a social worker in Hancock to deal with family and youth related problems in that community. Mr. Engle stated that they are seeing results and would like to continue the program. CONTRACT AWARD – INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR – SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT The Commissioners discussed the recommendation made by the staff to award a contract for a hydraulic excavator for the Solid Waste Department. The Commissioners requested additional information and asked that this item be rescheduled to the April 4 meeting. (President Snook excused himself at 11:48 a.m. and the Vice President assumed the chair.) CONTRACT AWARD – ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR ADDITION & RENOVATIONS – SHERIFF’S PATROL FACILITY Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to award a contract for architectural services for an addition and renovations to the Sheriff’s patrol facility to Burrey Moser Gehr Architects, LLC, which submitted the low responsive, responsible proposal of $82,452. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:03 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:18 p.m. by Vice President Paul L. Swartz, with the following Commissioners present: John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. MARCH 28, 2000 PAGE TWO NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS – FUNKSTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT Stephen Goodrich, Senior Planner, met with the Commissioners to present an application for the nomination of the Funkstown Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the application. He stated that Washington County, as a Certified Local Government, is permitted to recommend properties for nomination. He then reviewed the criteria for eligibility on the National Register and stated that the property qualifies under Criterion A due to its association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of our history. He stated that it is also recommended for listing under Criterion C due to the representation of multiple architectural styles and adaptations. Mr. Goodrich indicated that the application was recommended for approval by the Historic District Commission. He stated that the designation would allow the property owners to apply for state and federal tax credits. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners regarding the application. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to submit the application for the Funkstown Historic District to the Maryland Historical Trust for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Snook returned to chair the meeting at this time.) REVIEW OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCEDURES Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, and Mr. Goodrich made a presentation to the Commissioners on the County’s current procedures regarding historic properties during building permit, subdivision, and zoning review process. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the demolition permit review procedure. He explained the various historic designations that may be applied to properties, i.e. National Historic Register, Certified Heritage Structure, State Register, Historic Preservation zoning, and Antietam Overlay zoning, and how the permitting process is affected by the designation. Mr. Goodrich stated that the historic designation does not necessarily protect the properties from demolition by the property owner but does require that the application be reviewed by the Historic District Commission. He also outlined the tax incentives to encourage renovation of historic structures. Mr. Prodonovich reviewed the permit procedures for properties that have historic preservation overlay zones. He stated that an overlay zone enhances the existing zoning designation. Mr. Prodonovich reviewed the Antietam Overlay designations. He also reviewed the process of providing notification to adjacent and confronting property owners. Commissioner Snook opened the meeting for questions and comments. Yvonne Hope spoke on the importance of implementing the procedures. Pat Schooley stated that developers often do not appreciate the benefits of restoring older buildings. She emphasized the tax credits that are available for restoration. Ms. Schooley also suggested that the current regulations should be tightened. Florence Riedesel spoke on the costs of getting permits for renovations on historical property. Ms. Hope distributed a proposal for changing the procedures and suggested that a study be done on the value of historic renovations to tourism in the County. Mr. Goodrich stated that he has information on this topic and invited the Commissioners to review it at their convenience. FY 2001 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners met with Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, to continue discussions of the fiscal year 2001 general fund budget. She stated that, as of this date, the shortfall is $5,811,112 assuming that the Board of Education's request is fully funded. Mr. Shoop stated that the State is providing only a one percent increase to the Board of Education. Christian South, Director of Finance for the Board of Education, informed the Commissioners that the legislation for State funding of teacher salaries passed the House. He stated that they recently found that a large portion of the monies would be tied up in grant funds. The Commissioners discussed salaries for employees of the Board of Education. The Commissioners agreed to 4% plus a step increase for instructional personnel and 3% total for MARCH 28, 2000 PAGE THREE administrators without a step increase. Commissioner Wivell suggested that they afford the Board of Education the opportunity to shift funds from other categories to address the lack of a state increase. He requested additional information on reclassifications of administrative personnel over the past two years. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the general fund budget and the Board of Education’s request in more detail before finalizing the budget for presentation at the public hearing. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to budget a three percent wage increase to County employees for FY 2001. They also agreed to budget a three percent increase for employees of the Commission on Aging. The Commissioners discussed the request made by Sheriff Mades to initiate a separate pay scale for uniformed patrol deputies. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to deny this request and to keep them on the same scale as other County employees. They discussed providing more than the three percent increase to these deputies or moving them up one grade. The Commissioners agreed to delay a decision on this question until they review the information requested from the Director of Human Resources CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 4:05 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice 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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 4:42 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department; Kevin Cerrone, Transit Manager; J. Theodore Wolford, Highway Superintendent; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. RECESS – PARENT-CHILD CENTER PRE-TELETHON CELEBRATION The Commissioners recessed at 4:43 p.m. in order to attend the pre-telethon celebration sponsored by the Parent-Child Center. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Town Hall 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. Also in attendance were Mayor Charles “Skip” Kauffman” and members of the Boonsboro council. 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 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of March 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – CENSUS DAY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Commissioner Swartz presented a proclamation to Norman Bassett, Coordinator for the Complete Count Committee for Census 2000, proclaiming April 1, 2000 as Census 2000 Day in Washington County and urging all citizens to complete their forms and make them back so that they may be counted in the census. MARCH 28, 2000 PAGE FOUR TAX SET-OFF 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 calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 2000 the Town is estimated to receive $61,689, which is an increase of 4.41 percent from last year. He reminded the Mayor and Council of the importance of getting an accurate count in the upcoming census. DISCUSSION OF TOPICS OF INTEREST – BOONSBORO MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL Mayor Kauffman thanked the Commissioners for providing Program Open Space (POS) funds for the purchase of additional land adjacent to Shaffer Park. Cindy Reeder, Chairperson of the Boonsboro High School Citizens Advisory Council, updated the Commissioners on the Track 2000 project. She stated that the community is working to have a new rubberized track installed at Boonsboro High School. Ms. Reeder distributed photographs showing the poor condition of the track. She stated that they have requested POS funds for the project, and the community has pledged $50,000 toward the $106,000 project. Commissioner Snook stated that the track must be made available to the public if POS monies are used to fund it. The Commissioners agreed that it is an excellent project. Mayor Kauffman informed the Commissioners that the Town has secured a loan from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to replace a water line. He stated that MDE would give them a five-year payback period if the County agrees to co-sign the loan. Commissioner Snook asked the Town officials to consider using the County landfill. He also asked them to contact the Highway Department if they are interested in piggybacking onto the County’s overlay contract. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Joyce Dunn voiced her concerns regarding a red discharge she saw in Rush Creek in Maugansville last week. The Commissioners agreed to check into the matter and report back to her. Joe Swope asked the Commissioners to consider providing public transportation to southern Washington County. He also asked for additional funding for the Town library. He expressed his support for a Countywide recycling program and a regional swimming pool facility. Mr. Swope suggested recognizing the late Margaret Comstock on the 30th anniversary of Earth Day for her support and encouragement of the recycling program. He also advocated full funding for the outdoor school. Mr. Swope also spoke on behalf of the local chapter of the Sierra Club in opposition to the designation of the South Mountain Battlefield area. He also spoke in opposition to the State bill on water and sewer subsidies. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell stated that he represented the Commissioners at the employee recognition day for Department of Social Services employees. He informed the Commissioners that he was a guest on the League of Women Voters radio show. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the meetings of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission. He provided information on the presentation made by Role Models America at Fort Ritchie. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he attended the ribbon- cutting ceremony for the Homebuilders Association Home Show. He participated in the union negotiations with AFSCME Local 67. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he and Commissioner Iseminger would be meeting with a sub- committee of the Stadium Committee. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he feels the stadium committee needs to decide on a site. He also reported on the meeting of the Emergency Services Council. MARCH 28, 2000 PAGE FIVE Commissioner Swartz informed the group that he was in California last week visiting his daughter. He reported that he met with Dan Gunderson, the newly-appointed Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development. Commissioner Swartz noted that the Stadium Committee would be announcing the selection of a site in the near future. Commissioner Snook asked the Commissioners if they would like to serve as proctors for the “24 Game Champion” math contest being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. He also reported that the County Library received a $10,000 donation for use in the Clear Spring branch library. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, congratulated Mayor Kauffman on being re-elected as President of the Washington County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League. APPOINTMENT – WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to appoint Clifford Eardley to the Washington County Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Charlie Morgan, which extends to August 31, 2004. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Reverend Yvonne Mercer-Staten to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Philip Hundley on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Authority to April 30, 2002. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT OF DESIGNEE - COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Cleveland Milburn to serve as designee for Commissioner Paul Swartz on the Board of Directors of the Community Action Council. Unanimously approved. SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION – GRANT – DOT FOODS, INC. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the supplemental resolution to an earlier resolution adopted by the Commissioners on February 1, 2000, to authorize the County to award a grant of $42,223 to the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF) reimbursement for the difference between the price to be paid by CHIEF for the land and the price at which CHIEF has agreed to sell it to DOT Foods. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk