HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.18.2017 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
July 18, 2017
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
by the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
of Washington County, Maryland to order at 9:11 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street,
Room 1113, with the following members present: Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer and
Commissioner John F. Barr. Not present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and LeRoy E.
Myers, Jr.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JUNE 27, 2017
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of
June 27, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Keefer met with Sheriff Mullendore regarding the need for additional
deputies and enforcement in various towns in the County. He stated this issue should be
discussed further by the County Commissioners. He met with the Historical Advisory
Committee and JG Business Link International (JGBLI) regarding historical buildings
located at Cascade Town Center. He attended a Hancock Town Council Meeting and went
on a walking tour of the Town. He stated that he thought it would be beneficial for the
County Commissioners to tour projects in the County and to possibly incorporate these tours
into the Commissioners regular meetings.
Commissioner Barr stated this week is Ag Expo and be sure to attend and offer support. He
stated that the Washington County Agricultural Center is now owned by the County and that
he is very proud of this accomplishment. He thanked Rob Slocum, County Administrator,
and staff for their efforts in seeing this through. In addition, he thanked the Sheriff's
Department for its law enforcement support with traffic and attendees at Ag Expo. He also
thanked Mr. Mills for his continued support at the Ag Center, and for taking care of issues
that may arise. He agreed with Commissioner Keefer's suggestion regarding tours, work
sessions, luncheons and things of that nature for the County Commissioners to view the
County and to support local businesses.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Plan Review & Permitting
Tim Lung, Director, introduced Mr. Rick Abbruzzes, Community Affairs Representative,
KOFA Public Affairs, representing Transource Energy, and asked that he provide the
Commissioners with an update on the status of an electric transmission line, which is a
private project. The proposed line will come from Franklin County through Ringgold, and
tie into an existing substation north of Smithsburg. He stated that actual County involvement
will be minimal consisting of a grading plan review for towers and access roads.
Commissioner Barr stated that he has heard concerns from citizens regarding the potential
reduction of the value of their property due to this project.
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR)
Phil Ridenour, Director, stated that an Economic Impact Study has been completed and
requested that the Commissioners review the increases on the economic impact from HGR
from 2014 — 2016. The study shows that HGR supports 1,624 jobs; generates nearly $98
million in salary and wages and over $10 million in State and local taxes generated annually.
Phil Ridenour, with Peggy Siler, Airline Station Leader, also stated that each year, Allegiant
audits the operations at HGR. Ms. Siler discussed the results of the comprehensive audit.
The Allegiant audit consists of a 15 page document — findings were 100% on-time schedule.
County Administrator
County Administrator Rob Slocum stated that goals are due for the County Commissioners.
In addition, he updated State officials regarding the Urban Improvement Project during a
recent meeting in Annapolis and that support from the Governor's Office has very helpful.
He also stated that the JG Business Link International (JGBLI) will host an informal Open
House tentatively scheduled for July 26tr'° between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Cascade
Community Center.
Appointments to Boards/Commissions
Krista Hart, Executive Assistant with the County Administrator's Office, requested approval
of the appointment of two (2) members to the Board of Zoning Appeals — Mr. John Cohill
as a full member and Mr. Jay Miller as an Alternate.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the appointment
of John Cohill as a full member and Jay Miller as an alternate for a two year term ending on
June 30, 2019. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
No citizens attending the meeting wished to participate.
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AWARD
Susan Buchanan, Office of Community Grant Management, and Sergeant Valerie Buskirk,
Washington County Sheriff's Office, requested approval for submission of an application
for Child Support Enforcement Agency Cooperative Agreement to the Maryland
Department of Human Resources for a total of $807,631 over a three year period (FY18 -
$245,007; FY19 - $250,895; FY20 - $311,729) and to accept funding as awarded by the
agency. This Agreement would provide $807,631 in reimbursement for expenses incurred
by the Washington County Sheriff's Office associated with child support enforcement.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the submission
of the application for the Child Support Enforcement Agency Cooperative Agreement and
to accept any awarded funding. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline
and Commissioner Myers were absent)
FY19 FAMILY LAW FUND — APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION
Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Office of Community Grant Management, requested
approval for the submission of the FY19 Family Law Fund application in the amount of
$261,910 and to accept any awarded funding.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the submission
of the FY19 Family Law Fund application in the amount of $261,910 and to accept any
awarded funding. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
LANCO DAIRY FARMS CO-OP, LLC — RESOLUTION FOR ENFOREMENT OF
MEDAAF LOAN AND LOCAL INCENTIVE
This agenda item was postponed and will be placed on a future agenda.
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD: TREGO ROAD AND TREGO MOUNTAIN
ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENTS: CONTRACT NUMBER BR -CR -222-14
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering Department, requested the award of a contract for the
Trego Road and Trego Mountain Road Culvert Replacements project to the lowest
responsive, responsible bidder, C. William Hetzer, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD in the amount
of $618,663, and for the transfer of $100,000 from the budgeted Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) account Trego Road Culvert 4000 block (DNG033) to the budgeted CIP account Trego
Road Culvert 08/06 (BRG067).
This project will utilize available funds from three accounts in the CIP: Trego Road Culvert
08/06 (BRG067) has an unencumbered balance of $278,050.00; Trego Road Culvert 4000
block (DNG033) has an unencumbered balance of $184,900.00, and Trego Mountain Road
Culverts (DNG073) has an unencumbered balance of $291,014.72. The total unencumbered
balance is $753,964.72. Total expenses for the project are estimated at $728,663.00; which
includes $618,663.00 for the proposed bid award, $60,000 for
inspection/testing/utilities/right-of-way and $50,000.00 for construction contingency.
While the total project expenses are not anticipated to exceed the total available budget, a
budget transfer in the amount of $100,000 from the Trego Road Culvert 4000 block
(DNG033) account is required to cover the anticipated expenses in the Trego Road Culvert
08/06 project.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the Trego Road
and Trego Mountain Road Culvert Replacements contract to the lowest responsive,
responsible bidder, C. William Hetzer, Inc. in the amount of $618,663 and the transfer of
$100,000 from Trego Road Culvert 4000 Block to the Trego Road Culvert 08/06. The
motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and Commissioner Myers were
absent)
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD: BRIDGE SCOUR REPAIRS; CONTRACT
NUMBER BR -SR -213-14
Scott Hobbs requested the award of a contract for Bridge Scour Repairs project to the
lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lone Star Builders, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD in the
amount of $192,383.00.
This is a budgeted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project (BRG081) with an encumbered
balance of $226,202. Total expenses are estimated at $222,383; including $192,383 for the
proposed contract award; and $30,000 for inspection/testing/utilities/right-of-way.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the Bridge Scour
Repairs contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Lone Star Building, Inc. in the
amount of $192,383.00. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD: DEMOLITION OF VARIOUS PROPERTIES•
CONTRACT NUMBER MS -DE -251-28
Scott Hobbs requested the award of a contract for the Demolition of Various Properties
project to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Allegany Wrecking & Salvage,
Hagerstown, MD in the amount of $127,761.00. This project involves demolition of
properties at 37 Jonathan Street, 111-117 West Washington Street, 1052 Security Road,
1090 Jefferson Boulevard and 917 Antietam Drive; with 14201 Pennsylvania Avenue as a
contingent item.
This project will utilize available budgeted funds from multiple accounts in the CIP; County
Administration Building Exterior Enhancements and Site Improvements (BLD091), Eastern
Boulevard Widening, Phase II (RD1044), Eastern Boulevard Widening, Phase I (RDI042),
Eastern Boulevard at Antietam Drive Improvements (RDI051), and Showalter Road
Extended East (RD1068).
Commissioner Barr asked about the difference in the two lowest bids of Allegany Wrecking
& Salvage of $127,761 and Callas Contractors of $272,000. Scott Hobbs stated that the bids
were reviewed and he feels confident that Allegany Wrecking & Salvage will be able to
complete the project for the bid amount and will produce quality work as it has done for the
County in the past, with a similar scope of work.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the Demolition of
Various Properties contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Allegany Wrecking
& Salvage in the amount of $127,761.00. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice
President Cline and Commissioner Myers were absent)
-t
BUDGET AMENDMENT
Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance Department, requested approval of a
budget amendment showing a decrease of $175,000 from the Capital Grant, State 498410
30 10100 BLD077. In fiscal year 2014, the budget was approved for this multi-year project
(Hancock Library Replacement — BLD077); $175,000 was made up of State grant money.
This money will go directly to the Washington County Free Library and therefore needs
removed from the budget.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the Budget
Amendment as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to convene in closed
session at 10:06 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion,
discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of
appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any
other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; in accordance with
Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and Commissioner Myers
were absent).
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed/considered several County employee
position recommendations and related staffing issues with staff.
During closed session, the Commissioners provided direction to staff regarding a number
of specific personnel recommendations.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr and Wayne
K. Keefer. Also present were Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher,
Assistant County Administrator; Krista L. Hart, Executive Assistant; John M. Martirano,
County Attorney; and at various times Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer; Stephanie
Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Jim Hovis, Director, Office of Community
Grant Management; and Tim Lung, Director, Department of Plan Review and Permitting.
The closed session meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to reconvene in open
session at 10:27 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice -President Cline and
Commission Myers were absent).
RECOMMENDATION OF POSITIONS / REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT -JL
Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, requested approval to promote Rick
Curry, current Buyer with the Purchasing Department, to the Purchasing Director,
Purchasing Department at a Grade 16, Step 6, at a salary of $72,800.00. Mr. Curry currently
holds all required certifications and has been with Washington County for 30 years.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the promotion
of Rick Curry to position of Purchasing Director, Grade 16, Step 6 at a salary of $72,800.00
as recommended. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
Stephanie Stone requested to fill the vacant Senior Accountant position in the Budget and
Finance Department with Leslie Karcher at a Grade 15, Step 4, at a salary of $62,920.00.
Ms. Karcher has over 18 years' experience and currently holds her CPA.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the
recommendation to hire Leslie Karcher as a Senior Accountant at Grade 15, Step 4 at a salary
of $62,920.00. The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and
Commissioner Myers were absent)
RECESS AT 10:31 A.M. / RECONVENED AT 10:50 A.M.
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (MACo) VISIT
Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, MACo, presented a State legislative and budget
update, and provided an opportunity to discuss concerns and/or issues regarding State policy,
conferences and events. He touched on various legislative issues, budget, and what has
happened at the State level, in addition to how it has touched Washington County. He also
discussed the issue of Cost Shift from the State to the local governments; the General
Assembly rejected the Governor's proposal to make counties responsible for nearly all
operating costs for the assessment and directorial functions of SDAT — 70% in FYI and
90% for every year thereafter.
In addition, he mentioned the Highway User Revenue Fund. In this year, the original
proposal of $27.4 million was reduced to $12.8 million.
Mr. Sanderson mentioned the MACo Summer Conference and that the issue of opioid use
will be a key issue discussed at the conference. There will be a meeting on Saturday of the
conference with the Governor. MACo requests input from County leaders on needs, etc.
The theme for this year's Summer Conference is Economic Development to include
opportunity and job development.
Wednesday afternoon will be a technology expo, and should be extremely beneficial. He
recommended that all try to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to adjourn at 11:15 A.M.
The motion passed unanimously. (3-0, Vice President Cline and Commissioner Myers were
absent)
HAPPY CAMPER DAY 2017 CELEBRATION
The Commissioners enjoyed a day with the campers at Marty Snook Park, Hagerstown MD.
Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
r
John M. Martirano, County Attorney
Krista L. Hart, Executive Assistant