HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.22.2017 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Hagerstown, Maryland
August 22, 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 9:07 a.m. at 100 West
Washington Street, Room 1113, with the following members present: Vice President
Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers,
Jr.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — AUGUST 8, 2017
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of August 8,
2017. The motion passed with Commissioners Keefer, Myers, Barr and Baker voting
"AYE" and Commissioner Cline "ABSTAIN".
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Keefer reported attending last week's Maryland Association of Counties
(MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City. He discussed information learned about the
"Dad's Connection" program that assists non-custodial parents to find employment to help
provide for their children.
Commissioner Cline thanked all for their support and well wishes during his ongoing
recuperation from surgery.
Commissioner Barr also attended the 66th MACo Summer Conference. He reported that
Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan were present along with several
members of the governor's staff. He discussed MACo's Diversity Caucus and stated that
he has requested bylaws from the group.
Commissioner Baker thanked County staff that participated in the MACo conference. He
reported attending a meeting during the conference to discuss local issues with Secretary of
Transportation Pete Rahn that included Commissioners Barr, Keefer and County
Administrator Rob Slocum.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works — Budget Transfer
Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works, requested approval of a $49,000 budget transfer from
the Public Works' land acquisition transfer account to the land acquisition account
involving Program Open Space (POS) funds. Mr. Sterling indicated that $44,000
represents a grant from POS and $5,000 is from the land acquisition budget account. The
August 22, 2017
Page 2
transfer pertains to the rebuilding of the Pinesburg Park concession stand. The design and
bidding process is now complete. The item was previously approved by the
Commissioners in 2012.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve a $49,000 budget transfer
from the Public Works' land acquisition transfer account to the land acquisition account
for Program Open Space funds as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Hagerstown Reiional Airport — Grant Report
Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport, updated the Commissioners
regarding several grant reimbursements received from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) concerning the Taxiway Alpha Project, a three-phase funding project completed
one and a half years ago ($260,000 FAA share), and a De -Icing Truck purchase ($278,303
FAA share).
Mr. Ridenour advised that his office has applied for two other grants concerning the Grove
Farm and the Airport Layout Plan Update, which have been combined into one project.
Partial funding of $572,000 is expected from the FAA for the combined project. Another
grant for a rotary plow was also applied for and the bid recommendation will be
forthcoming. The airport has applied for/received approximately $1.7 million in grant
project funding this year from the FAA for various airport projects.
Planning and Zoning — 2020 Census
Stephen Goodrich, Director, and Jennifer Kinzer, GIS Coordinator, Planning and Zoning,
discussed the 2020 Census that is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to be conducted every
ten years. The census was begun in 1790 and the 2020 census will be the 24th one
conducted since that time. Jennifer Kinzer, who has participated in past censuses, will be
the designee/official contact person. Mr. Goodrich advised that a Local Update of Census
Addresses (LUCA) was recently requested by the Census Bureau. He stated that the
Bureau also contacted municipalities to determine if they wanted to participate directly or
delegate the process to a higher government. The Planning Department will reach out to
the municipalities, with the exception of the City of Hagerstown which will conduct its
own census, to see if they would like to delegate the process to County Government. What
is most important to providing accurate census figures is the distribution of $400 billion in
Federal aid and representation in the House of Representatives.
Approval of Resolutions for Lease of Multi Terrain Loaders
Rick Curry, Purchasing Director, requested approval of two resolutions needed to complete
lease/purchase agreements awarded by the Commissioners on January 24, 2017. The first
resolution involves two new 297D2 Caterpillar Multi Terrain Loaders at an annual lease
payment of $20,594.36 each for five years with the final payment being $2 ($205,945.60
total). The second involves one new 297132 Caterpillar Multi Terrain Loader at an annual
lease payment of $15,715 for five years with the final payment being $1 ($78,580 total).
August 22, 2017
Page 3
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the two resolutions as
presented. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution Nos. RS -2017-12 and RS -2017-13
are recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the
original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)
County Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to reappoint Norman Morin to serve a
third, three-year term retroactively from March 30, 2017 through March 30, 2020 on the
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Barr, moved to reappoint retroactively from July 1,
2017 Dr. Allen Ditto (physician representative), Catherine Drummond (attorney
representative) and Jill Parker (disability representative) to serve additional three-year
terms through June 30, 2020; to appoint Cebrina Young (Dept. of Aging representative) to
serve an unfulfilled term through November 30, 2018; and appoint Jennifer Sprecher
(professional from the disability field) to a first, three-year term through August 31, 2020
on the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. The motion passed unanimously.
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
Jim Devine, P.O. Box 2217, Hagerstown, discussed various concerns including land
preservation and the Federal government.
PROCLAMATION FOR DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS "FORGET-ME-
NOT" MONTH
The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Senior Vice Commander J. R. Arnold of
Chapter 14 of the Disabled American Veterans in recognition of "Forget -Me -Not Month"
observed in September. Mr. Arnold stated that all monies collected by group members at
various locations in the community go toward local veterans' needs. The Commissioners
commended the organization for its service to the community.
PROGRAM OPEN SPACE LAND PRESERVATION EASEMENT PROJECTS
Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, requested approval
of Washington County's participation in Program Open Space (POS) acquisition of land
preservation easements to be held jointly by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
and the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Seifarth indicated that easements are 100%
funded through the DNR to be used for permanent land preservation in counties willing to
participate. Currently, County Land Preservation staff is working with DNR to evaluate
and purchase easements on three properties totaling 560 acres with an estimated easement
value of approximately $1.5 million. In order for County property owners to be eligible for
the easements, the County Commissioners must co -hold the easements with the DNR. The
easements are similar to Rural Legacy Easement projects that protect agricultural,
August 22, 2017
Page 4
environmental and historic features. Mr. Seifarth advised that there are recurring expenses
of approximately $225 per year for the required inspections of easement properties by
staff, (estimated to be approximately six hours per year). The cost of the inspections will
be covered through the Department of Planning and Zoning's budget.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve Washington County's
participation in Program Open Space acquisition of land preservation easements to be held
jointly by the Department of Natural Resources and the Board of County Commissioners
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FUNDING - SERVICE PRIORITY AREAS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Jim Hovis, Director, Office of Community Grant Management, presented the proposed
service priority areas developed by the Community Organization Funding Committee
(COFC) in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2019 application process. Mr. Hovis indicated
that $1.7 million is available for disbursement subject to any adjustments that may be made
during the budget year. The COFC developed the following six service priority areas for
consideration by the County Commissioners: Arts and Culture (13.4%), Domestic
Violence (18%), Families and Children (15%), Recreation (1.6%), Seniors (51.4%), and
Other (0.6%). Mr. Hovis stated that the COFC retains the latitude to move 10% from one
category to another. The Commissioners discussed the process involved in the
disbursement of funds.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the Community Organization
Funding priorities and funding percentages for Fiscal Year 2019 as recommended by the
Community Organization Funding Committee. The motion passed unanimously.
HOTEL RENTAL TAX FUNDING REQUEST — WASHINGTON COUNTY
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Jim Hovis, Rebecca Massie -Lane, Director, Al Martin, President, and John Schnebly,
immediate Past President, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, appeared before the
Commissioners to request Hotel Rental Tax funding toward direct expenses associated
with the facility's HVAC replacement and upgrades that are projected to cost $1,096,575.
The museum is requesting $350,000 toward the HVAC project to be disbursed in five
annual installments of $70,000 each. Jim Hovis stated that the museum previously secured
$120,413 in funding from a Maryland Energy Administration grant and is seeking funding
of $412,335 and $213,827 from private foundations and a combination of sources
including self -funding, the City of Hagerstown and private donations. Mr. Hovis noted that
the museum is an economic driver for Hagerstown and Washington County with an impact
of $1,328,470 as cited by State and local tourism statistics. Al Martin stressed the
importance of preserving artwork at the museum that was founded in 1929 under a City
and County partnership. John Schnebly discussed the museum's sound financial
management.
August 22, 2017
Page 5
Commissioner Barr noted the museum's collaboration of over 85 years with Washington
County Public Schools. Commissioner Keefer commented that a MACo attendee from
Carroll County last week praised the County's museum.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the request totaling $350,000 in
Hotel Rental Tax funding to be disbursed by the County in five annual installments of
$70,000 each to be used by the museum toward direct expenses associated with the
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts' HVAC energy efficiency improvement
projects. The motion passed unanimously.
WASHINGTON COUNTY STRATEGIC HIGHWAY SAFETY PLAN
Sheriff Doug Mullendore and Merle Saville, Public Works Engineer, Engineering and
Construction Management, discussed the significant number of fatal and serious injury
crashes in Washington County over the past six years. As part of a statewide initiative to
reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries, the County's Traffic Advisory Council
(TAC) established a subcommittee to prepare a Strategic Highway Safety Plan for
Washington County (SHSP). The TAC voted to approve and present the plan to various
governmental agencies including the County Commissioners. Approval by County and
municipal governments will sanction the plan for implementation in the effort to reduce
deaths and serious injuries.
Sheriff Mullendore discussed the goals and objectives to be accomplished through public
education, public awareness, engineering improvements and enforcement efforts. Merle
Saville noted that approval of the plan is associated with several grants that are available
for accomplishing the goals listed in the SHSP. Commissioner Barr, an ex -officio member
of the TAC, discussed its important work and noted that all citizens may attend meetings
or forward their concerns to the group.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to adopt the Strategic Highway Safety
Plan for Washington County as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2017 HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION TRANSFER
Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, requested approval to transfer
Washington County's 2017 Housing Bond Allocation of $5,078,411 to the Maryland
Community Development Administration for issuing housing bonds on behalf of the
County. Mr. Goodrich indicated that the State of Maryland invites local governments to
collaborate each year in a statewide bond pool for first-time homebuyers. Washington
County has traditionally used its allocation to participate in the Maryland Mortgage
program. Allocating the money back to the State might allow more for Washington County
residents if excess funds from other counties are returned to the pool for re -distribution.
The County has done so since 2007.
August 22, 2017
Page 6
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the transfer of Washington
County's 2017 Housing Bond Allocation of $5,078,411 to the Maryland Community
Development Administration for the issuance of housing bonds on behalf of Washington
County. The motion passed unanimously.
REQUEST TO CONVEY CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY — BOTTENFIELD ROAD
Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, Engineering and Construction Management,
requested authorization to advertise the County's intent to convey 2,636.55+ linear feet
(31,638.6 square feet) of property to the adjacent property owners at Valley Meadow
Farms, LLC. Ms. Small indicated that Valley Meadow Farms, LLC requested that the
County consider closing and conveying to it approximately 0.7 miles of Bottenfield Road
in Hancock ending at the Pennsylvania border. The road currently dead ends between two
Valley Meadow Farms, LLC parcels. The road bed into Pennsylvania is wooded, gated and
leads to a private driveway. The closed portion would serve as the driveway to the parcels
and Valley Meadow Farms, LLC would assume the responsibility for all road
maintenance. The Commissioners discussed the proposal during their February 28, 2017
meeting and directed staff to move forward with the process and installation of a
turnaround for school buses at the last private property on Bottenfield Road. County staff
has since installed the turnaround. The fair market value of the roadbed has been
determined to be $2,400. The Commissioners discussed their desire to convey the property
for $1.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to authorize the advertisement of the
County's intent to convey 2,636.55+ linear feet (31,638.6 square feet) at a purchase price
of $1 to the adjacent property owners Valley Meadow Farms, LLC. Commissioner Keefer
discussed the road's non -value to the County. The motion passed unanimously.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF THREE DUMP
TRUCKS
Rick Curry, Purchasing Director, and Ed Plank, Highway Director, recommended
authorization by Resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase (PUR-1358)
relating to the purchase of three 4x2 Mack Dump Trucks from Potomac Truck Center, Inc.
of Bladensburg, Maryland. By "piggy -backing" on a bid processed by the Howard County,
Maryland Office of Purchasing (Contract #4400003267), the Board will be able to
purchase the trucks for a total sum of $560,100 ($183,500 per truck plus an extended
warranty of $3,200 on each). Mr. Plank indicated that the three dump trucks would replace
three that are between fourteen and sixteen years old. The County's replacement guideline
for vehicles greater than 33,000 pounds recommends replacement at ten years. Funds for
the purchase are contained in the Highway Department's budget.
Mr. Curry discussed the intergovernmental cooperative purchase process that permits the
County to use another entity's contract to eliminate Washington County's bid process and
obtain overall better pricing due to economies of scale offered by the existing contract. A
determination to allow or to participate in an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing
arrangement is by a resolution indicating the cost benefits and efficiencies to the County.
August 22, 2017
Page 7
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to authorize by Resolution the
Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase relating to the purchase of three 4x2 Mack Dump
Trucks from Potomac Truck Center, Inc. of Bladensburg, Maryland, for a total sum of
$560,100 ($183,500 per truck plus an extended warranty of $3,200 on each) by using the
Howard County, Maryland Office of Purchasing's contract award (Contract
#4400003267). The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2017-14 is recorded
among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is
located in the County Commissioners' Office.)
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to convene in closed session at 10:17 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; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a
legal matter; and to consult with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or
potential litigation, in accordance with Section 3-305(b)(1), (7) and (8) of the General
Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed/considered two County employee position
hiring recommendations and related staffing issues with County staff; discussed the
potential appointment of three specific individuals to a local board over which the
Commissioners have appointment authority; discussed the potential
reappointment/appointment of a number of specific individuals to a local funding
committee over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed
specific issues relating to a personnel/legal matter that may ultimately result in litigation
with staff and counsel.
During closed session, the Commissioners provided direction to staff regarding two
specific hiring/employment recommendations; agreed to further discuss the individuals
being considered for appointment to a local board at a future open session meeting; agreed
to further discuss various individuals being considered for appointment/reappointment to a
local funding committee at a future open session meeting; and provided direction to staff
and counsel relating to ongoing legal/personnel matter.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John
F. Barr, LeRoy E. Myers and Wayne K. Keefer. Also present were Robert J. Slocum,
County Administrator; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County
Attorney; and at various times Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney; Stephanie
Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Jim Hovis, Director, and Stephanie Lapole,
Grant Manager, Community Grant Management; and Attorney Kevin Karpinski.
August 22, 2017
Page 8
ADJOURNMENT
The closed session adjourned at 10:54 a.m.
The Commissioners attended the Michael G. Callas Memorial New Educator's Luncheon
Reception for new Washington County educators at Williamsport High School, 5 South
Clifton Drive, Williamsport.
Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
John M. Martirano, County Attorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk