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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.05.2000 MinutesDecember 5, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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 Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 28, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of November 28, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he had arranged to meet with J.L. Hearn, Director of the State Water Management Administration, to discuss the proposals of the City/County water and sewer task force. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the press conference held by the Board of Education to announce the results of the Maryland State Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) tests and the ceremony announcing Washington County as a recipient of the Boundless Playground Initiative grant. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended annual illumination at the Antietam National Battlefield Park. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended the press conference announcing the MSPAP test scores and emphasized that Washington County was placed sixth in the state. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting and distributed newspaper articles on Montgomery County's attempts to protect open space and the Civil War museum proposed for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he met with new staff members of the Department of Business & Economic Development. He stated that he also met with the Williamsport Elementary School Community Action Council regarding the renovations planned for the school. Commissioner Snook then reported that he received a letter from Governor Glendening that the State will provide financial assistance to the Hagerstown Regional Airport for the environmental assessment study and for design assistance for Runway 2-0. He reported that the Maryland Department of the Environment would be holding a public hearing on December 20 to hear comments on the zone of dewatering influence being established for the Mellott quarry. He also reported that he presented the County's 2001 legislative requests to the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Snook also asked the County Administrator to schedule a meeting with the appropriate individuals to answer questions on the catering contract at the Agricultural Education Center. He also reviewed a letter from Mayor Bruchey requesting a representative for the downtown parking planning committee and reminded the Commissioners that a ribbon -cutting ceremony will be held by Fair Point Communications on December 13. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported that the joint health insurance contract is out for bid. He informed the Commissioners that he and Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, met with the employees of Fire & Rescue Communications last week. Debra Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance, stated that budget packets have been mailed to the "outside agencies" and that her Department plans to start budget training next week. She informed the Commissioners that she met with Financial Advisor Lester Guthorn yesterday regarding the County's presentation to the bond rating agencies. DECEMBER 5, 2000 PAGE TWO Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, reported that he met with Mary Baykan, Director of the Washington County Free Library, regarding the Clear Spring branch library project. He reminded the Commissioners that the Forty West landfill would open on December 11. He stated that the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) project is on schedule and gave an update on the pretreatment revenues for November. Mr. Rohrer noted that he would be making a full presentation and recommendation next week on space needs. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported on the Planning Commission meeting. He stated that he would be meeting with Pat Schooley on several historical projects. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that the Regional Civil War Heritage Area Committee is working on a request for proposal. He reported that the aerial photography project deadline has been extended by one month. The Commissioners discussed whether to hold a public auction or seek sealed bids for the Ditto Knolls property and agreed to proceed with the preference of the Washington County Historical Trust. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE REPORT Robert Arch, Planning Director, presented s periodic review as to whether there is a continuing need for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) or suggested amendments as required by Article XI of the Ordinance. Mr. Arch indicated that the Planning Commission made a finding that there is a need to retain the APFO. Mr. Arch reviewed the activity for the period January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2000. He noted that 118 lots were approved during this reporting period, with 79 lots qualifying for school exemptions. All of the lots qualifying for exemptions were located within the urban or town growth areas. Mr. Arch also reviewed the school capacity ratings and the enrollment figures for the schools. A discussion followed regarding how IAC standards for capacity are applied to the APFO and how the use of portable classrooms affects this rating. Commissioner Snook asked that a joint meeting with the Planning Commission be scheduled to discuss the school capacity issue and how it relates to the APFO. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance report for the period January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2000, and to approve the extension of the Ordinance for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - MOTOR AND INDUSTRIAL OILS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for motor and industrial oils to A.C.&T. Co., Inc. which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $37,469.99 based on estimated annual quantities of oils, for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD - NATURAL GAS FOR COUNTY FACILITIES Lester Lewis, representing Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES), made a presentation to the Commissioners on their contract with the State of Maryland and provided information on rate comparisons for 1999 and 2000. Mr. Lewis then answered questions from the Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for natural gas at County facilities to Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES) per State of Maryland Contract #B-000-974-003, based upon the fixed rate for transportation and the NYMEX index for natural gas as outlined in the State contract for the period January 1, 2001 to May 31, 2001. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Senator Barbara Mikulski would be visiting on December 19 and asked for topics they would like to have placed on the agenda. He reminded the Commissioners that the MACo Winter Conference begins tomorrow. DECEMBER 5, 2000 PAGE THREE CHANGE ORDER REQUEST — HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a request for a change order inthe amount of $61,916.40 with C. William Hetzer, Inc. on the Taxiway A Rehabilitation and Extension project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport to provide additional excavating, grading and seeding in an area adjacent to the existing project limits. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide 900 of the funding, and the Maryland Aviation Administration and County will each provide 50. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Wivell and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Schnebly "ABSTAINING." REQUEST FOR ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF A ROAD Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Edith Shaffer has requested that a portion of a road identified in Road Book 1, page 262, as recorded among the Land Records of Washington County be abandoned and conveyed to her by quitclaim deed for no monetary consideration. Mr. Lowry explained that Ms. Shaffer owns the property surrounding the road in question and has requested that it be abandoned from its intersection with Trego Road to the boundary line between the Shaffer property and the Thompson property. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, stated that, although the road is shown in Road Book 1, the road was never built or maintained by the County. He asked that the Commissioners authorize him to schedule and advertise this matter for public hearing. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to authorize the Assistant County Attorney to schedule and advertise a public hearing on a request to abandon a portion of a road identified in Road Book 1, page 262, recorded among the Land Records of Washington County from its intersection with Trego Road to the boundary line between the Shaffer and Thompson properties, with the purpose of conveying it to Edith Shaffer, adjacent property owner, for no monetary consideration. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD & BUDGET TRANSFER — AUTOMATED FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for the automated fuel management system at the Sheriff's Department to Samuel K. Spigler Co., Inc. for the low total lump sum base bid of $32,190, Alternate No. 2 for $1,050, and Alternate No. 3 for $7,360, for a total of $40,600 and to approve a budget transfer of CIP Contingency Funds (Account 30 10500 ADM002) in the amount of $21,220. Unanimously approved. UPDATE ON CIVIL WAR MUSEUM PROJECT Dennis Frye and Randy Harper appeared before the Commissioners to present an update on the Civil War Museum project. Mr. Frye stated that they met with Governor Glendening to request $3 million in his fiscal year 2002 capital budget. Mr. Frye summarized their activities since the Spring briefing and thanked the Commissioners for the letter of support they sent to the Governor on behalf of the project. He stated that they have also obtained a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Harper informed the Commissioners that they are discussing a cooperative agreement with the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Frye reviewed their strategy for financing the project and reminded the Commissioners that they are committed to raising $23 million in private donations. Mr. Frye stated that he has met with Delegate Taylor, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Donald Langenberg, Chancellor of the University of Maryland, to discuss the proposal. Mr. Harper informed the Commissioners that the Smithsonian has finished its review of the draft application but the results have not yet been released. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Frye presented the architect's conceptual drawings for the Antietam/South Potomac Street area. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Frye and Mr. Harper for the update. DECEMBER 5, 2000 PAGE FOUR RECESS - LUNCHEON AT DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES The Commissioners recessed at 11:49 a.m. to attend a luncheon at the Department of Social Services luncheon and a briefing on social issues, trends and legislation. 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 Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 1:38 p.m. to consult with counsel to discuss personnel issues 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 Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 2:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel 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 at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Alan Davis, Human Resources Director; and Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director. PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION - FACILITIES & PARKS MAINTENANCE Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, met with the Commissioners to request that they consider a proposal to consolidate the Facilities and Parks Maintenance departments. He stated that he has observed that there is a need for a sound preventive maintenance program in the Parks Department. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that when the Interim Parks Manager expressed his intent to retire in June 2001, he began to develop a plan to consolidate the Facilities and Parks Maintenance Department to improve efficiency. He stated that he feels this can be done within the existing budget. He proposed the creation of the position of Deputy Director for the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department and that the position of Parks Director be eliminated. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and questioned whether the department could function with fewer employees. Commissioner Wivell suggested that a hiring freeze be put in place until the new department head can evaluate whether the positions are necessary. Mr. Davis stated that they hope to institute an improved preventive maintenance program. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to adopt the proposed consolidation of the Facilities and Parks Maintenance departments into the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department as proposed by the Director of Public Works, to become effective January 1, 2001, and to evaluate this decision in one year. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS - PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded Schnebly, to reappoint Roger Finn and Robert Starliper to the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation for two-year terms and to appoint Richard Roulette and Mary Myers for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 2:54 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator DECEMBER 5, 2000 PAGE FIVE County Attorney County Clerk