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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.11.2000 Minutes April 11, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland PRESENTATION OF SERVICE PIN/RETIREMENT The Commissioners met at 7:30 a.m. at the Four Points Hotel for the annual service/retirement awards program. Commissioner Snook presented service pins to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government. The Commissioners also honored the following 1999 retirees: Shelby Stehl, William Blair, James Brittain, David Wyand, Elizabeth Wallech, Seibert Milburn and Donald Hawks (deceased). Commissioner Snook thanked the employees on behalf of all the Commissioners for their hard work and dedication to County government. 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. 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 – April 4, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of April 4, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK Commissioner Swartz presented a proclamation to Jill Ritter, Victim/Witness Coordinator; Jennifer Bricker, Domestic Violence Assistant; and Ken Long, State’s Attorney, proclaiming the week of April 9 –15, 2000, as Victims’ Rights Week and asking all citizens to “honor those who bring honor to victims of crime.” He also congratulated the staff on their hard work and dedication. Mr. Long thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and commended Ms. Ritter and Ms. Bricker for their work with victims of violent crime. PROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Iseminger presented Pat McMillian, Director of the Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), and Joe Kuhna, President of the Board of Directors of CHRB, with a proclamation designating April 2000 as Fair Housing Awareness Month in Washington County and commending this observance to all citizens. Pat McMillian thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and highlighted the activities planned to promote Fair Housing Awareness Month. REQUEST FOR NEW ROAD NAME – SOLOMAN’S VALLEY LANE Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to designate a previously unnamed lane located off the south side of Manor Church Road as “Soloman’s Valley Lane” as requested by the property owners. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS REVIEW PANEL DISCUSSION & APPOINTMENTS – CHILD FATALITY REVIEW TEAM John Budesky, Executive Director of the Washington County Local Management Board (LMB), Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer, and David Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, met with the Commissioners regarding the passage of Senate Bill 464. Mr. Budesky stated that the new law directs local jurisdictions to form a local Citizens Review Panel (CRP) and Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT). He informed the Commissioners that the CFRT was developed on a voluntary basis and the LMB is proposing to combine the existing CFRT with the CRP in an effort to avoid a duplication of services. He noted that the membership of the CFRT concurred with this proposal. Dr. Parker reviewed the requirements of the new law. Mr. Budesky reviewed the names of the individuals who have agreed to serve on the combined CFRT/CRP for the Commissioners’ consideration. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint the following individuals to the combined Citizens Review Panel and Child Fatality Review Team: Dr. Herman Bartlett, Jodie Bishop, John Budesky, Dr. Edward Ditto, APRIL 11, 2000 PAGE TWO III, Phillip Dukes, Timothy Gordon, Esq., Dolores Harmon, Rebecca Hogamier, Susan Lochbaum, Esq., Millie Lowman, Dr. Robert Parker, William Rourke, Vicki Sadehvandi, Dr. Paul Shuster, First Sergeant Randy Wilkinson, Carrol Springer, and Melissa Cline. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS – LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Millie Lowman and Deborah Addo to the Local Management Board (LMB). Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICT APPLICATIONS The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider applications AD-99-15 and AD-99-16. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed the applications. He stated that they have been approved by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and that the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. No one present elected to speak in favor of or in opposition to the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve application AD-99-15, submitted by J. Austin McKee, and application AD-99-16, submitted by Richard and Laura Penna, for 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL – SERVICE LINKED HOUSING RENEWAL APPLICATION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the submission of the Service Linked Housing Renewal application for 2001 and 2002 to the Office of Transitional Service for the total request of $72,235. Unanimously approved. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL – EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve submission of the Emergency Shelter Grant application to the Department of Housing & Community Development in the amount of $60,000 that would provide funding for the Community Action Council, CASA, St. John’s Shelter, and REACH, Inc. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION George Knight spoke in support of additional pay raises for patrol deputies at the Sheriff’s Department. Bonnie Parks urged the Commissioners to provide funding for pay raises for the support staff at the Board of Education. She stated that they negotiated a two-year contract with the Board last year and hope that they will honor the second year of it. She asked the Commissioners to reconsider their funding priorities during budget deliberations. Paul Bailey, President of the elected Board of Education, summarized correspondence he sent to the Commissioners in support of full funding for Board’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2001. Donald Allensworth commented on the proposed Greenwich Park development on Mt. Aetna Road. Joyce Dunn provided follow-up information regarding her inquiry into a sewage spill into the Rush Run in Maugansville. She stated that she had received a letter from the Water & Sewer Department regarding the causes of the spill. Edith Sweigert voiced her support for pay increases for Sheriff’s deputies. PUBLIC HEARING – REQUESTS TO BE PLACED ON LIST OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO WHICH THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY CONTRIBUTE FUNDS The Commissioners convened the public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments regarding the requests of the Tri-State Home for Children, Inc., Discovery Station at Hagerstown, Inc., and Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, Inc., to be added to the list of nonprofit organizations to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds, pursuant to Section 1-108(b), Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. APRIL 11, 2000 PAGE THREE Beverly Baccala, President of the Board of Directors of Discovery Station at Hagerstown, Inc., provided information on the programs supported by Discovery Station and examples of what they hope to provide at their new facility in Hagerstown. She asked that the Commissioners consider designating a telephone line for their use, waiving fees at the rubble landfill for costs associated with the renovation of the new facility, and including Discovery Station’s full-time, paid staff in the County government’s health insurance plan. Ken Davis and Shalleen Reeder, representing the Tri-State Home for Children, outlined their efforts to develop a shelter and large group home facility for children in need of out-of-home placement. He presented information on the type of programs they hope to offer. The funding for construction of the children’s home and gymnasium has been provided by the Tri-State Church of God. Mr. Davis stated that the gymnasium will also be available for use by the community. The Commissioners asked Mr. Davis to provide a copy of their business plan, financial plan, and mission statement. Annie Lemarie, President of the Board of Director for Habitat for Humanity for Washington County, Inc., asked to be placed on the list. She also asked the Commissioners to consider waiving landfill fees for dumping construction waste. The Commissioners asked for information on the estimated amount that Habitat incurs in landfill fees. Commissioner Snook then opened the meeting for public comments on the requests. No one present elected to speak in favor of or in opposition to the applications. The hearing was closed at 11:38 a.m. BID AWARD – LABORATORY SERVICES FOR WATER/WASTEWATER TESTING Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for laboratory testing services for the Washington County Water and Sewer Department to Atlantic Coast Laboratories, Inc.,which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $37,190 for a one-year contract with an option to renew for up to two additional consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – LEACHATE HAULING FROM COUNTY LANDFILLS FOR DISPOSAL Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for leachate hauling for the Solid Waste Department to A.C.&T., Inc., which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid in the amount of $128,700 for a one-year contract with an option to renew for up to two additional consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – INDEPENDENT AUDITING SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for auditing services to Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC which submitted the low responsible, responsive total lump sum bid of $145,500 for fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Historic Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the open house held by Weiss Brothers and the Parent-Child Center telethon. He also reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting and the Homelessness Task Force meeting. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he met with Sheriff’s Department deputies and 911 technicians. He also attended several promotions for Census 2000. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended the open house sponsored by Weiss Brothers. He reported on the Emergency Services Council meeting and the Maryland Stadium Authority presentation. Commissioner Iseminger also stated that he was a guest on the WJEJ radio talk show. Commissioner Wivell reported on meetings of the Historic District Commission and the Pen Mar Development Corporation. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m. APRIL 11, 2000 PAGE FOUR AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:10 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. CHANGE ORDER – TAXIWAY “C” REHABILITATION PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve a change order for a reduction of $48,858.27 in the Taxiway C rehabilitation project (AIP 3- 24-0019-15) at the Hagerstown Regional Airport due to a reduction in final quantities and project closeout. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT TO REHABILITATION LOAN REVIEW BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Debra Lynn to the Rehabilitation Loan Review Board. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES AND ALLOCATION FEES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the rate option for water and sewer presented at the public hearing on April 4, 2000, for a zero percent increase in rates and an option for a general fund contribution of $1,927,200, which is possible due to the passage of House Bills 1417, 1427 and 1389, and to adopt the following allocation fee 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. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF SMITHSBURG EMS SERVICE The Commissioners discussed the facts presented at last week’s meeting regarding the rescue engine placed into service by the Smithsburg Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and whether it duplicates services provided by the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that the Board wait to see if the two companies can resolve the issue before making a decision, but to specify a time limit for the decision. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to deny the request of Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services to place the rescue unit into service based upon the determination made by the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) that it duplicates services and that the EMS company did not seek the prior approval of the WCVFRA as required. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Wivell, Iseminger and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Swartz voting “NO.” GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Paula Blenard, Accounting Clerk III, met with the Commissioners to review the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget and the general fund budget for fiscal year 2001. Ms. Bastian reviewed the adjustments made to the CIP budget for FY 2001 through 2006 and the projects that were reduced, removed, or shifted to another fiscal year. She informed the Commissioners that the FY 2001 CIP budget totals $19,615,910 with projected bond borrowing of $12,690,000. Commissioner Wivell expressed concern about the amount of bond borrowing. Ms. Bastian stated that the debt affordability and policy study being done by the Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is scheduled for presentation on April 25 and that the Commissioners will have this information to consider before the public hearing. She stated that preliminary indications from GFOA indicate that the County’s bond borrowing is in line with other counties of similar size. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the revised CIP budget as presented in the amount of $19,615,910 for presentation at the public hearing. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners then began their review of the FY 2001 general fund budget and revenue scenarios. Ms. Bastian stated that reductions of $4,593,172 have been made to the general fund budget. She indicated that, based on last week’s meeting, the Board of Education’s operational budget APRIL 11, 2000 PAGE FIVE has been adjusted to $63,692,520 or a 6.63% increase. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that there is still a $3,297,367 shortfall from projected revenues. She then reviewed three scenarios for increasing revenues through property tax increases and/or local income tax. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that $80,000 must be put back into the budget to comply with House Bill 1417 that requires that the County retain the level of its FY 2000 general fund contribution to the water and sewer debt reduction. She reviewed how the additional funding from the passage of House Bills 1389, 1417, and 1427 would affect the budget. Ms. Bastian then reviewed projected revenues for FY 2001. She stated that $117,674,523 is projected or approximately $2.5 million in new monies after debt payment obligations are met. The Commissioners then began reviewing expenditures for County departments. The Commissioners then addressed the request made by the Sheriff to increase wages for uniformed patrol deputies. Various proposals were considered to provide additional compensation to patrol and judicial deputies. Commissioner Wivell provided a comparison of the salaries of correctional deputies with those in Frederick County. Sheriff Mades spoke in support of providing a separate pay scale for patrol deputies. He informed the Commissioners that Washington County is the only jurisdiction in Maryland paying both patrol and correctional officers on the same scale. The Sheriff pledged $120,000 from his budget for first-year start-up costs. Presentations were then made by Capt. Carroll Keller, Sgt. Robert Leatherman, Cpl. Todd Kerns, Detective Pete Lazich, and 1st Sgt. Randy Wilkinson. The Commissioners then continued their discussions on this issue. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to move all uniformed patrol deputies up one grade on the pay scale for an eight percent increase with funding for fiscal year 2001 to be taken from funds designated from the Sheriff’s budget. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners then began deliberations on the Board of Education budget. Commissioner Wivell reviewed statistics on funding for boards of education from the State of Maryland. He stated that Washington County’s funding for education is in line with the median income in the County. He indicated that they fall behind for salaries of teachers with master’s degrees. Commissioner Wivell asked for answers on how the Board of Education prioritizes its funding. The Commissioners discussed various funding levels for the Board of Education. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to increase property taxes 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for the purpose of the public hearing. The Motion did not carry with Commissioner Wivell voting “AYE.” and Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Schnebly and Snook voting “NO.” Commissioner Wivell stated that the County should live within the projected revenue increases. The Commissioners asked the Board of Education staff to review their budget to see what reductions can be made to it and meet with them to review the proposed cuts. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, proposed increasing the property tax by $0.12 per $100 of assessed valuation and the local income tax by 10 percent, and instituting a tax credit for the elderly. The motion did not carry with Commissioners Swartz and Iseminger voting “AYE” and Commissioners Schnebly, Wivell and Snook voting “NO.” Commissioner Schnebly stated that he would agree to a ten- cent increase in the property tax rate but wanted the Board of Education “sharpen their pencils” before the Commissioners make a final decision on a tax increase. The Commissioners could not resolve the issue and agreed to schedule the budget hearing for May 9. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:22 p.m. APRIL 11, 2000 PAGE SIX PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED INCREASE TO CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES The Commissioners convened a public hearing concerning the proposed increase to certain landfill user fees at 7:00 p.m. Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, outlined the following annual permit fees proposed for cars and pickup trucks: Senior Citizens FY 2001 - $ 75.00 $50.00 FY 2002 - $ 85.00 60.00 FY 2003 - $ 95.00 70.00 FY 2004 - $105.00 75.00 All permits purchased between January 1 and July 1 – half price Mr. Davenport stated that the proposed schedule is based on the actual costs associated with providing the services for hauling and disposal without any administrative or capital improvement costs. He also provided additional information on the history of the permit fees and revenues and expenditures for 1999. Commissioner Snook then opened the meeting for public comment. Testifying in opposition to the fee increases were Glenn Bowman, Bill Krepp, Frank Berger, Scott Wishard, and Leroy Divel. Joe Swope, representing the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the proposal. After all comments were heard, Commissioner Snook stated that the record would be held open for ten (10) days in order to receive written testimony. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk