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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.25.2000 MinutesApril 25, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 8:00 a.m. to discuss personnel issues, to consider proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 8:44 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues, considered one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; and Ronald Pike and Ken Peters, members of the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Wivell, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 18, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of April 18, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF RECLASSIFICATION – PRO SHOP MANAGER Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz to reclassify the position of Pro Shop Manager from Grade 6 to Grade 8 with the stipulation that the current Pro Shop Manager obtain his PGA certification and that this condition be included in the job description. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF LANDFILL USER FEES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to increase the following fees for use of the landfill as heard at public hearing on April 11, 2000: yearly permit fees required for cars and pickup trucks - $75 (effective 7/1/00), for senior citizens (age 62 and older) - $50 (effective 7/1/00), and to review the rates on an annual basis based on the recommendations presented by the staff. Unanimously approved. (The original motion was amended later in the session. The approved resolution is attached.) GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners discussed the general fund budget for fiscal year 2001. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Paula Blenard, Accounting Clerk III, met with the Commissioners to discuss the fiscal year 2001 operating budget. Ms. Bastian provided information on the budget reductions made to date. She stated that there is currently a $3.9 million shortfall between general fund requests and the projected revenues for FY 2001. Ms. Bastian provided information on the funding approved by the State for education. Chris South, Director of Finance for the Board of Education, stated that they expect an increase of $139,000 in State funds exclusive of the funding provided in legislation on matching teacher salaries. Ms. Bastian summarized the effect of the legislation. She informed the Commissioners that the State Board of Education indicated that a four percent aggregate increase (step and COLA) would qualify the County for the one percent State matching funds for teachers’ salaries. The Commissioners then reviewed the Board’s request and proposed funding in State budget. Also present during the budget discussion were Paul Bailey, member of the elected Board of Education, Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Teresa Flak, Assistant Superintendent; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. APRIL 25, 2000 PAGE TWO Ms. Bastian provided three scenarios for generating additional revenues to fund the $3.9 million shortfall. The scenarios included revenues from property tax revenues, local income tax revenues, and a combination of both sources. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he is not willing to increase funding to the Board of Education by the requested 7.25 percent. He stated that the Board should retool its budget to include the reutilization of facilities and staffing. Mr. South presented information regarding adjustments made with regard to State funding. Ms. Bastian also provided information on scenarios for increasing revenue needed to fund a shortfall of $3.3 million if the Board of Education’s operational budget is adjusted to $63,430,546 or a 6.2 percent increase. The Commissioners discussed the information provided. Commissioner Wivell stated that he is not willing to vote for a tax increase and outlined the effects on a typical household in Washington County. Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, supplied information on ways the County could supplement the State Homeowners Tax Credit Program for senior citizens. Commissioner Swartz spoke in favor of providing a supplemental County program for senior citizens. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly to fund the Board of Education’s operational budget in the amount of $63,430,546 with the stipulation that if State funding is increased for education, that the County would reduce its support to the Board of Education by that amount, and to increase the property tax rate to $2.38 and local income tax by 8 percent in order to fund education. The motion died for lack of a second. The Commissioners then continued their review of the Board of Education’s budget. The discussions were discontinued at this time in order to hold the scheduled citizens participation. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth expressed his views on changes that need to be made in land use and planning procedures due to the sophisticated level of citizen input. Tom Berry stated that he agreed with Commissioner Wivell’s analysis as published in Herald Mail on Sunday. He noted ways that the Board of Education could save money and suggested items for consideration. Mr. Berry also suggested that a budget advisory committee be established. Bob Bricker asked for a clarification of budget numbers and stated that he is opposed to an increase in taxes. John Ankeney spoke on behalf of the deputies at the Sheriff’s Department and thanked them for doing a good job. James Devine informed the Commissioners of problems he experienced while he was incarcerated at the Detention Center. First Sergeant Richard Blair spoke on behalf of the employees at the Detention Center and urged the Commissioners to consider them as well as the patrol deputies when deciding on future pay raises, benefits, and other funding. CONTINUATION OF GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners continued discussions on the general fund operating budget. They denied the request for a new position of Coordinator for the Agricultural Museum. Commissioner Swartz again expressed his support for a supplemental tax credit program for senior citizens. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to increase the property tax rate by $.09 cents to $2.40 per $100 of assessed valuation, to increase the local income tax rate by 10 percent, and to institute a supplemental County tax credit program for senior citizens. Motion denied with Commissioners Swartz and Iseminger voting “AYE” and Commissioners Schnebly, Wivell and Snook voting “NO.” APRIL 25, 2000 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to increase the property tax rate by $.08 cents to $2.39 per $100 of assessed valuation, to increase the local income tax rate by 8 percent, and institute a supplemental County tax credit program for senior citizens. Motion denied with Commissioners Swartz and Iseminger voting “AYE” and Commissioners Schnebly, Wivell and Snook voting “NO.” The Commissioners could not resolve the issue and agreed to resume discussions at next week’s meeting. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:43 a.m. for lunch AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 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. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS - FEBRUARY - JUNE The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to the following youths in recognition of their selection as the Youth of the Month by the Washington County Children's Council for 2000: February – Erica Nelling; March – Lindsay E. Spangler; April Caitlin Nicewarner; May – David E. Ernst; and June – Drew C. Holler. The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra- curricular activities. FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION REVOLVING LOAN COMMITTEE REQUESTS Phil Ridenour, Chairman of the Fire & Rescue Association Revolving Loan Committee, met with the Commissioners to present the Committee’s recommendations on requests for loans from Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company and Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Ridenour informed the Commissioners that Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company has requested $100,000 to purchase an engine tanker to replace a 1980 engine/tanker. Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company has requested $150,000 toward the purchase of a replacement ladder truck to replace a 1973 model. He stated that both companies have met all of the criteria set forth in the guidelines and the Committee is unanimously recommending the award of both loans. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the recommendation of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Committee to loan funds from the revolving loan fund in the amount of $100,000 to the Smithsburg Volunteer Company for purchase of a replacement engine tanker. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the recommendation of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Committee to loan funds from the revolving loan fund in the amount of $150,000 to Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company toward the purchase of a replacement ladder truck. Unanimously approved. DEBT AFFORDABILITY AND POLICY SERVICES Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, introduced Roland Calia and Jennifer Ritter Douglas, representing the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), which provided consulting services on debt affordability and policies. Ms. Bastian stated that GFOA was asked to analyze and forecast debt capability and to prepare a formal debt policy to guide debt issuance and management. Ms. Douglas reviewed the executive summary and the methodology used in the study. She stated that GFOA formulated two peer groups of counties for the debt affordability study. One group consisted of only Maryland counties and the larger peer group included counties outside of Maryland. Ms. Douglas stated that the counties were selected based primarily on size and income indicators. She indicated that the next step addressed the debt ratios used to determine the amount of debt that Washington County could afford in the future. These indicators included debt measured against the population on a per-capita basis, debt as a percentage of fair market value of taxable property, debt service as a percentage of General Fund revenues, and debt service per capita as a percentage of personal income per capita. APRIL 25, 2000 PAGE FOUR Ms. Douglas stated that they determined through the analysis that Washington County’s debt levels are near the average when compared to the peer group of Maryland counties. She noted that the County’s debt levels in utility debt are higher because of the large amount of water and sewer debt. Ms. Douglas informed the Commissioners that an annual program of $10-12 million in new money issuance is considered affordable for Washington County. Ms. Douglas also presented a formal debt policy for the Commissioners’ consideration. She recommended that the County consider requesting a General Obligation rating upgrade from the agencies that currently rate its debt. She stated that it is unusual for a county the size of Washington County to have a debt affordability policy in place and that this should be looked upon favorably by rating agencies. Ms. Douglas noted that when the utilities become more self-supporting and revenues increase, the County could afford to issue more than $10-12 million annually. Ms. Douglas then answered questions from the Commissioners on the findings of the study and the data. BID AWARD – LONGMEADOW ROAD AND MARCH PIKE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for traffic signal modifications at Longmeadow Road and Marsh Pike to Valentine Electric, Heating and Air, Inc. which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $85.683.93 and to authorize the transfer of $40,000 from Miscellaneous Traffic Signals and $50,000 from Miscellaneous Road Improvements to fund the project. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – LITTLE ANTIETAM ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for the Little Antietam Road culvert replacement to Building Systems, Inc. which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $39,031. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FOR NEW ROAD NAME – CLOVER HILL LANE Motion made by Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to designate a previously unnamed private lane located off the north side of Garrets Mill Road as “Clover Hill Lane” as requested by the property owners. Unanimously approved. DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGE – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to combine the names of the Office for Children and Youth and the Local Management Board and approve the recommendation to change the name of the department to the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook stated that he received notification from the State Highway Administration of repair and resurfacing work that is scheduled on Interstate 68 east of Route 144. He also reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Commission meeting and the Tri-County Council meeting. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Disability Advisory Committee meeting and the CASA Board meeting. He stated that he attended the Career Technology awards presentation and acted as a proctor for the 24 Game championship. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new post office in Halfway. He also reported that he attended an Eagle Scout awards ceremony, and the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Emergency Services Council meeting. He received an update on the Civil War Museum study. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the meeting of the Public Golf Corporation and the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors. APRIL 25, 2000 PAGE FIVE Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the ribbon- cutting ceremony for Phase III of Prime Outlets and the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. He informed the Commissioners that he met with members of Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services regarding the issue of duplication of equipment. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the meeting of the Western Maryland County Commissioners would be on May 5. CLOSE-OUT CHANGE ORDER – HALFWAY BOULEVARD/HOPEWELL ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the close out change order for the Halfway Boulevard/Hopewell Road project for a decrease in the contract of $205,371.21. Unanimously approved. REQUEST TO WAIVE INTEREST – PROPERTY TAX Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to deny the request made by Arthur Rhoderick to waive the interest payments for property tax in the amount of $252.95. Unanimously approved. GODS AND GENERALS – MOVIE FINANCING EXTENSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve a six-month extension of the line of credit at Farmers & Merchants Bank. The line of credit was obtained for the purpose of financing pre-production costs for the movie “Gods and Generals.” Unanimously approved. EXTENSION OF LEASE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve a thirty-day extension of the lease for office space at 920 West Washington Street with Westshire, LLC, for the period June 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, and to extend the agreement with the Department of Social Services to allow them continued use of the space for the same period. Unanimously approved. ROBINWOOD SENIOR HOUSING – PAYMENT-IN-LIEU OF TAXES (PILOT) – RESOLUTION AND AGREEMENT Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that Hagerstown Robinwood Senior Associates, LLC, is developing a facility on Robinwood Drive that will provide independent living for senior citizens. He stated that Phase I will contain 64 units. Interfaith of Western Maryland, Inc., is the nonprofit partner and the Housing Authority of Washington County would manage the facility. Mr. Douglas stated that the County is authorized to enter into an agreement to provide tax incentives for housing for low-to-moderate income senior citizens. After discussion, the Commissioners took the request under consideration and asked for additional information. GRANT FUNDING – TRAUMA SPECIALIST FOR THE JAIL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM (JSAP) Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve grant funding from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through the Mental Health Authorityto add a full-time Trauma Specialist to the JSAP program. Unanimously approved. AMENDMENT TO MOTION – APPROVAL OF LANDFILL FEES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to amend and clarify the original motion to adopt the landfill fees as advertised as effective fiscal year 2001, and to adopt the fees as advertised with an annual review to be held for fees in subsequent years prior to their implementation. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the resolution is attached.) APPOINTMENT OF BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Jan Wetterer to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:32 p.m. APRIL 25, 2000 PAGE SIX JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Susan Saum- Wicklein, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:05 p.m. Gods & Generals – Movie Financing Extension Commissioner Snook informed City officials that the County agreed to approve a six-month extension of the line of credit with Farmers & Merchants Bank for financing the movie “Gods & Generals.” The Mayor and Council indicated that the City would do the same. National Civil War Museum – Status Report Dennis Frye and Randy Harper, representing the Antietam Creek Coalition, met with the group to present the completed concept plan and development strategy for the establishment of a National Civil War Museum in Hagerstown. Mr. Frye stated that the report was developed to present to public officials at the State and federal levels, the Smithsonian Institution, and Wall Street investors. Mr. Harper thanked the group for their support and stated that the Phase 2 funding that is needed would help to develop a pre-campaign survey and operating expenses. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion by the Commissioners and Mayor and Council. Items discussed included possible funding sources, parking, site development, and private contributions. Mr. Frye promised that they would be working to overcome the hurdles to the plan. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk