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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.20.2000 Minutes June 20, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland 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 – JUNE 13, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of June 13, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the Board of Social Services meeting. He also informed the Commissioners that there have been discussions about having the Community Free Clinic perform the physical examinations for members of volunteer fire and rescue companies. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to appropriate the $63,000 budgeted for physical examinations for volunteer fire and rescue company members in the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s (WCVFRA) budget and appropriate $13,000 to the Community Free Clinic to have them coordinate and provide this service. After discussion, this motion was tabled until further information is received from the WCVFRA to determine whether the Community Free Clinic can provide the level of specialized testing that is necessary for certification. Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that a meeting has been scheduled to discuss the Senior Olympics. Commissioner Schnebly reported that he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new YMCA and the anniversary ceremony for Mack Trucks’ 100th year in operation. He also reported on the Airport Commission meeting. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Commissioners should attend the July 24 meeting of the Thornton Commission scheduled at Hagerstown Community College to discuss the State funding formula for education. The Commissioners agreed and suggested that they make a joint presentation with the Board of Education. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he would attend the Governor’s signing of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement in Annapolis on June 28. Commissioner Snook stated that he received notification from the Department of Corrections that the Washington County Detention Center received a 100% compliance rating. He circulated a letter from Skip Kauffman, Mayor of Boonsboro, requesting that the Commissioners abate the recordation tax the Town paid in the amount of $2,660 when they purchased additional property adjacent to Shaffer Park. Commissioner Snook also circulated letters from the State Highway Administration announcing road and bridge improvements scheduled in Washington County. Commissioner Snook asked the Commissioners if they wanted to include additional funding for the Boonsboro fire company substation. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the Emergency Services Council report will address the funding situation and recommended that they wait until the report is finalized. Donald Shumaker and Curt Fales, representing Company 8, the substation for the First Hose Company of Boonsboro, discussed the financial problems they are experiencing. They asked that the Commissioners assist with their mortgage payment and asked for some type of temporary relief before the Council’s plan is reviewed. Commissioner Swartz expressed his support for the request. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the County cannot continue to make piecemeal solutions to fire and rescue services but need take a more holistic approach. The Commissioners also agreed that the boundary dispute needs to be resolved. After discussion, the Commissioners JUNE 20, 2000 PAGE TWO took this matter under consideration and asked that additional information be provided by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. They asked that this be scheduled on next Tuesday’s agenda. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – BERNARD L. MOSER Commissioner Iseminger presented a certificate of merit to Bernard “Bernie” Moser in recognition of 11 years of dedicated service on the Planning Commission. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Moser for his work on behalf of the citizens. Commissioner Iseminger reviewed some of the issues dealt with by the Planning Commission during his tenure on the Commission. Mr. Moser thanked the Commissioners and stated that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Planning Commission. He also complimented the staff of the Planning Department. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – JOHN “BUD” GUDMUNDSON Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of merit to John “Bud” Gudmundson in recognition of his having received a bachelor of science degree in geography information technology from the University of Maryland University College. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Gudmundson on his achievement and the perseverance it took to reach his goal. Mr. Gudmundson thanked the Commissioners for the certificate. BID AWARD – BOILER AND MACHINERY INSURANCE AND PROPERTY INSURANCE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for joint property insurance and boiler and machinery coverage to the Local Government Insurance Trust, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $49,826. The motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Iseminger “ABSTAINING.” CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth discussed the recent Circuit Court decision that overturned a Board decision in a rezoning case. He also voiced his opinion on impact fees and cited studies on the types of development that should be targeted for impact fees. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he is attempting to schedule a meeting with the local delegation to the General Assembly on July 28. He stated that he would coordinate the presentation with the Board of Education that would be presented at Hagerstown Community College on State funding for education. CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM – RESOLUTION - LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adopt a resolution entitled “Chesapeake Bay Program – Local Government Partnership Agreement” to agree to work cooperatively with the State of Maryland and to participate in efforts of the Tributary Teams to protect water quality, to participate in the development of revised tributary strategies, to address, where appropriate, the goals identified by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, to support local government participation in the development of program policies and to pursue adequate funding to support local government watershed restoration and protection programs. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the resolution is attached.) C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK COMMISSION – RECOMMENDATION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to recommend to the United States Department of Interior that Patricia Schooley be appointed as Washington County’s representative on the C&O National Historic Park Commission. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Reverend Yvonne Mercer-Staten to the Community Partnership for Children & Families Board. Unanimously approved. JUNE 20, 2000 PAGE THREE REAPPOINTMENT – SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reappoint Kenneth Conway to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FOR NEW ROAD NAME – EARTH CARE ROAD Motion made by Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to designate an unnamed road located off the north side of National Pike that will serve the new County landfill as “Earth Care Road” as requested by the Planning Department. Unanimously approved. FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS – PROPOSED SCHEDULE Ronald Karn, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, met with the Commissioners to request their approval of a 40- hour schedule for the full-time Emergency Communications Specialists. He stated that the schedule would become effective July 15. Mr. Karn explained that the proposed schedule utilizes eight-hour day, evening, and midnight shifts with one power fill-in shift. He stated that the shifts do not rotate but are permanent shifts. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, stated that Mr. Bestpitch, AFSCME Representative, was aware that the schedule would be presented today. Mr. Karn informed the Commissioners that no employees would be laid off but that the number would eventually be reduced through attrition. The Commissioners discussed the schedule and asked for an update in six months. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to accept the recommendation of staff and approve the 40-hour schedule for full-time Emergency Communications Specialists. Unanimously approved. RECESS – WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ANNUAL MEETING The Commissioners recessed at 11:25 a.m. in order to attend the annual meeting of the Community Partnership for Children and Families. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 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, and William J. Wivell. BID AWARD – TAXIWAY “A” REHABILITATION AND EXTENSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for rehabilitation and extension of Taxiway “A” at the Hagerstown Regional Airport to C. William Hetzer, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $2,387,019.08, contingent upon FAA approval. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” REJECTION OF BIDS – ROOFING MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reject all bids received in the response to the Invitation for Bid (PUR-752) for Roofing Maintenance Services at County Facilities, revise the bid documents to clarify language regarding travel time and transportation in the Invitation to Bid document, and solicit new bids for this maintenance service. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 1:54 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at 3:06 p.m. and Vice President Swartz assumed the Chair. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 3:28 p.m. Unanimously approved. JUNE 20, 2000 PAGE FOUR In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues and discussed one (1) matter concerning the acquisition of real property for a public purpose. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. APPOINTMENT - PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Timothy Henry to the Planning Commission for a five-year term. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:28 p.m. (Commissioner Snook returned to the meeting at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall.) JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Bruchey welcomed the participants in the “Grassroots Democracy” project, a three-week program of the Office of International Visitors of the U.S. Department of State, designed to promote an understanding of American government and citizen involvement. University Systems of Maryland Update Chuck Middleton, Vice Chairman of Academic Affairs at the University System of Maryland, and John Frece, Special Assistant to the Governor for Smart Growth, met with the group to provide an update on the Baldwin House as the location for the campus of the University Systems of Maryland in Hagerstown. Mr. Frece stated that the Governor views this as an important “Smart Growth” issue and that he supports the reuse of the Baldwin House complex. He indicated that they feel they can build a quality system that the City can use as a catalyst for other economic development projects. Mr. Frece estimated that the facility would be open for classes in 2003 and that the renovations will fall within the $12.5 million funding initiatives. Mr. Middleton provided a brief update on the programs they hope to offer at the Hagerstown campus. He stated that they have developed a survey and have received preliminary results. Mr. Middleton then answered questions from the group on the structural and environmental studies that were done. Commissioner Schnebly raised concerns about adequate parking, lighting, and security at the campus. Open Space Task Force Presentation James Pierne, Chairman of the Open Space Task Force, presented the committee’s findings. He stated that the committee was formed to assist in developing a plan to build the education facility in downtown Hagerstown and to provide options for the open space needs around the area. Mr. Pierne stated that the cost of the plan to provide open space and amenities is estimated at $4.4 million. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, 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 Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 5:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. JUNE 20, 2000 PAGE FIVE In closed session, the Commissioners discussed matters concerning the acquisition of real property for a public purpose. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure; City of Hagerstown staff: Alfred Martin, Director of Finance; Austin Abraham, Project Coordinator; Bruce Johnston, City Engineer; Richard Kautz, City Planner; Kathy Maher, Senior Planner; George Andreve, Community Development Coordinator; and Brenda Donovan, Administrative Assistant. Also present were Open Space Task Force members Tom Newcomer, Wayne Alter, James Pierne, James Latimer, Rich Reichenbaugh, Nicole Houser, Jack Garrott, and Art Callaham; Charles Middleton, Vice Chairman of Academic Affairs at the University System of Maryland; John Frece, Special Assistant to the Governor for Smart Growth; and Robert Sweeney, Administrator for the University of Maryland System Campus in Hagerstown. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk