Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.08.2000 MinutesAugust 8, 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: Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. 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 — JULY 25 & 28, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 25, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 28, 2000, as submitted. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that he was a guest on the League of Women Voters radio program. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting and on the joint meeting between the County Planning Commission and Hagerstown Planning Commission. Commissioner Iseminger indicated that he would be attending a meeting of MACo's education subcommittee on Thursday. He stated that they need to start lobbying the State to put in additional money for education. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meeting of the Historic District Commission. He stated that he also attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting and the Board of Education's retreat on the State funding formula. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended the Eagle Scout awards ceremony for three local Boy Scouts. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the awards ceremony for the Sheriff's Department. He reported on the meetings of the Community Action Council, the University Systems of Maryland Open Space Task Force, the Senior Olympics Committee, and the Quad State Conference. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he also attended a reception at California Microwave and met with Highway Department workers in the Southern Section. He stated that he attended the Rocky Gap Country Music Festival. Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce board meeting. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF SEWER HOOK-UP FEE - WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the request made by the Washington County Association for Retarded Citizens to waive the sewer hook- up fee of $3,000 for the new picnic pavilion at Kemp Horn and to fund this amount ($3,000) from the Commissioners' contingency fund. Unanimously approved. RECOMMENDATION TO EMPLOY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING SPECIALIST Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the recommendation to employ Cassandra Latimer as Marketing Specialist for the Economic Development Commission (EDC), Grade 12, at a starting salary of $40,000, to fill an existing vacancy. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, Swartz and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." SHERIFF'S PATROL FACILITY FUNDING Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, presented a proposal for the Commissioners' consideration for additional funding needed for the Sheriff's patrol facility project. Mr. Shoop recommended that the CIP be adjusted to fund the additional $615,000 needed for the project. He stated that this could be done by reducing the budgeted amount for the Phoenix Color stormwater management pond project by $250,000, reducing the FY 2003 allocation to Hagerstown Community College by $250,000, and increasing the AUGUST 8, 2000 PAGE TWO revenue generated by the Sheriff's Department by $115,000. Sheriff Mades provided information on the revenues generated by his department. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to accept Mr. Shoop's recommendation and to provide an additional $615,000 for the Sheriff's patrol facility project by reducing the budgeted amount for Phoenix Color stormwater management pond project by $250,000, reducing the FY 2003 allocation to Hagerstown Community College by $250,000, and increasing the revenue generated by the Sheriff's Department by $115,000. The motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO A LEASE & OPTION AGREEMENT - FUNKSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the request of the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. to enter into a lease and option agreement with KMS Fire Apparatus in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $380,000 to finance the purchase of one KME Custom Rescue Truck, pursuant to and for the sole purpose of satisfying Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unanimously approved. SUPPORT FOR GRANT - STUDY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORATION OPTIONS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Technical Study Grant Agreement with the State of Maryland Mass Transit Administration for a study on public transportation options and needs, with the local $5,000 financial match to be provided by the Washington County Department of Social Services. Unanimously approved. FIRE & RESCUE REVOLVING LOAN FUND REQUESTS Phil Ridenour, Chairman of the Fire & Rescue Association Revolving Loan Committee, met with the Board of Commissioners to present the Committee's recommendations on requests for loans from Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Service, Inc. and the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. Mr. Ridenour informed the Commissioners that Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Service has requested $14,307.45 from the EMS fund to purchase three Life -Pak 12 lead ECG monitors to upgrade their current quality of monitoring patients. The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway requested a loan in the amount of $33,253.50 from the EMS fund to purchase three combination manual/automatic defibrillators and twelve lead life packs to equip their ambulances and first responder unit. However, the loan guidelines prohibit the Committee from granting requests exceeding 500 of the purchase price. Mr. Ridenour stated that the Committee is, therefore, recommending a loan of $16,627. The Committee also recommended the award of the loan to Boonsboro Ambulance in the amount indicated above. Joe Kroboth, Chief of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, was present to appeal for the entire funding of their loan request. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to approve the entire loan request if the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway would be willing to use its reserve funds to pay the loan down to 500 of the level of the request if possible after their audit has been finalized. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, 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 $14,307.45 to Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Service, Inc. for the purchase of three (3) Life -Pak 12 lead ECG monitors. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to waive the guidelines of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund and approve the request of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway to borrow $33,253.50 from the revolving loan fund for the purchase of three combination manual/automatic defibrillators and twelve lead life packs to equip their ambulances and first responder unit with the provision that if it has surplus funds available, that it pay down the loan to the 500 level. Unanimously approved. AUGUST 8, 2000 PAGE THREE DISCUSSION OF SCHEDULE FOR 911 EMPLOYEES Commissioner Swartz reviewed some of the concerns of the Fire/EMD Communications Technicians regarding a 12 -hour work schedule. The Commissioners discussed the concerns they have with adoption of a 12 -hour schedule and agreed that they would like to review the various work schedule proposals before rescinding the schedule that was approved on June 20. PUBLIC HEARING - RZ-00-002 - CONDITIONS FOR REZONING 632 JOINT VENTURE The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments regarding the proposed conditions to be imposed upon the property that is the subject of rezoning application RZ-00-002 filed by 632 Joint Venture. The application has requested that the subject property be rezoned from Residential Multi -Family to Highway Interchange 1. The property is 9.9893 acres and is located on the southeast side of Md. 632, adjacent to the north side of I-70. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission opined that the proposed rezoning was logical and appropriate and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the County. The Planning Commission also recommended that the conditions stipulated in an agreement between the Applicant and Towne Oak Village residents be adopted as conditions associated with the rezoning. The following proposed conditions are under consideration to be imposed upon the applicant: 1. A visual barrier of Leland Cyprus trees or equivalent shall be planted on a mound along the property line between Towne Oak Village and the existing HI -1 zoned property, also known as the old Moose Club property. New trees shall be planted within 90 days of the start of any construction on the 9.9 acre parcel, weather permitting. 2. The planned street through the existing HI -1 parcel and proposed rezoned parcel will be positioned near I-70 rather than near the Towne Oak Village property line. This street shall end at a cul-de-sac and shall not be granted a right- of-way extension. 3. Lighting for future development shall be directed away from the Towne Oak Village neighborhood. 4. All development is subject to prevailing State and local laws and regulations. The hearing was then opened for public comment. William Wantz, attorney for the applicant, spoke on behalf of and in support of the conditions being considered. Commissioner Snook stated that the record would be held open for ten (10) days for any written comments. The hearing was closed at 10:05 a.m. ESTABLISHMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY - HENSON BOULEVARD AND AIRPARK ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve and accept right-of-way plat numbers 100-10-460, 100-10-461,100-10-462,100-10-463, and 100-10- 464, which will establish rights-of-way for Henson Boulevard and Airpark Road, as presented by the Assistant County Attorney. Unanimously approved. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPTION AGREEMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to authorize the Real Property Administrator to enter into option agreements for up to $10,000 per individual agreement and to execute said option agreements on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. The Commissioners requested that the Real Property Administrator monitor the agreements and provide a report to them in one year. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Schnebly, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." AUGUST 8, 2000 PAGE FOUR SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AWARD - SLUDGE HAULING & DISPOSAL FROM THE CONOCOCHEAGUE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for sludge hauling and disposal services from the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Water & Sewer Department to Waste Management of Shenandoah Valley at the following unit cost fees: tip fee - $30 per ton and pull rate - $150 each. The award is a sole source procurement based on Sections 1-106.2(a)(1) of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth provided his views on the positions of possible candidates for governor in 2002 with regard to development and roads. He also spoke in support of the proposed Funkstown by-pass. PROPOSAL FOR BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUNDS INITIATIVE Linn Hendershot, Chairperson of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, and Sharon Landis, Director of the Anita Lynne Home, met with the Commissioners to request their support for a grant application and in-kind assistance from the County for the Boundless Playgrounds Initiative. Mr. Hendershot informed the Commissioners that the Governor's Office on Individuals with Disabilities, Boundless Playgrounds, Inc., and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation have announced a $1.75 million partnership to build 10 "universally accessible" playgrounds across Maryland. The project requires a 50-50 match for each State dollar. He stated that the match can be in the form of in-kind labor, administration costs, and donated funds. Mr. Hendershot provided background information on the initiative. Mr. Hendershot stated that MIHI wishes to be the County's partner for this endeavor. Washington County could be eligible for $75,000 in grant funds and the County partnership would have to provide $37,500 in matching funds. Ms. Landis provided information on the scope of the project. She stated that they hope to enhance accessibility at the Marty Snook Park rather than construct a new park. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to provide a letter of support for the Boundless Playgrounds Initiative grant and to authorize the County Parks Department to provide the necessary services relating to the installation of equipment if the grant is awarded. Unanimously approved. RECESS - VISIT TO AG EXPO The Commissioners recessed at attend the Ag Expo 2000 being Agricultural Education Center. AFTERNOON SESSION 12:16 p.m. for lunch and to held at the Washington County The afternoon session was called to order at 1:31 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Paul L. Swartz, John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, and William J. Wivell. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 1:31 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:01 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter. Present AUGUST 8, 2000 PAGE FIVE 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Ronald Karn, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:01 p.m. in order to attend a joint meeting with the Board of Education at the Board of Education's central office. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at its office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:13 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, and Ed Hayes. Staff members present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; Teresa Flak, Assistant Superintendent; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; Phil Ray, Director of Human Resources; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Responses to Thornton Commission Questions Commissioner Snook reviewed the questions contained in the outlined submitted by the Thornton Commission and asked who would be making the formal response for Washington County. They agreed that one response should be made to the three main questions. The Commissioners stated that they hope that the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) will include additional funding for education as one of its top priorities for this legislative session. Commissioner Snook indicated that it is the top priority for the County. They agreed that the three priorities are reinstatement of funding for Social Security and additional State funding for transportation and special education and that the staff would draft a response for their review. Commissioner Snook stated that the State has mandated additional requirements for these programs but has not provided increased funding for them. Mr. Bailey distributed minutes of the last Thornton Commission meeting and an article from The Baltimore Sun. Facilities Task Force Update Commissioner Schnebly provided an update on the meetings of the Facilities Task Force. He stated that the meetings have focused on optimal sizing of elementary schools. Commissioner Schnebly indicated that the studies indicate that 450-500 students is the most favorable number for plant efficiencies and learning environment. He thanked Dennis McGee for providing statistical information on the operating costs of schools. He advised them that the Task Force is looking at some practical projects to move toward this goal. Commissioner Wivell stated that the Task Force will be reviewing enrollment projections at the next meeting. Health Insurance - Consultant Study Commissioner Snook informed the Board of Education members that the County would be rebidding its health insurance coverage early in 2001. He stated that the Commissioners would like to have data from the Board to allow the consultant to see if it would be financially beneficial to pool resources from the County, Board of Education, and Hagerstown Community College and bid the insurance together. Alan Davis, County Director of Human Resources, stated that the intent is not to take over the Board's health insurance but to look at the demographics of the workforce and their claims experience to determine if it is feasible to proceed. The Board expressed concerns about the request. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Davis and Mr. Ray would meet with the consultant and report back to them at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 4:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator AUGUST 8, 2000 PAGE SIX County Attorney Clerk