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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.12.2000 Minutes September 12, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 7:30 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 7:33 a.m. to discuss a personnel matter, 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 Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 8:30 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter. 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; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. 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 – AUGUST 8, AUGUST 22, AND AUGUST 29, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of August 8, 22 and 29, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – NORMAN BASSETT Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to Norman Bassett in recognition for his having received the Training Generalist Certification from Langevin Learning Services, Inc. He commended Mr. Bassett for the dedication required in devoting the many hours of continuing education necessary to achieve this designation. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Bassett on this accomplishment. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the meeting of the Historic District Commission. He stated that he presented the “Try Transit Week” proclamation on Monday. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the public hearing held by the Hagerstown Planning Commission on the proposed location for a new Wal- Mart Supercenter near Funkstown. The Commissioners discussed the matter and asked for an update on the project. They agreed that the developer should fund the necessary infrastructure for the project. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Try Transit Week ceremony. He also reported on the meetings of the Senior Olympics committee, the Planning Commission, and the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the City/County Sewer Task Force. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the Try Transit Week ceremony and CASA’s “Run Jane Run” fundraiser. He reported on the meetings of the Area Agency on Aging and the Recreation and Parks Board. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he was a guest on Trav Ruppert’s WJEJ radio show. Commissioner Snook asked for an estimate of revenues the County receives from events such as softball and soccer tournaments. He stated that he attended Outdoor Expo at the Agricultural Education Center as well as the Tri-County Council meeting last week. SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 PAGE TWO HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT – UPDATE Carolyn Motz, Manager of the Hagerstown Regional Airport, met with the Commissioners to present an overview of the capital projects that are scheduled at the Airport over the next three years. Terry Page, Manager of the Washington Airports District Office, provided information on the FAA funding available under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act (AIR-21). He stated that the appropriation is estimated to grow to $3.2 billion in 2001- 2003. Mr. Page indicated that the FAA believes that a runway extension at the Hagerstown Regional Airport is justifiable. He stated that the existing runway at Hagerstown is too short for today’s business and regional jets. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Page for his participation in the projects at the Airport. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the annual State Highway Administration (SHA) transportation tour is scheduled in Washington County on September 21. He stated that he recently found that the SHA supports the runway extension project but has no funding allocated for it in its 5-year plan. Ms. Motz introduced Steve Luchessi, a consultant from the URS Corporation, the County’s consultants for the update of the airport layout plan. Mr. Luchessi provided an update on the three programs that they are working on at the Hagerstown Regional Airport: 1) the parallel taxiway program, 2) the runway extension program, and 3) the upgrade and rehabilitation of the crosswind runway. He informed the Commissioners that the FAA has awarded a grant for the extension of the parallel taxiway. Mr. Luchessi stated that they have determined that 7,000 feet is the proper length of he runway, considering the needs of Washington County. The runway extension should be built on the east end of the runway and Route 11 would run underneath it. He stated that they would hope to break ground for the project in 2003. Mr. Luchessi also provided a brief summary of the plans for the program through 2003. Ms. Motz indicated that they would also be making upgrades to the runway lighting during the Taxiway A rehab project. Mr. Luchessi stated that the funding “window of opportunity” from FAA appears solid through 2003 if local funding can be mobilized. Mr. Shoop reviewed the steps the Commissioners have taken to keep this project moving forward on a rapid pace. Ms. Motz thanked the Commissioners for their support of the projects at the Airport. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Bob Darby voiced his concerns about traffic conditions along Pennsylvania Avenue at Crestwood Drive due to signs and shrubbery that reduce sight distance. Commissioner Snook said that he would talk to the landowner to see if he would move the sign back from the road. Mr. Darby also had questions regarding parking spaces for Hagerstown Business College. Alan Yost, the operator in charge of the timber harvesting operation at the new 40-West Landfill, complained that the County has changed the timbering schedule and that has interfered with their operations under their contract with the County. Commissioner Snook stated he would get an update from the staff before responding to them on this issue. FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS WORK SCHEDULE The Commissioners discussed the various 40-hour per week work schedules under consideration for Fire & EMD Technicians in the Fire & Rescue Communications Department. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, briefly reviewed the fixed eight-hour per day schedule with rotating days off that was revised by Chief Karn and the twelve hour per day schedule proposed by several Fire & Rescue employees. Mr. Davis spoke in support of the schedule submitted by Chief Karn. He stated that public safety must weigh more heavily than the desires of the employees. Chief Karn provided information requested from a random survey of other communications centers in the State. Commissioner Iseminger asked that special consideration be given to these employees during the holiday period to assure that they have time with their families. Mr. Davis stated that this suggestion would be discussed with appropriate departments, including the Sheriff’s Department. The Commissioners then discussed both schedules and heard the concerns of the employees who were in attendance. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adopt the 12-hour schedule proposed for Fire & EMD Technicians in the Fire & Rescue Communications Department for a one-year trial period and to re-evaluate SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 PAGE THREE the schedule at that time. The Motion was denied with Commissioners Swartz and Schnebly voting “AYE” and Commissioners Iseminger, Wivell and Snook voting “NO.” Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt the revised fixed eight-hour per day schedule with rotating days off for Fire & EMD Technicians. The Commissioners also requested that they be given a status report in six months. The motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Iseminger and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Schnebly and Swartz voting “NO.” FY 2001 STATEWIDE SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SSTAP) Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) Operating Assistance Grant Agreement between the State Mass Transit Administration and Washington County in the amount of $124,096 with the County providing local funding in the form of in-kind services of $45,365. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH AND DEDICATION OF HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIERS The Commissioners recessed at 11:28 a.m. in order to attend the dedication of the handicapped-accessible fishing piers at Devil’s Backbone Park. 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, Jr., and William J. Wivell. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he represented the County at the Leadership Hagerstown orientation seminar last week. He reminded the Commissioners that he would be attending the ICMA conference in Cincinnati next week. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners not to hold an evening session as scheduled for September 26 but to hold it during the day instead. Mr. Shoop stated that he would like to schedule a workshop with the Commissioners and staff on October 20 to discuss the proposed goals for 2001 and the revised vision and mission statements. The workshop will be held at Hagerstown Community College. APPLICATIONS FOR FEDERAL GRANTS - TRAILS PROGRAMS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the submission of an application to the Federal government for funding for the construction of trails at the Marty Snook Park and Agricultural Education Center. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS – FIRE & RESCUE REVOLVING LOAN FUND Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint James Miller, representing emergency medical services, Dan Grove, representing fire service, and to appoint Sam Murray, the representative and First Vice President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, to the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund, for one-year terms. Unanimously approved. ADVANCED TELCOM GROUP – “MEET AND GREET” Linda Irvin-Craig, representing the Howard Consulting Group, introduced Gerald McCloskey, General Manager of the Advanced TelCom Group, to the Commissioners. He explained that the Advanced TelCom Group, has chosen Washington County as one of its Maryland markets and has developed a customer base here. Mr. McCloskey provided information on the services they provide as a new local telephone and Internet service company. The Commissioners welcomed Advanced TelCom to Washington County and wished them good luck with their endeavors. SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 PAGE FOUR QUITCLAIM CONVEYANCE - CHARLES & SANDRA MCCLURE Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, and John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, met with the Commissioners regarding a request to quitclaim 19 square feet of land to Charles and Sandra McClure. Mr. Martirano explained that two corners of the McClure house at 12924 Woodburn Drive, encroach upon a 30’ wide sewer easement. The McClures would like to acquire clear title to the land. He reviewed the additional information requested by the Commissioners on the drainage easement. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to quitclaim the requested area if the property owners execute an agreement to hold the County harmless from any damage done during maintenance or repair of the sewer line. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to quitclaim 19 square feet of land located at 12925 Woodburn Drive, to Charles R. and Sandra L. McClure, contingent upon the execution of a hold harmless agreement. Unanimously approved. UPDATE – ADVERTISEMENT OF DITTO KNOLLS PROPERTY Dean Lowry provided an update on the status of the Ditto Knolls property. The Commissioners asked Mr. Lowry to bring the matter back for their review before advertising for the sale of the property. TRAFFIC STUDY - - SITE OF PROPOSED WALMART SUPERCENTER Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners to provide a brief update on the traffic study done for the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter near the Town of Funkstown. Mr. McGee stated that the traffic study analyzed 14 intersections in the area. In summarizing the report, he noted the problem areas identified in it. Mr. McGee indicated that the City is the lead agency and does not have an adequate public facilities ordinance or a road adequacy policy in place. He stated that the County has jurisdiction over one intersection in the area but staff members have been providing technical services to City. Mr. McGee stated that the main issues involved are the points of access to the site. He stated that the study indicates that the easternmost access would need to be signalized as well as the connector road. The traffic study calls for four traffic signals within 2000 feet. Mr. McGee explained that there are unresolved issues regarding traffic problems in and around the Town of Funkstown. He then outlined recommendations identified by the consultant to alleviate some of current traffic problems within the Town. He explained that this is outside of the County’s jurisdiction. The Commissioners thanked Mr. McGee for the update on the situation. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:31 p.m. to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 2:58 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; and Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); and Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Specialist. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:58 p.m. in order to attend a joint meeting with the Board of Education at the Board of Education’s central office. SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 PAGE FIVE JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at its office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:20 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Marie Byers, 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. Fourth Quarter Budget Adjustments – FY 2000 Operating Budget Chris South reviewed the budget adjustment request for the fourth quarter of FY 2000 Operating Budget and presented the reasons for the requested changes. Mr. South stated that several of the changes cross major categories and require the approval of the County Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the following fourth-quarter category adjustments to the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2000 budget: to increase the following categories: Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $84,727, Special Education - $53,108, Operation of Plant - $12,927, Maintenance of Plant - $16,538, and Fixed Charges - $17,681; and to decrease the following categories: Revenue - $21,254, Administration - $7,397, Mid-Level Administration - $45,783, Instructional Salaries - $107,930, Other Instructional Costs - $14,683, Student Personnel Services - $1,070, Student Health Services - $139, and Student Transportation - $37,293, for an addition to the fund balance of $8,060. Unanimously approved. Health Insurance Partnering Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, introduced Mike Marchini, Benefits Consultant for CBIZ, Inc., who has developed a brief summary of current health insurance benefits for the employees of the Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Education, and Hagerstown Community College, in response to a request made by the Commissioners at the joint meeting with the Board of Education on August 8. Mr. Marchini reviewed factors the groups should consider before developing a joint request for proposal for health insurance. Issues for consideration include funding types, current carriers, benefit offerings, benefit levels, union negotiated benefits, and cost sharing. He stated that by “partnering” the three entities could use combined purchasing power and possibly realize a savings in the fixed cost costs of 5 – 15%. Mr. Marchini informed the group that the bids could be combined or offered as separate bids in the same package. At this time the meeting was opened for discussion and questions. The Board members stated that their Health Care Cost Containment Committee approves the health insurance benefits and should be involved in the process of developing the request for proposal (RFP) and reviewing the bids. Mr. Marchini explained ways that the bid could be constructed with options to approve as a combined package or separately. The Commissioners agreed that the package would be bid with no substantial changes in the benefits offered to the employees. Mr. Harden indicated that the employees of the Board of Education are apprehensive about the proposal. He also reminded the Commissioners that they must work with four negotiating groups. Commissioner Schnebly stated that this is a “fact-finding exercise” and, if they do not attempt to bid the package under one umbrella, they will never know what the cost savings may be. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to have its Cost Containment Committee involved in the development of their RFP. It was decided that each entity would develop its own RFP by November 14 to be put together in one package for bidding purposes. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 PAGE SIX , County Attorney , County Clerk