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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.24.2000 MinutesOctober 24, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended a breakfast meeting with the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) at 7:30 a.m. at the Venice Inn to discuss legislative issues for the 2001 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Joan Warner, Executive Director of ABC, reviewed ABC’s concerns for the possible introduction of legislation regarding the use of project labor agreements. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 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 Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 17, 2000 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger to approve the minutes of October 17, 2000, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported that he attended the meeting with State Highway Administration officials regarding citizen concerns about the safety of Maryland Route 77. He stated that he was a guest on the League of Women Voters’ radio show last week. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Public Golf Corporation and the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors. He informed the Commissioners that he was interviewed on WHAG radio’s talk show. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Transportation Advisory Commission, the Children’s Council, and the Commission on Aging. He stated that he participated in the Kids Voting Parade and an Eagle Scout ceremony. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the funeral of Seaman Apprentice Craig Wibberley. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he reviewed the proposed stadium plans and toured the site. He informed the Commissioners that he met with Randy Harper and Dennis Frye to discuss the proposed Civil War museum. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Antietam Coalition would be requesting $8 million from the State over a three-year period. He asked whether the Commissioners would consider sending a letter of support for the project concept. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to send a letter supporting the concept, but would not guarantee local funding for it. Commissioner Schnebly suggested that some type of recognition be given to Seamen Patrick Roy and Craig Wibberley at the local Veterans’ Day memorial ceremony. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he was contacted by members of the Historical Advisory Committee requesting that the County discontinue its plans to demolish the outbuildings at the French Lane property. He stated that they realize that the buildings are not historical structures, but feel that they might be able to utilize them in some way. Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, indicated that they were being demolished for safety reasons. The Commissioners asked that the demolition be placed on the agenda for discussion with members of the local historical groups. OCTOBER 24, 2000 PAGE TWO Commissioner Snook reviewed correspondence he received from the State Highway Administration regarding their increased contribution to cover the cost of signage in Washington County. He reminded the Commissioners of the Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting on Friday. Commissioner Snook informed them that the County has received a disparity grant from the State for education and asked Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, to check with the State to determine the criteria for calculation of the grants. He informed the Commissioners that the Governor has appointed Eileen Wiggins to the County Election Board. The Commissioners discussed appointment of a representative to MACo’s Legislative Committee for 2001. Commissioner Schnebly agreed to serve as the County’s representative and Commissioner Iseminger agreed to be the alternate. FORTY WEST LANDFILL UPDATE Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director; Joe Kroboth, Deputy Chief Engineer; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Azmat Hussain, Project Manager, and Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management; met with the County Commissioners to provide an update on the Forty West Landfill project. He stated that the staff has been working closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to address all the issues. Mr. Rohrer reviewed the change orders that have been approved and those that are pending. He stated that his presentation would include a general summary of activities including those that are under construction, proposed facilities, aerial tour of the project, and the visual status of the project. Mr. Rohrer also informed the Commissioners that staff would review tonnage trends, the status of proposed cell 2, and budget balances. Mr. Kroboth distributed a sample of the material used in the double liner system for the Commissioners to examine. The staff urged the Commissioners to ask questions or discuss issues throughout the presentation. The presentation was postponed at 10:30 a.m. in order to hold Citizens Participation. (Commissioner Schnebly was excused from the meeting at this time) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth spoke about Frederick County’s land use policy and their Commissioners’ decision to deny an application for location of a mosque. He stated that it was not discriminatory as the decision was based on their land use policy. Mr. Allensworth stated that he supports the offer made by Vincent Groh proposing to exchange land that he owns with the City of Hagerstown to permit the City to construct a new baseball stadium near Interstate 81. Don DeArmon, candidate for the United States House of Representatives, introduced himself to the Commissioners. He stated that he is learning about Washington County and the needs of local government. Commissioner Snook thanked him for attending their meeting. CONTINUATION OF LANDFILL UPDATE Mr. Rohrer continued the presentation on the status of the Forty West landfill. He provided a summary of pending change orders for the project. The Commissioners agreed to recess at this time and to continue the presentation when they return for the afternoon session. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 10:59 a.m. in order for a project review at the Washington County Humane Society and to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new animal shelter. PROJECT REVIEW – NEW ANIMAL SHELTER PROJECT Tracey Bowman, Chairperson of the Washington County Humane Society, provided an update on the estimated costs for the new animal shelter. Ms. Bowman informed the Commissioners that the low bid for construction of the project was $1,330,000 from Excel Construction Company. The total project OCTOBER 24, 2000 PAGE THREE is estimated to cost $2,092,131. Tom Johnson, architect for the project, explained the bidding process that was used. Dana Moylan, attorney for the Humane Society, provided information on the financing proposal made by local lending institutions and the proposed amendments to their agreement with County government. She requested the following amendments to the June 1999 contract: 1) That the County reiterate its agreement to pay 70% of the total actual project cost with a statement of the most recent estimates. 2) That the County adjust the interest rate in the agreement to match the rate of the bank loan. 3) That the County guarantee 70% of the loan amount. 4) That the County adjust the annual payment per year based upon the increased cost of the project. The Commissioners expressed concerns with the increase in the cost of the project over the original estimate of $975,000 and stated that they would have the Public Works Director review the final drawings and costs. They also stated that they would like the Finance Director to review the financing proposals. LUNCH – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT VENDOR EXHIBITS The Commissioners attended the second annual Community Partnership Summit sponsored by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families at the Ramada Inn to tour the vendor exhibits and for lunch. (Commissioner Schnebly returned to the meeting at the Community Partnership Summit.) AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:45 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. CONTRACT AWARD – FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for financial advisor services to Public Advisory Consultants, Inc., for a total proposal value of $32,000 ($8,000 annually) with the option for three one-year renewals. Unanimously approved. CONTINUATION OF PRESENTATION ON FORTY WEST LANDFILL Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, reviewed the pending change orders for the Landfill project. He stated that one-third of the change orders are related to design, one-third to regulatory issues and the others are a mixture of classifications. Mr. McGee informed the Commissioners that the total for all change orders was $610,000. Mr. Rohrer stated that it is anticipated that the access road portion of the project will be under budget by approximately $140,000. He recommended retaining this amount in case the surplus is needed to help fund the total project. Mr. Rohrer stated that they have reviewed the plans for the office facility and have substantially reduced the cost estimate for it. Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, provided an update on the costs for exporting waste from the Resh landfill. He stated that $356,000 was budgeted for this activity and that 5,549 tons of waste will have been exported to Pennsylvania by end of October. The projected cost for this is $311,000. Mr. Davenport indicated that they plan to stop exporting waste by the end of October or early November. The Forty West landfill is scheduled to open the early part of December. Mr. Davenport stated that tonnage is up by 10½% over FY 1999 and revenue has increased 7.6%. He also reviewed the rubble landfill operation and stated that the cell has reached capacity. Mr. Davenport informed the Commissioners that the MDE permit for the rubble landfill has been renewed. The staff also reviewed the tonnage history and tipping fees. Mr. Rohrer stated that the estimated life of Cell #1 is 2.8 years, depending on the flow. It was originally thought to be four years. He estimated that the cost for the design of Cell #2 would be $150,000. It is targeted for construction in the spring of 2002 with construction costs estimated at $2,241,100. Mr. Rohrer stated that the capacity of Cell #2 will be double that of Cell #1. OCTOBER 24, 2000 PAGE FOUR Mr. Rohrer reviewed the site of the cemetery located on the site and the measures taken to assure that it was undisturbed throughout the construction of Cell #1. Mr. Rohrer also reminded the Commissioners that agreements call for the possible extension of a public water system to serve a radius of up to one-half mile around the Landfill. If required, the design must be bid within 30 days. He stated that they have a plan in place but do not believe that it will be necessary. The Commissioners thanked the staff for the comprehensive presentation and review of the project. CHANGE ORDER – FORTY WEST LANDFILL (CELL 1 OF PHASE 1) Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve Change Order #8 in the amount of $185,510 for the Forty West Landfill, Cell 1 of Phase 1, Contract LD-C1- 050-20 with C. William Hetzer, Inc. for modifications to the stormwater management structures and sediment and erosion control changes. Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” GRANT SUBMISSIONS - RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM (RAP) TO WORK Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger to submit an application to the State Rental Services Programs for the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) to Work application for FY 2001 and Grant Agreement for an amount up to $58,478 and for submission of the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) application and Grant Agreement for FY 2001 to the Rental Services Programs for an allocation of $58,478. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he has scheduled a follow-up meeting on the County’s proposed 2001 goals for November 21. He stated that they would recess to attend the grand opening of the new District Court building and then resume the meeting on the goals. BUDGET TRANSFER – BOARD OF EDUCATION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a budget transfer of $40,000 remaining from the Springfield Middle School chiller tower project to the South Hagerstown High School renovation project as requested by the Board of Education. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – PLUMBING BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reappoint G. Clair Baker, Jr. and David Hutzler (alternate) to the Plumbing Board for three-year terms and to waive the policy regarding the two-term limit and reappoint Charles Semler to a three-year term. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 3:10 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to discuss proposals 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 Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 5:17 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of EDC; Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Specialist; Paul Pittman and Cindy Everly, representing the Resources for Children & Families; Debbie Bastian, Director of Finance; and Robert Graff, Facilities Administrator. OCTOBER 24, 2000 PAGE FIVE ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 5:17 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney , County Clerk