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