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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010109January 9, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland 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 Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 2, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the minutes of January 2, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended a meeting with Senator Munson, Delegate Shank, County staff and interested citizens on possible amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding the regulation of commercial communication towers. He informed the Commissioners that he and Commissioner Wivell met with City of Hagerstown representatives on the tax set-off formula. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the meetings of the Planning Commission and Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended the presentation of the proposed budget of the Board of Education as prepared by the Superintendent of Schools. He reported on the meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended a meeting with the Smithsburg Library and Parks Boards and the Town Council to discuss a proposed site for a new branch library facility in Smithsburg. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting. He informed the Commissioners that a meeting is scheduled for tonight to plan a golf tournament and possible scholarship fund in memory of Ronald Phillips. He stated that he attended a press conference on the sale of the Hagerstown Suns baseball team. Commissioner Swartz reminded the Commissioners that MiHi has scheduled a value and outcome workshop on the design of the boundless parks for January 25. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he received notification from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that they would fund an additional $250,000 of the cost of the City/County sewer connector project. He commented on a letter from the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services regarding equipment that was purchased without the Association's authorization and the need to decide how to resolve these situations. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the local Municipal League meeting is scheduled for January 22 at Smithsburg. He also informed the group that he received a letter from MDE notifying him that the public hearing on the zone of dewatering influence for the Beaver Creek Quarry has been rescheduled for January 24 at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Snook reported that he attended the Williamsport Ambulance Banquet and the January Chamber of Commerce meeting. He stated that he sent a letter to Ray Bosmans, Region I Extension Director, regarding the County's interest in obtaining additional land for the Agricultural Education Center. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported on the Highway Department's efforts in dealing with the "black ice" conditions yesterday. He indicated that he met with employees of the Parks and Facilities Departments last Friday concerning the formation of the new Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that they hope to have the Forty West Landfill open to the public next week. Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, informed the Commissioners that supervisors are beginning their interim performance evaluations. He stated that he has been working with the property and casualty insurance estimates and believes that there will be a 25% increase in these costs. Mr. Davis reminded the Commissioners that the combined health insurance bids are due JANUARY 9, 2001 PAGE TWO on Thursday. He stated that he has also been reviewing County policies for any updates that may be needed. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that budget presentations have been scheduled. She stated that she would give a six-month update on hotel rental tax proceeds. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that he would be meeting with the Museum Committee and Extension Service this week regarding their roles and responsibilities at the Agricultural Education Center. He stated that he is working with staff to develop a proposal for an evaluation of the house on French Lane. Commissioner Snook suggested that he check with BFI to see if they are interested in allowing the Historical Society to use the historic house BFI renovated on the Greencastle Pike. Mr. Arch stated that the Hagerstown -Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting would be held on January 25. He informed the Commissioners that he hopes to have the initial draft of the Comprehensive Plan to them by the end of this month. Mr. Arch suggested that the Commissioners develop a process for compiling and evaluating requests for funding from proceeds of the hotel rental tax. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the Economic Development Commission would be holding its planning session on January 15. He asked the Commissioners if there were agenda items they would like to include for the joint meeting with the City of Hagerstown next week. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - DETENTION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the transfer of $26,900 from the Commissioners' Contingency Fund to Capital Outlay - Buildings and Improvements for the replacement of two natural gas hot water boilers at the Detention Center. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to approve the transfer of $45,000 from the Water & Sewer Contingency Fund to a new project for the rehabilitation of previously leased office space on the first floor of the Water & Sewer Department Building. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Dave Unruh, Principal at Salem Avenue Elementary School, and Peggy Phebus, Guidance Counselor, appeared before the Commissioners to request financial support for a performance of Beauty and the Beast by the National Marionette Theatre. Ms. Phebus stated that the cost is $1,200. Mr. Unruh and Ms. Phebus stated that the presentation would promote the values in the Character Counts program. The Commissioners agreed to take the request under consideration and provide an answer later in the week. Michael Nye, Vice President of Community Rescue Service, requested additional financial support from the County for Community Rescue Service. Mr. Nye also expressed concerns about volunteer emergency companies using ambulances for non -emergency transports to hospitals and nursing homes and the problems it creates with emergency coverage. The Commissioners suggested the possibility of local revenue sharing by companies for these services. The Commissioners asked for additional information. Mr. Nye asked that they consider the consequences of diverting tax -supported operations by authorizing non -emergency transport for commercial services. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 11:03 a.m. to discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, all in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 9, 2001 PAGE THREE RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 11:42 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) matter relating to the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, discussed one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and consulted with counsel on matters of pending or potential litigation. 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; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator; Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator; Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission; and Charles Trice, URS Corporation. RECESS — LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:42 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:04 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. 2001 VISION, MISSION AND GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the proposed revisions to the County's Vision and Mission Statements and the 2001 goals that were previously discussed with the Commissioners at a workshop meeting in October. Also present were Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Ron Whitt, Information Technologies Director; Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; and Alan Davis, Human Resources Director. Mr. Shoop provided a history of the process used to develop the goals. He stated that the staff would then put together an action plan to accomplish them. The Commissioners approved the following Vision Statement as presented: The vision of Washington County government is to provide efficient and effective public service. Mr. Shoop then reviewed the proposed Mission Statement: The Mission of Washington County Government is to provide exemplary public service by: - Supporting and strengthening individual and community self-reliance and responsibility; - Promoting education, economic opportunities, public health, safety, and welfare; - Protecting the environment and cultural resources we share; Commissioner Schnebly suggested that a separate item be included in the Mission Statement dealing with strategic planning for coming urbanization and the social integration of diverse cultures. After discussion, it was agreed that "Preparing for future urbanization in a culturally diverse population" would be included as a fourth point in the Mission Statement. The Commissioners then discussed the proposed goals for 2001 and agreed on the following: 1) Complete the revised Comprehensive Plan, present it to the public, and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. 2) Establish priorities for implementation of the Emergency Services Study. 3) Establish alignments for Eastern Boulevard Extended, Rench Road and the south connector road. 4) Develop a plan to integrate voice (telephony) and data communications technology. 5) Establish goals to facilitate E -government implementation. JANUARY 9, 2001 PAGE FOUR 6) Within the context of educational excellence, complete and adopt the evaluation of Board of Education facilities which determine appropriate capacity and affordability. 7) Obtain State support for U.S. Route 11 infrastructure improvements for Runway 9/27 extension. 8) Develop and adopt marketing plan that promotes commercial air service at the Airport and vicinity. 9) Establish plan to upgrade bond rating. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:27 p.m. to attend a joint meeting with the Board of Education at the central office. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at this time and Commissioner Swartz assumed the Chair.) JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:10 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, Dori Nipps, and Edward Forrest. 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. Fiscal Year 2003-2007 Capital Improvement Plan Request Dennis McGee outlined the Board of Education's proposed capital improvement plan request for fiscal years 2003- 2007. He requested increased funding from $4.5 million to $6.5 million per year for various capital projects for FY 2003-2007. Mr. McGee reviewed the projects and stated that the local funding must be in place before they can request State funding. The projects include ADA projects, technology wiring, maintenance, relocatable classrooms, athletic projects, and systemic projects. Other major projects include continuation of the renovation of South Hagerstown High School, Williamsport Elementary Renovation/Addition, and Salem Avenue Addition/Renovation. The Commissioners discussed the request. Also discussed was the proposal to consolidate Maugansville and Conococheague Elementary Schools. Members of the Board stated that they have not made a decision on this proposal. Dr. Bartlett indicated that they need to wait until both bodies have seen the plan developed by the Facilities Review Committee. The Commissioners took the request under consideration. They indicated that the Board of Education must achieve internal savings, and possibly implement some of the recommendations made by the Facilities Review Committee, in order that the County may be able to afford the additional funding requested for capital projects. Cost Comparison - County -Owned School Buses versus Contracted Buses William McKinley reviewed the cost comparison for County - owned school buses versus contracted buses that was presented at the December meeting. The results project an annual savings of $5,753 by using exclusively county -owned buses. Mr. McKinley also presented the following options for assimilating four contractor routes this year: 1) outright purchase, 2) financing the purchase, 3) lease purchase, and 4) competitive bid. He estimated a net savings of $42,300 per vehicle if the purchase is financed or a savings of $170,400 over the twelve-year life of the four buses if a lease/purchase arrangement is utilized. Mr. McKinley informed the Commissioners that the contractor also receives a yearly per vehicle allotment, salary, maintenance factor, and supplemental pay of $675 per year. The Commissioners stated that the bus contractors feel that certain factors are not being considered in the Board of Education's review. The Commissioners thanked Mr. McKinley for the information. Discussion to Reactivate the Washington County Public Schools Foundation Roxanne Ober made a presentation to start discussions on reactivating the Washington County Public School Foundation, Inc. Ms. Ober stated that the Foundation has 501- (c) (3) status from the IRS. She reviewed how the Foundation could assist the Board of Education in accomplishing its goals JANUARY 9, 2001 PAGE FIVE and provided examples of private foundation grants. Ms. Ober informed the Commissioners that the Foundation was organized in 1995 and that she would contact the individuals on the Foundation to request that it be reactivated. The Commissioners expressed their support for the proposal. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk