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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010130January 30, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:00 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. ADOPTION OF REVISED ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE The Commissioners reviewed the revised Animal Control Ordinance that was presented at last week's public hearing. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, cited the revisions that he incorporated into the proposed Ordinance after hearing the comments made by citizens and Commissioners at the public hearing. He stated that he also made minor revisions to the Ordinance to make it easier for municipalities to adopt it. Mr. Douglas informed the Commissioners that he broadened the section dealing with public education to specify that a brochure would be distributed to veterinarians, pet shops, the County Treasurer, and all authorized outlets for the issuance of licenses. The Commissioners again discussed the schedule of fines included in the Ordinance. In answer to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Douglas advised them that a written warning for a first offense could be handled administratively without amending the Ordinance, but that he would add such a provision. The Commissioners agreed to schedule a review of the Ordinance six months after it is adopted to determine whether amendments need to be made to it. During discussion, Commissioner Wivell expressed concern that the proposed Ordinance is too extensive and that the fiscal impact of implementing it has not been calculated. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to repeal the Ordinance entitled "Animals" adopted on May 15, 1990, as amended, and to enact a new "Animal Control Ordinance for Washington County, Maryland," as proposed, to become effective with the appointment of the Animal Control Authority members. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to review the Ordinance in six months. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioners Swartz and Wivell voting "NO." (A resolution adopting the Ordinance and a copy of the adopted Ordinance are attached to these minutes.) REVIEW OF RETIREMENT PLAN Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, introduced Jon Ketzner, Senior Actuary with BGS&G/CBIZ, and Lynda Petrossian, Rudy Carryl, and Chris Harms, representing MacKay -Shields, who were in attendance to review the actuarial report on the County Employees Retirement Plan for the period ending June 30, 2000 and the retirement plan's investment performance for the fourth quarter of 2000. Mr. Ketzner reviewed the basic funding equation for self- insured pension plans and the key actuarial assumptions used in the County's plan. He provided information on the funding requirements and data showing expected and actual funding trends from 1996-2000. Mr. Ketzner stated that the County's plan was 130% funded in 2000. He concluded that the County's plan is very well funded and responsibly administered, the benefit structure remains competitive, and the County funding should stay in the range of 6-7% of pay. Mr. Ketzner recommended making no changes in the actuarial assumptions at this time. He then opened the meeting for questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Carryl reviewed the performance of the retirement plan for the fourth quarter of 2000. He stated that there have been some declines in the last quarter due to the fluctuations in the stock market, but feels that the portfolio is in a stable position. Mr. Carryl reviewed the process that MacKay -Shields uses in selecting stocks. Chris Harms, manger of the Fixed Income Stock Portfolio, stated that the fund generated earnings of 5.3% during the last quarter. He indicated that the County's portfolio is in a good position and that they are not JANUARY 30, 2001 PAGE TWO recommending that the County make any changes to the plan at this time. The Commissioners thanked them for the presentation. (Commissioner Schnebly was excused from the meeting at 11:21 a.m.) (Commissioner Iseminger was excused from the meeting at 12:00 p.m.) SUBDIVISION STREET ACCEPTANCES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to accept the streets and performance/maintenance bonds as listed on the attachment into the County roads system. Unanimously approved. PURCHASE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY — STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to approve the purchase of .58 acres in fee simple from the Doub Estate Trust Partnership for $14,500, which is needed for the storm drainage system project at Landis Road and Londontowne Drive. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Schnebly returned to the meeting at 12:06 P.M.) APPROVAL FOR CONTINUATION OF FUNDING — COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to accept grant funding from the Governor's Office for Crime Control and Prevention in the total amount of $118,191 for the continuation of funding to the Washington County Community Partnership for the Community Care Coordination Center. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD — LANDIS ROAD/LONDONTOWNE DRIVE CHANNEL & CULVERT IMPROVEMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for the Landis Road/Londontowne Drive channel and culvert improvement project to C. William Hetzer, Inc. which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $244,706. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Schnebly "ABSTAINING." UPDATE ON CHARACTER COUNTS! Carolyn Brooks and Mary Ellen Waltemire, members of the Washington County Character Counts! Coalition, met with the Commissioners to provide them with an update on their activities and future plans. Ms. Brooks reviewed some of the highlights of the program over the past year. She also provided information on the activities that have been held and the agencies that they have worked with to promote the Character Counts! Program in the County. Ms. Waltemire informed the Commissioners that the Coalition set four goals at their recent strategic planning meeting. The goals are as follows: 1) secure funding, 2) bombard the general public with information, 3) ascertain commitment of present trainers and identify additional trainers, and 4) develop specific curricula and presentation guidelines. Ms. Brooks thanked the Commissioners for their previous support and requested assistance for the purchase of outdoor banners. She also informed them that the Character Counts! Program would be submitting a request to be placed on the list of non-profit agencies to which the Board of County Commissioners may contribute funds. Ms. Brooks estimated that 15 sets of banners would cost $10-12,000. She informed them that the City of Hagerstown has pledged $5,000 toward the purchase of the banners. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to match the contribution from the City of Hagerstown of $5,000 to be used for the purchase of banners for the Character Counts! Program, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners' Contingency fund. Unanimously approved. INFORMATION ON GREEN THUMB, INC. Peter Schwartz, representing Green Thumb, Inc., met with the Board to present information on the services provided by Green Thumb, Inc. Mr. Swartz explained that Green Thumb is a national, non-profit organization that does training and job development for senior citizens who are 55 JANUARY 30, 2001 PAGE THREE years of age or older with limited income. He stated that the funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mr. Swartz provided information on the program coordinators for Western Maryland. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Schwartz for his presentation. RECESS — WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEMS LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 12:55 p.m. in order to attend a luncheon and a presentation by the Washington County Health System. TOUR — LIPPINCOTT, WILLIAMS & WILKINS COMPANY The Commissioners toured the Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins Company facility located on Hunters Green Parkway. Commissioner Iseminger rejoined the Commissioners at this time. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:30 p.m. EVENING SESSION — TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall 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. Also in attendance were Mayor John Slayman, Assistant Mayor James Black and Council members James Kalbfleisch, Earle Pereshuk, and Roxanne Long, and Town Clerk Donna Spickler. 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 — JANUARY 23, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of January 23, 2001, as submitted. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - KIDS WITH HEART MONTH: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Lynn Phillips, mother of a child with a congenital heart defect, proclaiming the month of February 2001 as "Kids with Heart Month: Congenital Heart Disorders Awareness Month" in Washington County. The proclamation was presented in order to help make citizens aware of congenital heart defects so that early diagnosis and intervention become top priorities. TAX SETOFF PROGRAM Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax -Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 2001, the Town is estimated to receive $48,275. He stated that $16,563.37 was deducted per the agreement to pay for a utility receivable and that this payment will satisfy the entire obligation. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Robert Weaver expressed concerns over trucks dragging mud from the shale pit onto Clear Spring Road. He asked that the Commissioners ask the County staff to police this situation. Bob Harsh informed the Commissioners of safety hazards that exist on Falling Waters Road, Natural Well Road, and Neck Road. Gary Baker provided an update regarding the efforts of homeowners in Tammany Manor, Van Lear Manor, and Virginia Avenue opposing the land development proposed in that area. He thanked the County staff for their site visit and asked that the traffic study being provided by the developer be carefully scrutinized. JANUARY 30, 2001 PAGE FOUR James Black, Assistant Mayor, asked the Commissioners to comment on the travel plaza being proposed for construction along Spielman Road. Commissioner Iseminger explained that the requested use would require a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). He stated that the BZA is independent of the County Commissioners but assured the citizens that the request would be thoroughly reviewed by that body. Commissioner Snook indicated that the State Highway Administration would also review the adequacy of the road and entrance into the parcel. Marvin Harsh stated that the along Spielman Road and that interfere with this activity. route of the JFK marathon runs the travel plaza would also DISCUSSION OF TOPICS OF INTEREST - WILLIAMSPORT TOWN COUNCIL Commissioner Snook provided an update on the Williamsport elderly housing and Church Street extension projects. He explained that the road project has been separated from the housing project. Commissioner Snook stated that the cost estimate for the road construction has risen dramatically and is now approximately $400,000. He indicated that the County may request Program Open Space funding for the construction of the portion of the road within the Town Park. Mr. Black stated that the Town has long-range plans for the park that may have to change if the road is not constructed. Commissioner Snook said that they would take that into consideration when they review the CIP budget. Mayor Slayman informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Housing Authority requested that the Town waive the water and sewer connection fees for the elderly housing project. Commissioner Snook stated that the project would not be funded in the near future. Commissioner Snook informed the Town officials that the County would have a road overlay program this year and asked them to contact Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, if they are interested in participating. Mr. Black stated that the Town would like to participate and that he would provide an estimate of the amount of overlay that would be needed next fiscal year. Mr. Shoop stated that the County plans to schedule spring and fall clean-up days at the Forty West landfill as well as an open house. He indicated that he would get the dates to them. Commissioner Snook asked whether Williamsport was interested in entering into a cooperative use agreement whereby the Town would agree to utilize the County landfill if the County would agree to a specified rate. Commissioner Snook stated that Williamsport Elementary School is in the Board of Education's capital budget and is scheduled for design and renovation over the next two fiscal years. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Town that he has spoken to Ed Kuczynski, Town Attorney, with regard to the transfer of water lines to the Town. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting with the Cascade Elementary School PTA and CAC regarding the possible closing of the school. He stated that he attended the public hearing held by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on establishment of a zone of dewatering influence for the Beaver Creek quarry. Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission met with the residents of Tammany/Van Lear to visit the site of the proposed development in that area. He also reported on the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and the Economic Development Commission strategic planning session. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Hagerstown Lions Club. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the annual banquets of the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company and the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the dedication JANUARY 30, 2001 PAGE FIVE ceremony honoring Horace Murphy, former administrator of the Washington County Hospital. Commissioner Swartz also commented on the presentation made by Peter Schwartz on Green Thumb and the activities of the Maryland Theatre Board of Directors. Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended the first meeting of the MACo Legislative Committee. He stated that he also met with State Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Casper Taylor, and Department of Transportation officials to lobby for State funding for the Airport runway extension. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting at which time they discussed possible networking to bid garbage collection. The Advisory Committee also discussed concerns regarding the State of Maryland's tire amnesty day. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Municipal League meeting, the MDE public hearing, and the Smithsburg Library Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook reviewed correspondence he received from the City Planning Commission, asking to be involved in any consideration of closing schools within the City of Hagerstown. He also distributed a letter from the Mayor of Keedysville asking for an easement over County property for the rails -to -trails program. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended a meeting of the local delegation to the General Assembly while he was in Annapolis. He relayed comments he received on the new landfill and asked the staff to resolve the issues. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that the CIP Committee has been reviewing that budget. He stated that he attended a MACo presentation from the State Highway Administration. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that he met with the Homebuilders Association regarding the Street Acceptance Policy. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that he has been working on revisions to County policies. He stated that the Local Management Board would hold a training session tomorrow. Mr. Davis reported that he has completed the OSHA reports for 2000. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, told the Commissioners that W -2's were distributed on time. She also stated that the draft of the CIP budget has been completed. Ms. Bastian provided an update on revenue projections as of December 2000. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, said that he would be attending the MACo Planners affiliate meeting to review the legislative package proposed by the Governor. He stated that the hearing on MPO projects was held last week. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that he would be interviewing candidates for the Recreation Manager position in the near future. He provided an update on the Program Open Space application. REAPPOINTMENT - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint Gerald Ditto to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS - DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Gary Swartz to the Disabilities Advisory Committee for a two-year term and to reappoint Peter Perini, Sr., and Patricia McMillian for two-year terms. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the State of the City forum has been scheduled for March 6. He stated that he attended a Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting at which Chuck Middleton, Vice Chairman of Academic Affairs at the University System of JANUARY 30, 2001 PAGE SIX Maryland, provided an update on the University System of Maryland project. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk