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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010320March 20, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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. 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. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. He also informed the Commissioners that Governor Glendening would be attending the MACo Legislative Committee meeting next week. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the pre -telethon meeting for the Parent Child Center, the ribbon -cutting at 011ie's Discount House, the annual dinner for members of the Board of Directors of CASA, the Mental Health Authority open house, and presented a proclamation to Benny Rodriquez on the occasion of his 74th birthday. He reported on the meetings of the Disability Advisory Committee and the Commission on Aging. Commissioner Swartz also informed the Commissioners that the new census data has now been publicized. Commissioner Wivell stated that he met with citizens in Williamsport regarding their concerns about the location of a proposed truck stop in that area. He informed the Commissioners that the Smithsburg Library Committee is proceeding with the conversion process through Program Open Space for a new library site. Commissioner Wivell also voiced his concerns about the proposal to transfer ownership of Warner Hollow Road to the City of Hagerstown. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board, the Public Golf Corporation, and the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. He also stated that he attended the Flower and Garden Show held at Hagerstown Community College. Commissioner Snook thanked Commissioner Swartz for providing the tickets to the spaghetti dinner fundraiser held by the Tall Cedars. He commended Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, for manning a booth to distribute information on recycling at the Flower & Garden Show. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he presented certificates of merit to the winners of the essay contest sponsored by the Commission for Women. He provided an analysis on the updated costs for the University System of Maryland project. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the Maryland Emergency Management Administration notifying the County of grant funding for FY 2001. He distributed a copy of the results from the wage and benefit survey done by the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the State conference on child abuse and neglect is scheduled at the Baltimore Convention Center. BUDGET PRESENTATION - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT AND PRETREATMENT PLANT Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Dawn Barnes, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2002 budget for the Water & Sewer Department. Mr. Murray introduced the following staff members who were in attendance: Jaime Calandrelle and Jim Bishop, and Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Chris Diehl, Michael Armel, and Gordon Crabb. Mr. Murray reviewed an operating budget comparison for fiscal years 2001 and 2002 for each fund. The proposed FY 2002 budget is as follows: Utility Administration (total) - $2,271,879; Water Fund - $1,130,202; Sewer - $8,942,948; and Pretreatment Fund - $1,414,400. He emphasized that the County would only have to borrow bond funds for BNR costs and that this helps to keep the rates low for the users of the system. Mr. Murray also reviewed the projected revenues for each department. The Commissioners then reviewed the budget in more detail. Christopher Diehl, Chairperson of the Advisory Commission, informed the Commissioners that they support the budget as presented and commended Mr. Murray for his leadership of the Department. PROPOSED RATE SETTING - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Mr. Murray met with the Commissioners to set rates for water and sewer services for fiscal year 2002. They distributed a summary of the major changes that allowed a reduction in the projected rate increases. Mr. Murray reviewed projections for fiscal years 2002 through 2011. They are recommended 0% increase in the water fund for and a 20 increase in the sewer fund. Mr. Murray also reviewed the schedule of proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2002. He stated that the increase in sewer rates to the average residential customer would be $1.84 total per quarter. Mr. Murray reviewed the following schedule of proposed allocation fees that was approved last year as part of a 3 - year plan. The Commissioners then discussed the recommendations and options presented. It was the consensus to accept the rate options for water and sewer as recommended by staff which includes a 20 increase to the sewer fund and no rate increase in the water fund for fiscal year 2002 for presentation at the public hearing to be held on April 3. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Phil Physioc appeared before the Commissioners on behalf of Joseph Walker regarding access to their property on Mt. Aetna Road. Mr. Physioc disseminated a letter outlining his concerns. Commissioner Snook stated that the County would respond to the concerns in his letter. John Himes voiced his concern regarding vandalism and other incidents that have occurred in his neighborhood. The Commissioners assured Mr. Himes that they would contract the Sheriff's Department regarding his concerns. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS - COMMISSION ON AGING Dr. Fred Otto, Director of the Commission on Aging, and Charles Breakall, President of the Board of Directors, presented the fiscal year 2002 budget request for the Commission on Aging. Mr. Breakall presented information on the programs provided by the Commission and reviewed a copy of the annual report. Mr. Otto requested County funding in the amount of $420,148 for FY 2002. He stated that increases is mainly due to upgrade proposed for services provided to employees. The Commissioners thanked the staff and interested citizens for attending the presentation. LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE - HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY AWARDS Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to John Bentley and Clyde Harris, representatives of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), designating the week of March 18-24, 2001, as Home Chemical Safety Week and commending this observance to all citizens. Commissioner Snook thanked the LEPC for their work with the educational program. Commissioner Iseminger, who acted as one of the judges in the poster contest, and Verna Brown, Chairperson of the Educational Committee of the LEPC, presented awards to the winners of the Home Chemical Safety poster contest. Ms. Brown stated that the pilot educational program was presented to 4th graders in Salem Avenue, Hickory, and Boonsboro Elementary Schools. She informed the Commissioners that 70 children participated in the poster contest and that Synagro provided pizza for all the contestants. The winners were as follows: First Place - Benjamin Benner (Salem Avenue Elementary), Second Place - Kathleen Prather (Salem Avenue Elementary), and Third Place - Danny Frasier (Hickory Elementary) and Gabrielle Rissman (Boonsboro Elementary). Each of the winners received U.S. Savings Bonds from the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Ms. Brown thanked the local businesses who sponsored the event, including Phillips Driscopipe, Ewing Oil Company and Shawley's LP Gas. RECESS- LUNCHEON & BUDGET PRESENTATION AT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:44 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Free Library. Mary Baycan, Executive Director of the Washington County Free Library, gave a report on the library and the programs and activities it offers to the citizens. Suzanne Downey - Hayes, member of the Board of Trustees, made the fiscal year 2002 budget presentation for the Library. Ms. Hayes requested County funding in the amount of $1,596,630. 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 John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH WESTERN MARYLAND CONSORTIUM James Sterling, Director of the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department, met with the Commissioners to discuss the lease agreement with the Western Maryland Consortium for rental of the fourth floor of the County Office Building. Mr. Sterling informed the Commissioners that there has been no increase in the rate to the Consortium since 1986. He recommended that a new one-year lease be negotiated at a rate of $7.50 per square foot in July 2001, with an increase of $8.00 in July 2002. Mr. Sterling stated a new lease should be negotiated in 2003 with programmed increases in the rate. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to approve a one-year lease with the Western Maryland Consortium with an increase in the rate to $7.50 per square foot for rental of the fourth floor at 33 West Washington Street, effective July 1, 2001. Unanimously approved. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION - WITHDRAWN Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to approve the request made by Bahega Ganim to withdraw her rezoning application(RZ-00-009) without prejudice, as requested in a letter of March 13,2001. Unanimously approved. ROBINWOOD SENIOR HOUSING - PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILOT) Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the developers of Robinwood Elderly Apartments are ready to begin Phase II of the project and have requested a letter of support from the Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the request. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve sending a letter of support for Phase II of the housing project for low and moderate income senior citizens being developed by Hagerstown Robinwood Senior Associates, LLC. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioners Swartz and Wivell voting "NO." APPOINTMENT - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint David Herbst to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the joint meeting with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to review the recommendations made by the Emergency Services Council is scheduled for March 31. BUDGET REQUEST - HEALTH DEPARTMENT William Christoffel, Health Officer, presented the fiscal year 2002 budget request from the Washington County Health Department in the amount of $2,093,343 for the County's local share of their total budget. Mr. Christoffel presented an overview of services and programs provided by the Health Department. He informed the Commissioners that the community priorities they are working on include the teen pregnancy rate, child abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, provision of an adequate medical home for the uninsured, and diabetes control. Mr. Christoffel also provided a progress report on the activities at the Health Department. Dot Boone, Chairperson of the Advisory Commission to the Board of health, expressed the Board's support for the budget as proposed. BUDGET REQUEST — DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Frederica Buehler Erath, Chairperson of the Board of Social Services and David Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services(DSS), met with the Commissioners to present the fiscal year 2002 budget request for a County appropriation of $256,300. Ms. Erath stated that the majority of increases occur in Adult Foster Care, Family Support Center, School Family Liaison, Foster Care Respite, and Safe Families Outreach programs. Board members Mike Zampelli and Phil Rohrer and DSS staff members Charles Breakall and Carroll Springer spoke on behalf of these five programs. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that the Salary Study Commission held its first meeting last week. He also reported on the Local Management Board meeting. Mr. Davis stated that he met with the Director of the Emergency Service Division in Frederick County and reviewed the organization of the agency. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he met with PenMar Development Corporation employees regarding water and sewer issues. He reported on the success of the open house held at the Ditto Knolls property. Mr. Rohrer reported on activities scheduled at the new landfill. He informed the Commissioners that the elevator in the building will be closed for three weeks for repairs and that he would provide the details when the plans are finalized. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that the initial presentation of the revised Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for presentation in April. He stated that the census figures were very close to those projected in the Plan. Mr. Arch reported on the conference he attended sponsored by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. He discussed the proposed library site for Smithsburg and informed the Commissioners that the agreement with Friends of the Agricultural Museum is being revised. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, is finalizing the information on tax differential for review by the committee. He stated that the County's Financial Advisor would be meeting with them in the near future. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 12, 13, & 15, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of March 12, 13 and 15, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:40 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Susan Saum- Wicklein, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. YMCA Sewer Line Agreement Rick Thomas, Director of the Water Pollution Control Department for the City of Hagerstown, and Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, met with the Commissioners regarding the City's need for an extended sewer line at the north end of the Hamilton Run interceptor. Mr. Murray explained that the County owns the line in this area although it lies outside the limits of any joint service area agreement that would allow the County to use it for connection of customers. Mr. Thomas stated that the Joint City/County Committee has recommended that a portion of the County -owned line be sold to the City for its use. The Committee has calculated a fair value of $42.10 per foot of line based on actual construction costs. He indicated that the extension would benefit the YMCA. The recommendation was discussed and both bodies agreed to the recommendation. Mayor Bruchey stated that the City would formally adopt the recommendation at its meeting on March 27, 2001. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the sale of 274.5 feet of sewer line at the north end of the Hamilton Run interceptor to the City of Hagerstown at the agreed upon price of $11,556.45. Unanimously approved. Martin's Crossroads/Conococheague Service Areas Water Agreement Gene Walzl, Water Department Manager, stated that the Joint City/County Committee has identified the Martin's Crossroads/Conococheague water system as an area to be addressed. Mr. Walzl stated that the system is currently owned by the County but operated by the City. The current agreement is to transfer the system to the City in 2013. Mr. Murray explained that the immediate transfer of the assets to the City would reduce administrative and operational costs, reduce allocation fees, and allow for the possibility to reduce debt recovery fees over the life of the debt instead of the duration of the Washington County ownership. He stated that another benefit is that customers would not have to deal with multiple agencies. The Committee is recommending the following: 1) the transfer of approximately $350,000 debt to the City along with the assets, with the County to reimburse the City of payments on the balance of the debt, 2) the minimal reduction of allocation fees to the County, and 3) the possible reduction of debt service user fees. Alfred Martin, Director of Finance for City, stated that the details need to be approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) but that MDE has indicated that they would look favorably on the transfer. The group reviewed the request and agreed to proceed with the transfer as recommended. The Mayor and Council indicated their support for the recommendation and agreed to proceed to adopt the agreement when it is finalized. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to proceed with the agreement as presented by staff for the transfer of the Martin's Crossroad/Conococheague Service Areas Water Agreement. Unanimously approved. Warner Hollow Road/Edgewood Reservoir Transfer Gene Walzl and J. Theodore Wolford, County Highway Superintendent, indicated that they have been working to implement a quit claim deed for Warner Hollow Road to the City of Hagerstown. Mr. Walzl explained that the road lies within the watershed of the Edgemont Reservoir and has become the target of trash, vandalism and unnecessary traffic. He stated that the City would like to privatize the road due to its proximity to the watershed. Mr. Walzl indicated that they would allow for continued use by the current residents of the road, law enforcement personnel, hikers at the Appalachian Trail crossing, and hunters by permit. Commissioner Wivell spoke in opposition to the recommendation. He stated that he does not believe that Harold Warner, who owns land around Warner Hollow Road, is in agreement with the proposal and feels that it would lower his property values. The group discussed various ways of dealing with the situation. Commissioner Snook outlined the procedure used by the County for closure of a road and stated that the Commissioners would hold a public hearing before transferring the road. Councilperson Metzer suggested giving Mr. Warner a right-of-way for usage of the road. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the recommendation in more detail. Funding for Community Rescue Service Alfred Martin, Director of Finance for the City of Hagerstown, stated that the City provided $20,000 to Community Rescue Services (CRS), and is requesting that the County provide the same amount. He indicated that the City is asking the County to join with them in the formation of a committee to evaluate the financial condition of CRS and determine the level and nature of any future funding or support to CRS. Michael Nye, Director of CRS, and Ron Horn, President of CRS, were present to provide additional information regarding the financial problems of the company. He stated that the City is also working with CRS to help in reducing operating and debt service costs. The Commissioners asked that the appointment of a joint committee be postponed until after their joint meeting with members of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association on March 31 to discuss the recommendations made by the Emergency Services Council. Commissioner Iseminger stated that implementation of some of the recommendations may possibly address some of the issues by raised by CRS. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to provide $20,000 to Community Rescue Service from the fiscal year 2001 Contingency fund to match the amount given to CRS by the City of Hagerstown and to proceed with establishment of a joint committee to address long-term issues. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Wivell and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Schnebly "ABSTAINING." Maryland HotSpot Communities Carolyn Brooks, Director of the HotSpots Program, provided information on the highlights of the past year and the activities undertaken by the HotSpots Program. Chief Arthur Smith presented the highlights of the community policing efforts. He stated that Maryland is a pilot state for the Police Core program and that they are considering moving to Hagerstown into the former YMCA facility. Chief Smith indicated that the building could also be utilized for other programs. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk