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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010327March 27, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Snook, Swartz, Iseminger, Schnebly and Wivell attended a breakfast meeting at 8:00 a.m. at the Detention Center to discuss various budgetary issues with the deputies. First Sergeant Rick Blair requested that the Commissioners establish parity between the Detention Center and Patrol deputies. He estimated that it would cost the County $500,000 for Detention Center deputies to be increased one grade. He stated that he would be willing to assist in identifying potential funding sources. First Sergeant Blair provided a comparison of pay scales from other jurisdictions. Deputy James Cooper, Patrol Division, distributed information to the Commissioners comparing the salaries of Washington County patrol and judicial deputies with those from Frederick County. The meeting was then opened for questions and comments. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners would review the information provided to them. He then outlined the budget process and indicated that the deputies may need to prioritize their requests. The Commissioners recessed at 8:40 a.m. 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 9:03 a.m. to discuss personnel issues and a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy, as public discussion would adversely impact the ability of the County to participate in the proposal process, all in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Schnebly was excused from the meeting at 9:34 a.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 9:38 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue and a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy, as public discussion would adversely affect the ability of the County to participate in the proposal process. 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, Robert Graff, Assistant Director of Buildings, Grounds, & Parks; and Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director. BID AWARD - MISCELLANEOUS BRIDGE REPAIRS CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for miscellaneous bridge repairs (Draper Road, Funkhouser Road and Blairs Valley Road), Contract No. BR -DR -123-14 to Henson & Sons, Inc. which submitted the responsive, responsible bid of $82,178, and to approve the transfer of the remaining budget balance into the Miscellaneous Road Projects account for guardrail installation. The Commissioners agreed that the Miscellaneous Bridge Repair account would be reimbursed the actual project costs from the Blairs Valley Road and Funkhouser Road accounts once the FY 2002 allocations are approved. Unanimously approved. ENACTMENT OF 1999 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to repeal the 1996 National Electrical Code and to adopt the 1999 National Electrical Code with local amendments for use by Washington County, to become effective April 1, 2001. Unanimously approved. MARCH 27, 2001 PAGE TWO BUDGET PRESENTATION-HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dr. Norman Shea, President of Hagerstown Community College (HCC), and William Reuter, Chairman of the HCC Board of Trustees, met with the Commissioners to present the fiscal year 2002 budget request for a County appropriation of $4,582,484. Also in attendance were HCC Board of Trustees members Carolyn Brooks, Wayne Alter, Merle Elliott, James Latimer, and Roger Fiery. Mr. Reuter reviewed the increases in tuition that will become effective this year. He also reviewed the projected revenues, expenditures, and personnel costs for FY 2002. Dr. Shea stated that the decrease in enrollment from past years has reduced State aid. Mr. Reuter and Dr. Shea then answered questions from the Commissioners on the request. BUDGET PRESENTATION — CITIZENS ASSISTING & SHELTERING THE ABUSED (CASA) Vicki Sadehvandi, Executive Director of CASA, and Sharon Leatherman, President of CASA, presented the Commissioners with the fiscal year 2002 budget request of $137,750. Ms. Sadehvandi stated that a portion of each marriage license fee is designated by State law to CASA. The Commissioners expressed the hope that the legislation submitted to increase the marriage license fee would be passed by the General Assembly and provide additional revenue for CASA. Ms. Sadehvandi reviewed the services that CASA provides to the community and emphasized that the salaries they pay are not competitive with other agencies in the area. The Commissioners indicated that they would like to tour the CASA office in the near future. JUVENILE COURT VICTIM/WITNESS COORDINATOR GRANT M. Kenneth Long, Jr., State's Attorney, asked the Commissioners for their authorization to seek second year funding for the Juvenile Court Victim/Witness Coordinator grant. He informed the Commissioners that, although the Maryland Victims of Crime Fund fully funded the position the first year, the County is required to provide a 250 match for the second year. Mr. Long stated that these funds have been factored into his budget request for FY 2002. The County's share would be $9,296. He indicated that the position has been well received and that victims and witnesses have received substantial assistance from the Victim/Witness Coordinator. Mr. Long informed the Commissioners that the County share of the cost would increase to 50% in FY 2003. The County would be expected to fully fund the position after that time. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to authorize the State's Attorney's Office to seek second - year funding of the Juvenile Victim/Witness Coordinator grant through the Maryland Victims of Crimes Fund for FY 2002 and agreed to the required 250 local match of $9,296. Unanimously approved. RECESS- LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:52 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:16 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. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS - NICODEMUS MILL COMPLEX AND TIPAHATO Stephen Goodrich, Senior Planner, met with the Board to present applications for the nomination of the Nicodemus Mill Complex and Tipahato to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the applications. He stated that Washington County, as a Certified Local Government, is permitted to recommend properties for nomination. He then reviewed the criteria for eligibility for placement on the National Register. He stated that the Nicodemus Mill Complex qualifies under Criterion A as a property associated with events that made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. He stated that it is also recommended for listing under Criterion C due to the historical significance due to its physical design and construction. Tipahato was recommended because it also qualifies under Criterion C. Mr. Goodrich indicated that both applications were recommended for approval MARCH 27, 2001 PAGE THREE by the Historic District Commission. He stated that the designation would allow the property owners to apply for state and federal tax credits. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners regarding the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to submit the application for Tipahato to the Maryland Historical Trust for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to submit the application for the Nicodemus Mill Complex to the Maryland Historical Trust for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION — FORD DRIVE The Commissioners held a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. in order to hear comments regarding the submission of a Community Development Block Grant application to the State Department of Business & Economic Development for financial assistance to improve Ford Drive in Hancock. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that a realignment of Ford Drive is necessary to allow the large volume of truck traffic from Rayloc, an automotive parts manufacturer and distributor, to safely negotiate the turn onto Maryland Route 144. He informed them that the total project cost is $1,808,000 of which $1,300,000 would be Federal assistance. The local share of the project would be $508,000. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the recommendation to submit an application for Community Development Block Grant funding for assistance in construction costs for improvements to Ford Drive in Hancock. Unanimously approved. BUDGET WORKSHOP — PERSONNEL RECLASSIFICATIONS The Commissioners continued their budget discussions from last week's meeting on personnel recommendations. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, provided a summary of the items previously discussed. Mr. Davis stated that these include a proposed three percent increase in wages for full-time employees, changes to a three-tier prescription program, and modification of the vacation schedule to provide five weeks of vacation after 20 years of employment, as well as consideration of the recommendations made by the Employee Retirement Review Committee. Mr. Davis reviewed the requests for position reclassifications and the recommendations made on each request with the Commissioners. The Commissioners concluded the budget workshop at this time and agreed to continue next week with the reclassification and miscellaneous requests. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:12 p.m. in order to tour the Susquehanna Bank Shares facility located in the Top Flight Industrial Park. EVENING SESSION - TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session was convened at 6:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro 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 Charles "Skip" Kauffman, Assistant Mayor Howard Long, and Council members Richard Hawkins, Gene Smith, Ray Grove, Richard Gross, and Kevin Chambers. PRESENTATION - BOONSBORO LIBRARY COMMITTEE Members of the Boonsboro Library Committee made a presentation to the Commissioners on their campaign for construction of a new branch library in Boonsboro. Speakers included Rebecca Rockwell, Julia Blair, Allison Stewart, Lisa Heller, Jeffrey Himes, Kevin Chambers, and Ethelyn Purcell. Mary Baykan, Executive Director of the Washington County Free Library, stated that the Board of Trustees has agreed to commit $50,000 for the MARCH 27, 2001 PAGE FOUR project, which is to be matched by the community. The speakers emphasized the need for a larger facility and informed the Commissioners that the current library site cannot be expanded. Commissioner Snook commended the group on an excellent presentation and stated that the Commissioners would work with them in their fundraising efforts. TAX SET-OFF 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 $56,125. Commissioner Snook explained that a committee has been appointed to review the tax setoff formula and that Mayor "Skip" Kauffman is the representative from the Washington County chapter of the Maryland Municipal League. He informed the Town officials that the County recently adopted a revised Animal Control Ordinance and that the Town could adopt the County's Ordinance or adopt their own and provide their own enforcement. Commissioner Snook also provided an update on the overlay program. He also asked if Town officials were interested in entering into a long- term cooperative use agreement to utilize the County landfill for a specified rate. Mayor Kauffman thanked the County for providing deputies through the resident deputy program. He also thanked the Commissioners for the Program Open Space funding that assisted in the expansion of the Town park. Mayor Kauffman provided an update on the street renovation project and informed the Commissioners that the opening ceremony for the new track is scheduled for May 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 20, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of March 20, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he received a draft of the joint sewer agreement with the City of Hagerstown to interconnect the systems. He stated that they hope to have the agreement ready for approval at the joint meeting in April. He reported on the meetings of the Weed Control Committee and the MACO Legislative Committee. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he attended the open house held by Community Action Council. He urged the citizens and elected officials to review the Facilities Review Committee report on the possible consolidation of schools. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. He informed the Commissioners that he toured Eastern Elementary School last week. He was also a guest on the League of Women Voters radio program. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he would be meeting with the Smithsburg Ambulance Company on Thursday and reminded the Commissioners of the meeting with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association on Saturday to review the recommendations of the Emergency Services Council. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the Retired Educators breakfast meeting, a fundraising event for Hagerstown Community College, and the Community Action Council open house. He reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. He stated that he toured Eastern Elementary School with Commissioner Wivell and presented a proclamation at the National Junior College women's basketball tournament. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the State Board of Public Works that Program Open Space funding has been approved for construction of a pole barn at the Agricultural Education Center as well as acquisition funds for the Hagerstown Fairgrounds project. He indicated that the Department of Natural Resources has started its MARCH 27, 2001 PAGE FIVE watershed restoration project. Commissioner Snook stated that he met with citizens who are opposed to the proposed construction of a truck stop near Williamsport. He informed the Commissioners that he was selected to represent Washington County at Leadership Maryland. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Laura Parrish, representing the Wagon Train Foundation, announced that the National Pike Festival would be held May 12 and 13. She asked that the County assist by providing funding for a police escort and liability coverage for the event. Ms. Parrish also provided details on the event. The Commissioners agreed to provide the support requested by Ms. Parrish for the National Pike Festival. A.J. Nicolosi informed the Commissioners that there is a need for additional soccer fields and requested their support through POS funding. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided information on the new program initiated for the clean up and maintenance of County equipment. He stated that the second draft of the Stormwater Management Ordinance has been completed. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that interviews were held for the Local Management Board Project Coordinator position last week. He stated that the request for proposal (RFP) for workers' compensation has been sent out and the staff is working on specifications for actuarial and record keeping services. Mr. Davis indicated that the Coordinating Committee would be meeting for final review of the health insurance bids tomorrow. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that the site for a summer play camp has been changed from Paramount to Fountaindale Elementary School. He reported that a meeting is scheduled for March 30 at the Antietam National Battlefield to update the preservation easement maps. Mr. Arch stated that he attended meetings in Annapolis on watershed and tributary strategies last week. He also informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with officials of the Economic Development Administration on April 9 to review the Halfway Boulevard Extension project. Mr. Arch reported on the Civil War Heritage Committee meeting and stated that the new State tourism advertisements focus on the Civil War. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that the RFP for the telephone system has been sent out. She stated that the Gaming Commission is addressing some software issues. Ms. Bastian said that she has developed a tax differential model and that Al Martin, City Finance Director, would review it sometime in the near future. She informed the Commissioners that the Finance Department would be instituting a "positive pay" system with the bank. She also stated that a policy on collection procedures is being written by her staff. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she would be meeting with the County's financial advisor to review the plans to upgrade the bond rating. APPOINTMENT - COMMISSION ON AGING Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Christopher Joliet to the Board of Directors of the Commission on Aging to fill the unexpired term of Robert Veil that extends to January 31, 2002. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Board of topics discussed at the quarterly staff meeting last week. He reminded the Commissioners that the Board of Education budget hearing is scheduled for April 2 and the employee service awards breakfast is May 1. He also reviewed the schedule for review of the budget. MARCH 27, 2001 PAGE SIX ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk ,