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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010417April 17, 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 Commissioner Swartz, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 31, April 2, 3 and 10, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of March 31, 2001, April 2 and 3, and April 10, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the Arbor Day ceremony sponsored by the Maryland Forest Conservancy District, the Western Heights Middle School honor roll breakfast, and the grand opening of the L.L. Bean store at Prime Outlets. He reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting and the Parent -Child Center Telethon. Commissioner Swartz also reported on the consolidation meeting held at Western Heights Middle School. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission. He stated that he received a certificate of merit from SCORE in recognition of the support given to that agency by the County Commissioners. Commissioner Schnebly reported that he attended a meeting with the Citizens Against the Truck Stop. He also informed the Commissioners that he met with Delegate Shank. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he also met with the Citizens Against the Truck Stop. He reported on the meeting of the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors. Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that he is working with the Clear Spring Historical Association to obtain additional land. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended a meeting of the Wilson Ruritan. He provided an update on the renovation project at the Water & Sewer Department. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received correspondence from Jim Pierne, Chairman of Augustoberfest, asking whether the Commissioners would help sponsor the event. He reminded the Commissioners that the opening of the Rural Heritage Museum is scheduled for May 12. Commissioner Snook stated that he received notice from the Board of Public Works that Program Open Space funds have been approved for the purchase of modular playground equipment at Doubs Woods and Marty Snook Parks. He informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Parker Williams, Administrator of the State Highway Administration, regarding the relocation of Route 11. He stated that he also received a letter from the National Park Service regarding South Mountain Recreation Day at Greenbrier State Park. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Brothers United Who Dare to Care hope to install a Freedom Shrine at the Martin Luther King Center in conjunction with the Hagerstown Exchange Club. PROCLAMATION — PRIVILEGED PARKING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Commissioner Snook presented Dr. Fred Otto, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging, and Timothy Berry, member of Commission, with a proclamation endorsing the Privileged Parking for Senior Citizens Program in Washington County, recognizing the mission to have the business community provide reserved parking spaces for senior citizens close to commercial/retail locations. Mr. Berry provided the history of the project and thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE TWO FUNDING FOR SCHOOL BASED WELLNESS CENTER John Budesky, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP), and Tom Mills, Project Manager, met with the Commissioners regarding grant funding from the Governor's Office for Children, Youth and Families for a school-based wellness center. Mr. Budesky stated that $199,830 was awarded to Washington County to fund the center. It will be housed at Western Heights Middle School and will provide on-site health and mental health services to the student population. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion about the grant and the services provided through the pilot program. The Commissioners indicated that they would like to have a six-month update on the program. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the contract for grant funding in the amount of $199,830 from the Governor's Office for Children, Youth and Families for start-up and operation of the School -Based Wellness Center at Western Heights Middle School. The Commissioners requested an update on the project in six months. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Swartz, Iseminger and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS - PRESENTATIONS Betty Myers, Chair of the Washington County Soil Conservation District Board, and Joni Kline, District Secretary, appeared before the Commissioners to present the Earth Day Poster Contest winners with their prizes. Ms. Myers stated that each of the first place winners will receive a $75 savings bond and each of the second place winners will receive a $50 savings bond. Ms. Kline informed the Commissioners that the theme for this year was "Habitat for Humanity." Ms. Myers then introduced the first and second place winners and displayed their art work in the following categories: K -1st Grade - 1st - Emily Simmons, 2nd - Abby Harp; 2nd -3rd Grade - 1st - Elizabeth Kramer, 2nd - Michelle Ferreira; 4th -6th Grade - 1st - Ashley Binau, 2nd - Hannah Boward; 7th -9th Grade - 1st - Kristen Waters, 2nd - Christopher Thomas; 10th -12th Grade - 1st - Brandi Harbaugh, 2nd - Braden King. The Commissioners thanked the Soil Conservation District for its efforts, congratulated the winners, and wished them good luck in the State competition. UPDATE - HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Dr. Norman Shea, President of Hagerstown Community College (HCC), and Lisa Stewart, Judy Coffelt, and Joyce Ott, representing the HCC Alumni Association, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on their fundraising activities. Joyce Ott, President of the Alumni Association, presented the Commissioners with a $20,000 check as their first payment on the loan from the County. Ms. Stewart stated that the Alumni Association has raised $248,810.05 for the amphitheater through April 2001. She indicated that $25,440 was raised at the 2001 flower and garden show. They are planning an antiques and collectibles show this fall. Ms. Stewart informed the Commissioners that equipment for the concession stand is estimated at $8,986 and lighting costs are estimated at $30,915 for the amphitheater project. She also presented the Commissioners with the 2001 amphitheater schedule. The Commissioners thanked them for the update and the payment on the loan and pledged their continued support for the project. PRESENTATION OF ARBOR DAY PLAQUE John Clatterbaugh, Chairman of the Western Maryland Forest Conservancy District Board, presented a certificate to the Commissioners in celebration of Arbor Day. He informed them that a tree had been planted at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Clatterbaugh reviewed their current projects. Fred Cornett, former Western Maryland Regional Coordinator, requested that the Commissioners consider providing annual funding in the amount of $500 to the Board. The Commissioners took this request under consideration. PUBLIC HEARING — PURCHASE OF PROPERTY NEAR THE AIRPORT The Commissioners held a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of considering the acquisition of an improved parcel of land that adjoins the Hagerstown Regional Airport from Douglas and Patti Leazier. Carolyn APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE THREE Motz, Airport Manager, explained that the 0.87 parcel of land is known as the Air View Apartments and is located at 14542-14546 Pennsylvania Avenue. The consideration to be paid for the property is $236,200 with an additional $7,800 budgeted for incidental costs of acquisition, for a total of $244,000. Ms. Motz stated that 950 of the cost would be reimbursed by the Federal Aviation Administration and 5% by the Maryland Aviation Administration. The County's share would be $12,200. Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, reported on the negotiations for the property and the appraisal process. The meeting was then opened for public comments. There was no one present who wished to comment. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the purchase of 0.87 acres of land, with improvements, known as the Air View Apartments at 14542-14546 Pennsylvania Avenue from Douglas and Patti Leazier, for the purchase price of $236,200, and to approve the five percent County share of $12,200. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - REQUESTS TO BE PLACED ON LIST OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO WHICH THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY CONTRIBUTE FUNDS The Commissioners convened the public hearing at 10:25 a.m. to hear comments regarding the requests of CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Antietam Commemoration Committee, Incorporated, to be added to the list of nonprofit organizations to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds, pursuant to Section 1- 108(b), Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Commissioner Snook then opened the meeting for public comments on the requests. Carolyn Brooks, Co -Chair of CHARACTER COUNTS! Washington County, MD, Inc. provided information on the programs supported by CHARACTER COUNTS! Ms. Brooks stated that the program engages Washington County students in character building experiences as a result of a curriculum match. The program has been sustained by volunteers for the past two years. However, financial assistance is needed to continue the program. She stated that funds are needed to purchase materials, curriculum, and outdoor banners that display the "Six Pillars of Character" as well as to staff the CHARACTER COUNTS! office. The organization has applied for, but has not yet received, a determination of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. Robert Arch, representing the Antietam Commemoration Committee, requested that the Committee be placed on the list. He stated that funding would be used for the development and execution of the 140th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Antietam to be held September 2002. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that the Antietam Commemoration Committee has received a determination of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. The hearing was closed at 10:35 a.m. Motion by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the placement of CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Antietam Commemoration Committee on the list of nonprofit agencies to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds, pursuant to Section 1-108 of the Code of Public Local Laws. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Snoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Joint Veterans Council has scheduled its Memorial Day ceremony at Marty Snook Park on May 30. He also stated that the meeting of the Western Maryland County Commissioners has been scheduled for May 4 at the 4-H Center in Garrett County. Mr. Shoop thanked the Commissioners for the support shown to him and to his family following the recent death of his mother. BUDGET TRANSFER - HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the request made by Hagerstown Community College to transfer $85,000 out of APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE FOUR the Learning Resource Center budget to replace unit chillers ($38,760.47) and re -roof three buildings ($27,042). Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF WATER AND SEWER RATES AND ALLOCATION FEES - FY 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to adopt the resolution modifying the water and sewer rates and allocation fees for fiscal year 2002 as presented at the public hearing on April 3, 2001, for a zero percent increase in water rates and a two percent increase in sewer rates, and to adopt the following allocation fee increases: Sewer Full Service - FY 2002 - $3,000, FY 2003 - $3,250, and FY 2003 - $3,500; Water Full Service - FY 2002 - $1,700 and FY 2003 - $1,950; Meter Fees - 5/8" - $325, 3-4" - $475, 1" - $625, and 11-2" - $1,075; Sewer Joint Service - FY 2002 - $2,550 and FY 2003 - $2,800; and Joint Service - FY 2002 - $2,100, FY 2003 - $2,100, and FY 04 - $2,100. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION SETTING FEE FOR COLLECTION OF BAD CHECKS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt the resolution increasing the fee charged by the County for collection of bad checks to $25. Unanimously approved. BUDGET WORKSHOP - GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND PERSONNEL The Commissioners met with Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, to continue discussions of the fiscal year 2002 General Fund budget. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, was also present to continue the review of the requests for reclassification. Mr. Davis reviewed the remaining requests for reclassification, miscellaneous requests, and the request for additional wages from Sheriff's deputies. He informed the Commissioners that there have been requests from three departments to reclassify their Office Associate IVs from Grade 7 to Grade 9. Mr. Davis stated that they are requesting that a higher administrative classification be created to take into consideration the additional responsibilities and specialized knowledge required. He recommended that the Commissioners deny the request unless they wish to undertake a comprehensive review of the classification. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that there should be a comprehensive review of the position and asked Mr. Davis for additional information. Commissioner Snook stated that the individuals are clearly doing more than is listed in the job description. After discussion, the Commissioners also approved the request to transfer Greg Larsen, Marketing Specialist at the Water & Sewer Department, to the Regional Airport effective July 1 with the stipulation that he be permitted to assist in marketing efforts at the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility as necessary. LUNCHEON RECESS - CASA - CITIZENS ASSISTING & SHELTERING THE ABUSED, INC. The Commissioners recessed at 11:41 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and tour of the CASA office. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 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. PUBLIC HEARING - TAX-EXEMPT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS - HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, INC. The Commissioners convened a public hearing to hear comments regarding the proposed issuance by the County of tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds for the Humane Society of Washington County, Inc. in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,500,000. Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, stated that the proceeds of the issue would be used to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, equipping, and development of a new animal shelter containing approximately 12,500 square feet. It will allow the Humane Society to obtain a lower interest rate due to the tax-exempt nature of the bonds by using the County as a conduit. Ms. Ruppersberger stated that this issue is a limited obligation bond and does not create any liability for the County. She indicated that the issuance of these bonds would not affect the County's APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE FIVE bond rating or borrowing limits. Ms. Ruppersberger answered questions from the Commissioners. The meeting was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment and the hearing was closed at 1:35 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a resolution authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue, sell and deliver, at any one time or from time to time, its tax-exempt variable rate demand revenue bonds in one or more series and in a principal amount not to exceed $1,500,000, pursuant to the provisions of Article 41, Sections 14-101 through 14-109 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1997 replacement volume), as amended, in order to lend the proceeds thereof to the Humane Society of Washington County, Inc., a Maryland not-for-profit corporation, exclusively for the purposes described in the resolution. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the approved resolution is attached.) CONTINUATION - BUDGET WORKSHOP Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, continued his review of the miscellaneous personnel requests. The Commissioners reviewed the request made by Sheriff's deputies. Mr. Davis provided additional information on deputy compensation and comparisons with other jurisdictions in the State. He stated that his review showed that Washington County's pay scale for Detention Center deputies is equal to or better than that paid by the State of Maryland to its correctional officers. Mr. Davis also provided a statewide comparison of compensation for patrol deputies and officers. He recommended that no action be taken on the proposal to increase the compensation of the Sheriff's Department uniformed personnel. The Commissioners agreed with Mr. Davis' recommendation. After discussion, the Commissioners also denied the request to provide a 15% supplement to the Director of Social Services. The Commissioners discussed the amount of supplement provided to the Health Officer and Finance Director at the Washington County Health Department. Mr. Davis summarized the decisions made by the Commissioners to date, including a 3% wage adjustment for County employees and the changes made in the health insurance carrier and prescription drug and co -payments. The Commissioners then reviewed the recommendations made by the Employee Retirement Committee and agreed to the following recommendations made by the Committee: 1) offer an additional Social Security step-up option, 2) reduce the vesting period in the retirement system from seven to five years, 3) eliminate the current cap of 60% for retirement accrual, and 4) offer a drop plan to allow eligible retirees to continue working and draw an annuity through a special drop plan account. The Commissioners denied the recommendation to provide five weeks of vacation for employees with 20 or more years of service. They also agreed not to provide a cost of living increase for retirees in FY 2002. The Commissioners then began their review of the FY 2002 General Fund budget. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Paula Blenard, Accounting Clerk III, reviewed Draft #4 and highlighted the changes made at the last meeting. Ms. Bastian began a review of the proposed funding for the Board of Education. She stated that the current draft includes 71-0 percent or $4.8 million in new money for the Board. She proposed funding of $69,156,854 for total operational and one- time costs which includes increasing workers' compensation to $176,833 and adjusting the salary increases per the Board of Education's calculations. The Commissioners discussed the funding committed by the State for FY 2002 and the APEX formula. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to include this proposal in the budget for the public hearing. Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Board should begin discussions with its bargaining units with regard to changing the policy on retiree health care benefits with respect to new hires. He indicated that there might be more cost- efficient ways to provide insurance to retirees that include going to the APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE SIX private market to obtain a wrap-around supplement for Medicare - eligible retirees. Ms. Bastian distributed information on funding commitments for use of the hotel rental tax in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 and the projected proceeds of the tax. The Commissioners discussed the request made by the Convention and Visitors Bureau for $50,000 of additional funding from hotel rental tax proceeds. It was agreed to consider the request if there is a surplus over the revenue projections following the FY 2001 audit. Commissioner Iseminger proposed increasing the recordation tax by 40 cents and using the proceeds for agricultural preservation and the purchase of agricultural land preservation easements. It was the consensus of the Commissioners not to increase the recordation tax. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the proposed General Fund budget for fiscal year 2002 in the amount of $129,369,588 for presentation at the public hearing on May 8, 2001. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:38 p.m. to discuss a proposal 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 Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discuss a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the. 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; and Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Coordinator. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:05 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Susan Saum-Wicklein, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:20 p.m. Single Room Occupancy Units - Community Action Council Cheryl Moyer Walkley, Executive Director of the Community Action Council (CAC), along with Glenda Helman, CAC Director of Services, and Kathy Saxman, CAC Community Housing Coordinator, met with the group to request financial support for a plan to replace the existing YMCA facility for rental units. Ms. Walkley stated that, when the YMCA moves from the downtown area, sixty-two single room occupancy (SRO) units will be lost. She indicated that the CAC staff found that there is an immediate need for SRO units for current residents of the YMCA. Ms. Walkley proposed that the Dagmar Hotel, which has approximately 51 units available, be utilized to handle rent -up of the rooms and all property management. The Dagmar would refer individuals in need of social services to CAC. CAC would then assign a case manager to individuals who require a rental subsidy. Ms. Walkley indicated that the annual cost for the SRO would include staff costs and subsidy needs. Property management would be the responsibility of the Dagmar. Ms. Walkley outlined the guidelines for participation in the program. She stated that the proposed budget for the program is $186,000 with a deficit of $102,000. Ms. Walkley requested that the City and County fund the deficit. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion on the proposal. Paula Lampton, President of the YMCA Board of Directors, stated that they do not have funding APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE SEVEN available to help CAC with the project and that their initial plan is to sell the current YMCA facility. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners approved the budget for consideration at a public hearing earlier in the day. He informed Ms. Walkley that the budget hearing is May 8, and the Commissioners would hear any comments in support of the proposal at that time, although something would have to be eliminated from the current budget to fund the request. The Commissioners took the request under consideration. Modification of Consolidated General Service Agreement Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Rick Thomas, Director of the Water Pollution Control Department for the City of Hagerstown, presented proposed modifications to the Consolidated General Service Agreement. Mr. Thomas stated that they are proposing modifications that would transfer wastewater flow from the City of Hagerstown to the County. He informed the group that interconnection of existing City/County systems allows for utilization of all infrastructure to support new planned growth outside the City, thereby taking advantage of economies of sale to achieve operating efficiencies to the County and reduce operating expense to the City while deferring future capital improvements. Mr. Murray stated that the plan was approved in concept and a Memorandum of Understanding was executed based on these concepts. He estimated additional revenue of $1.5 million for each agency over a ten-year period. Mayor Bruchey raised concerns over the language in Section 15 regarding annexation and in Section 1 regarding "City Provision for Service" regarding acceptance of wastewater flows. He asked for clarification on the wording "shall jointly cooperate" relating to matters relating to annexation in Section 15. After discussion, the group agreed to ask counsel to determine the proper verbiage to resolve the concerns and bring the amended agreement back before them for their consideration. Hagerstown/Washington County Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, met with the group to provide information on the benefits of establishing a foreign trade zone (FTZ) in Washington County and to obtain their permission to move forward with this process. Ms. Motz explained that the Greater Hagerstown Committee has appointed a task force to study this issue. She introduced Joe Trocino, who was hired as a consultant by PenMar Development Corporation to determine the benefits and compile the information needed for an FTZ application. Mr. Trocino reviewed the benefits to the community. He explained that FTZs are managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Customs Agency. He stated that all items coming into the U.S. from foreign companies must pay a duty unless placed in a FTZ. They would then be duty free while in that zone. Mr. Trocino indicated that there are three FTZs in Maryland at this time and that one is needed in the western portion of the State. Mr. Trocino explained that he is proposing a multi -site application for FTZ designations at Fort Ritchie, the Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Hancock. He asked that the Commissioners and the Mayor and Council sign a resolution of endorsement for the FTZ application and a letter of support. The City Council members indicated that they would endorse the application at their formal meeting. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to adopt a resolution approving and authorizing submission of an application for establishment of a Foreign Trade Zone in Washington County at the sites presented and to transmit this to the Department of Commerce with a letter of endorsement. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Iseminger informed City officials that the Commissioners met with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to review the recommendations made by the Emergency Services Council. He stated that the County is offering classes in first aid and CPR and is encouraging all County employees to attend the training sessions. APRIL 17, 2001 PAGE EIGHT Commissioner Iseminger urged the City to offer these life-saving classes to their employees. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk