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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010918September 18, 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 A prayer for Unity in America was delivered by Commissioner Wivell, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of September 11, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission. He also reported on the opening ceremony for the new Clear Spring Library. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the opening ceremony for the convention of the Society of 40&8. He reported on the meeting of the Area Agency on Aging and stated that he participated in the community -wide prayer service held at Maryland Theatre on Friday. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the opening ceremonies for the Clear Spring Branch Library. He reported on the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting and stated that the Commission has requested that Clarence Scheer be appointed as ex -officio member for the duration of the pretreatment project. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Clarence Scheer as an ex -officio, non-voting member of the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission for the duration of the pretreatment project. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Iseminger indicated that he and Commissioner Schnebly met with Dr. Morgan, Acting Superintendent of Schools. He stated that he attended the organizational meeting for the Neighborhood Watch Association for the Greenberry Hills development. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting with Harriet Tregoning, Special Secretary for Smart Growth, and the Planning Commission workshop on the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that a letter was received from the Interagency Committee stating that the preliminary projections show that Washington County will receive a total of $1,000,000 for State school construction funding in FY 2002. He reported that the reception for the "Maryland, You Are Beautiful" Program is scheduled for November 14. Commissioner Swartz volunteered to attend the reception and escort Washington County's grand winner. The Commissioners agreed not to request that the Department of the Environment (MDE) hold a public informational meeting on the modification of a sludge application permit for the Rhoton farm. Commissioner Snook stated that the Leadership Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for October 2 and invited the Commissioners and staff to attend. He also reported on the change in officers for the Commission for Women. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported on the monthly meeting with Sheriff Mades and his staff. He informed the Commissioners that the Local Management Board meeting is scheduled for September 21. Mr. Davis indicated that he is updating a list of emergency service personnel and employees who serve in the reserves in the event that they are called to active duty. He commended the emergency services staff and the Buildings, Grounds, & Parks employees for their efforts in establishing the emergency operations center last week. SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 PAGE TWO Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that a letter was sent to MDE to request the transfer of debt on the Martin's Crossroads water lines to the City of Hagerstown. She stated that the audit is ongoing. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she would be meeting with her staff in the near future to set up a plan for the implementation of GASB 34 regulations. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he received a call from a constituent who requested that bike lanes be constructed along Dam #4 Road due to the C&O Canal detour in that area. The Commissioners discussed the need for the Federal government to repair this portion of the canal and the possibility of using State funding for such a project. Mr. Rohrer stated that the Highway Department is working on road repairs and that the Transportation Director would be giving a report on the outcome of Try Transit Week. He informed the Commissioners of projects which are out for bid and provided a status report for ongoing projects. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that that the Recreation & Parks Board has scheduled a meeting on October 7 to receive input from the public on the development of North Park, Kemps Mill and Fort Ritchie. He stated that he met with State Highway Administration officials to supply data for the initial planning study for Interstate 81. Mr. Arch reminded the Commissioners that the joint public hearing with the Planning Commission is scheduled for September 24. He stated that he is working with the County's Information Technology Department to develop an Internet web site for the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners filming has begun for Gods and Generals and that County staff is helping to coordinate the scheduling of detours that are necessary. PROCLAMATION FOR AMERICA — JOINT VETERANS COUNCIL Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Ray Linebaugh, representing the Joint Veterans Council, condemning the deadly acts of terrorism committed against the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001 and encouraging citizens to support the President of the United States and U.S. military forces to defend against other acts of terrorism. The Commissioners further recommended that citizens support relief efforts. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT - NATIONAL MARBLES CHAMPION Commissioner Snook asked that the Certificate of Merit honoring Tim Ratliff for winning the 78th Annual National Marbles Tournament be mailed to him since he was unable to attend the meeting to accept the certificate. COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL PROGRAMS Glenda Helman, Acting Co -Executive Director of the Community Action Council (CAC), met with the Commissioners to report on the Supportive Housing Program/Single Room Occupancy Program and the application for the FY 2002 Rental Allowance Program. Ms. Helman stated that CAC began the Single Room Occupancy program this summer when the local YMCA closed its rental program after 72 years. She indicated that her staff worked with the Dagmar Hotel to place these individuals and reviewed the services they agreed to provide. The Dagmar staff would handle rental of the rooms and property management and the CAC would provide the subsidies and case management. She indicated that only one case manager was hired for the program. Ms. Helman informed the Commissioners that they have placed 12 applicants with two more under consideration for placement. She reviewed the basic characteristics of the participants. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners asked Ms. Helman to provide a status report in December. Ms. Helman asked the Commissioners to approve the submittal of the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) application and grant agreement for FY 2001 to the Department of Community Services. She stated that Washington County's allocation for the program year is $58,477. SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to submit an application to the State Rental Services Program for the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) application for FY 2002 and Grant Agreement for an amount up to $58,477. Unanimously approved. REVOLVING LOAN FUND REQUEST - SHARPSBURG AREA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, INC. Phil Ridenour, Chairman of the Fire & Rescue Association Revolving Loan Committee, met with the Commissioners to present the Committee's recommendations on requests for loans from Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services, Inc. Mr. Ridenour informed the Commissioners that Sharpsburg EMS requested $119,160 to replace two aging ambulances. However, that amount exceeds the 50% allowable under the Revolving Loan Fund guidelines. He stated that the Loan Committee has agreed to recommend a loan in the amount of $116,325 (500). The total price of both vehicles is $232,650. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to waive the guidelines of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund and lend funds from the revolving loan fund to Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services, Inc. for the total amount requested of $119,160 to assist in the replacement of two (2) aging ambulances. Unanimously approved. At this time, Mr. Ridenour provided an update on the Special Operations Unit. (Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at 9:47 a.m.) BID AWARD - RENTAL UNIFORM SERVICE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for rental uniform service to Unifirst Corporation, which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $46,816.38 for a one-year period with an option for the County to renew for up to four (4) consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously approved. REVIEW OF COUNTY RESPONSE TO NATIONAL EMERGENCY Verna Brown, Emergency Program Manager, met with the Board to provide an overview of the activation of the Washington County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to the World Trade Center/Pentagon disaster from the time of its establishment on September 11 through deactivation on September 13. Ms. Brown stated that when two hijacked passenger airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City and a third plane crashed into the Pentagon on Tuesday morning, the Washington County EOC was activated at 1000 hours. Ms. Brown then reviewed the timeline of events including the security check of all County buildings, the designation of an emergency management information line, inspection of all high priority targets, and the institution of additional security measures at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. She also reviewed the joint City/County briefing conducted by Commissioner President Gregory Snook. Ms. Brown informed the Commissioners that the Weapons of Mass Destruction Plan and the Hazardous Waste Plan were implemented immediately. She stated that Washington County deactivated its EOC on September 13, 2001, although the declaration of public emergency issued by Governor Parris Glendening on September 11 is still in effect. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that he was proud that the County departments worked together and did a great job. He also complimented Ron Karn, former Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, on assuring that the staff received the appropriate training, and Ms. Brown for her expertise. The Commissioners complimented all of the staff for doing a good job. The meeting was then opened for questions. Ms. Brown stated that they would be looking at the operation to determine what changes would be needed if the plan had to be activated on a long-term basis. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth spoke about Maryland zoning law and vested rights. SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 PAGE FOUR ACCEPTANCE OF FAA GRANT AGREEMENT - HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to accept a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $1,231,898 for rehabilitation of Runway 2/20, Phase II, at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, with a 5% percent commitment from the State and a 5% commitment from the County. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Kevin Cerrone, Director of the Transportation Department, provided statistics on the increase in ridership at the County Commuter during Try Transit Week. He stated that ridership increased by a total 105% for the week. Commissioner Iseminger indicated that he might ask the City to sponsor a free week during the holiday season to promote shopping in the downtown area. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the proceeds from a special Casual Day to benefit disaster relief totaled $1,800 and that County employees are also holding a food drive. He stated that the United Way campaign is underway. Mr. Shoop indicated that the next joint meeting with the City is scheduled for October 26. He reported on security measures that were taken at the Airport during the activation of the EOC. Mr. Shoop stated that the FAA is requiring that all cars parked at the Airport be at least 300 feet from the terminal. The consulting engineers are trying to determine how to address this on a permanent basis. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that President Bush arrived at the Airport on Friday en route to Camp David. He also reminded them that the transportation tour meeting is scheduled for September 20. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - BOARD OF EDUCATION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the request made by the Board of Education to transfer $90,000 from the maintenance project budget to relocatable classrooms. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Wivell returned to the meeting at 11:19 a.m.) UPDATE ON FOREIGN -TRADE ZONE APPLICATION John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission, and Joe Trocino, foreign -trade zone (FTZ) consultant, met with the Commissioners to provide information on the actions needed to implement the FTZ once the application is approved. Mr. Howard stated that the formal application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce on August 31, 2001. A Federal public hearing on the application is scheduled to be held on October 17 in the County Commissioners' meeting room. Mr. Howard introduced the members of the application and implementation team who were in attendance. Mr. Trocino stated that the FTZ designation would help to stimulate international trade in the area. He also provided information on how businesses can save money through use of an FTZ. Mr. Trocino stated that Washington County FTZ would encompass 1866 acres at the following locations: Hagerstown Regional Airport, Lakeside Corporate Center at Fort Ritchie, Maugansville (Hub Labels), Hopewell Valley, City of Hagerstown, Williamsport (Bowman), Hancock (Mellott Enterprises). He also reviewed the anticipated schedule and the FTZ organizational structure. He stated that the Board of County Commissioners as the grantee would enter into contractual relationships with operators who would have the responsibility to make the zone succeed. Mr. Trocino provided a list of FTZ grantee responsibilities and emphasized the need to market the zone. The meeting was then opened for questions. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Howard to prepare a plan outlining who should administer the zone and the duties to include staffing requirements. He thanked the PenMar Development Corporation for funding the first phase of the study and the Implementation Team for their efforts. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:40 a.m. for lunch. SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 PAGE FIVE AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 12:47 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 12:49 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to discuss matters directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, 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 Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 3:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issue, and discussed one (1) matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal. 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Curt Dudda, Debbie Murphy, Betty Myers, Kim Kidd, Orlyn Oestereich, and Dieter Protsch, members of the Gaming Commission; Ray and Susan Gruber; Janice Rockwell, counsel for Mr. & Mrs. Gruber; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; J. Theodore Wolford, Highways Superintendent; Clarence Scheer, ex -officio member of the Water & Sewer Commission; and Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer. EMPLOYMENT - ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN II Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to employ Greg Jones as Engineering Technician II, Grade 8 ($30,000) to fill an existing vacancy in the Engineering Department. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:48 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central office on Commonwealth Avenue at 4:05 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Herbert Hardin, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, and Edward Forrest. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; Donald Francis, Director of Human Resources; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Capital Improvement Program 2003-2007 Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management, reviewed the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2003-2007. Mr. McGee stated that they are requesting $4.5 million for the next fiscal year. The top four projects in priority order are the Williamsport Elementary School renovation/ addition, Salem Avenue Elementary renovation/addition (planning), Western Heights Middle chiller/cooling tower, and Springfield Middle re -roofing. The Commissioners and Board members discussed the information provided on the CIP budget. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to endorse the Board of Education's FY 2003 - 2007 Capital Improvements Program budget as presented for submission to the State Interagency Committee. Unanimously approved. SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 PAGE SIX FY 2001 - Fourth Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the following third quarter budget adjustments as requested by the Board of Education by reducing the following categories: Revenue - $250,218; Administration - $13,875, Mid - Level Administration - $74,244, Instructional Textbooks & Supplies - $164,263, Operation of Plant - $315,140, Special Education - $127,401, Student Personnel Services - $3,073, Student Health Services - $1,353, Student Transportation - $74,055, Operation of Plant - $3,467; and Capital Outlay - $60,500, and to increase the following categories: Revenues - $27,670, Instructional Salaries $187,619, Other Instructional Costs $100,995, and Maintenance of Plant - $37,821, for a total adjustment to the Fund Balance of $63. Unanimously approved. Status of Nonpublic Placements Martha Roulette, Director of Student Services, and Karen Nelson, Supervisor of Secondary Special Services, reviewed the costs of nonpublic placements by students in Washington County. Ms. Roulette provided information to the Commissioners on the Nonpublic Program. She stated that students are referred for services in a nonpublic placement program when the student's educational program needs cannot be met through the existing programs in the neighborhood school or another program in the school system. She also provided information on the number of students served during the last three school years and the costs per student for placement. Ms. Nelson informed the Commissioners that the majority of these students are placed at Laural Hall or Cedar Ridge. Ms. Roulette stated that procedures have been modified to assist in cost control and provision of adequate services, and a committee has been formed to look at the feasibility of expanding alternative programs in County schools. Status Report on Healthcare Self -Insurance Fund Chris South reported that that Board of Education's healthcare self-insurance fund showed a $254,355 deficit for FY 2001. He stated that they have subsequently received the July billing from CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield. If the July trend continues, it would bring the reserve fund into a positive situation. He stated that there is no need to be concerned about the deficit at this time; however, they will keep a close watch on a month-to-month basis. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. South to provide a brief report to the Commissioners when he makes the quarterly adjustments. The meeting was then opened for questions. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk September 24, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - RZ-01-005 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #1 at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in text amendment case RZ-01-005. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners' President Gregory I Snook and Planning Commission Chair Paula Lampton. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Tim Henry, George Anikis and Ben Clopper were also in attendance. After presentations and public testimony were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (10) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The public hearing was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. County Administrator County Attorney