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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011009October 9, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 7:30 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 7:30 a.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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 8:30 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State. 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; John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Tim Troxell, Assistant Director of the EDC; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Paul Prodonovich; Director of Permits & Inspections; Richard Reichenbaugh; and William Young, Esq., Robert Sweeney and Gus Boswell representing Allegheny Ventures. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 2, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of October 2, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting. He asked the Commissioners to consider offering free flu vaccine to part-time employees in Fire & Rescue Communications and the County Commuter. After discussion, the Commissioners directed staff to check into the cost of providing the additional vaccine to all permanent, part-time employees. Commissioner Swartz also reported on the retired teachers association luncheon. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he attended the dedication ceremony for the new track at Boonsboro High School. He also reported on the meeting of the Historic Advisory Committee. Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that he toured the new YMCA facility. He stated that he met with the new director for Resources for Children & Families and helped set up the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association antique and collectible show fundraiser. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the dedication ceremony for the new track at Boonsboro High School. Commissioner Snook stated that he represented the Commissioners at the Business & Professional Women's annual dinner. He informed the Commissioners that Allan Powell, a member of the Friends of Fort Frederick, is scheduled on the agenda to outline plans to commemorate the Fort's 250th anniversary. Commissioner Snook stated that the State Highway Administration would be making geometric improvements on Maryland Route 66. He informed the group that the Maryland Department of Transportation has scheduled public hearings on November 7 and 8 regarding the proposed reduction in the senior citizens and disability OCTOBER 9, 2001 PAGE TWO fares for the MARC train. The Commissioners discussed holding a bulk trash day at the Forty West landfill. They agreed to take funding for it from the contingency fund if it is not currently allocated in the budget. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Town of Hancock is requesting $2,000 from the hotel rental tax for promotional brochures. The Board agreed that all requests would be addressed through the recently adopted funding process during the budget discussions. They agreed to discuss possible changes to the hotel rental tax legislation with the local delegation to the General Assembly. PROCLAMATION - FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Commissioner Wivell read and presented a proclamation to Jason Baer and Douglas DeHaven, representing the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, designating the week of October 7-13, 2001 as Fire Prevention Week in Washington County and urging all citizens to participate in educating families about fire safety. He stated that the theme for this year is "Cover the Bases and Strike Out Fire." Mr. DeHaven thanked the Commissioners for their support of the Association and its safety programs. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department began renovating the Dwyer Center to construct a records storage facility on the first floor. He provided an update on the road reclamation and overlay projects. Mr. Rohrer stated that he met with the Humane Society to provide technical advice on the new facility. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reported that she met with the County's Financial Advisor to review information for the debt analysis. She informed the Commissioners that the Department of the Environment may be willing to allow the County to refinance its water quality loans at a lower rate. Ms. Bastian stated that she has started preliminary discussions with the bond rating agencies. She informed the Commissioners that Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, is on the Executive Board of the Maryland Purchasing Association which recently won an award from the National Association of Governmental Purchasing. Ms. Bastian stated that she finished interviewing for the Gaming Director vacancy. She also informed the Commissioners that funds were budgeted to hold the bulk trash day at the landfill. REVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director, introduced Jason Quan, representing the KFH Group, who is about to begin the County's Transportation Development Plan. Also in attendance were Eunice Lovi, Mass Transit Administration (MTA); Roslyn Martin, Department of Social Services; and Pam Eads, Commission on Aging. Mr. Cerrone stated that the County's last plan was completed in 1995. The plan will review the current transportation services in Washington County and provide an assessment of un -served and under -served areas. A study of the coordination or consolidation of human service agency transit services will be done concurrently with the transportation development plan. Mr. Quan informed the Commissioners that the MTA has sponsored both studies with the Department of Social Services providing the local matching funds. He then outlined the seven elements of the study. Mr. Cerrone stated that all human resources agencies in the county will be contacted to provide information. He indicated that the study should be complete in six to nine months. BID AWARD & BUDGET TRANSFER - WORK STATIONS AND EQUIPMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to award the contract for work stations and equipment for 80 West Baltimore Street and for the Election Board offices to Office Suppliers, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $104,970.64, and to approve the Election Board's request to transfer $306.77 from Account 535055-10-1044 to CIP Account 600500-30-11600-ADM005. Unanimously approved. CHANGE ORDER - INCLUSION OF WASHINGTON MONUMENT ROAD IN ROAD RECLAMATION CONTRACT OCTOBER 9, 2001 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve Change Order No. 1 from C. William Hetzer, Inc. in the amount of $61,981.70, to include Washington Monument Road in the road reclamation contract. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, Wivell and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Schnebly "ABSTAINING." BID AWARD - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT EASTERN SHOP & TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY FUND REVENUES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for the Highway Department's Eastern Shop project to Myers Building Systems, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $557,400, and approve the transfer of $100,000 from Highway User Fund surplus into the construction budget to address the shortfall in the project. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth commented on the public hearing held by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). He stated that there is no need for the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the definition of truck stop that was proposed by the Board of County Commissioners if the BZA rules that a special exception is needed. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that a meeting with the local delegation to the General Assembly has tentatively been set for November 15. Mr. Shoop stated that Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, met with President and Mrs. Bush in Emmitsburg last week. Norman Bassett, Disabilities Issues Coordinator, reviewed the revised schedule of activities planned for Disabilities Awareness Week. FINAL DISPOSITION OF FY 2001 END OF YEAR FUNDS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that an adjustment must be made in the disposition of the FY 2001 year-end fund. She stated that there was a $683,826 variance from the budget for the September income tax distribution and an additional $207,331 received in 911 revenues. Ms. Bastian stated that the total surplus, after adjustments, was $3,994.972. Commissioner Iseminger expressed his support for providing $400,000 for agricultural land preservation. The Commissioners discussed a proposal made by Commissioner Wivell and agreed to it with slight modifications. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to make the following year-end budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2001 funds: 1) place $800,000 in cash reserves; 2) use $1.464 million to pay off the Humane Society contract; 3) use $1.4 million toward debt reduction to help lower the bond issue for FY 2002 or 2003; and 4) use $300,000 for agricultural land preservation. Unanimously approved. FOREIGN TRADE ZONE - IMPLEMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and Joe Trocino, foreign -trade zone (FTZ) consultant, met with the Commissioners to provide the Application and Implementation Team Report on the administration of foreign trade zone for Hagerstown/Washington County. Mr. Howard informed the Commissioners that the County Attorney feels there is no need for additional State legislation to create a local FTZ Commission. He reviewed various options for consideration of the structure of zone administration. The Application and Implementation Team recommended that a FTZ Commission be established consisting of a representative from each of the seven sites and a Commissioner representative. Mr. Howard suggested that an ex -officio member from the EDC also serve on this Commission. He outlined the duties of the FTZ Commission. The FTZ Commission would hire a Zone Administrator to oversee the General Purpose Zone (GPZ). The site representatives would share the cost of administering the GPZ through pooling of resources and funding. Commissioner Snook stated that the Tri -County Council may be willing to provide grant funds for the second phase. Mr. Howard then reviewed the start-up expenses. Mr. Trocino reminded the Commissioners of the public OCTOBER 9, 2001 PAGE FOUR hearing on the FTZ application that is scheduled for October 17 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Howard asked the Commissioners to appoint a FTZ Coordinating Committee allow them to hire a Zone Administrator. The following individuals were recommended for appointment as site representatives: Jeff Camp (Hopewell Valley), Tony Dahbura (Maugansville), Rich Hoban (Williamsport), Ric Kautz (Hagerstown), Jim LaFleur (Hancock), Greg Larsen (Airport), Brett Wilson (Lakeside), and John Howard (EDC ex - officio). President Snook volunteered to serve as the representative of the County Commissioners on the FTZ Coordinating Committee. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint the following individuals to the Foreign Trade Zone Coordinating Committee: Jeff Camp (Hopewell Valley), Tony Dahbura (Maugansville), Rich Hoban (Williamsport), Ric Kautz (Hagerstown), Jim LaFleur (Hancock), Greg Larsen (Airport), Brett Wilson (Lakeside), John Howard (ex -officio), and Greg Snook (Board of County Commissioners), with the understanding that the flow of funding for the FTZ would be through the County's Finance Department. Unanimously approved. RECESS - ANNUAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT The Commissioners recessed at 11:50 a.m. in order to attend the Annual Community Partnership Summit. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:00 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 Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:00 p.m. to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, to discuss potential litigation, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:48 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed potential litigation and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issue. 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; Joseph Kroboth, III, Emergency Services Director; Jason Baer, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association; and Jason Sturm and Pam Mickel, representing Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:48 p.m. to order to attend a joint meeting with the Board of Education at Hickory Elementary School. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at this time.) JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION - HICKORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the Hickory Elementary School at 4:15 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Dori Nipps, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Ed Forrest, Bernadette Wagner, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Acting Interim Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. OCTOBER 9, 2001 PAGE FIVE Update - Recruit, Develop, Reward & Retain (RDR&R) Quality Staff Work Group Dr. Morgan reviewed the report made by the RDR&R Work Group that was designed to consider the issues involved in recruiting and retaining quality teachers. Ms. Wagner stated that the Board hopes to work with the local delegation to the General Assembly on several issues including the improvement of the State pension plan. The group discussed several issues in the report including salaries, improvements to pension plan, incentives and rewards. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he would like to see information on teachers' salaries that realistically considers the cost of living of the area. Mr. Bailey expressed concerns regarding the large number of teachers currently eligible for retirement and the shortage of new teachers graduating from college. Also discussed was the Governor's one - percent matching program and whether it would continue. Dr. Morgan stated that the RDR&R Work Group would develop a formalized proposal and strategic plan for presentation to both bodies. Outcomes/Program Based Budget Mr. South reviewed the model for the outcomes/program based budgeting and the process used in developing the FY 2003 budget. He stated that they hope to make the budget more user-friendly. Mr. South provided examples for various programs. The budget includes explanations of the purpose and goals of each program as well as program descriptions and highlights. The meeting waU then opened for questions and discussion. Blue Ribbon Redistricting Committee John Hull reviewed the roster of the Blue Ribbon Redistricting Committee. He stated that the Committee was provided with background information and objectives. Mr. Hull informed the Commissioners that the Committee was divided into two groups. The elementary education group will address the overcrowding at Eastern Elementary School, and the secondary education group will address the possible redistricting of North Hagerstown, South Hagerstown, and Williamsport High Schools. He stated that they hope to make their recommendations to the Board in November. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk