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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011204December 4, 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 Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 27, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of November 27, 2001, as submitted. Unanimously approved. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS A ceremony was held to promote Sergeant Robert G. Leatherman, Jr. to the rank of First Sergeant at the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Charles Mades reviewed First Sergeant Leatherman's history with the Department. He was then presented with his new badge by his wife. The Commissioners congratulated First Sergeant Leatherman on his promotion and thanked him for his dedication and hard work. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Tri -County Council meeting. He informed the Commissioners that the Joint City/County Water & Sewer Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Wellness Committee and the Maryland Theatre Board. He stated that he attended the Local Management Board retreat and the Antietam Battlefield illumination program. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he visited the Gods & Generals film site. He also met with Congressman Bartlett on the County's request for funding that will be submitted to the Office of Homeland Security. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he met with the new president of the Washington County Teachers Association. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting. He stated that he also observed the filming of Gods & Generals and complimented Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, on his involvement with the production. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that Outdoor Sports Program, Inc. has requested the release of a reverter clause on a portion of the property that was the site of the Old Keedysville School to allow access to the Little Antietam Creek for trout fishing. He stated that the Program is also interested in operating a shooting range at the old landfill on Resh Road. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and suggested that there may be a more appropriate location for the range. Commissioner Snook reported on the meetings of the Tri -County Council and Foreign -Trade Zone Committee. He asked the County Administrator to check on the details of the request made by Friends of Fort Frederick for a donation to commission an artist for a painting of the Fort. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the design of the sign for Hopewell Valley. He also gave a status report on the construction of the Eastern Section shop facility. Mr. Rohrer informed the Board that a two-way stop sign had been placed at the intersection of Connor Drive and Paxton Drive. He stated that James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, is scheduled on the agenda next week to provide an update on the activities in that department. Commissioner Snook stated that he has had requests that the County close the spur road at Old Forge Road and Route 62 and asked Mr. Rohrer to research the matter. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Board that he met with representatives of AFSCME Local 2677 for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting and discussed several minor issues with them. Mr. Davis DECEMBER 4, 2001 PAGE TWO stated that County employees collected $1,972 to help with the expenses of a Highway Department employee who must travel to the Mayo Clinic in connection with an organ transplant. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that the capital improvement program budgets are due back in the next few weeks and that operating budgets would be distributed to department heads this week. She stated that she is investigating several insurance options that may offer a cost savings. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she would have several new policies for their approval in the near future. She stated that she attended a presentation by the City of Hagerstown on its attempt to obtain State funding for capital costs to construct a central booking facility. The Commissioners agreed that this should be on the agenda for the joint meeting with the Mayor and Council. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that they are finalizing the right- of-way acquisition for Halfway Boulevard extended. He stated that he received the appraisal for the property in Tammany being considered for the Program Open Space transfer. Mr. Arch reported that he has received several applications for hotel rental tax funding. Commissioner Wivell complimented Mr. Arch for his work on Gods & Generals. Ron Whitt, Director of the Information Technologies Department, provided an update on the installation of hardware for the new telephone system. He also reported that training on the implementation of the new e-mail system is scheduled this week. REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2001 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed Washington County's Vision and Mission Statements. He then reviewed the status of the Fiscal Year 2001 goals and the action planning worksheet assigned for the completion of each goal. The Commissioners reviewed the following four-year County initiatives they adopted at the beginning of their term of office: 1) Resolution of Water & Sewer Issues - reviewed the progress that has been made including the agreement with the City for Sharpsburg Pike, keeping rate increases to a minimum, the closing the Nicodemus plant, and the Martin's Crossroads agreement. 2) Education (establish methods for accountability, ensure college -bound students are prepared, and provide adequate vocational/occupational courses to meet the needs of the community) - the Commissioners discussed the University Systems of Maryland campus and the need to develop a back-up plan. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he is not satisfied that they have been successful in establishing methods of accountability. Also discussed were the findings of the joint committee on the possible consolidation of schools. 3) Adopt Comprehensive Plan - Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided an update on the revised plan. Commissioner Iseminger complimented Mr. Arch and his staff for the effort that went into development of the plan. 4) Focus on Urban Revitalization - the Commissioners reviewed the investments made in the northeast and southwest quadrants, improvements to County facilities, participation in the Arts & Entertainment district study, and approval of tax credits for the district. Commissioner Schnebly stated the importance of maintaining the schools in the urban district and the property values in the outlying areas adjacent to downtown. 5) Market Tourism and PenMar Development Corporation - Commissioner Wivell provided an update on the activities of the PenMar Development Corporation. The Commissioners also commended the Convention & Visitors Bureau and emphasized the promotion of the filming of Gods & Generals. 6) Financial Plan - A debt affordability plan was adopted and the cash reserve stabilization program has been funded at 8 percent. The Commissioners then reviewed the 2001 Goals and the status of each goal. 1) Complete the revised Comprehensive Plan, present it to the public, and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. DECEMBER 4, 2001 PAGE THREE 2) Establish priorities for implementation of the Emergency Services Study. 3) Establish alignments for Eastern Boulevard Extended, Rench Road and the south connector road. 4) Develop a plan to integrate voice (telephony) and data communications technology. 5) Establish goals to facilitate e -government implementation. 6) Within the context of educational excellence, complete and adopt the evaluation of Board of Education facilities to determine appropriate capacity and affordability. 7) Obtain State support for U.S. Route 11 infrastructure improvements for the Runway 9/27 extension. 8) Develop and adopt a marketing plan that promotes commercial air service at the Airport and vicinity. 9) Establish a plan to upgrade bond rating. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Michael Nye, Vice President of the Community Rescue Service, Inc. (CRS), distributed a copy of an October 8, 2001 letter from the City of Hagerstown agreeing to contribute $50,000 to CRS. The letter requested that the County provide same amount to CRS. Mr. Nye also provided a copy of a "wish list" of items needed by CRS. Commissioner Iseminger stated that the request for funding should be channeled through the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and emphasized that they need to work within the framework that has been established. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Irene Rosenberry and Vicki Lumm, United Way Co -Captains for the campaign in County government, reported that there was a $354 increase over last year's contributions from County employees. They stated that contributions totaled $27,889.98 and thanked the Commissioners for the incentives they agreed to provide to County employees. They also reported that $5,911 was collected for Community Health Charities. Commissioner Snook thanked Ms. Rosenberry and Ms. Lumm for chairing the campaign. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reported that the November casual day raised $286 for Food Resources and 620 pounds of food items for Food Resources. He informed the Commissioners that the shale at the landfill was tested and that it can be used for fill material at the airport for the runway extension. Mr. Shoop stated that he checked with Senator Mikulski's office regarding the Federal funding that was given to complete the new library in Grantsville. He informed the Commissioners that he found that Federal funding could be requested for library projects if there is a shortfall in fundraising efforts. Mr. Shoop also reported on the meeting with Congressman Bartlett regarding the request for funding for additional security measures. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to transfer a total of $35,000 ($12,000 from full-time wages and $23,000 from the John Howard Trust fund) to the tee -box reconstruction project, with the stipulation that the money from the Trust fund come from interest proceeds and not principal. Unanimously approved. WORKSHOP TO DEVELOP "STATE OF THE COUNTY" PRESENTATION Mr. Shoop reviewed the 2001 State of the County presentation and asked the Commissioners for their input into development of the presentation for 2002. He stated that the presentation has been scheduled by the Chamber of Commerce for February 5, 2002. The Commissioners reviewed accomplishments of the last three years. They discussed including information on the reorganization of the Emergency Services Department and how security and emergency services were addressed, the state of the County's budget to include General Fund cash reserve levels, a review of the Thornton Commission recommendations for education, an update on the Airport runway extension project, agricultural land preservation, Local Management Board programs, and future projects in the downtown area. The Commissioners agreed that this list must be reduced prior to developing DECEMBER 4, 2001 PAGE FOUR the presentation. They agreed to schedule future discussions on the agenda and include a thorough review of the debt situation. RECESS - BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. to attend the annual luncheon sponsored by the Board of Social Services. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:33 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY COURT HOUSE ANNEX SPATIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Brent Feight, representing Bushey Feight Morin Architects, met with the Commissioners to discuss the results of the design services proposal for a spatial needs assessment of the Court House Annex. Mr. Feight reviewed the proposed plans for renovations on each floor. Judge Fred Wright stated that he might want to suggest some minor changes to the proposal. He informed the Commissioners that the Circuit Court for Washington County is sixth in the State in the number of criminal cases heard. Judge Wright indicated that they have justified the need for a fifth judge but will not submit the request until next fiscal year. Mr. Rohrer estimated that the renovations should be completed about the time the new judge is ready to begin. He informed the Commissioners that the estimated cost for the renovations necessary for a fifth court room, security needs, and temporary on-site detention facilities would be $3,589,800, of which $2,892,600 is currently programmed in the Capital Improvements Programs budget. Mr. Rohrer stated that the study includes $260,000 of work that he feels should be addressed by the State or that can be included as add alternates to the project. He stated that these items could be delayed due to budget constraints. Mr. Rohrer recommended that the remaining short- fall be addressed by transferring the excess funds from the Sheriff's Patrol facility that is currently under construction. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:26 p.m. to discuss personnel issues 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 Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 3:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (1) matters. 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Sheriff Charles Mades and Cpl. Pete Lazich from the Sheriff's Department. The Commissioners adjourned at 3:55 p.m. in order to tour the Redlands Brick facility in Williamsport. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk