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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011211December 11, 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 - DECEMBER 4, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of December 4, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COUNTY EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Cynthia Higgins (Office Associate III - State's Attorney's Office), Cheryl Burke (Fiscal Specialist - Children, Youth & Families), Michael Folk (Facilities Engineer - Water & Sewer Department), and Correctional Officers Craig Sipes, Scott Wolff, Michael McFadden, and Jeremiah Kretsinger. The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their positions. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the City/County Water and Sewer Committee. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the Homebuilders Association's Christmas dinner and the Highway Department's Christmas party. Commissioner Schnebly also reported on the appreciation dinner for the Gods & Generals cast that was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the South Washington County Democratic Club's Christmas dinner, the Homebuilders Association's Christmas dinner, the Highway Department's Christmas party, the Gods & Generals appreciation dinner, and the Retired Teachers Association's holiday luncheon. He informed the Commissioners that he also participated in the World War II veterans' parade. Commissioner Swartz also reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the Joint Water and Sewer Committee meeting. He reminded the Commissioners that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting is scheduled for December 13 and the Western Maryland Consortium meeting is scheduled for December 14. Commissioner Wivell reported on various issues presented at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference. The Commissioners discussed the recent Thornton Commission recommendation to mandate all -day kindergarten programs. They agreed to send a letter expressing their concerns and asking that full-day kindergarten not be mandated unless funding issues for salaries, transportation and classroom construction are addressed. Commissioner Snook asked that the request made by the City for State funding for a central booking facility be placed on the agenda for the next joint meeting. He informed the Commissioners of additional issues that were discussed by the MACo Executive Board. Commissioner Snook stated that he met with Bob Veil, Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals, regarding various issues with the Board of Zoning Appeals' hearing procedures. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that she would be attending a MACo revenue estimators seminar. She stated that she met with Board of Education personnel regarding GASB 34 component unit issues. Ms. Bastian reported that 86 applications were received for Gaming Commission funds. She also informed the Commissioners that capital and operating budgets were sent out and that she is currently working on the bond presentation. DECEMBER 11, 2001 PAGE TWO Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, reported that he attended training at the National Fire Service Academy last week. He stated that he met with Department of Natural Resources officials regarding the recent mountain fire near Clear Spring. Mr. Kroboth indicated that his department is conducting dispatcher training this week. He stated that the members of the independent review panel would be meeting with representatives of the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services later this week. Mr. Kroboth informed the Commissioners that he contacted the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to see if there is any interest in participating in the County's bulk fuel contract. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that he is working with the Economic Development Administration to resolve several issues with the grant funding for Halfway Boulevard Extended. He reminded the Commissioners that the Rural Heritage Museum would be hosting an old fashioned Christmas celebration this weekend. He also reminded the Commissioners that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting is on Thursday. He provided an update on the Civil War Heritage Area pre -proposal meeting and the applications for hotel rental tax funds. Mr. Arch stated that the State would like the County to endorse its corridor management plan for the scenic road designation of the National Pike. Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director, informed the Commissioners that he spoke with Steve Palmer of Outdoor Sports Program, Inc. regarding the proposed shooting range at the old Resh landfill site. He reported on the Highway Department's work on Chewsville Road and the progress at the Eastern Section shop. Mr. Rohrer also informed the Commissioners of previous public hearings that were held regarding the proposal to close Beard's Spur Road. He stated the total cost of the biological nutrient removal project was $6.9 Million. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, asked the Commissioners to consider giving County employees an additional holiday on Monday, December 31. The Commissioners took no action on this request. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE - HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, informed the Commissioners that the County Highway Department would like to "piggyback" onto a contract that was awarded by the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the Hondru Group of Manheim, Pennsylvania (Phillips Ford Sales) to authorize the purchase of five (5) one - ton pick-up trucks with four-wheel drive, regular cab model 2002 Ford, F-350, long box (8 ft.), GVW 9,900 lbs., payload 3,500 lbs. +. She stated that House Bill 1131 granted authorization for the County to procure goods or services entered into by other governmental entities. The cost for the five trucks under this contract is $156,438.50 and includes plows/installation of $19,490. Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager, informed the Commissioners that the suspension on the trucks awarded through the State of Maryland's contract for Model Year 2002 will not permit the installation of the heavier snow plows. Even with the heavier suspension, the County would realize a savings of $890 over the awarded bids by the State of Maryland. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the resolution to purchase five (5) one -ton pick-up trucks with four-wheel drive, regular cab model 2002 Ford, F- 350, long box (8 ft.), GVW 9,900 lbs., payload 3,500+, by "piggybacking" onto a contract awarded by the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the Hondru Group of Manheim, Pennsylvania(which includes Philips Ford Sales) for the price of $157,438.50. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) ENFORCEMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE IN MUNICIPALITIES Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that all of the municipalities in the County, with the exception of the Town of Sharpsburg, have requested that the County enforce the revised Animal Control Ordinance within the corporate limits of each of the municipalities. He presented the various options that are available to DECEMBER 11, 2001 PAGE THREE the Town of Sharpsburg. After discussion, the Commissioners declined to authorize the continued enforcement of the "old" Ordinance within the town limits of Sharpsburg. The Commissioners stated that if the Town chooses not to adopt the County's revised Animal Control Ordinance that it must then make its own provisions for animal control enforcement within its corporate limits. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to decline to enforce the "old" Animal Control Ordinance within the Town of Sharpsburg and that, unless the Town adopts the revised Ordinance and requests that the County enforce it within its corporate limits, the Town must make its own provisions for animal control. The Commissioners also agreed to send a letter explaining their actions to Town officials. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the proposed resolutions for enforcement of the revised Animal Control Ordinance in the following municipalities in Washington County: City of Hagerstown, and the Towns of Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, Hancock, Keedysville, Smithsburg, and Williamsport. Unanimously approved. RELEASE OF RIGHT OF REVERTER — OLD KEEDYSVILLE SCHOOL PROPERTY Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the proposed release of the County's right of reverter on a .97 acre parcel which is a portion of the Old Keedysville School property currently owned by the Southeastern Washington County Health and Community Service Corporation, to allow it to transfer the parcel to Outdoor Sports Program, Inc. for $1.00 to allow access to the Little Antietam Creek for trout fishing and related community activities. This approval is contingent upon the requirement that the deed from Southeastern Washington County Health and Community Service Corporation to Outdoor Sports Program, Inc. contain a similar reverter clause providing that if at any time in the future the property is no longer used for community purposes, it will automatically revert back to the County. Unanimously approved. GRANT APPROVAL - RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM (RAP) Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the grant agreement for the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) for an amount up to $58,477 from the State Department of Housing & Community Development. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, distributed a copy of the Commissioners' meeting schedule for the next six months. He informed them that the agenda would not be published this week until Friday afternoon. Mr. Shoop reported that the quarterly staff meeting is scheduled for December 13. APPOINTMENT - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Ed Hess to the Board of Directors for the Agricultural Education Center for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT - PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Thomas Riford to the Board of Directors of the Public Golf Corporation for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one who wished to participate. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - UPDATE John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and James Pierne, Chair of the EDC, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the "state of the economy." Mr. Pierne reviewed the 2001 priorities and the impact of the events of the past year. He cited several of the major achievements by the EDC during 2001. Mr. Howard DECEMBER 11, 2001 PAGE FOUR reported on the local economy and the factors involved in maintaining its well being. He provided a statistical comparison of the recent recession with that of 1991-92. The meeting was then opened for questions and comments. Cassandra Latimer, Marketing Specialist, listed the reorganizations and business closings that have occurred during the past year. She also reminded the Commissioners of new businesses that have opened in the County as well as local business expansions that have occurred. Ms. Latimer stated that the positive aspects outweigh the negative. The Commissioners thanked the EDC staff and board members for the update. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 11:12 a.m. to discuss personnel issues and to consider proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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 REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 11:52 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue and considered proposals for businesses or industrial organizations 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Tim Troxell, Assistant EDC Director; Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Specialist; Sonja Hoover, EDC Administrator; and EDC Board members James Pierne, Gerald Hoak, and Douglas Wright. RECESS - HAGERSTOWN RESCUE MISSION TOUR AND LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:52 a.m. to attend a tour and luncheon at the Hagerstown Rescue Mission. 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. BUILDINGS, GROUNDS & PARKS STATUS REPORT James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, met with the Commissioners to provide a status report on departmental activities since its reorganization in 2001. Mr. Sterling gave an overview on the facilities in each park in the County. He reviewed the maintenance issues existing and the number of reservations for the pavilions. Mr. Sterling also reported on revenues from pavilion rentals and swimming pool use. He reviewed future projects and vehicle replacements. The meeting was then opened for questions. Commissioner Snook commended Mr. Sterling for his work at the Parks Department and thanked him for the presentation. EMPLOY CIVIL ENGINEER — ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to employ James Randall Edwards as Civil Engineer (Grade 14) in the Engineering Department at the salary of $48,500, to fill an existing vacancy. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 2:09 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and to consult DECEMBER 11, 2001 PAGE FIVE with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consult with staff about potential litigation, 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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:24 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter. 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and James Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:24 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:45 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Edward Forrest, Paul Bailey, Herbert Hardin, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, Dori Nipps, and Mary Wilfong. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Administrative Salaries Commissioner Snook stated that he asked the Board of Education to provide the Commissioners with additional information in response to a recent article in The Herald Mail regarding the percentage of raises given to their administrative staff. He indicated that the background information provided by the Board shows that administrative personnel have received a seven percent increase in each of the past three years. Robert Brown, Supervisor of Statistical Assessment, presented data to the Commissioners showing the rankings of various administrative staff in comparison to their counterparts in other areas of the State. The information provided showed that Washington County ranked in the range of 9th to 18th for these positions. He also presented information showing the administrative costs in other Maryland school systems and noted that Washington County ranked sixth in the state in MSPAP testing. Mr. Brown said that they face competition for personnel from surrounding counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Commissioner Iseminger stated that instructional staff salaries should be the priority and questioned the justification of providing seven percent raises to the administrative staff rather than to teachers or support personnel. Ms. Nipps stated that these raises were negotiated and agreed upon in contracts with the union as were the salaries for instructional and support personnel. Commissioner Schnebly also emphasized the impact the smaller class sizes have on the capital budget. He noted that the data provided during the presentation showed that Charles County has more students than Washington County but has 11 less schools. The Board discussed funding issues and class size. Commissioner Snook asked that the Board take a hard look at how their employees are compensated. Alternative School Funding Dr. Morgan provided information to the Commissioners on the need for expansion of the Alternative High School (AHS) program for students grades 10-12. She stated that it would serve students who are at a high risk of dropping out of school, substance abuse and juvenile crime. Dr. Morgan informed the Commissioners that educational needs, health, and social services would be delivered in a coordinated effort to improve the DECEMBER 11, 2001 PAGE SIX outcomes for these students. She stated that they hope the expansion of the AHS program will reduce the number of students assigned to nonpublic placements and thereby reduce costs. Dr. Morgan indicated that they are currently utilizing funds from the Local Management Board and have transferred funds within their own budget to expand the program. However, they still need $36,000 for start-up costs and for materials and equipment. She stated that there is a possibility that they might be able to partner with a non-profit organization for their space needs. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to transfer $36,000 from the sale of property to the Board of Education as requested for start-up costs for the expansion of the Alternative High School program. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." Thornton Commission Recommendation Commissioner Snook informed the Board that the Commissioners went on record today that they are not in support of the Thornton Commission's recommendation to mandate all -day pre- kindergarten programs. He also stated that they may consider joining the Eastern Shore Coalition in its legal attempts to obtain additional State funding for education. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator Assistant County Attorney County Clerk