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January 22, 2002
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:15 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 – JANUARY 15, 2002
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to
approve the minutes of January 15, 2002, as amended.
Unanimously approved.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – VERNA M. BROWN
Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of merit to Verna M.
Brown who recently achieved the status of Certified Emergency
Manager from the International Association of Emergency
Managers. The Commissioners commended Ms. Brown for the many
hours of continuing education and dedication that were required
to receive this designation and congratulated her for the
accomplishment.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Williamsport
Volunteer Fire Company banquet.
Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that the Dick
Kelly Memorial Golf Tournament Board is planning the annual
tournament to benefit the Junior Golf Foundation. He also
provided an update on usage of the new YMCA facility.
Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the
Transportation Advisory Committee, the Local Management Board,
and the Commission on Aging. He stated that he attended the
retired school administrators breakfast. Commissioner Swartz
reminded the County Administrator to schedule time on the agenda
to continue discussions regarding the Communications Maintenance
Department and where it should be placed in the organizational
structure.
Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Airport Advisory
Commission meeting.
Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the Williamsport
Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He informed the Commissioners
that the Cascade Committee would be presenting its goals for
next year at the Cascade Community Town Hall on March 4.
Commissioner Snook complimented Debra Bastian, Director of
Finance, and her staff on the quarterly financial update. He
provided an update on the search for a new president at
Hagerstown Community College to replace Dr. Norman Shea, who
will be retiring this year. Commissioner Snook also reported on
budget cuts being proposed by the State for junior colleges.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported on “fall
protection” training session that was held at the Agricultural
Education Center. He informed the Commissioners that the County
recently received certification to install the automatic
external defibrillators in County office buildings. Mr. Davis
stated that he met with representatives of the deferred
compensation program regarding changes in federal regulations.
He indicated that a meeting is scheduled for March 26 to review
the changes with employees. Mr. Davis informed the Board that
he continues to monitor both health insurance and workers’
compensation reserves and that both accounts are higher now than
they were at the start of the fiscal year. He also reported
that claims activity for the last five months is down $132,000.
Mr. Davis stated that a request for proposal for a new vision
plan would be going out in the near future.
Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that the quarterly
financial report was distributed this week. She informed the
Commissioners that
JANUARY 22, 2002
PAGE TWO
she hopes to have the presentation booklets for the bond rating
agencies to them today for their review.
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the
Commissioners that the Planning, Permits and Engineering
Departments would be moving to 80 West Baltimore Street this
week and would open at the new location on Monday. He stated
that the offices at 35 West Washington Street would move the
following week. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that snow
removal operations went well.
Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, stated that he
attended the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Association (WCVFRA) meeting last week. He informed the
Commissioners that he testified before the Senate Budget and
Taxation Committee regarding terrorism and the cost of
additional security. Mr. Kroboth indicated that he met with
representatives of Special Operations, the Air Unit and the
WCVFRA to finalize their FY 2003 budgets. He thanked the
Commissioners for honoring Verna Brown, Emergency Program
Manager, earlier in the meeting.
Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development,
reported that four rezoning applications are scheduled at the
joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on March 11.
He stated that he would provide the Commissioners with a summary
of the requests for hotel rental tax proceeds.
GAMING OFFICE UPDATE AND RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND RULES &
REGULATIONS
Lisa Kalkbrenner, Director of the Gaming Office, appeared before
the Commissioners to provide an update on the distribution of
gaming funds. Ms. Kalkbrenner informed the Commissioners that
gaming fund revenues from calendar year 2001 tip jar sales were
$1,325,506.75. She stated that the February distribution would
include $599,702.63 to non-profit organizations and $587,202.63
to fire and rescue companies. Ms. Kalkbrenner informed the
Commissioners that she has begun to implement the changes
proposed by Smith, Elliott, Kearns and Company to improve
internal controls and accountability. She stated that the
Information Technologies Department has developed a new software
system for use in the office beginning on February 1. Ms.
Kalkbrenner provided an update on enforcement of the gaming law.
The meeting was then opened for questions from the Board.
Ms. Kalkbrenner reviewed proposed amendments to the Gaming Rules
and Regulations. She explained that the gaming law had been
revised regarding the split in the distribution to the Fire &
Rescue Association and charitable organizations. However, the
Rules and Regulations have not been amended to reflect the
revision. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that the
Rules and Regulations had last been revised in 1998, while a
minor change was made in 1999. Ms. Kalkbrenner stated that the
other major proposed revision is to distribute proceeds to
charitable organizations annually in August rather than twice
each year. She informed the Commissioners that the Gaming
Commission supports this revision, contingent upon receiving a
review every six months.
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to
approve the revisions to the Gaming Rules and Regulations as
presented. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the revised Rules
and Regulations is attached.)
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
There was no one present who wished to participate.
CAPITAL GRANT AGREEMENT - MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to
approve a grant agreement with the Maryland Transit
Administration in the amount of $52,000 (federal share) and
$6,500 (State share) to assist the County in the purchase of one
paratransit bus with lift - expansion. The local share of the
project would be $6,500. Unanimously approved.
MODIFICATION TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT – JOBS PROGRAM
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to
approve a modification to the original Intergovernmental
Agreement with the State
JANUARY 22, 2002
PAGE THREE
Department of Human Resources to expand the JOBS Program. This
would increase the local portion of the grant to $86,902, and
the Washington County Department of Social Services has agreed
to provide the additional funding. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners
that the Mental Health Center has scheduled a ceremony on
February 8 to break ground for a new facility. He stated that
the Homebuilders Association’s bi-monthly dinner is January 24.
Mr. Shoop also outlined the schedule for the trip to New York to
meet with bond counsel.
APPOINTMENT - RECREATION & PARKS BOARD
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to
appoint Dennis McGee to the Recreation & Parks Board, as a Board
of Education representative, for a three-year term. Unanimously
approved.
CONTRACT AWARD FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES – CLOSEOUT AT
RESH ROAD LANDFILL
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to
award the contract for engineering design services for closeout
of the Resh Road landfill to Maryland Environmental Services at
the negotiated lump sum fee of $233,496. Unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION ON MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief
Engineer, met with the Commissioners to continue discussions on
the fiscal impact of large road improvement projects on the
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Mr. Rohrer stated
that they also wish to discuss the Adequate Public Facilities
Ordinance (APFO) and the Road Adequacy Policy. Mr. McGee
provided an overview of the following projects: Eastern
Boulevard Extended, Rench Road realignment, and Southern
Boulevard. He informed the Commissioners that preliminary
alignment studies are being done through the Hagerstown-Eastern
Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization, although none of
them are currently in the CIP budget. Also discussed were
funding issues and potential developer contributions.
Mr. Rohrer stated that the APFO has been very successful and has
brought in at least $10 million in new road construction funds
from private developers. He explained that each agreement has
been individually negotiated based upon traffic impact studies.
Mr. Rohrer recommended that the staff review the variety of
approaches used in other Maryland jurisdictions to determine
what would be the most practical for Washington County.
(Commissioner Swartz was excused from the meeting at this time.)
RECESS – GOODWILL INDUSTRIES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON
The Commissioners recessed at 11:50 a.m. in order to attend the
Hagerstown Goodwill Industries centennial celebratory luncheon.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by
President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present:
Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J.
Wivell.
PROPOSED MARKETING PLAN – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, Greg Larsen, Business Development
Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Cassandra
Latimer, Marketing Specialist for the Economic Development
Commission, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed
marketing plan for the Airport. Ms. Motz reviewed the following
six goals and the proposed strategies to meet each goal: 1) To
create a positive awareness of Hagerstown Regional Airport in
Washington County, the Quad-State area, the State of Maryland,
and the Greater Baltimore/Washington region, to include branding
of the three-letter identifier – HGR. 2) To develop and
facilitate a growth strategy for Scheduled Passenger Air Service
at HGR that promotes the solidification and expansion of
existing airline services and explores the possibility of an
additional air carrier. 3) To facilitate dialogue
JANUARY 22, 2002
PAGE FOUR
among pertinent parties regarding a “Regional Airport Strategy”
for the Baltimore/Washington area that would identify HGR as a
key provider of Scheduled Passenger Air Service for the region.
4) To support and complement the extension of Runway 09/27, in
concert with the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic
Development Commission, due to the critical nature of the
project to the future growth of the Airfield. 5) To engineer
and implement a business development strategy that will position
HGR as a suitable location for principals in the emerging
Intelligence/Sensing Systems Modification and Integration
market, as well as the aircraft maintenance industry. 6) To
develop an acquisition strategy that will exhibit a rational
funding option for Washington County’s purchase of privately-
held aviation facilities strategically located at or adjacent to
the Airfield. Ms. Motz also presented a video presentation on
the general aviation services provided at the Airport as well as
commercial services offered there. She provided footage of
President Bush utilizing the Hagerstown Regional Airport en
route to Camp David. The meeting was then opened for questions
and discussion.
(Commissioner Swartz arrived at the meeting at 2:17 p.m.)
COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT REQUEST
Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, and Jason Baer,
President of the WCVFRA, met with the Commissioners to discuss
the request made by Community Rescue Service (CRS) for a grant
of $50,000 from the County to support their emergency medical
services operation and offset unpaid bills. The Hagerstown
Mayor and Council have asked that the Commissioners match their
contribution of $50,000. Mr. Kroboth stated that the WCVFRA
voted to endorse this request at its January 17, 2002 meeting.
He indicated that CRS has provided a plan to reduce expenses by
at least $200,000 annually. Mr. Kroboth stated that CRS was
also asked to submit a three-year business plan within 45 days
outlining plans to keep expenditures in line with revenues and
plans for staffing levels, with the plans being monitored on a
quarterly basis. Mr. Baer stated that CRS needs to look at long-
term solutions. The meeting was then opened for questions from
the Commissioners.
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to
award a one-time grant of $50,000 to the WCVFRA for payment to
Community Rescue Service, with the following conditions: 1)
CRS must submit a three-year business plan to the WCVFRA and the
Emergency Services Director within 45 days. The plan will be
monitored on a quarterly basis. 2) CRS must meet with officials
from the Washington County Hospital Association regarding its
offer to assist with bill collection and any other mutually
beneficial arrangements and report back with the results within
45 days. 3) The Emergency Services Director will provide a
report to the Commissioners within the next three months to
include recommendations for changes in operational procedures at
CRS, the status of operations, and any boundary adjustments
needed. The Commissioners also approved a transfer of $50,000
from the Recordation Tax surplus to the Contingency Fund for
this grant. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to
convene in closed session at 3:05 p.m. to discuss personnel
issues and to discuss the acquisition of real property for a
public purpose, 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 3:15 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the acquisition
of real property for a public purpose. 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; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk.
JANUARY 22, 2002
PAGE FIVE
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 3:15 p.m. to order to attend a
joint meeting with the Board of Education.
JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central
office on Commonwealth Avenue at 3:35 p.m. The following
members of the Board of Education were present: Dori Nipps, Mary
Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Ed Forrest, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne
Ober, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth
Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of
Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of
Support Services; and Christian South, Director of Budget &
Finance.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Request
Dennis McGee requested that the Commissioners consider
increasing the CIP budget from $4.5 million to $5 million this
fiscal year. Mr. McGee then outlined a plan showing how the
Board would utilize the additional funding. He reviewed the
projects planned for renovation and provided an update on
current projects. Mr. McGee stated that $500,000 is set aside
each year for systemic projects. He informed the Commissioners
that they have been notified that the Governor has allocated
$146 million for statewide public school construction in FY 2003
which is a reduction from previous years. After discussion, the
Commissioners took this request under consideration.
Technology in the Classroom
Dr. Linda Fernandez, Interim Executive Director of Curriculum
Instruction, and her associate presented a report on the
technology used in the classrooms. She reported that a wide-
area network connects the central office with 44 school
buildings. Ms. Fernandez stated that there are 23 schools
wired, with 2,661 computers installed in these schools. She
also reported on classroom computer data, internet connectivity,
and instructional software used in elementary, middle and high
schools. Ms. Fernandez stated that career preparation is
integrated into regular classes as well as technology-related
classes. She also outlined future plans for technology in the
school system.
Eisenhower Grant Review
Dr. Fernandez introduced Sandy Graff, Supervisor of Secondary
Science, and Leslie Hobbs, Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics,
who reported on the Eisenhower Professional Development Program.
Ms. Graff stated that the purpose of the program is to improve
teaching in core academic areas with the primary focus on
professional development in science and mathematics. She
provided information on the funding history of the program since
1996. Ms. Graff stated that 2002-2003 would be the final year
for the funding. She also provided information on ways in which
the funding has been utilized in the school system.
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 4:50 p.m.
TAX SETOFF – KEEDYSVILLE TOWN HALL
The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the
Keedysville Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the
following Commissioners present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz
and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly,
and William J. Wivell.
Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the
Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the
Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality
annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He also reviewed the
summary and formula for highways, police, and parks.
Commissioner Snook stated that Sharpsburg would receive $3,709
in fiscal year 2002 and Keedysville would receive $2,589. He
noted that the tax setoff money for these municipalities is
applied toward the cost of a County deputy for 30 hours per
week.
The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the town
officials and citizens in the area. Mayor Brandenburg asked for
information on
JANUARY 22, 2002
PAGE SIX
road widening, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, and
water and sewer connections. Also discussed was the process
developed to distribute hotel rental tax proceeds, library
funding, the Shepherdstown bridge, State redistricting, and the
possible consolidation of Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company and
Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Services. The Commissioners
also heard concerns from the citizens that the Board of
Education had blocked off the steps at the main entrance to the
Sharpsburg Elementary School, requiring the students to walk
through the parking lot to use the side entrance. The
Commissioners agreed to look into this matter.
Commissioner Snook informed the Town officials that their
employees are welcome to participate in any of the safety
training sessions sponsored by the County. He also thanked the
Keedysville Mayor and Council and the residents for their
Gods and Generals
patience during the filming of in the area.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to
adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimously approved.
,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
___________________________,
County Clerk