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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020129 January 29, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended a presentation at Hagerstown Community College at 2:00 p.m. by United States Demographics on census data concerning the corridor along Interstate 81. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 3:55 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. and John L. Schnebly. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 3:55 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, 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 5:08 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:08 p.m. EVENING SESSION – SMITHSBURG TOWN HALL The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Smithsburg Town Hall 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 22, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – DENNIS E. FRYE The Commissioners honored Dennis E. Frye as the Citizen of the Month for January 2002 and presented him with a certificate for his work as a historian, for continuing his role in preserving and promoting Washington County’s heritage, and for assisting in the efforts to ensure that the motion picture “Gods and Generals” would be made in Washington County. Mr. Frye thanked the Commissioners for this honor. TAX SET-OFF 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 or payment-in-lieu-of- services program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2002, Smithsburg would receive $48,306. The Commissioners then discussed matters of interest to the Town. Mayor Bowers provided an update on improvements at Veterans Park and thanked the County for the Program Open Space (POS) funding they received for the park. Commissioner Snook informed them that the Governor’s proposed budget for FY 2003 included reductions to the POS program. Mickey Myers, member of the Smithsburg Library Board, stated that the committee is working on fundraising for a new library branch. Commissioner Snook stated that the County would provide a similar financial contribution to Smithsburg for the library as it did for Clear Spring, but that the Town and the Library board would be responsible JANUARY 29, 2002 PAGE TWO for raising the remainder of the funds. He also asked that they decide whether the Town wants to retain ownership of the library building. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT APPLICATION – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Capt. Douglas Mullendore asked the Commissioners to support a public safety grant application to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Captain Mullendore stated that the grant would obtain 50% funding to provide a high-speed public safety information network that would provide access to a single network server for five law enforcement agencies, Fire & Rescue Communications, the Detention Center, and the Hagerstown Drug Task Force. The technology would provide the appearance of one large entity and allow the agencies to share data. He indicated that the cost estimate for the project is between $800,000 and $1,200,000. Captain Mullendore informed the Commissioners that a portion of the 50% matching funds could be supplied through in-kind services. He stated that the matching funds would be distributed to each of the governmental entities according to the hardware/software resources needed. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion regarding the application. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the concept as outlined and to support the submission of the request to the Department of Commerce for the grant, contingent upon final approval being granted when the final cost of the local match has been determined. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the Wellness and Fitness Committee and the Board of Directors of Healthy Families. He stated that he attended the Homebuilders Association dinner, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) strategic planning dinner, and the meeting with the emergency services agencies to develop vision and mission statements. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he attended the EDC strategic planning dinner. He suggested that the Commissioners send a letter to the Sharpsburg Mayor and Council outlining their support of the consolidation of the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Sharpsburg Ambulance Company and reitering that they would not reduce funding to these companies if they merge. The Commissioners also discussed offering a bonus to fire and ambulance companies if they consolidate. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he spoke to the Republican Club last week. He reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. He stated that he attended the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company banquet, and the EDC strategic planning dinner. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Wellness and Fitness Committee, the Maryland Theatre Board, the Local Management Board, the committee planning the “roast” of Dr. Norman Shea, and the Commission on Aging. He stated that he attended the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company Banquet, the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company banquet, and the EDC dinner. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the annual banquets of the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company and the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company. He informed the Commissioners that the Williamsport Library Board donated $1,000 to the Clear Spring Library for the purchase of new books. Commissioner Snook reported that he attended the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meeting. He also stated that he received a letter from the Governor regarding the “Maryland, You Are Beautiful” program. Commissioner Snook provided an update on the search to fill the position of president at Hagerstown Community College. He informed the Commissioners of the action taken by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association regarding commercial ambulance services. JANUARY 29, 2002 PAGE THREE REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported on the monthly meeting with representatives of Local 2677. He stated that he continued to work on personnel requests for the FY 2003 budget. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reminded the Commissioners that a review of the Capital Improvements Program budget is scheduled on February 12. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported on the move to 80 West Baltimore Street and thanked the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department and the Information Technologies (IT) Department for their help. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Board that he attended the Executive Committee meeting for Maryland Fire Chiefs. He stated that he participated in a panel discussion with the Director of FEMA regarding federal funding for Homeland Security and also attended a meeting of the Maryland Numbers Systems Board. Mr. Kroboth explained the reasons for the 911 system failure that occurred on Monday. He also reported on meetings he attended on the relocation of the Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company and the first phase of the strategic planning session with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he attended the Homebuilders Association dinner. He informed the Board that the Election Board and Treasurer’s Office would be moving to 35 West Washington Street later this week. Mr. Rohrer also stated that he was a guest on the WHAG radio talk show last week. Ron Whitt, IT Director, reported that his department helped the Public Works Department with the move last week. EMERENCY SHELTER PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the grant agreement with the Department of Housing & Community Development for an Emergency Shelter Grant in the amount of $26,000 that would provide funding for the Community Action Council, CASA, St. John’s Shelter, and REACH, Inc. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their support of the activities at the Airport. He reminded the Commissioners that the State of the County forum is scheduled for February 5 at 7:30 a.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk