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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020212 February 12, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 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. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Director of Human Resources, introduced new County employees Kathy Schlotterbeck, Office Associate III at the Sheriff’s Department, and Randy Edwards, Civil Engineer. The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meeting of the Fitness Committee. He stated that he met with Mary Baykan, Executive Director of the Washington County Free Library, to discuss various concerns about future branch libraries in the County. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company’s annual banquet and presented th them with a proclamation in honor of their 70 anniversary. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mental Health Center. He also reported on the Historical Advisory Committee meeting and outlined some of their concerns. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he participated in interviewing candidates for the position of president of Hagerstown Community College. He distributed a letter from James Hamill, President and CEO of Washington County Health Systems, regarding their position on the efforts of Blue Cross to convert from a not-for-profit to a for-profit entity. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended a meeting with Senator Munson and Delegate Shank about a State streetscape project in Chewsville. He provided an update on his meeting with representatives from the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding the trees along Falling Waters Road. It was determined that the trees are not on public right-of-way, and the SHA has agreed to contact the owners again to see if they could purchase the land and remove the trees. Commissioner Snook asked Ms. Bastian for an update on the possibility of refinancing existing bonds. Ms. Bastian informed him that she is working with Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor for the County, on a refunding of several issues. She estimated savings of $600,000 to $700,000 over an eighteen-year period. Ms. Bastian stated that the market is now favorable to refund coupons and convert them to a lower interest rate. The cost of the refinancing would be approximately $30,000 to $40,000. She also informed them that the refunding would not extend the payments beyond the current life of the bonds. BUDGET WORKSHOP -FISCAL YEAR 2002-2007 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) The Commissioners held a budget workshop to discuss the projects submitted for the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2002-2007. Mr. Shoop emphasized that it is a draft document and will require revisions before it is finalized for consideration at the budget hearing. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Robert Arch, Director of Planning and Community Development; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, presented the proposed CIP budget for consideration. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the first draft OF the CIP budget totals $27,735,966 and proposes bond borrowing of $10,898,476. She outlined the funding sources to be used for the projects and stated that staff is trying to increase the use of “pay-as-you-go” funds. Mr. Arch FEBRUARY 12, 2002 PAGE TWO stated that the budget is balanced and is within the standards set by the Debt Reduction Policy. At this time, staff began the review of specific projects for general government, Airport, transportation, parks, and water and sewer. The Commissioners discussed funding for branch libraries in Smithsburg and Boonsboro. They agreed that they would consider providing a slightly larger contribution if the towns take ownership of the buildings and provide funding for the operation and maintenance of the facilities. They also discussed the need to assure that the facilities are the right size for the communities. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSIONS – 2003-2008 CIP BUDGET The staff continued their review of specific projects for solid waste, drainage, and road improvements. RECESS – DEDICATION OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a dedication of emergency equipment that was donated to the County by Wal-Mart. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 12:30 p.m. by Vice President Paul L. Swartz, with the following members present: Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. BID AWARD – SURVEY EQUIPMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for survey equipment to Keystone Precision Instruments, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $24,495. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Snook arrived at the meeting at 12:53 p.m. and assumed the chair.) CIP BUDGET DISCUSSIONS - CONTINUED The staff continued their review of specific projects for Hagerstown Community College and the Board of Education. After discussion, Commissioner Snook asked them to refine the CIP budget and provide them with the additional information requested today. HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISCUSSION Pat Schooley, representing the Historical Advisory Committee, met with the Board to discuss several matters of concern and interest to the Committee. Ms. Schooley stated that the Historical Advisory Committee opposes the present County policy of widening bridges from one lane to two lanes when they are being replaced. She mentioned that they are especially concerned with the plans for bridges at Keedysville Road, Clopper Road, and Barnes Road. Ms. Schooley asked that the County post these sites prior to construction to request community input when they are considering repairing historic bridges. Ms. Schooley stated that another area of concern is the deterioration of the French Lane property. She asked that the Commissioners consider a curatorship program for this property and stated that they would be happy to assist in advertising for a curator. She also asked that that Historic District Commission be granted the power to deny demolition permits and levy fines against individuals who illegally demolish historic structures. Ms. Schooley suggested that the fines could be placed into a fund used to save other historic buildings. She asked that the County bring its tax credit program for historic restoration in line with State and Federal programs to allow the credits to apply to interior restoration as well as exterior. She recommended that the County consider employing a Historic Preservation Planner so that the County can address all issues in a timely manner. Ms. Schooley distributed information on grants available through the State that could FEBRUARY 12, 2002 PAGE THREE assist with the cost involved. The Commissioners discussed the recommendations and took them under consideration at this time. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – MARYLAND STATE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed the Board that the Maryland State Correctional System has requested that the County enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allow a representative from Washington County Department of Emergency Services to operate from the State Emergency Operations Center at the prison complex in the event of an emergency. He presented the proposed MOU for their consideration and informed the Commissioners that the document has been reviewed and revised by the Department of Emergency Services and the County Attorney. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Maryland State Correctional System to authorize a representative from the Washington County Department of Emergency Services to coordinate local government agencies and staff the Emergency Operating Center in response to emergency situations at the Maryland Correctional Training Center, Maryland Correctional Institution, and Roxbury Correctional Institution. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION – PROPOSAL TO CREATE A NEW DIVISION TO MANAGE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Manager, presented a proposal to the Board to create a division to manage issues regarding electronic technologies. Mr. Loewenheim stated that the division should initially include the Communications Maintenance and Information Technologies Departments but would most likely add other departments in the future. He outlined some specialties that could be included. Mr. Loewenheim also recommended that a director be hired to manage the new division. He stated that this could be implemented as a marketing tool for economic development to emphasize that Washington County is interested in being at the forefront of new technologies. He provided information on the duties of the Communications Maintenance Department. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners agreed to keep Communications Maintenance under the Division of Public Works until a further review is made to determine whether there should be a reorganization. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 5, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of February 5, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:49 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider 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 3:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and considered a 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; and Ronald Maxwell, Antietam Filmworks, LLC. FEBRUARY 12, 2002 PAGE FOUR EMPLOY – DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to employ Robert Slocum as Deputy Chief Engineer (Grade 15) at a salary of $57,500. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Swartz, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” TERMINATION OF SECURITY INTEREST - “GODS AND GENERALS” Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to approve a release agreement for Termination of Security Interest in the published novel entitled “Gods and Generals” to acknowledge that all obligations have been fulfilled and satisfied by Antietam Filmworks, LLC, effective as of January 31, 2002. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:52 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 4:10 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. Dr. Morgan introduced Spence Perry who will be doing pro bono legal work to assist the Board with development of the strategic plan. FY 2002 - Second Quarter Budget Adjustments Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the following second quarter budget adjustments as requested by the Board of Education by decreasing the following categories: Revenue - $161,417; Administration – $17,720, Instructional Salaries - $146,617, Operation of Plant - $205,495, Special Education - $80,070, and Student Health Services - $47,800, and to increase the following categories: Mid-Level Administration - $290, Other Instructional Costs - $22,500, Student Transportation - $31,000, Fixed Charges - $77,000, and Maintenance of Plant - $205,495, for a total adjustment to the Fund Balance of $0. Unanimously approved. School Accountability Funding for Excellence (SAFE) Dr. Linda Fernandez, Interim Executive Director of Curriculum Instruction, explained that SAFE is an umbrella grant program that combines the application and monitoring processes of fifteen federal and state categorical programs. The program requires local school systems to integrate these programs into a single, comprehensive plan that aligns research-based reform, instructional services and professional development. She stated that they anticipate changes in several of the programs due to the federal funding. They discussed the funding sources and uses of funds from the SAFE program. 2002 County Goals Commissioner Snook explained that the Commissioners have approved the first seven goals for 2002 and agreed to include an eighth goal relating to education. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that he met with Dr. Morgan to develop the following language for the goal pertaining to education: “In collaboration with the Board of Education, develop a plan for a world class school system.” Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt Goal No. 8 to complete the 2002 goals for Washington County. Unanimously approved. FY 2003 CIP Budget Update Commissioner Snook provided an update to the Board members on the FY 2003 CIP budget discussions held earlier today. He informed that the budget tentatively includes an additional $500,000 per year for the Board of Education’s capital programs, but that there would be conditions that the Board must meet include the more efficient use of school facilities. FEBRUARY 12, 2002 PAGE FIVE Update on Health Insurance Fund Chris South provided a brief update on the Board of Education’s healthcare self-insurance fund. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk