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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020219 February 19, 2002 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 – FEBRUARY 12, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of February 12, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Snook introduced Josiah Storer who was in attendance as one of the requirements to earn his Boy Scout merit badge for citizenship. Commissioner Snook then presented him with a Washington County pin. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meeting of the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that Peter Perini resigned from the Disabilities Advisory Committee. Commissioner Iseminger stated that he met with the Board of Directors of Discovery Station and volunteered to serve on this Board. He stated that he attended the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company banquet and was a guest on the WHAG radio talk show. Commissioner Iseminger reported that he attended the strategic planning session held by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Commissioner Wivell stated that he has received complaints about the lighting at the new Eastern Section Highways building. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that he would review the situation and make recommendations on ways to resolve the issue. Commissioner Snook reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. He informed the Commissioners that the 4-H annual recognition dinner is scheduled for March 2. He distributed a letter from Delegate Shank regarding a complaint about the lack of public water in the Fort Ritchie area. Commissioner Snook stated that he met with representatives from Allfirst Bank. REAPPOINTMENT – AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reappoint Peter Callas to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners to check Microsoft Outlook for e-mail messages. BUDGET PRESENTATION – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reviewed the format changes in the new budget books. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator, presented the Airport budget for FY 2003 in the total amount of $1,336,550. Ms. Motz explained that $92,150 is being requested from the general fund. She highlighted the projected revenues and reviewed the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed increases. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. BUDGET PRESENTATION – BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Roger Finn, Chairperson of the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors, Darrell Whittington, Golf Director, and John Kain, Golf Course Superintendent, presented the FY 2003 budget request for Black Rock Golf FEBRUARY 19, 2002 PAGE TWO Course for $1,179,882. Mr. Whittington outlined the rate increases proposed for next fiscal year. Mr. Finn reviewed the capital projects planned for the course. He noted that Black Rock does not require a General Fund contribution. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. RECOGNITION – JO ELLEN ARDINGER Commissioner Snook presented Jo Ellen Ardinger with a letter of gratitude for her dedication and hard work during the time she served with the County Attorney’s office. The Commissioners congratulated her on her new position as Assistant District Counsel with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service in San Francisco. CHANGE ORDER – OLD ROXBURY ROAD BRIDGE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a change order for $129,825 for the Old Roxbury Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project to include scaffolding, winter protection, stone masonry, repointing, washing of walls, and repair of the internal portion of the parapet walls. The County’s 20% local share of the project will be $15,317. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, informed the Commissioners that the County Highway Department would like to “piggyback” on 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 three (3) one and one-half ton crew cab/chassis trucks. She stated that Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws granted authorization for the County to procure goods or services entered into by other governmental entities. The cost for the three trucks under this contract is $139,832.40. Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager, informed the Commissioners that bidding was performed for these trucks in the industrial equipment bid that was processed in September, but only one bid was received and it was determined to be non-responsive. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the resolution to purchase three (3) one and one-half ton crew cab/chassis trucks 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 $139,832.40. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) BUDGET PRESENTATION – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Highway Fund – J. Theodore Wolford, Superintendent of the Highway Department; Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager; Zane Rowe, Building Maintenance Supervisor; Dave Shrader, Traffic & Safety Supervisor; and Diane Mongan, Office Associate, presented the Highway Department budget request for FY 2003 in the total amount of $7,010,500. The staff highlighted the major changes in budget categories and line items, the reasons for the proposed increases, and answered questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Wolford stated that the Department is funded by highway user revenues, which are distributed by the State to maintain the road system. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. BUDGET PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Kevin Cerrone, Transit Manager, reviewed an operating summary of revenues and expenditures for the County Commuter. He indicated that the County Commuter is primarily funded by fare box revenues and State and Federal grants, although a General Fund contribution is required as a matching fund for the grants. Mr. Cerrone presented the proposed budget for FY 2003 in the total amount of $1,657,702. He stated that the requested General Fund appropriation for FY 2003 is $371,948. Mr. Cerrone explained that the Department of Social Services JOBS Program has helped tremendously. At this time, the meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. FEBRUARY 19, 2002 PAGE THREE RECESS – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:24 a.m. in order to attend the annual luncheon meeting of the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:27 p.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. COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Board regarding the proposed building improvements to the County Administration Building. Mr. Rohrer stated that the project involves repainting walls and replacing carpet throughout the upper two floors and the portion of the first floor occupied by the County. He indicated that there would also be minor demolition and renovations to facilitate open workstations on the third floor. Mr. Rohrer outlined the plan to relocate the various departments involved in the renovation. He asked the Commissioners to transfer the remaining balance of $155,000 from the Administrative Annex project budget to permit him to proceed with the improvements to the County Administration Building. The meeting was then opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the transfer of $155,000 remaining from the Administrative Annex project budget to a new account for improvements to the County Administration Building. The Commissioners agreed that they would like continual updates during the project to include reports following the renovation of the second and third floors. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the Water & Sewer Department has asked customers in the Sharpsburg, Clear Spring, Highfield, Elk Ridge, and Sandy Hook areas to voluntarily conserve water due to the drought conditions. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that a preliminary review of the budget requests show an increase of $8 million over last year. Rod Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he, Ms. Bastian, and John Howard, Economic Development Director, had a conference call with representatives from Moody’s and Standard & Poors to provide additional information on economic development in the County. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting regarding changes in workers’ compensation laws. He stated that he attended the monthly meeting with the Sheriff’s Department and met with CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield and CIBZ representatives to review claims activity. Mr. Davis stated that the Local Management Board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, stated that he met with the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He informed the Commissioners that the final strategic planning session with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association was held last week. Mr. Kroboth stated that he distributed draft copies of the updated plan on “Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism” for review. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Review, stated that he is completing several projects. He reported on topics on the agenda for the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting and the status of the Rural Village grant funding. FEBRUARY 19, 2002 PAGE FOUR DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT Motion Made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly to appoint Ethel Nemcek to the Disabilities Advisory Committee for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:09 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy for a bid or proposal, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, and discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene in open session at 3:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, discussed one (1) matter directly related to negotiating strategy for a bid or proposal, consulted with staff about one (1) matter of pending or potential litigation, and discussed the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Carolyn Motz, Regional Airport Manager; Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator; Greg Larsen, Airport Marketing Specialist; and Airport Advisory Commission members Thomas Henderson, Anton Dahbura, and David Wills. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:35 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Mayor William Breichner and City Council members Lewis Metzner, Linn Hendershot, Kristin Aleshire, Penny Nigh, and Carol Moller at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. Update – Convention & Visitors Bureau Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), met with the group to provide an update on programs and activities of the CVB. Mr. Hart provided a fiscal overview of the CVB showing budget growth and allocation of funds from various revenue sources. He also reviewed promotional expenses by program category. Mr. Hart discussed the advertising schedule and presented illustrations of the advertising campaign. He outlined sales activities, including meetings, conventions, and trade shows that he and his staff have attended. Mr. Hart reviewed the highlights from 2001 and informed the group that some of the upcoming events for 2002 include the th Travel Media Fam Tour, 140 anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Antietam, the grand opening of the Civil War Trails Program and the National Heritage Area Program. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Hart for the report and congratulated him and his staff for the progress they have made. Tax Setoff – City of Hagerstown 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 then reviewed the calculations made for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2002, the City is estimated to receive $820,663. FEBRUARY 19, 2002 PAGE FIVE Al Martin, Hagerstown Director of Finance, gave a brief update on the Tax Setoff Committee meetings. He stated that a draft model is being developed that mirrors the Annapolis/Anne Arundel County model. After they receive comments on the model, they will make a presentation to both bodies for review and approval. Airport Runway Extension Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport, made a presentation on the runway extension project. She stated that an environmental assessment would be completed in the near future and that will hold public hearings in the community on the findings. Ms. Motz stated that they hope to begin site work in late 2003 or 2004 with the anticipated completion of the runway extension in 2006 or 2007. She explained that the runway would be extended to 7,000 feet. A bridge would be constructed over U.S. Route 11 and the road would be re-routed. Preliminary Planning - Central Booking Facility Sheriff Charles Mades and Chief Art Smith of the Hagerstown Police Department appeared before the group to provide information on the concept of a centralized booking facility for processing of arrestees. Sheriff Mades reviewed graphs showing the increase in the number of arrests over the past several years. Sheriff Mades indicated that approximately 1,200 square feet in the current administrative area could be renovated for a central booking area. Chief Smith stated that a central booking facility would provide benefits in time savings, better identification of arrestees, and reduction of liability. Commissioner Iseminger stated that they need to get a better estimate of the costs involved. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the group that he could have an estimate and additional information from the architect in approximately thirty days. Chief Smith stated that he hopes to work with the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly to obtain State grant funding and appropriations for the project. After discussion, it was the consensus of the group to proceed to obtain a cost estimate from the architect. YMCA/Eastern Boulevard Traffic Signal Councilman Metzner stated that he believes a traffic signal is needed on Eastern Boulevard at the entrance to the new YMCA. Commissioner Snook informed him that preliminary analysis by traffic studies have shown that a signal is not warranted at that location. He indicated that the County would put counters there to determine whether the patterns have changed since the YMCA was constructed. Mr. Rohrer stated that the County decided to wait a few months to measure the effect the YMCA had on the traffic in this area. He indicated that some studies have indicated that a signal may be detrimental to the traffic flow in the area due to the sight distance. Northern Avenue Sidewalks Councilman Hendershot presented slides showing the need for sidewalk repairs along the north side of Northern Avenue that is located in the County. He stated that the sidewalks are in front of residential housing and could be hazardous. Commissioner Snook stated that he would ask the staff to develop a policy for the Commissioners to review. Downtown County Commuter Bus Stop Councilman Hendershot asked about the possibility of moving the public bus stop in the downtown area. He outlined the problems that are created by its location at the public square. Commissioner Snook asked if the City is considering including it in the streetscape project. He stated that the Commissioners would look into this matter. Annexation Subcommittee Report The Commissioners asked for an update on the status of the annexation policy and the joint subcommittee’s progress on development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City and County. Councilman Aleshire stated that the MOU was put on hold because the City Council feels that a joint meeting should be held with the County, the Maryland Office of Planning, and the Maryland Department of the FEBRUARY 19, 2002 PAGE SIX Environment (MDE). The parties need to discuss the effect the modifications to the Consolidated General Service Agreement would have on growth in the City. He stated that it was his intent to get this group together before proceeding with the MOU. Commissioner Iseminger stated that MDE urged construction of the joint City/County interconnector and has provided the funding. He emphasized that the annexation policy is not related to the water and sewer agreement. Councilman Aleshire stated that the Council would like to have comments from the County staff on the original annexation policy presented by the City. Richard Kautz, City Planning Director, stated that they have had their attorney review the proposed MOU and that they have difficulty agreeing on acceptable language for the document. The Commissioners agreed to meet with the City and MDE on the interconnector. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 6:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk