Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout020319 March 19, 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. BUDGET PRESENTATION – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT AND PRETREATMENT PLANT Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, and Dawn Barnes, Assistant Director of Finance, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2003 budget for the Water & Sewer Department. Mr. Murray reviewed an operating budget comparison for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 for each fund. The proposed FY 2003 budget is as follows: Utility Administration (total) - $2,389,627; Water Fund - $970,000 (general fund appropriation of $332,400); Sewer - $9,152,249 (general fund appropriation of $2,437,600); and Pretreatment Fund - $1,435,000 (general fund appropriation of $350,000). Mr. Murray also reviewed the projected revenues for each department. The increase in revenue is due to a combination of user fees, allocation fees, and projected rate increase. He stated that a slight increase in the connection fee is projected. The Commissioners then reviewed the budget in more detail. PROPOSED RATE SETTING - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Mr. Murray met with the Commissioners to set rates for water and sewer services for fiscal year 2003. He distributed a summary of the major changes that allowed a reduction in the projected rate increases. Mr. Murray reviewed projections for fiscal years 2003 through 2012. He recommended no increase in the water rates and a 2% increase in the sewer rates. Mr. Murray reviewed the schedule of proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2003. He stated that the increase in sewer rates to the average residential customer would be $1.38 per quarter. The Commissioners then discussed the recommendations and options presented. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, also explained the early pay-off of three loans that total $669,864. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to accept the rate options for water and sewer as recommended by staff, including a 2% increase to the sewer fund and no rate increase in the water fund for fiscal year 2003, for presentation at a public hearing to be held on April 2, 2002. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department, and Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, presented the budget request for the Solid Waste Department for FY 2003 in the total amount of $4,576,915 for all landfill budgets. Mr. Davenport stated that they are taking steps to identify trends developing in the “out” years. The staff answered questions from the Board and discussed proposed rate changes, capping fees, and other items related to the landfill. Ms. Bastian reviewed long-range forecasts for the period 2003 – 2012 using various assumptions to inform the Commissioners of cash reserve issues facing the Solid Waste Department in the future. The Commissioners asked that a workshop be scheduled to determine the impact of increased fees for high-volume users on the cash reserves and to provide direction to the staff. BUDGET PRESENTATION – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Charles Mades, Captain Doug Mullendore, and Lt. Van Evans presented the FY 2003 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $878,852; Patrol Division - $4,446,783; and Detention Center - $6,833,051. They each reviewed significant changes requested in the FY 2003 budget. Sheriff Mades also requested an increase in the shift differential for Detention Center employees and provided information on the rates per hour in other Maryland jurisdictions. He also requested that the position of “Internal Investigator” be added. MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE TWO RESOLUTION DESIGNATING RESIDENT AGENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a resolution designating Richard W. Douglas, County Attorney, with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, as the resident agent for Washington County upon whom process may be served under certain circumstances. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Paula Worthington asked the Commissioners when proceedings are scheduled on the remand of the zoning for the Beaver Creek Quarry from the Court of Special Appeals. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed her that the discussion is scheduled on the April 2 agenda for the Commissioners to make additional findings of fact and conclusions. John Himes informed the Commissioners of his attempts to have a traffic signal placed at the intersection of US Route 340 and Valley/Keep Tryst Road. He stated that the State Highway Administration determined that it is not warranted at that location. Mr. Himes stated that it is a dangerous intersection and that the caution lights have been out since November 2000. LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE – HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY AWARDS Commissioner Iseminger and Mayor William Breichner presented proclamations to John Bentley and Clyde Harris, representatives of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), designating the week of March 17-23, 2002, as Home Chemical Safety Week and commending this observance to all citizens. Commissioner Iseminger thanked Verna Brown for her work with the program. Commissioner Iseminger, who acted as one of the judges in the poster contest, and Verna Brown, Chairperson of the Educational Committee of the LEPC, presented awards to the winners of the Home Chemical Safety poster contest. John Festerman, Director of Elementary Education for the Board of Education, stated that the pilot educational program was offered to fourth graders at Salem Avenue, Hickory, and Boonsboro Elementary Schools and presented certificates of achievement to all the participants. Ms. Brown informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association provided lunch for all of the contestants. The finalists were Tyler Palladino (Hickory Elementary School) and Devon Crawford (Salem Avenue Elementary School), and the grand finalist was Amber Wright (Boonsboro Elementary School). Each of the winners received U.S. Savings Bonds from the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Ms. Brown thanked the local businesses that sponsored the event. BID OPENING - 2002 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND 2002 REFUNDING BONDS Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, and Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. to receive and evaluate electronic bids for the 2002 Public Improvement Bonds and the 2002 Refunding Bonds via the Parity service. The Commissioners viewed the bids on-line and evaluated the bid representing the lowest interest rate to the County. At this time, Mr. Guthorn and Ms. Ruppersberger left the meeting to review and verify the bids. They stated that they would return during the afternoon session for award of the bid. DROUGHT RELIEF MEASURES – LOANS AND GRANTS Joe Kuhna, Community Development Coordinator, and Colleen Cashell, representing the Farm Service Agency, brought two proposals to the Commissioners for their consideration. Mr. Kuhna recommended using revolving loan funds through the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program to make reduced interest loans and grants available to farmers for measures that conserve water and for special agricultural uses in light of the drought problems across the county. He stated that loans or grants could be made available for needed repairs for plumbing, installation of conservation measures, or to provide assistance to dairy and livestock farms with the costs of drilling of new wells. Ms. Cashell explained that the Farm Service Agency could provide a 50% grant to farmers for the cost of drilling a new well to get water to the livestock. She then reviewed the criteria for eligibility in the MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE THREE program. Mr. Kuhna recommended that the County collaborate with the Farm Service agency to provide a 50% match to the loan or provide funds for hook-up costs. He suggested a cap of $20,000. The Commissioners suggested that the Rehabilitation Loan Review Board make the determination whether the funding would be in the form of a grant or a loan. The Commissioners took this under consideration. RECESS– LUNCHEON & BUDGET PRESENTATIONAT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:52 a.m. to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Free Library. John Frye, curator of the Western Maryland Room, made a presentation on the history of Washington County. Suzanne Downey-Hayes, member of the Board of Trustees, made the fiscal year 2003 budget presentation for the Library. Ms. Hayes requested county funding of $1,551,640. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:37 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. PROCLAMATION - TALL CEDAR OF LEBANON WEEK Commissioner Swartz read into the record a proclamation designating the week of March 17-23, 2002, as Tall Cedars of Lebanon Week and commending this observance to all citizens. YOUTH OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS – SEPTEMBER 2001 – DECEMBER 2001 The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to the following youths in recognition of their selection as Youths of the Month by the Washington County Children's Council: September 2001 – Hannah Smith, Clear Spring Middle School; October 2001 – Sondra Lavigne, Clear Spring Middle School; November 2001 – Joel Footen, Technical High School; and December 2001 – Jessica Meagher, E. Russell Hicks Middle School. The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities and reviewed the accomplishments of each student. The students also received a $50 savings bond. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended the Annual Flower and Garden Show at Hagerstown Community College (HCC). He informed the Commissioners that a presentation on faith and tolerance would be held at HCC on April 11. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting. He had several questions on funding for the Blue Ridge Summit library. Commissioner Wivell stated that Phil Physioc contacted him regarding a billing he received from the County for requests under the Public Information Act. He also reported that he attended the kick-off meeting of the management team for the Board of Education. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the Local Management Board, Commission on Aging, and the Traffic Advisory Committee. He informed the Commissioners that he attended CASA’s annual dinner and presented a community partnership award to Commissioner Snook that he received on behalf of the Board. Commissioner Swartz stated that he read to students at Salem Avenue Elementary School and attended the graduation ceremony for students from the Maryland Correctional Training Center. He also informed the Board that the opening day for the Hagerstown Suns is April 8. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the grand opening of the new Sears store at the Valley Mall is scheduled for March 23. He also reviewed a letter from the State Highway Administration outlining its position on installation of a traffic signal at US Route 340 and Valley/Keep Tryst Road. MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE FOUR APPOINTMENT – DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Sondra Funk to the Disabilities Advisory Committee, to fill the unexpired term of Peter Perini extending to November 30, 2002. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION – AWARD OF THE BID FOR THE 2002 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND 2002 REFUNDING BONDS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to accept the low bid of Merrill Lynch & Co. at the true interest cost (TIC) of 4.8% for the sale of $10,700,000 Public Improvement Bonds of 2002 and to accept the low bid of Merrill Lynch & Co at the true interest cost of 4.4% for the sale of $11,055,000 in Refunding Bonds of 2002, and to adopt a resolution for the Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse for the Six-Year Capital Improvement Program. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the Supplemental Resolution is attached.) REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, informed the Commissioners that the Highways Department received an excellent rating from Maryland Occupational Safety & Health inspector following an inspection last week. Mr. Davis stated that he met with Solid Waste Department employees. He reported that he attended a third-step grievance hearing and a pre-proposal conference on a vision care program last week. Mr. Davis informed the Commissioners that the physician and drug testing specifications are out for bid. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided additional information on the request made by Keedysville to lease a portion of the Weaverton to Roxbury right-of-way within the Town limits to develop a park. The Commissioners agreed to support the request. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that Jaime Dick, Recreation Department Director, agreed to serve as the County’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Hagerstown Ice and Sports Complex. He stated that the Economic Development Administration approved the extension of the Newgate road project. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission hearing on the revised Comprehensive Plan would be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that Rob Slocum, the new Deputy Chief Engineer, begins work next Monday. LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT – EQUIPMENT AT HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the Resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of a Master Equipment Lease/Purchasing Agreement for five (5) John Deere 310SG backhoe loaders and six (6) John Deere 624H wheel loaders to be used at the Highways Department. Unanimously approved. JOINT USE AGREEMENTS – TENNIS COURTS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the joint use agreement with the Washington County Board of Education and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for tennis courts at North Hagerstown High School, South Hagerstown High School, Smithsburg High School, Williamsport High School, and Hancock High School that were improved with Program Open Space funding. Unanimously approved. LANDFILL FEE – WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE CLINIC Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to fund the landfill fees in an amount not to exceed $225 for one dumpster load for the Washington County Free Clinic’s mud volleyball fundraiser, and to reimburse the Department of Solid Waste from the Commissioners’ contingency fund. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that the tennis courts at Smithsburg High School, North Hagerstown High School, and Williamsport High School are scheduled for repair in next fiscal year’s budget. MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE FIVE CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:33 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, 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 3:43 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter and consulted with staff about one (1) matter of pending or potential litigation. 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, Greg Murray, Director of the Water and Sewer Department; and Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Ed Renn, Christopher Diehl, Bonnie Parks, and Scott Schubel. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:43 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Mayor William Breichner and City Council members Linn Hendershot, Kristin Aleshire, and Carol Moller at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. Allocation of Sewer Services Mayor Breichner introduced George Keller, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Jim Noonan, Maryland Department of Planning, and Shari Wilson, Office of Smart Growth. He stated that the staff arranged for representatives from these agencies to attend the joint meeting to discuss issues and questions that have been raised regarding the allocation of sewer capacity and the proposed modifications to the Consolidated General Services Agreement for sewer services. Ed Norman, Staff Engineer, presented a map showing the location of new developments being proposed in the City and County and where they are located in relation to the designated Urban Growth Area boundary and Priority Funding Areas (PFAs). Rick Thomas, Director of the Water Pollution Control Department for the City of Hagerstown, stated that the proposed interconnection agreement would transfer wastewater flow from the City of Hagerstown to the County. He also reviewed the rated design capacity of the Hagerstown plant and outlined how the actual flow was allocated. He stated that no building permits are issued unless the water and sewer capacity is secured. Commissioner Iseminger stated that a letter from MDE urged cooperation between the City and County as the most efficient way to operate on a regional basis. He reminded them that the interconnection would save $1.5 million for both entities and allow the City to delay the expansion and upgrades to its current facility. The interconnection would also provide the needed capacity to allow all projects to be served. Commissioner Iseminger stated that this plan was approved in concept and a Memorandum of Understanding was developed based on these concepts. Commissioner Schnebly stated that geography dictated the most efficient use of the infrastructure. Councilman Aleshire had questions with regard to providing City water and sewer service to areas outside the designated funding areas and if this would affect their State funding. Mr. Noonan stated that if the area was in a designated service area that it could be served. Mr. Keller informed them that municipalities may have their own water and sewer plan but that it would be subsidiary to the County’s plan and should be MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE SIX submitted to the County for approval. Mr. Noonan stated that the issues raised are local issues and not issues for the State to decide. He said that the interconnection agreement could be a “win-win” situation for both the City and County and that annexation is a separate issue and should not slow down the approval of the agreement. Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator, informed the State officials that the City is struggling with the downtown core and the loss of revenue and is looking to annexation as a way to build the City’s tax base. Ms. Wilson indicated that the State is doing what it can to focus development into the urban areas. Commissioner Schnebly stated that annexation is not a panacea for all of the City’s problems and cited other areas that should be explored. He indicated that the County Commissioners have included urban revitalization as one of their goals for 2003. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk