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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020611 June 10, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-02-002 & RZ-02-003 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning cases RZ-02-002 and RZ-02-003. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioner President Gregory I. Snook and Planning Commission Chair Paula Lampton. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners Paul L. Swartz and Bertrand L. Iseminger. Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Tim Henry, George Anikis, Robert Ernst, and Ben Clopper were also in attendance. After presentations and public testimony were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (l0) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The public hearing was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk June 11, 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., 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 – JUNE 4, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of June 4, 2002, as submitted. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended a public meeting held by citizens in Fairplay who have concerns about the proposed golf course in St. James and its effect on their water supply. He participated in the Ron Phillips Memorial Golf Tournament and attended the Associated Builders and Contractors annual picnic. Commissioner Iseminger also reported on the joint rezoning hearing. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended a meeting of the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County. He also reported on the meeting of the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee. Commissioner Swartz reported on the Wellness Program activities. He stated that he attended the open house at the Clarion Convention Center, the Hagerstown Community College induction into the athletic hall of fame, the Associated Builders and Contractors picnic, the Children’s Village Kids Alive Fest, the Elks State Convention, and Senator Munson’s fundraiser. He informed the Commissioners that the Ron Phillips Memorial Golf Tournament raised approximately $8,000 for scholarships. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received notification that the Washington County Department of Social Services has received accreditation by the national council. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reported that her office would be printing graphs on future utility bills showing quarterly usage. Ms. JUNE 11, 2002 PAGE TWO Bastian stated that she has not received the required financial reports from several volunteer fire and rescue companies and, as a result, the companies have not received their scheduled payments. She asked the Commissioners to consider adopting a policy to establish guidelines for the timely submission of the information. Ms. Bastian indicated that Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, is currently addressing this issue with the companies. Ms. Bastian indicated that the FY 2003 budget information has been distributed to County departments. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reported that a grant application is being developed through the Appalachian Regional Commission for the planned sewer interceptor. He stated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting is scheduled for June 12. Mr. Arch also reported on the Maryland Association of Counties Planners Association meeting. He stated that the Recreation & Parks Board would be meeting to discuss the recreational opportunities at Fort Ritchie. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of holding an LPGA Future’s Tournament at Black Rock Golf Course next year. Alan Davis, Emergency Services Director, informed the Commissioners that automatic external defibrillator units are being installed in the County Administration Building. Commissioner Iseminger asked that a presentation be scheduled in the near future to update the Commissioners on the County’s safety training program. Mr. Davis stated that they are working on the payroll modeling for the FY 03 budget. Commissioner Snook requested information on the equipment that was added to the County’s insurance by the volunteer fire and rescue companies. CHANGE ORDER – COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the change with Callas Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $49,444 for the final close-out of the County Office Building renovation project. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION – HAGERSTOWN HOME OWNERSHIP MONTH Commissioner Iseminger presented a proclamation to Patricia McMillian, Executive Director of the Hagerstown Home Store, and Jennifer Daley, Community Relations Coordinator, designating the month of June 2002 as Home Ownership Month and commending the organizations that work to increase homeownership opportunities for the citizens of Washington County. Ms. McMillian thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and distributed the new “Guide to Homeownership Programs in Washington County” brochure and poster. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PRESENTATION – REGINA PAYLOR Commissioner Swartz presented Regina Paylor with a certificate of merit in recognition of having received her Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Hagerstown Community College and commended her for her dedication and perseverance. The Commissioners each offered their congratulations on this accomplishment. Ms. Paylor thanked the Commissioners for the certificate and informed them of her plans to continue her education through the University of Maryland in the fall. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT – “GOING FOR THE GOLD” PROGRAM The Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to employees who completed the “Going for the Gold” management and office support courses co-sponsored by the Division of Human Resources Training Office and the Continuing Education Division of Hagerstown Community College (HCC). The following employees received Government Supervisory Management Certifications: Roy Lescalleet, Bardonna Woods, Mike Rohrer, Terry Schlotterbeck, Rick Stevens, Terry Wray, John Pennesi, Dave Shrader, and Rodney Snyder. The Commissioners also presented certificates to those employees who received certification in Office Support Management: Jamie Calandrelle, Kathy Grove, Julie Nichols, Angie Helfrick, Dyanne Sharrar, Mary Price, Beth Weaver, and Tina Ruppert. Jim Cannon, representing the Continuing Education Division of HCC, also presented plaques to the recipients. The Commissioners commended and congratulated the employees for their commitment to education and continuing improvement JUNE 11, 2002 PAGE THREE BID AWARD – TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for trash removal at County facilities to BFI Waste Services, LLC, who was the sole bidder, for the annual amount of $35,004 for a one-year period commencing July 1, 2002, with an option by the County to renew for up to four consecutive one (1) year periods. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to award the elevator maintenance service coantract to Eastern Elevator Services & Sales Co., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $9,253.20 for one year with the option to renew for up to four (4) additional one-year periods. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Wivell and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Swartz voting “NO.” CONTRACT AWARD – STUDY AND DESIGN UPGRADES TO THE SANDY HOOK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT & THE SHARPSBURG WATER TREATMENT PLANT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for Study and Design Upgrades to the Sandy Hook Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant to KLH Engineers, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $28,750. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CHEMICALS FOR VARIOUS COUNTY/CITY DEPARTMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the contracts for low responsible, responsive bids meeting specifications for each chemical item as follows: Item #1 – York Distributors - $385/gal.; Item #2 – ProSource One - $16.50/lb.; Item #3 – Allegheny Lawn & Golf Products - $102.46/bag; Item #4 - Allegheny Lawn & Golf Products - $88.70/bag; Item #5 – Wetzel, Inc. - $27.74/gallon; Item #6 – ProSource One - $269/gal.; Item #7 – Lesco, Inc. - $292/gal.; Item #8 – United Horticultural Supply - $2,009/drum; Item #9 – Lesco, Inc. - $100/gallon; Item #10 – York Distributors - $17.70/lb.; Item #11 – Wetzel, Inc. - $10/gal.; Item #12 – Wetzel, Inc. - $14.16/gal.; Item #13 – United Horticultural Supply - $9.10/lb.; Item #14 – ProSource One - $11.76/lb.; Item #15 – Wetzel, Inc. - $8.14/lb.; Item #16 – York Distributors - $5.15/lb.; Item #17 – Simplot Partners - $27.84/gal.; Item #18 – Wetzel, Inc. - $7.73/lb.; Item #19 – York Distributors - $336.50/gal.; Item #20 – York Distributors - $91.75.; Item #21 – ProSource One - $40.75/gal.; Item #22 – York Distributors - $80.50/lb.; Item #23 – York Distributors - $8.90/lb.; and Item #24 – Wetzel, Inc. - $37.54/lb. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWALS – DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to renew contracts with the State Department of Juvenile Justice for the Juvenile Community Services/Informal Supervision Contract ($74,754) and the Crisis Intervention/Night Intake Project ($33,441) for one-year periods. Unanimously approved. UPDATE ON STATE OF AGRICULTURE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Eric Seifarth, Land Preservation Planner, met with the Commissioners to provide information on the general state of agriculture in Washington County. He introduced Don Schwartz, Extension Agent, David Herbst and his daughter, Jennifer, who were chosen by the Farm Bureau to make the presentation. Mr. Schwartz informed the Commissioners that approximately 20,000 acres of agricultural land in the County has been lost over the past twenty years. Although this is not a large amount, he stated that he believes that this trend will continue. Mr. Schwartz stated that dairy farms make up the greatest number of farms in the County, with over 140 farms. He noted that he has seen a trend toward smaller scale farms with fruit, vegetable, and greenhouse operations. Mr. Schwartz indicated that it is unique to Washington County that over 40% of the farms are owned and operated by Mennonites. He stated that the Mennonites have an informal JUNE 11, 2002 PAGE FOUR type of preservation program in place since their beliefs do not permit them to participate in the State and County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Mr. Schwartz also discussed the conflicts that occur with the new State environmental regulations. He stated that the farms in Washington County are part of the Cumberland Valley and that many of the farms in the other states do not have the regulatory issues that the Maryland farms encounter. David Herbst spoke of his love for farming and that three of his children are interested in farming. Mr. Herbst stated that he is having some strategic planning done to prepare for the future although he would prefer not to expand his operation. He indicated that farmers in the County utilize the services of the Extension Service and Soil Conservation Service as a source of unbiased information. The Commissioners discussed the proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and asked his opinion on how the changes would affect farmers. Mr. Herbst stated that the Agricultural Land Preservation Program is one of the best plans being offered. He stated that farmers are concerned with the loss of equity if the zoning densities are modified. The Commissioners also discussed the possible use of transferable development rights (TDR) and the difficulties in applying them. Mr. Herbst suggested that those farmers participating in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program be given the opportunity to be grandfathered under the current zoning. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions with the Commissioners. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. REAPPOINTMENTS – ADULT PUBLIC GUARDIANSHIP REVIEW BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reappoint Catherine Drummond, Mary Jane Sharer, and Pauline Welsh to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board for three- year terms and to waive the two-term limit to reappoint Dr. Allen Ditto and Peggy Martin for additional three-year terms. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, provided Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth’s report since Mr. Kroboth was out of town. He stated that grant funding is being requested from the Maryland Emergency Services Administration to purchase radios for severe weather notification for the public schools. Mr. Shoop stated that he is now developing the meeting schedule for the next six months. He reminded the Commissioners that the swearing-in ceremony for the 2002-2006 Board of County Commissioners would be held on December 3. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he attended a Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting regarding consolidation of government functions. WAIVER OF VIDEO GAME PERMIT FEES – HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the waiver of the permit fees for four (4) coin-operated video games as requested by David Emmett, Procurement Director at Hagerstown Junior College, in the amount of $725. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 11:07 a.m. to discuss personnel matters, to 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 Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 1:03 p.m. Unanimously approved. JUNE 11, 2002 PAGE FIVE In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) issues, and considered proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; and Timothy Troxell, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Commission. CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS – 911/FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the promotion of Bardona Woods to the position of Chief of Communications for 911/Fire and Rescue Communications (Grade 14). Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Swartz voting “NO.” ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 1:04 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk