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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020618 June 18, 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 – JUNE 10 & 11, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of June 10 and 11, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting regarding a proposed development in Rohrersville. He stated that he participated in the CIPF golf tournament and attended the All-Star, All-Holiday picnic and presented a proclamation to Darren Boyd on his homecoming from Afghanistan. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the meetings of the joint Downtown Task Force/Chamber of Commerce committee, the Public Golf Corporation Board, and the Western Maryland Consortium. He also stated that he made a presentation to the Hagerstown Exchange Club. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the meetings of the Washington County Hospital Site Selection Committee and the Economic Development Commission. He informed the Commissioners that he received a letter of introduction from John Cristy, the new director of Food Resources, Inc. Commissioner Snook stated that Roscoe Corderman was reappointed to the Property Tax Appeals Board by the Governor. He informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Department of the Environment has scheduled a public hearing on the expansion of the H.B. Mellott quarry for June 24 at Highland View Academy. He also stated that he signed the application in support of the Town of Williamsport COPS grant request. The Commissioners discussed the State communications tower project that is to be constructed near the State Police barracks. AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAM Brian Overcash, Safety Coordinator, and Kimberly Buchanan, instructor with the American Red Cross, met with the Board to provide information on the County’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program. Mr. Overcash stated that the County has AED units located at the County Administration Building, County Office Building, Administrative Annex, and the Court House. He reviewed the protocol for use of the AED units and the training program in place for their use. Ms. Buchanan explained how the AED unit works to analyze the patient’s condition and shock the heart. They then demonstrated the unit and opened the meeting for questions and comments from the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Overcash and Ms. Buchanan for the demonstration. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – STATE DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to authorize execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Emergency Management Administration accepting grant funding of $77,459.64 to increase the safety and capabilities of first responders through the State Domestic Preparedness Program. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – OFFICE SUPPLIES, DESK-TOP DELIVERY TO WASHINGTON COUNTY DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for desk-top delivery of office supplies to Washington County departments and agencies to Boise Cascade Office Products, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $52,129 for a three-year contract. Unanimously approved. JUNE 18, 2002 PAGE TWO BID AWARD – JANITORIAL SERVICES AT WASHINGTON COUNTY OFFICE BUILDINGS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to reject the bid for janitorial services at Washington County office buildings and rebid the work, taking into consideration the bonding requirements, reducing the hours required, and bidding the buildings on an individual basis. Motion did not carry with Commissioners Wivell and Swartz voting “AYE” and Commissioners Iseminger, Schnebly and Snook voting “NO.” Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for janitorial services at Washington County office buildings to Makro Services, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $186,338.58 annually with a contract term of one year with four one-year renewal options, with the condition that the bid is revisited at the end of one year. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Swartz and Wivell voting “NO.” BID AWARD – FY 2003 COUNTY OVERLAY CONTRACT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for the County’s bituminous concrete overlay program to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the low bid of $1,102,843.46 ($36 per ton). Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Wivell, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” BID AWARD & BUDGET TRANSFER – CELL TWO CONSTRUCTION AT FORTY WEST LANDFILL Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to honor the request of the apparent low bidder, H.E. Sargent, Inc., to withdraw its bid due to an error in its bid preparation. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE,” Commissioner Wivell voting “NO” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for construction of Cell Two at the Forty West Landfill to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $2,977,545. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger and Snook voting “AYE,” Commissioner Wivell voting “NO” and Commissioner Schnebly “ABSTAINING.” Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to transfer $230,000 from the Landfill’s Operating budget to the Forty West Landfill – Cell Two Construction project in the Capital Improvements Program budget. Motion carried with Commissioners Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting “AYE,” Commissioner Wivell voting “NO” and Commissioner Schnebly ”ABSTAINING.” COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES – APPROVAL OF OFFICERS Carolyn Brooks, vice-chair of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families, met with the Commissioners to request their approval of the new board officers for FY 2003. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the following individuals as the new board officers for the Community Partnership for Children & Families: Chair – Jenny Belliotti; Vice-Chair – James Blanks; Secretary – Millie Lowman; and Treasurer – Dr. Julian Sidlowski. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 10:10 a.m. to discuss a personnel matter, 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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 10:55 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. JUNE 18, 2002 PAGE THREE Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; and Lisa Kalkbrenner, Director of the Gaming Office. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. APPOINTMENT – BOARD OF EXAMINERS & SUPERVISORS FOR ELECTRICIANS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Thomas L. Ernst to the Board of Supervisors & Electricians for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – RECREATION & PARKS BOARD Motion made by Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to appoint Albert Deal to fill the unexpired term of Mildred “Mickey” Myers on the Recreation and Parks Board that expires January 1, 2005. Unanimously approved. CHANGE ORDER – ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AIRPORT TERMINAL MODS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve a change order with URS Corporation in the amount of $99,600 for additional architectural and engineering design services for improvements to the Airport terminal that were not included in the original scope of services. Unanimously approved. WITHDRAWAL OF REZONING CASE RZ-01-010 – MANNY SHAOOL Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the withdrawal of rezoning application RZ-01-010 as requested by the applicant Fox and Associates on behalf of owner Manny Shaool. Unanimously approved. DESIGNATION OF PRIORITY FUNDING AREA Cassandra Latimer, Marketing Specialist for the Economic Development Commission, informed the Commissioners that the State has requested that the County designate a single priority funding area (PFA) for tax credits under the Maryland Job Creation Tax Credit Program due to inconsistencies with the Smart Growth program. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to designate the “Washington County Growth Area” PFA as the primary PFA for the reduced job creation threshold for the Maryland Job Creation Tax Credit Program. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION – GARDEN HILL & JACOB HIGHBARGER HOUSE Stephen Goodrich, Chief Senior Planner, met with the Board to present applications for the nomination of “Garden Hill” and the “Jacob Highbarger House” to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Goodrich reviewed the applications and stated that Washington County, as a Certified Local Government, is permitted to recommend properties for nomination. He then reviewed the eligibility criteria for placement on the National Register. He stated that both properties qualify under Criterion C as properties that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction. Mr. Goodrich noted that th Garden Hill is a remarkably intact example of a mid-19 century Greek revival style rural farmhouse constructed circa 1865. He stated that the Jacob Highbarger house, circa 1832, is an intact example of a regional vernacular dwelling and workshop of a local artisan containing Greek revival stylistic influences. It also includes a rare example of exposed corner post log construction in the attached carpenter’s workshop. Mr. Goodrich indicated that the applications were recommended for approval by the Historic District Commission. He stated that the designation would allow the property owners to apply for state and federal tax credits. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners regarding the applications. Commissioner Snook asked if the location of Garden Hill would affect the proposed alignment of Southern Boulevard. JUNE 18, 2002 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to concur with the Historic District’s Commission’s recommendation to submit the applications to the Maryland Historical Trust for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Jacob Highbarger House and the Garden Hill property, subject to confirmation that the proposed alignment of Southern Boulevard would not affect the Garden Hill property. Unanimously approved. (Information received from Mr. Goodrich later in the meeting confirmed that the Garden Hill property is not in conflict with the proposed alignment for Southern Boulevard.) FOREST CONSERVATION FUND PLANTING SITES Stephen Goodrich, Chief Senior Planner, met with the Commissioners to review three candidates for planting and retention sites utilizing FY 2002-03 Forest Conservation Funds. Mr. Goodrich stated that the sites are owned by Michael Sweeney, Neil Wright, and Charles Jackson for total new planting of 4.3 acres and existing forest of 15.6 acres. He informed the Commissioners that the Sweeney property contains 8 acres of existing forest and will create a permanent stream buffer along Toms Run, a tributary to the Conococheague Creek. The Wright and Jackson properties provide stream buffers to Beaver Creek and contain 7.6 acres of existing forest and 4.3 acres of new plantings. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the properties owned by Michael Sweeney, Neil Wright, and Charles Jackson for planting and retention sites for the FY 2002-03 Forest Conservation Fund. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in Closed Session at 11:24 a.m. to discuss personnel matters, 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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 11:49 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel matters. 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; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:49 a.m. for lunch AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:01 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and William J. Wivell. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – DISCUSSION Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review the revised Comprehensive Plan as proposed by the Planning Commission. He asked the Board to identify any revisions they want to make prior to scheduling a public hearing on the plan. Mr. Arch noted that the revisions would then be taken back to the Planning Commission for further discussion. The focal point of the discussion was the impact of the proposed density changes on agricultural land values. Mr. Arch acknowledged that there may be an initial drop but believed that the land values would then begin to return to normal. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, stated that there are approximately 750 farms in the County, about half of them owned by Mennonites. Mr. Arch then outlined the concept of using density bonuses. Commissioner Swartz suggested that a moratorium be JUNE 18, 2002 PAGE FIVE imposed until the new Comprehensive Plan is adopted. Mr. Arch stated that it might be more logical to limit the number of units per development until it is adopted. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Also discussed was the proposed 1 to 10 ratio in agricultural zoning. The Commissioners voiced their concerns with the balance. Mr. Arch stated that the plan would be the vision for the County in the future. He stated that the proposed plan could be taken to public hearing as is or with changes. He stated that the Planning Commission would then review and comment on the proposal. The Commissioners agreed to schedule a public hearing on the revised Comprehensive Plan as proposed to see how the public feels about the proposal. Motion by Commissioner Iseminger seconded by Schnebly, to take revised Comprehensive Plan to public hearing as proposed by the Planning Commission with the agricultural zoning ratios of 1:10, 1:20 and 1:30 acres as presented, without the bonus densities. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PRESENTATION - JANET MOATS Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of merit to Janet Moats for completion of the “Going for the Gold” office support courses co-sponsored by the Division of Human Resources Training Office and the Continuing Education Division of Hagerstown Community College. RECAP OF EMERGENCY EXERCISE – APRIL 20 Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator, met with the Commissioners to review the tri-annual Airport disaster drill that was conducted on April 20. Mr. Ridenour stated that it was a multi-agency training activity focused on testing and evaluating various emergency response functions applicable to any report of an aircraft disaster, act of terrorism, or use of weapons of mass destruction. He also reviewed the goal of the exercise, FAA requirements, and the planning process. Mr. Ridenour estimated that a total of 283 people participated in the drill, not including personnel at medical facilities. He stated that the scenario of the exercise was that a terrorist group had targeted the Hagerstown Regional Airport for acts of violence including disrupting the air traffic control system and destroying an air carrier aircraft. Mr. Ridenour provided information on the timeline, terrorist activity, mass casualties, weapons of mass destruction incidents, and apparatus used during the drill. He stated that the funding was provided to stage the exercise through grants from the Washington County Emergency Management Agency, Maryland Emergency Management Administration, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Mr. Ridenour indicated that the evaluations and critiques would be compiled into a booklet. He stated that the drill went very well. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Ridenour for the presentation. He also thanked the volunteers who participated. He stated that he watched a portion of the drill and that it was very realistic. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:42 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and 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 Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issue, considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and considered a proposal for a JUNE 18, 2002 PAGE SIX 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; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; Greg Larsen, Airport Marketing Specialist ; Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator; Ed Rakowski, Operations Manager; Janet Moats, Office Associate; Brett Wilson and Thomas Newcomer, members of the PenMar Development Corporation; Eileen Kerslake, Deputy Executive Director of the PMDC; and Johnny E. Weller, Senior Engineering Technician. APPOINTMENT – PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION – BOARD OF DIRECTORS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint Ronald Sulchek to the Board of Directors of PenMar Development Corporation to fill the unexpired term of Kenneth Jones which expires on June 30, 2003. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:12 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk