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July 16, 2002
Hagerstown, Maryland
UPDATE ON RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
The Commissioners met with Jaime Dick, Director of the Recreation
Department, at 8:00 a.m. for an overview of the Recreation Department’s
summer day camp program, summer sports leagues and other recreation
programs. Mr. Dick reported to the Commissioners that participation in
the summer day camp programs has increased each year. This year the
program has 365 participants. He provided information on the number of
participants in the summer sports leagues, recreation programs, swimming
lessons, special events programs, and possible future programs. The
meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Dick for the presentation and the entire
Recreation staff for doing an excellent job.
The Commissioners departed at 8:25 a.m. to tour the day camps at Marty
Snook Park and Fountaindale Elementary School.
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:00 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 25 & JULY 9, 2002
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the
minutes of June 25 and July 9, 2002, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Brian Pile introduced his son, Kyle Snodderly, and Kent Worthington who
were attending the meeting as part of the requirements to attain their
Boy Scout merit badges for communications.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Schnebly reported on the Goodwill Board of Directors
meeting. He stated that he was a guest on WHAG’s radio show.
Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the PenMar Development
Corporation Board of Directors, Water & Sewer Advisory Commission, and
Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He informed the Commissioners that he
met with City officials on various issues and attended the Greater
Hagerstown Committee consolidation committee meeting. Commissioner
Wivell stated that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee had recommended
adjusting the discount rate for bulk users of the landfill to $35 per
ton, although he is recommending that it be adjusted to $36 per ton.
Commissioner Wivell asked if it was necessary to hold a public hearing.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to schedule
time on next week’s agenda to discuss this issue with staff.
Commissioner Iseminger informed the Commissioners that he, Joe Kroboth,
Director of the Emergency Services Department, and representatives of the
Washington County Fire & Rescue Association met with the editor of the
Herald Mail on various emergency services issues. He stated that he
toured the Baldwin House, the future site of the University System of
Maryland campus, with Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.
Commissioner Iseminger indicated that he met with City Councilman Linn
Hendershot and Mike Nye, Executive Director of Community Rescue Service.
He stated that he also met with Senator Munson and Nick Giannaris
regarding traffic concerns near the Four Points Hotel.
Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the reception for Dr. Alteri,
the new President of Hagerstown Community College. He reported on the
dedication of the McBare addition at the Maryland Theatre and the good-
bye party for John Budesky. Commissioner Swartz reported that he attended
JULY 16, 2002
PAGE TWO
the National Youth Duckpin Bowling tournament. Commissioner Swartz
stated that he also toured the Baldwin House with the Lt. Governor and
attended the Girl’s Inc. meeting. He stated that he met with a family on
Dellinger Road regarding stormwater run-off.
Commissioner Snook reported on the Washington County Hospital site
planning committee meeting and on his meeting with Dr. Alteri and Dr.
Morgan. Commissioner Snook also stated that he has received various
complaints regarding yard sales and weed control issues and has discussed
them with the Permits Department.
BUDGET TRANSFER – SMITHSBURG LIBRARY
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the
request made by Commissioner Wivell to transfer the total of his salary
for one month from the Commissioners’ budget to the General Fund budget
to allow him to donate the funds to the Washington County Free Library to
be designated for the new branch library in Smithsburg. Unanimously
approved.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that the
contractor is now ahead of schedule on the construction of Halfway
Boulevard Extended. He stated that Cell #2 is under construction at the
landfill and the entrance sign at the landfill is now in place. Mr.
Rohrer indicated that the overlay crews have begun work. He then answered
questions on the status of the patrol facility and noted that the traffic
signal at Eastern Boulevard and Security Road is operational.
Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that the auditors would begin
their work the second week in August. She informed the Commissioners
that she is working on a cost analysis for the landfill. Ms. Bastian
indicated that the water and sewer bills would now include a graph
showing prior usage. She then answered questions from the Commissioners
on tentative projections for the end-of-the-year budget information.
Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, stated that the FY 2003 payroll
began last week. He commended the staff for their work. Mr. Davis stated
that he is now collecting actuarial information. He informed the
Commissioners that an audit is being done by the Governor’s Office of
Children, Youth & Families on the WCCP.
APPOINTMENT – WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to appoint Vaughn Stahl to
the Washington County Housing Authority for a five-year term.
Unanimously approved.
RE/APPOINTMENTS – COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Motion made by Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to reappoint Catherine
Cushwa Schoen and Brenda Hayes to the Commission for Women for three-year
terms, to appoint Diane Favret, Wendy Kinney, and Natalie Rook for three-
year terms, and to appoint Kathleen Thompson for a two-year term.
Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he
met with Dr. Alteri to review the revised Comprehensive Plan and future
plans for the infrastructure near the College. Brigitte Heller,
representing the Local Emergency Planning Committee, distributed
materials that will be used in the ”Partners in Preparedness” workshop
that is scheduled on August 17.
STATE FUNDING FOR COURT HOUSE RENOVATIONS
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to accept
funding in the amount of $182,750 from the Maryland Judicial Center on
behalf of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for renovations made to the
Court House, and to transfer these funds into the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) budget to help cover the cost of the work. Unanimously
approved.
JULY 16, 2002
PAGE THREE
CHANGE ORDER FOR RUNWAY 2-20 – REGIONAL AIRPORT
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a
change order with URS Corporation of $35,800 for additional design and
construction services for relocation of Runway 2-20 threshold and
improvements to security at Hagerstown Aircraft Services. Unanimously
approved.
CHANGE ORDER – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to approve a
change order for $39,185 with P & W Excavating for relocation of existing
Runway 2-20 supplemental windcone, precision approach path indicator
system, and installation of a new fence, electric gate, and associated
controls at the Hagerstown Aircraft Service facility. Unanimously
approved.
APPROVING RESOLUTION – BROOK LANE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER PROJECT
Cheryl Guth of the McGuire Woods law firm, bond counsel for Brook lane
Psychiatric Center, met with the Commissioners to present a request made
by Brook Lane Psychiatric Center (the Borrower) to approve the issuance
and sale by the Town of Smithsburg of its limited obligation revenue
bonds. The bonds will be used by the Borrower to repay the outstanding
principal balance of the County Commissioners of Washington County
Economic Development Revenue Bonds; to construct two two-story wings
totaling approximately 30,000 square foot to the existing facility;
renovate approximately 3,900 square feet of the existing facility; and
construct a gymnasium. Ms. Guth stated that the Board must approve the
resolution since the Brook Lane property is not within the corporate
limits of the Town of Smithsburg. At this time, the meeting was opened
for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment.
Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Wivell, to adopt a
resolution approving the issuance and sale by the Town of Smithsburg of
its economic development revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount
not to exceed Five Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,500,000.00)
in one or more series from time to time, in order to lend the proceeds
thereof to Brook Lane Health Services, Inc., a Maryland corporation,
solely for the purpose of financing or refinancing all or a portion of
the cost of certain facilities in Washington County, Maryland, to be used
by the Borrower in its tax-exempt purpose activities; generally
describing and approving such facilities; generally describing the public
purposes to be served by such facilities; and generally to provide for
and determine various matters in connection therewith. Unanimously
approved. (A copy of the approved resolution is attached.)
(Commissioner Schnebly was excused from the meeting at 11:18 a.m.)
CONTRACT RENEWAL – LANDFILL INSPECTION SERVICES
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to renew the
contract with Cumberland Geotechnical Consultants, Inc. for contract year
three for landfill inspection services, based on its letter of request
dated March 20, 2002 for the following rates: Construction Inspection –
Hourly rate for straight time and overtime - $38.00; Senior Construction
Inspector – hourly rate for both straight time and overtime - $42.00.
Unanimously approved.
CONTRACT AWARD – SCHOOL-BASED FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the
contract for school-based family support services to the Department of
Social Services, for $278,860, based on the provision that it is in the
best interests of Washington County. The award is contingent upon the
approval of the Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) for
Children & Families Board and the State of Maryland. Unanimously
approved.
CONTRACT AWARD – SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the
contract for Substance Abuse Prevention to the Washington County Health
Department in the amount of $204,402 per year and a start-up budget of
$8,935 for a total of $213,137. Unanimously approved.
JULY 16, 2002
PAGE FOUR
CONTRACT AWARD – ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to award the
contract for the alternative high school education support services to
the Mental Health Center for $97,997.60, contingent upon the concurrence
of the WCCP Board, the State of Maryland, and the Washington County
Public Schools through the State Youth Strategies Five-Year Consolidated
Grant Proposal. Unanimously approved.
CONTRACT AWARD – MENTORING, AFTER SCHOOL AND PREVENTION EDUCATION
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award the
contract for Mentoring, After School, and Prevention Education Programs
for Youth to the City of Hagerstown and Hagerstown Area Police Athletic
League, Inc. in the amounts of $19,167 (partial year) and $40,000 per
year, respectively, for a total of $179,167. The initial term of the
contract is for one (1) year with an option by the County for renewal up
to four (4) additional consecutive one-year periods. Unanimously
approved.
RECESS – LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 12:12 p.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:20 p.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.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWALS ON EXISTING GRANTS THROUGH THE WASHINGTON
COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the
following renewals and updates of existing grants through the Washington
County Community Partnership (WCCP): The Healthy Families Washington
County contract is now solely with the Washington County Health
Department – Total of two grants - $317,688; Girls, Inc. for the renewal
of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Services - $95,500; Hagerstown Community
College – fourth year renewal of the Washington County Teen Parent
Partnership grant - $34,806; and Interagency Committee on Adolescent
Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting – Block Grant Award totaling $8,000.
Unanimously approved.
PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION FUNDS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award
contracts for the following projects through State Prevention and
Intervention Funds: Reality USA - $6,000; North Hagerstown High School -
$6,735 for matching portion for Americorp ASTAR! Volunteer; Western
Heights Middle School - $2,000 for costs of equestrian therapy; Hancock
Middle School - $6,735 for Americorp ASTAR! Volunteer; Hancock Police
Dept. - $6,000 to cover the cost of overtime police officer salary for
Community Youth Center operations; First Christian Church - $10,840 to
cover the cost of one trainer/training curriculum for the Adults Relating
to Kids (ARK) program; and Maryland Cooperative Extension Program -
$10,000 to cover the cost for leadership development training from the
Youth Leadership Institute. The total amount funded is $48,310 per year
for two years. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to convene in
closed session at 1:44 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, consult with
counsel to obtain legal advice, consider the acquisition of real property
for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and consult
with staff about potential litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508
of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Unanimously approved.
(Commissioner Schnebly returned to the meeting at 3:40 p.m.)
JULY 16, 2002
PAGE FIVE
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reconvene
in open session at 3:41 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter,
consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) issues,
considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and
matters directly related thereto, and consulted with staff about
potential litigation. 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; Joni Bittner, County
Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Terry McGee, Chief
Engineer; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Greg
Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Bonnie Parks, Clarence
Scheer, and Ed Renn, members of the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission;
Jim Bishop, Water & Sewer Operations Coordinator; and Paul Prodonovich,
Director of Permits & Inspections.
DISCUSSION OF DEPARTMENTAL ORGANIZATION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Douglas Wright, Jr., Chairman of the Economic Development Commission
(EDC), and Roger Johnston, EDC member, met with the Commissioners to
discuss the organization of the EDC office. Mr. Wright provided data
showing the amount of tax revenue generated from economic development
projects and a history of the County’s funding of the EDC staff. He read
a prepared statement and asked that the Commissioners provide resources
to hire an executive director to bring the staff “back to full force” and
help the EDC succeed in its goal of identifying desirable industries and
target marketing to them. Mr. Wright stated that delaying the hiring of
a new executive director would limit the County’s ability to meet future
needs. He also stated that the target marketing study is now being
updated by Allegheny Energy. The Commissioners discussed the proposal.
Commissioner Schnebly stated that the Commissioners support the runway
extension, which is where they feel future development will occur. He
also stated that economic development is based upon what the market will
bear and is not reflective of the number of people on staff.
Commissioner Iseminger commented that the EDC needs to “flesh out” what
they want to accomplish before asking for resources for the job.
Commissioner Snook then opened the meeting for comments from the EDC
members in attendance. The Commissioners agreed to take the proposal
under consideration.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to convene in
closed session at 4:28 p.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 Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in
open session at 4:51 p.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.
Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County
Administrator; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk;
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to adjourn at
4:51 p.m. Unanimously approved.
,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
___________________________,County Clerk
July 17, 2002
Hagerstown, Maryland
PUBLIC HEARING – REVISED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A public hearing on the revised Comprehensive Plan for Washington County
was called to order at the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College
at 7:00 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.
The Planning staff then reviewed the chapters, maps, and recommendations
from the draft plan. The draft includes the following chapters: Vision,
Goals, and Objectives; Background Data; Economic Development;
Transportation Element; Mineral Resources; Sensitive Areas; Environmental
Resources; Community Facilities and Services; Historic and Cultural
Resources; Housing; Land Use Plan; and Development Regulations and
Community Design. Mr. Arch reviewed the Land Use Plan and implementation
in more detail.
The meeting was then opened for public comment. After public testimony
was 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 10:45 p.m.
,
County Administrator
_____________________________,
County Attorney
, Clerk