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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020827 August 27, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., and John L. Schnebly. TH PRESENTATION OF CHECK FOR 250 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT FORT FREDERICK STATE PARK The Commissioners presented a check for $5,000 to Ralph Young, Park Superintendent, Allan Powell, Chair of Friends of Fort Frederick, and Bob Weaver, Vice-Chair of the Friends group, th for use during the 250 anniversary celebration at Fort Frederick State Park. The funds were appropriated from the FY 2002 hotel rental tax funds and are to be used to commemorate the anniversary. Mr. Young reviewed some of the activities planned. He also stated that the Department of Natural Resources would like to reconstruct the officers’ quarters at the Fort. INSURANCE BID AWARD – EXCESS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for excess workers’ compensation insurance to Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton Company, which submitted the only bid of $74,742 with a $350,000 retention, for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE SURVEY Peggy Martin and Norman Bassett, representing the Disabilities Advisory Committee, met with the Commissioners to inform them that the Committee has developed an assessment tool/survey to be distributed during Disabilities Awareness month. Ms. Martin stated that there has never been a community-wide assessment of this nature and that accurate numbers of persons who have disabilities are not known. She informed the Commissioners that WHAG-TV would be doing a five-part series in October on people with disabilities and publicizing the survey. The Herald-Mail has also agreed to place the survey on its Internet web site. She informed the Commissioners that they hope to return in February to publicize the results. Ms. Martin indicated that one of the major issues facing the disabled is affordable and accessible housing. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Martin and Mr. Bassett for the information. WASHINGTON COUNTY REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX CREDITS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 Todd L. Hershey, Treasurer, met with the Commissioners to secure their authorization as the local governing body to grant the Washington County Real Estate Property Tax Credits for fiscal year 2002. The credits are granted in accordance with Section 9-323 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, among other provisions. Mr. Hershey reported that there are several types of credits included in the "Authorization to Write-Off Uncollectible Taxes" report: 1) Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes; 2) Ruritan clubs and civic organization credits; 3) Special credits; 4) Enterprise zone - Airport; 5) Enterprise zone - Hancock; 6) Enterprise zone - Interstate 81; 7) Enterprise zone - Hagerstown. The adjustments are made in accordance with Section 9-323 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, among other provisions. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Hershey to check on the eligibility of Tru-Serve since it has announced that it would be closing its operation in Washington County. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the "Authorization to Write-Off Uncollectible Taxes" for a total fiscal impact to the County of $646,532.07, subject to the information found regarding Tru-Serve. Unanimously approved. WORKSHOP – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to discuss proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Arch provided an overview of two requests made for individual map changes. AUGUST 27, 2002 PAGE TWO Commissioners discussed the request made by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Younker to designate their property on Dellinger Road and surrounding area as environmental conservation instead of agriculture. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to grant the request for the Younker property only. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at 2:10 p.m.) The Commissioners reviewed the request made by Doub Realty for property located at the interchange of Interstate 70 and Maryland Route 40. Mr. Arch stated that the area is proposed as a high-density residential area, and the applicant has requested that it also contain provisions for commercial development. Mr. Arch indicated that the staff does not support this recommendation. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to deny this request. The Commissioners discussed exemptions for immediate family members and the provisions for this in other counties in the State. Mr. Arch stated that the Planning staff has only proposed that exemptions be given for the farm community and not for other zoning classifications. The Commissioners then began discussions on density and the ratios proposed for agricultural zoning. Each Commissioner outlined his position on the issue. The focal point of the discussion was the impact of the proposed density changes on agricultural land values. They discussed a compromise on the current densities being outlined in agricultural zoning. Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adopt the revisions to the Comprehensive Plan for Washington County as proposed with the following density ratios: 1:5 acres for agriculture policy areas, 1:20 acres for environmental conservation policy areas, and 1:30 acres in preservation policy areas. The Commissioners specified that the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, the Road Adequacy Policy and other pertinent documents be revised in conjunction with the implementation of the new Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” At this time, the Commissioners opened the meeting for comments from the assemblage. The Commissioners asked Mr. Arch to check with the Health Department to determine whether they are giving “perk tests” at this time. They also discussed imposing a moratorium on larger developments until the new zoning classifications are put into effect outside of the Urban Growth Area. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 3:55 p.m. to consider 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 Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 4:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered 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., and William J. Wivell. Also present was Joni Bittner, County Clerk. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:10 p.m. EVENING SESSION – BOONSBORO COMMUNITY CENTER The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Community Center by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: AUGUST 27, 2002 PAGE THREE 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 – AUGUST 20, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 20, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – BILL BEARD The Commissioners honored Bill Beard as the Citizen of the Month for August 2002. Commissioner Swartz presented him with a certificate for his work with various volunteer organizations in the County. Mr. Beard serves on the Service Corps of Retired Executives, the Disabilities Advisory Committee, the Commission on Aging, and the Board of Directors of Horizon Goodwill Industries. He also serves as Executive Director of MIHI – Many Individuals Helping Individuals and as Executive Director of the Corporation for Assistive Technology. Mr. Beard thanked the Commissioners for this honor and provided an update on the Boundless Playgrounds initiative at Snook Park. PROCLAMATION – DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS “FORGET ME NOT” MONTH Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Ted Dundas, representing of the Washington County Chapter of Disabled American Veterans, proclaiming the month of September 2002 as Disabled American Veterans Forget-Me-Not Month in Washington County and encouraging all citizens to join in their support of those who gave of themselves to protect and preserve our way of life. Mr. Dundas thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and informed them that the Disabled American Veterans would be selling poppies on August 30 – September 1 to raise funds for Washington County veterans. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended the Democratic Central Committee picnic and the Sister City Festival last week. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended meetings of the Retired School Administrators and the Maryland Theatre Board. He also attended the Democratic Central Committee picnic, the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County candidate forum, a fundraiser for the Hancock Lion’s Club, and a seminar sponsored by Hotspots. Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he met with citizens on a variety of concerns. Commissioner Iseminger reported on the joint Greater Hagerstown Committee/Chamber of Commerce task force on downtown issues. He stated that he participated in the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County candidate forum, and also met with the President of the Washington County Teachers Association. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter of thanks from the Town of Hancock regarding the funding they received from the County to have tourism brochures printed. He stated that the Board of Public Works has approved funding for three Program Open Space projects in Washington County. Commissioner Snook also informed the Commissioners that the City of Hagerstown has awarded the contract for demolition of the Unikote building. REQUEST TO USE COUNTY COMMUTER – 9/11 COMMEMORATION CEREMONY Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the use of a County Commuter bus for shuttle service for the joint City/County commemoration service on September 11, as requested by the Commemoration Planning Committee, with the total cost of $200 to be taken from the Commissioners’ Contingency fund. Unanimously approved. AUGUST 27, 2002 PAGE FOUR CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Paul Rosa, President of the Harper’s Ferry Conservancy, expressed his concerns about the suitability of erecting a communications tower on South Mountain as proposed by the State of Maryland. Mr. Rosa stated that the County should insist that the State go through the zoning process. He suggested that a moratorium be imposed on towers. Commissioner Iseminger explained that the State is exempt from the County Zoning Ordinance. He related information he learned at the public hearing that was held by the State. Commissioner Snook suggested that Mr. Rosa schedule time on the agenda if his group wishes to discuss the matter further. Mayor Skip Kauffman welcomed the Commissioners to Boonsboro. He thanked Commissioner Schnebly for his service as County Commissioner. Mayor Kauffman stated that they have dedicated space in the town park for an indoor swimming pool and asked the Commissioners to continue their endeavors to acquire funding from the State Program Open Space program. Councilman Richard Hawkins provided an update from the Town’s park committee. Henrietta Livelsberger thanked the Commissioners for adopting the revised Comprehensive Plan earlier today. STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION – REQUEST TO REDIRECT FUNDS Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he was contacted by the State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding a downtown alley project. The SHA has requested that the County redirect $200,000 to a downtown alley improvement project and they would then reimburse the County. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that they discussed redirecting funds from the Halfway/Massey/Wesel Boulevards intersection project, however, it was determined that federal grant funding is being used and that the funds cannot be transferred. The Commissioners directed Mr. Rohrer to proceed in obtaining the rights-of-way needed for this project. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that the staff find another project to accommodate the State in its efforts to improve the alleyway for the University System of Maryland project. BOONSBORO BRANCH LIBRARY PROPOSED SITE Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated he supports the proposed location of the former King farm for the site of the new Boonsboro branch of the Washington County Free Library. He stated that alternative sites were evaluated and various items, including existing land use and adequate public facilities, were taken into consideration. The site selected would overlook the intersection of Md. Route 34 and King Road. Mr. Rohrer stated that the design is similar in layout to the Clear Spring branch library except that the Boonsboro branch would be 10,000 square feet with the capability of expanding to 13,000 square feet. The Commissioners discussed the conversion process that would have to take place since the proposed site was purchased with Program Open Space (POS) funds. Mayor Kauffman indicated that there are three parcels that could be used for the conversion. The Commissioners emphasized the benefits of having the library near the school complex. Councilman Hawkins stated that the site is accessible and would be enhanced by the surrounding park property. The Commissioners asked about the current arrangement for operation and maintenance costs at their existing branch library and stated that this would have to be negotiated for the new facility. They suggested that the operation and maintenance costs be shared in some way. REAPPOINTMENTS – SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reappoint Michael Hoehn to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a three-year term and to waive the two-term limitation and reappoint Sharon Chirgott for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. AUGUST 27, 2002 PAGE FIVE SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, and John Bentley, Chief of the Special Operations Team, met with the Commissioners to thank them for their help in financing the purchase of a new vehicle. Mr. Bentley then presented to the Commissioners a framed print of three firefighers raising the American flag at “Ground Zero” in New York City on September 11, 2001. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. for the Special Operations Team to demonstrate the new vehicle. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk