Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout021008 October 8, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:55 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. PUBLIC HEARING – EDC ENTERPRISE ZONES Cassandra Latimer, Marketing Director for the Hagerstown- Washington County Economic Development Commission and Deborah Everhart, Economic Development/Zoning Director for the City of Hagerstown submitted a joint application for redesignation of an enterprise zone located within the corporate boundaries of the City of Hagerstown. Motion by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to recommend approval of the enterprise zone. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator, presented a change order to decrease the contract amount by $43,203.34 for the biological nutrient removal upgrade construction project at Conococheague due to unused contingencies and quantities. Motion by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to accept the decreased change order. Unanimously approved. Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator, presented a change order to decrease the contract amount by $28,860 for the Old Roxbury Road Bridge project. This is final closeout change order that is being decreased because temporary shoring was not necessary. Motion by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to accept the decreased change order. Unanimously approved. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator reported that a Casual Day was held in September to benefit Multiple Sclerosis in memory of Lillie Davenport. Employees raised $385 for this event. JOBS PROGRAM John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney presented the Fiscal Year 2003 Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Maryland Department of Human Resources, the Washington County Department of Social Services (DSS), and the Board of County Commissioners for Subscription Employment Transportation (JOBS Program). Under the Agreement, the Department is partnering with DSS to provide paratransit services for the DSS Temporary Cash Assistance customers and low income persons with transportation to and from work activities. Transportation to and from daycare facilities will also be provided if the trip is employment-related. Motion by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to accept the agreement. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger stated that he attended the AFL-CIO Annual Labor Dinner at which Kathleen Kennedy Townsend spoke, the hospital golf tournament, Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, and the Planning Commission meeting. He also announced that Black Rock Golf Course is offering a $5 off special during the month of October. Commissioner Wivell reported that he attended the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. He mentioned that although he did not attend it, the Public Service Commission held a prehearing conference on the petition filed by the County requesting a review of the City's water and sewer rates. Commissioner Snook reported that a letter was received explaining that all pre- trial motions and briefs are due by October 24, 2002 and the case is scheduled through August of 2003. Commissioner Wivell requested clarification of the Commissioners' support of the concept of a central booking facility. OCTOBER 8, 2002 PAGE TWO Commissioner Swartz attended the AFL-CIO Annual Labor dinner, and invited the Commissioners to attend the 2002 Gubernatorial Candidates Disability Forum on October 10 when Andrew Imparato will be speaking. Commissioner Schnebly reported that he has been questioned about the proposed moratorium and the confusion that people have regarding what the County is attempting to do inside and outside the urban growth area. He asked that the newspaper try to be more articulate and further explain the issue. Commissioner Snook attended the Professional Business Women's organization dinner and presented a proclamation. He received a call from a resident on Pennsylvania Avenue regarding traffic- operations at Crestwood Drive. He asked Commissioner Swartz to discuss the issue at the next Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at 10:30 a.m. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Paul W. Melby, P.E. expressed concerns regarding a plan that he has submitted for approval to the Planning and Engineering Departments. The Commissioners asked Gary Rohrer to work with Mr. Melby to resolve the matter. Mr. Thurmond Alphin was present to discuss an issue regarding hangar facilities at the Airport. Commissioner Iseminger suggested that Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, look into the issue and report back to the Board. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Assistant Human Resources Director, introduced the following new employees: Scott Shank, Engineering Technician IV, Engineering Department, Paul Price, Equipment Operator I, Highway Department, and Jodi Ebersole, Benefits Administrator, Human Resources. The Commissioners welcomed the employees and wished them well in their positions. FREE RIDE WEEK Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director, reported that 8,000 passengers took advantage of the Free Ride Week last week. This is an 80% increase. During a typical week, approximately 4,400 passengers use the County Commuter. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that retirement statements are to be hand- delivered today. A presentation, following a complete review, will be scheduled with the Commissioners. Alan will also meet with the Fire & Rescue Association to review LOSAP. As earlier introduced, Alan explained that Jodi Ebersole has begun her first week as Benefits Administrator. Annual flu shots are scheduled for October 29, 2002. He reported that he would be meeting with the Black Rock Golf Course employees regarding performance goals. Currently eight (8) positions are open. Davis explained that approximately half of his advertising budget has been spent to date. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that a record 1,222 invoices were paid last week. CIP budgets for 2004-2009 will be distributed to departments this week and are due to be returned by December 20. The annual preliminary results on the landfill financial assurance test computation were successfully completed for June 30, 2002. It appears that the County will meet all requirements to be self-insured relating to the environmental obligation at its landfill sites. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reported that a total of 7,133 tires (131 tons) were collected during the recent tire amnesty day. Gary met with Delegate Shank and several citizens regarding a proposed bridge project on Marble Quarry Road. He advised the Commissioners that the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission is holding its meeting at the PMDC Facility at Lakeside Hall. OCTOBER 8, 2002 PAGE THREE Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, stated that he attended the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service in Washington, D.C., honoring 446 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2001. 343 of whom were from New York City. Joe and Bob Cumberland attended the Federal Railroad Administration and Association of Rail Carriers meeting in Washington, D.C. The Communications Committee is continuing to hear presentations from vendors in order for Washington County to upgrade its communications system. PROCLAMATION – FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Commissioner Wivell presented a proclamation to Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association members and Joseph Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, recognizing the week of October 6, 2002 through October 12, 2002 as Fire Prevention Week in Washington County. He urged all citizens to team up with people with whom you live, work, play and worship to be better prepared to prevent- and, if necessary, survive a home fire. Bob Cumberland and Joseph Kroboth, on behalf of the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the Department of Emergency Services, presented the Commissioners with a portrait titled - "Protecting Our Nation." The portrait is in appreciation of the Commissioners' support of emergency and fire services in Washington County. The Congressional Fire Service Institute commissioned this portrait. The original hangs in the White House. The portrait honors firefighters and emergency personnel as the first responders to our nation's emergencies regardless of military action. The Commissioners thanked the groups for the portrait. PROCLAMATION – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK Commissioner Iseminger presented a proclamation to Dr. Phillip Dukes- of the Washington County Health Department recognizing the week of October 6, 2002 through October 12, 2002 as Mental Health Awareness Week in Washington County. He urged all citizens to continue to expand their understanding and treatment methods for those with severe mental illness. Dr. Dukes thanked the Commissioners for the recognition. AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS Motion by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve the Agricultural Advisory Board's recommendation to allow agricultural land preservation tax credits to continue only if the land excluded is for a dwelling for the owner or the owner's children and the housing density does not exceed one (1) house per twenty (20) acres of district land. Unanimously approved. RURAL LEGACY FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to send a letter of support to our State delegation encouraging continued funding for the Rural Legacy Program (RLP) despite budgetary problems. The RLP pays all easement costs, including settlement fees, compliance costs and administrative costs. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCHEON AT CLARION INN- ATTEND FOURTH ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT The Commissioners recessed at 12:05 pm in order to attend the Fourth Annual Washington County Community Partnership Summit luncheon at the Clarion Inn. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:48 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. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF MERIT – RICK STEVENS, FRED HARTLEY & MARC ALBOWICZ Commissioner Snook presented Certificates of Merit to Rick Stevens, Fred Hartley and Marc Albowicz in recognition for their Outstanding Plant Performance having received designation of Award for the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant from Aqua- Aerobic Systems. The Commissioners congratulated these gentlemen for their accomplishments. OCTOBER 8, 2002 PAGE FOUR CONTRACT AWARD – ID 1000 LIVE SCAN FINGERPRINT SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to award a sole source contract of a Cross Match ID 1000 System from Cross Match Technologies, Inc. of Palm Beach Gardens, FL in the amount of $34,861. Unanimously approved. REJECT REQUEST TO INCREASE RATES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reject the request by BFI of Hagerstown, Maryland to increase rates by $196.40 per month for the Contract for Trash Removal Services at County Facilities (PUR-824). Unanimously approved. AMENDMENTS TO ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE Planning Director - Robert Arch presented two (2) amendments to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) to the Commissioners. The first amendment would delete exemption "C" under Section 5.1. The second amendment would rewrite Section 5.3.1. The Commissioners discussed the impact of the amendments and how school capacities are calculated. Commissioner Iseminger suggested meeting with the municipalities to encourage them to adopt their own Ordinances. The amendment should define school capacity. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to take two (2) amendments for the School Section of the APFO to a public hearing, scheduled for October 29,2002. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 2:45 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, and consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business 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. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (1) personnel issue, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter,and considered a matter that concerns a proposal for a 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; Julie Nichols, Executive Assistant; Debbie Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance; Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator; Greg Larsen, Airport Marketing Specialist; and Airport Advisory Commission members Anton Dahbura and David Wills. RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Commissioner Snook was excused at 3:47 p.m. to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the First National Bank of Greencastle, 18233 Maugans Avenue branch at 4:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:49p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,Clerk