Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout021015 October 15, 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 – OCTOBER 1, 2002 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of October 1, 2002, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Schnebly informed the Commissioners that he attended the “Gala in the Stacks” fundraiser for the Washington County Free Library. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meetings of the Retired School Administrators, Disabilities Advisory Committee, and the CASA Board of Directors. He stated that he participated in the Hagerstown Exchange Club’s golf tournament and also met with residents of Summerlin regarding their concerns. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission meeting and their meeting with residents of the Cascade community regarding the proposed water project. He stated that he attended the Annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the PenMar Development Corporation meeting. The Commissioners discussed the ban on opening burning and the exemption for campfires in commercial campgrounds. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed them that a letter mailed yesterday notifying the campgrounds of the exemption. Commissioner Iseminger thanked Commissioner Snook for sponsoring the tables at the Annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast. He also reported on a fundraiser he attended on behalf of the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Rocky Gap Veterans’ Day ceremony would be held on November 11. He stated that the Maryland Transportation Administration has scheduled a town meeting for the Hagerstown area on October 28 regarding proposed time schedules for the MARC train. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners of measures being taken in the Permits & Inspections Department to reduce the backlog. He reminded the Commissioners of the Sister City welcoming celebrations scheduled this week. The Commissioners took the request made by Brothers United Who Dare to Care under consideration. Commissioner Snook presented the Little Heiskell print given to the Commissioners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the First National Bank of Greencastle. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reported that he met with members of Public Golf Corporation and Black Rock golf course staff last week. He stated that he is working on revisions to the Employee Handbook. He also informed the Commissioners that retirement statements were delivered to employees last week. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, indicated that she is working to complete the audit. She stated that a report would be presented to the Commissioners at the November 12 meeting. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the Purchasing Department would be bringing policy revisions to the Commissioners for their consideration in the near future. She stated that there have been 53 applications received to date for the Gaming Director position. Ms. Bastian reported that the Capital Improvement Program budget was sent out last week. She provided an update on the potential communications project. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that she has been unsuccessful in her attempts to speak to OCTOBER 15, 2002 PAGE TWO the Finance Director at the Board of Education regarding whether the purchase of new buses is classified as a one-time cost. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the problems with the sewer system in Maugansville. He reported that it has now been corrected. Mr. Rohrer stated that the Highways Department has received the anti-skid materials for the winter. He informed the Commissioners that it is estimated that it would cost $19,000 to make the necessary renovations and ADA modifications at the Fort Ritchie gymnasium and $24,300 for operational expenses for the remainder of fiscal year 2003. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives of CHIEF regarding the Newgate Industrial Park. He stated that the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization would be doing long-range transportation plans for the area. LETTER OF APPRECIATION – MELISSA NEARCHOS The Commissioners presented a letter of appreciation to Melissa Nearchos for leading Washington County’s March of Dimes 2002 Walk America Team. Commissioner Snook stated that under her leadership, the County team was awarded the Outstanding Rookie Team for 2002. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF TABLES AND CHAIRS – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, informed the Commissioners that the County Highway Department would like to “piggyback” a bid processed by U.S. Communities (sponsored by the National Association of Counties) through Fairfax County, Virginia, and awarded to Steelcase, Inc., and purchased through the area representative, Office Suppliers, Inc., for furniture needed by the Sheriff’s Department due to the recent renovations. The cost of the furniture through this contract would be $37,686.31. She stated that Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws granted authorization for the County to procure goods or services entered into by other governmental entities. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the resolution to purchase furniture for the Sheriff’s Department by “piggybacking” onto a contract processed by U.S. Communities and awarded by Fairfax County, Virginia to Steelcase, Inc., through the company’s area representative, Office Suppliers, Inc. for the price of $37,686.31. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) 2002 ROADWAY RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Board regarding the roadway reclamation/recycling contract. He recommended that the only bid received be rejected and that the contract be re-bid with minor changes later in the winter when bidding conditions are more favorable. The Board discussed the recommendation and directed questions to Mr. McGee. Mr. McGee explained what this action would be in the best interests of the County. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to reject the only bid received for the 2002 roadway reclamation and recycling project, which was submitted by L.W. Wolfe for $1,346,789.95, and to rebid the project with minor changes in the future. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners of the clean-up of Mummert Road. He stated that “No Dumping” signs were also posted along the roadway. UPDATE ON DROUGHT STATUS William Christoffel, Health Officer, and Laurie Bucher, Director of the Environmental Health Division, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the drought status in the County. Ms. Bucher informed the Commissioners that State regulations provide for recreational fires at campgrounds. She stated that the ban would be reviewed by State on a monthly basis. Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, informed them OCTOBER 15, 2002 PAGE THREE that he sent a letter to the private campgrounds in the County informing them that they were exempt from the burning ban. Mr. Christoffel asked that any actions be coordinated with the Health Department. The Commissioners asked that the County’s Drought Advisory Committee meet on a periodic basis to provide recommendations to them. Ms. Bucher informed the Commissioners that the Maryland Department of the Environment has changed the status of Washington County east of Fairview Mountain from a drought “watch” to “emergency.” She stated that 126 emergency wells have been drilled to date. Mr. Christoffel noted that, even though the area has received more rain in the last few weeks, that it has not begun to recharge the groundwater. Mr. Shoop stated that a hydrogeologist from the United States Geological Services is scheduled on the October 29 agenda to discuss having an update done of the hydrogeology study that was performed in 1981. He stated that the focus of the study would be on groundwater quality. Ms. Bucher then provided a brief update on the West Nile virus. She stated that the virus should be winding down with the first frost of the year. Ms. Bucher informed the Commissioners that none of the mosquitoes collected in the mosquito pools were positive for the virus. She indicated that the Advisory Committee would meet during the winter to make plans to deal with the virus during the next mosquito season. Commissioner Snook asked that the minutes from the advisory committee meetings be sent to the Commissioners. Mr. Christoffel stated that 7400 tires were collected during tire amnesty day in the County. CITIZEN’S PARTICIPATION Bob Maginnis, editor of the Herald-Mail, stated that Delegate Hecht expressed her concerns at a forum last week that the County did not pass funds from the cigarette tax to the Board of Education. The Commissioners informed Mr. Maginnis that Delegate Hecht was mistaken and that the funds were passed immediately through to the Board of Education. Commissioner Snook explained the process used by the State to distribute disparity grant funds. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 10:44 a.m. in order to attend a meeting with the Humane Society at their new facility. HUMANE SOCIETY UPDATE The Commissioners met with Tracey Bowman and Sandy Glessner, members of the Humane Society of Washington County Board of Directors, and Executive Director Maria Procopio. Ms. Procopio provided an overview of the Humane Society’s programs and services. She stated that programs include Animal Control Ordinance enforcement, food donation bank, euthanasia, foster care, lost and found connection, placement, humane education and law enforcement, Safe Haven, sick and injured rescue, and the solutions shop. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners informed Ms. Procopio of concerns raised by other animal rescue shelters. They asked that she meet with them to discuss and resolve issues. Ms. Procopio also provided information on the shelter life cycle, data on admissions and disposition of animals, and field services activities. The Commissioners asked her to provide data on a quarterly basis as well as periodic updates on various issues that may arise. The Commissioners then toured the new facility. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:30 p.m. for lunch at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. TOUR OF AIRPORT T-HANGAR FACILITIES The Commissioners toured the Airport t-hangar facilities and the fixed based operation (FBO) area. They left the Airport at 1:40 p.m. to return to the County Administration Building. OCTOBER 15, 2002 PAGE FOUR JOINT RESOLUTION – AMENDMENT #6 – CONSOLIDATED GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF SANITARY SEWER SERVICE Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to approve the Joint Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Mayor and Council of the City of Hagerstown relating to Amendment #6 of the Consolidated General Service Agreement for the Provision of Sanitary Sewer Service to include the additional properties in the service area as outlined in the agreement. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to convene in closed session at 2:10 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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. (Commissioner Wivell excused himself from the meeting at 2:35 p.m. and returned at 3:00 p.m.). RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 4:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, and considered 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; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Tim Troxell, Acting Director of the Economic Development Commission; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Debra Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance; Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport; Ed Rakowski, Airport Operations Manager; Phil Ridenour, Special Operations Administrator; and David Wills and Anton Dahbura, members of the Airport Advisory Commission. EMPLOY – ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN IV Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to employ Douglas F. Towson as an Engineering Technician IV (Grade 12) at the annual salary of $44,000 to fill an existing vacancy. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Swartz, Iseminger, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.”. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to adjourn at 4:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk