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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021218 December 18, 2002 Hagerstown, Maryland Meeting with the County Delegation to the General Assembly A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 12:15 p.m by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Members of the County Delegation in attendance included Senator Donald Munson and Delegates Robert McKee, Christopher Shank, Richard Weldon and LeRoy Myers. Washington County – Notice of Intent to Lease Real Property Commissioner Snook explained that Section 1-301 of the Code of the Public Local Laws requires that every lease in which the County leases property to someone be advertised. He stated that the Airport has hundreds of t-hangar leases that must be advertised. Commissioner Snook asked the Delegation to introduce a bill to amend Section 1-301 to require advertising only for the leasing of properties where the monthly rental is over $2,000. Prohibition of Massage Parlors without State Certification Sheriff Mades requested a bill on massage parlors similar to House Bill 230 proposed by Charles County that passed last session. The bill would enable the County to adopt regulations relating to massage establishments and the practice of massage therapists in Washington County. He stated that there was a recent case in the County where a massage parlor was operating as a front for prostitution. The Sheriff informed them that the State has one inspector to investigate the complaints received and he cannot handle the large caseload. He stated that his request is supported by the Permits & Inspections Department and the Health Department. Restrictions on Solicitation at Intersections Commissioner Snook stated that this issue deals with individuals or groups soliciting at intersections. Sheriff Mades stated that there should be some type of required permit and regulations as to how these individuals should conduct themselves while soliciting. He indicated that many move in and out of traffic causing a general nuisance and a safety hazard. Sheriff Mades informed them that Charles County passed legislation last year dealing with this issue. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that he would have more details to them regarding this proposal before the session starts. Home Detention for Pretrial Detainees Sheriff Mades explained that this measure would grant him the authority to utilize home detention for pre-trial inmates as is now being done in several other counties in the State. He indicated that it would expand the program to include work release and would increase revenues for the County through the fee paid by the inmates. Criminal Background Checks Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that this measure would allow the County to run criminal background checks on prospective employees with their permission. Mr. Douglas stated that several other counties have obtained this legislation and the practice is recommended by the County’s outside labor and employment counsel. Background checks are already required of some County employees who deal with children. Animal Control Enabling Legislation Mr. Douglas explained that the Commissioners have decided not to seek an amendment to the animal control enabling law to add the authority to impose criminal penalties by making violations of the Animal Control Ordinance misdemeanors. He stated that they are requesting amendments to conform the enabling statute to the structure approved for the Animal Control Authority. Mr. Douglas indicated that the Animal Control Authority functions as a quasi-judicial body to decide animal control issues brought before it, and the County is asking that the enabling law recognize those functions. Gerry Ditto, member of the Animal Control Authority, asked the Delegation to delay acting on this request until they meet with the County Commissioners on January 7. DECEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE TWO The Commissioners agreed to see if the Delegation is willing to revisit the State law to tighten its provisions before looking at the local ordinance. Commissioner Wivell asked the Delegation to revisit the State law to tighten its provisions before the County considers amending the local ordinance. He cited a recent case in the County where a dog mauled a young girl, and the County was unable to charge the owner criminally. Options for Increasing County Revenues Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that the Commissioners have not come to a consensus about making a request for ways to increase County revenue without increasing property taxes, so they are not recommending anything at this time. He stated that the Commissioners have requested additional information from staff and will discuss the options in the near future. Commissioner Snook explained that they are considering a building excise tax, amending the impact fee legislation to make the language more restrictive, or a County transfer tax. Once a consensus is reached, they will come to the Delegation with a request. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that the revenues generated from the chosen option would be used as a dedicated revenue source. Delegate Shank requested that the Commissioners consult with community organizations such as the Homebuilders Association, Citizens for the Protection of Washington County and the Farm Bureau, before making a decision on the options. At this time, the Delegation discussed the State’s budgetary situation. They indicated that the counties would most likely be taking a substantial reduction in funds from the State. The Commissioners stated that they have asked staff to compile information on unfunded mandates from the State to see if there are any that could be deferred to reduce costs to the County. Commissioner Wivell informed the Delegation that any consideration to establish a central booking facility would require State funding support. Also discussed were BNR upgrades, Thornton Commission funding for the Board of Education, and the consideration of possibly amending the hotel rental tax legislation to dedicate a percentage of the revenues to economic development. The Commissioners reiterated their support for the runway extension project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Snook stated that they expect to receive the Letter of Intent from the FAA in January. He asked that the Delegation make sure that funding for a bridge over Route 11 is in the State Highway Administration’s five-year plan. The Commissioners expressed their support for the University System of Maryland campus in Hagerstown. Other items discussed included the status of the fiber optic line under Interstate 70. Delegate McKee stated that the State does not want to lose the investment and will attempt to find out why the lines have not been tested to-date. The Commissioners discussed the litigation against the City of Hagerstown regarding their new annexation policy and their attempt to force developers to annex into the City by refusing to provide water and sewer services to areas outside of the City limits without an annexation agreement. Also discussed was the interconnector agreement. Commissioner Wivell stated that it is a “win-win” situation for both the City and County and that they hope to resolve the issue without having to move forward with the litigation. The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk