Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout030121 January 21, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland 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 William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. 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 – JANUARY 13 & 14, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of January 13 and 14, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meeting of Public Golf Corporation. He informed the Commissioners that he reviewed the Maryland Lottery website and found that Washington County contributed $21 million in lottery sales last year, which generated $7 million for State projects. Commissioner Kercheval asked the staff to research the matter to determine if County projects receive revenues from the State for a portion of the proceeds from lottery sales. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meeting with animal rescue groups and stated that he would place the questions raised at that meeting in a format to be put on the website. He asked the County Administrator to attempt to resolve the concerns that were discussed with the spay/neuter program. Commissioner Wivell stated that he participated in the ceremony to install the new Commission on Aging members. He informed the Commissioners that he followed up on several items that he discussed with County Commissioners from other counties at the Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference, including a subdivision model and a list of interview questions for Planning Commission candidates. Commissioner Wivell stated that the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission has agreed to reduce its membership from seven to five. He asked the Commissioners if they would consider meeting with members of the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to discuss rescinding or amending the resolution that designated the Director of Emergency Services as the “authority having jurisdiction” for the provision of fire, rescue, and ambulance services in Washington County. The Commissioners agreed to include this item on next week’s agenda. Commissioner Munson reported on the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center. Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission and the Local Management Board. Commissioner Snook stated that he was copied on a letter from the Gaming Commission to the Delegation asking for an amendment to the Gaming law to change the cap on distributions since the distribution schedule was changed. He reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. He also distributed information he received from the Board of Education on the bus replacement schedule. Commissioner Snook indicated that the Airport Manager was compiling information on T-hangar rentals to address the concerns raised by Mr. Alphin last week. He informed the Commissioners that Allegheny Energy announced the sale of 55 acres of land in the Friendship Technology Park to Intelsat. Intelsat has started construction of a state of the art satellite facility. Commissioner Snook thanked Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the EDC members for an outstanding job. He reminded the Commissioners that the meeting with the local Delegation to the General Assembly is scheduled for tomorrow in Annapolis. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jim Lemmon, representing the Cascade Committee, and Robin Biser, Recreation Committee Director, appeared before the Commissioners regarding the need for a gymnasium in the Cascade area. He stated that they are in dire need of space for youth programs. He asked for a status JANUARY 21, 2003 PAGE TWO report on the gymnasium at Fort Ritchie and asked that it be opened to residents of the area. Commissioner Wivell stated that the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC) has concerns about the exterior work that is needed on the gymnasium. He stated that the main focus of the PMDC is to bring jobs to the area. Commissioner Wivell indicated that one option would be for a non-profit agency to purchase or lease the facility at a low rate and then manage and operate it. He stated that operation and maintenance of the facility is not in the County’s budget. He asked the Cascade Committee to work with the other groups in the area and submit a business plan for the facility that addresses operation and maintenance concerns. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT – MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the agreement with the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development to act as the Local Administrator for HOME Program Funds for the Special Targeted Applicant Rehabilitation (STAR) loan program. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTHISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION – Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to waive the policy on serving two consecutive terms on a Board or Commission, and reappoint Jane Hershey to the Historic District Commission for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS – DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Bill Beard, Ed Branthaver, Sharon Landis, Gary Swartz, and Sondra Funk to the Disabilities Advisory Committee for three-year terms and to appoint Paul Swartz to his first three- year term. Unanimously approved. TEACHER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM The Commissioners discussed the request made at last week’s meeting for them to provide $15,000 to partially fund the Teacher Externship Program. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to fund $8,000 and to challenge them to raise the additional funding requested. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to provide $8,000 toward the costs of the Teacher Externship Program from the Commissioners’ Contingency fund. Unanimously approved REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the landfill is providing free Christmas tree recycling. He stated that a public information meeting would be scheduled on the Maugans Avenue Project at Maugansville Elementary School in February. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Board that the Recreation Commission met with residents of the Cascade area regarding the provision of programs at the Fort Ritchie gymnasium if it would become available. He stated that the Agricultural Education Center Board is attempting to raise matching funds for construction of a second museum building. TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS Eric Seifarth, Land Preservation Planner, met with the Commissioners to discuss Transferable Development Rights (TDRs). Mr. Seifarth informed the Commissioners that the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board has discussed using TDRs in the County. Mr. Seifarth explained that TDRs are a mechanism used to assist with the preservation of agricultural land to return equity to landowners when a “downzoning” has occurred. He provided information on programs that are in use and the reasons why a program has not been implemented in the past. Mr. Seifarth provided an overview of the agricultural land preservation program and how TDRs would fit in. He stated that “send” and “receive” areas would have to be established. The developer would purchase the rights from a “send” area to allow him to “receive” more JANUARY 21, 2003 PAGE THREE density for a project to be built in a more appropriate area for development. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, explained that the developer would have to have a market willing to build at a higher density and the neighbors in the area of the development have to be willing to accept the additional density. He stated that they might have the ability to create a TDR program in rural areas that could work. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. David Herbst, Chairman of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, and Gerald Ditto, member of the Board, were also in attendance to help explain the use of TDRs. Commissioner Snook asked the Board to develop a proposal and make a recommendation to them for their consideration. He also asked Mr. Arch to arrange a joint meeting between the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:51 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:04 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James Kercheval, John Munson, and Doris Nipps. FINALIZATION OF LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES FOR THE 2003 SESSION The Commissioners reviewed the 2003 legislative initiatives in order to finalize their request to the local delegation to the General Assembly at their meeting tomorrow in Annapolis. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, provided an update on the proposals. The Commissioners discussed each item and asked Mr. Douglas to prepare the information for discussion with the Delegation. PROPOSED VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT, AND DISCUSSION OF FOUR-YEAR INITIATIVES Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the amended vision statement as follows: “The Vision of Washington County government is to become the regional leader in providing and coordinating efficient and effective public services in an open and cooperative manner.” They also reviewed the mission statement. Mr. Shoop stated that he hopes to have the four-year initiatives and goals adopted next week so they can be used in the State of the County presentation on February 5. The Commissioners discussed items to include in the four-year initiatives. Commissioner Wivell presented his recommendations. Debra Bastian, Director of Budget and Finance, informed the Commissioners that she was recently notified of reductions in the Highway Fund budget for fiscal years 2003 and 2004 and reductions in the disparity grant funding. Mr. Shoop stated that he would take the information, classify it into four-year initiatives or goals for 2003, and present it to them for discussion next week in that format. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – DECEMBER 2002 Commissioner Nipps presented a Certificate of Merit to Danielle Hose in recognition of her selection as the December 2002 Youth of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended Danielle for her leadership, academicand extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Nipps stated that Danielle would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. REQUEST TO EXPEND REINVESTMENT/INCENTIVE FUNDS – WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES Stephanie Stone, Director of the WCCP, asked for support to expend $506,732 of the earned reinvestment/incentive funds as follows: Child Advocacy Program – to provide a full-time police officer assigned to the Program - $135,000; Autism Waiver Matching Funds - $100,000; Mental Health Services Flex Funds - $100,000; and Local Management Board Flex Funds - $171,732. She stated that Special Secretary Bonnie Kirkland has approved the expenditures. The Commissioners asked Ms. Stone to ask for JANUARY 21, 2003 PAGE FOUR a more complete breakdown of the costs to hire a police officer to be assigned to the Child Advocacy Center. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Youth, to expend $506,732 of the earned reinvestment/incentive funds as presented. Unanimously approved. HOTSPOT NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY FUNDS Gina Hartley, Project Manager for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP), requested approval for the award of the HotSpot Neighborhood Opportunity Funds. She informed them that the Maryland subcabinet for Children, Youth & Families provides $25,000 per year for use in the HotSpots area in amounts not to exceed $5,000. Ms. Hartley reviewed each of the programs. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the award of the HotSpot Neighborhood Opportunity Funds as follows: Each One Teach One for “African American Heritage in Hagerstown” - $4,500; Camp Challenge Ministries - $5,000 for the “Camp Challenge Summer Camp”; Girls Inc. – $2,631 for “Creation Not Destruction”; Hagerstown Leo Club - $3,869 for “Community Forum”; North High PTSA - $5,000 for “Motivating & Enriching Our Youth”; and REALITY USA - $4,000 for “Reality Parent Program.” Unanimously approved. AWARD OF COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION FUNDS Paula Fisher, Project Manager for the Community Partnership for Children and Families, informed the Commissioners that they recently reviewed concept applications from the community for an award of $8,000 in Community Mobilization Funds that is available for projects outside the designated HotSpot area. All of the programs must involve the community in combating three major issues: teen pregnancy, family violence, and substance abuse. Ms. Fisher requested the award to the following programs: Boys & Girls Club - $5,000 for “Cascade Outreach”; Girls Inc - $2,000 for “No Horsing Around”; and Parent-Child Center - $1,000 for the “Teen Voices/Teen Choices Program.” Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the award of $8,000 in Community Mobilization Funds as recommended by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families to the areas outside the HotSpot community, for projects to create an awareness of, or reduce, teen pregnancy, family violence and/or substance abuse. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION OF FUNDING TO PURCHASE A SOUND SYSTEM The Commissioners asked Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, for an estimate of the cost to update the sound system in Commissioners’ meeting room. Mr. Rohrer estimated that it would cost $16,000. The Commissioners asked that he come back with a detailed proposal and possible alternatives. Commissioner Snook also asked about the cost of expanding the second floor conference room. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 3:49 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, 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 Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation. JANUARY 21, 2003 PAGE FIVE Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. TAX SET-OFF MEETING – TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Smithsburg Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: William J. Wivell, Vice President, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson and Doris J. Nipps. TAX SET-OFF Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff or payment-in-lieu-of- services program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2003, Smithsburg would receive $52,591. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Town officials. Mayor Mildred “Mickey” Myers provided an update on fundraising efforts for the new branch library in Smithsburg. Judith Ferro, Chair of the Smithsburg Library Board, informed the Commissioners that they have raised almost $650,000 to date for the library. She also informed them of upcoming fundraisers for the Library. Ms. Ferro stated that she would be meeting with Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, in the near future to discuss the project. She indicated that a decision needs to be made whether the County or the Town would own the building. The Commissioners discussed the bidding process and how the in- kind or donated services are to be included in the process. Mayor Myers informed the Commissioners that Veterans’ Park would be opening in the spring. She also introduced new council member, Shirley Aurand. Commissioner Kercheval briefly reviewed the distinction between tax rebate and tax differential and asked the Town if they have a preference in the method used. Mayor Myers stated that she feels they would probably favor the tax rebate method currently being used. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk January 22, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners met in Annapolis with the local Delegation to the General Assembly to discuss the proposed 2003 legislative agenda. January 23, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval and Nipps met at Hagerstown Community College from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss the operations of the College and to tour the facility.