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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030128 January 27, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met with the Information Technologies and Purchasing Departments from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss their operations and tour their facilities. January 28, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:20 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 1:20 p.m. to consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and 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 Nipps, seconded by Munson, to reconvene in open session at 2:47 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) matters, consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. SOUND SYSTEM REPLACEMENT Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Manager, met with the Commissioners to present a proposal to replace the existing sound system with components built on current technology. Mr. Rohrer explained that the existing analog system was not properly designed and does not function well. Mr. Loewenheim explained how upgrading the technology would aid in storage of minutes, provide back-up capabilities, and allow the gallery to better hear the proceedings. He also explained how the system would benefit those with hearing problems. Mr. Rohrer stated that the proposed system would include eight gooseneck microphones, gallery microphones, new speakers, a digital recorder, and all necessary hardware and software. He estimated the cost of the system to be $16,000 and stated that there are contingency funds available from the Sheriff’s patrol facility project that could be transferred for this project. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to have Mr. Rohrer proceed to get written quotations for the system. They agreed to consider the project at that time. PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO THE WORKSHOP MEETING AREA Mr. Rohrer discussed making modifications to the workshop meeting area by removing the existing partition to the adjacent conference room and installing a soundproof partition. He stated that this would allow for additional seating for the public and staff when the Commissioners meet with other elected officials and groups. He estimated that the cost would be about $6,000 in addition to County labor. Mr. Rohrer stated that there are funds remaining from the County Administration Building renovation project that could be used for this purpose. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to proceed. JANUARY 28, 2003 PAGE TWO PROPOSED 2003 GOALS AND INITIATIVES Mr. Shoop presented a list of proposed goals for 2003 and initiatives for 2002 – 2006 for discussion purposes. The Commissioners reviewed initiatives in the areas of operational efficiencies, financial and strategic planning, economic development, education, planning, water and sewer, and communications and public outreach. Mr. Shoop stated that he would make the revisions proposed and present them for discussion and finalization at next week’s meeting. They also agreed to discuss goals for 2003 at the next session. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he and Commissioner Kercheval attended a meeting with Delegate Shank, and representatives from the Homebuilders Association, Citizens for the Protection of Washington County, and the Realtors Association, to discuss proposed legislation for additional revenues. He stated that the Delegation is going to submit a package to enact enabling legislation for a transfer tax and excise tax. Commissioner Snook stated that the Delegation would be discussing the proposal at its meeting tomorrow. He explained that Delegate Shank is proposing enabling legislation to enact a transfer tax of up to ½% with revenues to be used for public safety, agricultural land preservation and viability, school construction, and debt reduction. Delegate Shank has recommended that this tax not be authorized until the Commissioners first implement an excise tax. The proposal also includes enabling legislation to impose an excise tax on new construction in Washington County with acceptable uses of the funds being school renovation/construction, public safety, transportation, and debt reduction. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to request that the Delegation proceed to submit the legislation. They also agreed to ask them to remove the restriction that the excise tax be implemented before the transfer tax can be utilized, and to reconsider Commissioner Wivell’s proposal to authorize an agricultural easement assessment, as it was the one tax all parties at the meeting supported. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:44 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at Funkstown Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. 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 16 & 21, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 16, 2003 as amended, and January 21, 2003, as presented. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – WILLIAM KING Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to William King, Emergency Communications Specialist, in appreciation of and in recognition for providing life saving instructions to a mother that helped her save her child’s life. The Commissioners recognized his efforts and for helping to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Washington County. Mr. King was also recognized by Joe Kroboth, Emergency Services Director, who presented him with the 2002 Lifesaver Award, and presented with a plaque from the Szakacs’ family in appreciation for helping to save the life of their son. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he spoke before the Republican Club last week. He also stated that he toured the gymnasium at Fort Ritchie with groups who are interested in using the facility. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Homebuilders Association meeting and the Social Services Board meeting. He asked if the Commissioners had JANUARY 28, 2003 PAGE THREE given any thought to amending the resolution that was adopted designating the Director of Emergency Services as the “authority having jurisdiction” for the provision of fire, rescue, and ambulance services. Commissioner Snook stated that this topic had been discussed at the Emergency Services Council meeting and that Mr. Kroboth would be working with Jason Baer, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, to resolve the issue. Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. He informed the Commissioners that he spoke to Senator Munson about the County’s interest in obtaining additional land from the University of Maryland for the Agricultural Education Center. Commissioner Nipps reported that she attended the Republican Club meeting and the Homebuilders Association meeting. She stated that she and Commissioner Kercheval met with Dr. Altieri, President of Hagerstown Community College, and his staff to discuss their operations and tour the campus. Commissioner Nipps indicated that she would be attending the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company banquet and also the State Student Government Association meeting at North Hagerstown High School. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Clear Spring Fire and Rescue Service banquet and an Economic Development Commission sub-committee meeting. He stated that would be meeting with a citizen regarding his concerns about a development in the southern part of the County. Commissioner Snook reported on the Emergency Services Council meeting. He stated that he met with realtors regarding the proposal to implement a transfer tax. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he scheduled time for them to visit the Robinwood Medical Center and the proposed site of the new hospital. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that Bill Shawley is the new co-chair for the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He also reported on the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association meeting. Mr. Kroboth indicated that the State prison system is planning a table-top disaster drill. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Lynden Moser expressed concerns about the safety of two intersections involving State roads in the Funkstown area. He asked that both intersections have better lighting installed. Commissioner Snook stated that he would discuss these issues at the next Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Don Allensworth informed the Commissioners that the City has announced that it would provide water service to the proposed Emerald Pointe development. He stated that because this announcement came after the ten day comment period for the rezoning request, it could not be considered by the Commissioners in their deliberations. Gayle Mongan asked about the status of the proposed Southern bypass. Commissioner Snook provided an update on the project. Doug Stone stated that a bypass would open land for development and provide tax revenues to the County. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, reported that the County’s negotiating team has scheduled a meeting with James Bestpitch, AFSCME Council 67 representative, to begin negotiations. He also provided an update on the "Right to Farm” bill. Mr. Martirano stated that he talked to Delegate Shank to clarify the request made to amend the Animal Control Ordinance. RE/APPOINTMENTS - ADVISORY COMMISSION TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to appoint Ron Frew, Robert Griffith and Bryan Kenworthy to the Advisory Commission to JANUARY 28, 2003 PAGE FOUR the Board of Health for three-year terms, and to waive the two- term policy limitation and reappoint Marion “Tish” Miller for another three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, thanked the Town of Funkstown for hosting the Municipal League meeting this month. He reminded the Commissioners that the six-month review of the moratorium would be held on a Tuesday prior to April 29, the six-month anniversary . Mr. Shoop stated that he met with James Hammill, Executive Director of the Washington County Hospital, regarding the location chosen for the construction of new hospital and its impact on the surrounding area. He stated that he scheduled a meeting with the Humane Society to discuss the issues brought up at last week’s meeting. Mr. Shoop reminded Gods and Generals the Commissioners that the premiere of would be held at the Maryland Theatre on February 11. He stated that Delegate McKee informed him that the fiber optic line will be “lit” to Hagerstown by the end of this fiscal year. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the County employees would be having a special casual day on January 31 to benefit the REACH Cold Weather Shelter. 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 program. Commissioner Snook stated that Funkstown would receive $5,239 for fiscal year 2003. The Commissioners discussed items of concern to Town officials. Mayor Kline informed the Commissioners that the lagoons in Funkstown are leaking and have to be repaired or replaced. He stated that they have estimated that it would cost $1.5 million to make the repairs or to construct new ones. Commissioner Snook stated that the County would assess the problem with the Town. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk