Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout030204 February 3, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met with the En+ gineering and Permits & Inspections Departments from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to discuss their operations and tour their facilities. February 4, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 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 Nipps, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 28, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 28, 2003, as presented. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the tour of the Permits & Inspections and Engineering Departments. Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that she attended the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company banquet and the Student Government Association Legislative Session at North Hagerstown High School. Commissioner Wivell stated that he also attended the Student Government Legislative Session and the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He informed the Commissioners that he met with City officials to attempt to negotiate an agreement on water and sewer issues. Commissioner Wivell stated that he spoke at the Longmeadow Rotary Club meeting last week. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Planning Commission and the committee to fill the vacant Board of Education position. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Mental Health Authority had cancelled its presentation today and would reschedule in the near future. He reported on the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. Commissioner Snook stated that the City provided $50,000 to the Community Rescue Service and has asked that the County match the contribution. The Commissioners agreed to ask the Emergency Services Council to review the request and make a recommendation to them. Commissioner Snook explained that the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) uses a “buddy system” for local government officials to communicate with members of the Maryland legislature. He then distributed the sign-up sheet for those who wish to participate in the program. Commissioner Snook also distributed a letter from the Board of Education requesting that additional time be allocated for their meetings with the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook stated that the Foreign Trade Zone Board would be meeting with the Director of the Port of Baltimore later this week. NUISANCE ABATEMENT GRANT Ken Long, State’s Attorney, informed the Commissioners that Brett Wilson has been employed part-time as a Nuisance Abatement Attorney in his Department. The grant funds for this position have run out. Mr. Long stated that the City of Hagerstown has agreed to contribute $7,500 toward the position for the remainder of FY 2003 if the County agrees to fund a like amount. Mr. Long indicated that he could fund the $7,500 through his budget for this year. However, if the grant were not renewed the next fiscal year, the position would have to be abolished or funded by the general fund. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. FEBRUARY 4, 2003 PAGE TWO Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize the use of $7,500 from the State’s Attorney’s budget to fund the Nuisance Abatement Attorney position for the remainder of FY 2003. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that the County is participating in a joint training session with the City and AFSCME Council 67 on the hazards of working outdoors. He stated that he met with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s LOSAP committee. Mr. Davis indicated that revisions to the Employee Handbook are almost complete. He provided an update on the compensation and classification study. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that the Friends of the Museum would be presenting proposed revisions to its agreement with the County in the near future. He also indicated that the Recreation Commission would be considering fee changes in several of its programs. Mr. Arch stated that the next Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting has been tentatively scheduled for February 20. CHANGE IN PAVEMENT WIDENING DETAIL PROVISIONS Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to inform them of a change in the pavement widening detail in the County’s Road Adequacy Policy. Mr. Rohrer stated that the detail was inadequate to address the widening of County highways. He explained that until last fall, the road widening detail was applied to short stretches of highways less than 16 feet wide. Mr. Rohrer indicated that a change was made to address the potential deficiencies and to place the burden of the improvements on the developer rather than the Highway Department. He stated that he also found that the details were not being properly followed and brought to light the need for better enforcement. After discussion, the Commissioners asked that Mr. Rohrer provide them with an update in six months on how the program is working. SEPTIC SYSTEM APPROVAL & APPLICATION PROCESS Laurie Bucher, Director of the Environmental Health Division of the Washington County Health Department, met with the Board to review the approval process for individual well and septic systems in the County. Ms. Bucher gave a presentation explaining how to obtain permits for well and septic system and the approval process for both. The meeting was then opened for questions. Commissioner Kercheval asked if the Health Department could institute a program to provide notification to homebuyers of existing homes about septic systems and how to maintain the system. Ms. Bucher also provided a brief update on the drought situation. She stated that there has been a good recharge of the groundwater with several months of above normal precipitation. Ms. Bucher reviewed information on precipitation, the flow levels of the Antietam Creek, and well levels in the County. She indicated that things are looking much better. The Commissioners thanked her for the presentation. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jim Laird and Allen Swope, representing the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County, stated that they are wholeheartedly behind the Department of Public Works and its efforts to upgrade County roads by having developers pay their share. John Himes stated that he had a complaint against the Humane Society for refusing to reimburse his veterinarian for examination of a dog he had gotten from them. Mr. Himes also expressed his concerns about a home in his neighborhood that he alleged did not have to abide by the same regulations as he did when he built his home. He stated that the home was constructed near a pond while he was told that he could not build in a flood zone. Commissioner Wivell responded to Mr. Himes’ concerns and explained that the neighbor received a variance and built in accordance with the FEBRUARY 4, 2003 PAGE THREE approvals. Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, also responded to Mr. Himes and explained the situation. Commissioner Snook informed Mr. Himes that the State agreed to do a more detailed evaluation of the interchange at Valley Road to determine if anything more could be done to make the intersection safer for the public. Jim Bestpitch, AFSCME Council 67 representative, introduced himself to the new Board members. FEASIBILITY STUDY – PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE EVENT CENTER Ben Hart, Director of the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), met with the Commissioners to request endorsement of an application for grant funding from the Department of Business and Economic Development to conduct a feasibility study for a multi-purpose event center. Mr. Hart stated that the grant would pay up to 70% of the costs associated with the study if it is approved and the CVB would pay the remaining 30% of the study. He stated that the options being considered would not require County funds. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Snook asked that expansion of the Athletic Recreation Community Center be included as part of the proposal. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to provide the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau with a letter of endorsement for its grant application to the Department of Business & Economic Development for funding to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a multi- purpose center. Motion carried with Commissioners Munson, Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that WJAL Television in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is moving to Washington, D.C. area. He explained that the 911 center is funded by the State and County and that no City funds are used. Commissioner Wivell asked for a status report on the new telephone system to include any anticipated savings from the new system. Mr. Shoop stated that he would schedule the presentation after the County has finalized financial matters with Verizon. REAPPOINTMENTS – EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to reappoint Luther “Jay” Grimes and Mary Kalin to the Emergency Services Council for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LUNCHEON The Commissioners recessed at 11:35 a.m. in order to attend the annual luncheon meeting of the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:35 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. PROPOSED 2003 GOALS AND INITIATIVES Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the revised initiatives for 2002-2006 that were discussed at last week’s meeting. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to adopt the following initiatives: Operational Efficiencies – Working with other public entities, assure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively. Ideas investigated will include, but not be limited to productivity enhancements, reorganization, benchmarking, and public/private partnerships. Strategic and Financial Planning – Assure that best practice financial and strategic planning measures are implemented. Work with the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, and other County-funded organizations to develop models for asset optimization, infrastructure FEBRUARY 4, 2003 PAGE FOUR funding, debt reduction, etc. Investigate joint initiatives with other public entities to include central booking and systems consolidation. Economic Development – Enhance infrastructure to support economic development, job retention, target marketing, and technology reinvestment. Investigate possible EDC privatization (to include a dedicated funding source). Promote the redevelopment of property acquired by the PenMar Development Corporation. Partner with appropriate municipalities to revitalize urban centers. Support runway extension. Assure that resources are available to maintain and expand the private employment base in the County. Education – Encourage partnerships with the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, Frostburg State University, and University Systems of Maryland. Develop agreements to fund education. Encourage private/public partnerships. Cooperate with development of standards for asset optimization and operational efficiencies. Planning – Revise the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and other regulations to complement and/or support the Comprehensive Plan. Work with City of Hagerstown and other municipalities in developing a County-wide APFO. Investigate use of cost/benefit models in the development approval process. Promote agricultural preservation. Adopt policies for ownership and maintenance of Stormwater Management Ponds. Water & Sewer - Develop business plans for the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility and Nicodemus Wastewater Treatment Facility. Resolve City/County water and wastewater issues to the benefit of all citizens of the county. Communications and Public Outreach – Promote the development of “interactive” E- government. Assure that County operations are conducted in an open and accessible manner. Become more proactive in public information activities and marketing the strengths of County government. Emergency Services – develop plan to fund and upgrade communications systems and fire and rescue needs, system replacement, and other public safety needs. The Commissioners then discussed goals for 2003. They agreed to the following: 1)Develop a plan to assist in the recruitment and retention of qualified, dedicated employees. 2)Revise policies and procedures of the Zoning Ordinance, Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, and Sub-division Ordinance as necessary to complement and/or support the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. 3)Revise and implement public relations/information/marketing activities to promote the services offered by Washington County and improve citizen access and input through enhanced E-government systems. 4)Adopt a tested County Government Disaster Recovery Plan that assures continuity in key County Service areas. 5)Initiate an organizational study of Washington County government to assure asset optimization and peak operational efficiencies. 6)Complete and adopt business plans for the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility and Nicodemus Wastewater Treatment Plant. 7)Review Economic Development Commission organization for possible privatization to include a dedicated funding source. 8)Complete and develop full cost analysis plan for the Solid Waste Department and Regional Airport. 9)Work with municipalities to develop policies to increase urban tax bases. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to adopt the amended vision statement, mission, four-year initiatives, and goals for 2003 as modified. Unanimously approved. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (EDC) UPDATE Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the EDC, met with the Commissioners to provide a general economic overview and an update on EDC projects and events. Mr. Troxell provided information on the unemployment rates in the area and noted that Washington County’s rate was 3.8% in November. He stated that the County average for 2002 was 4.6%, which was below the national FEBRUARY 4, 2003 PAGE FIVE average. Mr. Troxell indicated that the gross domestic product grew from previous quarters and listed the major contributors to the increase. He informed the Commissioners that the estimate for the fourth quarter is 0.7%. Mr. Troxell indicated that manufacturing is increasing; however, the fear of war is affecting the market. He stated that locally the client load is strong with 176 new clients in 2002. Washington County saw $149 million in project investments last year, 1,000 new jobs, and 1,100 jobs retained. Mr. Troxell outlined the events that are being planned. They include the annual choices in careers and colleges event at South Hagerstown High School, the teacher externship program, and Maryland Advantage Program. Two upcoming events are the Washington County Business Awards event on March 5 and the Celebration of Business on April 15. Mr. Troxell stated that staff would be attending the bio-technology show in Washington, D.C. in June. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Troxell for the update. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:24 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consider a matter that concerns 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. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 6:12 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) matters, consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, and considered proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Timothy Troxell, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Sonja Hoover and Linda Spence, EDC staff members; Scott Schubel, Water & Sewer Advisory Commission member; Debi Turpin, Executive Director of the Homebuilders Association (HBA); HBA Attorney, Donald Spence; and HBA members Dennis Swope, Paul Crampton, and Tim Fields. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 6:12 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk