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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030311 March 10, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Nipps met with the Highway Department from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. to discuss their operations and tour their facilities. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-03-001 and SO-03-01 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning case RZ-03-001 and a proposed amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance, Article 1, Section 102 (SO-03-01). Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners’ President Gregory I. Snook and Planning Commission Chair Paula Lampton. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps, and Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Robert Ernst, Benjamin Clopper, and George Anikis. After presentations and public testimony were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (l0) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The public hearing was adjourned at 10:08 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk March 11, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 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. ENDORSEMENT OF REQUEST – WASHINGTON COUNTY MARBLE CLUB Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to endorse the request of the Washington County Marble Club to allow them to install three marble rings on an approved site at the Martin L. Snook Park, with the understanding that they will maintain the site, and to submit a letter of support to their national organization. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Recreation & Parks Board and the Historical Advisory Committee. She stated that she also attended the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company awards banquet. Commissioner Munson stated that he attended the public informational meeting about proposed improvements to Maugans Avenue. He also commented on an anonymous telephone call he received and his investigation into the matter. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee meeting. He stated that he attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business awards dinner and the Homebuilders Association’s Home Show. Commissioner Wivell reported on the PenMar Development Corporation meeting. He asked if the Commissioners were interested in allowing the Cascade Sports League (CSL) to utilize the gymnasium if the lease were structured so that CSL would assume liability and maintenance issues. After discussion, it was the consensus to have MARCH 11, 2003 PAGE TWO Commissioner Wivell explore the matter. He also reported on the meeting he attended with Congressman Roscoe Bartlett and the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Business & Economic Development. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meeting of the Replacement Committee for the Board of Education. He informed the Commissioners that he would be meeting with Carolyn Brooks, Director of HotSpots, about possible State cuts to the funding of the HotSpots program. Commissioner Kercheval thanked Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, for his presentation to the Hagerstown Rotary Club last week. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Department of the Environment has scheduled a public information meeting on March 27 with regard to a permit to apply sewage sludge to a farm on Frog Eye Road. He also reminded them that the next Municipal League meeting would be on March 24. Commissioner Snook stated that he spoke at the local government forum sponsored by the 2003 Leadership Hagerstown class. The Commissioners discussed the request made by Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to waive the permit fees for the construction work they are doing on the campus. The Commissioners agreed to waive the permit fees for HCC since they are an educational entity. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the County Engineers Association is continuing its campaign to discourage State officials from reducing the highway user fund revenues that are distributed to local governments. He reported on the public information meeting that was held to explain the Maugans Avenue improvement project. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Rohrer to a select a residential street as a pilot project to determine whether speed humps would be effective as a traffic calming measure. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that his staff is compiling information on the costs of the President’s Day snowstorm. The information will be submitted to the Maryland Emergency Management Administration for potential reimbursement. Mr. Kroboth informed the Board that the local cost of the storm was $1.2 million. He reported on his quarterly meeting with representatives of Community Rescue Service. He also met with representatives from the Maryland Correctional Institution to plan for a tabletop emergency drill. He thanked Commissioner Snook and Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, on behalf of Leadership Hagerstown for their presentations at the recent meeting. He stated that he is working on the development of regional response initiatives. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided tentative meeting dates for the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners that the Permits and Planning Departments staffed a booth at the Homebuilders Home Show last week. He stated that the Maryland Association of Counties Planners Association will be discussing adequate public facilities ordinances and is planning a session on this topic for the summer conference agenda. BUDGET PRESENTATION – DEPT. OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND WASHINGTON COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION Mr. Kroboth presented the Department of Emergency Services budget request for FY 2004 as follows: Office of the Director - $264,240; Emergency Management Agency - $25,100; Special Operations - $136,060; and Emergency Air Unit - $17,700. He also reviewed technical and capital projects proposed and highlighted the major changes in budget categories. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Jason Baer and Rick Hemphill, representing the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA), presented the FY 2004 budget request for the WCVFRA. They provided the Commissioners with statistics for 2002. Mr. Hemphill stated that the total request is $2,491,015 (less insurance, LOSAP, and workers’ compensation). He also provided information on LOSAP statistics and stated that the program is MARCH 11, 2003 PAGE THREE working well and doing what it was intended to do. Mr. Baer informed the Commissioners of new unfunded mandates for emergency medical service companies. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth informed the Commissioners of corrections published by The Herald Mail regarding the Emerald Pointe rezoning application. He also reported on the status of a bill in the Rules Committee of the General Assembly. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that he spoke at the Leadership Hagerstown local government forum last week. Mr. Martirano provided information on the status of the water line lease for the Town of Williamsport. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, asked the Commissioners if they had any comments regarding the draft request for proposal (RFP) on the organizational review. He stated that they would proceed to advertise the RFP if they have no comments. After discussion, he agreed to wait two weeks before proceeding. Mr. Shoop reviewed the agenda for the meeting on March 13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 3, 4 & 5, 2003 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of the meetings of March 3, 4, and 5, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCHEON & TOUR AT WASHINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY The Commissioners recessed at 10:54 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and a tour of the Washington County Humane Society. HUMANE SOCIETY UPDATE The Commissioners met with Tracey Bowman, Dana Moylan, and Neil Glessner, members of the Humane Society of Washington County Board of Directors, and Executive Director Maria Procopio. Ms. Procopio distributed copies of the shelter life cycle showing admissions and disposition of the animals. She also distributed a copy of the floor plan for the facility. Ms. Moylan stated that they are exploring options to deal with the odor problems in certain areas of the facility. The Commissioners then toured the facility. Ms. Moylan informed the Commissioners that they have developed a response for the list of issues presented by the Animal Control Authority and would like to present them to the Commissioners and the community. She indicated that they hope to take a proactive approach and attempt to respond to individuals with concerns in an attempt to eliminate miscommunications. Ms. Procopio explained the process that was created to administer the animal food bank. She also outlined the process used for spay/neuter vouchers and informed the Commissioners that the Humane Society has received a $20,000 grant to spay/neuter cats. Ms. Procopio reviewed the requirements for cat owners to qualify for the new “Cat Snip” program. Ms. Moylan stated that the Humane Society Board has not reviewed the proposal at this time. Due to the grant funding for cats, she asked that the County- funded spay/neuter program be used solely for dogs during the life of the grant. She also suggested that the same requirements for the Cat Snip program be used for the spay/neuter program. Commissioner Kercheval emphasized that the Commissioners need answers to the questions that were raised in the January meeting. Ms. Procopio indicated that she would have the answers to him in a few weeks. Commissioner Wivell asked about the turn-over rate for Humane Society officers. Ms. Procopio indicated that she is considering hiring retired law enforcement officers for these positions. The Commissioners recessed at 1:20 p.m. MARCH 11, 2003 PAGE FOUR AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:48 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. APPROVAL TO LEASE SPACE AT SANDY HOOK WATER TANK Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he has been negotiating with T-Mobile Communications concerning leasing a 15’ x 35’ site at the Sandy Hook Water Tank property for $900 per month, with the condition that the company receives approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals and the necessary permits to locate at this site. Mr. Lowry stated that he is also negotiating with CSX Technology, a division of CSX Transportation, for a telephone pole/cell phone repeater at the site. The pole would be 40-60 feet high. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to have staff proceed with negotiations. The Board asked that the lease be structured in five-year increments with five-year renewal periods. They directed Mr. Lowry to review the lease with them after negotiations are final. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to allow CSX Railroad to perform testing to determine whether the pole/cell phone repeater would be appropriate at the Sandy Hook water tank property. Unanimously approved. AUTHORIZATION TO FILL LAB TECHNICIAN I POSITION – WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Mr. Murray stated that the Water & Sewer Department currently has a vacancy for a Lab Technician I that he would like to fill. He explained the responsibilities of the position and the impact that it has on his department. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to authorize filling the Lab Technician I vacancy (Grade 6) at the Water & Sewer Department. Unanimously approved. WORKSHOP - GENERAL FUND BUDGET The Commissioners conducted a budget workshop to review a draft of the Fiscal Year 2004 General Fund budget. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated that she reviewed a summary of the changes made to date. Ms. Bastian stated that the current budgeted shortfall is $5,186,789. The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the proposed operating budget. They also reviewed the following budget requests: Health Department, Department of Social Services, Extension Service, Circuit Court, and the Election Board. The Board discussed funding of non-profit agencies and the level to which they would fund them. PROCLAMATION – COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation designating March 10-16, 2003, as “Cover the Uninsured Week” to several representatives of the Western Maryland Area Health Education Center and Maryland Covering Kids & Families organization, in an effort to recognize the urgency of seeking solutions to this problem. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:07 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, discuss collective bargaining issues, 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 Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 5:08 p.m. Unanimously approved. MARCH 11, 2003 PAGE FIVE In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) matters, consulted with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, discussed collective bargaining issues, and considered a matter that concerns 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, 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Tim Troxell, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Specialist; Sonja Hoover, EDC Fiscal/Research Specialist; and EDC Board members Douglas Wright, Jr. and Gerald Hoak. TAX SETOFF – WILLLIAMSPORT TOWN HALL The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. 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. He also reviewed the summary and formula for highways, police, and parks. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 2003, the Town is estimated to receive $45,778. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the town officials and citizens in the area. Commissioner Snook informed the Town officials that their employees are welcome to participate in any of the safety training sessions sponsored by the County. He provided an update on the addition to the senior housing. At this time, Commissioner Snook opened the meeting to the public for comments. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ___________________________,County Clerk