Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout030715 July 15, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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 – JUNE 17 & JULY 8, 2003 The Commissioners discussed the July 8, 2003 minutes regarding the HotSpots Request for “Bridge” Funding. Commissioner Snook clarified his position and stated that he was not opposed to providing one-time bridge funding to HotSpots without making it contingent upon a contribution from the City of Hagerstown in the same amount. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of June 17, 2003, and July 8, 2003, as amended. Unanimously approved. FULL-COST ACCOUNTING REPORT – MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE SERVICES WORKSHOP Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, appeared before the Commissioners to review the full-cost accounting report on municipal solid waste services. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the full-cost accounting report and model clearly define the cost and user-based rates and revenues which are needed to maintain the solid waste services provided by the County including the establishment of funds needed for future closing costs. She stated that the County has financed its solid waste needs from current revenues and debt issues. The debt issues consist of revenue bonds secured by a specific revenue source and general obligation debt secured by tax supported revenue. Ms. Bastian explained that the full-cost accounting model shows that the solid waste disposal program debt is supported by the revenues generated under the “cost of service” plan. Ms. Bastian reviewed an overview of the model used to calculate the costs. She indicated that if the model is adopted, it might not require debt issuance. She then reviewed the program/activity cost summary. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at 9:00 a.m. and Vice-President Wivell assumed the Chair.) Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that no revenues were set aside for the Resh, Rubble, City, and Hancock landfills closure and post-closure costs. She recommended that the County continue its contribution for FY 2004 to subsidize the closed sites. Ms. Bastian also noted that the Transfer Station Permits Program is not self-supporting and that it is being supported by other landfill programs. The Commissioners agreed that issues with these programs need to be resolved and asked for additional data and comparable information from other counties. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Barbara Hovermill commented on trash that is dumped along the roads in the County. UPDATE ON SAFETY PROGRAM Brian Overcash, Coordinator of the Office for Safety and Risk Management, met with the Commissioners to provide an overview of the County’s safety program. He provided a summary of his duties and the process used to achieve regulatory compliance. Mr. Overcash explained that the Washington County Safety Manual is the basis of all safety policies and procedures. He also reviewed the annual training programs that are required by MOSH and other programs that are provided to employees. Mr. Overcash informed the Commissioners that the County has seen a significant reduction in severe medical claims and lost workday claims. Debbie Elliott, Third Party Administrator for Crawford & Company, informed the Commissioners that the County has a model program and has a JULY 15, 2003 PAGE TWO low incidence of lost-time workers’ compensation claims. She also stated that the light-duty policy implemented by the County has been instrumental in lowering the costs. Mr. Overcash stated that the goal was to have a proactive safety program with employee involvement at all levels. The meeting was then opened for questions. TELEPHONE SYSTEM REPORT Ron Whitt, Information Technologies Director, provided an update on the implementation of the County’s new telecommunications system. He stated that the contract was awarded to Verizon for design, installation and testing on August 7, 2001 and the final portion was accepted on April 1, 2003. Mr. Whitt stated that over $121,000 in credits and adjustments were made by aggressively managing the contract. The new system has improved the quality and reduced recurring costs, included a net savings of $34,458, in the first year. He explained that 11 agencies are still in the process of being transitioned to a separate account and they are currently reviewing the remaining 110 ports for the feasibility of being incorporated in the new system. Mr. Whitt stated that there are still issues to be resolved at some of the remote sites. He stated that some recent improvements include the addition of “Call Pilot” and the capability to fax from the desktop. WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC NETWORK MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the Washington County Public Network Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the partnership formed by the County, the City of Hagerstown, Board of Education, and the Washington County Free Library, to continue their collaboration in the area of data technology. Unanimously approved. ENGINEERING REVIEW FEES Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed review fees for the Engineering Department. Mr. Rohrer explained that the proposed fees would cover the actual costs of services provided by the Department. Mr. Rohrer noted that the Board approved the addition of two new positions in the Engineering Department with the understanding that the revised fee structure would support the costs. Mr. McGee provided information on the typical fees charged for one-acre residential and commercial lots in Allegany and Frederick Counties, and the City of Hagerstown and compared them to the current and proposed fees charged by Washington County. He also reviewed how the new fee structure would affect selected developments. Mr. Rohrer reviewed the following rates: Preliminary Plat - $120 + $50 per lot; Preliminary Site Plan & Site Plan: 1) $120 + $275/acre of disturbed area less than 10 acres; 2) $120 + 150/acre of disturbed area greater than 10 acres; and 3) $120 + $75/acre of disturbed area greater than 50 acres, $400 minimum; Subdivision Plat – 1) $120 + $200/lot developed with road construction less than 50 acres; 2) $120 + $150/lot developed with road construction greater than 50 acres; and 3) $120 + $50/lot developed without road construction; Simplified Plat - $125 each; Traffic Impact Study - $250 per intersection studied; Grading Plan - $120 + $25 per acre of disturbed area; Stormwater Management Exemption - $100 each; and Simplified Stormwater Management Plan - $125 each. After discussion, the Commissioners requested additional information and agreed to take this matter under consideration. Debi Turpin, Executive Director of the Homebuilders Association, agreed to assist with the information requested on the total cost of building a home in Washington County. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:15 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:17 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President JULY 15, 2003 PAGE THREE William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. STATE DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT PROGRAM – GRANT FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to authorize the Emergency Services Department to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and to accept grant funding in the amount of $117,927.42 for the purchase of domestic preparedness equipment. Unanimously approved. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT & ONE-TIME SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize the Department of Emergency Services to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to accept grant funding of $21,265 for the EMPG program and $20,000 in one-time grant funding for interoperability communications equipment. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended a Rotary Club meeting where the issue of Title I schools and the pre- kindergarten program were discussed in a presentation by the Board of Education. He indicated that he would like additional information from the Board of Education on this subject and stated that the Commissioners might want to re-evaluate their decision on the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance depending on the number of schools where pre-kindergarten is considered mandatory. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the Water Quality Advisory Committee, Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee, and PenMar Development Corporation. He also asked for an update on the Police Athletic League grant issue. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator informed him that Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership, is scheduled on the agenda next week to discuss the issue. Commissioner Munson suggested that the Commissioners explore the possibility of providing storage of recreational vehicles at the Agricultural Education Center during the winter months. He stated that the Ag Center Board voted not to pursue this due to liability issues. John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed him that it is not permitted under the lease documents with the State. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he attended the retirement ceremony for Pastor Ed Hampton at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The Commissioners also discussed the application for the renewal of a sewage sludge application permit to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and agreed not to request that MDE hold a public meeting. REQUEST TO FILL VACANCY – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Jack Reynard, Fleet Manager at the Highway Department, requested authorization to fill the vacancy for Office Associate III (Grade 6). Mr. Reynard stated that the vacancy exists due to the resignation of an employee. He also reviewed the job description and the responsibilities of the position. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to authorize filling the Office Associate III (Grade 6) in the Highway Department. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF TRANSFER TAX ORDINANCE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the enactment of “An Ordinance to Provide for a Real Property Transfer Tax in Washington County, Maryland” as adopted on June 17, 2003 to impose a tax of .5% on total gross transfers of properties. The Ordinance would take effect on August 7, 2003. Motion carried with Commissioners JULY 15, 2003 PAGE FOUR Kercheval, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the Ordinance is attached.) AMENDED BUILDING EXCISE TAX ORDINANCE The Commissioners reviewed the amended Building Excise Tax Ordinance. After discussion, they directed the County Attorney to research and clarify a section of the Ordinance before they consider its adoption. APPOINTMENT OF ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to appoint Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, as the Zoning Administrator for Washington County. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that there would be a meeting scheduled for July 29. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 2:21 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter that affects one (1) or more specific individuals, consult with staff to discuss pending and potential litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 5:34 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters that affect one (1) or more specific individuals, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) 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; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 5:34 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk