HomeMy WebLinkAbout181218 - Open MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Open Session Minutes
December 18, 2018
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full
assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
President Jeffrey A. Cline called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, to order at 7:33 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 1113,
Hagerstown, Maryland, with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and
Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer, Coil F. Meinelschmidt, and Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of
December 4, 2018. The motion passed unanimously.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to convene in closed
session at 7:34 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline,
demotion, compensation, removal, resignation or performance evaluation of appointees,
employees or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter
that affects one or more specific individuals, and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on
a legal matter, in accordance with Section 3-305(b)(1) and (7) of the General Provisions Article of
the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment of specific individuals
to a local board over which the Commissioners have appointing authority; discussed the potential
employment of specific individuals to fill certain personnel vacancies; discussed several personnel
matters over which the public body has jurisdiction; and received legal advice concerning several
legal issues. The Commissioners gave staff specific directions concerning the appointment to a
board, the filling of certain personnel vacancies, and the resolution of several personnel matters.
The Commissioners also provided direction to staff concerning several legal issues.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline, Terry L. Baker, Wayne K.
Keefer, Cort F. Meinelschmidt, and Randall E. Wagner. Also present were Robert J. Slocum,
County Administrator; Krista L. Hart, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, Interim County Attorney;
and at various times Jim Hovis, Chief Operations Officer; Deb Peyton, Director, Health and
Human Services; Kendall McPeak, Assistant County Attorney; Tom Brown, Assistant Director,
Emergency Management; Alex Reed, Watershed Specialist, Environmental Management; Dan
DiVito, Director, Environmental Management; Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant
Management; Eric Paltell, Esquire, Kollman and Saucier, P.A.; Sara Deal, Office Associate,
Environmental Management; Caroll Braun; and Jennifer Swisher, Program Manager, Emergency
Services.
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
The Commissioners recessed at 10:27 a.m. and returned at 10:30 a.m.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to reconvene in open
session at 10:30 a.m. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice -President Baker attended the Fire / Police Christmas event on Saturday and thanked the
organizers for the invitation.
Commissioner Keefer also attended the Fire / Police banquet. Additionally, he thanked staff for
their efforts towards a productive year, and for all staff who assisted with the flood event in South
County.
Commissioner Wagner wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Also,
Commissioner Wagner would like to hold further Board discussion regarding local preference for
Washington County.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt thanked staff for welcoming him to the Board.
President Cline discussed Commissioner goals and requested that each Commissioner compose a
listing of goals they would like to discuss in the new year. He also shared that he attended the Fire
/ Police Christmas event as well.
President Cline requested hiring Bruce Bereano as lobbyist for Washington County in the amount
of $10,000 / year.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to approve the request
as presented. The motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners Baker and Keefer voted "NAY").
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Health and Human Services
Deb Peyton, Director, recommended approval for the promotion of Kirk Downey to the position
of County Attorney {Grade 20, Step 12, $127,858).
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the promotion of
Kirk Downey to the position of County Attorney as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Downey on his promotion. Mr. Downey thanked the
Commissioners for their support.
Ms. Peyton presented several positions to the Board for consensus:
• Allison Hartshorn as Grant Management (Grade 11, Step 1, $43,826)
• Michael Kline and Allen Wetzel as Clean County Technicians (Grade 9, Step 1, $37,565)
• Brittany Canterbury as Emergency Communication Specialist III (Grade 11, Step 1, $43,826)
• Jodi Bentz as Emergency Communication Specialist — Call Taker (Grade 8, Step 1, $34,278)
• Carmen Harbaugh as Business Support Specialist {Grade 12, Step 1, $47,341)
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
Ms. Peyton recommended approval to hire Mr. Ashley Holloway for the position of Director /
Zoning Administrator (Grade 18, Step 1, $75,088) with the Division of Plan Review & Permitting.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the
recommendation as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Relations & Marketing
Danielle Weaver, Director, shared with the Board, a handout indicating Washington County as the
first participant of the FirstNet in Maryland.
Office of Grant Management
Susan Buchanan, Director, provided information to the Board as a follow up discussion regarding
the Black Fly program. She stated that the cost would be $12,000 for fiscal year 2019, which
includes three (3) treatments, and $24,000 for a full year in fiscal year 2020, which includes six
(6) treatments. The previous request presented at the previous Board of County Commissioners
meeting was 10% of cost.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt stated that he would like the commitment letter to reflect an
agreement pending contribution by the State of Maryland.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the request
for funding for a percentage but up to a total of $12,000 for fiscal year 2019, and up to $24,000
for fiscal year 2020; to include the stipulation that the State of Maryland will contribute as well.
Funding source will be Hotel Rental Tax fund.
PRESENTATION OF THE JUNE 30, 2018 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Christopher Lehman, Partner, SB and Company, provided the Board with a report of the audit
opinion for financial statements ending June 30, 2018.
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
None
County Clerk — Appointment / Reappointment to Boards and Commissions:
Washington County Electrical Board of Examiners and Supervisors
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to re -appoint Robert Kochera
to serve a third, two (2) year term as the Master Electrician designee, from October 1, 2018 through
September 30, 2020; this is a paid board. The motion passed unanimously.
Budget and Finance
Sara Greaves, Director, requested approval for the endorsement of a contribution letter to the
Maryland Theatre for a grant in the amount of $1,000,000 as was previously approved on
December 1, 2018 during a regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioner meeting.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the contribution letter
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
County Administrator
Rob Slocum congratulated Kirk Downey on his promotion to County Attorney. Mr. Slocum
requested consensus to advertise for Mr. Downey's former position of Deputy County Attorney;
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
Mr. Downey concurs. The Commissioners discussed the request and reached a consensus to
approve the advertisement of the position as requested.
Mr. Slocum discussed an opportunity for the development of a strategic plan, which would
incorporate senior staff and the Commissioners in several work group sessions. He has requested
approval of the quote from The Jinks Perspective, Columbia, South Carolina, in the amount of
$12,500. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the lowest
quote of $12,500 to The Jinks Perspective, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING- NOT TO EXCEED $17,500,000 OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF DIAKON LUTHERAN
SOCIAL MINISTRIES AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
President Cline convened a Public Hearing at 11:23 a.m., to obtain public comment on the
County's proposal to issue and sell its economic development refunding revenue bonds in one or
more series in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $17,500,000 (the "Bonds"), and to loan
the proceeds from the sale of such bonds to Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries (the "Borrower).
Lindsay A. Rader, Bond Counsel, indicated that the public hearing is required by the federal tax
code with respect to a Resolution pending before the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County. Ms. Rader advised the County would not be pledging its full faith and credit
or its taxing power toward payment of the bonds. Diakon's letter of intent indicates that the
refinancing money would be freed to fix the debt service component of its annual operating costs
because the bonds are expected to be issued as fixed rate bonds, which will eliminate budgetary
uncertainty the Borrower currently experiences because the 2014C Note is a variable rate
instrument.
The public hearing was opened for public comment. There were no individuals present who wished
to comment.
The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Ms. Rader reaffirmed that the
County was acting as a conduit and would not incur any liability or costs by agreeing to the
proposal.
The hearing was closed at 11:25 a.m.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the
resolution expressing the intention of the County to issue and sell one or more series of Economic
Development Refunding Revenue bonds in an original aggregate principal not exceeding
$17,500,000 and loan the proceeds of the bonds to Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution No. RS -2018-28 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioner's Office.)
FISCAL YEAR 2018 YEAR END REPORT
Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer, provided the Board a summary on the fiscal year 2018 end
financial report. She stated that the year ended in an overall positive manner, with an increase in
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
the General Fund by $1.4 million, or 0.6% of budget. Commissioner Meinelschmidt would like a
summary of the $1 million actual expenses for the Cascade fund.
NARCOTICS TASK FORCE CONTRABAND BUDGET TRANSFER
John Martin, Sargent, Narcotics Task Force (NTF), requested approval to transfer funds from the
Contraband NTF Sheriff -Contraband Revenue fund, which were obtained during seizures, to the
Contraband (NTF) Other/Miscellaneous fund in the total amount of $39,477.13.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the budget transfer
in the amount of $39,477.13, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
SECOND CHANGE GRANT — APPROVAL TO ACCEPT AWARDED FUNDING
Stephanie Lapole, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management; Sheriff Douglas
Mullendore; Major Craig Rowe, Washington County Sheriffs Office; and Rebecca Hogamier,
Director, Day Reporting Center; recommended acceptance of the subgrantee award from
Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount as awarded. Ms. Lapole stated
that the awarded funding would be utilized primarily to reduce the impact of incarceration on
children, families, and communities by strengthening the relations between the justice system
involved parents and their minor children through parent management skills training programs.
The anticipated award amount is $370,092,
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to accept the awarded funding
from Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, in the amount as awarded. The motion
passed unanimously.
WASHINGTON COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE
RENEWAL, JANUARY 1, 2019 THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2020
Tracy McCammon, Risk Coordinator, Human Resources; Carleen Patterson, Managing Director,
Aon Risk Solutions; and Dave Hays, Director, Division of Emergency Services, recommended
approval of the Washington County Fire and Rescue Companies (WCFR) commercial property,
auto and casualty package with VFIS Insurance Company at the quoted premium of $324,596, and
workers compensation insurance with Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company at the quoted
premium of $624,963. The premium paid to VFIS for the 2018 policy year was $551,423; the
premium cost saving is $226,827 for this package. The workers compensation insurance premium
for 2018 was $621,270; an increase in premium of $3,693. The total premium for both programs
is $949,559, with a total savings in premiums of $223,134; well within budget.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to renew the
commercial property, auto, and casualty package with VFIS Insurance Company at the quoted
premium of $324,596 and workers compensation insurance with Chesapeake Employers Insurance
Company at the quoted premium of $624,963 as presented with a note that the policy can be
amended if need be. The motion passed unanimously.
LEAVE BALANCE
Rob Slocum, County Administrator, requested the Boards consideration regarding leave balances
for County staff. He explained that policy limits vacation leave carry-over by calendar year to 200
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
hours, adding that current balances show there are 172 staff members carrying more than the 200
hours.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to approve the one-
time request to carry over a total of 250 hours. The motion passed unanimously.
President Cline would like this option presented earlier in the future years, so employees are aware
sooner.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS - COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENT DISCUSSION
The Commissioners decided their representation on various boards and commissions which require
their participation as follows, though several positions will be decided in the near future:
Commissioner Cline — Agricultural Education Center Board, Commission on Aging,
Hagerstown/Eastem Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization, Historic District
Commission, Local Management Board, MACo Legislative Committee (alternate; with
Commissioner Meinelschmidt), Mental Health Authority, Transportation Advisory Committee,
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (with Commissioners Baker and Keefer), and Western
Maryland Consortium.
Commissioner Baker — Area Agency on Aging Council, Community Action Council, Recreation
and Parks Advisory Board, Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (with Commissioners Cline
and Keefer), Weed Control Committee, and Western Maryland Consortium (alternate).
Commissioner Keefer ---- Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Historical Advisory Committee,
Housing Authority of Washington County, Social Services Board, and Tri-County Council for
Western Maryland (with Commissioners Cline and Baker).
Commissioner Meinelschmidt — Disabilities Advisory Committee, Hagerstown / Eastern
Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (alternate), 1-81 Corridor Coalition, MACo
Legislative Committee, with Commissioner Cline as alternate), and Tri-County Council for
Western Maryland Revolving Loan Fund.
Commissioner Wagner — Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Emergency Services Advisory
Council, Hagerstown Airport Advisory Committee, Health Advisory Board, Planning
Commission, and Commission for Women.
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 12:19 p.m.
The Commissioners attended Southern Boulevard Opening Ceremony at 222 East Oak Ridge
Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland.
The Commissioners returned to the meeting at 2:02 p. m. at 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown,
Maryland.
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OPEN Session, December 18, 2018
JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 10435 Downsville
Pike, Hagerstown. President Jeffrey A. Cline called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. In
attendance were Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer, Coil E.
Meinelschmidt, and Randall F. Wagner. Board of Education members present were President
Melissa Williams, Vice President Stan Stouffer, and members Jacqueline Fischer, Michael
Guessford, Linda Murray, Wayne Ridenour and Pieter Bickford; also present were Dr. Boyd
Michael, Superintendent of Schools and Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer.
Ms. Melissa Williams, President, welcomed Washington County Board of Commissioners and
thanked all for attending the joint meeting.
PRIORITIES AND NEEDS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dr. Boyd Michael, Superintendent; and Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, presented the
Board with the priorities and needs of Washington County Public Schools, History of Funding
Fiscal Year 2009 — 2019.
The Commissioners and Dr. Michael discussed the priorities and needs of Washington. County
Public Schools.
President Cline thanked Dr. Michael and staff for the presentation, adding that he looks forward
to working together over the next year on education needs.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to adjourn at 2:54 p.m.
The motion passed unanimously.
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk