HomeMy WebLinkAbout190305 OPEN MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Open Session Minutes
March 5, 2019
MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Cline asked that the Board keep Commissioner Meinelschmidt's father in their thoughts
and prayers. 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 10:01 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, Cort F. Meinelschmidt, and Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of
February 26, 2019. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice-President Baker requested that the County Administrator provide a presentation during a
future open session meeting to show the total county investment in the Professional Boulevard
Bridge and Yale Drive projects. Additionally, he would like a summation of cmTent revenue
received since the completion of Yale Drive; as well as information on future development plans,
to include the amount of investment needed before the county sees a financial return.
Commissioner Baker also requested that CHIEF provide an update on the Yale Drive / Mt. Aetna
Fa1ms project. He shared that the location consists of 161 acres and approximately $860 a year is
paid in taxes.
Additionally, Commissioner Baker would like a new organizational chart for Parks and Facilities
Department and for the Recreation Department. He would like to see if the Recreation Department
could be moved under the Parks and Facilities Department rather than the Health and Human
Resources, possibly providing efficiency and cost savings.
Vice-President Baker asked the Commissioners to review a letter of support for the Senate Bill
387 (SB387), Pipeline and Water Protection Act of 2019, and to share their opinion on the matter.
President Cline would like to inquire with local Delegation for its viewpoint on the bill since it is
a State bill rather than a County bill. Commissioner Baker shared that he fully supp01ts SB387 and
would be submitting his individual letter of support.
Commissioner Keefer thanked the City of Hagerstown for hosting the State of the City prior to the
opening of this meeting; he appreciates the relationship between the City and the County and looks
forward to continuing to build that relationship. Additionally, he thanked Washington County staff
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
for their prompt responses to his inquiries. He noted that last evening, he emailed Sara Greaves
and she replied very quickly with a detailed response; additionally, Krista Hart responded
immediately to a need for a letter at his request. Commissioner Keefer shared that other staff has
been just as responsive and he thanked all staff.
Commissioner Keefer also thanked the Fire and Rescue Companies for contacting him regarding
the staffing issues, he appreciates the support and assistance.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt thanked the road crew for their prompt service yesterday during the
winter storm event. Also, he shared that on this past Sunday, he and his church members of John
Wesley United Methodist continued with the tradition of walking through downtown Hagerstown
to have lunch at a local restaurant; the past Sunday was Pretzel Creations. Commissioner
Meinelschmidt shared that on April 1st, he and his fellow church members will be walking to 28
South; he invited all local churches to do the same.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt shared information regarding a fundraiser titled Over the Edge,
sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club, thanking Craig Campbell for his involvement. He shared
that on April 6th, he will be showing his support by repelling off the Alexander House building and
invited others to attend and support.
Commissioner Wagner stated that this is his third month anniversary since being sworn in as
County Commissioner. He discussed several challenges that the Commissioners are and will be
faced with to include budgets for Fire and Rescue, Emergency Service, Washington County Public
Schools, and Economic Development.
Commissioner Wagner attended the State of the City and shared that the presentation went well.
He discussed a few initiatives forthcoming and shared that he appreciates the successful
relationship with the City of Hagerstown.
Commissioner Wagner shared information regarding local Boards and Commissions in
Washington County, adding that all Commissioners are members of several boards and are very
involved in making positive changes for Washington County. He shared his anticipation for
resolving current issues rather than repeating the same issue throughout the years, understanding
that finances play a large role in the resolutions.
President Cline thanked Commissioners Meinelschmidt and Wagner for their involvement with
the 2 + 2 workshop between the City of Hagerstown and Washington County. Additionally, he
thanked Commissioner Meinelschmidt for joining him at the retirement committee meeting
Commissioner Cline attended the State of the City, the presentation reflected the positive attitude
in the County; as did the Business A wards.
Commissioner Cline made a request that any organization interested in becoming a line item in
the county budget from the Community Organization of Funding, be provided the oppmtunity to
be placed on the Commissioners agenda during an open session meeting; allowing applicants to
appear before the Commissioners with a presentation to see if they are eligible or could be
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OPEii! Session, March 5, 2019
included. He shared that by doing this, it creates a full, fair disclosure and equal opportunity for
every group to make application.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Division of Engineering
Scott Hobbs, Director; provided a brief update on the status of projects in South County as a result
of the flooding:
• Garretts Mill Road Bridge should be completed in early May 2019
• Back Road should be advertised in March and completed late fall
• Sandy Hook Road is in design and historical preservation process with the National Park
Service
Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works, shared that notification has been received for the
first round of reimbursement costs from debris removal, funds should be received soon,
approximately $70,000.
President Cline thanked Mr. Hobbs for his fast and accurate response to an inquiry regarding
GaiTetts Mill Road Bridge.
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
Ron Horn, 181 Stanford Road, Hagerstown, represented as President of Antietam Fire Company;
and Jim Sprecher, 116 Bester Street, Hagerstown, past president of Washington County Volunteer
Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) and an EMS responder for 40+ years; shared suppo1t for
the Fire and Rescue staffing plan.
Mr. Sprecher, as Chairman, Antietain Fire Company, requested Commissioner consideration to
provide equal allotment of 50% as received by other county Fire and Rescue companies. He shared
that often, Antietam Fire Company would be considered a city company, it resides in the city
(address of 790 Potomac Avenue), geographically; however, it responds throughout the county.
Mr. Sprecher explained that as far as he understands, in 1943, the County distributed $600 to the
City companies and $300 to those companies located within corporate limits; and it has not
changed since. Commissioner Wagner asked where the company is financially at this point. Mr.
Sprecher stated that last year, they took $13,000 from savings to cover receipts.
Mr. Horn requested, as a resident of Colonial Park, that the Commissioners reconsider the
Professional Blvd Bridge project to alleviate traffic issues through his development.
L. O'Connor, fall name and address inaudible, Keedysville, shared her supp01t for funding for
services at the Commission on Aging, Senior Center.
Kevin Demmons, 13514 Kretsinger Road, Smithsburg, shared his support for the Fire and Rescue
staffing plan and concern for lack of EMS staff.
Ward Fleger, Assistant Chief/ Operations Director, Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services, 109
Colton Court, Smithsburg, shared his support for the Fire and Rescue staffing plan.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. and returned at 10:53 a.m.
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
Timothy Gargana, 228 Hadley Drive, Falling Waters, West Virginia, shared his support for Fire
and Rescue staffing plan.
Amy Olack, CEO, Commission on Aging (COA), thanked the Commissioners for their support
and presented facts regarding the Older American Act. Ms. Olack requested that the Commission
on Aging become a line item in the county budget rather than through a competitive process with
the Community Organization Funding Committee.
Bill Beard, President of the Board for COA, also discussed funding and shmiages.
Tim Daubert, Treasurer, Secretary of the Board for COA, discussed fees and program waiting lists
that the COA is faced with due to funding issues.
Commissioner Baker and Commissioner Keefer discussed the services and leadership of the COA
and shared their appreciation for the success of the services offered by the COA.
Commissioner Cline thanked Ms. Olack for the success of the Senior Center and reminded staff
that the item needs to be an official agenda item for discussion during an open session of a
Commissioner meeting.
Comm. Meinelschmidt asked for a list of programs which are federally mandated.
County Administrator Slocum stated that requests can be submitted through the Office of Grant
Management and schedule for a group presentation during an open session of a future
Commissioner meeting.
SECOND OU ARTER ADJUSTMENTS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2019 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, and David Brandenburg, Executive Director of Finance,
Washington County Public Schools presented for approval, the second qumier budget adjustments
to the Board of Education's (BOE) Fiscal Year 2019 (FYl9) General Fund Budget. Mr. Proulx
reviewed the changes to the budget as approved by the BOE on February 19, 2019.
Christopher Lehman, Partner, SB and Company, provided the Board with a report of the audit
opinion for financial statements ending June 30, 2018. The changes were presented for
informational purposes only.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt asked for an explanation regarding a savings of $516,496 in savings
and contributions to the health fund due to change in subscriber mix. Mr. Proulx shared that there
are three (3) tiers to the plan and multiple ways that employees can pmiicipate, which can affect
the cost; as well as number of employees subscribing to the insurance. Mr. Proulx shared that the
BOE contribution is over $40 million for health insurance.
Commissioner Baker inquired into the increase of Other Instruction Costs for Quarter 2 in the
amount of $110,159. Mr. Brandenburg explained that to get the Perkins Grant each year, the BOE
is required to spend in CTE Maintenance of Effort at least as much in the cmTent year as it has in
the previous year.
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the
adjustments to the BOE second quaiter budget in the amount of $474,660 rather than the requested
amount of $991,129. Discussion was held regarding the savings of $516,469 and the
Commissioners agreed that without the written explanation and breakdown, the motion would be
withdrawn.
The Commissioners reached a consensus for the BOE to return to the Board with an explanation
on the $516,469 savings as written, to include the 3% increase, budget for new positions and health
insurance savings for FY20.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION (Continued)
Mark Kopp 18042 Knoll Drive, Fairplay, Maryland, shared his support for the Fire and Rescue
staffing plan.
Roger Otzelberger, 2064 Hoffmaster Road, Knoxville, Maryland, shared his support for the Fire
and Rescue staffing plan.
EMERGENCY SERVICES OVERVIEW -UPDATE
Dave Hays, Director, Emergency Services; Robert Moncrief, President, Washington County
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association; and Kingsley Poole, Chairman, Emergency Services
Advisory Council, presented information regarding the staffing challenges as faced with the
Division of Emergency Services and the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Administration (WCVFRA). At the request of the Board of County Commissioners during the
regularly scheduled February 26th meeting, multiple options have been prepared to include the
utilization of the $800,000 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding included in the upcoming
Apparatus Reserve Fleet CIP for FY20 and future years. Mr. Hays discussed several options which
may be a viable solution to the staffing issues at hand.
President Cline stated that Washington County needs a fire tax for sustainable income to fund this
plan. Commissioners discussed the options presented, budget sh01tfalls, and the options of the
SAFER grant ( deadline, March 22nd), to include future years and potential award. Jonathan Hart,
Assistant Director, Fire Services, shared that the SAFER Grant will not cover a Battalion Chief,
as previously presented in the financial options.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the
submission of the SAFER Grant application. The Commissioners futther moved to approve hiring
twenty-eight (28) firefighters under the SAFER Grant application ( option 6, adjusted); this
includes one (1) Airport Fire Fighter position, funding through the Apparatus Fund Capital
Improvement. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commissioners recessed at 12:46 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 1:05 p.m.
APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS FOR THE DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Deb Peyton, Director, Division of Health and Human Services, recommended approval of the by-
laws of the Disabilities Advisory Committee. Ms. Peyton discussed the purpose of the Committee
and membership guidelines and terms.
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
Commissioner Meinelschmidt shared his appreciation for staffs involvement in the revisions. He
looks forward to serving on the Committee.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the By-
Laws for the Disabilities Advisory Committee as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
OTZELBERGER FARM RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM EASEMENT
Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of
the Otzelberger et al. farm Rural Legacy Program (RLP) project, paid for 100% by the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources, for $514,590 for 152.35 easement acres and to adopt an
ordinance approving the purchase. Mr. Seifarth shared that the property is located at 18800 McCoy
Road, Sharpsburg, Maryland, containing approximately 41 acres of cropland, 15 acres of pasture
and approximately 96 acres of woodland. The Otzelberger property lies in a part of Washington
County near Sharpsburg, which was heavily trafficked during the Civil War and the Battle of
Antietam; part of the original subdivision deed for the Antietam Iron Works and near the
historically significant John Brown House. Mr. Seifmth shared that nineteen (19) development
rights will be extinguished with the easement.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Otzelberger
Farm RLP, and to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement and to authorize the
execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the easement purchase. The motion passed
unanimously.
(Ordinance No. ORD-2019-01 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the originals are in the County Commissioners' Office.)
CONTRACT A WARD {PUR-1406} LOCAL CARE TEAM COORDINATOR
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing, and Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Office of Grant
Management, recommended approval to award the contract for the Local Care Team Coordinator
in Washington County, Maryland, to the responsible proposer with the responsive proposal,
Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, in the amount of $52,000.
Mr. Curry explained that the contract will fulfill the requirements of a Contractual Agreement for
FYl 9 with the Governor's Office for Children. The awarded contract shall expire on June 30,
2019, with an option to renew up to two (2) consecutive one-year periods tlu·ough 2021.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the contract award
ofPUR-1406 to the responsible proposer, Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. in the amount
of $52,000 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
ENHANCED NUTRIENT REMOVAL AT WASHINGTON COUNTY'S WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT
Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Engineering Services, Division of Environmental Management,
recommended approval for Change Order number 15 and to increase the contract with Buchart
Hom, in the amount of $318,178.37. Mr. Bradshaw outlined the reasons for the increased and
decreased line items in the contract with Buchatt Hom for the Enhanced Nutrient Removal at the
Washington County's Wastewater Treatment Plant, PUR-977.
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OPEii! Session, March 5, 2019
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Change Order
as presented, in the total amount of $318,178.37. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD -POFFENBERGER ROAD BRIDGES W4011 AND
W4012 BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT, COUNTY CONTRACT NUMBER BR-
PR-179-14 STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATIONCONTRACTNUMBERWA395ZM2,
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NUMBER STBG-3{532)E
Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering, requested approval to conditionally award the Poffenberger
Road Bridges W4011 and W4012 Bridge Rehabilitation contract to the lowest, responsive,
responsible bidder, Lantz Construction Company, D.B.A. Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown
Maryland, in the amount of$1,392,814 and to approve a budget transfer in the amount of$736,900
from BRG065, Poffenberger Road Bridge, to BRG066, Poffenberger Road Bridge W4012.
Conditional award is based on receiving concurrence in award from the Maryland State Highway
Administration. Mr. Hobbs explained several details of the project to include the rehabilitation of
two (2) existing stone arch bridges located over Antietam Creek on Poffenberger Road. He
explained that this is a 200 consecutive calendar day contract, with an anticipated Notice to
Proceed date late in May 2019, and an anticipated completion date late in December 2019.
Liquidated damages are included in the bid documents in the amount of $500 per calendar day for
work beyond the completion date.
Commissioner Balcer, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to conditionally award Contract
Number BR-PR-179-14 to the lowest, responsive responsible bidder, Lantz Construction
Company, D.B.A. Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, in the amount of $1,392,814; and to
approve a budget transfer in the amount of $736,900 as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
CASCADE TOWN CENTRE OVERVIEW
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer; Dan DiVito,
Director, Environmental Management; Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator; and Susan
Small, Director, Business Development requested consensus in management director for Cascade
Town Centre property. Mr. Eshleman provided the Commissioners with a brief history regarding
the Master Development Agreement with JG Business Link International (JGBLI) and the transfer
of property to same.
Mr. Eshleman explained that currently, the 63-acre lot owned by JGBLI is not metered, therefore
no usage can be billed. Ms. Greaves discussed the financial aspects, explaining that the fund
balance for Cascade is approximately $1.92 million, which would cover expenses for
approximately fifteen (15) additional months. Ms. Greaves confirmed that the monthly
expenditures for the Cascade property is pulled from funds submitted to Washington County by
the PenMar Association, not tax payer dollars. Ms. Small shared that the property is not listed on
the Multiple Listing sites, although it should be. She recommended that a third-party analysis be
perfo1med and then be listed with an agent. Mr. Di Vito suggested that whatever the agreement is,
that it includes a condition to upgrade the infrastructure so that County would not be required to
do so.
Commissioners discussed the options as presented and reached a consensus to provide direction
by the next upcoming Board meeting, two (2) weeks.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer; and Kim Edlund, Director, Office of Budget and Finance,
presented as discussion, information related to revenues and expenditures for the FY20 budget.
Ms. Greaves shared that the FY20 budget includes revenues in the amount of$228.8 million, which
is a decrease from FY19 budget of $800,000. Ms. Greaves provided a percentage breakdown of
the General Fund budget: 54% distribution to outside entities; County employee wages and
benefits amounts 27%; distribution to other funds amounts 7%, which includes distribution to the
Capital Fund of $5 million, and distribution to highway costs; operating costs amount
approximately 6%; and debt service 6%.
Ms. Greaves discussed major revenues to include a real estate performance project for FYI 9 of
$114 million with a budget of $113.7 million, and FY20 shows a projection of $115.9, 1.63%
increase over FY 19. Ms. Greaves shared that those figures are based on estimates provided by the
State of Maryland assessed values. She stated that income tax revenue has shown a decrease of
31 %, due in part to all of revenue not received until August 2019. Ms. Greaves stated that income
tax has been received showing a 31 % decrease in estimated payments; personal property tax was
$14 million in FY19, this budget will remain the same for FY20; speed camera revenue budget
was $4.8 million in FYI 9, this revenue will show a decrease due to citizens knowledge of the
cameras and taking steps to avoid the fine. Commissioner Keefer asked what approximate
percentage of the speed camera revenue is placed into operating for the County; approximately
50% per Ms. Greaves (public safety expenditures).
Commissioner Meinelscltmidt left tlte meeting at 2:10 p.m. returned at 2:12 p.m.
The Commissioners discussed the budget as presented to include a proposed step increase for
employees of3.5%. Ms. Greaves discussed potential increases to taxes and the amount of revenue
that would be generated with the proposed increase.
Commissioner Keefer discussed the Humane Society contract for the budget item. Ms. Greaves
will obtain further information and return to the Board with that infmmation.
Commissioner Meinelschrnidt discussed the 2.5% step for the new scale, as well as the possible
minimum wage increase.
Ms. Greaves discussed a .0 l % increase to income tax, providing a revenue of $260,000 in annual
revenue, costing the average filer $.SO/month; or an increase to real estate tax of $.01 would
generate revenue of $1.2 million, costing each household approximately $1.75. Both options
would require advertising before a public hearing.
Ms. Greaves discussed Capital Project funding and shared info1mation regarding projects which
would be affected by the budget deficits to include the Multi-Purpose Center being removed from
the plan in draft 2; General Fund contingency, Infmmation Systems replacement project; Black
Rock equipment; Sheriffs Fuel Center, Law Enforcement vehicles; Highway equipment; and
more. Commissioner Keefer stated that he is in support of the Fuel Center for the Sheriffs
Department remaining as a project in the Capital Improvement budget. Rob Slocum, County
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
Administrator stated that Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, has been working on reducing the
cost for that project.
Commissioner Keefer discussed the topic of mandated funding and added that the Area Agency
on Aging (AAA) is an entity that Washington County is required to provide, he would consider
that a mandate and would like that to be added as a line item in the County budget rather than the
agency participating in the competitive funding process. Commissioner Keefer asked for a
consensus from the Commissioners to have the AAA added in Draft 2 of the FY20 General Fund
budget as a line item. He elaborated by added that the approximate amount of $500,000 currently
in the Community Organization Funding (COF) be moved to the line for AAA, thus decreasing
the COF by that amount. Commissioner Cline asked if the County is mandated to provide a certain
amount of funding to the AAA; Ms. Greaves stated that there is no amount. Commissioner Keefer
referenced the Humane Society having a line item in the county budget as a mandated funding; he
agreed that to create consistency, he would like the AAA added.
Commissioners reached a consensus to add a line item for the AAA in the General Fund budget,
Draft 2, with amount "to be determined". Commissioners Wager, Baker and Keefer were in favor.
Ms. Greaves asked for consensus to reduce the Capital Improvement budget as presented.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt asked that Ms. Greaves work to adjust the employee step scale to
the 2.5%; he would like to discuss. Additionally, Commissioner Baker asked if the county could
provide a step increase of half in June and second half in January.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to convene in closed
session at 2:36 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline,
demotion, compensation, removal, resignation or perfonnance 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; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a
legal matter; to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential
litigation, in accordance with Section 3-305(b)(l), 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 board over which the Board has appointment authority and discussed the filling of certain
personnel vacancies with specific candidates. The Board provided staff direction in regards
thereto. The Board received legal advice regarding contractual matters and parties' contractual
obligations. The Board discussed potential litigation related to a contractual matter.
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, County Attorney, and at
various times Kendall McPeak, Assistant County Attorney; Deb Peyton, Director, Health and
Human Services; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Susan Small, Director, Business
Development; Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator; Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering; and
Sydney Machat, Broker.
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 4:28 p.m.
EVENING MEETING -TOWN OF BOONSBORO
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
An evening meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was
held at Boonsboro Town Hall, 21 North Main Street, Boonsboro, Maryland.
MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Commissioners observed a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag by the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
President Jeffrey A. Cline called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. with the following members
present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer, Cort F.
Meinelschmidt, and Randall E. Wagner.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Howard Long welcomed the Commissioners to Boonsboro and introduced Paul Mantell,
Town Manager; Ethan Strickler, Town Planner/ Zoning; Rick T. Byrd, Assistant Mayor, and
Council Members Marilee Kerns, Terri Hollingshead, and Ray Hanson.
Mayor Long discussed several items of interest with the Board:
• Lakin Avenue Extended Project (water runoff) -Mayor Long shared that he has received
an email from Blair Reynolds, Chief Project Manager, Engineering; who stated that the
Lakin Avenue project is scheduled to start mid to late April with an estimated completion
date in May. Mayor Long thanked Mr. Reynolds for his prompt reply.
• ARC Preliminary Project Submissions (Shafer Park Extended and Wan'ior Blvd. By-Pass)
-Mayor Long presented information regarding potential for Wan'ior Boulevard By-Pass.
Mr. Ethan Strickler, Town Planner, shared that since the County Commissioners rank area
development grant projects, they wanted to ensure that details were shared about the project
prior to that task.
• MS4: MOU with County in Draft Form -Kirk Downey, County Attorney stated that his
office is currently working to complete the Memorandum of Understanding; matter will be
presented to the Board for approval upon completion.
• Boonsboro Elementary School (King Road Associates has ground site) -Mayor Long
shared that King Road Associates has designated a piece of ground for a future school. He
would like that taken into consideration with the Commissioners and the Board of
Education. Mayor Long stated that interested parties can contact Ethan Strickler for further
information. Rob Slocum, County Administrator, will defer to Steve Goodrich, Director,
Planning and Zoning, to bridge the gap on the long-range planning issue.
• Coach Dwight Scott Lane, Avenue or Street (request to name street entrance to Boonsboro
School Complex in honor of Coach Scott) -Mayor Long shared that the only portion of
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
the road would be the section from Maple A venue to the School, this would be named
"Coach Dwight Scott Run". He confirmed that Dr. Boyd Michael, Superintendent,
Washington County Public Schools, takes no issue to the renaming, if the primary address
of the school does not change. Commissioners offered support for the name change. Mr.
Slocum will ask Mr. Goodrich to reach out to the Mayor for further discussion.
Mayor Long shared information regarding the Boonsboro Police Department and asked for
information pertaining to a work-related injury to a police officer responding to a call outside town
limit. He shared that it is his understanding that the Town of Boonsboro's insurance policy will
not cover an officer responding outside of town limits, should they be injured in the line of duty.
Additionally, Commissioner Keefer suggested Mayor Long check into the vehicle insurance for
vehicle damage while responding outside town limits. Mr. Downey advised that his office will
research the issue ofresponsibility and respond accordingly.
Mayor Long shared information obtained during a previous Mayor and Council meeting regarding
watering of the Boonsboro High School Complex football field. The citizen advised the Mayor
and Council that currently, the field is being watered by the town water supply, which is treated
water. The citizen suggested that the school drill a well for only watering the football field, rather
than using the chlorine town water. Commissioner Baker asked if the cost of the water bill, which
is currently paid by Washington County Public Schools, would compare to the cost of a well over
the lifetime.
Mayor Long thanked the Board for attending. He noted that Blair Reynolds and Rob Slocum has
gone above and beyond his normal expectations in assisting the Town of Boonsboro with its
parking lot efforts.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice President Baker and all the Commissioners thanked the Boonsboro Mayor and Town Council
for hosting the meeting
Vice-President Baker shared that he enjoys visiting the municipalities of Washington County.
Commissioner Baker shared that he attended the State of the City in the morning and shared a fact
that Boonsboro is the 2nd largest town in Washington County.
Commissioner Keefer shared that his grandmother was raised in Boonsboro. Also, his great
grandfather Marshall Divel, raised honey bees, adding that his honey was sold in local stores.
Commissioner Keefer shared that there had recently been a finding of one of the family's beehives
at a local yard sale.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt echoed the sentiments shared earlier regarding Coach Scott. He
added that he attended Boonsboro school for a short period of time.
Commissioner Wagner shared that he had spent a great deal of time officiating basketball and
football in Boonsboro. He added that he is on his third month of being sworn in as Commissioner
and add shared that he appreciates the challenges presented. Additionally, it is his pleasure to
attend the town meetings.
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OPEN Session, March 5, 2019
President Cline shared that during the Christmas season in the past, there was a tour of the churches
in which he attended. He added that the history in Boonsboro is vast, and very interesting.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
County Administrator
Rob Slocum, County Administrator, shared that numerous members of his staff were in attendance
and asked them each to introduce themselves. In attendance were Dan DiVito, Director,
Environmental Management; Deb Peyton, Director, Health and Human Services; Sara Greaves,
Chief Financial Officer; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Ashley Holloway, Director,
Plan Review and Permitting; Blair Reynolds, Chief Project Manager, Engineering; and Rich
Eichelberger, Director, Construction.
Mr. Slocum asked Mr. Reynolds to assist with the sign placement for the new Coach Scott Run,
adding that a public dedication would be involved, to include the Mayor and Town Council, Board
of Education, County Commissioners, and Washington County Public Relations.
County Clerk -Appointment/ Reappointment to Boards and Commissions:
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to re-appoint Roger
Fairbourn and John Miller each to serve as citizen representatives from March 1, 2019 through
December 31, 2022. The motion passed unanimously.
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reappoint Howard Long and
Donnie Stotelmyer, each to serve as mayoral designees from March 1, 2019 through December
31, 2022. The motion passed unanimously.
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland -Revolving Loan Fund
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to re-appoint Lucas Cade,
Ronnie Brezler, and Brian Selders, each to serve as industry representatives from March 1, 2019
through December 31, 2022. The motion passed unanimously
Washington County Public Golf Corporation (Black Rock Golf)
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to appoint Scott Landis
to serve an unfulfilled term from March 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020. The motion passed
unanimously.
Health and Human Services Position Recommendations
Deb Peyton, Director, recommended approval for the promotion of Kendall Mc Peak to the position
of Deputy County Attorney, Grade 18, Step 7, $92,290; the position is vacant due to the promotion
of Kirk Downey to County Attorney.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve promotion of
Kendall McPeak to the position of Deputy County Attorney as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
Page 13 of 13
OPEN Session, March s, 2019
Kathy Vesely, 101 Redfern Place, Boonsboro, shared that she is on the Greenfest Committee, and
advised the Commissioners that they will be receiving an invitation. Additionally, she has
requested that President Cline speak at the event to which he accepted.
Commissioner Cline asked the Commissioners if they would be in favor of waiving landfill fees
for computer recycling as has been done in the past.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve waiving the landfill
fees for computer recycling during the Greenfest event. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.