HomeMy WebLinkAbout190604 OPEN MinutesBoard of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
June 4, 2019
MOMENT OF SILENCE 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 12:32 p.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 Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of May
21, 2019. The motion passed unanimously.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to convene in closed
session at 12:33 p.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; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter,
and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in
accordance with Section 3-305(b )(1 ), (7), (8) 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 a specific
employment recommendation with staff; and discussed and received legal advice/information on
certain matters, including pending or potential legal action, and gave staff direction in regards to
said matters.
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, Kendall
McPeak, Deputy County Attorney, and at various times Deborah Condo, Deputy Director, Health
and Human Services; Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering; Susan Small, Director, Business
Development-;--Ashley Holloway, Director, Plan Review and Permitting; Jennifer Kane, Washington
County Department of Social Services; Sara Greaves, CFO, Budget and Finance; and Andrew
Eshleman, Director of Public Works.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to reconvene in open
session at 2:04 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioners provided a brief insight into events attended and support provided throughout
Washington County community.
Commissioner Keefer reported that the jobless rate is down for the month of April (as reported in
The Herald-Mail Newspaper) in Washington County and he thanked staff with Department of
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
Business Development for assisting potential businesses to join Washington County. Additionally,
he thanked Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, for his assistance with a local business tax return. He
appreciates the business-friendly approach from all staff.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt shared that he would not attend next week's Commissioners
meeting.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Engineering Department
Scott Hobbs, Director, provided an update on South County flooding projects.
County Administrator
Rob Slocum reminded staff of the 6:00 p.m. budget hearing.
County Clerk -Appointment/ Reappointment to Boards and Commissions:
Ad Hoc Ethics Ordinance Review and Member Selection Committee
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to officially constitute
the Ad Hoc Ethics Ordinance and Member Selection Review Committee with the following
members:
Julianna Albowicz, Carolyn Brooks, Don Stevenson, Michelle Horst, Ernest Crofoot, and retired
Judge Ralph France. The motion passed unanimously. The first meeting will be scheduled, and the
Committee will be provided with 90 days to report findings and suggestions to the Board.
Washington County Board of Social Services
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to appoint Bridget
Jones-Smith to serve a first full, three (3) year term from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2022; this
is NOT a paid board. The motion passed unanimously.
Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals Reappointment
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to re-appoint Paul Fulk
and Michael Zampelli each to serve a second three (3) year term from July 1, 2019 through June
30, 2022, and to appoint Robert Myers to serve a first full three (3) year term from July 1, 2019
through June 30, 2022 as an alternate member; this IS a paid board. The motion passed
unanimously.
County Attorney
Kirk C. Downey brought forth the matter of modifying sewer rates and requested formal adoption
of the 3% increase for Fiscal Year 2020.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to formally adopt the
3% increase to the sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2020. The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution No. RS-2019-14 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
Randall Barber, 20028 Millbrook Road, Keedysville discussed the future location for the Board of
Elections.
YOUTH MERITORIOUS A WARD
The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to Dillon Albowicz, a student at Clear Spring
Middle School, and William Albowicz, a student at Clear Spring High School, each selected by the
Washington County Office of Grant Management for their scholastic achievement.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt left the meeting at 2:33 p.m. and returned at 2:34 p.m.
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
FISCAL YEAR 2020 HEALTHY FAMILIES HOME VISITING GRANT
Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Grant Management, recommended the acceptance of an award
from the Maryland State Department of Education for the provision of Healthy Families Home
Visiting Services Program for FY20 in the amount of $277,993. Funding of $6,950 is included in
the award for County administrative support and no County funds are involved.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to approve the
submission of the grant application and to accept the total award funding of $277,993 as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION FUNDING
ACCEPTANCE
Stephanie Lapole, Sr. Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management; and Rebecca Hogamier,
Program Director, Washington County Day Reporting Center, recommended acceptance of the
award from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount of$25,571, and
to approve the corresponding budget adjustment.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to accept awarded funding in the
amount of $25,571 and to approve the corresponding budget adjustment.
CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR #2 HEATING OIL
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing, and Andrew Eshleman, Public Works Director, recommended
concurrence with the recommendation of the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to award
the contract for Washington County Government's #2 Heating Fuel Oil to the responsive,
responsible low bidder, James River Solutions of Ashland, VA, who submitted the bidder factor of
$0.14 per gallon for tank wagon deliveries. The contract is effective July 1, 2019 and ending June
30, 2020; the contract may be renewed for three (3) additional one (1) year terms at the discretion
ofWCPS.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award the contract to James
River Solutions of Ashland, VA as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
BID AWARD {PUR1414) HAULING/RECYCLING OF SCRAP METALS AND
REMOVAL RECOVERY OF REFRIGERANT GASES
Ms. Naugle, and Dave Mason, Deputy Director, Environmental Management, recommended
approval to award the contract for Hauling/Recycling of Scrap Metals and Removal of Refrigerant
Gases to the responsible, responsive bidder Allegany Scrap, Inc. of Cumberland, MD, who
submitted a rebate percentage of 40% per gross ton. The contract is for a one (1) year period
tentatively commencing July 1, 2019 with an option by the county to renew the contract for up to
two (2) additional consecutive one (1) year periods.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award Contract PUR1414 to
Allegany Scrap, Inc. of Cumberland, MD as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
BID A WARD {PUR1415) ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT COUNTY
FACILITIES
Ms. Naugle, and John Pennesi, Deputy Director of Public Works, Parks and Facilities,
recommended award of the Elevator Maintenance Services to the responsible, responsive bidder,
Landmark Elevator of Hagerstown, MD who submitted the lowest total sum bid of $46,728. The
contract is a one (1) year contract commencing on July 1, 2019 with an option by the county to
renew for up to four (4) additional one (1) year periods. Funds are budgeted in various department
budget line item accounts for the services.
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award Contract PUR1415 to
Landmark Elevator, Hagerstown, MD as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
BID AWARD {PUR1417} ELECTRICIAN SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES
Ms. Naugle and Mr. Pennesi recommended award of the Electrician Services Contract at County
Facilities to the responsible, responsive, bidder, Kube Electric Company, Inc. of Williamsport, MD,
who submitted the total base bid in the amount of $45,500 based on the hourly rates/formula
contained in its bid dated April 29, 2019 as follows:
Electrician
Regular Working Hours (Routine) $33.75
Evenings and Saturdays (Emergency) $49.25
Sundays and Holidays (Emergency) $49.25
Consulting and Design Service -Hourly Rate of $54.00
Helper
$20.00
$30.00
$30.00
Ms. Naugle shared that the contract is a one (1) year contract tentatively commencing on July 1,
2019 with an option by the County to renew for up to four (4) additional one (1) year periods. In
addition to the County facilities, the Washington County Health Department, Children's Village,
Museum of Fine Arts, County Housing buildings, and the Washington County Free Library are also
included in this contract.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award Contract PUR1417
to Kube Electric Company, Inc. of Williamsport, MD as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
BID AW ARD {PUR1418} HEATING, VENTING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT
COUNTY FACILITIES {HVAC/ATC}
Ms. Naugle and Mr. Pennesi recommended award of the HVAC/ATC contract to the responsible,
responsive, bidder Mick's Plumbing and Heating, Thurmont, MD based on the total base bid of
$171,000. The contract is for a one (1) year contracting commencing on July 1, 2019, with an option
by the county to renew for up to four (4) additional consecutive one (1) year periods.
HV AC Technician Helper
Regular Working Hours (Routine) $65.00 $45.00
Evenings and Saturdays (Emergency) $97.00 $67.50
Sundays and Holidays (Emergency) $97.50 $65.50
Consulting and Design Service -Hourly Rate of $100.00
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to award Contract
PUR1418 to Mick's Plumbing and Heating, Thurmont, MD as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
STILLWATER FARM {LONG} RURAL LEGACY EASEMENT
Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, recommended approval of
the Darren and Amy Long Rural Legacy Program (RLP) Easement Project of $84,000 for 32.374
easement acres located on 4040 Mills Road, Sharpsburg, and to adopt an ordinance approving the
easement purchase and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the
easement purchase. RLP funding is 100% State funds; the County receives up to 3 % of the easement
value for administrative costs, a mandatory 1.5% for compliance/monitoring costs, and funds to
cover all its legal/settlement costs.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the Stillwater Farm
(Long) Rural Legacy Easement Project of $84,000, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
of the easement, and to authorize the execution of all necessary documents required to affect the
easement purchase. The motion passed unanimously.
(Ordinance No. ORD-2019-05 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
KEMP RURAL LEGACY EASEMENT
Mr. Seifarth recommended approval of the Paul and Joli Kemp Rural Legacy Program (RLP)
Easement Project of $135,480 for 46.16 easement acres located on 20644 Park Hall Road,
Boonsboro and to adopt an ordinance approving the easement purchase and to authorize the
execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the easement purchase. RLP funding is 100%
State funds; the County receives up to 3% of the easement value for administrative costs, a
mandatory 1.5% for compliance/monitoring costs, and funds to cover all its legal/settlement costs.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the Kemp Rural
Legacy Easement Project of $135,480, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the
easement, and to authorize the execution of all necessary documents required to affect the easement
purchase. The motion passed unanimously.
(Ordinance No. ORD-2019-06 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
HOFFMAN RURAL LEGACY EASEMENT
Mr. Seifarth recommended approval of the Beverly Ann Hoffman Rural Legacy Program (RLP)
Easement Project of $53,430 for 19.81 easement acres located on 7070 Fairplay Road, Sharpsburg
and to adopt an ordinance approving the easement purchase and to authorize the execution of the
necessary documentation to finalize the easement purchase. RLP funding is 100% State funds; the
County receives up to 3 % of the easement value for administrative costs, a mandatory 1.5% for
compliance/monitoring costs, and funds to cover all its legal/settlement costs.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the Hoffman Rural
Legacy Easement Project of$53,430, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase of the easement,
and to authorize the execution of all necessary documents required to affect the easement purchase.
The motion passed unanimously.
(Ordinance No. ORD-2019-07 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
REVIEW OF WASHINGTON COUNTY ADDRESSING ORDINANCE
Jill Baker, Deputy Director; Jennifer Kinzer, GIS Coordinator; and John Baker, GIS Technician,
Planning and Zoning, brought forth information requested during the May 14th Open Session
Commissioners meeting pertaining to a Memorandum of Understanding which referenced the
Addressing Ordinance.
FISCAL YEAR 2020 ANNUAL PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PROGRAM
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, discussed the FY 2020 Program Open Space (POS)
projects funding as recommended by the Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory
Board. He stated that the anticipated POS allocation for FY 2020 is $1,014,952, with potential for
another $180,367 to be received pending repayment processing of a State Outdoor Recreation Land
Loan in HB 1407. Mr. Eshleman discussed the program requests and the process.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Baker, moved to approve the Annual FY 2020
POS Program as presented and recommended by the Washington County Recreation and Parks
Advisory Board. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC WORKS REORGANIZATION AND SUCCESSION PLAN
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
Mr. Eshleman recommended approval of the phased organizational adjustments and succession
plan to accommodate the addition of the Recreation and Fitness to the Division of Public Works
and creation of a Parks and Recreation Department. He discussed the proposed restructuring and
fiscal impact.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the restructure as
presented. The motion passed 4-1 (President Cline voted "NAY")
The Commissioners recessed at 3:31 p.m.and returned to the meeting at 3:47 p.m.
RECONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to reconvene in closed
session at 3 :48 p.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 in accordance with Section 3-305(b )(1 )of the General Provisions
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the filling of a certain personnel vacancy with a
specific individual.
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, Kendall
McPeak, Deputy County Attorney, and at various times Deborah Condo, Deputy Director, Human
Resources.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to reconvene in open
session at 4:07 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER LETTER OF OPPOSITION REQUEST FOR PROPOSED
ROCKWOOL FACTORY, RANSON WEST VIRGINIA
Douglass Arnall, Washington County Catoctin Group, Sien-a Club, and Brent Walls, Upper
Potomac Riverkeepers, requested consent from the Commissioners for a letter expressing
opposition to the proposed Rockwool Factory in Ranson, WV. The Commissioners reached a
consensus to support two letters which will be submitted to WV Legislators, and to MD State
Delegation.
The Commissioners recessed at 4:23 pm and returned to the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: FISCAL YEAR 2020 BUDGET AND PROPOSED MODIFICATION
TO INCOME TAX RATE
A public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at 6:00
p.m. in the County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Suite 1113 to consider
the proposed Income Tax Rate to become effective January 1, 2020, pursuant to the laws of the
State of Maryland as well as the proposed FY20 budget for Washington County. In attendance were
President Jeffrey A. Cline, Vice-President Ten-y L. Baker, and Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer,
Randall E. Wagner, and Cort F. Meinelschmidt.
The public hearing was being held pursuant to and in satisfaction of the specific requirements of
the laws of the State of Maryland as stated in the notice published in The Herald-Mail on Thursday,
May 23, 2019 and Thursday, May 30, 2019, and to consider and obtain public comment on the
proposed FY20 budget for Washington County as advertised. County Administrator Rob Slocum
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OPEN Session, June 4, 2019
referred to the Citizen's Guide to the Budget for FY20 which was available at the public hearing,
posted on the County's website, and shall be added into the recorded minutes.
President Cline opened the hearing for public testimony. Six individuals spoke on issues concerning
the budget such as education, senior citizen services and emergency services. Commissioner Cline
concluded the hearing at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve an increase
in the Washington County income tax rate from 2.8% to 3.2%, effective January 1, 2020. The
motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners Baker and Keefer voted "NAY"). (Resolution No. RS-2019-15
is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original
is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the
operational budget based upon adoption of the 2.5% wage scale and to provide an employee step
beginning in September. The motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners Baker and Keefer voted "NAY").
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Capital
Improvement Budget to include $500,000 in funding to the Washington County Public Schools to
be used for Capital Improvement projects, contingent upon a successful execution of a Request for
Quotes (within 45 days) with an Energy Savings Company or IAC matching funds. The motion
passed 3-2 (Commissioners Baker and Keefer voted "NAY").
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to adjourn at 7:27 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk