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Home My WebLink About190813 OPEN MinutesI Washington County ARYLAND -~~ -- Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland Open Session Minutes August 13, 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 8:03 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 Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of August 6, 2019. The motion passed unanimously. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to convene in closed session at 8:04 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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 Sections 3-305(b) (3), (4), (7), and (8) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners considered the possible acquisition of real property for the long- term placement of a public agency as well as possible acquisitions of easements for a utility project; and discussed the potential for a business entity or entities to locate, expand, or remain in the State and County. The Board received legal advice regarding a contractual matter and the pmties' contractual obligations and discussed a potential litigation matter concerning the County; the Commissioners provided staff with direction concerning the matter. The Commissioners also discussed a contractual arrangement that the Sheriff was considering with ce1tain new employees. 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; Andrew Bright, Assistant County Attorney, and at various times Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works; Sara Greaves, CFO, Susan Small, Director of Business Development; Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator; and Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Environmental Management. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to reconvene in open session at 9:39 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. Page 2 of 4 OPEN Session, August 13, 2019 The Commissioners recessed at 9: 3 9 a. m. and returned to the meeting at 10: 00 a. m. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioners provided a brief insight into events attended and support provided throughout Washington County community. The Commissioners also shared their gratitude for Governor Hogan's support and attendance at the C&O Canal Aqueduct event. Commissioner Meinelschmidt asked that the Board be briefed at a future meeting on the potential benefits, if any, of the Division of Human Resources reporting directly to the County Attorney. President Cline received a request from Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company asking Washington County to consider installing a blacktop apron at its location. President Cline extended his deepest sympathy to the family of World War II Airforce Veteran, Staff Sgt. Jack Holland. Commissioner Cline recognized Sgt. Holland as a true "Williamsporter", and as a very successful Tail Gunner on a B-17 Bomber, flying 34 missions; although most Tail Gunners left the service after 25 years, Sgt. Holland was required to stay an additional 9 years due to a casualty rate over 50. Commissioner Cline asked staff and the community to hold Sgt. Holland and his family in honor for the service and sacrifice to our Country. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Office of Grant Management -Hotel Rental Funding Award Susan Buchanan, Director, shared that $7,000 was awarded to assist with costs associated with the recent Aqueduct Restoration and National Park Service ground breaking event, held August 8th• Additionally, $2,000 was awarded to the Antietam Velo Club for the upcoming Hagerstown Cyclocross Challenge event scheduled for September 8th. County Attorney Kirk Downey requested permission to present proposed changes to the Building Excise Tax Ordinance during a Public Hearing. The Commissioners reached a consensus to present the matter during a Public Hearing for public comment. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION None PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS ORGANIZATION -"Forget-Me-Not" Month (September 2019) Commissioner Cline presented a proclamation to James Arnold and Dennis DuBrowa, Commander, in recognition of Forget-Me-Not Month. CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION FOR 2019 CULTURAL EXCHANGE MENTORING PROGRAM Brittany Higgins, Public Relations Coordinator, and Art Hicks, Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, presented several youths throughout Washington County with a certificate of recognition for participating in the 2019 Cultural Exchange Mentoring Program. Mr. Hicks also introduced his large team of volunteers. COUNTY SOLAR FACILITIES OVERVIEW Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works, brought forth information as it pertains to solar facilities leased throughout Washington County, including corresponding Power Purchase Agreements. LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE DOLEMAN BLACK HERITAGE MUSEUM Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, and Mr. Eshleman, recommended approval of a lease agreement with the Doleman Black Heritage Museum for 33/35 West Washington Street, as a temporary location for the museum. Mr. Moser advised that the proposed agreement would contain a Page 3 of 4 OPEN Session, August 13, 2019 two-year term at $1.00 per year. He discussed additional terms as outlined in the proposed lease to include hours, renovations, and utilities. Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the terms of the lease as presented and authorized the execution of same. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The meeting recessed at 11: 12 a.m. EVENING MEETING -TOWN OF KEEDYSVILLE The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at Keedysville Town Hall, 19 South Main Street, Keedysville. 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 evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 6:06 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer, Cort F. Meinelschmidt, and Randall E. Wagner. Also present: Kirk C. Downey, County Attorney, Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator, and Krista L. Hart, County Clerk. (Vice-President Terry L. Baker was absent) MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Ken Lord thanked the Commissioners for coming to Keedysville. Assistant Mayor Barry Levey thanked the County for the scheduled paving on several roads. Also, Mayor Lord thanked Commissioner Keefer for working with the town on attempts to find a resolution regarding the Community Center. Council Member Judy Kerns invited the Board to attend a homecoming event on September 28th• Council Member Matthew Hull shared his displeasure with the USA Cycling event which impacted the community greatly. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioners thanked the Mayor and Town Council for hosting the evening meeting. Commissioner Keefer thanked those involved in arranging for a walk-thru of the Community Center and shared his desire for an amicable resolution. President Cline extended his sympathy for the family of Staff Sgt. Jack Holland and recognized Sgt. Holland for his years of service to his Country. Commissioner Baker joined the meeting at 6: 14 pm. Commissioners presented Sue Gemeny with a Certificate of Recognition for her services throughout the Keedysville community. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF In attendance was Susan Small, Business Development; Ashley Holloway, Plan Review and Permitting; Rich Eichelberger, Construction; Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer; Blair Reynolds, Engineering; and Andrew Eshleman, Public Works. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Rick Bishop -Town Administrator shared that Washington County staff is always very responsive, more particularly, staff with Water Quality. ADJOURNMENT Page 4 of 4 OPEN Session, August 13, 2019 Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Krista L. Hart, County Clerk