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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030923 September 23, 2003 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 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. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Acting Human Resources Director, introduced new County employees Roger Hensley, Jr. (Engineering Department), and Brandi Robinson (Purchasing Department). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. He suggested that the County allow homeowners to bring brush to the landfill at no charge for a two-week period because of damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) does have a program that would provide 75% reimbursement to the County if it provides for pick-up of the debris. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed not to provide the service at this time but to have staff develop a plan for possible implementation in the future. They also agreed to have the Solid Waste Advisory Committee make a recommendation to them on this issue. Commissioner Wivell asked that the Solid Waste Department develop a plan for use of/disposal of wood products brought to the landfill. Commissoner Nipps distributed copies of a report from the Airport consultant regarding scheduled improvements at that location. She stated that she was a guest on WHAG’s radio talk show. Commissioner Nipps thanked County employees for the additional hours they worked during the storm last week. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he spoke at the Hagerstown Exchange Club meeting last week. He reported on operations at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and commended the staff for their work during the storm. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he was a guest server at the Breast Cancer Awareness breakfast. Commissioner Wivell stated that he met with Roxanne Ober, Board of Education member, regarding the possible consolidation of human resource functions between the County and the Board. Commissioner Snook offered congratulations to the Emergency/911 Center employees for a job well done during Hurricane Isabel. He stated that the State Highway Administration would be starting improvements on US Route 40 east of Clear Spring. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that Maryland Realtor Magazine reports that home sales increased by 16.3% for the month of June. He reminded the Commissioners of the schedule of events tomorrow with Governor Ehrlich. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING APPLICATION RZ-03-004 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened at 10:00 a.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence regarding rezoning application RZ-03-004 submitted by John and Hilkka Brucksch. Also present at the hearing were Planning Commission members Donald Ardinger, Paula Lampton, George Anikis, and Bernie Moser. At this time, Commissioner Snook administered an oath to staff members and individuals planning to testify during the hearing. Mr. Goodrich presented his Staff Report and Analysis. He stated that Mr. and Mrs. Brucksch have applied for a historic overlay designation on their property, which is currently zoned Agricultural (A). The meeting was then opened for public testimony. Mr. Brucksch spoke in support of the application and provided SEPTEMBER 23, 2003 PAGE TWO a presentation on the history of the property. After presentations and public testimony were heard, it was announced that the record would remain open for ten (l0) days to allow additional evidence to be submitted in writing. The public hearing was adjourned at 10:15 a.m. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that the first session of citizens’ emergency response training was held yesterday. He also reported that additional security measures are needed at the 911 center. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that there are two-to-three weeks of clean-up required by the Highway Department and that two roads in the County are still closed due to high water as a result of Hurricane Isabel. He provided information on the Clopper Road Bridge project and an update on the cemetery project at the Forty West Landfill. Ronald Whitt, Director of Information Technologies, informed the Commissioners that the initial meeting of the Informational Technologies Steering Committee was held last week. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jim Devine expressed concern about restaurants that were without power and possible health risks. The Commissioners assured him that the Health Department had inspected all restaurants in the County, which were without electricity for more than two hours. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the transfer of the building at 101 Summit Avenue to Community Action Council is complete. He also provided an update on the status of the Right to Farm Ordinance. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, distributed copies of information for the Adequate Public Facilities workshop on Thursday. After discussion, a second workshop was scheduled for September 30. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION STUDY Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Director, introduced Jason Quan, representing the KFH Group, who presented the Transportation Development Plan (TDP) and Human Service Coordination Plan for the County Commuter. Mr. Cerrone also introduced members of the committee who were in attendance. He stated that the County’s last plan was completed in 1995. The plan reviewed the current transportation services in Washington County and provided recommendations for future services. Mr. Quan stated that the TDP made the following recommendations to be implemented in phases: 1) Eliminate second vehicle during peak hours on both the Maugansville and Williamsport route; 2) Discontinue the Prime Outlets and Shopper Shuttle routes but continue to serve those areas through other routes; 3) Realign Smithsburg’s routing; 4) Consolidate the two Long Meadow routes; 5) Consolidate the two Valley Mall routes and realign route to serve Prime Outlets, Motor Vehicle Administration, and the Greyhound bus stop; 6) Extend ADA service into the evenings (implemented); 7) Reduce senior and disabled fares to half of the regular fare (implemented) and 8) Provide limited county- wide demand-response service. A study of the coordination or consolidation of human service agency transit services was done concurrently with the transportation development plan. The Coordination Plan recommends developing an organizational structure, coordinating services and function, modifying vehicle insurance to extend coverage to other clients. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Mr. Quan informed the Commissioners that the MTA sponsored both studies with the Department of Social Services providing the local matching funds. Mr. Cerrone estimated that there would be a $27,000 surplus if all recommendations were implemented. SEPTEMBER 23, 2003 PAGE THREE David Wollner, MTA Regional Planner, endorsed the plan as submitted, and encouraged the County to reach out into a zone- type system. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to accept the Transportation Development Plan and Human Service Coordination Plan as presented, with the understanding that the recommendations are non-binding. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to renew the one-year contract for Juvenile Community Service/Informal Supervision program with the Department of Juvenile Services, for the amount of $72,000 as provided by the State Department of Juvenile Services. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 p.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. 911 SIMULATOR DONATION FROM STATE FARM INSURANCE Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that State Farm’s Frederick office, in conjunction with Retina Systems, Inc. has developed a state-of-the-art telephone device designed to aid in teaching young children how, when, and why to dial “911” in case of an emergency. He then introduced Mike Leiter, Agency Field Executive, along with agents Jo Ahalt, Tim Panther, Larry Michaels, Gaye McGovern, and Tom Breidenstein. Mr. Leiter presented the 911 simulator to the County to assist in the education of the 911 system and provided a demonstration of the unit. The Commissioners thanked State Farm for the generous donation. UPDATE ON HURRICANE ISABEL Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, provided details about the effects of Hurricane Isabel that hit the County September 17 and 18. He informed the Commissioners that Governor Ehrlich declared a State of Emergency for the State on September 16. The County declared a State of Emergency on September 17. Mr. Kroboth explained that this declaration is a necessary step to receive Federal aid reimbursement for 75% of its emergency costs. He then provided an overview of the activation of the preparation and activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He stated that duties were divided into four categories - administration, logistics, planning, and operations. Mr. Kroboth also outlined recovery operations and “lessons learned.” A critique of the operation is scheduled for October 10. A plan will then be developed for future activation. Commissioner Snook commended the staff for doing a wonderful job and for their dedication and hard work. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 1:42 p.m. to discuss personnels matter that affect one (1) or more specific individuals, consult with staff to discuss pending litigation, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:54 p.m. Unanimously approved. SEPTEMBER 23, 2003 PAGE FOUR 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 three (3) matters, 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; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 3:54 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , Assistant County Attorney _________________________, County Clerk