HomeMy WebLinkAbout200616 - OPEN MinutesBoard of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
June 16, 2020
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 10:00 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 Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to approve the minutes
of May 26, 2020. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Keefer congratulated all 2020 graduating seniors in Washington County.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt requested clarification from the Health Officer regarding social
distancing, as well as the return of citizen comments during the Commissioners meetings.
Commissioner Wagner shared his recommendation for the removal of government from the
activities throughout the pandemic.
President Cline echoed Commissioner Wagner's comments regarding the pandemic.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Office o(Budget and Finance
Sara Greaves, CFO, provided the Board with an update regarding the FY2020 Bond Sale. Ms.
Greaves shared that the true interest cost (TIC) for new money is 1.9%, which is less than the
previous year at 2.6%. In addition, the premium allowed downsizing of the bond from $15.3
million to $14.2 million, saving $1.1 million in principal. Ms. Greaves added that the refunding
TIC is . 78%, which saved the County approximately $1.6 million in payments over the next ten
(10) years or 13% net present value savings.
Department of Business Development
Susan Small, Director, provided the Board with an update regarding the Rise Up Grant. Ms. Small
extended the application deadline through June 30th.
C0VID-19 Pandemic Update by Health Officer
Earl Stoner, Health Officer; and Tom Brown, EMS, provided the Board with clarification
regarding Governor Hogan's Executive Order and the updated requirements of social distancing.
Mr. Stoner advised that face coverings are still required in certain establishments to include retail
facilities and food establishments. Mr. Stoner will release information for public knowledge
through media.
County Attorney
Kirk Downey reiterated the fact that the County Commissioners are not authorized to direct the
reopening of businesses in Washington County.
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OPEN Session, June 16, 2020
FISCAL YEAR 2021 SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER GRANT
Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management, requested approval to submit a
grant application for the FY2 l School Based Health Center Grant Program to the Maryland State
Department of Education in the amount of $200,384 and to accept awarded funding. Funding in
the amount of $10,019 is included in the award for County administrative support.
Commissioner Meinelschrnidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the
submission of a grant application for the FY2 l School Based Health Center Grant in the amount
of $200,384 and to accept the funding as awarded. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING: AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION EASEMENT RANKINGS
FISCAL YEAR 2021
President Cline convened a Public Hearing at 10:35 a.m. to obtain public comment on the priority
ranking of Agricultural Land Preservation Easement Applications, as recommended by the
Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner,
Planning and Zoning, explained the process and added that if approved, the twelve (12) applicants
would be forwarded to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF);
easements would be purchased in order from the priority list until funds are exhausted. Mr. Boggs
briefed the Commissioners on each property included in the request.
The hearing was opened for public comment, no individuals offered comment.
The matter will remain open for a period of one (1) week (June 22nd) to permit additional citizen
comments and consideration.
The Commissioners took no action, took the matter under advisement, and asked that it be placed
on a future agenda for further consideration.
Vice-President Baker left the meeting at 10:47 a.m. and returned to the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
2020 -2021 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RENEWALS
Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Administrator, Human Resources, and Alan Davis (via
phone), presented the recommendation to renew policies in place with Travelers Insurance
Company ( option 1 ), property and equipment policies with Local Government Insurance Trust,
and the airport liability policy with Global Aerospace. Ms. McCammon advised that the premiums
are above the FY2 l budget.
Commissioner Meinelschrnidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to renew policies in
place as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING: APPLICATION FOR ZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-19-007
President Cline convened a public hearing at 10:54 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding the
application received from W ALZC, LLC for Map Amendment RZ-19-007 to the Washington
County Zoning Amendment. The application concerns a request for a map amendment for a
property adjacent to the site of Mount Tabor Builders at 14624 National Pike near the Rural Village
of Wilson. The request seeks to extend the Rural Business (RB) Floating zone over the adjacent
.88-acre parcel (Tax Map 0035 , Parcel 0073).
Travis Allen, Comprehensive Planner, Planning and Zoning, presented the staff report and analysis
on behalf of the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning. Based on information
provided by the applicant, and further analysis by staff, it has been determined that adequate
evidence has been submitted to meet the various criteria that would support the application for an
RB Floating Zone to the subject area.
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OPEN Session, June 16, 2020
The Washington County Planning Commission considered the application during a Public
Information Meeting held during its regular meeting on February 3, 2020. The item was again
brought to the Planning Commission for recommendation on March 2, 2020 where the members
unanimously recommended approval of the proposed map amendment.
Kirk Downey, County Attorney, recommended that the matter remain open for a period of one ( 1)
week (June 22) for additional public comment.
One comment was received, which supported the request.
The Commissioners took no action, took the matter under advisement, and asked that it be placed
on a future agenda for further consideration.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION REALLOCATING A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS
OF THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2016
Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer, presented information on the authorizing by resolution a
reallocation of a $316,618 portion of the proceeds of the County Commissioners of Washington
County Public Improvement Bonds of 2016 from a project identified as the "Conococheague
WwTP -ENR Upgrades" to a project identified as the "Capacity Management Project".
Ms. Greaves explained that on May 1 7, 2016, the County issued its County Commissioners of
Washington County Public Improvement Bonds of2016 in the original aggregate principal amount
of $20,635 ,000 (the "2016 PIBs"). Pursuant to Resolution No. RS-2016-05, adopted by the Board
of County Commissioners (the "Board") on April 12, 2016 (the "2016 Resolution"), and materials
that accompanied the 2016 Resolution (the "2016 Accompanying Materials"), $6,054,000 of the
proceeds of the 2016 PIBs were originally allocated to a project identified as the "Conococheague
WwTP -ENR Upgrades" project. Unanticipated grant funds became available for such project,
and the Board approved a budget adjustment on May 5, 2020 reallocating $316,618 of the proceeds
of the 2016 PIBs originally allocated to the "Conococheague WwTP -ENR Upgrades" project to
a project not contemplated by the 2016 Resolution or the 2016 Accompanying Materials that is
generally known as the "Capacity Management Project". Such approved budget adjustment
recognized that a supplemental resolution would be required.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Baker, moved to approve the
resolution authorizing the reallocation of $316,618 portion of the proceeds of the Public
Improvement Bonds of 2016 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution No. RS-2020-13 ) is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is in the County Commissioners' Office.)
FY2021 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ANNUAL PROGRAM
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, discussed the FY 2021 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 2021 is $937,071. Mr. Eshleman
discussed the program requests and the process.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the Annual
FY 2021 POS Program as presented and recommended by the Washington County Recreation and
Parks Advisory Board. The motion passed unanimously.
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OPEN Session, June 16, 2020
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT A WARD {PUR1473) FOR WESTERN MARYLAND
CONSORTIUM DISCONNECTED YOUTH SERVICES IN WASIDNGTON COUNTY,
MARYLAND
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing, and Ms. Hartshorn, recommended approval of a Sole Source
procurement to the Western Maryland Consortium in the amount of $67,687 for enhancements to
existing programing offered to disconnected youth contingent upon approval of the funding award
from the Maryland Governor's Office for Children and as approved by the Washington County
Local Management Board at its meeting on Friday, January 17, 2020.
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Meinelschmidt, moved to approve the Sole
Source procurement to Western Maryland Consortium in the amount of $67,687 as presented. The
motion passed unanimously.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
{MOU) AND HEAL TH INSURANCE UPDATE
Dave Hays, Director, Emergency Services; Dave Chisholm, Assistant Director, Emergency
Services; Dale Fishack, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association;
and Robert Buck, EMS Committee Chair, recommended approval of the proposal to being
reimbursement to the EMS Companies full time health insurance cost under its existing plan, with
the reimbursement discontinued once the County has purchase health care plans for the companies
to opt into. Additionally, Mr. Hays recommended approval of a revised MOU which would replace
the 2009 MOU, as well as address the matters outlined in the proposal.
The Commissioners discussed a need for the assignment of a deadline on this matter; as well as
reimbursement requirements.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the proposal to
reimburse the EMS Companies for health insurance cost as presented.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, amended the motion to
authorize EMS to pursue a standardized benefit plan. The motion passed unanimously.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Baker, moved to convene in closed
session at 11 :30 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; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and to
discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk
to the public or to public security, including: (i) the development of fire and police services and
staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plan, and to comply with a
specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public
disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter, in accordance with Sections 3-305(b)(l), (7),
(10), and (13) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion
passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed potential appointments to a board over which the
Commissioners have appointing authority and gave staff direction in regards thereto. Additionally,
the Board discussed staffing issues and schedules, together with a grievance and unionization
matters.
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OPEN Session, June 16, 2020
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 Kirk C. Downey,
County Attorney/Interim County Administrator; Krista L. Hart, County Clerk, and at various
times, Rachel Brown, Director, Human Resources; Dave Hays, Director, Emergency Services;
Dave Chisolm, Assistant Director, Emergency Services; and Jonathan Hart, Assistant Director,
Emergency Services.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Meinelschmidt, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open
session at 12:08 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to adjourn at 12:08 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.