HomeMy WebLinkAbout210608 OPEN MinutesBoard of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
June 8, 2021
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. Vice-President Baker offered support and prayers to President Cline and his father.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 9:06 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street,
Hagerstown, Maryland, with the following members present: Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer,
Commissioner Randall E. Wagner, and Commissioner Charles A. Burkett; President Jeffrey A.
Cline was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of May
25, 2021. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, Commissioner Cline was absent).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
The Commissioners shared information on various events each attended throughout Washington
County.
Additionally, the Commissioners shared their thoughts and prayers for the Cline family.
Commissioner Keefer congratulated the recent graduates of the Washington County Public School
system and all private schools. Additionally, he thanked all those involved in supporting efforts
for the Cascade and Hancock Schools to remain open; to include the Board of Education members
who voted in favor of said action. He shared that line stripping is currently underway on the County
roadways and asked all the remain patient should they be behind a paint truck. Additionally,
Commissioner Keefer toured the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and thanked all
involved in the successful tour.
Commissioner Burkett attended and spoke at the Board of Educations Public Meetings and thanked
the Board of Education for arriving at an early vote to allow the schools to remain open. ·
Commissioner Wagner shared his condolences for the family of Chris Boggs for the loss of his
father, Dean Boggs, and Billy Routzhan, Highway Department for the loss of his son. He shared
information on several Memorial Day events he attended and the success of each event.
Additionally, Commissioner Wagner thanked Susan Small, Director, Business Development, for
her presentation at Eggs & Issues conference.
Vice-President Baker thanked the community for all the successful Memorial Day events and
thanked the School Board for the decision to allow the Cascade and Hancock schools to remain
open.
STAFF COMMENTS
Human Resources
Larry Etchison, Director, recommended approval to promote Chris Boggs to Rural Land
Preservation Administrator, Grade 15, Step 7, $69,846.
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the increase as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0, Commissioner Cline was absent).
Mr. Etchison recommended approval to promote Eric Miklosovich to Project Manager,
Engineering, Grade 13, Step 2 $52,915.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the promotion as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0, Commissioner Cline was absent).
Budget & Finance
Sara Greaves, CFO, discussed the rate for Sem1-Annual Service Fee, which is currently set at .03%
and supported Todd Hershey's, Treasurer, recommendation of eliminating this fee for FY22.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to approve eliminating this
fee for FY22 as presented. The motion passed unanimously 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
County Clerk
Washinton County Public Golf Corporation (Black Rock Golf Course)
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to accept the recommendation
to appoint Richard Block to serve a first three-year term from June 1, 2021 through May 31 , 2024;
appoint Michael Harsh to serve a first three-year term from June 1, 2021 , through May 31 , 2024;
and to reappoint Scott Matheny to serve a second three-year term from February 1, 2021 through
January 31 , 2024; this is not a paid board. The motion passed unanimously 4-0 (Commissioner
Cline was absent).
County Administrator
John Martirano passed on condolences to Billy Routzhan and family during the passing of their
son, and Chris Boggs for the passing of his father and prayers for the father of President Cline.
Additionally, he informed the Commissioner's that it is his intent to open county buildings
effective June 14t\ Mr. Martirano welcomed Tom Brown, Emergency Manager, to provide a brief
update regarding the matter.
Tom Brown, Emergency Manager, shared that the EOC will be returning to normal operations and
recommended that the Commissioners rescind the Declaration of Emergency effective June 14th.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to rescind the Declaration of
Emergency effective June 14th as presented. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was
absent).
CITIZEN P ARTICP ATION
Roger Vincent, 16845 Longfellow Court, Hagerstown, shared his opposition to the mobile home
tax fee.
Steven McDonough, 16906 Pickwick Lane, Hagerstown, shared his opposition to the mobile home
tax fee .
DISCUSSION OF NON-PROFIT REQUESTS FOR REDUCED FEES -BLACK ROCK
GOLF COURSE
Selena Wilkes, Richard Block, and Randy Dick, Board of Directors, Washington County Public
Golf Course, shared information regarding reduced fees at the Black Rock Golf Course for non-
profit organizations. Ms. Wilkes referenced discussion held during the Open Session meeting of
the Board of County Commissioners of May 25 th in which user fees for the golf course had been
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
reduced for the Senior Center and shared the lack of support from the Board of Directors of the
Black Rock Golf Course.
FY22 SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER GRANT -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT
APPLICATION AND ACCEPT AWARDED FUNDING
Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management, requested approval to submit a
grant application for the FY22 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 Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the submission of
a grant application for the FY22 School Based Health Center Grant in the amount of $200,384 and
to accept the funding as awarded. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
OFFICE OF PROBLEM-SOLVING COURTS DISCRETIONARY GRANT-APPROVAL
TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT AWARDED FUNDING
Ms. Hartshorn, and Kristin Grossnickle, Court Administrator, Circuit Court, requested approval
for the submission of a $195,000 application for the FY22 Office of Problem-Solving Courts
Discretionary Grant, and to accept funding as awarded. The Grant would assist with the operation
of the Adult Drug Court Program, which will provide supervision and access to services for court
involved, substance dependent participants.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the submission of
the FY22 Office of Problem-Solving Courts Discretionary Grant application of $195 ,000 and to
accept the funding as awarded. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR DRUG COURT CASE MANAGER POSITION
Ms. Grossnickle, and Jennifer Bricker, Drug Court Coordinator, Circuit Court, requests approval
for a position titled Drug Court Case Manager, and to fill said position by appointment of the
Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court. Ms. Grossnickle shared that the Office of Problem-
Solving Courts Discretionary Grant has provided approval for funding of a part-time Case
Manager for the Adult Drug Court program. The grant will currently cover the position equivalent
to a Grade 12, Step 1 on the county salary scale at a maximum of 32 hours per week with no
benefits.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the position of
Drug Court Case Manager, and to fill said position by appointment as presented. The motion
passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
CONTRACT AW ARD {PUR1499) GROUNDS MAINTENANCE FOR VARIO US
COUNTY DEPARTMENTS
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing, and George Sweitzer, Assistant Superintendent, Black Rock
Golf Course, recommended award of the contract to the responsible companies with the responsive
lowest bids that meet the specifications for each chemical item. The contract provides the needed
chemicals for the Black Rock Golf Course, Highway Department, and Department of Water
Quality. The City of Hagerstown may also utilize the contract. The contract term is for one year
tentatively commencing July 1, 2021 , and ending June 30, 2022. The Commissioners drew lots to
award the procurement in the case of tie bids for Items No. 13, 20, 27, 28, and 35 , pursuant to
Section 2.9 of the Washington County Purchasing Policy.
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
Vendor Unit FY21$ # Vendor Unit FY20$
Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $499.99 20 Site One Landscape Case $1526.40
Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 42.29 21 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $ 14.00
Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 42.29 22 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $335.00
Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $293.00 23 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 42.99
Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $116.00 24 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 21.99
Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $ 38.40 25 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $133.00
Helena Agri Enterprises Pound $ 14.00 26 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 16.17
Site One Landscape Gallon $ 44.48 27 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $554.00
Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 33.40 28 Site One Landscape Case $2300.00
Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $ 44.00 29 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $299.99
Helena Agri Enterprises Pound $ 68.50 30 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $118.00
Nutrien Ag Solutions Pound $ 7.77 31 Helena Agri Enterprises Pounds $ 31.8 I
Site One Landscape Gallon $438.00 32 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $137.00
Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $ 49.55 33 Helena Agri Enterprises Gallon $ 4.15
Helena Agri Enterprises Case $375.00 34 Site One Landscape Gallon $212.00
Site One Landscape Gallon $ 57.06 35 Nutrien Ag Solutions Case $1063.00
Site One Landscape Gallon $ 43.05 36 Site One Landscape Gallon $ 75.00
Helena Agri Enterprise Gallon $102.00 37 Nutrien Ag Solutions Gallon $ 54.40
Helena Agri Enterprise Gallon $138.10
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the various contracts
for Grounds Maintenance for Various County Departments (PURI 499) as presented. The motion
passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
FY22 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ANNUAL PROGRAM
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, discussed the FY22 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 FY22 is $1,131,771. Mr. Eshleman
discussed the program requests and the process.
Andrew Eshleman introduced Chad Rooney, Town Manager, Town of Smithsburg.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to approve the Annual FY22
POS Program, as presented and recommended by the Washington County Recreation and Parks
Advisory Board. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
CONSTRUCTION BID AW ARD -COMMUNICATION TOWER EXTENSION
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, and Tom Weber, Deputy Director, Wireless Communications,
presented the recommendation to award the bid for the 33 /35 West Washington Street
Communication Tower Extension contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Best
Endeavors, Inc., Wakefield, Rhode Island, in the amount of $67,929. The project is a 90
consecutive calendar day contract with an anticipated Notice to Proceed in June 2021 and a
completion date in September 2021 and will utilize Capital Improvement Plan Urban Improvement
Project (BLD094). The bid documents include liquidated damages in the amount of $500.00 per
calendar day for work beyond the completion date.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the Communication
Tower Extension contract to Best Endeavors, Inc. in the amount of $67,929, as presented. The
motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
CONSTRUCTION BID A WARD -FROG EYE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Mr. Hobbs presented the recommendation to award the bid for Frog Eye Road Bridge Replacement
contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, C. William Hetzer, Inc., Hagerstown,
Maryland, in the amount of $744,955.75. The project is a 180 consecutive calendar day contract
with an anticipated Notice to Proceed in June 2021 and a completion date in December 2021 and
will utilize budgeted project funds (BRG087). The bid documents include liquidated damages in
the amount of $500.00 per calendar day for work beyond the completion date.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the Frog Eye Road
Bridge Replacement to C. William Hetzer, Inc. in the amount of $744,955.75, as presented. The
motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Cline was absent).
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD-PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION
PROGRAM FY21 HOT MIX ASPHALT APPLICATIONS SUPPLEMENTARY
CONTRACT (MS-PMP-287-28)
Mr. Hobbs presented the recommendation to award the bid for the Pavement Maintenance &
Rehabilitation Program FY21 Hot Mix Asphalt Applications Supplementary contract to the lowest
responsive, responsible bidder, Craig Paving, Hagerstown, Maryland, in the amount of
1,777,862.10. The project is a 125 consecutive calendar day contract with an anticipated Notice to
Proceed in July 2021 and a completion date in November 2021 and will utilize budgeted project
funds (RDI024). The bid documents include liquidated damages in the amount of $500.00 per
calendar day for work beyond the completion date.
Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award the Pavement
Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program FY21 Hot Mix Asphalt Applications Supplementary
Contract to Craig Paving in the amount of $1 ,777,862.10, as presented. The motion passed 4-0
(Commissioner Cline was absent).
CONTRACT AW ARD (PUR1498) STOP LOSS INSURANCE COVERAGE
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing, Larry Etchison, Director, Human Resources, and Steve
Dillman with CBIZ Benefits and Insurance, Inc., recommended award of the contract for Stop
Loss Insurance (PURl 498) to the responsive, responsible firm of Highmark, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, with the lowest price for a total annual premium for Option 2 of$951,035.04 with
specific stop loss at $175,000 per claimant.
Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award contract PURl 498 to
Highmark in the amount of $951,035.04, as presented. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner
Cline was absent).
SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT MARYLAND GRANT
Cody Miller, Quartermaster/Grants Manager, Washington County Sheriffs Office, and Rachel
Souders, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management, recommended approval to submit
the grant application for the FY22 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement Maryland Grant to
the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount of $30,348 and to accept
funding as awarded. This would provide funding for salaries of two (2) part-time civilian
employees, assisting the Sex Offender Registrar.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to approve the submission of
the grant application for the FY22 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement Maryland Grant in
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
the amount of $30,348 and to accept funding as awarded. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner
Cline was absent).
After discussion and two amendments, Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner
Wagner, moved to approve an amount up to $3,500 from the Commissioners Contingency fund
for the Black Rock Golf Course fees for the non-profit agency, Children's Village, the payment
will be made directly to the non-profit, Children's Village. The motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner
Cline was absent).
Commissioner Wagner left the meeting at 11:03 a.m. and returned to the meeting at 11 :05 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION EASEMENT RANKINGS
FY22
Vice-President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 11 :03 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. Jill Baker, Director, 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. Ms. Baker briefed the
Commissioners on each property included in the request.
The public hearing will remain open until 4:30 pm on June 14th for public comment by contacting
the County Clerk's office at khart@washco-md.net or by phone at 240.313.2204.
The Commissioners took no action, took the matter under advisement, and asked that it be placed
on a future agenda for further consideration.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to convene in closed session
at 11 :09 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; any other personnel matter
that affects one or more specific individuals; to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a
business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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) (1), (4),
and (13) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed
unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the filling of certain personnel vacancies and the
hiring of certain individuals with specific candidates, to include a position reclassification and
business development updates. Additionally, the Commissioners discussed and provided direction
to staff and counsel regarding a legal matter.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Wayne K. Keefer, Randall E.
Wagner, and Charles A. Burkett; also, present were John M. Martirano, County Administrator;
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk, and Kirk C. Downey, County Attorney. Additionally, the following
staff members were present at times: Larry Etchison, Director, Human Resources; Susan Small,
Director, Business Development; Jennifer Kinzer, Planning & Zoning; Todd Moser, Real Property
Administrator, Engineering; and representatives of a business organization looking to expand or
remain in the state and county.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
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OPEN Session, June 8, 2021
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to reconvene in open session
at 12:34 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commissioners recessed at 12:35 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 12:57 p.m.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to reclassify the County Clerk
position to a Grade 15, and to promote Krista Hart, County Clerk to the Grade 15 , Step 10, $75,213,
and to reclassify the currently budgeted position of Administrative Assistant to the Clerk to a Part-
time Office Associate position, Grade 6. The motion passed 3-1 (Commissioner Wagner voted
"NAY").
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
The Commissioners presented the Merrbaugh family, owners and operators of Allegany Wrecking
and Salvage, with a Certificate of Recognition for their knowledge and expertise is halting
demolition of a historical structure on Jonathan Street, Hagerstown. Had it not been for the quick
thinking of the team, the structure would have been demolished.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to adjourn at 1:16 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
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