HomeMy WebLinkAbout220208 OPEN MinutesWashington County
MARYL AND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
February 8, 2022
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 10:01 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown,
Maryland, with the following members present: Vice -President Terry L. Baker; Commissioner
Wayne K. Keefer; Commissioner Randall E. Wagner; and Commissioner Charles A. Burkett.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the minutes of
February 1, 2022. The motion passed 4-1-0, Commissioner Keefer abstained due to an absence.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
The Commissioners provided a brief overview of events attended throughout Washington County.
Commissioner Keefer provided a brief explanation as to his absence from the past few meetings
due to a recent serious illness with his wife; he thanked all those involved who aided he and Janine
during that difficult time, to include Meritus staff, Hancock EMS, 911 staff, and all those who have
participated in local blood drives. Commissioner Keefer shared his support for the denial of the
Black Rock PUD (RZ-21-003), and his support for the apparatus fleet replacement; he
recommended that allocation become a permeant budget line item.
Commissioner Burkett shared his opinion that the County should return to normal operation yet
continue to perform responsibly.
Commissioner Wagner shared his well wishes to Commissioner Keefer and his wife. He thanked
staff for prompt responses to communications.
President Cline shared that nine (9) years ago, February 4th, a fire engulfed Wolfe's on the square
in Williamsport; he recognized all first responders involved in that disastrous event.
STAFF COMMENTS
County Clerk
Krista Hart encouraged citizens wishing to participate in the Board meetings, to submit a request to
by calling 240.313.2204 or by email at khart@washco-md.net no later than 24 hours in advance.
Ms. Hart also recommended approval to appoint Deborah Reeser to serve a partial term through
February 28 2022; and Matthew Schnebly to serve a partial term through September 30, 2022 on
the Gaming Commission; this is not a paid board.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to approve the two (2)
appointments as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Page 2 of 3
OPEN Session, February 8, 2022
County Administrator
John Martirano shared that the COVID-19 positivity rate has been decreasing; he will meet with
staff to discuss the hybrid work from home schedule. Additionally, he provided information on
upcoming vaccination clinics for county employees. Mr. Martirano shared a few positive
communications from citizens regarding Government staff
He advised that the State of the County will be released at 1:00 pm today; he thanked all the staff
members who played a part in the production.
County Attorney's Office
Kirk Downey requested that the Board affirm its position regarding the establishment of the
Sheriff's salary at 90% of the State's Attorney salary effectuated by HB873.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Baker, moved to approve the support of HB873
and to affirm their position in support of the proposed salary for the Sheriff position. The motion
passed unanimously.
AGRICULTURE - FACES OF FARMING
Susan Grimes, Director, and Leslie Hart, Business Development Specialist, Business Development,
presented a presentation focusing on agriculture as part of the Faces of Farming campaign.
BILL TO ALLOW LABOR ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR
DEPUTIES
Sheriff Douglas Mullendore presented the recommendation to support a proposed bill to allow
sworn deputies and correctional deputies to form or join labor organizations and engage in
collective bargaining, as under Maryland law, State Officials.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to approve the support of the
proposed bill, as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT (PUR-1533) LIFEPAK MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATOR
DEVICES
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing, and David Chisholm, Assistant Director, Emergency Services,
recommended award of a sole source procurement to Stryker Sales Corporation (formally Physio
Control, Inc.) from Chicago, Illinois (IL), for the purchase of two (2) LifePak 15
Monitor/Defibrillators for the Division of Emergency Services in the amount of $55,235.22 and to
utilize another jurisdiction's contract (#001B2600009) with the State of Maryland, as per Section
1-106.2(a)(1) and (2) of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Funds
are available in account 495100.10.12800 GRT730, $27,617.61; and 600400.10.11520,
$27,617.61.
Commissioner Burkett, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the award of
PUR1533 to Stryker Sales Corporation, Chicago, IL, in the total amount of $55,235.22, as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION OF THE 2023 - 2032 CAPITAL BUDGET — DRAFT ONE
Kelcee Mace, Interim CFO, Budget and Finance; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; and
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, presented a first look at the County's proposed Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) Plan budget for 2022-2031 that includes $64,940,000 for Fiscal Year
2023 (FY23).
Page 3 of 3
OPEN Session, February 8, 2022
Mr. Eshleman discussed the library in the Town of Williamsport and options for relocation,
renovations, or replacement. Mr. Eshleman recommended that the Commissioners consider the
option of having a feasibility study performed on the matter.
Commissioner Cline advised staff that the memorialization placed onto the current Williamsport
Library building be maintained and transferred to the new owner. Commissioner Keefer requested
that the current Williamsport Library building be an individual line item in the Capital Project
budget to ensure that it is funded.
The Commissioners discussed items noted in the presentation to include proposed projects and
American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The Commissioners thanked Ms. Mace and the team for developing the plan.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to convene in closed session
at 11:54 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 consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a
business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; and to consult with
counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, 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 personnel assignments and appointment to boards
and commissions. Also, the Commissioners discussed business development updates with staff.
The Commissioners discussed a contractual issue with counsel and received legal advice regarding
said matter.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline, Terry L. Baker, Wayne K.
Keefer, Randall E. Wagner, and Charles A. Burkett; also, present were John M. Martirano, County
Administrator; Kirk C. Downey, County Attorney, and Krista L. Hart, County Clerk. Additionally,
the following staff members were present at times: Josh O'Neal, Director, Information Technology;
Dave Hays, Director, Emergency Services; Sheriff Douglas Mullendore; and Susan Grimes,
Director, Business Development.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Burkett, moved to reconvene in open session
at 12:53 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to adjourn the meeting 12:54
p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
CI)LtA;(_().1-/(c4-1
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk