HomeMy WebLinkAbout230627 OPEN MinutesBoard of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
June 27, 2023
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 John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County, Maryland, to order at 9:01 a.m. with the following members present: Commissioner Derek
Harvey, Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer, and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner.
Absent: Vice-President Jeffrey A. Cline
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of June 6,
2023. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner,
moved to approve the minutes of June 13, 2023. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner attended the ten-year anniversary ceremony with our sister city, Hagerstown,
Indiana. He attended the Grand Opening of the Greenhouse Cafe and Harshman Advanced
Development at Fort Ritchie. Commissioner Wagner attended the Pleasant Valley Ruritan Club's 27th
Annual Fishing Derby. He recognized Board of Elections retirees Kaye Robucci and Tammy Derr. He
thanked the Pe1mits and Inspections Depaitment for the pe1mits training clinic. Commissioner Wagner
attended the Eggs and Issues event and thanked Jonathan Horowitz, Director of the Depaitment of
Business and Economic Development for his outstanding speech. He recognized the Maugansville
Ruritan for celebrating their 75th anniversary.
Commissioner Keefer congratulated Board of Elections retiree's Tammy and Kaye. He thanked the
staff who assisted with the Hazmat accident on 1-81 he requested information regai·ding responsibility
for the costs incurred for the clean-up and reimbursement to the County. He commented the closure of
1-81 creates issues with safety and a monetaiy loss for local companies such as Volvo and Mack Truck.
Commissioner Keefer requested to review the FY25 Budget for opportunities to realign priorities,
compare costs, enterprise funds and allocation of tax-payer funds.
Commissioner Harvey agreed to the review of the FY25 Budget and commented on his concerns of
prioritizing needs going forward. He repo1ted the Comprehensive Plan is due out and would like staff
to adve1tise aggressively to make the public awai·e. Commissioner Harvey attended the Smithsburg
Carnival. He commented on women's sports week, as a parent of daughters he supp01ts Women's
Spo1ts Title IX. He commented on 1-81 and the impact of trucks and safety, congestion and the impact
of life. He also commented on his concern regarding warehouses.
Commissioner Barr attended the Miss Maiyland Mayor's Luncheon on Friday and noted for 51 years
the City of Hagerstown has hosted the Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland Teen Scholarship pageants.
This Saturday is the Maiyland Symphony's Salute to Independence at the Hagerstown Community
College. Commissioner BalT provided an update on future events to include a tour today with Brook
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Ol'EN Session, June 27, 2023
Lane. He also connnented that Commissioner Cline's absence, we are keeping him in our prayers and
wish him well. Commissioner Barr commented on the Governor's prior visit and discussing the traffic
issues on 1-81 with him. The Governor's Chief Aide has reached out for an update on 1-81.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon connnented that she has been meeting one on one with County Directors and
Officials. She attended the Eggs and Issues event. Ms. Gordon also attended the Water Quality
Depaitment luncheon. She attended the Grand Openings at Fort Ritchie and attended the Mayor's
Luncheon for Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant. Ms. Gordon connnented on the 1-81 hazmat
accident, as it is a state road, she will reach out to the state to check into costs of the incident. She also
connnented that the line of widening 1-81 Phase 2 is about to start, now is the time that we need to
reach out to our state legislators.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Paulie Ward of Hagerstown, commented on his concerns regarding accidents on 1-81 and the possible
effect on the senior population in the area and concerns regarding possible evacuation.
AGRICULTURE -FACES OF FARMING PRESENTATION
Leslie Hart, Business Development Specialist, Business and Economic Development, presented that
the Ag Expo and Fair will be held July 15, 2023 -July 22, 2023. The 4H/FFA Fair Market allows
the youth to sell their locally raised animals to raise money for the FF A. On Friday, July 21, 2023,
the event will feature the Figure 8 Demolition Derby. Ms. Hart presented the Faces of Farming video
which featured dairy cattle High Point Farms of Boonsboro and dairy goat Caprikorn Farms of
Gapland Maryland.
SMALL PURCHASE THRESHOLD LIMITS
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing presented a request to approve an increase to small threshold limits
from $2,499.99 to 7,499.99 and a request to raise all tlu·ee levels of thresholds by $5,000.00. The
Commissioner's discussed the request.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Connnissioner Keefer, moved to approve the request as presented
and amended the approval to include a quaiterly report oftln·eshold items over $40,000.00. The motion
passed unanimously.
BID AWARD (PUR-1614) FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing; Dave Mason, Deputy Director, Solid Waste, presented a request to
award the procurement of a Fuel Dispensing System Replacement for the Solid Waste Department to
the responsible, responsive bidder, Total Environmental Concepts, Inc., of Gaithersburg, MD who
submitted the total lump sum bid of$65,073.00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to award the bid to Total
Environmental Concepts, Inc. as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
BID A WARD (PUR-1615) -GROUNDS MAINTENANCE FOR VARIOUS COUNTY
DEPARTMENTS
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; George Sweitzer, Assistant Superintendent, Black Rock Golf
Course, presented a request to award the contract to the responsible companies with the responsive
lowest bids that meet the specifications for each chemical item (as indicated on the Bid Tabulation
Summary). Tie bids were received for Item Nos. 13, 20, 28, 31, 32, and 35; therefore, it is required
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OPEN Session, June 27, 2023
that the chemicals be awarded based on drawing lots in public, pursuant to Section 2.9 of the
Washington County Procurement Policy Manual. The winning tie bids for chemicals for Black Rock
Golf Course and other departments were drawn as listed below:
Commissioner Keefer drew for bid item 20 Provaunt WDG; awarded to Helena Chemical
Commissioner Harvey drew for bid item 28 Dismiss NXT; awarded to Genesis Chemical
County Attorney, Mr. Downey drew for bid item 13 Head Way; awarded to Genesis Chemical
Commissioner Barr drew for bid item 31 Signature Extra; awarded to Genesis Chemical
Acting County Administrator, Ms. Gordon drew for bid item 35 Emerald; awarded to Nutrient Ag
Commissioner Wagner drew for bid item 32 Barricade; awarded to Helena Chemical
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve all bids on the Bid
Tabulation Summary as presented and all tie bids as drawn. The motion passed unanimously.
DESIGN PHASE SERVICES FOR COMBINED TAXIWAY C OBJECT FREE AREA (OFA}
AND RUNWAY 02-20 REHABILITATION PROJECTS: AUTHORIZE AIRPORT
DIRECTOR TO INCREASE LOCAL APPLICANT MATCH LEVEL FROM FIVE TO TEN
PERCENT, APPLY FOR AND LATER ACCEPT ASSOCIATED FAA GRANTS
Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works
presented a request to increase local applicant match level from five to ten percent of the Design
Phase Services for combined Taxiway C Object Free Area (OFA) and Runway 02-20 Rehabilitation
Projects to authorize use of$38,256.10, in Airport Capitol Improvement Reserve funds for
the ten percent local match share of this project; and requests authorization for the Airport Director to
sign an FAA grant application and related paperwork associated with the TWY C OF A & Runway
02-20 Rehabilitation projects -Phase I Design Services and to accept the grant offers.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve, the requests as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
FY24 ADULT DAY REPORTING CENTER GRANT -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT
APPLICATION AND ACCEPT FUNDING AS AW ARD ED
Meaghan Willis, Program Director, Day Reporting Center; Rachel Souders, Senior Grant Manager,
Grant Management requested approval to submit a grant application to the Governor's Office of Crime
Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services and accept funding as awarded.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the request as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU} BETWEEN THE TOWN OF
SHARPSBURG AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR DRILLING A WELL
ON THE TOWN'S PROPERTY
Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management, requested approval of the MOU between the
County and the Town of Sharpsburg, regarding drilling a supplemental water source for Sharpsburg on
the Town's property as an alternative water source. This was previously presented at the December
13, 2022, meeting. The Town will split the cost of drilling the well with the County. The County will
purchase the water from Sharpsburg, the water will go into the County's distribution system and the
County will bill the residents in and outside of Sharpsburg based on the rate structure approved by the
Board. The Town will provide the citizens a rebate with the funds they receive from the County. The
Commissioner's discussed the request and the fiscal impact.
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OPEN Session, June 27, 2023
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner, Keefer moved to approve, the MOU as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
PROPERTY ACQUISITION FOR HOPEWELL ROAD
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, requested approval of the option agreement
for partial propetty acquisition including the fee simple and easement for 11019 Hopewell Road and
approval of ordinance of said purchase and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation
to finalize the acquisition. The total cost of acquisition is $8,500.00. The Hopewell Road realignment
and culvert work in this area is patt of the Wright Road Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
project.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the request as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES CONTRACT
Kirk C. Downey, County Attorney; Adam Greivell, Counsel, Humane Society of Washington County
presented a request to approve the 2023 Animal Control Services Contract between the County and the
Humane Society of Washington County for the provision of Animal Control Services as proposed. The
current contract has expired. The Contract has a seven-year primaty term with the option of the County
to extend the Contract for an additional three years. The Humane Society will continue to provide
services as they do today under the Animal Control Ordinance. The Commissioner's discussed the
request as proposed, impact to the community and the fiscal impact.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve, the Contract as
presented. Fmther discussion followed regat"ding fiscal impact and budget approval. Commissioner
Barr called for the vote. The motion passed 3 -1, Commissioner Keefer voted, "NAY".
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to convene in closed at I 0:38 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 the acquisition of real propetty for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto;
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; To consult with staff, consultants, or
other individuals about pending or potential litigation; and To discuss cybersecurity, if the public body
determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to: (i) security assessments or deployments
relating to information resources technology; (ii) network security information; or (iii) deployments or
implementation of security personnel, critical infrastructure, or security devices.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed acquisition ofreal property, Boards and Commissions
appointments, personnel matters, assignments, and vacancies, contractual matters, and cyber security
matters.
Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Derek Harvey, Wayne K. Keefer, and
Randall E. Wagner. Also present was Dawn L. Mat"cus, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, County
Attorney; Michelle Gordon, Acting County Administrator; Kendall Desaulniers, Deputy County
Attorney/Interim Human Resources Director; and Zachary J. Assistant County Attorney; Also present,
for a certain matter, was Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; Dave Mason, Deputy
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OPEN Session, June 27, 2023
Director, Solid Waste; Richard Eichelberger, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; Becky
Gander, Chief of Permitting, Permits and Inspections; and Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer,
Information Systems.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at
12:28 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
SECOND STAFF COMMENTS
Kendall Desaulniers, Deputy County Attorney/Interim Director, Human Resources, presented the
request to approve appointment of Heather Williams as Senior Plan Reviewer Floodplain Manager at
a Grade 15 Step 1 or $67,954.00/Annually on the salary scale.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to appoint Heather Williams to the
position as presented. Commissioner Wagner abstained from the vote. The Motion passed 3-0.
Kendall Desaulniers, Deputy County Attorney/Interim Director, Human Resources, present the request
to approve appointment of Robert H. McKoy Jr. as 911 Center Assistant Director of Emergency
Communications at a Grade 16 Step 1 or $73,382.00/Annually on the salary scale.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to appoint Robett McKoy to the
position as stated. The Motion passed unanimously.
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, on behalf of the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board, requested a
motion to approve the re-appointment of Dr. Allen Ditto to serve an additional term from July 1, 2023,
through June 30, 2026.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to re-appoint Dr. Allen Ditto. The
Motion passed unanimously.
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, on behalf of the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board, requested a
motion to approve the re-appointment of Jill Zamostny to serve a fifth three-year term from July 1,
2023, through June 30, 2026.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to re-appoint Jill Zamostny. The
Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner, Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to adjourn at 12:34 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
()Af01 ot~ U-a
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk