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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040113 January 13, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Bernadette Wagner, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Russell Williams, Jacqueline Fischer, Princeton Young, and Paul Bailey. Staff members present were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Deputy Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William Blum, Chief Operating Officer; Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance; and Boyd Michael, Executive Director of Secondary Education. Update on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Revenues Commissioner Snook provided an update on the estimated revenues from the transfer and building excise taxes. He stated that, as of January 8, 2004, the excise tax collected was $441,345.91 and transfer tax collected was $864,275.81. The Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) fees collected for schools to date are $48,240. Commissioner Snook stated that staff anticipates that revenues will exceed budget projections but cautioned that there is no historical data upon which this is based. He indicated that $696,000 is projected to go to the Board of Education from the excise tax revenues together with $1,204,000 from transfer tax revenues. The revenues from the transfer tax are also anticipated to be used for agricultural land preservation and various capital projects in the five-year projections. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Snook explained the request made to the Delegation regarding the manner in which agricultural funds are to be collected. Mrs. Ober requested that the Board receive quarterly updates on the excise and transfer tax revenues. Interventions and Additional Assistance for Students Not Meeting Standards Dr. Abernethy and Mr. Michael reviewed the plan of assistance that would be provided throughout the school system to students who are not meeting standards. Dr. Abernethy explained that an intervention is any educational program designed to supplement a student’s current achievement through alternative or additional strategies or content. They provided information on the programs being utilized in elementary, middle and high schools and the funding sources for each program. Dr. Morgan stated that the Maryland Association of Boards of Education is debating whether to adopt the High School Assessment test standards for graduation. Dr. Morgan requested that the Commissioners hold their next joint meeting at Eastern Elementary School. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 8:55 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:07 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. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps stated that she is serving on the Search Committee for a new director for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. They hope to have someone in place by March. She also reported on the meetings of the Recreation & Parks Board and the Area Agency on Aging. Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the C-Safe Luncheon, Civil Air Patrol banquet, Halfway Volunteer Fire Company Awards Dinner, and an Eagle Scout ceremony for Dustin Reichard. JANUARY 13, 2004 PAGE TWO Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee’s meeting schedule. He also suggested that the County adopt a policy making it mandatory that County vehicles be placed in park with the engine turned off when stopped. Commissioner Wivell reported on meetings of the Economic Development Commission, the Water Quality Advisory Commission, and Pen Mar Development Corporation (PMDC). He stated that the Water Quality Advisory Commission has developed recommendations regarding well quality in Washington County and would be presenting them to the Commissioners in the future. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the PMDC meeting. He stated that Lerner Development made several recommendations to improve the appearance and marketability of Fort Ritchie. He also proposed a project to include voter information and frequently asked questions on this topic on the County’s Internet web site. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners that it would be more appropriate to provide a link to the League of Women Voters’ web site for this information rather than placing the information on the County’s site. REQUEST TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE – TOWN OF HANCOCK Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve a request made by the Town of Hancock for $1,500 to assist the Hancock Chamber of Commerce in the cost of printing additional brochures entitled “Guide to Western Maryland Rail Trail” for distribution throughout the State, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved. GRANT AWARD – EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to accept a grant award of $2,245.50 from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services to assist with the training and certification costs for emergency medical dispatchers. Unanimously approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND APPROVAL Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the recommendation made by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families Executive Board and award Community Development Funds to the following organizations: Boys and Girls Club - $3,430 for the “Through Their Eyes” program; Washington County Family Center - $3,510 for case management and on-site childcare for participants in the External Diploma Program; Washington County Health Department - $4,310 for implementation of the “I Like Me” program at Western Heights Middle School; and Washington County Health Department - $5,000 for the expansion of the Healthy Start’s LCSW-C’s (Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Certified ) number of hours per week. Unanimously approved. CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2003 ANNUAL REPORT Ron Vitkun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), appeared before the Commissioners to present their 2003 Annual Report. Mr. Vitkun informed the Commissioners that Washington County was ranked eighth in Maryland for overall number of visitors in 2001, which represents over 530,000 trips. He stated that the downtown Hagerstown Visitors Center has had a dramatic increase in visitors. Mr. Vitkun noted that the hotel rental tax has increased since 1998 by 18% and that Washington County has enjoyed good national press coverage in 2003. He stated that they would provide the Commissioners with their budget information on a regular basis. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners asked Mr. Vitkun for an update on the candidate selection process for a new CVB Executive Director and thanked him for presenting the annual report. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. JANUARY 13, 2004 PAGE THREE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the land use presentation by Dr. Sarah Taylor Rogers from the Maryland Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc., is scheduled for February 10 at Hagerstown Community College. He also provided several potential dates to meet with the local Delegation to the General Assembly in Annapolis. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to schedule the meeting for February 4. REAPPOINTMENT – GAMING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Mary Ellen Waltemire to the Gaming Commission for a two-year term. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – PLUMBING BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reappoint Gerald Anders and Leonard Shade to the Plumbing Board for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to reappoint Arnold Eby to the Plumbing Board for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS – CONTINUED Commissioner Snook stated that he attended the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company banquet and the Williamsport Emergency Medical Services banquet. He reminded the Commissioners that the State of the County forum is scheduled for February 3. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the details of a request made by Todd Easterday at the Planning Commission meeting to change the Boonsboro Town Growth Area boundary to include his property. DISCUSSION - CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT Mary Baykan, Director of the Washington County Free Library, and Al Martin, Director of Finance for the City of Hagerstown, representing the Washington County Public Network (WCPN), met with the Commissioners to outline the benefits of having a cable franchise agreement. Ms. Baykan stated that WCPN is recommending that Washington County join with the other counties in Maryland in negotiating a franchise agreement with the local cable company to set standards for service, provide needed communication infrastructure, and provide needed revenue to meet government and education technology needs. She stated that Washington County is one of only two counties in Maryland that lack agreements. Mr. Martin provided details on the City of Hagerstown’s franchise agreement, how it is utilized, costs involved with implementation, and the benefits of having it in place. He also recommended that the Commissioners consider having a needs assessment study performed to determine what should be included in the agreement and then retain outside expertise to negotiate the agreement. Ms. Baykan stated that a franchise agreement would reduce operational costs for schools and government by reducing the cost of leased lines, provide funding to replace aging and obsolete technical equipment, increase network capacity/bandwith for on-line instruction, increase the speed of connectivity, provide dedicated revenues to provide technology enhancements, and expand the existing WCPN network. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Baykan and Mr. Martin for their presentation and agreed to schedule time to further discuss this matter and then advise them of their decision. PROCLAMATION – MARYLAND LIONS, LIONESS & LEO CLUBS 80 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to District 22 Governor Carl Welch and J. Scott Shipe, Chair of the Lions Club Membership Committee, designating the week of January 11 – 17, 2004, as the Lions, Lioness & Leo Clubs Community Service Week in Washington County in honor of the JANUARY 13, 2004 PAGE FOUR community service minded people who have recorded over one million community service hours in their 80 years of community service. Mr. Shipe recognized each club in Washington County and announced its charter year. Mr. Welch stated that the Lions Club is the largest service organization in the world. He provided information on the organization and the causes they support. Mr. Welch presented the Commissioners with a program book and Lions Club ornament. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:58 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:12 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. REVIEW OF VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT AND 2003 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the process used to update the County’s goals. Staff members reviewed the 2003 goals and the action plans and outcomes associated with each of the following goals: 1) Develop a plan to assist in the recruitment and retention of qualified, dedicated employees. 2) Adopt policies and procedures for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance, to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. 3) Revise and implement public information/marketing activities to promote the services offered by Washington County. Improve citizen access and input through enhanced E-government services. 4) Adopt a County Government Disaster Recovery Plan that assures continuity in core County Service areas. The Commissioners agreed to review the remaining five 2003 goals at next week’s meeting. Mr. Shoop stated that proposed 2004 goals would also be reviewed at the January 20 meeting. (Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at this time) OPTIONS TO PURCHASE PROPERTY AT HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve two option agreements with CHIEF to purchase property at 14606 and 14612 Pennsylvania Avenue for the total price of $500,000 for land which is needed for the Runway 220 Land Acquisition Project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and to approve relocation costs of $60,000. The FAA has approved the settlement and agreed to fund the acquisition and relocation process. The County’s share of the cost would be $28,000. Unanimously approved. ABANDONMENT OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve advertising the County’s intent to convey the abandonment of 50 feet of right-of-way off Long Meadow Road, known as Boat America Way (L 556, f 304), containing 1.4867 acres within the boundary of Paradise Manor subdivision. Unanimously approved. YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – NOVEMBER 2003 Commissioner Nipps presented a Certificate of Merit to Kevin Sandell in recognition of his selection as the November 2003 Youth of the Month (High School) and Commissioner Munson presented a Certificate of Merit to Danielle Higgins as the November 2003 Youth of the Month (Middle School) as recommended by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended Kevin and Danielle for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Snook stated that they would also receive a $50 savings bond from the WCCP. REVISED AGREEMENT – WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM, INC. Jim Sterling, Director of the Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Department, met with the Commissioners to review the revised agreement with the Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Inc. (the “Friends). Mr. Sterling reviewed the history of the agreement, which was JANUARY 13, 2004 PAGE FIVE approved on June 13, 2000, and the proposed amendments. He stated that the fiscal impact of the revisions include approximately $883 per year to cover the contents insurance coverage and fine arts insurance for the museum. The meeting was then opened for questions. Commissioner Nipps asked that the Recreation & Parks Board continue to approve activities scheduled at the facility. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the revised agreement with the Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Inc. with the amendment proposed to the document that the Recreation & Parks Board continue to approve the activities. Unanimously approved. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE RIGHT-OF-WAY – FORD DRIVE ACCESS ROAD AND RAYLOC DRIVE Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Tim Troxell, Executive Director of Economic & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to provide additional information regarding the recommendation to approve two options for a right-of-way to allow the Ford Drive Access Road project to proceed. Mr. Lowry stated that the current CIP budget has $2.014 million budgeted as follows: $57,000 (general fund), $206,000 (Highway Fund), $651,000 (General Obligation Bonds), and $1.1 million (ARC grant). He indicated that an additional $231,000 would be required in the FY 2005 CIP to address the increased cost of rights-of-way and other unknown costs. Mr. Troxell provided information on the history of the project and its significance to the Town of Hancock and Rayloc Industries. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve purchase of the following options: 1) 100 Ford Drive, LLC, for $47,300, and 2) Shop ‘N Gas, Inc. for $125,000 to allow the Ford Drive Access Road project to proceed. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 6, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of January 6, 2004, as presented. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 2:57 p.m. to consider a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, all 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 Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters, and considered matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, James F. Kercheval, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas; County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Duane Gigeous, Part-time Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Ray Grahe and Michael Schaefer, representing Washington County Health Systems, Inc. APPOINTMENT – PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to appoint Terry Reiber to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of Robert Ernst which extends to February 28, 2007. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 13, 2004 PAGE SIX RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:28 p.m. TAX SET-OFF MEETING – TOWN OF BOONSBORO The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Community Center by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: William J. Wivell, Vice President, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson and Doris J. Nipps. TAX SET-OFF PROGRAM Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax set-off program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for Fiscal Year 2004, Boonsboro is estimated to receive $77,122. Commissioner Snook informed Mayor Kauffman that the City of Hagerstown has asked that the formula for tax set-off be reviewed. He stated that they would consider the interests of all the municipalities if a new formula is adopted. Commissioner Snook reminded the Town that their employees are welcome at any County safety courses that are offered. He also provided an update on the overlay program and the County’s Internet web site. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Town. Update on Boonsboro Library Branch Kevin Chambers, Town Council member, stated that the Friends of the Boonsboro Library have raised $848,754 for construction of the new branch library in Boonsboro. This includes a $200,000 County contribution. Mr. Chambers outlined the future fundraising activities that are planned. However, he stated that they anticipate making a formal proposal to the Commissioners for additional funding in 2005. The Commissioners had questions about the square footage of the project. They applauded the group for their successful fundraising efforts. Commissioner Nipps provided a brief update on Program Open Space funding for the upcoming year. Mayor Kauffman welcomed the Commissioners and discussed several items of interest to the Town, including a stormwater run-off issue. He provided an update on the application made for State funding to address contaminated wells in the area. Mayor Kauffman asked that the County consider reinstating County Commuter bus service to the Town of Boonsboro. He also invited the Commissioners to attend the meetings of the local chapter of the Maryland Municipal League. Council member Richard Hawkins provided an update on a marketing study being done regarding future expansion of the park. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk