HomeMy WebLinkAbout240109 - Open Minutes1 1
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@Washington County -
M A R Y L A ND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
January 9, 2024
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: Vice President Jeffrey A.
Cline, Commissioner Randall E. Wagner, Commissioner Derek Harvey and Commissioner Wayne K.
Keefe1·.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of December
12, 2023. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner welcomed everyone and thanked staff who worked over the holiday season.
Commissioner Keefer thanked staff who worked over the holidays and during the snow event. He
shared his concerns with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's, year 2023 summary of decreased
bank deposits in Washington County.
Commissioner Harvey thanked staff and is looking forward to the upcoming year. He attended
meetings with the Board and Commissions and looks fo1ward to the John Frey Awards in May. He
also attended a productive session with the Elder and looks forward to working with them.
Commissioner Cline thanked staff. He attended the Donut Drop in Hagerstown and thanked Krumpe's
for the tradition. Commissioner Cline pa11icipated during training with the first responder class and
learned the importance of the thermal imaging device and the equipment necessary for safety. He
attended the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company's installation of officers thanking the volunteers for
protecting the community.
Commissioner Barr welcomed everyone back after the holidays thanking staff who worked over the
holidays. He thanked the city for participating in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing fundraiser and all
who volunteered for the event, challenging the municipalities to get involved in the event next year.
Commissioner Barr commented on the upcoming legislative ninety-day session in Annapolis.
Commissioner Cline requested a consensus for a letter to be sent to the Delegation for reinforcement
of the legislative items that the County suppo11s.
Commissioner consensus was received for a letter of support of the County's legislative items to be
sent to the Delegation.
STAFF COMMENTS
Page 2 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources presented the recommendation to approve the hire of
Rosalinda Pascual as an Assistant County Attorney, at a grade 17 step 5 $87,464.00/annually, with an
effective date of January I 0, 2024.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline oved to approve the hire of Rosalinda
Pascual as presented by staff. The motion passed 4-0, Commissioner Keefer was a "Nay" vote.
Commissioner Keefer commented that he does not support the need for the additional staff however he
recognized the outstanding credentials of the new hires.
Commissioner Harvey and Commissioner Wagner commented on their support for the additional staff.
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources presented the recommendation to approve the hire of Aaron
Weiss as an Assistant County Attorney, at a grade 17 step 5 $87,464.00/annually, the effective date is
yet to be determined.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline moved to approve the hire of Aaron Weiss
as presented by staff. The motion passed 4-0, Commissioner Keefer was a "Nay" vote.
Commissioner Keefer commented on the prior addition of the attorney to the Sheriffs department.
Danielle Weaver, Director Marketing and Public Relations presented the request to approve the Flying
Boxcars Stadium advertisement. She provided a slide presentation of the advertisement. She
commented most adve1tisements in the stadiums are seen from a distance and need to be simple.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve advertisement as
presented by staff. The motion passed unanimously.
Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections, recognized Dave Kerns as receiving
the Inspector of the Year Award from the entire State of Maryland. President Barr presented a
Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Kems on behalf of the County Commissioners.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator attended several depa11mental luncheons over the holidays.
She also attended the Maryland Theater Christmas Sing Along conceit. Ms. Gordon attended several
Boards and Committees meetings over the last few weeks. She recognized public safety for their effmts
during the first winter storm of the season and commented on her ride-along with highways worker
Tanner Renner, as he plowed snow in the South County section. Many residents, including Ms.
Gordon, have received their triannual tax reassessment notice from the Maiyland State Department of
Assessments and Taxation. Her reassessment notice shows a 45% increase in the market value, she
reminded residents the assessment be phased in over a three-year period. She provided a breakdown
of the property assessment and discussed property tax credits and requirements and residents can
contact the tax assessments office at 301-791-3050. The County will host a ribbon cutting ceremony
later today for the opening of the Professional Boulevard, the project involved the construction of the
bridge over Antietam Creek and will reduce emergency service response time to the hospital and assist
with traffic in the area. We will not meet on Janua1y 23, 2024, due to a Day in Annapolis legislative
meetings. The next meeting Board of County Commissioners meeting will be January 30, 2024, and
there will be an evening meeting in Maugansville that date.
Page 3 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
Commissioner Wagner clarified the tax assessments are done by the state and the residents should call
the tax assessments office for appeals or to discuss tax credits.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Kathy Stumpf of Hancock discussed the protection ofSideling Hill Mountain, the view shed and private
property in Washington County. She discussed a newspaper article regarding eminent domain
providing a copy to the Commissioners and requested their protection against encroaching activity.
Stephanie Phillips, Summit Avenue, Hagerstown came to show her suppott thanking the
Commissioners for inviting the City to join the meeting.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAGERSTOWN
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator welcomed the City of Hagerstown. Attending on behalf of
the City of Hagerstown were Tekesha Martinez, Mayor; Kristin B. Aleshire, Councilmember; Tiara
Burnett, Councilmember; Shelley McIntire, Councilmember; Matthew Schindler, Councilmember;
Peter Perini, Sr., Councilmember; Scott Nicewarner, City Administrator; Nancy Hausrath, Utilities
Director; John DiBacco, Fire Chief; Adam Hopkins, Deputy Chief; and Paul Kifer, Chief of Police.
Informational presentations were made by the City of Hagerstown, the Board of County Commissioners
and Washington County Staff for collaborative discussion regarding various topics to include; a list of
projects that would not have been possible without the collaboration of both the County Government
and the City of Hagerstown, the R.C. Wilson Water Treatment Plant capacity, water storage, future
expectations and projected costs for projects and upgrades to the water infrastructme, fire and
ambulance services and the recommendation for the development of a governance board, future of the
narcotics task force, statistics were provided regarding fire calls, emergency services calls, police calls
and the number offunded police officers. The meeting ended with the agreement to establish two work
groups for both the water issues and emergency services. There was also discussion to hold joint
quarterly meetings with the next meeting projected for April.
RECESS
ANNUAL PRESENTATION BY HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT
AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO THE WASHING TON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND
STAFF
Dr. James, Klauber, President, Hagerstown Community College and the HCC Board of Trustees briefed
the Commissioners and staff on the changes at the Hagerstown Community College over the year, and
provided a budget and tuition forecast. The state has funded the full formula. He discussed the
advanced technology center renovation project with the total estimated cost offomteen million dollars.
The County has committed four million dollars over a period through FY 2030, they expect the project
be completed in 2026, and requested the County complete the payments in FY 2026. Dr. Klauber
discussed the challenges of mental health and Maryland Legislature requirement for a space for space
for free exercise of religion. They have created a packet which needs approval of the Legislature that
will create a center for people which combines the needs of mental health and the religious worship
center. Dr. Klauber is asking the county to provide a two-million-dollar local match for the worship
center. The total project cost would be twelve million dollars. He also discussed credits for students.
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT
Reverend Steve McCatty, Chair, Police Accountability Board presented the annual repott of the Police
Accountability Boad to the Board of County Commissioners. He shared the processes of the Police
Accountability Board, training of the members, issues concerning complaints and professionalism of
the police officers, number of complaints and misunderstanding of the police services.
APPROVAL OF ZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-23-007
Page 4 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
Kirk C. Downey, County Attorney requested approval of the request to rezone the applicants' property
from Agricultural, Rural A(R) to Agricultural, Rural A(R) with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay.
The applicants, Jeffrey Unsworth and Laura J. Lane-Unsworth, seek a map amendment for a property
located at 13215 Smithsburg Pike. The property is currently zoned Agricultural, Rural A(R). The
applicants seek to apply the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay on a +/-2.46-acre portion of the total
+/-25.52-acre parcel.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the map amendment for
the property located at 13215 Smithsburg Pike as recommended by staff. The motion passed
unanimously.
Ordinance No. ORD-2024-01 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington
County and the originals are in the County Commissioners' Office
UPDATE TO COUNTY POLICY -UTILITY CONSTRUCTION WITHIN COUNTY PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering; Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections,
presented the recommendation to approve by resolution to amend the DPW-2 Policy (formerly known
as S-4) for Utility Construction within County Public Right-of-Way to address current technology and
installation methods. The last amendment to the policy was July 2011.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve amending the DPW-2
Policy as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2024 SENATOR AMOSS FUNDING DISTRIBUTION
R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services requested approval to accept the recommendations of
the Director of Emergency Services, authorizing the Division of Emergency Services to make
notification of the grant award from the FY 2024 Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and
Ambulance Fund subsidy as outlined in the attached document. The total fiscal year 2024 funding
received by the County is $336,233.00. The State of Maryland distributes an annual payment to each
County for support of local fire and rescue operations. The County in tum makes notification of the
funding to the eligible volunteer fire and rescue corporations. Financial accountability and reporting
are handled within the Division of Emergency Services and the Department of Budget and Finance;
with the County filing a financial report with the State on an annual basis. It requires and expenditure
and then there is a reimbursement check.
Commissioner discussw11 regarding previous year allotments and triggers at the state level funding.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize the Division of
Emergency Services to make notification of the grant award from the FY 2024 Senator William H.
Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund subsidy as as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-23-0138) FIRE HOSES
AND ACCESSORIES FOR DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Rick F. Curry, Director, Purchasing; Eric Jacobs, Operations Manager, Division of Emergency Services
requested approval to authorize by Resolution, the approval for the procurement of fire hoses and
accessories for the Division of Emergency Services from Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., of
Coatesville, PA at the contracted unit prices based on the contract awarded by Montgomery County,
Page 5 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
MD contract (solicitation #1114636); for the total sum in the amount of$ 92,392.32. Funds are
available in the Division of Emergency Services capital budget, in the amount of $116,0 I 0.00 for this
purchase.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to authorize by Resolution, the
approval for the procurement of fire hoses and accessories from Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., in
the amount of$ 92,392.32 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. RS-2024-01 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington
County and the originals are in the County Commissioners' Office.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-23-0136) FIVE (5) FISHER
STAINLESS EXTREME V 8.5 FT TRUCK PLOWS FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Zane Rowe, Deputy Director, Highway Department requested
approval to authorize by Resolution, the Highway Depaitment to purchase five (5) Fisher Stainless
Extreme V 8.5 ft. truck plows from Rippeon Equipment Co. of Frederick, MD., for a total cost of
$53,204.50 and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (#062222-DDY) that was awarded by
Sourcewell to Fisher Engineering. Funds in the amount of $30 I, 708.06 are budgeted in the Highway
Depattment's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) account EQP042.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to purchase five (5)
Fisher Stainless Extreme V 8.5 ft. truck plows from Rippeo11 Fm,;nment Co. in the amount of
$53,204.50 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. RS-2024-02 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington
County and the originals are in the County Commissioners' Office.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-23-0135) -MICROSOFT
OFFICE 365 LICENSING
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information Technology
requested approval to authorize by Resolution, the approval for the procurement of a licensing
Agreement for the total sum of $982,124.46 over a three (3) year period from Software House
International (SHI) of Somerset, NJ.; based on the pricing structure awarded by the State of Maryland
contract #2018011-02. Funds in the amount of $1,236,978.52 are available in 515180-10-11000 for
this expenditure.
Commissioner Harvey seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution, the
approval for the procurement of a licensing Agreement from Software House International in the
amount of$982,124.46 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution No. RS-2024-03 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington
County and the originals are in the County Commissioners' Office.
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT {PUR-1656) ESRI CLOUD MODEL OF GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SOFTWARE ENTERPRISE LICENSE AGREEMENT
Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information Technology
requested approval to authorize a Sole Source procurement of a Esri Enterprise License Agreement for
use by the Washington County Depattment of Information Technologies for a total sum for year two
of $74,000.00 from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. of Redlands, CA. ESRI is the
software that drives all GIS-related operations for all County departments. It provides mapping and
Page 6 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
planning data essential to many aspects of Public Works and serves citizen and interagency requests
and collaboration efforts around GIS data. Funds in the amount of $1,236,978.52 are available in
515180-10-11000 for this expenditure.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Sole Source
procurement of a Esri Enterprise License Agreement from Environmental Systems Research Institute,
Inc., in the amount of $74,000.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in closed at 11 :44 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
and To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate,
expand, or remain in the State.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the creation of a Circuit Court position, appointments
to the boards and commissions, position recommendations, a personnel matters and a business proposal.
Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, Randall E. Wagner,
Derek Harvey and Wayne K. Keefer. Also present was Dawn Marcus, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey,
County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Also present at various times were; Kristen
Grossnickle, Circuit Court Administrator; Brett R. Wilson, Administrative Judge; Rachel Souders,
Director, Grant Management; Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources; R. David Hays, Director,
Emergency Services; Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management; Davina Yutzy, Deputy
Director of Operations, Environmental Management; Jonathan Horowitz, Director, Business and
Economic Development.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at I :06
p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
SECOND STAFF COMMENTS
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources presented the recommendation to approve the hire of Paul
Vireden as the EMS Field Captain Ops, Emergency Services, at a Grade 6, Step 4, Hourly Rate $28. 71,
effective January 21, 2024.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the hire of Paul Vireden
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources requested approval to advertise for the Director, Depattment
of Emergency Services, Grade 17 due to the retirement of the current Director.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the request to advertise
for the Director, Department of Emergency Services as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources presented the recommendation to approve the request to
advertise for the new role of Judicial Assistant at a Grade 11, reporting to the Circuit Court
Administrator.
l
Page 7 of 7
OPEN Session, January 9, 2024
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to advertise for the new
role of the Judicial Assistant position as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, presented the recommendation, on behalf of the Gaming Commission to
approve the appointment of Selena Wilkes to serve a first, full two-year term from February 1, 2024,
through January 31, 2026.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the appointment of
Selena Wilkes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, presented the recommendation, on behalf of the Housing Authority of
Washington County to approve the appointments of Bryan Barnes to serve a first, full five-year term
from January l, 2024, through December 31 , 2029.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the appointment of Bryan
Barnes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to adjourn at I :09 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Dawn L. Marcus, ~ Clerk