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HomeMy WebLinkAbout240227 - Open Minutesl a Washington County l MARYLAND Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland Open Session Minutes February 27, 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 9:02 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner and Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Conunissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of February 13, 2024, and Februa1y 20, 2024. The motion passed 4-0. Conunissioner Keefer abstained. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes ofFebruaiy 13, 2024, and Februaiy 20, 2024. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wagner attended the Rotary Club's Bull and Oyster Roast and the Long Meadow Fire Department annual awards banquet congratulating the award recipients. He shared the Home Builders Association Home Show is this weekend. Commissioner Wagner attended the MARBIDCO round table for young farmers, thanking Chris Boggs, Planner for Washington County Land Preservation. He congratulated three r<:_:cipients, Miss Washington County, Sabrina Frost; Miss Washington County Teen, Jillian Zimmerman; and Leticia Detrow, Miss Western Maiyland was the first deaf contestant crowned. Commissioner Keefer he recognized this Friday as National Employee Appreciation Day and he extended his thanks to County staff. Conunissioner Harvey attended the Smithsburg Fire Department annual awards banquet thanking them for their hard work, commenting on the number of response calls by the award recipients. He provided an update on the approved Board of Elections early voting sites, Virginia Avenue, Smithsburg and the alternate site of Boonsboro. Commissioner Cline attended the Fair Play Volunteer Fire Company annual awards banquet and recognized Emily Kopp, one of our career firefighters who also won volunteer firefighter of the year. He attended the Capes and Tiaras event thanking the Recreation Department and Sheriffs department. Commissioner Cline attended Pathfinders Distillery grand opening event in Boonsboro. Commissioner Barr read an invitation to the Commissioners regarding March Read Across America. He commented on Hagerstown Business Start Up Week in May. Commissioner Barr attended the University of Maiyland Advisoiy Board meeting. He attended the Salvation Army monthly meeting commenting on their community projects. Commissioner Barr recognized Pastor Shane Wilt for his Page 2 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 25 years of service at the West End Baptist Church. He attended the annual Rotary Club Bull and Oyster Roast. Commissioner Barr commented on upcoming events to include the joint meeting with town of Funkstown this evening, STAFF COMMENTS Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public Works presented the request to send a letter of support to the MD Department of Transportation in support of preserving the Commuter Bus Service that comes to Hagerstown, Bus 505 which travels from the MV A to the Shady Grove station. The Commissioners reached a consensus (5-0) in support of the letter. Andrew Eshelman, Director, Public Works and Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing presented the request for authorization to sign the electricity contract when it comes available with the Board of Education's Contract before the rates increase. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline moved to approve the request for authorization to sign the electric contract as presented. The motion passed unanimously. R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services provided an update on the EMS transition project for Smithsburg and Williamsport and recognized employees who have transferred and thanked Williamsport and the Commissioners for seeing the project through and recognized County Depmiments and Staff. Dawn Marcus, County Clerk presented the request to approve the appointment of Jonathan Horowitz to serve a 5-year term, from 2024, through 2029, on behalf of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer moved to approve the appointment of Jonathan Horowitz as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Michelle Gordon, County Administrator attended the MACo and State Legislative meetings. She attended University ofMmyland Campus Board meeting. Ms. Gordon echoed the comments made by Commissioner Harvey regarding the early voting election sites. Michelle Gordon presented the recommendation to allocate $15,000.00 to Adam Grievell' s Law Office for work related to this lawsuit. Funds are available in the County Attorneys Budget. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner moved to approve the allocation as presented. The motion passed (3-1-1 ). Commissioner Keefer was a Nay vote, Commissioner Harvey abstained. Commissioner Keefer questioned whether the original Plaintiffs were contributing to the costs. Ms. Gordon presented the request for a letter of support from the Commissioners on behalf of the Easter Seals Group to obtain state funding for a new inclusive child development center in Hagerstown. The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus to suppmi the letter. Page 3 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Ms. Gordon shared the next meeting will be March 5, 2024. She had a correction to the verbiage on the line item for I 040 FY25 General Fund Budget is the requested version not the revised version. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Dave Williams, Smithsburg commented on the Washington County Delegation legislation regarding Disparity Grants and extra state funding lost due to the reduction of the local income tax rate. He requested an increase to the local income tax rate. Mary Heeringa, Washington County Teachers Association, Hagerstown commented on school resources and requested supp01t of Board of Education funding. She commented on the reduction of the local income tax rate. PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION FOR 2021 CODE ADOPTION President BaIT convened a Public Hearing at 9:39 a.m. to obtain public comment for the proposed adoption of the 2021 Maryland Building Performance Standards, the 2021 Existing Building Code, trade codes, local amendments thereto and related ordinance and resolution. Commissioner Wagner left the meeting at 9:39 a.m. and returned at 9:40 a.m. Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; Frank Quillen, Deputy Code Official, Permits and Inspections; Teny Feiser, Chief Building Inspector, Permits and Inspections The 2021 code adoption, as required by the State of Matyland, includes, State Building Performance Standards and Washington County local amendments. Local amendments allow for some Modification to the new codes for consistency and coordination with customers as well as external agencies. As with prior cycles, a 2021 Building Code Review was performed by a committee approved by the Board July 12, 2022, consisting of various government, design and construction representatives. The committee met once a week during 2023 to review hundreds of pages of code. The purpose of the review was to consider safety, consistency, common sense and customer service across agencies in the proposed amendments. The fee schedule is proposed to remain unchanged at this time. The Public Hearing was opened for public comment: There was no public comment. The Public Hearing was closed at 9:43 a.m. The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner comments: There were no Commissioner comments. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer moved to approve the adoption of the 2021 Matyland Building Performance Standards, the 2021 Existing Building Code, trade codes, local amendments thereto and related ordinance and resolution as presented. The motion passed unanimously. FY24 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION'S GENERAL FUND BUDGET Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, Washington County Public Schools; Eric Sisler, Executive Director of Finance, Washington County Public Schools requested approval of the adjustments to the Board of Education's FY2024 General Fund Budget. The Annotated Code of Maryland requires local school systems to periodically re-forecast their financial needs and make necessaty changes to their budgets. To that end, the Washington County Board of Education approved the attached list of changes Page 4 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 to its FY2024 General Fund Budget at its Februaty 20, 2024, meeting. These adjustments are attached to the agenda report form. Commissioner Wagner seconded by Commissioner Cline moved to approve the budget adjustment as presented. The motion passed unanimously. WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING FY2025 BUDGET PRESENTATION Amy Olack, CEO; Ed Lough, President; William Beard, Treasurer of The Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) is requesting an additional $725,790.00 or a 68% increase of its current line-item allocation to meet the demand for support programs and services for seniors, caregivers, and those with disabilities regardless of age in Washington County. The current county funding for FY 24 is $1,064,530. With the increase requested, which would fund WCCOA to $1,790,320.00 the organization will still take a 9.3% overall decrease in its budget. The budget presentation is attached to the agenda report form. A handout was provided which included a letter from SEK and an invitation to the Legacy Gala. Michael McDonnel read the letter for public records. Mr. Lough shared a video presentation. Mr. Beard commented on in-kind funding which is for the buildings. Ms. Gordon, County Administrator provided clarity for the in-kind funding which would need a Budget Adjustment for the FY25 budget. She provided additional information regarding the Area Agency on Aging repoti submitted to the State Department commenting on the disparity in meal costs, total budgets for Meals on Wheels and the number of clients served. Commissioner Keefer requested clarifications on the budgets regarding the in-kind funding requesting foot notes on the budget. He suggested putting a work group together with the Sherrifs department to work with the Detention Center for Meals on Wheels. He commended Ms. Olack and her staff for their work. Commissioner Harvey requested information on the number of people getting home delivered meals and how to get to full funding for the program. Commissioner Wagner requested information how they generate more income as eve1yone is cutting budgets. Amy Olack requested clarification on the in-kind funding budget numbers, she commented on the report for state mandates, pandemic effect on Meals on Wheels, the Board of Education withdrawal from the program, and receipt of one bid proposal. She shared Frederick County utilization of their Detention Center. Ms. Olack provided information on the number of meals served, the remaining waitlist and a significant need regarding delivery costs. She discusses Project 3000 and other funding programs. FY2025 GENERAL FUND BUDGET -PUBLIC SAFETY (LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES) Sheriff Brian Albert, Washington County Sheriffs Office; R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services provided an update for informational purposes. Requested budgets will be presented for Board consideration. Law Enforcement request is $47,846,070.00 an increase of $3,202,380.00 over FY24. Emergency Services request is $28,612,630.00 an increase of $6,387,470.00 over FY24. Any adjustments needed for balancing of the FY2025 budget are not included in the request and will be discussed if applic • '' st a later date. These adjustments are attached to the agenda report form. Rick Page 5 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Hemphill, Treasurer Washington County Volunteer Fire Association (WCVFA) presented the WCVF A statistics and addressed their budget requests. Commissioner Wagner left the meeting at 10:40 a.111. and returned at 10:42 a.m. Commissioner discussion regarding volunteer stipend, vacancies at the Sheriffs Department, overtime budget due to vacancies, background investigations, dynamics coming due to electric vehicles and equipment necessary to handle mega buildings. FY2025 GENERAL FUND BUDGET -REQUESTED VERSION Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer; Kim Edlund, Director, Budget and Finance presented for informational purposes the Requested Version of General Fund revenue and expense summaries will be presented, along with a five-year outlook. The General Fund budget is not yet balanced for FY25. Today's presentation includes amounts requested by departments and outside agencies for consideration. The Office of Budget & Finance will recommend adjustments to these requests at a future date to balance the budget for FY25. Consideration of future obligations will be a primary factor in balancing the FY25 budget. The budget presentation is attached to the agenda report form. Commissioner Cline left the meeting at I 1:00 a.111. and returned at I 1:03 a.m. DISCUSSION OF THE 2025-2034 CAPITAL BUDGET-DRAFT 1 Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer; Zane Ga11'ett, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance presented for informational purposes and discussion of Draft 1 of the FY2025-2034 Capital Budget. Commissioner comment regarding proposed tax rate, notification requirements, timeline for proposed tax rate increases, disparity grant increases, progressive tax structures. Request for a projection of estimates for increased tax rates of incomes over 85,000.00 dollars. Clarification for requirements on assistance on meals such as school lunches. ENR UPGRADE FOR SMITHSBURG WWTP Joseph W. Moss, Deputy Director of Engineering, Environmental Management requested approval of Change Order# 18 for Buchart Horn, Inc. in the amount of$58,648.00 and extend the completion date to October 15, 2025. The Buchar! Horn, Inc. proposal to provide project management and full-time resident inspection services for the ENR upgrade at Smithsburg WWTP was approved on March 25, 2019. Since it has been 5 years since submitting their original proposal, the consultant has requested an adjustment to their hourly rates to provide construction phase services. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey moved to approve approval of Change Order # 18 for Buchart Horn, Inc. as presented. The motion passed unanimously. MARYLAND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS SECURITY FUNDING APPROVAL TO ACCEPT GRANT A WARD Kristin Grossnickle, Court Administrator, Circuit Comt for Washington County; Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management requested approval to accept funds in the amount of $42,920.00 for Circuit Court security funding. This grant program will provide funds from the Maiyland Administrative Office of the Comts to Washington County Circuit Comito install ballistic protections on the walls and doors of new offices adjoining the Clerk of the Court's office. Page 6 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer moved to approve to accept funds in the amount of$42,920.00 for Circuit Court security funding as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1653) WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT LANDFILL GAS UTILIZATION PROJECT Rick Cun-y, Director, Purchasing; Dave Mason, Deputy Director, Solid Waste presented the request to award the contract for the Landfill Gas Utilization project to the highest responsible, responsive bidder, Terreva Renewables of Atlanta, GA who submitted the anticipated Grand Total for years I through 20 in the amount of $23,864,806.00 and, as required, contingent upon the company/entity being in good standing and authorized and registered to do business in the State of Mai-yland with the Mm-yland Depm1ment of Assessments and Taxation and remaining so throughout the term of the contract. Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner moved to approve to award the contract for the Landfill Gas Utilization project to as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT AWARD (PUR-1637)-TERMINAL BUILDING ROOF REPAIRS Rick Cun-y, Director, Purchasing; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works presented the request to award the contract for the Terminal Building Roof Repairs project to the responsible, responsive bidder, Ruff Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., of Halethorpe, MD who submitted the lowest total lump sum bid in the amount of $204,872.40. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey moved to approve to award the contract for the Terminal Building Roof Repairs project as presented. The motion passed unanimously. BID AWARD (PUR-1644) -FOOD SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works presented the request to award the contract for food service operations in the cafe area of the golf course clubhouse to the responsible, responsive bidder, C & C Catering Creations, LLC dba The 19th Hole at Black Rock of Hagerstown, MD who submitted the annual base rent of $36,000. This award is also contingent upon the final approval of the contract documents by the County Attorney's Office. This bidder comes from the HCC Incubator program. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey moved to approve to award the contract for food service operations in the cafe area of the golf course clubhouse to C & C Catering Creations, LLC dba The 19th Hole at Black Rock of Hagerstown, MD as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REJECTION OF BID (PUR-1663) SWIMMING POOL RESURFACING AT THE MARTIN L. "MARTY" SNOOK POOL Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Pam Boyd, Parks Manager presented the request to take action, in the best interest of the County and to request the bid for the Swimming Pool Resurfacing at the Mat1in L. "Marty" Snook pool be rejected due to the bid exceeding the estimated budget. The department shall make all necessary repairs prior to the pool opening for the season and prepare a new request for proposal for the resurfacing to begin in early September of this The bid process takes time. Contractors have other commitments around the same timeframe and ai"' av, au;,., to complete the work prior to the season opening date. Page 7 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer moved to approve request the bid for the Swimming Pool Resurfacing at the Martin L. "Matty" Snook pool be rejected as presented. The motion passed unanimously. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-24-0140} LINE STRIPING OF COUNTY ROADS Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Zane Rowe, Deputy Director, Highway Depaitment, Public Works; Doug Levine, Traffic Supervisor, Highway Department presented the request to authorize by Resolution, for the Highway Depaitment to utilize the Howard County Maryland line striping contract PA-096-2023 with Alpha Space Control, LLC. of Chambersburg, PA for line striping of 1,520,000 linear feet at $.107 a linear foot on various roads within the County in the amount of $162,640. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey moved to approve to authorize by Resolution, for the Highway Department to utilize the Howard County Matyland line striping contract PA-096-2023 with Alpha Space Control, LLC. of Chambersburg, PA for line striping as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REQUEST FOR CONCURRENCE /APPROVAL OF AIRPORT'S RECOMMENDED FY25 EARMARK APPLICATION WITH CHANGES TO THE REQUEST ASSOCIATED WITH ANNUAL O&M COSTS AND FACILITY OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport presented the request to approve the Airport's recommended FY25 Earmark application and to allow the removal of the request/language linked to continued FAA ownership and payment of O&M costs for the proposed replacement Air Traffic Control facility and if desired, approval for the Airpot1 Director be authorized to accept any awarded grants related to this project. Commissioner discussion regarding ownership of the tower, age of tower, difficulties with getting a new tower with current FAA ownership, the transfer cost of ownership, safety issues with the cunent tower, and exploring all options. The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus to submit the application as presented. CRYSTAL FALLS DRIVE PROPERTY ACQUISITION Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering presented the request to approve the option agreements for partial propet1y acquisition and conveyance of existing right-of-way including fee simple and easements for 47 Ctystal Falls Drive and 12136 Ctystal Falls Drive; and to approve an ordinance approving said purchase; and to authorize the execution of the necessaty documentation to finalize the acquisition. This for a federal aid bridge replacement project. Ctystal Falls Drive Bridge over Beaver Creek is located near the town of Smithsburg approximately one half-mile south of the intersection of Maryland Route 66 and Maiyland Route 77. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline moved to approve the option agreements for pat1ial property acquisition and conveyance of existing right-of-way including fee simple and easements for 47 C1ystal Falls Drive and 12136 Ctystal Falls Drive as presented. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON SMITHSBURG EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS} R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Emergency Services; Jonie Gerber, President, Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services; Keith Abbott, Vice President, Page 8 of 10 OPEN Session, Febrnary 27, 2024 Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services; Dale Fishack, Chief, Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services The Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services were placed under the oversight and supervision of the Division of Emergency Service on May 21, 2019, as a part of a restructuring plan; subsequent to financial, administrative and operational challenges. To date, the leadership ofSEMS has demonstrated exceptional management strategies and strong strategic pla1111ing. The department is cmTently transitioning its corporation EMS employees into County employment, has restructured and maintained strong debt management initiatives and in general, functions independently with only minimal intervention by the Division of Emergency Services (DES). ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE {APFO) MITIGATION REQUEST - ELMWOOD FARMS SECTION SB Jill Baker, Director, Pla1111ing and Zoning presented the request to approve/deny the APFO mitigation request for Elmwood Farms Section 5B subdivision plat. The developers of Elmwood Farms Section 5B have applied for subdivision of 22 lots in this new section of the development. Based on currently adopted pupil generation rates, the new lots would produce approximately 9.5 elementary school students, 4.8 middle school students, and 4.8 high school students. This development is located within the Fountain Rock Elementary, Springfield Middle, and Williamsport High School districts. When this project was tested for school adequacy it was found that Fountain Rock Elementary was at 129% of State rated capacity. Also present were William Wantz, Attorney and Jim Fitzgerald, Developer. The developer will be responsible for payment of the fees. Commissioner discussion regarding payment amount of APFO fees, capacity of new elementmy schools. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner moved to approve the APFO mitigation request for Elmwood Farms Section 5B subdivision plat.as presented. The motion passed unanimously. CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in closed at 11 :53 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 consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; and To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed Boards and Commissions, personnel matters, and legal matters. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Bal1', Jeffrey A. Cline, Derek Harvey, Wayne Keefer and Randall E Wagner. Also, present was Dawn Marcus, County Clerk and Zachary J. Kieffer, Interim County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Also present at various times, were: Rosa1 ~,0 ~ual, Assistant County Attorney; Aaron Weiss, Assistant County Attorney; Jill Baker, Director, P1annmg and Zoning; Greg Carttette, Director/Code Official, Permits and Inspections; Chip Rose, Director Human Resources; R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works, and Neil Doran, Airport Director. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Page 9 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at 2:04 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS EVENING MEETING AT THE TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN Location: 30 EAST BALTIMORE STREET, FUNKSTOWN, MARYLAND 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 evening meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Mmyland, to order at 6:02 p.m. with the following members present: Vice- President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey, and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner and Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer. TOWN OF FUNKSTOWN LEADERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Paul Crampton, Mayor appreciates the support the County Commissioners have given to the town and opened the meeting up to the Town Council. He also discussed annexing of Haywood Circle and septic and water service of the area. Mayor Crampton presented the Commissioners with a check in the amount of $312,219.00, which represents repayment of the loan for the purchase of the trailer park and appreciates the support of the Commissioners and staff regarding the projects. Mayor Crampton thanked eve1yone for coming to the meeting this evening. Rich Gaver, Council Member requested a sidewalk on Edgewood Drive from the city line to Funkstown. He discussed the drainage ditch hazards and requested assistance for the city's completion of Southern Boulevard. Mr. Gaver appreciates the funding given for staff at the fire depaitment and commented on extra coverage from the Deputy Sheriff program. He shared the original librmy was previously located at the Town Hall. Terry Feiser, Council Member appreciates the Commissioners for their assistance to Funkstown. John Phillips III, Council Member appreciates the Commissioners and the assistance from the hotel/motel funding. He commented on the town's Civil War reenactment events the third weekend in July and their impmtance to tourism. Bany Warrenfeltz, Council Member shared concerns with the new distribution center and construction on the bridge at route 66. He thanked the Commissioners for coming to Funkstown. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Keefer thanked the town for hosting the meeting and commented on the lack of a library. Commissioner Harvey commented on the sidewalk issue and possible am1exation of the Haywood Circle area. He thanked staff, the Funkstown officials and commented on public safety's fire and EMS suppo1t. Page 10 of 10 OPEN Session, February 27, 2024 Commissioner Wagner requested staff evaluate the sidewalk request, the potential costs and possible sidewalk ordinance. He thanked staff for coming and commented on previously living in Funkstown. Conunissioner Cline commented on the sidewalk issue, pavement of the road, and the completion of Southern Boulevard. He requested staff look into concerns over the route 66 bridge. Commissioner Cline commented on being a Funkstown resident, he thanked staff for attending the meeting and thanked the Mayor and Council for hosting the meeting. He attended the Funkstown Fire Company swearing in meeting, Fairplay Fire Department Award ceremony and commented on Emily Kopp's and all of the young volunteers' spirit in the community. He challenged everyone to sign up for the one mile walk during Run Fest on March 16, 2024, in Hagerstown. Commissioner Cline thanked the Parks and Recreation and Sherrifs Departments for the Capes and Tiara's event. Commissioner Barr commented on the sidewalk issue and possible future responsibility of homeowners. He commented on enjoying coming to Funkstown and thanked everyone for attending the meeting. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Russell Neff, Owner Alladin Awards, Funkstown, shared his concerns regarding the need to complete Southern Boulevard. He requested a traffic study and commented on the difficulty of residents access local businesses. Mary Heeringa, Washington County Teachers Association, Hagerstown conunented on the school districts, county budgets and funding the school budget. Bree Collins, Hagerstown a teacher with the Washington County Public Schools, conrn1ented on funding for the schools, safety resource officers, suspension and expulsions and school security. STAFF COMMENTS Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works conunented on the possible need for a sidewalk ordinance, pedestrian facilities, potential need for city involvement, costs and funding. Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering, conunented on the ADA program and potential cost of the sidewalk, right of way issues, and he will evaluate the construction concerns with the bridge at route 66. Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, commented on the sidewalk issue, potential cost, and the need for city involvement. She thanked the town for hosting the meeting and commented on the 250111 anniversary conm1ittee to make them aware and the support of local tourism. ADJOURNMENT Conunissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to adjourn at 6:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. <) t1tt¥ \r rl{fl/2 CM L Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk