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Home My WebLink About240611 - Open Minutesl l C Washington County MARYLAND Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland Open Session Minutes June 11, 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 8:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey, Commissioner Randall E. Wagner and Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of May 21, 2024. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). FIRST CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in first closed session at 8:0 l a.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). In closed session, the Commissioners discussed legal matters. Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, Derek Harvey, Wayne Keefer and Randall E Wagner; Dawn Marcus, County Clerk; Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual, Assistant County Attorney; Aaron Weiss, Assistant County Attorney; and Roger Schlossberg, Attorney. Commissioner Keefer left the meeting at 8:42 a.m. RECESS RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to reconvene in open session at 9:02 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). Commissioner Keefer was absent. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Harvey attended the Home Builders Association meeting. He attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Stanley Fulton Memorial Splash Pad in Hancock. Commissioner Harvey attended the Historical Advisory Committee meeting where they toured the Sharpsburg Museum and the Boyer House. He attended the Diversity and Inclusion Committee meeting and listening tour in Boonsboro. Commissioner Harvey shared that the Treasurer's Office auctioned 275 properties and that approximately 95% of the properties sold which resulted in the collection of over Page 2 of 5 OPEN Session, June 11, 2024 seven hundred thousand dollars in back taxes. He shared additional information regarding the Treasurer's Office. Commissioner Wagner shared that the Hagerstown Aviation Museum received a Fairchild Trainer XNQ which was donated to the museum from Don and Ann Pellegreno. He attended Lowes for Pros Days and thanked County staff for having a booth at the event. Commissioner Wagner attended the Public Safety Awards last week; and he congratulated the award recipients. He thanked all first responders for their service. He congratulated Frank Quillen on his retirement and thanked him for his 25 years of service to the County. Commissioner Cline attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Stanley Fulton Memorial Splash Pad in Hancock. He attended the Lowes for Pros event and thanked staff for attending. Commissioner Cline congratulated Frank Quillen on his retirement. He attended the Public Safety Awards and recognized the police, fire and EMS recipients. He thanked the first responders for going beyond their call of duty. Commissioner Cline shared that the Ice Cream Trail has started; and he has visited several of the local businesses on the trail. Commissioner Barr attended the Jonathan Street Marker unveiling; and he shared information regarding the history of the area. He attended the Maryland Bankers Annual Convention last week. Commissioner Barr attended the Maryland Symphony Orchestra performance at the Garrett Community College Arts Center. He thanked the Garrett Lake Organization for hosting the event. Commissioner Barr commented on upcoming events to include the Boonsboro evening meeting tonight. STAFF COMMENTS Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources presented: -the request to approve to advertise and fill the Plan Reviewer, Department of Engineering, position at a Grade 14, Step 3; $66,122.00 annually. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve to adve1iise and hire for the Plan Reviewer position as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). -the request to approve the hire of Jamie Franks for the Operations Manager, 911 Emergency Communications, at a Grade 14, Step 8: hourly rate of$35.96. Effective date of July 8, 2024. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to the hire of Jamie Franks for the Operations Manager, 911 Emergency Communications position as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). -the request to approve to convert one EMT position number 1818 which is a Grade DES2, Step 1, to a full-time Paramedic position at a Grade DES4, Step I. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to convert one EMT position nmnber 1818 to a full-time Paramedic position as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). Page 3 of 5 OPEN Session, June 11, 2024 -the request to approve to advertise and fill the two vacant Captain of Field Operations, Emergency Medical Services positions, numbers 1334 and 1742. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to advertise and fill two vacant Captain of Field Operations positions as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, requested a consensus for a letter of support for the American Battlefield Trust in suppott ofa Maryland He1tiage Areas grant for FY25. They are not requesting any funding from the County. The Commissioner reached a consensus ( 4-0) was to provide the letter of suppmt. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION -Shaun Potter, New Market -Ethan Loewen, Hagerstown -Tim Fisher, Community Action Council, Hagerstown -Paulie Ward, Hagerstown YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARD PRESENTATION Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented throughout the school year the Board of County Commissioners present "Youth Meritorious Awards" to students attending both public and private schools or those being home schooled in Washington County. Mr. Lesh presented the following youth for recognition today: Isabelle Becker-St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School, Parent(s) -Deanna Becker, Nominated by Carol Kreykenbohm-Barnhatt. Commissioner Barr, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, presented a certificate to Isabelle. Peyton Gullickson-St. Mary's Catholic School, Parent(s) -Gilda Gullickson, Nominated by William Souders. Commissioner Wagner, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, presented a certificate to Peyton. SCOTT LINE FARM, LLC RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM (RLP) EASEMENT Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning presented the request to approve the Scott Line Farm, LLC RLP easement project, in the amount of $535,847.00 for 173.54 easement acres, paid for 100% by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and to adopt an ordinance approving the easement purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the easement purchase. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the Scott Line Farm, LLC RLP easement project as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). FY2025 PROJECT OPEN SPACE ANNUAL PROGRAM Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works presented the request to approve the Annual FY 2025 Program Open Space (POS) project list as presented and recommended by the Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. As per POS guidelines, each year the Board of County Commissioners is required to adopt the annual POS Program. The project list is attached to the agenda. Page 4 of 5 OPEN Session, June 11, 2024 Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the Annual FY 2025 Program Open Space (POS) project list as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). SECOND CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to convene in second closed session at 9:58 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 individual; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). Commissioner Keefer was absent for the vote. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed a business matter, boards and commissions, personnel matters, and conducted interviews. Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline, Derek Harvey, Wayne Keefer and Randall E Wagner; Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual, Assistant County Attorney; Aaron Weiss, Assistant County Attorney; Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer; Zane Garrett, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance; Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management; Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management; Joseph Moss, Deputy Director, Engineering; Chip Rose, Director Human Resources; and the interviewees. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to reconvene in open session at 12:56 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). RECESS EVENING MEETING AT THE TOWN OF BOONSBORO Location: 21 NORTH MAIN STREET, BOONSBORO, 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, Maryland, to order at 6:01 p.m. with the following members present: Vice- President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner. Commissioner Keefer was absent from the evening meeting. TOWN OF BOONSBORO LEADERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Mayor Howard Long thanked the Commissioners and staff for the evening meeting and for the support with the reservoir and Chase Six Boulevard over the years. He shared his concerns regarding school dismissal times and the effect on traffic congestion. Mayor Long commented on potential locations for the police, fire and emergency services buildings and his concerns about police staffing. I Page 5 of 5 OPEN Session, June 11, 2024 Drew Bowen, Town Planer, provided an update on the Chased Six Boulevard project and he requested a point of contact for the County. He shared future plans for the reservoir and provided an update on the current status of the reservoir. Marilee Kerns, Council Member shared they are appreciative of the prior suppo1t given from the County and shared the need for future funding for the water infrastructure. Eric Kitchen, Council Member commented on the reservoir. Raymond Hanson, Council Member commented on working with Doug Levine and his appreciation of the highway's inmate program. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Harvey thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He discussed volunteer fire and emergency services and the progress of the Bau st museum. Commissioner Wagner thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. He commented that the reservoir is a top priority, discussed the effects of inflation on projects, and discussed the police force. Commissioner Cline shared his past connections to Boonsboro. He commended them for their carnival. He commented that he will bring up the Chase Six Boulevard project at the next TACT meeting. Commissioner Cline attended the South Mount Jam with the BIFSA students. He attended the First Responder Awards and thanked volunteer Mary Jane Blickenstaff. Commissioner Cline commented the reservoir is a top priority. Commissioner Barr shared his past connections to Boonsboro. He commented that the reservoir is a top priority. Commissioner Barr shared memorial ideas in honor of Coach Scott. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Marilee Kerns, Boonsboro STAFF COMMENTS Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared County staff contact information for the various projects. She discussed past and future funding. She will reach out to Dr. Sovine regarding the school traffic concerns and to the Washington County Delegation regarding the Chase Six Boulevard Project. Ms. Gordon shared we will review the ARPA funding requests in July. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to adjourn at 6:41 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk