HomeMy WebLinkAbout241008 - Open MinutesI
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'Washington County
MARYLAND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
October 8, 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 9:0 l 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
September 10, 2024. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Conunissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of September
16, 2024 (Town Hall Meeting). The motion passed (5-0).
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of September
17, 2024. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-1). Commissioner Harvey abstained.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner attended the employee appreciation luncheon at the Water Treatment Plant. He
attended the breakfast for the United Way Day of Caring. Commissioner Wagner attended the
Community Rescue Services Station 759 grand opening. He attended the Falu·ney-Keedy Senior
Living Community groundbreaking ceremony. Conunissioner Wagner attended the Emergency
Preparedness Expo. He conunented on the budget excess revenue.
Commissioner Keefer commented on the I-81 safety issues and funding. He suggested having a town
hall meeting with federal legislative officials to discuss I-81. Commissioner Keefer commented on
state funding and immigration.
Commissioner Harvey commented on I-81 funding and safety issues. He attended the visit with
Governor Moore at the Public Safety Training Center.
Commissioner Cline commented on I-81 funding and discussing the issues at the upcoming Department
of Transportation meeting. He attended Governor Moore's visit at the Public Safety Training Center.
Commissioner Cline commented on the budget excess revenue and requested a report from staff on
essential service's needs. He attended the United Way Day of Caring. He attended the Community
Rescue Services Station 759 grand opening. Commissioner Cline attended the Fahrney-Keedy Senior
Living Conununity groundbreaking ceremony. He participated in Walk Ma1yland Day in the town of
Boonsboro. He attended Eagle Scout Ceremonies for Mason Churchey and Katie Vanderhuff.
Commissioner Cline welcomed the Hancock EMS staff to County Government at their fitness testing
at the Public Safety Training Center. He attended the Emergency Preparedness Expo and commented
on the vision of the Public Safety Training Center.
Commissioner Barr extended his appreciation to Governor Moore for bringing his Cabinet Staff to the
Public Safety Training Center. He commented on the changes of the season and to be mindful of the
pedestrian and foot traffic. Commissioner Barr shared upcoming events.
STAFF COMMENTS
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources, presented the request to approve a salary adjustment for
Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Business and Economic Development, of $148,886.00 annually,
retroactive to September 16, 2024.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the salary increase.
The vote was ( 4-1 ). Commissioner Keefer was a Nay vote.
Danielle Weaver, Director Public Relations and Marketing; Megan Nokes, Sr. Office Associate,
Emergency Services; Kevin Lewis, Director Training, Quality Assurance and Control, Emergency
Services; Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management; and Cody Swope, Emergency
Management Specialist, Emergency Services, provided an update on the Emergency Preparedness
Expo. They shared next year's expo will be held on September 27, 2025. They presented a recap video
of the expo.
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request to amend the reappointment term dates of Gerald
Kendle from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 to September I, 2024 through August 31, 2027, as a
Community Representative on the Local Management Board, Mr. Kendle's current term ended on
August 31, 2024.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the amended
reappointment term of Gerald Kendle as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator attended the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine event.
She attended the employee appreciation luncheon at Water Quality. Ms. Gordon participated in the
United Way Day of Caring. She attended the Hagerstown Housing Authority 75th Anniversmy
celebration. She attended the Greater Hagerstown Committee meeting. Ms. Gordon attended Governor
Moore's Cabinet meeting. She attended the Maryland Theater Board meeting. She attended the
Emergency Preparedness Expo. Ms. Gordon extended condolences to the family of Brad Creek and to
the Washington County Sheriffs Office. She noted a change to the agenda and shared information on
the next meeting.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Shaun Porter
Taj Smith -Hagerstown
Gaiy Hoffman -Knoxville
Mmy Heeringa -Williamsp01i
Carol Mowen -Hagerstown
CONVENE AS THE WASHING TON COUNTY BOARD OF HEAL TH
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to convene as the Board of Health
at 9:47 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
LEAD SERVICES POTOMAC CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC./PCS
Earl Stoner, Health Officer, Washington County Health Department; and Victoria Sterling, BHS
Director, Washington County Health Depaiiment, presented The health depaiiment is recommending
that the Board of Health approval the contract to Potomac Case Management Services, Inc./Potomac
Community Services of Washington County in the amount of $205,560.00 for funding legislated for
the LEAD -Let Everyone Advance with Dignity Grant, awarded September 5, 2024, from the
Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Contract period of July I, 2024, through June 30,
2025.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the contract to Potomac
Case Management Services, Inc./Potomac Community Services of Washington County as presented.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
RECONVENE AS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WASHINGTON COUNTY
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to reconvene as the Board of
County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland at 10:00 a.m. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COALITION: RECAP OF 2024; REQUEST FOR
SUPPORT IN 2025
Paul Frey, President and CEO, Washington County Chamber of Commerce; and Jim Kercheval,
Executive Director, Greater Hagerstown Committee, shared the mission of the coalition, lobbying
efforts in Annapolis and an update on the 2024 Legislative Session. They presented a request for
$10,000.00 in funding support.
Commissioner Harvey left the meeting at I 0:27 a.m. He returned at 10:32 a.m.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve $10,000.00 in funding as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
CHARACTER COUNTS! FUNDING REQUEST AND OCTOBER 2024 PROCLAMATION
Carolyn Brooks, Director, Character Counts!; and Colleen Beaver, School Coordinator, Washington
County Public Schools, shared information on the program and presented the request to approve
$3,000.00 in funding for direct expenses associated with the year-end event (Elementary Youth
Celebration) from the Commissioners Contingency Fund. The BOCC presented a proclamation on
behalf of Character Counts! Month.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve $3,000.00 in funding as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
PROCLAMATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
The Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Kelly Clopper, Attorney for CASA;
and Jennifer McNew, Meritus Forensic Nurse Depaiiment for domestic violence awareness month.
Commissioner Wagner left the meeting at 10:43 a.m. He returned at 10:45 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH RULES OF DECORUM FOR
PARTICIPANTS IN OPEN MEETINGS AND/OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
President Barr convened a Public Hearing at I 0:50 a.m. to obtain public comment for the Washington
County Code of Civility.
Zachary Kieffer, County Attorney presented the request to adopt the Civility Code as written. In the
alternative the Board may also propose amendments in response to public comment or may take the
matter nnder advisement for action at a later date. The proposed Civility Code seeks to establish basic
rules of conduct for open meetings and public hearings held by or on behalf of the County, concerning
County business.
The Public Hearing was opened for public comment: There was no public comment.
The Public Hearing was opened for Commissioner comments:
The Commissioner's shared their comments.
Aaron Weiss, Assistant County Attorney shared information on public forums and interpretation of the
rules.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to close the public meeting and
keep the record open for two weeks. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
The Public Hearing was closed at 11 :23 a.m.
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT -APPROVAL TO
SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT A WARDED FUNDING
Lieutenant James Grimm, Washington County Sheriff's Office; and Richard Lesh, Grant Manager,
Grant Management, presented the request to approve the submission of the application for the Child
Support Administration Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement to the Maiyland Department of
Human Services requesting a total of $600,437.00 for FY25 and accept funding as awarded by the
agency. Due to the cancellation of the meeting on September 24, 2024, and the application deadline of
October I, 2024, they are requesting ratification of the submission of the yearly renewal of the
agreement.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the submission of the
application for the Child Support Administration Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement and accept
the funding as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
MARYLAND 9-1-1 BOARD -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT
AW ARD ED FUNDING
Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management and Communications; Richard Lesh, Grant
Manager, Grant Management presented the request to approve the submission of grant application to
the Maryland 9-1-1 Board in the amount of $56,992.68 and accept funding as awarded for the
replacement of 18 Iron Horse 4000 Series chairs.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the submission of grant
application to the Matyland 9-1-1 Board and accept funding as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
EMS STAFFING TRANSITION DISCUSSION, NEXT STEPS
R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director -Field Operations,
Emergency Services; Dale Fishack, Vice President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Association (WCVFRA); Steve Barnhaii, Chief, Hancock Rescue Squad; and Debbie Cohill, Hancock
Rescue Squad, presented the request to approve the EMS Employee Transition MOU with the Hancock
Rescue Squad and authorize the Division of Emergency Services to hire eight (8) FF/FAQ's that would
allow dedicated staffing for Rescue Squad 59.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the EMS Employee
Transition MOU with the Hancock Rescue Squad as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-
0).
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the hiring of (8)
FF/FAQ's for the Hancock Rescue Squad as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator shared that the next agenda item is ready to move forward.
LASERFICHE RENEWAL AGREEMENT (PUR-1712) FOR INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Rick Curry, Director, Purchasing; and Josh O'Neal, Chief Technical Officer, Information Technology,
presented the request to authorize, Information Technology to enter into a one (I) year Laserfiche
suppo1i and subscription renewal agreement for the total sum of$69,720.35 from MCCI of Tallahassee,
FL.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to authorize a one (1) year
Laserfiche support and subscription renewal agreement with MCCI as presented. The motion passed
unanimously (5-0).
TRANSIT ROUTING/DISPATCHING HARDWARE/SOFTWARE (HARFORD COUNTY
RFP 23-180) PROCUREMENT
Rick Cuny, Director, Purchasing; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented the
request to authorize the procurement for the routing, dispatching, scheduling hardware and software
for County Transit in the amount of $74,555.15 from Ecolane of Wayne, PA and in the amount of
$198,424.89 from Passio Technologies of Atlanta, GA based on their proposals.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to authorize the procurement for
the routing, dispatching, scheduling hardware and software with Ecolane as presented. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
FY24 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer presented the request to approve a budget transfer in the amount
of$140,010.00 from General Fund depa1iment 11525 -Fire Ops to CIP Project Budget VEH009-
Emergency Services Vehicle and Equipment Replacement. Staffis requesting moving funds budgeted
for equipment for the reserve engines to be transfeJTed to the CIP budget to allow equipment to be
purchased in FY25. Delive1y of the reserve engines is cmTently expected to be in October or November
2024.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the budget adjustment
as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
FY24 EXCESS REVENUES
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer presented the request to approve the allocation of excess of
revenues funding of approximately $29.3 million. Staff recommended putting $10 million into the
pension fund and the remaining into the capital reserve fund for future use.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to table the item.
Ms. Mace commented the funds would remain in the general fund and become a part of the general
fund balance if tabled. The funds, if allocated to the Capital Fund can be pulled out for a one-time
recurring cost at any time by vote of the Commission.
Commissioner Harvey altered his motion.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline moved to allocate the funding as presented.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
WATER AND SEWER POLICY UPDATE
Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management discussed proposed changes to the Water and
Sewer Policies. He shared information regarding other jurisdictions policies regarding grinder pumps.
He recommends any new grinder pumps would need to be maintained privately. All existing grinder
pumps would continue to be maintained by the County. The effective date would be July !, 2025.
Language will be added to allow privately maintained grinder pumps the option to have the County
repair and be billed for the repair. The necessary changes will be made to the policy and brought back
for final approval.
PRESENTATION OF 2024-2025 FARM OF THE YEAR AW ARD
Kelsey Keadle, Business Specialist -Agriculture, Business and Economic Development; and Carmen
Harbaugh, Business Support Specialist, Business and Economic Development, presented the Farm of
the Year Award to Linden Hall Farm, owned by Brian and Nicole Forsythe.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to convene in closed session at 12: 13
p.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
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.
(I) These topics include the discussion of confidential personnel matters.
• Discussion of advertisement of open position in Budget and Finance.
• Discussion of transitional hiring in Budget and Finance.
• Discuss appointments to two County volunteer boards (Property Tax Assessment
Appeals Board and Planning Commission).
• Discussion of County hiring matter.
• Personnel discussion elated to County vendor.
To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business to locate, expand, or remain
in the State (4).
• Discussion pertains to proprietmy plans and development of the business to expand
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OPEN Session, Octob(:r 8, 702:tl,
operations in Washington County. Open session discussion would dissuade
company from sharing proprietary information or otherwise looking elsewhere to
locate.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. Discussion protected by attorney-client
privilege (7).
• County attorney to update Board on a legal matter. Discussion may also necessitate
advice on strategy and negotiations of pending legal matter, which would prejudice
the Board in litigation if the discussion were to occur in open session.
• Discussion and consultation with County Attorney about County-involved litigation
and litigation strategies.
• Discussion of contract negotiations between County and two non-County entities,
discussion protected by attorney-client privilege.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and reached a consensus to:
• Advertise for the Accountant position;
• Advertise and fill the Director of Purchasing position;
• Appointments to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and the Planning Commission;
• EMS staffing transition;
• PR-24, Hiring Policy;
• Water supply agreement;
• Discussion of contract negotiations between County and two non-County entities, discussion
protected by attorney-client privilege;
• Received legal advice and updates on a legal matter; and
• Received legal advice and update on County involved litigation matters.
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Derek Harvey, Wayne K. Keefer and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn Marcus, County Clerk and Zachary J.
Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Aaron Weiss, Assistant County
Attorney; Jill Baker, Director, Planning and Zoning; Greg Cartrette, Director/Code Official, Permits
and Inspections; Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources; Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, Budget
and Finance; R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director, Field
Operations, Emergency Services; Dale Fishack, Vice President, WCVFRA; Mark Bradshaw, Director,
Environmental Management; and Dominick Turano, Deputy Director, Human Resources.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at 2:07
p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
SECOND STAFF COMMENTS
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources, presented the request to adve1tise the accountant position at a
Grade 14, Step I, with an annual salmy of $66,5 I 8.00.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve to advertise the
accountant position as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources, presented the request to advertise for and fill the Director of
Purchasing position approximately 6 weeks (October 2024) prior to the retirement of Rick Curry to
provide the new Director of Purchasing with training during the transition at a Grade 16, Step I.
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Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve to advertise and fill the
Director of Purchasing position as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5 -0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to adjourn at 2: 11 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk