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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040210 February 10, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. at Eastern Elementary School. Also present were Mayor William Breichner and Hagerstown City Council member Carol Moller. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Bernadette Wagner, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Russell Williams, Jacqueline Fischer, 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. Restructuring Initiatives – Eastern Elementary School Dr. Morgan presented the initiatives taken by the Board of Education and staff to raise the student achievement level at Eastern Elementary School. She stated that the school did not meet the No Child Left Behind requirements last year. The Board then took measures to have staff reapply for positions and began a differentiated pay initiative. Principal Kathy Stiles provided an overview of Eastern Elementary for the years 2002-03 and 2003-04 and the staff development programs that have been successful. Dr. Morgan also provided data on student achievement and the instructional focus including intervention programs and improvements made to reading and math instruction. She noted that a student code of conduct was adopted and discipline referrals were reduced by 25 percent. Dr. Morgan outlined parent and community involvement and cultural changes made to help students succeed. School for the Arts – Partnership for Talent Development Mrs. Fischer discussed the State bond bill being proposed to fund the charter school concept to establish a school for the arts. Roger Giles, Director of Special Programs, provided an update on the steps taken to advance the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. A request for proposal has been developed for a feasibility study. He stated that the school would be a regional, pre-professional charter school for the visual and performing arts. Mr. Giles informed the Commissioners that partnerships have been developed with the Washington County Arts Council, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Maryland Theatre, as well as educational partnerships with the University of Maryland and Hagerstown Community College. He indicated that the concept was modeled after the Baltimore School for the Arts. At this time, Commissioner Snook thanked Dennis McGee for his work over the years and wished him well in his new position. The Eastern Elementary School Show Choir then performed two songs for those in attendance. Recess The Commissioners recessed at 9:20 a.m. to take a guided tour of Eastern Elementary School before returning to the County Administration Building. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:00 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. DISCUSSION & PUBLIC COMMENT – STILES FARM/BOONSBORO GROWTH AREA Stephen Goodrich, Acting Director of Planning, met with the Commissioners to discuss the request made by the Stiles Family Limited Partnership to have the entire 91-acre property included in the Boonsboro Town Growth Area. The Planning staff proposed that the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan include 15 acres of the subject property within the FEBRUARY 10, 2004 PAGE TWO Town Growth Area (low density residential and commercial) and the remainder of the parcel in Environmental Conservation Zoning. Mr. Goodrich stated that the staff felt that the stream through the property was a natural dividing line for the town growth area boundary. He indicated that the property includes wetlands, the use of which would be regulated by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Mr. Goodrich informed the Commissioners that the Town of Boonsboro is in favor of including the entire parcel in the Town Growth Area. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. At this time, the meeting was opened for comment from the public. Approximately 20 citizens expressed their views on the request. The comments were evenly divided between those in opposition and those in support of the request to place the Stiles farm in the Boonsboro Town Growth Area. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the proposed amendment of the Comprehensive Plan to include the Stiles farm property within the Boonsboro town growth area. The motion was denied with Commissioners Nipps and Wivell voting “AYE” and Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “NO.” Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to support the Stiles Family Limited Partnership’s request to amend the Comprehensive Plan so that the entire Stiles property would be included in the Boonsboro Town Growth Area. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Nipps and Wivell voting “NO.” CITIZENS PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. RE/APPOINTMENTS – AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to appoint John Barr to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – FY 2005–2010 BUDGET PRESENTATION Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, presented the proposed Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2005-2010 for the Commissioners’ review. Ms. Bastian emphasized that it is a draft document and will require revisions before it is finalized for consideration at the budget hearing. She reviewed the process used and the revenues included in the draft. Ms. Bastian informed the Commissioners that the first draft of the CIP budget totals $30,713,495 for FY 2005. She outlined the funding sources to be used for the projects. At this time, Ms. Bastian and Mr. Rohrer began a page-by-page review of the specific projects requested in the general government category and the funds requested by the Board of Education. The Commissioners agreed to continue the CIP review during the afternoon session. RECESS – LUNCHEON WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS The Commissioners recessed at 11:59 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon sponsored by the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:13 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 3, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of February 3, 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved. FEBRUARY 10, 2004 PAGE THREE COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps reported on the Historic Advisory Committee meeting. She stated that the Recreation & Parks Board heard a request from the Downsville Ruritan Club, Hagerstown Pigeon Club, and Funkstown Rod & Gun Club at their meeting asking them to consider allowing gambling at a carnival to be held at the Agricultural Education Center. The group is proposing to use tip jars as a fundraiser at the carnival. Commissioner Nipps stated that the Recreation & Parks Board approved a motion recommending that gambling be allowed on a case-by-case basis at the Agricultural Education Center, limited to Washington County nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Commissioner Nipps stated that this recommendation was also going to be presented to the Agricultural Education Center Board. She asked if the Commissioners wanted to approve this request and then consider changing the policy at a later date. John Martirano, Deputy County Attorney, informed the Board that he reviewed the lease and the addendum and does not feel that it would be permitted under the lease with the State. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to support a change in the policy if the State will permit it. Commissioner Munson stated that he feels that outside organizations should pay for postage and copies made in the County mailroom. He distributed information on the usage. Commissioner Snook suggested that they revisit the subject during budget review. Commissioner Wivell provided information on the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. He reported on the meeting of the Tax Differential Committee. Commissioner Snook asked that this item be scheduled on the agenda to review with the entire Board. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the MACo Legislative and Taxation Committee meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he met with the Greater Hagerstown Committee. He stated that he received a letter asking that the Board of County Commissioners take a position on the acquisition of BFI by Waste Management Systems. He asked staff to research this matter and review their findings with the Commissioners. The Board also discussed a letter they received from the Town of Keedysville regarding complaints about KitKat and Critter Rescue. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the Town of Hancock thanking them for providing funding for reprinting of the Rail-to-Trail brochures. He informed the Commissioners that the Donnelly House has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Snook stated that the Department of Natural Resources is asking each County if they would like to have a piece of the remains of the Wye Oak. The Commissioners agreed that they would like to receive a share of the Wye Oak and seedlings if possible. FISCAL YEAR 2005-2010 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET PRESENTATION – CONTINUED The Commissioners continued with the CIP review of specific projects in the categories of agricultural preservation, drainage projects, and road improvement. PROPOSED 2004 GOALS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reviewed the proposed goals for 2004 as presented at last week’s meeting. After discussion, it was the consensus to include the following goals: 1) Develop and implement a highway pavement management plan; 2) Adopt Rural Area Zoning after consideration of the Task Force recommendations and begin implementation of Comprehensive Plan recommendations for Urban and Town Growth Areas; 3) Enhance e- government services by developing procedures to post appropriate documents and data on the Internet and intra-net and by developing a “frequently asked questions” system on the County web page; 4) Develop and implement a Rewards/Recognition Program that is linked to a Suggestion Program; 5) Develop a master plan to ensure adequate emergency medical services for the Citizens of Washington County; 6) Develop a program to utilize the Airport runway extension, increase a tax FEBRUARY 10, 2004 PAGE FOUR base, and better utilize the Foreign Trade Zone. 7) Development of a Countywide Revitalization Program for Urban Areas. The Commissioners agreed to review the proposed goals at next week’s meeting for adoption. SALE OF LITTLE ANTIETAM WATERSHED SURPLUS PROPERTY Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the winning bidder for the surplus property along the Little Antietam Watershed was unable to obtain financing for the purchase. The next bidder then came forward with an offer letter and deposit to purchase the property for the originally negotiated price of $79,000. Mr. Lowry recommended that the Commissioners accept this offer and return the $1,000 deposit made by the original bidder. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the sale of 23.1 acres of land along Marble Quarry Road to the “Local Group” consisting of neighboring property owners Mary Ann Kerins, Gillian Craig, Francis L. Stone, and Linda Downs Webb for the originally negotiated price of $79,000. Motion carried with Commissioners Munson, Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 4:06 p.m. to discuss 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 Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to reconvene in open session at 5:42 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter that affects one or more individual, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and considered matters concerning proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, 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, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Rook, Executive Director of the PenMar Development Corporation; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 5:42 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING – PRESENTATION BY DR. SARAH TAYLOR ROGERS The Board of County Commissioners met in the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College at 7:00 p.m. to hear a presentation by Dr. Sarah Taylor-Rogers from the Maryland Center for Agro- Ecology, concerning downzoning and the possible loss of equity as a result of downzonings. Dr. Taylor-Rogers described the details of the study. She stated that the analysis studied the actual effects of downzoning on land in FEBRUARY 10, 2004 PAGE FIVE Dorchester, Kent, Calvert, and Talbot Counties. The overall conclusion found that “when downzoning is employed as an integral part of a comprehensive approach to farmland protection, it is a critical and indispensable component to the success of that effort.” The meeting was opened for comments and question from the Commissioners and members of the Task Force on Rural Zoning and then for the public. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.