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Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
April 8, 2025
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by John F. Barr, 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 and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner.
President John F. Barr recited the newly adopted rules of Meeting Conduct and Meeting Sequence.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Amy Simmons -Keedysville
Stephanie Phillips -Hagerstown
Dave Williams -Smithsburg
Shaun Porter -Hagerstown
RECESS
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION CONTINUED
Curtis Reigh -Hagerstown
RECESS
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by Reverend Dionne Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by
the full assemblage.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the minutes of March
18, 2025. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner commented on the emergency rescue of a resident during the recent house fire
in Williamspo1t. He thanked all of the firefighters, from the multiple stations, who responded and
saved the life of the resident.
Commissioner Harvey did not have any comments.
Commissioner Cline attended the Commission on Aging Legacy Gala at St. James School. He attended
the first responder ladder testing and hose training this week at the Public Safety Training Center.
Commissioner Cline shared our first responders are always training and they are there when you need
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OPEN Session, April H, W2S
them. He attended the Veteran's Ceremony with Jim Kline and his team, and he welcomed the Vietnam
Veterans home.
Commissioner Barr attended the Commission on Aging Legacy Gala at St. James School. He attended
the annual tribute and athletic scholarship fundraiser for Hagerstown Community College.
Commissioner Barr attended the Sine Die breakfast in Annapolis and afte1wards attended the gathering
of MACo for the last day of the Legislative Session. He commented on the Legislative Session.
Commissioner Barr shared upcoming events.
STAFF COMMENTS
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, reminded residents that we lifted the burn ban and she
provided safety information for outdoor burning. She commented that agenda item # I will be
rescheduled to the April 15, 2025 meeting. Ms. Gordon shared that the Williamsport evening meeting
scheduled for next week has been canceled.
She requested a letter of suppott for Agent P. Training, Inc., who is requesting suppo1t for their FY2025
application from the Performance Incentive Grant Fund to provide vocational training to students in
Washington County. They are not requesting any funding from the County.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus (4-0) for the Agent P. Training, Inc., letter of
support.
She requested a letter of suppott for the Washington County Historical Society Miller House 200th
Curatorial Facility Initiative. They are seeking grant funding for design work associated with the
renovations to the building at the rear of the Miller House Museum in downtown Hagerstown. They
are not requesting any funding from the County.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus (4-0) for the Washington County Historical
Society Miller House letter of support.
She requested a letter of support for Comcast for the Maryland Broadband Extension and Access
Deployment Grant application. They are requesting funding for the expansion of broadband
infrastructure in Washington County to underserved areas. They are not requesting any funding from
the County.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus ( 4-0) for the Comcast letter of support.
1. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO) MITIGATION REQUEST -
ELMWOOD FARMS SECTION SD
This item has been moved to the April 15, 2025, agenda.
2. INTENT TO CONVEY REAL PROPERTY
Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public
Works, presented the request to adopt the ordinance, conveying real prope1ty located at 116 West
Baltimore Street, also known as the Dwyer Center, and to authorize the execution of necessary
documentation to finalize the conveyance. The County entered into an agreement of sale with the
highest offer from Venture Point 10, LLC for $375,000.00 on March 13, 2025. Staff are ready to
proceed with the conveyance of property at this time.
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OPEN Session, April 8, 2025
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to adopt the ordinance,
conveying the real property located at 116 West Baltimore Street as presented. The motion passed (3-
0-1 ). Commissioner Barr abstained from the vote.
3. BUHRMAN MALPF EASEMENT AGREEMENT
Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, Planning and Zoning, presented the request to approve
an easement agreement and commitment to the Samuel J. Buhrman and Brittany E. Buhrman Maryland
Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easement project from the Washington County
Land Preservation General Operating fund in the amount of$24,990.00. MALPF corrected the amount
to $18,292.00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve an easement agreement
and commitment to the Samuel J. Buhrman and Brittany E. Buhrman Maryland Agricultural Land
Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easement project in the amount of $18,292.00 as presented. The
motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
4. 2025 HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION TRANSFER
Jill Baker, Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the request to approve the transfer of Washington
County's 2025 Housing Bond Allocation in the amount of$7,173,121.00 back to the Depaitment of
Housing and Community Development for use in issuing housing bonds on behalf of Washington
County. Ms. Baker will provide information to the Commissioners as to funds that were received last
year and how many homeowners and renters benefited from the funding.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the transfer of
Washington County's 2025 Housing Bond Allocation in the amount of $7,173,121.00 back to the
Depattment of Housing and Community Development as presented. The motion passed unanimously
(4-0).
5. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE {USDA} COMMUNITY
FACILITIES GRANT
Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management; and David Hays, Director Emergency Services, presented
the request to approve acceptance of a Congressionally Directed Community Facilities Grant from the
United States Depa1tment of Agriculture (USDA). The amount of the grant award is $1,000,000.00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve acceptance of a
Congressionally Directed Community Facilities Grant from the United States Depa1tment of
Agriculture as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
6. JAIL BASED MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT {MAT} PROGRAM-APPROVAL
TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT FUNDING AS AWARDED
Carsten Ahrens, Senior Grant Manager, Grant Management; and Meaghan Willis, Program Director,
Day Repotting Center, presented the request to approve submission of application and accept funding
as awarded for the Jail Based Medication Assisted Treatment Program. The Washington County
Detention Center (WCDC) is requesting approval to submit an application to the Governor's Office for
Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services requesting $399,347.00 in funding to suppott the Jail
Based Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and accept any awarded funding.
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OPEN Session, April 81 7-02.ri
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve submission of application
and accept funding as awarded for the Jail Based Medication Assisted Treatment Program as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
7. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN FY26 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT PROPOSAL
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management, presented the request to approve the submission of
the FY26 Community Pmtnership Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children in the
amount of$756,266.00 and accept funding as awarded.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the submission of the
FY26 Community Partnership Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children as presented.
The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
8. BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Linda Spence, Financial Programs Administrator, Business and Economic Development; and Jonathan
Horowitz, Director, Business and Economic Development, presented the request to Approve the
proposed termination of two business and economic development financial incentive programs as
presented. The Department of Business and Economic Development (OBED) recommends elimination
of the Pad-Ready Site Stimulus Program and the New Jobs Tax Credit Program to replace with other
programs.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the proposed termination
of two business and economic development financial incentive programs, the Pad-Ready Site Stimulus
Program and the New Jobs Tax Credit Program as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
9. SOLE SOURCE AW ARD (PUR-1734) -NEPTUNE METERS AND AMR SYSTEMS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Davina Yutzy, Deputy Director, Water Quality Operations,
presented the request to authorize a Sole Source procurement for the purchase of two hundred sixteen
(216) Neptune R900! Water Meters from Core & Main of Martinsburg, WV, for the total sum in the
amount of$99,686.20 based on its quote dated March 14, 2025.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to authorize a Sole Source
procurement for the purchase of two hundred sixteen (216) Neptune R900! Water Meters from Core &
Main as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
10. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE {INTG-25-0182) -TWELVE
(12) 2025 CHEVROLET TAHOE VEHICLES FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Sheriff Brian Albert, Washington County Sheriffs Office,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, the Sheriffs Office to purchase twelve (12) -2025
Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles from Hertrich Fleet of Milford, DE; for the total sum amount of $653,740.00
and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (#00IB5600291) that was awarded by State of Maryland
Department of General Services.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution, the
Sheriffs Office to purchase twelve (12) -2025 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles from Hertrich Fleet as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
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OPEN Session, April 8, 2025
11. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INGT-25-0183) -PUBLIC
SAFETY SOLUTIONS -RAVE ALERT PRO, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, for the Depattment of Emergency Management to
purchase the RA VE Alert Pro from Rave Mobile Safety of Framingham, MA for the proposed total
amount of$113,500.00 for a three-year period and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (R210406)
that was awarded by Omnia Partners.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to authorize by Resolution, for the
Depa1tment of Emergency Management to purchase the RA VE Alert Pro from Rave Mobile Safety as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
12. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER ASSESSMENT,
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
(INGT-25-0184)
DEPARTMENT OF
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management,
presented the request to authorize by Resolution, for the Department of Emergency Management to
purchase services to provide a comprehensive assessment from Mission Critical Pattners of Port
Matilda, PA for the proposed amount total of$120,765.00 and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract
(HP08-21) that was awarded by Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution, for the
Depattment of Emergency Management to purchase services to provide a comprehensive assessment
from Mission Critical Pa1tners as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
13. BID AWARD (PUR-1727) SEVENTY-TWO STAINLESS STEEL BOLLARD COVERS AT
THE HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented the
request to award the procurement of seventy-two (72) stainless steel bollard covers at the Hagerstown
Regional Airpott. to Humana Chemicals, Inc. of Potomac, MD for a Total Sum Bid Price of$61,995.80.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the procurement of
seventy-two (72) stainless steel bollard covers at the Hagerstown Regional Airpmt. to Humana
Chemicals, Inc.as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
14. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0185) SECURITY
UPDATES AT THE ANDREW F. WILKINSON COURTHOUSE, WASHINGTON COUNTY
CIRCUIT COURT
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Kristin Grossnickle, Comt Administrator at Andrew F.
Wilkinson Comthouse, Washington County Circuit Court, presented the request to authorize by
Resolution, for the Washington County Circuit Coutt to purchase and have installed various hardware
and software components to allow for multiple security upgrades at the circuit comthouse from Skyline
Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, MD in the total amount of $63,993.77 and to utilize another
jurisdiction's contract that was awarded by the Carroll County Public Network (CCPN) contract (#49-
F-1-24/25) November 13, 2024.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution, for the
Washington County Circuit Comt to purchase and have installed various hardware and software
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OPEN Session, April H, 2025
components to allow for multiple security upgrades at the circuit courthouse from Skyline Technology
Solutions as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
15. FY2026 GENERAL FUND BUDGET -PROPOSED -DRAFT 3
Kelcee Mace, Chief Operating Officer; and Kim Edlund, Director, Budget and Finance, presented for
Informational purposes the proposed Draft 3 of the FY2026 General Fund Budget.
16. FY26 GOLF COURSE BUDGET
Ryan Crabtree, Golf Course Manager, Black Rock Golf Course; and Andrew Eshleman, Director,
Public Works, presented for informational purposes the proposed FY2026 Golf Course Budget.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, clarified information that contradicts statements made earlier
in citizen comments. The Golf Course Fund generates fees to suppott its operations of about
$1,500,000.00. It only receives about $158,000.00 from the general fund and that is generally to
support capital projects to ensure that we have up to date facilities.
Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 9:50 a.m. and returned at 9:52 a.m.
17. FY26 TRANSIT BUDGET
Shawn Harbaugh, Director, Transit; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works, presented for
informational purposes the proposed FY2026 Transit Budget.
18. FY26 AIRPORT BUDGET
Neil Doran, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport; and Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works,
presented for informational purposes the proposed FY2026 Airport Budget.
Commissioner Barr left the meeting at I 0: 12 a.m. and returned at I 0: 15 a.m.
19. EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
Chip Rose, Director, Human Resources presented the request to approve to pa1tner with Flying Boxcars
to host an Employee Appreciation Day and approve the purchase of tickets for employees (and up to
three family members) for one of the home baseball games in June.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, recommended a cap on the amount of $10,000.00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve to partner with the Flying
Boxcars to host an Employee Appreciation Day as presented. With a maximum amount from the
Commissioner Contingency fund of$10,000.00. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to convene in closed session at IO: 19
a.111. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
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) Confidential personnel matters to be discussed:
• Discussion of position classification in State's Attorney's Office.
• Employment Contract for Staff in Sheriffs Office.
• Appointment to County Gaming Commission.
• Discussion of discipline of County Employee
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter
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OPEN Session, April 81 2025
(7) Providing legal advice to Board is covered by attorney/client privilege.
• County Attorney's Office to provide legal advice to Board re a contract negotiation.
• Update on County-involved legal matters.
• Discussion of potential litigation and settlement discussion with counsel.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed; and reached a consensus to:
• Reclassification of a position in the State's Attorney's Office;
• Employment contract for staff in the Sheriffs office;
• Discipline of County Employee;
• For boards and commission appointments and reappointments to the Washington County
Gaming Commission; and
• Received legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the County is a
pa11y.
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners Jeffrey A. Cline, Derek Harvey,
and Randall E Wagner: Dawn Marcus, County Clerk and Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney;
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Rosalinda Pascual, Deputy County Attorney; Aaron Weiss,
Assistant County Attorney; Victor Scarpelli, Assistant County Attorney; Gina Cirincion, State's
Attorney; Sheriff Brian Albert; Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management; Chip Rose, Director
Human Resources; Laura McKenzie; Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering; and
Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to reconvene in open session at
11 :28 a.m. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to adjourn at 11 :38 a.m. The
motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
C2iawu. -J.' J71a.,,__U<A
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk