HomeMy WebLinkAbout250415 - Open Minutesl
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• Washington County
MARYLAND
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
April 15, 2025
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation presented by Reverend Dionne Hall, 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, Ma1yland, to order at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner. Commissioner Derek Harvey joined the meeting at
9:04 a.m.
President John F. Barr recited the rules of Meeting Conduct and Meeting Sequence.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Curtis Reigh -Hagerstown
Dave Williams -Smithsburg
Jerimy Tindal -Hagerstown
Jill Katz -Hagerstown
Arthur Larue -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.
CALL TO ORDER
President John F. Barr called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County, Maiyland, to order at 10:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of March 25,
2025. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner thanked the 911 Dispatch Telecommunicators and staff at the 911 Center. He
attended the luncheon at the 911 Center. Commissioner Wagner attended the Airport Advisory
Committee meeting. He conunented on the airport and aviation traffic.
Commissioner Harvey commented on County staff, the County Administrator and Directors of County
Departments. He recognized all staff as hard-working civil servants.
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OPEN Session, A!HH :u;, ;o:;►-,
Commissioner Cline agreed with Commissioner Harvey on his comments regarding staff. He
recognized the 911 Dispatchers for Telecommunicators Week. Commissioner Cline attended the
luncheon at the 911 Center. He attended a ceremony at the Williamsport Memorial Library regarding
the 90th Anniversaty of the Rockville Tragedy accident. Commissioner Cline attended
the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Depatiment Open House for Home-school Day. He attended the
Town of Hancock meeting and presented a plaque to Clarence Ptyor, WWII Veteran, who
celebrated his 100°1 birthday. Commissioner Cline was a guest judge for food
preparation of four Scout Troops from South County at the Scout Dutch Oven contest. He
shared there will be a public meeting on Wednesday April 16111, 2025, for discussion regarding
the closing of the bridge in Clear Spring.
Commissioner Barr agreed with the comments regarding County staff. He appreciates the comrade1y,
professionalism, hard work and dedication of County Staff. He attended the Clear Spring High School
Drama Club event featuring Neil Simon's play The Odd Couple. Commissioner Barr attended the
Once Upon a Mattress show presented by the students at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. He
attended the Maryland Depatiment of Public Safety and Correctional Services Reentty Symposium.
Commissioner Barr commented on his discussions with legislators and concerns over changes to
the budgets. He shared upcoming events.
STAFF COMMENTS
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources, presented the request to offer a transitional contract to
Colonel Pete Lazich. The contract will be effective from July I, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
This will allow for consistency and continuity with Brian Albert's appointment as the Sheriff. Staff
are requesting the contract salaty be based on his previous salary ofFY2025 which is $83.13 per hour.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to offer a transitional contract
to Colonel Pete Lazich as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources, presented the request to reclassify the Caseworker position
in the States Attorney's Office. The current position is a Grade 8, Step 16, the new position which is a
Digital Evidence Technician is a Grade I 0, Step I. Despite the differences in the grade, the
reclassification will save the County $15,413.00 per year.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the reclassification of
the position as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Carsten Ahrens, Office of Grant Management; and Lieutenant Daniel Monn, Washington County
Sheriffs Office, presented the request to approve to submit the application for grant funding for the
Warrant Apprehension Program in the amount of $49,980.00.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to submit the
application for the Warrant Apprehension Program Grant as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
Carsten Ahrens, Office of Grant Management; and Lieutenant Daniel Monn, Washington County
Sheriffs Office, presented the request to approve the application for grant funding for the FY2026
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OPEN Session, April 15, 2025
Domestic Violence Program to provide overtime funding for training and personnel to enter protective
orders which are required to be entered into the requisite system.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to submit the
application for the Domestic Violence Grant as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Carsten Ahrens, Office of Grant Management; and Lieutenant Daniel Monn, Washington County
Sheriffs Office, presented the request to approve to submit the application for grant funding for the
FY2026 Police Recrnitment and Retention Grant Program from the Governor's Office of Crime
Prevention Youth and Victim Services in the amount of $48,980.00.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to submit the
application for the FY2026 Police Recruitment and Retention Grant as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request to approve the reappointment of Dawn
Wintermoyer, to serve a second two-year term from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, on the
Gaming Commission.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the reappointment of
Dawn Wintermoyer as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared information regarding the April 16, 2025, public
meeting at the Clear Spring High School to discuss the detour of Route 40 for the State Bridge
Replacement Project. She commented on the recently approved Cell Tower on Route 67; which was
approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and not by the County Commissioners, the Board of
Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial board that is autonomous from the Commissioners, the public
hearing was held on April 2, 2025 and the public comment period has closed, a decision was made at
the April 2, 2025 meeting to approve the cell tower, the Board of County Commissioners were not
involved in that decision and by law cannot overturn or interfere with the final decision, citizens have
the option of appealing the BZA decision to the Circuit Coutt for Washington County. Ms. Gordon
thanked the 911 Telecommunicators in honor of911 Telecommunicators Week for their service.
Ms. Gordon requested a consensus for a letter of support for USMH, they are seeking grant funding for
engaging families in early learning through the Maryland Elevate Grant Program for the FY2026
project. This will provide inclusive early learning programs for free for rural children. They are not
seeking any funding from the County at this time.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus ( 4-0) for the letter of suppott to USMH.
Ms. Gordon requested a consensus for a letter of suppo1t to USA Softball for the 2027 USA Softball
Eastern National Girls Fast Pitch Tournament. The Hagerstown Girl's Softball Tournament here is
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OPEN Session, April :1 !;, i'.O)!;
seeking support from the Board to host that fast pitch tournament locally in Hagerstown at various
parks throughout the County. They are not seeking any funding from the County at this time.
The Commissioners reached a unanimous consensus ( 4-0) for the letter of support to USA Softball.
1. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO) MITIGATION REQUEST
ELMWOOD FARMS SECTION SD
William C. Wantz, Attorney; Jim Fitzgerald and John Dallavalle, Owner, presented the request to
approve APFO mitigation request for Elmwood Farms Section 5D subdivision plat. The original
Elmwood Farm preliminary plat was approved in Februaty 2005. The request is identical to two
previously approved by the Board of County Commissioners and is applicable to the remaining lots in
Section 5D. He provided a handout.
Commissioner Cline left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. and returned at 10:34 a.m.
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, shared the Memorandum from the Director of the Depatiment
of Planning and Zoning.
Staff will work with the Developer to bring mitigation options back before the Commissioners for
further consideration.
2. SWOPE ROAD PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, presented the request to approve the option agreements for partial
property acquisition and conveyance of existing right-ot:way including fee simple and easements for
21410 Swope Road; and approve an ordinance approving said purchase; and to authorize the execution
of the necessaty documentation to finalize the acquisition.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the option agreements
for partial property acquisition and conveyance of existing right-of-way including fee simple and
easements for 21410 Swope Road and to authorize the ordinance and execute as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
3. CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION
PROGRAM FY25 CHIP SEAL APPLICATIONS, CONTRACT NO. MS-PMP-314-28
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, presented the request to award the bid for the
Pavement Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program FY'25 Chip Seal Applications contract to
the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Russell Standard Corp., of Fayetteville, PA for
the amount of $1,362,145.30 which includes the option to extend the contract for a period of up
to two, one-year extensions.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to award the bid for the Pavement
Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program FY'25 Chip Seal Applications to Russell Standard Corp.,
as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
4. CONSTRUCTION BID A WARD -PROFESSIONAL BOULEVARD PHASE III/IV
Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, presented the request to award the Professional Boulevard Phase
III/IV contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, C. William Hetzer of Hagerstown,
Maryland in the amount of$2,184,611.00 for the extension of Professional Boulevard from Yale Drive
to Rosewood Village.
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OPEN Session, April 15, 2025
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to award the Professional
Boulevard Phase III/IV contract to C. Willian Hetzer as presented. The motion passed unanimously
(4-0).
5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0187} PAVEMENT
CONDITION SURVEY
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Scott Hobbs, Director Engineering presented the request to
authorize by Resolution for the Division of Engineering to purchase pavement scanning services from
StreetScan USA, INC. of Wakefield MA at the contracted unit prices totaling $207,770.00 based on
the contract awarded by Pierce County, Washington, SC-I I 0361 Pavement Scanning Services.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to authorize by Resolution for the
Division of Engineering to purchase pavement scanning services from StreetScan USA, INC. as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
6. BID AWARD (PUR-1728} CELLULAR REMOTE MONITORING FOR PUMPING
STATIONS
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Mark Bradshaw, Director, Environmental Management,
presented the request to award the procurement of a cellular remote monitoring and control system, for
the Washington County Depmtment of Water Quality to STH, Inc (Shafer, Troxell & Howe, Inc.) of
Frederick, MD for a Total Sum Bid Price of $210,740.00. This award is contingent upon receiving
approval from the EPA.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to award the procurement of a
cellular remote monitoring and control system, for the Washington County Department of Water
Quality to STH, Inc., as presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-25-0186} FIRE
TRAINING TOWER
Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; and Kevin Lewis, Director -Training and Quality
Assurance/Quality Control, Emergency Services, presented the request to authorize by Resolution for
the Division of Emergency Services to purchase a fire training tower from WHP Trainingtowers of
Grandview, MO based on its proposal dated April 1, 2025, for a total proposal price of $1,608,582.75
and to utilize another jurisdiction's contract (#011822-JHK) that was awarded by Sourcewell to WHP
Trainingtowers.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to authorize by Resolution for the
Division of Emergency Services to purchase a fire training tower from WHP Trainingtowers as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
8. BID AWARD (PUR-1732} GRINDER PUMPS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER
QUALITY (DWO}
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Purchasing; and Joe Moss, Deputy Director-Engineering, Environmental
Management, presented the request to award the procurement of sixty (60) Liberty grinder pumps and
fifty-two (52) Liberty control panels to the responsive, responsible bidder, BT Plumbing Supply, Inc.
ofFinksburg, MD, for a Total Sum Bid Price of$123,436.00.
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OPEN Session, /\pril Ei, JO;J!;
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to award the procurement of sixty
(60) Liberty grinder pumps and fifty-two (52) Liberty control panels to BT Plumbing Supply, Inc., as
presented. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
9. UPDATE GENERAL AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Jaime Dick, Deputy Director-Parks & Recreation, Public Works, presented the request to approve the
execution of the updated General Agreement with National Park Service. The National Park Service
is updating the General Agreement with Washington County with regards to the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail which transverses through Pen Mar Park.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to approve the execution of the
updated General Agreement with National Park Service as presented. The motion passed unanimously
(4-0).
10. 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 Repmiing Center, presented that there is a correction to the ARF. The correction is that this request
is for the Washington County Day Reporting Center not the Jail Based Medication Assisted Treatment
Program. The Washington County Day Reporting Center (WCDRC) is requesting approval to submit
an application to the Governor's Office for Crime Prevention, for $270,000.00 and accept any awarded
funding.
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve submission of the
application and accept funding as awarded for the Day Reporting Center as presented. The motion
passed unanimously ( 4-0).
11. PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK PROCLAMATION
The Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency
Management and 911 Telecommunicators staff for Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to convene in closed session at
11 :26 a.m. 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 individuals.
(I). Confidential personnel matters to be discussed.
• Appointment to Agricultural Education Center Advisory Board.
• Presentation of Hiring Recommendation for Division of Solid Waste.
• Discussion of discipline of County employee.
To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter.
(7). Providing legal advice to the Board is covered by attorney/client privilege.
• Discussion related to negotiation of amendment to contract and legal advice pertaining
to amendment. Open session discussion of this item would weaken County bargaining
position.
• Discussion of potential litigation and settlement discussion with counsel.
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Consult with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending litigation.
• Discussion of settlement of County-involved litigation.
In closed session, the Conunissioners discussed and reached a consensus to:
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OPEN Session, April 15, 2025
• Hiring of Superintendent of Landfill Operations, Solid Waste;
• Discipline of County employee;
• For boards and commissions appointments and reappointments to the Washington
County Agricultural Education Center;
• Legal advice regarding negotiation of contract amendment;
• Legal advice regarding potential litigation and settlement;
• Legal advice and updates on pending litigation matters for which the County is a
party.
Present during closed session at various times were Commissioners John F. Barr, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Derek Harvey and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn L. 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; Thomas
Gozora, Facilities Manager, Agricultural Education Center; Jaime Dick, Deputy Director, Parks and
Recreation; David Mason, Deputy Director, Solid Waste; Brandi Kentner, Director, Purchasing; Chip
Rose, Director Human Resources; Laura McKenzie, Counsel; Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer
and Maria Kramer, Director, Grant Management.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 12:38
p.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
ADJOURNMENT
CommissionerHarvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to adjourn at 12 :38 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously ( 4-0).
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk