HomeMy WebLinkAbout250513 - Open Minutesl
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Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Open Session Minutes
May 13, 2025
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
lnvocation 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 Randy Leatherman and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner.
President John F. Barr recited the rules of Meeting Conduct and Meeting Sequence.
Commissioner Derek Harvey entered the meeting at 8:05 a.m.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Kristin Aleshire -Hagerstown
Curtis Reigh -Hagerstown
Bill Johns -Hagerstown
Eric Schwartz -Williamspo1t
RECESS
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 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Vice-President Jeffrey
A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey, Commissioner Randy Leatherman and Commissioner Randall
E. Wagner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the minutes of April 29,
2025. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Wagner recognized all mothers for Mother's Day.
Commissioner Leatherman attended the Maryland Theatre 110th anniversary celebration. He thanked
all of the volunteers at the Theatre. Commissioner Leatherman attended the grand opening of 4065
Florals in Sharpsburg.
Page 2 of 6
OPEN Session, 1\Jl;w :I :.-i, 2.n2'.-;
Commissioner Harvey attended the Diversity and Inclusion meeting. He shared information on the
Commission on Aging annual meeting. Commissioner Harvey commented on the Retirement
Committee and the County Pension Plan. He commented on City Councilman Kristin Aleshire's
concerns regarding City residents, education costs, taxes and the students. Commissioner Harvey
shared information regarding bond ratings and the generation of economic development and activity.
Commissioner Cline shared information on National Police week. He thanked the men and women in
blue. He attended the grand opening of 4065 Florals. Commissioner Cline attended the 11 oth
anniversary of the Maryland Theatre. He praised all; the volunteers, patrons and workers for what they
have done to support the theatre. Commissioner Cline attend the Spark Innovation and Growth
Conference at Hagerstown Community College. He attended the Boonsboro Farmers Market for its
I 0th anniversary. Commissioner Cline recognized the County Correctional Officers during
Correctional Officers week. He attended the Chamber of Commerce, Egg's and Issues, and he
commended Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Economic Development for his presentation of the 2025
Washington County Economic Development update. Commissioner Cline recognized Commissioner
Leatherman' s birthday.
Commissioner Barr shared that he will leave the meeting to attend the Abate ceremony for Motorcycle
Safety Week at the Motor Vehicle Administration office. He attended the Hea1t of the Civil War
Heritage monthly meeting in downtown Frederick. Commissioner Barr attended the 11 oth anniversary
of the Maryland Theatre. He commented on the Maryland Theatre, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra
and the Barbara Ingram School for the A1ts. He shared that Commissioner Wagner's father was
honored for his work at the Maryland Theatre during the ceremony. Commissioner Barr shared
information on the Budget Hearing this evening.
STAFF COMMENTS
Chip Rose, Director of Human Resources, presented the request to extend an offer to Clark Mattz for
the position of Business Specialist (Business Retention & Expansion) in the Business and Economic
Development department. The offer is a Grade 14, Step 2, with an hourly salary of $32. 78, effective
May 27, 2025.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to extend an offer to Clark Martz
as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, presented the request to approve a budget adjustment that will
adjust down the 2025 bond issue scheduled for next week by $1,000,000.00. Staff met and reevaluated
some of the water and sewer projects and determined that they are not at a point where bonds should
be issued for them.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to approve the budget adjustment as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Dawn Marcus, County Clerk, presented the request to approve the reappointments of Tracie Felker and
Robett Myers to serve a second, three-year term, from July I, 2025, through June 30, 2028, on the
Board of Zoning Appeals. This is a paid board
Page 3 ofG
OPEN Session, May 13, 2025
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the reappointments of
Tracie Felker and Robe11 Myers as presented. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, attended the Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues where
Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Economic Development did an excellent job updating the business
community about the County's Economic Outlook. She attended the Maryland Theatre's 110th
anniversary event and shared a fun fact, that she played the oboe in the Hagerstown Municipal Band
who held concerts at the Maryland Theatre. Ms. Gordon shared that a pharmaceutical company is
looking to implement an IV manufacturing facility in the Cascade area at the former Fo11 Ritchie
property; they will be receiving a $1,000,000.00 conditional (MEDAAF) loan from the State of
Ma1yland and the County's required match will be $100,000.00, which will be funded by hotel rental
tax, this was approved in staff comments after our special session last week.
1. PRESENTATION OF 35™ ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION TO THE COMMUNITY
FREE CLINIC
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County presented a proclamation to Dan Divito, John
Menard, Dwayne Shrader, Michael Stanford, Malick Thiam, Debra Grove, Jo Chiotis, and Jeremy
Cantner, Community Free Clinic in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Community Free Clinic.
Commissioner Barr left the meeting at 9:28 a.m.
RECESS
2. PRESENTATION OF 70™ ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION TO HORIZON
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County presented a proclamation to David Shuster,
President and CEO, Horizon Goodwill Industries, Inc., in honor of the 70th anniversary of Horizon
Goodwill Industries, Inc. Mr. Shuster shared an overview of the annual rep mt of Horizon Goodwill.
3. YOUTH MERITORIOUS AW ARD PRESENTATION
Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant Management; Washington County Board of County
Commissioners, presented the Youth Meritorious Award to Maddox Aguilar of Smithsburg Middle
School.
4. MARYLAND 9-1-1 BOARD -APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND ACCEPT
AW ARD ED FUNDING
Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management; and Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, Grant
Management, presented the request to approve the submission of grant application to the Emergency
Numbers Systems Board in the amount of$48,000.00 and accept funding as awarded to fund Language
Line services through FY 2026.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the submission of the
grant application to the Emergency Numbers Systems Board and to except funding as presented. The
motion passed unanimously (4-0).
5. CONTRACT RENEWAL (PUR-1544) -TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES AT COUNTY
FACILITIES
Carin Bakner, Buyer, Purchasing; and Danny Hixon, Deputy Director, Parks and Facilities, presented
the request to renew the contract for trash removal services at County facilities with Republic Services
Page 4 ol 6
OPEN Session, May 13, ;)())•;
of Hagerstown, MD, per the rates included in its letter dated April 23, 2025. Republic Services is
requesting a 4.9% increase above the current rates for work performed for the subject services. This
increase is based on CPI-Water/Sewerffrash.
RECESS
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to renew the contract
for trash removal services at County facilities with Republic Services as presented. The motion passed
unanimously ( 4-0).
6. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT RENEWAL (PUR-1618) CYBER INTRUSION DETECTION
AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
(DARK.TRACE)
Josh O'Neal, Chief Technology Officer, Information Systems; and Brandi Kentner, Director,
Purchasing, presented the request to renew the contract for Cyber Intrusion Detection and Monitoring
System for the Information Technology Department for the improvement of network security in the
amount of $273,712.75. This contract is for three (3) years, with an option by the County to renew for
two (2) additional consecutive one (1) year periods; this is the third renewal period. The initial award
was awarded as a sole source by the Board of County Commissioners on April 18, 2023. This approval
is also contingent on the approval of the FY26 budget.
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve to renew the contract
for Cyber Intrusion Detection and Monitoring System for the Information Technology Depatiment as
presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Harvey, moved to convene in closed session at
9:58 a.m. The motion passed unanimously ( 4-0). Commissioner Barr was absent.
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.
Personnel matters are confidential, precluding discussion in open session.
• Personnel discussion concerning County employees' performance.
• Discussion of appointments to County volunteer boards and commissions, Commission for
Women and Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
• Discussion of provision of emergency services in the County to include discussion of
supervision of personnel over whom the Board has jurisdiction.
• Discussion of compensation of ce11ain County employees.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed and reached a consensus to:
• Discipline and removal of County employee;
For boards and commissions appointments and reappointments to the Commission
for Women and Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council;
• Provision of emergency services and supervision of personnel; and
• Compensation of ce1tain County employees;
Commissioner Barr returned to the meeting at 11 :02 a.m.
Page 5 of 6
OPEN Session, May 13, 2025
Present during closed session at various times were President John F. Barr, Commissioners Jeffrey A.
Cline, Derek Harvey, Randy Leatherman and Randall E. Wagner: Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk and
Zachary J. Kieffer, County Attorney; Michelle Gordon, County Administrator; Attorney; Chip Rose,
Director Human Resources; Alan Matheny, Director, Emergency Management and Communications;
R. David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; David Chisholm, Deputy Director-Field Operations,
Emergency Services; James Sprecher, President, WCVFRA; and Oley Griffith, Volunteer Coordinator,
Emergency Services.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 11 :38
a.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
RECESS
CALL TO ORDER
FY26 PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
Location: Public Safety Training Center
18350 Public Safety Place
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
The Board of County Commissioners convened at the Public Safety Training Center, 18350 Public
Safety Place, Hagerstown, Maryland at 6:00 p.m.
RECESS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage.
FY26 PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
Michelle Gordon, County Administrator, and Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, presented an
overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) Budget.
A public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held in the Public
Safety Training Center to consider the proposed FY26 budget for Washington County. In attendance
were President John F. Barr, Vice-President Jeffrey A. Cline, Commissioner Derek Harvey,
Commissioner Randy Leatherman and Commissioner Randall E. Wagner. The public hearing was
being held pursuant to and to satisfy the specific requirements of the laws of the State of Maryland and
to consider and obtain public comment on the proposed FY26 budget for Washington County. Michelle
Gordon, County Administrator, referred to the Citizen's Guide to the Budget for FY26 which was
available at the public hearing, posted on the County's website, and shall be added into the recorded
minutes.
President John F. Barr opened the hearing for public testimony at 6:40 p.m. Six (6) individuals spoke
on issues concerning the budget such as public safety, income tax, bond debt, education, the citizen's
guide, senior citizen services and the effects of the budgetary crisis at the state level.
ADJOURNMENT
Page 6 of 6
OPEN Session, MHy 13, 2025
Commissioner Harvey, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to adjourn at 6:54 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
Commissioner Barr adjourned the public hearing at 6:54 p.m.
Dawn L. Marcus, County Clerk