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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040224 February 24, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 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. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO) TRANSPORTATION FEES Tim Troxell, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and Peggy Bushey, Chair of the EDC, met with the Commissioners to discuss proposed modifications to the APFO transportation fees. Mr. Troxell indicated that the fees could have an impact on economic development prospects who are considering developing in the area. He stated that representatives of EDC and the Division of Public Works worked together to develop “decimal multipliers” for four basic industry types which would be applied to the current fees. Mr. Troxell proposed the following decimal multiplier fee schedule: residential and retail (1.0), warehouse/distribution center (.75), industrial/manufacturing (.5), and office (.25). The Commissioners discussed the proposal and the method used to develop the multiplier. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, suggested that they schedule additional time to permit Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, to outline the transportation standards upon which the formula was based. Commissioner Snook asked the Commissioners to list their questions for Mr. McGee to address at next week’s meeting. BID AWARD – ONE-TON DUMP TRUCK - BUILDINGS, GROUNDS & PARKS Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for a one-ton dump truck for the Buildings, Grounds & Parks Department to Hagerstown Ford based on Option one (dump truck with 4-wheel drive) for the lump sum bid of $37,995, to include Alternate No. 2 (snow v-plow) for $2,620, and Alternate No. 3 (extended warranty) for $2,620, for a total award of $43,235. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST – DEVIL’S BACKBONE PARK WATER IMPROVEMENTS Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, requested a budget transfer of $25,600 to make upgrades to the water supply to the restrooms at Devil’s Backbone Park. Mr. Sterling explained that State agencies have mandated the improvements because a water survey revealed that surface water is infiltrating the well at the park. He stated that the County’s plan was rejected by the State. The Commissioners discussed the matter and agreed to close the restroom facilities and to rent portable sanitary facilities for placement in the park if State agencies did not support the County’s plan. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to deny the budget transfer request for improvements to the water supply at Devil’s Backbone Park and to rent portable sanitation facilities for installation at the park. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – AGRICULTURAL RECONCILIATION BOARD Eric Seifarth, Land Preservation Planner, met with the Commissioners regarding the appointment of an attorney to the Agricultural Reconciliation Board. He provided the names of three local attorneys who expressed interest in serving on the Board. The Commissioners discussed the applicants and agreed to appoint Marcia Watters to the Board. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to appoint Marcia Watters to the Agricultural Reconciliation Board for a three-year term. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval voting “NO.” EARLY INTERVENTION PROJECTS FUNDING Melissa Nearchos, Project Manager for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP), informed the Commissioners that they recently reviewed concept applications for the award of Early FEBRUARY 24, 2004 PAGE TWO Intervention Projects for a short-term project or short services, which meet a “gap” or short-term need locally. Ms. Nearchos stated that $3,765is available for projects that meet the program guidelines. She reviewed the applications submitted and stated that the Review Panel is recommending that funds be awarded to the Washington County Early Intervention Program for the project entitled “Closing an Early Intervention Speech/Language Service Gap for Infants and Toddlers.” Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the recommendation to award $3,765 in Early Intervention Projects Funds to the Washington County Early Intervention Program for the “Closing an Early Intervention Speech/Language Service Gap for Infants and Toddlers” project. Unanimously approved. BUSINESS EXPENSE POLICY REVISION Debra Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance, met with the Commissioners to review the revisions made to the Business Expense Policy as presented to the Commissioners at the January 20 meeting. She stated that the revised document provides for reimbursement to employees for the cost of a rider on their personal car insurance policies to allow for business use of personal vehicles. Ms. Bastian indicated that some Commissioners suggested that this be added when it was reviewed at the January 20 meeting. The Commissioners discussed whether the County would give employees the choice of mileage reimbursements or the reimbursement for the rider. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to remove this item from the policy. Commissioner Kercheval asked staff to look into the costs of providing an umbrella rider policy. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to approve the revised Business Expense Policy with the recommended changes and to remove the provision to provide reimbursement for a rider to insurance policy for business use of personal vehicles. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – FOOD SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to renew the contract for food services at the Washington County Detention Center with Aramark Correctional Services, Inc., to include a Producer Price Index (PPI) increase of 4.87% to inmate and staff meals and an additional $.02/meal increase to inmate meals for changes requested by the Warden, for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:52 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 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. PUBLIC HEARING – PROPERTY ACQUISITION NEAR THE HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the acquisition of two parcels of land, with improvements, as approved by the Commissioners at the January 13, 2004 meeting. The parcels total 0.51 acres owned by the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. and are identified as Tax ID No. 27-001939 and Tax ID No. 27-001955, known as 14606 and 14612 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland. The consideration to be paid for the property is $500,000, of which $475,000 would be paid by FAA and MAA and $25,000 would be paid by the County. The parcels are needed for the Runway 220 Land Acquisition project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The meeting was then opened for public comments. James Devine commented on the cost of the properties. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners conducted a budget workshop to discuss the projects submitted for the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years FEBRUARY 24, 2004 PAGE THREE 2005 - 2010. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, provided a summary of the projects and the changes made at the last workshop meeting. The Commissioners reviewed projects proposed for the Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College (HCC). Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC, requested $1.65 million in FY 05 for renovations to the Career Programs Building. William Blum, Chief Operating Officer for the Board of Education, reviewed their requests for the CIP budget. Mr. Blum indicated that their request is for $10 million with the majority of funds being used for the new Maugansville Elementary School. Other funding would be used for Salem Avenue Elementary and ADA projects. The Commissioners then reviewed projects submitted by the Solid Waste Department, Water Quality Department, Airport, and Transportation Department. Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department, explained the upgrades necessitated by the Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) project mandated by the Maryland Department of the Environment. (Commissioner Nipps was excused from the meeting at 2:00 p.m.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 3:07 p.m. to 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 Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:28 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters and considered matters that concern 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, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Gerald Hoak, EDC member; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:28 p.m. EVENING SESSION – KEEDYSVILLE MUNICIPAL BUILDING The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Keedysville Municipal Building by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, and John C. Munson. Also present were Keedysville Mayor Lee Brandenburg, and Council members Matt Hull, Jackie Stranathan, and Barry Levey, as well as Sharpsburg Mayor Hal Spielman and Council members Ralph Hammond, Cathy Hammond, and Jeff Saylor. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Kercheval followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 17, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to approve the minutes of February 17, 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the MACo Legislative and Taxation Committee meeting and provided an update on several bills that they reviewed. FEBRUARY 24, 2004 PAGE FOUR Commission Munson reported on the meetings of the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board and the Agricultural Education Center Board. He also provided each Commissioner with a copy of President Bush’s State of the Union address. Commissioner Kercheval reported on meetings of the Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Public Golf Corporation Board. He stated that Black Rock Golf Course has had some difficulty in receiving insurance claims and asked that staff provide them with an update. He stated that he met with a citizens group at Pangborn Elementary School and with a representative of New Life Fellowship Church regarding the old Dargan School property that had been originally acquired from the County. Commissioner Snook informed those in attendance that Commissioner Nipps was absent due to a meeting in Annapolis. He reported on the meetings of the Transportation Advisory Committee and the Hagerstown-Washington County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Ken Grove, attorney for Paul Crampton, indicated that he had delivered a letter to each of the Commissioners earlier today concerning the application of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). Mr. Grove stated that he and his client recognize that the Commissioners have not had time to digest the points raised in the letter, but asked that they consider their comments regarding implementation of Article V of the APFO. Tom Clemens commended the Commissioners for passing the APFO. He stated that legislation introduced to provide the Washington County Higher Education Association with collective bargaining rights was not passed because the Commissioners did not support it. He asked each of them to explain their position on this issue. Commissioner Snook stated that it was the consensus of the Board to remain neutral, as it correctly should be decided between the Delegation and Hagerstown Community College. At this time, Commissioners Wivell, Munson, and Kercheval outlined their positions. Ralph Hammond, Vice Mayor of Sharpsburg, asked about the capacity remaining at the Sharpsburg wastewater treatment plant. The Commissioners advised him to contact Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department, for the updated figures at the plant. Jackie Stranathan, Keedysville Town Council member, asked if the Commissioners were aware of any plans to make any changes to the Keedysville Library due to construction of the new branch library in Boonsboro. The Commissioners stated that they are not aware of any changes being contemplated by the Board of Trustees of the Washington County Free Library for the branch in Keedysville. Barry Levey, Keedysville Town Council member, asked if the Commissioners were considering making revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance to give it more “teeth” than the existing Ordinance. He stated that the Town has revised the Ordinance and asked if the County wanted to adopt its amendment. Cathy Hammond, Sharpsburg Town Council member, asked the Commissioners to outline the actions they are taking with regard to cable franchising. APPOINTMENT – ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to appoint Dr. Virginia Scrivener to the Animal Control Authority for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, asked if the Commissioners were interested in sending a letter to the Town of Williamsport in support of the zoning changes required for Spirit Services. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter of support. FEBRUARY 24, 2004 PAGE FIVE TAX SET OFF PROGRAM Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax set off program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for Fiscal Year 2004, the Town of Keedysville is estimated to receive $2,772 and the Town of Sharpsburg would receive $3,976. He noted that the tax setoff money for these municipalities is applied toward the cost of a County deputy for 30 hours per week. Commissioner Snook reminded the Mayor and Council that Town employees are invited to utilize the safety programs offered by the County. He stated that the Town might also want to piggyback onto the County’s overlay contract. Mayor Brandenburg discussed concerns about improvements needed to Mt. Hebron Road. Commissioner Snook stated that there has been some question whether this portion of the road is within the Town limits or is a County-maintained road. Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Commissioner Snook reviewed the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) with Town officials. He urged the Towns to adopt the County’s ordinance or something similar to address school capacity issues caused by growth in the Towns. Commissioner Snook explained that any fees collected by the Town on their behalf would be used for area schools and infrastructure. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners stated that County staff would be available to discuss the APFO in more detail. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk