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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040622 June 22, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 8:30 a.m. to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, 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 Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 10:37 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services; and Linda Parrish. 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. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION John Himes discussed several concerns with the Board, including the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. Route 340 and Valley/Keep Tryst Road. He informed the Commissioners of the accidents and fatalities that have occurred at that location and asked the Commissioners to continue to put pressure on the State for signalization. Commissioner Snook stated that he would continue to remind them of the problem, but indicated that the State has the final decision. Ron Hovis stated that he feels that the City and County governments do not demonstrate patriotic spirit toward area veterans and urged the County to sponsor more activities to honor veterans for their service. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – JOE KROBOTH Commissioner Snook presented Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, with a Certificate of Merit in recognition of having recently earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration and commended him for his dedication and perseverance. The Commissioners offered their congratulations on this accomplishment. Mr. Kroboth thanked the Commissioners for the certificate and his co-workers and family for their support and encouragement. SENATOR AMOSS FIRE, RESCUE AND AMBULANCE FUNDING DISTRIBUTION Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, met with the Commissioners regarding the Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund revenues allocated to Washington County by the State for fire and rescue companies. Mr. Kroboth stated that a total of $224,184 was awarded to Washington County for disbursement to the companies. The Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association is recommending that funds be distributed equally among all companies. Using this formula the City of Hagerstown would receive $49,794.55 for six companies and each County fire and EMS company would receive $8,299.11. The Commissioners discussed the options and agreed to allocate the funding in equal shares to all companies. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to distribute the fiscal year 2004 Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue & Ambulance State grant funds in equal shares to all fire and rescue companies in Washington County. Unanimously approved. JUNE 22, 2004 PAGE TWO RECOMMENDATION - BOONSBORO WATER LINE EXTENSION William Christoffel, Health Officer, George Keller, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and Laurie Bucher, former director of the Environmental Division of the Washington County Health Department, met with the Commissioners regarding the water quality issues that were discovered in the Boonsboro area. Ms. Bucher introduced representatives from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Washington County Health Department. She also distributed information on the scope of the proposed project including an application to amend the Zoning Ordinance, maps, and water sampling results. Ms. Bucher stated that the documented groundwater contamination in the area affects residents and businesses. Ms. Bucher informed the Commissioners that the Health Department and MDE are recommending that the water line be extended from the Town of Boonsboro along National Pike West from Lappans Road to Mill Point. The projected extension would be 6,000 feet. They proposed that the County finance the project through the MDE Revolving Loan Fund program and a MDE grant. The County would provide the associated grant management and any interim financing required. The Town of Boonsboro has agreed that it would provide billing and collection of debt service on the loan and would forward these funds to the County for the payment. The Town would also be responsible for project management and would utilize the Town Engineer for design and construction. The Town would own and operate the water line. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions regarding the proposal. Kevin Chambers, Boonsboro Councilman, explained that they would require annexation into the Town for extension of any utility and would begin the process if the Commissioners approve the request. Mr. Keller stated that the total project is estimated to cost $963,000. MDE has approved a construction grant of $367,500 for FY 2005 and a projected grant of $310,000 in FY 2006. The local share (revolving loan) would be $285,500. The annual estimated user rate would be $445. He indicated that this would be subject to approval by the Board of Public Works. The Town of Boonsboro would charge a $1,000 connection fee for residential units. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to proceed with the request to the Maryland Department of the Environment for grant funds for extension of the Boonsboro water line, contingent upon the Town of Boonsboro accepting the obligation for the outstanding loan. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD OFFICERS Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families, appeared before the Commissioners to request approval of the 2004-05 slate of officers for the Local Management Board (LMB). They are as follows: Chair – James Blanks, Vice-Chair – Millie Lowman, Treasurer – Dennis Davis, and Secretary – David Engle. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the slate of officers for the 2004-05 term of the Local Management Board, as presented. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:08 p.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. PRESENTATION OF AWARD – EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE Boyd Cook, representing Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented the “Above and Beyond Award” to President Snook in recognition JUNE 22, 2004 PAGE THREE of Washington County’s personnel policies, which support the Guard and Reserve. JUNE 2004 CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD – EMMA LOU SCHWAGEL The Commissioners honored Emma Lou Schwagel as the Citizen of the Month for June 2004. Commissioner Nipps presented Ms. Schwagel with a proclamation recognizing her for her contributions to our nation during World War II. Mrs. Schwagel served as a flight instructor for Navy pilots during the war and also supported and aided her late husband, Rome Schwagel, during his tenure as Mayor of Keedysville and as County Commissioner from 1976 - 1984. Mrs. Schwagel thanked the Commissioners for the award and recounted the story of how she became a flight instructor. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Mike Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development, requested authorization to advertise to hire a Community Development Coordinator (Grade 14) to fill the existing vacancy. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to authorize advertising to fill the vacant Community Development Coordinator in the Planning & Community Development Department. Unanimously approved. Joe Kroboth, Director of the Emergency Services Department, informed the Commissioners that he represented the County at the Western Maryland Police Academy graduation. Mr. Kroboth stated that a memorial in recognition of career fire fighters, law enforcement, and retired and active military personnel would be held on September 11. He informed the Commissioners that the consultant for the communications system met with personnel from adjoining counties and State agencies regarding the project. Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance, provided an update and additional information on the project. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, requested authorization to fill two Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO) II positions, one in the Southern Section and one in the Central Section of the Highway Department. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize advertising for two MEO II positions in the Highway Department. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS – RECREATION & PARKS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to appoint Edward Masood to the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board for a three-year term and to appoint William Sterner as an ex- officio, non-voting member representing the Board of Education. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to waive the two-term limit policy and reappoint Jan Wetterer, Ann Corcoran, and John Schildt to the Antietam Battlefield Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS – PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Michael Zampelli, Peggy Bushey, and William Mahr to the PenMar Development Corporation for four-year terms. Unanimously approved. METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) – UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to accept a Federal grant of $416,586 for the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization FY 2004-2005 Unified Planning Work Program and the corresponding budget transfer. Unanimously approved. KAIZEN STUDY REVIEW – PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT The Commissioners continued their review of the results of the Permits & Inspections Department Kaizen event to determine what changes could be made to attain an improved level of customer satisfaction for citizens JUNE 22, 2004 PAGE FOUR who use these services. Members of the Kaizen team who were in attendance included Debi Turpin, Washington County Home Builders Association; Greg Murray, Water Quality Department; Jack Reynard, Highways Department; and Angela Smith, Permits and Inspections Department . They addressed the recommendations dealing with the Inspectors and the utilization of their time. Some of the following items were identified as areas needing improvement: Fee structure not commensurate with complexity of commercial inspections, inspectors’ time not being utilized in an efficient manner, and enhancement of the revenue stream to assist in funding the Department. The team reviewed each recommendation including providing laptop computers for all inspectors to reduce the amount of time spent in the office, adding a combination inspector, and implementing a flexible work schedule. They agreed to return to the Commissioners later with a recommendation for changes to the fee structure. After discussion, the Commissioners gave their approval to proceed with the technology upgrades and to hire a full-time office associate to assist with pre-screening of applications and telephone calls. REQUEST TO FILL POSITION – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, appeared before the Commissioners to request approval to advertise for the position of Business Development Specialist. Mr. Troxell stated that the current Business Development Specialist would be leaving County employment on June 25 and there is a need to fill the position as soon as possible in order to continue proactive marketing efforts. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to advertise for the position of Business Development Specialist. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL – NATURAL GAS AT COUNTY FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the contract renewal with Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc., for natural gas at County facilities per State of Maryland Contract Bid No. 001IT812454, based upon the fixed rate for transportation and the NYMEX index for natural gas as outlined in the State contract. The term of the contract is July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR SMITHSBURG AND BOONSBORO BRANCH LIBRARIES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for architectural services for the Smithsburg and Boonsboro branch libraries to Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $158,162.50. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 15, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of June 15, 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved . COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended the Mayor’s luncheon for the Miss Maryland Scholarship Pageant contestants. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Strategic Planning Session held by the Economic Development Commission. He stated that the Mack Trucks groundbreaking ceremony has been rescheduled for August 27. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the meetings of the Mental Health Authority, Mental Health Advisory Committee, and the Public Golf Corporation Board. He provided details of the wall that needs repair at Black Rock Golf Course and stated that the insurance would not cover the costs. He asked if the Commissioners wanted them to repair the wall. After discussion, the Commissioners asked Commissioner Kercheval to get more information on the costs. Commissioner Munson stated that he presented a proclamation at the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. He also presented a JUNE 22, 2004 PAGE FIVE check to them from the proceeds of a designated Employees’ Casual Day. Commissioner Munson reported on the meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Local Management Board meeting. Commissioner Snook reported that the State’s Attorney’s Office was awarded an additional $2,600 grant for the Adult Community Service program. He stated that he received a letter from the Maryland Department of the Environment notifying the County of the stormwater management pond project at Courtland Manor. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Town of Keedysville has invited them to attend the July 12 swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor and Council. He stated that he received notification of the redesignation of the Airport Enterprise Zone. Commissioner Snook reported that he attended the Mason Dixon antique car show at the Agricultural Education Center. He noted that Maryland Realtor Magazine reported that the average home price in Washington County for March was $187,000-220,000. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:19 p.m. to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Nipps, seconded by Munson, to reconvene in open session at 3:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Richard W. Douglas, County Attorney; John M. Martirano, Deputy County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Sandra Tillou. APPOINTMENT – PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to appoint Linda Parrish to the Washington County Planning Commission for a five-year term. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:46 p.m. PRESENTATION – RURAL AREA REZONING TASK FORCE The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College by Vice President William J. Wivell, with the following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present were the following members of the Rural Area Rezoning Task Force: Robert Ernst (Chair), Richard Hopkins, Tom Newcomer, Tom Firey, Harold Phillips, Debi Turpin, Chuck Ernst, David Herbst, Jason Divelbiss, Steven O’Farrell, and Fred Frederick. Mr. Ernst provided background on the comprehensive rezoning. He stated that the Task Force was charged with making recommendations on the effects of proposed zoning changes on land equity and programs to complement the plan, lot exemptions for current property owners, lessening the impact on small property owners, and permitted uses in rural areas. Mr. Ernst informed the Commissioners that the Task Force held 14 meetings, 10 sub-committee meetings, and three special forums. Mr. Ernst stated that the Task Force concluded that they agree with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and feel that Washington County is “ahead of the curve.” He indicated that the Task Force feels that there is a clear negative impact from down zoning and they are not convinced by the studies to the contrary. The Task Force also found that JUNE 22, 2004 PAGE SIX the rezoning has potential unintended consequences and that the current growth pattern does not support this action. They concluded that a steady approach over time would better serve the residents. Mr. Ernst stated that the Task Force found that equity loss from rezoning could be restored by providing more options to landowners. They also found that large lot zoning would increase sprawl and that rezoning would not preserve farming. The Task Force then provided recommendations for questions on how to achieve these goals. Mr. Ernst concluded that the Task Force found that the goals of the Comprehensive Plan are correct and the direction for the County is clear; rampant growth is a concern but there is no need to over-react; the options and changes suggested allow for a more fair and balanced transition; and they value our rural heritage and history, yet recognize the need for growth. They thanked the Commissioners and the Planning Department staff. At this time, the meeting was then opened for questions from the County Commissioners on their findings. Commissioner Wivell thanked the Task Force for their hard work and dedication and stated that they Commissioners would take public comment later, after they have had time to digest the information. He indicated that written comments could be directed to them at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ______________________, Clerk