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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040713 July 13, 2004 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 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. 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 22, 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of June 22 2004, as amended. Unanimously approved . COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson stated that there are people using the Forty West landfill who do not have residential permit stickers. He suggested that a booth be placed near the bridge to allow staff to check for permit stickers. Commissioner Munson indicated that he would present his recommendation to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for review. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Airport Advisory Commission meeting. She thanked the staff who came to view the “Healing Fields” flag display at the Antietam National Battlefield, which was sponsored by area Exchange Clubs to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist acts. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the Water Quality Advisory Committee and the PenMar Development Corporation. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Planning Commission and the Public Golf Corporation. He informed the Commissioners that the barn wall at Black Rock Golf Course is in danger of falling in and needs to be repaired. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the staff would be obtaining estimates for the cost of repairs. He informed the Commissioners that he met with some area businessmen regarding the APFO fees. He also reported on an issue regarding whether a video game license for Family Recreation would be pro-rated by the Gaming Commission. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the situation was addressed by Dan DiVito, Director of the Gaming Office, and that Mr. DiVito would be making a recommendation for final resolution of this matter in the next few months. He reminded the Commissioners that the Mental Health Advisory Committee currently has a survey on the web site. Commissioner Kercheval asked if it would be possible to use County Commuter buses to transport people to the fireworks display next year at Fairgrounds Park. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed him that Federal regulations no longer allow the buses to be used for anything other than fixed routes. Commissioner Nipps suggested that they consider using private school bus contractors. Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners that they must submit recommendations for the Water & Sewer Regional Task Force. He stated that there has been some interest in renting two County-owned properties on Frederick Street and asked the Commissioners if they wanted to have the necessary repairs done in order to rent the houses. The Commissioners asked for an estimate on what it would cost to make the repairs. Commissioner Snook reviewed correspondence he received. The Board of Public Works has approved a $300,000 grant for the purchase of easements through the County’s Rural Legacy Program. They also approved $31,000 in Program Open Space funds for the lighting project at the Agricultural Education Center and $109,000 for tennis court rehabilitation. He stated that he received notification that the State Highway Administration would be rehabilitating the Route 11 bridge over the Potomac River. Commissioner Snook distributed a letter from Senior Living Alternatives requesting $25,000. The Commissioners agreed to review the request and discuss it at a later date. He stated that he received a letter from State Comptroller Schaefer regarding the amount of withholding taxes that JULY 13, 2004 PAGE TWO Washington County would be receiving because of a change in the percentage calculations. Commissioner Snook indicated that the Town of Boonsboro has applied to the State for an increase in the discharge of wastewater from their plant. He informed the Commissioners that Maryland Realtor Magazine reported that the average home price in Washington County for April was $220,000. Commissioner Snook stated that the Maryland Association of Counties legislative committee will meet tomorrow. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that a container truck hit the bridge at Underpass Way and Halfway Boulevard over the weekend. The staff is now assessing the severity of the damage. Mr. Rohrer stated that there was little response to the bid for rehabilitation of the Broadfording Road bridge. He reported that bids are due next week for the pavement overlay project. Mike Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that the staff would present a timeframe for the recommendations on the Rural Area Task Force report at next week’s meeting. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that the County has been awarded a law enforcement terrorism prevention grant of $212,578. He requested permission to advertise to fill a vacancy for a 911 dispatcher. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the request to advertise to fill a vacant 911 Dispatcher position. Unanimously approved. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, explained that the June income tax distribution was 12% above last year’s distribution. She stated that the budget for income tax is $1.1 million over budget to date but cautioned the Commissioners that the new calculation could lower the July, August and September distributions to the County. Ms. Bastian indicated that she had contacted the State for clarification. FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS - KAIZEN EVENT FOR PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT David Hankinson, Human Resources Director, and Angela Smith, Deputy Director of the Permits & Inspections Department, met with the Commissioners to provide the final recommendations from the Kaizen event which was held May 17-19 to examine the work processes and flow in the Permits and Inspections Department. The Kaizen Team and Commissioners reviewed and discussed the following recommendations: 1) Continue discussions with the building community to resolve the issue of requiring engineer’s or architect’s seals on plans submitted to County plan reviewers. 2) There should not be major efforts made to issue citations to those engaged in construction activities without permits. 3) Increase commercial permit application fees to accurately reflect the time required by the Department. 4) The proposed $10 increase in permit fees would generate the funding necessary to pay for an additional Permits Technician and Electrical Inspector. The Team felt that two electrical inspectors are not sufficient to meet the current demand. They proposed that fees only be increased by $5 if the additional position is not approved. They recommended adopting a flat fee for electrical inspections. The Team also recommended that a review be undertaken for all fees charged by the Permits & Inspections Department. 5) Under “minor” violations identified by inspectors, the Team felt that the Electrical and Plumbing Boards could be utilized to help identify some of the minor violations that could be addressed by another inspector to help eliminate multiple trips. After discussion, the Commissioners asked them to provide further information on cross-training and fees. Commissioners Wivell and Munson stated that they were not in favor of hiring additional personnel at this time but wanted to see how the recommendations being implemented would affect the operation. JULY 13, 2004 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to support the recommendations made by the Kaizen Team for the Permits & Inspections Department as outlined, with the exception of utilizing third-party inspections until a policy on this issue is brought back for their review and consideration. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Bob Harsh, owner of County Medical Transport, stated that his contract with the Health Department for ambulance services was not renewed. The contract was then awarded to Washington County Health Systems. He alleged that this contract did not go through their bid process. Commissioner Snook recommended that Mr. Harsh contact a State representative regarding this issue. He also stated that he would check with the County Purchasing Agent to determine if a percentage of County funds were utilized for the Health Department’s contract. Brad Fulton spoke to the Commissioners about his attempts to have a parcel of land near the Hagerstown Regional Airport placed within the Urban Growth Area boundary. Mr. Fulton distributed a concept plan for the property on Mason-Dixon Road and provided a copy of a letter from the adjacent property owners acknowledging that zoning changes are needed. He also provided a copy of the findings from Judge Wright that a truck terminal would be allowed by the special exception. Commissioner Nipps stated that the Airport Advisory Commission has raised concerns that the FAA could expand the airport protection zone in this area. She stated that the staff or Airport Advisory Committee would attempt to confirm the runway protection zone boundary and contact him regarding their findings. Mylin Horst, adjacent property owner, expressed his concern about the effect of zoning on land values. Nelson Turner stated that the County is in the process of purchasing his property for the Runway Protection Zone and outlined the difficulties involved with the procedure. RE/APPOINTMENTS – MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Mervin Yoder to the Mental Health Authority for a three-year term and to appoint Connie Pauley to fill the unexpired term of Dana Moylan, which extends to December 31, 2005. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS – MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, reappoint Dianna Rivera to the Mental Health Advisory Committee for a three-year term and to appoint Mindy Popst, Harry Brown, Dennis Davis, and Mike Shea for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – REHABILITATION LOAN COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to appoint Greg Hannigan to replace Patricia McMillan on the Rehabilitation Loan Committee. Unanimously approved. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – MARK BRADSHAW Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of merit to Mark Bradshaw, Plan Reviewer, in recognition of having received his license as a Registered Professional Engineer. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Bradshaw on this accomplishment and acknowledged the many years of education and perseverance required to achieve this goal. Mr. Bradshaw thanked the Commissioners for the Certificate. RENEWAL – JUVENILE SERVICES CONTRACTS Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to renew the one-year contract for Juvenile Community Service/Informal Supervision program with the Department of Juvenile Services, for the amount of $72,000 and Night Intake Services for the amount of $33,441, as provided by the State Department of Juvenile Services for FY 2005. Unanimously approved. JULY 13, 2004 PAGE FOUR BID AWARD – ALARM MONITORING DEVICE – 911 CENTER Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to award the contract for an alarm monitoring device for the Washington County 911 Center to Great Valley Systems Corp., d/b/a N.B. Barber Company, which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $30,780.60. Unanimously approved. EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT APPLICATION – FY 2004 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the submission on an Emergency Shelter Grant application to the Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $50,000 that would provide funding for the Community Action Council, CASA, St. John’s Shelter, and REACH, Inc. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH AND UPDATE ON RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commissioners recessed at 11:20 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, provided an update on the runway improvement project. Ms. Motz stated that the project is on schedule. She provided a comparison of the economic impacts of the Hagerstown Regional Airport for calendar years 2000 and 2002. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reviewed the funding status report for the runway extension project. (Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at this time.) AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:20 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. PUBLIC HEARING – REQUEST TO BORROW TAX-EXEMPT BONDS - CONSERVIT, INC. Timmy Ruppersberger, County Bond Council, informed the Commissioners that Conservit, Inc. has requested permission to issue tax-exempt bonds in an amount not to exceed $3 million through the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Ruppersberger stated that the proposed bond issue would be used to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, equipping and development of the facility described in the public notice. She explained that the County would be used only as a conduit to issue the bonds and would not be liable for the payments. The issuance would also have no impact on the County’s bond rating, financial position or borrowing limits. Jack Metzner, President of Conservit, provided more detailed information on how the bond funds would be used to finance improvements and answered questions from the Commissioners. The meeting was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The hearing was closed at 2:30 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the request made by Conservit, Inc. for the County to act as a conduit to permit the company to issue tax-exempt bonds in an amount not to exceed $3 million for proposed renovation and construction project. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 2:32 p.m. to consider any personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State 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 Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 2:49 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners considered three (3) personnel issues that affect one or more individuals, consulted with counsel to JULY 13, 2004 PAGE FIVE obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, 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, 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; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; David Hankinson, Human Resources; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Terry McGee, Chief Engineer; and Rob Slocum, Deputy Chief Engineer. PERSONNEL ACTIONS - ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the following personnel actions: 1)Employ Robert Mandley as Project Coordinator in the Economic Development Commission office at $35,000. 2)Employ Gary Poulizzoui as Project Manager (Grade 13) in the Engineering Department at $53,000; employ Vicky McKenzie as Project Manager at $45,000; and increase the salary of Melissa Yates, Project Manager, to $48,000. 3)Approve advertising to fill the vacant Engineering Technician II position in Engineering and the Buyer position in the Purchasing Department. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 3:51 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator __________________________, County Attorney ______________________, Clerk