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HomeMy WebLinkAbout170321BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 21, 2017 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 9:54 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 1113, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, and Wayne K. Keefer. Commissioner LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. was absent. JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2018 GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Board of Education (BOE) President Melissa Williams, Vice President Stan Stouffer, and members Jacqueline Fischer, Michael Guessford, and Wayne Ridenour met with the County Commissioners to present the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools, which was approved by the BOE on March 7. Dr. Boyd Michael, Interim Superintendent, and Chris South, Chief Financial Officer, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), presented the BOE's FY 2018 General Fund budget request of $97,000,410, which represents a 2.27% increase over what was provided in Fiscal Year 2017. Dr. Michael also discussed future concerns that include increased health care plan costs, an OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) funding shortfall, impending changes to the State aid formula, an increasing population of English language learners, the local cost share of capital improvement project systemic projects, and kindergarten readiness. The baseline budget as presented, containing over $4.7 million in cuts, is balanced at $270,945,750. The group discussed several budget items and concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 7,201 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of March 7, 2017. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked the Recreation and Fitness Department for sponsoring the St. Patrick's Day Runfest half marathon that had over 700 participants. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF County Administrator — Election Board New Facilities County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the search to find new space for the Election Board offices to include a training area, machine storage and permanent voting location. A 20,000 square foot space has been proposed at the Valley Mall that provides ample March 21, 2017 Page 2 parking, public transportation, handicapped access and security. The quoted rental cost is $3.15-$3.50 per square foot or approximately $65,000 per year. The Commissioners would need to authorize a letter of intent indicating the County's interest in pursuing renting the space at that cost with a 15-20 year lease term. After the letter is received, Valley Mall representatives will negotiate with the home office to draft a contract and design the space with County staff Mr. Murray indicated that the proposed FY 2018 budget incorporates expenses for new facilities for the Election Board. The Commissioners discussed several aspects of the location including the placing of election signs and whether there were any similar public/private partnerships in the State. Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Cline, moved to authorize a letter of intent signed by President Baker to approve moving forward with pursuing rental space at the Valley Mall for the Election Board facilities for the terms as discussed. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) BUDGET DISCUSSION — DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management, presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2018 Department of Water Quality budget that includes water and sewer rates. The total expected revenue for the Utility Fund is $4,488,830 representing an overall increase of 10.23%. The Water Fund of $1,381,410 represents an overall increased percentage of 3.28% and the Sewer Fund of $12,356,140, represents an overall increase of 4.03%, most of which is attributable to debt costs, electric costs and salaries and benefits increases. Ms. Pippel reviewed the proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2018 that include an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 3.5% (or $5.80) for water and 3.5% (or $5.35) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. The Commissioners discussed the information presented. Ms. Pippel stated that if the Commissioners agree, a public hearing would be held April 4 regarding the proposed water rates and sewer rates. The Commissioners reached a consensus to hold a public hearing on April 4 regarding the proposed rates. CHANGE ORDER #12 — ENHANCED NUTRIENT REMOVAL AT THE CONOCOCHEAGHE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Environmental Management, presented a request to approve Change Order 412 to Buchart-Horn, Inc. for $309,931 regarding the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Project at the County's Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Bradshaw stated that when the project was advertised in 2006 the Request for Proposals stated that the plant would be upgraded utilizing conventional activated sludge technology. During the preliminary design phase, the County learned of the BioMag technology. After exploring this technology and pilot -testing it, the County switched the design from conventional activated sludge to BioMag which resulted in additional costs of $69,977 to complete the design. Mr. Bradshaw stated that RK&K, LLP was a subcontractor to Buchart Horn on this project and it incurred an additional $239,954 associated with utilizing the BioMag technology. He indicated that the project has funds available to cover the cost of the change order. March 21, 2017 Page 3 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve Change 412 to Buchart-Horn, Inc. for $309,931 regarding the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Project at the County's Winebrenner Wastewater Treatment Plant. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) BUDGET TRANSFER FOR THE PURCHASE OF LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE — ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Julie Pippel and Ron Whitt, Director, Information Technology, requested a budget transfer of $47,000 for the purchase of Laboratory Information Management software to be used in the Division of Environmental Management laboratory. Ms. Pippel stated that the software is for the archival and management of lab results and for billing and testing services. Mr. Whitt advised that the system was purchased in 2005 and consists of obsolete technology with no vendor support due to the vendor's company's closing in 2011. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve a $47,000 budget transfer for the purchase of Laboratory Information Management software for the Division of Environmental Management from the CIP Utility Administration contingency account to the CIP account for this project. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) FISCAL YEAR 2018 OFFICE OF PROBLEM SOLVING COURTS DISCRETIONARY GRANT SUBMISSION Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Eunice Plank, Circuit Court Administrator, endorsed the acceptance of $147,899 in funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 Office of Problem Solving Courts Discretionary Grant. The Office of Problem Solving Courts Discretionary Grant assists with the operational expenses and ancillary services of the Juvenile Drug Court Program. The Drug Court Program offers services to adolescents residing in Washington County who have become involved with the legal system due to an underlying substance use disorder. The funds provide frequent drug and alcohol testing and monitoring, transportation assistance to court and treatment programs, school and employment, and community service events. The grant occurs annually and no matching funds are required. Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the acceptance of $147,899 in funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 Office of Problem Solving Courts Discretionary Grant to be used for the Juvenile Drug Court Program. County Attorney John Martirano advised that the motion should also contain the subsequent approval of the grant agreement. Commissioner Cline revised his motion to include approval of the grant agreement, subject to the review and approval of the County Attorney's Office. Commissioner Barr seconded the motion. The revised motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) March 21, 2017 Page 4 RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:49 a.m. to attend a luncheon and budget presentation with the Washington County Free Library Board of Trustees at 100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. AFTERNOON SESSION The Commissioners reconvened at 1:49 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr and Wayne K. Keefer. CONTRACT AWARD — CAPACITY MANAGEMENT PROJECT — SHOWALTER ROAD Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing, and Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Water Quality, recommended award of the contract for the Capacity Management Project — Showalter Road (PUR-1330) to C. William Hetzer or Hagerstown, Maryland, that submitted the lowest total sum bid of $786,762 (for Item Nos. 101 through 122 and Plus Contingent Items Cl through C4). Mr. Bradshaw described the work to be performed under the contact that includes all labor, materials, services, and the furnishing and installation of various force mains, manholes with frame and covers among other items. The project is to be substantially completed within 180 consecutive calendar days of the Notice to Proceed. Funds of $1,172,945 are available in the department's Capital Improvement Project account. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to award the contract for the Capacity Management Project — Showalter Road to C. William Hetzer or Hagerstown, Maryland, that submitted the lowest total sum bid of $786,762 (for Item Nos. 101 through 122 and Plus Contingent Items Cl through C4), subject to the review and approval of the County Attorney's Office. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE — HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT VIRTUAL PERIMETER MONITORING SYSTEMS UPGRADES Rick Curry and Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport, recommended to authorize by resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase and installation of eighteen cameras, all related hardware and software of the Virtual Perimeter Monitoring Systems (VPMS) along with upgrading the terminal access control systems from Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland, at the contracted unit prices totaling $123,139.33 based on the contract awarded by Carroll County Government. Mr. Curry discussed the intergovernmental cooperative purchase bid method that allows entities to use another entity's contract to eliminate Washington County's bid process and obtain overall better pricing due to economies of scale offered by the subject contract. On items over $50,000, a determination to allow or participate in an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing arrangement is by a resolution indicating the cost benefits and efficiencies to March 21, 2017 Page 5 the County. There is a Maryland Aviation Grant of $67,726 to cover the State's portion of the allowable costs; and funding is available in the department's CIP account for the County's $55,413 portion of the allowable costs. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to authorize resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase and installation of eighteen cameras, all related hardware and software of the Virtual Perimeter Monitoring Systems along with upgrading the terminal access control systems from Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland, at the contracted unit prices totaling $123,139.33 based on the contract awarded by Carroll County Government. The motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS - 2017 -04 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.) (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-16-004) President Baker convened a public hearing at 2:00 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the application from ACH, LLC for Map Amendment RZ-16-004 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance). The application concerns the request to change a zoning classification from Office, Research and Technology (ORT) to Highway Interchange (HI). Commissioner Baker reviewed the procedures for the Public Hearing and County Clerk Vicki Lumm administered the oath to those who planned to give testimony in the matter. Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the staff report dated October 3, 2016 for RZ-16-004 on behalf of the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning. The subject property ("Property") is a vacant 21.436 acre parcel located on the south side of Western Maryland Parkway, north of West Washington Street/Maryland 144. The Applicant has suggested a mistake was made in zoning the Property during the 2012 Comprehensive Urban Growth Area Rezoning. The Washington County Planning Commission considered the application during its regular meeting held December 5, 2016 and recommended approval of Map Amendment RZ-16-004. The Planning Commission took into consideration the supporting documentation, the Staff Report and Analysis and the verbal comments of interested parties during the public rezoning information meeting. Members deemed there was sufficient evidence to support the Applicant's claim that there was a mistake in zoning during the 2012 Comprehensive Urban Growth Area Rezoning. Attorney Jason Divelbiss, Divelbiss and Wilkinson, 13424 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, presented the Applicant's case for ACH, LLC. The hearing was opened for public comment and five individuals offered comments. March 21, 2017 Page 6 Jim Kline, 1106 West Washington Street, Hagerstown; Charles 011er, 19 Hump Road, Hagerstown; Dennis Price, 1234 West Washington Street, Hagerstown; Tim Thompson, 12219 West Lawn Lane, Hagerstown; and Mike Foster, 1114 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, commented against the proposed rezoning. Jason Divelbiss presented a rebuttal on behalf of the Applicant. He addressed comments regarding traffic and speed concerns on West Washington Street and noted that when a proposal is made, an analysis would be in order. He reviewed the allowed uses for ORT and HI zoning. The matter was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Baker questioned the zoning of nearby properties. Commissioner Keefer questioned possible uses considered by the Applicant. Mr. Divelbiss stated that the Applicant did not have a specific proposal at this time. The public hearing was closed at 2:40 p.m. The Commissioners took no action on the rezoning request but requested to further discuss the proposal at a later date. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, Kim Edlund, Director, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, discussed the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Budget. Ms. Murray indicated that the draft budget reflects increased revenue in the next fiscal year. Real estate tax, the largest revenue source for the County, is expected to increase by 2.48% for a total of $111,037,170. Income tax is expected to increase by 5.81% for a total of $82,000,000. The total general fund revenue is estimated to be $221,816,060, representing a 4.75% increase from FY 2017. The budget as presented does not include raising the property tax rate that has remained at 94.8 cents per $100 of assessed value for seventeen years. The budget includes $2.4 million in expected revenue from speed camera use in designated areas. The Sheriff s Department plans to use the income for public safety initiatives as required by law. The largest funding allocations are slated to go toward education and public safety, including $2.1 million more for education maintenance of effort based on increased student enrollment. The Detention Center budget calls for a $1.3 million increase for inmate food costs, medical services, gasoline usage, centralized software, liability insurance and cost of living raises for employees. Increased funding is included for the Humane Society of Washington County for a program to handle the overpopulation of feral cats. The Black Rock Golf Course subsidy is increasing to $319,020 due to decreased play. A 15% pay increase for County employees is included in the draft FY 2018 budget with employees paying a higher percentage for medical costs. The County's salary scale ranks at the bottom compared to eight jurisdictions such as the City of Hagerstown, Washington County Public Schools, State of Maryland, and Frederick County. Sheriffs Department and Emergency Service officials commented that their deputies and 9-1-1 emergency operators are trained in Washington County at a substantial cost but then leave for higher March 21, 2017 Page 7 pay in surrounding jurisdictions. County employees did not receive regular cost of living wages for years during the recession period and are therefore behind in earnings. This increase would bring them up to scale and prepare for the increased minimum wage rates that go into effect next year. Commissioners Baker and Keefer questioned the relatively large jump in the proposed salary increase. Commissioner Cline commented that County employees deserve the 15% raise after stretching their pay while receiving no cost of living increases for many years. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Bill Beard, Board member, Commission on Aging, introduced Ewie Williams, Board member, and Stefanie Basilik, Director, Washington County Historical Society. The individuals discussed the proposed cut of $5,000 each from their group's $20,000 budgets and requested at the least a minimum level funding for the next fiscal year. Mr. Beard introduced Amy Olack, Director, Commission on Aging, who discussed the changing demographics of aging County citizens and how to serve their needs with the current funding. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 4:20 p.m. 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; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Myers was absent.) In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment of a specific individual to a local authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; considered a County employee position recommendation by staff, and discussed the specifics of a recent personnel matter with staff. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed Staff to bring forth the potential appointment to a local authority over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during a future meeting; provided direction to staff as to an employee position recommendation; and requested that staff keep the Commissioners up-to-date on the pending personnel matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr and Wayne K. Keefer. Also present were Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney, and at various times Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Corinne Guglielmini, Director and Nick Hill, Board Member, Housing Authority; Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; and Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management. March 21, 2017 Page 8 The closed session meeting adjourned at 4:41 p.m. Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk