Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout170328BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 28, 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 9:33 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 1113, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 21, 2017 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of March 21, 2017. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr, Keefer, Cline and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Myers "ABSTAIN." APPOINTMENT OF NEW COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Commissioner Myers discussed the process undertaken by the County to hire a new County Administrator due to the forthcoming retirement of Greg Murray. He announced that the Commissioners have chosen Rob Slocum, currently the Director of Engineering and Construction Management, as the next County Administrator. The Commissioners thanked Greg Murray for his dedicated service to Washington County Government. They commented that his expertise and guidance through the years have well served County citizens. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to appoint Robert J. Slocum as the County Administrator for Washington County, effective immediately, at Grade 22, Step 14 ($144,860), including six months' severance pay in the event of his termination/ involuntary removal from the County Administrator position. It was noted that Mr. Slocum will have the use of a County vehicle as part of his employment package and will be required to maintain his engineering and professional certifications while he is the County Administrator. Commissioner Cline commented that he would have preferred to have had the details of Mr. Slocum's hiring package in writing along with the transition plans before his appointment. The motion passed unanimously. Rob Slocum thanked the County Commissioners and commented on the assistance Greg Murray has given him over the years. He also thanked his staff at 80 West Baltimore Street for their support. Mr. Slocum assumed the County Administrator seat to immediately begin his duties. March 28, 2017 Page 2 COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline congratulated Rob Slocum on his appointment as County Administrator. He also wished his father, Harry "Buck" Cline, a happy 94th birthday. Commissioner Keefer also congratulated Mr. Slocum. He thanked Greg Murray for doing an excellent job while County Administrator and recalled his first meeting with him while serving as a Hancock Chamber of Commerce member. Commissioner Myers thanked Greg Murray for his service to the County. He noted that next week is Commissioner Keefer's one year anniversary of being appointed a County Commissioner. Commissioner Barr also thanked Mr. Murray for his guidance and service to the County and also for his personal friendship. He wished Rob Slocum the best in his new position. Commissioner Baker recalled serving on the Board of County Commissioners that selected Greg Murray as County Administrator. He thanked Mr. Murray for his assistance, advice and exceptional service to Washington County. He also noted his love for his family and the County. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Community Grant Management — Amended Appalachian Regional Commission Loan Application Jim Hovis, Director, and Susan Buchanan, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, requested approval to submit an amended grant application for Halfway Boulevard Extension Phase I to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) requesting $1,800,000 and to accept the funding as awarded. Mr. Hovis stated that on January 24, 2017, the Board approved the submission of this same application for $1,000,000; however, the Office of Community Grant Management was recently informed by ARC officials of the availability of an additional $800,000 in Local Access Road funds to be awarded in Fiscal Year 2017. ARC is offering these funds to Washington County contingent upon application approval and has suggested an expedited application submission. With this additional award the total funding being sought from ARC is $1.8 million dollars. The grant requires no match; however, it will fund only a portion of the entire cost to connect the two roads. Additional phases of this road will either be funded by the County, future ARC grant funding, private development, or other funding sources. Mr. Hobbs discussed Phase I of the extension of Halfway Boulevard which will ultimately connect it to Maryland Route 63 (Greencastle Pike). The Commissioners discussed the application. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the submission of an amended grant application for Halfway Boulevard Extension Phase I to the Appalachian Regional Commission requesting $1,800,000 and to accept the funding as awarded. The motion passed unanimously. March 28, 2017 Page 3 County Clerk - Appointments to Boards/Commissions Housing Authority of Washington County Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Barr, moved to appoint Tasha Walls to serve an unfulfilled term through November 30, 2018 on the Housing Authority of Washington County. The motion passed unanimously. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION — SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT IN MARYLAND GRANT Susan Buchanan, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Cody Miller, Sheriffs Department, requested permission to submit an application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a $29,152 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement in Maryland grant. Ms. Buchanan advised that the no -match grant would support the salaries and associated costs of two part-time civilian employees that assist the Sex Offender Registrar with registering/re-registering sex offenders and conducting compliance checks. The grant also covers training expenses. Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the submission of a $29,152 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement in Maryland grant application and accept all funding received as presented. The motion passed unanimously. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN FISCAL YEAR 2018 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL Susan Buchanan and Jim Hovis, Director, Community Grant Management (OCGM), requested approval of the submission of the Fiscal Year 2018 Community Partnership Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children requesting $839,447 and to accept the funding as awarded. The OCGM, on behalf of and at the direction of the Local Management Board (LMB), requests approval to submit the proposal in response to the FY 2018 Notice of Funding Availability. The proposal requests $674,447 in funding for five programs impacting the well-being of children, youth and families in Washington County and $165,000 in support for County administrative expenses. The programming addresses Governor's Hogan's four strategic goals for the Children's Cabinet — Disconnected Youth, Youth Homelessness, Childhood Hunger and the Impact of Parental Incarceration on Youth. The funding requested by the LMB includes the following programmatic strategies and their respective vendors: Family Centered Support Services (Department of Social Services) - $89,633; School Based Mental Health Services (Brook Lane Health Services, Inc.) - $211,560; Disconnected Youth Program Enhancements (Western Maryland Consortium) - $52,687; Intervention and Case Management for Children of Incarcerated Parents (vendor to be determined) - $100,000; Mobile Crisis Response Program (vendor to be determined) - $165,000 (includes $15,000 administrative expenses for the OCGM); Community Planning and Program Development (vendor to be determined) - $120,000; and administration expenses - $115,567. Commissioner Keefer discussed the Intervention and Case Management for Children of Incarcerated Parents category with Mr. Hovis. March 28, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the submission of the Fiscal Year 2018 Community Partnership Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children as presented. The motion passed unanimously. HOTEL RENTAL TAX FUNDING REQUEST — MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Jim Hovis and Jessica Green, Executive Director, Maryland Theatre, appeared before the Commissioners to request Hotel Rental Tax funding toward direct expenses associated with the backstage grid safety and backstage enhancements at the Theatre. Ms. Green discussed the request that would assist with necessary repairs to the existing 75 x 35 foot grid suspended 50 feet above the stage. The grid supports the curtains, backdrops and other scenery items. Funding is also being sought to improve two rooms in the basement that would be converted into a laundry room and maintenance room. The total budget for the project is $169,629.31. Combined Bond Bill funding of $94,629.31 will be used, leaving a budget deficit of $75,000. The Commissioners discussed the proposal. Commissioner Cline questioned the amount of available funds in the Hotel Rental Tax Fund and Greg Murray advised that there are currently ample funds to cover the request. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Cline, moved to approve $75,000 in Hotel Rental Tax funding toward direct expenses associated with the backstage grid safety and backstage enhancements at the Maryland Theatre as presented. The motion passed unanimously. SENIOR CITIZEN ACTIVITIES CENTER OPERATING FUND GRANT APPLICATION Stephanie Lapole, Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, and Amy Olack, Director, Commission on Aging, requested approval to submit a $58,457 grant application for the Senior Citizens Activities Center Operating Fund to the Maryland Department of Aging and to accept the award funding. The application will meet the needs of the Senior Activities Center. In spring 2017, construction of two pavilions will commence and outdoor seating will be required for the space to be functional. Funding of $8,333 will be requested for outdoor furnishings. In addition, increased participation has increased the number of classes offered which requires an additional instructor and staff time. The Commission on Aging is also seeking $47,054 of competitive grant funds to purchase additional exercise equipment for the facility. Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the submission of a $58,457 grant application for the Senior Citizens Activities Center Operating Fund to the Maryland Department of Aging and to accept the award funding as presented. The motion passed unanimously. March 28, 2017 Page 5 CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD — PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2017 CHIP SEAL APPLICATIONS Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance, presented the recommendation to award the contract for the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2017 Chip Seal Applications to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, American Paving Fabrics, Inc. of Hanover, Maryland, for $2,384,788.32 for the base bid with no add alternate; and to reject the bid of Hammaker East Ltd. in the best interest of the County, and approve a $400,000 budget transfer from the Southern Boulevard Project to the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program budget. The project includes approximately 48 miles of chip seal applications. Bid documents provide for 120 calendar days to complete the work. A notice to proceed is anticipated on or about May 15, 2017 with final completion in September 2017. Mr. Hobbs indicated that two bids were received for the project; however, staff recommends awarding the contract to American Paving Fabrics, Inc. Hammaker East Ltd. was the low bidder but it has not completed work on the Fiscal Year 2016 Chip Seal Applications Project. Several roads still need attention and the County is withholding $290,000 until the roads are properly repaired. Commissioner Keefer requested that affected residents be better notified of the chip seal process that often garners complaints while the chip seal tar is curing. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to award the base bid for the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program FY 2017 Chip Seal Applications to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, American Paving Fabrics, Inc. of Hanover, Maryland, for $2,384,788.32 for the base bid with no add alternate; to reject the bid of Hammaker East Ltd. in the best interest of the County, and approve a $400,000 budget transfer from the Southern Boulevard Project to the Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program budget. The motion passed unanimously. ANNUAL MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY LETTER Rob Slocum, County Administrator, advised that the annual public meeting to discuss Washington County transportation priorities with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation is typically held yearly in October. He indicated that a letter of priorities is usually sent to the State in the spring. The two top priorities of the County have long been improvements to Interstate 81 and improvements to the interchange of Interstate 70 and the Sharpsburg Pike (Maryland 65). A third lane for Interstate 81 has been the top priority of the Hagerstown Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as well. March 28, 2017 Page 6 The priorities as listed in a proposed letter to Secretary Pete Rahn are as follows: • Interstate 81 Widening — support for the FASTLANE Grant Application for a third lane of I-81. • Interstate 70 and Maryland 65 Interchange Improvements — new interchange design • Sidewalks — Safe Routes to Schools Program and pedestrian safety improvements on the Dual Highway (U.S. Route 40) • Aviation Program — support for a potential private/public partnership to fund a new Airport tower. • Transit Program — additional operational funds to serve Boonsboro and other municipalities in the County. • Railroad Crossings — additional safety improvements to select crossings YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS — MARCH 2017 The Commissioners presented certificates of merit to students selected by the Washington County Office of Community Grant Management (OCGM) for their scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, community service performed or other positive contributions to their school or community. The following students received March 2017 Youth Meritorious Awards: Abigail Angles of Clear Spring High/Job Development Program and Rebecca Sullivan of the Job Development Program. Each student received a Washington County lapel pin from the Commissioners and a $100 Staples gift card from the OCGM. The Commissioners commended the students for their achievements and the families for their support. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION No citizens attending the meeting wished to participate. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 11:08 a.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; and 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. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment/reappointment of several specific individuals to a local advisory committee over which the Commissioners have appointment authority. During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential appointments/reappointments to a local advisory committee over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during a future meeting. March 28, 2017 Page 7 Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy Myers, Jr. Also present were Gregory B. Murray, retiring County Administrator; Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times David Hays, Director, Emergency Services; and Dale Hill, Past President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m. The Commissioners attended a luncheon/budget presentation at 12:00 p.m. by the Commission on Aging at 535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, and a tour at 2:00 p.m. of the ARC of Washington County, 820 Florida Avenue, Hagerstown. Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk