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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041216 December 16, 2004 Hagerstown, MD 21740 Joint Meeting with the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners and Hagerstown Mayor and City Council was called to order at 11:00 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. Also present was Mayor William Breichner and Council members Lewis C. Mentzer, Carol N. Moller, Kristin B. Aleshire, Penny M. Nigh, and N. Linn Hendershot. Members of the County Delegation in attendance included Senators John Hafer and Alexander Mooney and Delegates Robert McKee, Christopher Shank, Richard Weldon, and Leroy Myers. Joint Item – Building Excise Tax Revision Commissioner Snook stated that the County is requesting that the present ceiling on the building excise tax rate of $1.00 per square foot be lifted as of July 1, 2005, which would reduce or eliminate reliance on the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) for revenues for public infrastructure. He informed the Delegation that APFO fees are being collected to assist with school construction costs and, if this request is approved, the County would then utilize the excise tax fees for school construction costs. Commissioner Snook thanked City officials for recently enacting an impact fee for schools. Commissioner Snook reported that the County is only projected to receive $2.8 million from the State in 2005 for school construction funding. Commissioner Kercheval reviewed a spread-sheet proposing how the revision in excise tax fees would generate additional funding for items such as schools, roads, libraries, emergency services, and parks. He also outlined the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requirements and how the excise tax would be applied. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the excise tax fee revenues could be distributed on a more equal basis county-wide than the APFO fees. Mayor Breichner indicated that this request has the support of City officials as well. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Delegate Shank asked that the final proposal be provided to them in early January in order to allow public comment at the hearing scheduled for January 8. City Council members informed the Delegation that they are awaiting the results of a study they commissioned on growth in Hagerstown and its impact. The Delegation indicated that they would be willing to be flexible but that there has to be some predictability. Commissioner Snook stated that the biggest variable is the state funding for future school construction. The Commissioners agreed to consider models that other counties have in place. Commissioner Snook then briefly reviewed the following items the Commissioners are requesting: False Alarms Sheriff Mades requested legislation authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt a system to regulate residential and commercial burglar alarms. He stated that some type of system is needed to hold the owner responsible for invalid calls, and indicated that an exorbitant amount of time is taken in responding to false alarms. Salary Study Commission Recommendations Recommendations for salary increases for the Sheriff, Board of Education, and substitute members of the Board of Election Supervisors. Amend the Salary Study Commission statute to provide a replacement for the now defunct Washington County Taxpayers Association and for recommendations as to the salaries of the County Commissioners to be sent directly from the Commission to the Delegation. Weed Control Clarify the County’s authority to regulate weeds and provide for the imposition of liens to pay for the cost of county weed control when the property owner fails to comply with the requirements of the ordinance. DECEMBER 16, 2004 PAGE TWO Animal Control Ordinance Clarify the County’s authority to charge violations of the Animal Control Ordinance as municipal infractions. Provide for criminal enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance. Purchasing/Procurement Provide additional flexibility in the County purchasing law by allowing procurement by negotiation in certain emergency circumstances, among others. Electrical Board Clarify the regulatory authority of the Electrical Board. The Commissioners also expressed their support for a fifth Circuit Court judge, transfer of the Agricultural Education Center property to the County, operational funding for the University Systems of Maryland Hagerstown campus, and legislation to clarify the New Jobs Tax Credit. Commissioner Snook stated that supporting documentation is included in the packet for each item. City of Hagerstown Requests: Mayor Breichner then reviewed the following City requests: 1)Central Booking 2)USMD Operating Funds 3)Edgewood Drive/Dual Highway Intersection Improvements 4)Hotel Room Tax 5)School for the Arts 6)Bond Projects 7)Maryland Municipal League priorities 8)House Bill 258 – Special Taxing Districts 9)Washington County Free Library – support for expansion 10)Licensing of Taxi Operators 11)Support Associated Builders & Contractors request to oppose the “Best Value” bill 12)Malpractice Insurance – resolve issues Delegate Shank stated that the agricultural community has requested that an Agricultural Marketing Specialist be hired. He indicated that this position could be under the control of the Convention & Visitors Bureau or hired as a Washington County employee. Delegate Weldon urged the County to take on the position and outlined the benefits to the County. The meeting was adjourned at 12:41 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk