HomeMy WebLinkAbout171128BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Hagerstown, Maryland
November 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 10:10 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 — NOVEMBER 7, 2017 AND NOVEMBER 14,201
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of November 7,
2017. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the minutes of November 14,
2017. The motion passed with Commissioners Keefer, Cline and Baker voting "AYE" and
Commissioners Barr and Myers "ABSTAIN" due to being absent from the meeting.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Keefer reported attending last night's Maryland Municipal League (MML)
meeting. He suggested that the Commissioners sponsor the January 2017 meeting.
Commissioner Cline congratulated Mayor Paul Hose, Jr. for being honored during the
MML meeting for serving 36 years as Clear Spring's mayor. Mr. Cline thanked emergency
services employees that worked during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Commissioner Myers also recognized Mayor Hose for his many years of service to the
Town of Clear Spring.
Commissioner Barr commended Mayor Hose and the Town of Clear Spring for its
community spirit. He reported attending the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Economic
Summit featuring speaker Anirban Basu. Mr. Barr also attended the Maryland Symphony
Orchestra's ball and the People's Choice event for the Community Foundation.
Commissioner Baker reiterated the comments made regarding Mayor Hose. He discussed
the matter of using local preference for County contracts. County Administrator Rob
Slocum stated that he would discuss the findings of research done by staff with the
Commissioners.
November 28, 2017
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REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
County Administrator - Hiring of Lobbyist for County Legislative Issues
County Administrator Rob Slocum stated that the County Commissioners received a
proposal from lobbyist Bruce Bereano to represent the County's legislative needs this year
in Annapolis. Mr. Bereano has served as the County's lobbyist the past few years and has
again proposed to perform such work for $10,000.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to hire lobbyist Bruce Bereano to work on
legislative issues this year on behalf of the County Commissioners for $10,000 as set forth
in his letter of proposal. The motion passed unanimously.
Rob Slocum read an email from a citizen thanking Planning and Zoning Director Steven
Goodrich for his detailed response to a question. Mr. Slocum reported that the
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot was a success with over 1,200 participants. He thanked
Highway Traffic Supervisor Doug Levine and Recreation and Fitness Director Jaime Dick
for helping to make the holiday event a success.
County Clerk — Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to appoint Gary Bockrath to serve a first,
full three-year term retroactive to November 1, 2017 through October 31, 2020; and to
appoint Robert Goetz to serve a first, three -term through November 30, 2020 on the
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
Housing Authority of Washington County
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to appoint Ayodeji Badaki and William
Beard, Jr. to serve first, five-year terms through November 30, 2022 on the Housing
Authority of Washington County. The motion passed unanimously.
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
There were no citizens present who wished to participate.
CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13526 PENNSYLVANIA
AVENUE, HAGERSTOWN
Susan Small, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, presented the recommendation
that certain property located at 13526 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, be declared
surplus property and that the Commissioners accept the bid offer received, approve the
conveyance of the same and authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to
finalize the conveyance. Bids were solicited for the property and due by 10:00 a.m. on
November 7, 2017. One bid of $72,100 was received from Pennsylvania Avenue 2003,
LLC to purchase the property. The property is not needed for public use and is being
conveyed for fair market value. The Commissioners briefly discussed that the property
would be placed back on the tax rolls.
November 28, 2017
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Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to declare certain property located at
13526 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, as surplus property, accept the bid offer
received, approve the conveyance of the same and authorize the execution of the necessary
documentation to finalize the conveyance. The motion passed unanimously. (Ordinance
No. ORD -2017-18 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinance, and Resolutions of Washington
County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - EXPENSE ACCOUNT
County Administrator Rob Slocum presented the recommendation to provide a business
expense account for the Economic Development Commission (EDC). A $500 business
expense account would be established for each of the six Executive Board members and a
$250 account for each of the six Board members for a total of $4,500. The funds would be
used for networking, conferences, meals, travel and seminars that would benefit the
County in economic development. Expense approval would be determined by the EDC
Executive Board. Mr. Slocum indicated that funds would be taken from the
Commissioners' contingency account and thereafter from the Department of Business
Development's (DBD) Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
Commissioner Cline questioned whether the DBD could afford to fund the expense from
its current budget. The Commissioners discussed whether approval would include the full
$4,500 or one-half since its implementation encompasses the last six months of the current
budget year.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Keefer, moved to establish a $500 business expense
account for each of the six Economic Development Commission Executive Board
members and a $250 account for each of the six Board members for a total of $4,500, to be
taken now from the Commissioners' contingency fund and in Fiscal Year 2019 from the
DBD budget. Commissioner Cline commented against using the Contingency Fund as a
funding source when one already exists. The motion passed with Commissioners Barr,
Keefer, Myers and Baker voting "AYE" and Commissioner Cline "NO".
CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION
Arthur Nichols stated that he intended to comment on Text Amendment RZ-17-007.
Commissioner Myers advised that he might want to comment during the time provided in
the course of the presentation of the matter and Mr. Nichols agreed.
PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT (RZ-17-007)
President Baker convened a public hearing at 10:34 a.m. to obtain public comment
regarding the application from the Washington County Department of Planning and
Zoning for Text Amendment RZ-17-007 to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance
(Ordinance) concerning the proposal to amend Articles 3, 5A, 5B, 5C, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and
28A. Commissioner Baker reviewed the procedures for the public hearing. Jill Baker,
Chief Planner, presented the Staff Report and Analysis by the Department of Planning and
November 28, 2017
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Zoning regarding the application that serves to amend several sections of the Zoning
Ordinance by correcting, clarifying and adding new language related to boarding facilities,
tourist homes, boarding and rooming homes, bed and breakfasts, country inns and
banquet/event facilities.
Ms. Baker reviewed the proposed changes that would combine outdated terms such as
boarding house, rooming house and tourist house into "boarding house", modify the
definition to limit the number of boarders, define the duration of stay and require that the
dwelling be owner -occupied. The amendments would also address the location of banquet
and reception facilities. Unconventional reception facilities are gaining in popularity and
the County would like to include language into the Zoning Ordinance to define these uses
and provide locations where these types of facilities should be located. Ms. Baker reported
receiving one comment in favor of the text amendment during the Planning Commission's
public meeting held September 25, 2017. Since that meeting, two comments were received
against the amendment and a letter from the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention
and Visitors Bureau in favor of the types of uses and the amendment. The Planning
Commission recommended the approval of Text Amendment RZ-17-007 during its
October 2, 2017 meeting.
The hearing was opened for public comment.
Arthur Nichols, 13021 Spickler Road, Clear Spring, commented on banquet facilities and
that setbacks are often not sufficient to keep noise from disturbing neighboring properties.
Edward Kuczynski, 55 North Jonathan Street, Hagerstown, attorney for Selena Wilkes,
owner of Elmwood Farm Bed and Breakfast, Williamsport, spoke in favor of the
amendments relating to reception facilities. He stated that the proposed amendments are
consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan and open up opportunities for other
businesses that may fit within those criteria. Mr. Kuczynski provided Exhibit 41, "Support
Information", which was entered into the record.
The matter was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Myers asked
Jill Baker to summarize the comments in opposition received from the public. Ms. Baker
indicated that comments included objections to noise levels that are offensive to neighbors,
a request for a County noise ordinance, and concerns about increased traffic and evening
noise.
The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Myers suggested requiring a
sizable side yard buffer that would create an extra layer for noise. Stephen Goodrich,
Director, Planning and Zoning, commented that these types of issues can be addressed two
ways, separately or together, through a special exception request that must be approved by
the Board of Appeals, and by having greater standards such as a setback amount that could
be written into the amendment. He suggested that perhaps more discussion is needed and
November 28, 2017
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staff could return with proposed changes that could include another public hearing on the
matter. Attorney Kuczynski commented that he was not in favor of creating a distance
buffer.
Commissioner Myers requested a more efficient way in the future to notify neighbors of
zoning applications since some no longer receive newspapers or may be away for extended
periods when letters are sent to neighboring properties. Mr. Nichols commented in favor of
additional notification efforts.
The public hearing was closed at 11:16 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION FOR MAP AMENDMENT RZ-17-009
President Baker convened a public hearing at 11:17 a.m. to obtain public comment
regarding the application from A&W Plus, Inc. for Map Amendment RZ-17-009 to the
Washington County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance) concerning the request to amend the
zoning of 11.7 acres, located at 12408 Learning Lane (former Conococheague Elementary
School property), from RV -Rural Village to RB -Rural Business Floating Zone.
Commissioner Baker reviewed the procedures for the public hearing and County Clerk
Vicki C. Lumm administered the oath to those who planned to give testimony in the
matter.
Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the Staff Report and Analysis
by the Department of Planning and Zoning. The contract purchaser of the property plans to
change the use from a school to an assisted living facility, and in the future, construct two
medical office buildings and an adult day care building. The RB zoning district is a
floating zone allowed when four criteria are met. The application meets all such criteria.
Mr. Goodrich indicated that no adverse comments were received regarding the application.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the map amendment during its
meeting held October 2, 2017.
The hearing was opened for public comment. The contract purchaser endorsed Mr.
Goodrich's testimony. No other individuals offered comment.
The matter was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Baker
questioned what could be built on RB -zoned property versus RV. Mr. Goodrich stated that
it is dependent upon what the applicant is requesting. He explained the process followed if
the request does not fall into the approved uses. If the property is sold, the new owner
would have to go through the same process being presented today.
The public hearing was closed at 11:30a.m. The Commissioners reached a consensus to
support the application for map amendment and directed staff to prepare the proper
documents for presentation and consideration during a future meeting.
November 28, 2017
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WATER QUALITY BONDS, SERIES 2018A and 2018B AUTHORIZING
RESOLUTION
Lindsey Rader, Bond Counsel for Washington County, and Sara Greaves, Deputy Director,
Budget and Finance, presented an authorizing resolution for approval by the
Commissioners to issue and sell to the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration
(MWQFA) two separate general obligation bonds in the respective maximum original
principal amounts of $1,387,245 and $462,415 in order to finance or reimburse costs of
Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades and improvements to the Conococheague
Wastewater Treatment Plant (Project). Ms. Rader indicated that the Project meets
legislative requirements and MWQFA has agreed to loan the County money in the
aggregate original principal amount not to exceed $1,849,660 for Project purposes.
MWQFA loans are below market interest rates. Ms. Greaves described the savings to be
realized by using the bond process. Use of bond proceeds has been included in the
County's annual debt affordability analysis.
Commissioner Baker questioned the references in the bond documents to the now -vacant
position of Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Rader referred to provisions included in the
documents stating that the Director of the Office of Budget and Finance would exercise
any of the powers delegated under the resolution to the Chief Financial Officer unless the
County Commissioners determine otherwise.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Myers, moved to approve a resolution to issue and sell
to the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration two separate general obligation
bonds in the respective maximum original principal amounts of $1,387,245 and $462,415
in order to finance or reimburse costs of Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades and
improvements to the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant as presented. The
motion passed unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2017-23 is recorded among the Acts,
Ordinances and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the
County Commissioners' Office.)
EXTENSION OF SUNSET DATE PROVIDED FOR IN RESOLUTION NO.
RS -2016-16, CONOCOCHEAGUE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Sara Greaves and Lindsey Rader presented information on a resolution amending and
supplementing Resolution No. RS -2016-16 to extend the sunset date provided for therein
from December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2018. Ms. Rader indicated that the County
Commissioners offered certain potential incentives to Dot Foods, Inc. (DFI) to expand its
business currently located at 16301 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, including Tax
Increment Financing (TIF). As the first step in the process, the County Commissioners
adopted Resolution No. RS -2016-16 on September 13, 2016, (i) designating a contiguous
area as the Conococheague Development district, a development district for purposes of
the TIF Act (the District) and (ii) creating and providing for the funding of the special fund
required by the TIF Act. Pursuant to the TIF Act, the original assessable base of property
within the District was fixed as of January 1, 2015 due to the fact that Resolution No.
November 28, 2017
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RS -2016-16 was adopted in calendar year 2016. Resolution RS -2016-16 provides that if no
Bonds (as defined therein) are issued with respect to the District by December 31, 2017,
Resolution No. 2016-16 will be automatically revoked. DFI has experienced a delay in
finalizing its expansion plans and has advised County representatives that it expects to
finalize such plans by the end of 2017. Extending the sunset date as provided in the
proposed resolution preserves the date as of which the original assessable base of property
within the District will be calculated if the County ultimately issues TIF bonds with respect
to the District pursuant to the TIF Act. Ms. Rader stated that it is fairly common with
anticipated TIF bond financings for an issuer to extend the sunset date provided for in a
designation resolution.
Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve a resolution amending and
supplementing Resolution No. RS -2016-16 to extend the sunset date provided for therein
from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 as presented. The motion passed
unanimously. (Resolution No. RS -2017-24 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances and
Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County
Commissioners' Office.)
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. and relocated to Room 2000 for a lunch
meeting with the Washington County Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee.
LUNCH MEETING WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL
MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Commissioners met at 12:05 p.m. with members of the Washington County
Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee to discuss agriculture marketing in
Washington County. Leslie Hart, Agriculture Business Marketing Specialist, introduced
board members Dan Norris, Jim Matheny, Tracey Frey, Jill Hudson, Katie Carr and
Brooks Long, who represented beef operations, dairy operations, the equine industry and
orchards. Paul Frey, Executive Director, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(COC), stated that the COC brochure now lists information on agricultural businesses and
noted that his office is working on an agriculture -related mural in its new headquarters. He
also encouraged agricultural businesses to join the COC.
Committee members discussed issues relating to their farms and business operations
including State and local regulations, broadband availability and marketing. Ms. Hart
noted that several farms are participating in the Artisan Market at the Premium Outlets this
holiday season. She also described the Taste and Tunes to be held at the Valley Mall that
will offer wine and beer tastings and music in the former Sears store location. Ms. Hart
stated that Agronomy Day is November 29 where students receive resume reviews and job
coaching from volunteers. The Commissioners praised members for how they and their
farms and businesses add to the quality of life in Washington County.
November 28, 2017
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RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 1:03 p.m.
RECONVENE
The Commissioners reconvened at 1:19 p.m. in Room 1113, 100 West Washington Street.
PRESENTATION OF THE JUNE 30, 2017 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Sara Greaves and William Seymour, Client Service Partner, SB & Company, LLC,
presented findings from the audited financial statements of the County's budget year
ending June 30, 2017. Mr. Seymour discussed the services performed by SB & Company.
He stated that the firm uses a FORCAM approach - "Focus on Risk, Controls, and Account
Management". He also discussed the implementation next year of GASB 74
(Governmental Accounting Standards Board) for OPEB (other postemployment benefits).
Mr. Seymour indicated that the opinion was unmodified, or "clean", and the County has
conformed to accounting practices generally accepted in the United States.
The Commissioners briefly discussed the report. Commissioner Baker asked how specialty
audits would be performed if requested by the board. Ms. Greaves commended the Budget
and Finance staff for the work they perform.
BRIEFING ON NEXT GENERATION 911
Bud Gudmundson, GIS Manager, Information Technology, and Julia Fischer, Maryland
Geographic Information Officer, described Next Generation 911 (NG911), a nation-wide
coordinated effort to move 911 to the next level of technology. The State of Maryland is
coordinating all counties to implement this system over the next few years and the
Emergency Numbers System Board is funding some of the work. The Maryland
Association of Counties (MACo) has formed a Task Force to study NG911 and make
recommendations to the governor. Each county's 911 office is beginning to work with
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to maintain the new format. Verizon is leaving
the 911 business and it will be replaced by a local or regionally managed infrastructure.
Mr. Gudmundson noted several challenges posed by the NG911 implementation. First,
Section 1.3 of the Addressing Ordinance (ORD -2012-38) says that municipalities are not
covered by the ordinance. In order for NG911 to work, there needs to be only one
addressing authority in the jurisdiction. Second, since GIS will become the source for
location information for 911 calls, the 911 software will use the GIS map to determine
which County 911 office a call will be routed to. Staff is working with Frederick County to
delineate the County's eastern boundary more accurately. The other boundaries will not be
a problem. Defining the County boundary is not easy due to various maps showing
different variations. This issue will have to be resolved.
November 28, 2017
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GENERAL FUND CONTINGENCY FUNDING REQUEST — TOWN OF
HANCOCK
Jim Hovis, Director, Community Grant Management, and Leo Murray, Council member,
Town of Hancock, discussed a request from the Town for $10,000 from the County's
General Fund Contingency for direct expenses with the Veterans Memorial enhancement
project at Widmeyer Park. The Town plans to improve the park to memorialize veterans
from Hancock and its surrounding communities. The improvements are designed to
complement and coincide with the existing Veterans Memorial Park and the new Hancock
branch library facility. Project estimates are $57,000 for equipment and labor. Currently,
the Town has committed $25,000 and there is an additional $5,000 from the County's
Parks and Recreation Department. Private contributions totaling approximately $6,000
have been received.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve $10,000 from the County's
General Fund Contingency to the Town of Hancock for direct expenses with the Veterans
Memorial enhancement project as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RECLASSIFICATION/REALIGNMENT OF
DUTIES
Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, discussed the reclassification,
reorganization and realignment of duties for the Department of Health and Human Services
as a result of recommendations from an independent investigation concerning recent Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints.
The latest proposed department structural changes include:
Promoting Debra Peyton, Benefits Manager (Grade 14, Step 9) to Deputy Director (Grade
16, Step 7); promoting Krista Shipley, HR Administrator (Grade 11, Step 11) to HR
Coordinator (Grade 12, Step 10); and promoting Brittany Hyatt, Administrative Assistant
(Grade 9, Step 2) to Benefits Coordinator (Grade 11, Step 1). The fiscal impact would be
an increase to the budget of $13,450.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Barr, moved to approve the reclassification,
reorganization and realignment of duties for the Department of Health and Human Services
as presented. The motion passed with Commissioners Keefer, Barr, Myers and Baker
voting "AYE" and Commissioner Cline "NO".
REVISED AND UPDATED COUNTY POLICIES
Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services, and Kendall McPeak, Assistant
County Attorney, presented updated County policies that have been revised, reorganized
and consolidated. Some updates pertain to County, State and federal regulations that have
changed over time. Others involve issues pertaining to the implementation of the County's
Oracle Cloud software. The County Commissioners previously discussed the policies and
requested more time for review. Several policies have been updated since the
Commissioners' initial discussion. They include:
November 28, 2017
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PR -13: Anti -Harassment and Complaint Procedure (complaints will initially go to the
County Attorney)
PR -21: Violence in the Workplace (complaints will initially go to the County Attorney)
PR -26: Whistleblower Policy (complaints will initially go to the County Attorney)
PR -34: Leave Policy (Personal Days must be taken in 8 -hour increments)
PR -36: Tobacco Free Campus (Ag Center and Transit Center are exempt)
PR -37: Anti -Discrimination and Complaint Procedure (complaints will initially go to the
County Attorney)
PR -39: Cell Phone Use during Board Meetings (may be used for photos and business and
emergency -related electronic communications)
Stephanie Stone reviewed the additional policies with the Commissioners. Upon approval,
updated employee handbooks will be created for all employees and the policies will be
posted online for reference. Commissioner Cline questioned whether the union procedures
for reporting grievances would be changed and Ms. Stone advised they would not.
Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Myers, moved to approve all Employee Benefits (EB),
Personnel (PR), and Risk Management/Safety (RMS) policies under the purview of the
Health and Human Services Department, which have been provided to the Commissioners.
The motion passed with Commissioner Keefer, Myers, Barr and Baker voting "AYE" and
Commissioner Cline "NO".
WAGE AND RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
Stephanie Stone and Rob Slocum discussed the draft Salary Study conducted by Evergreen
Solutions, LLC the past six months that was reviewed by staff while being conducted. The
study included data received from County employees and fifteen peer groups in Maryland
and surrounding jurisdictions. The study included benefit analysis and further
consideration of investment in employee wellbeing.
Ms. Stone indicated that County employee benefits were excellent; however, overall, the
County is about 5% behind its peer groups on all positions. Other employers have outpaced
the County since 2000 including the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College,
City of Hagerstown and State of Maryland. The recommendation is to address employee
wellbeing along with wage equity, training, recognition and team building as follows:
Wage — provide a cost of living raise of 3.5% in mid-January 2018. A subsequent increase
in Fiscal Year 2019 is recommended for review under the normal budget cycle.
Equity — perform a review of individual departments for further consideration by the
Commissioners.
Training —provide a minimum training budget of $120 per year for each full-time
employee.
Recognition — provide a recognition budget of $77,000 per year to department
heads/division directors to be distributed equitably by department size.
November 28, 2017
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Team Buildingefforts fforts — provide a budget of $25 per employee per year to be dedicated to
individual departments for department -wide investment.
The Commissioners discussed the proposals. Commissioner Cline discussed employee
turnover, the need to increase deputies' entry pay level, and the excellent benefits provided
to employees.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Barr, moved to provide a combination of wage, equity
in pay, training, recognition and team building to County employees as set forth above and
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
County Administrator Rob Slocum presented a review of the Washington County Board of
Education's (BOE) proposed legislative initiatives, as follows:
1) Repeal of Public Local Law — Advisory School Design Review Committee
(ASDRC);
2) An annual increase in the Maintenance of Effort based upon the Consumer Price
Index; and
3) Automated Speed Enforcement — Dedication of Funds for School Resource
Officers.
The Commissioners discussed the proposed initiatives and Boyd Michael, Superintendent,
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), provided comment. Commissioner Cline
stated that he was opposed to providing additional BOE funding due to other needs in the
County such as fire and rescue companies. He noted that speed camera revenue is not
sustainable and the County would likely be asked to fund the difference in the coming
years. Commissioner Cline indicated that he might approve a one-time source of funding if
one is found. Commissioner Myers discussed the ASDRC and stated that if eliminated, he
would like County staff to act as a replacement to that committee. Boyd Michael
commented that the WCPS could reciprocate by using its engineering team and working
together.
The Commissioners agreed by consensus to the following:
1) Repeal of the ASDRC - if staff could work in a similar capacity.
2) Maintenance of Effort Based on the CPI — no support.
3) Speed Camera Funds Dedication for School Resource Officers — no support, unless
Sheriff Mullendore can devise another solution or other revenue becomes available
for one-time funding.
Rob Slocum discussed the proposal to consider a County coordinator position for opioid
issues and to make application to the State for funding.
November 28, 2017
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CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 3:19 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; or any other personnel matter that
affects one or more specific individuals; and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice
on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 3-305(b)(1) and (7) of the General Provisions
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential appointment of a certain
individual to fill a vacant position on a County board or commission and the potential
filling of certain employment vacancies. The Commissioners also discussed a certain
proposed legal document and received advice regarding its legal implications.
The Commissioners provided staff with direction on how to proceed on several matters.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John
F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. Also present were Robert J. Slocum,
County Administrator; Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk; Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County
Attorney; and at various times Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services;
Sara Greaves, Deputy Director, Budget and Finance; and Jim Hovis, Director, Community
Grant Management.
ADJOURNMENT
The closed session meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk