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HomeMy WebLinkAbout950822August 22, 1995 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. 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 - AUGUST 8, 1995 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of August 8, 1995, as submitted. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners of the Fairchild Homecoming on September 9 and 10 and commented on various topics discussed at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) Summer Conference last week. Commissioner Downey asked that the Director of Public Works contact Jim Peck from Maryland Environmental Service to see if he has some suggestions regarding the Water and Sewer Department and the service they provide. He also informed the Commissioners that the County has received another check from the Howard estate in the amount of 48,000 plus 5 shares of stock valued at approximately $2,000. Commissioner Bowers indicated that he spoke to County Commissioners from Garrett and Allegany Counties at the MACO Conference and they are very interested in working with Washington County to try to have a regional approach to tourism with a Western Maryland booth next year at the conference. Commissioner Shank stated that he spoke to the Director of Maryland State Use Industries and they are considering constructing a recycling center at the correctional institution which would be run by the inmates. He also stated that the Ag Fair was a success and indicated some of the future plans for the Agricultural Education Center. Commissioner Wade stated that he feels the Commissioners should discuss and develop a position to submit to the Governor on casino gambling in Maryland. Commissioner Wade also asked that a work session be scheduled to develop goals for the County. LETTER IN OPPOSITION TO CASINO GAMBLING IN MARYLAND The Commissioners discussed the issue of casino gambling in the State of Maryland and unanimously voiced their opposition to allowing this in the State of Maryland. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to send a letter to Governor Glendening indicating the Board's opposition to allowing casino gambling in the State of Maryland. Unanimously approved. ON BEHALF OF LETTER - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, recommended that the Commissioners follow the pattern of the past several years and transfer the entire 2,235,450 to CDA for use in issuing housing bonds for the Maryland Mortgage Program. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to accept the recommendation of the Director of Housing & Community Development and transfer the On Behalf Of Monies from the Community Development Administration back to them to be used for issuing housing bonds for the Maryland Mortgage Program. Unanimously approved. FAIRCHILD HOMECOMING - "THE PEOPLE & THE PLANES" Brandon Taksa, Coordinator for the Fairchild Homecoming event, met with the Commissioners to give them more details of the weekend and provide them with complimentary tickets. Mr. Taksa stated that "The People and the Planes" will be held on September 9 and 10 at the Regional Airport and will feature a former employees tent, hangar theatre, pictorial display, an airshow featuring the A-10 demonstration team, 55 types of aircraft manufactured by Fairchild, and the Sentimental Journey" dance. Mr. Taksa also thanked the sponsors who contributed to the homecoming. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, announced that Chatuagua Airlines will be taking over for Jetstream as of November 1 and will also be establishing a maintenance base at the former Landis hangar. Ms. Motz also stated that they may establish a route to Newark in the near future. AUGUST 22, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. CIP BUDGET TRANSFERS - REGIONAL AIRPORT Ms. Motz asked the Commissioners to approve the transfer of $20,000 from the Paving and T -Hangar Unit 6 project to allow the completion of the security fencing project. She stated that this would require an amendment to the contract with P & W Excavating. After discussion, the Commissioners asked for further information on the amount of additional fencing required. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade to transfer $35,000 in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget from the Fuel Farm project to the Roof Repair -T-Hangar #4 project. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to transfer $3,097 from the Street Light Project to the Terminal Storage Building Project. Unanimously approved. GREINER CONTRACT - EXTENSION Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, explained that the contract for the consulting engineer services at the Regional Airport with Greiner Engineering expired on July 9, 1995, and they would like the Commissioners' approval to extend the contract for two years to allow Greiner to finish the projects. The County Attorney recommended that Greiner be allowed to complete the projects which were negotiated with them in June before the expiration of the contract, but to then rebid the remainder of the project. Mr. Shoop stated that the Director of Public Works thought that the contract included a two-year option. The Commissioners discussed this matter and agreed to accept the County Attorney's recommendation. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to extend the contract of Greiner, Inc., for consulting engineering services at the Regional Airport to allow them to complete the two additional projects negotiated in June but to rebid the remainder of the contract work. Unanimously approved. ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association has invited them to dinner on August 30 to discuss the goals and objectives of the Association. The Commissioners agreed that they could not accept the invitation to the meeting regarding solid waste issues in Carroll County or Mr. Milburn's invitation to Happy Trails Campground due to the amount of items on the agenda. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners of the meeting on August 28 with Congressman Bartlett in the first floor conference room at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Shoop provided details of scheduled activities at Everybody's Day at Pen Mar Park. REAPPOINTMENT - HOUSING AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to reappoint John Harshman to the Housing Authority for a five year term. Unanimously approved. EXCESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION POLICY - BID AWARD Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to award the bid for excess Workers' Compensation Insurance to American Phoenix who submitted the low bid of 26,593. Unanimously approved. EVENING MEETING - AUGUST 29 Mr. Shoop announced that Tuesday, August 29th is the fifth Tuesday in the month and will be an evening meeting. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE POSITION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve advertising for the vacant Laborer position in the southern section of the Roads Department. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION EASEMENT SALE The Commissioners convened the public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments regarding the applications for submittal for the Agricultural Land Preservation Easement Sale. Eric Seifarth, Associate Planner - Agriculture, met with the Commissioners to explain the system used to rank the applications, and informed the Commissioners that the State has requested that only the top 800 of AUGUST 22, 1994 MINUTES, CONT'D. applications in this cycle be sent to them for consideration, which would be 6 applications. The hearing was then opened for public testimony but there was no one present who wished to comment. The Commissioners discussed the matter and agreed to send the top 4 applications. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve submittal of the 4 highest ranked applications in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program to the State for consideration for easement sale as presented. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF EASEMENTS - PANGBORN WEST SEWER PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve a revertible easement of 900 sq. ft. for John & Sandra Lewis for the amount of $925 and to approve a revertible easement of 900 sq. ft. for Wayne and Elizabeth Bowers for the amount of $325, which are needed for the Pangborn West Sewer Project. Unanimously approved. RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT - WESTERN MARYLAND PARKWAY EXTENDED Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve a right-of-way agreement over Detention Center property to allow the extension of the gas line on Western Maryland Parkway to serve Phoenix Color. Unanimously approved. RUBBLE LANDFILL FEES Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the amount of materials received at the new rubble landfill. Commissioner Bowers stated that he feels yard waste should be allowed to be taken to the rubble fill at no cost if the individual has a residential landfill sticker. Mr. Davenport suggested that free wood chips be offered on an "as available" basis to those who bring brush and wood waste instead of Commissioner Bowers' suggestion. The Commissioners asked Mr. Davenport to compile data on the amount of residential brush and yard waste collected and the revenues involved prior to their making a decision on this matter. PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE FOR LICENSURE OF SEPTIC TANK INSTALLERS The Commissioners convened a public hearing for the purpose of considering amendments to certain provisions of the Ordinance to Provide for Licensure of Septic Tank Installers relating to the increase in the licensing fee for septic tank installers from $25 to $50. There was no one present who wished to testify in favor or in opposition to the amendment. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to adopt the amendment to the Ordinance to Provide for Licensure of Septic Tank Installers in Washington County, Maryland, to increase the licensing fee from $25 to $50. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Commissioner Snook introduced Gene Creek and his son, Ian, who is working to attain his Boy Scout Citizenship Badge. Charlie Shindle invited the Commissioners to attend the dedication and open house for the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company's new building on October 7 at 2 p.m. UPDATE ON DEATH OF ROAD'S DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE, KEITH SHIVES Ted Wolford, Roads Department Superintendent, met with the Commissioners to provide an account of the accident which led to the death of Roads Department employee, Keith Shives, on Monday, August 21. Mr. Wolford indicated that the roller he was driving overturned on Rt. 40 west of Clear Spring. He stated that a maintenance check of the roller has been done and the accident is being investigated by County Deputies, as well as MOSH and Crawford & Company. Mr. Wolford also indicated that the crisis team has been called to meet with and counsel employees. Mr. Wolford thanked the Medevac and ambulance personnel, County employees, and the towing company for the assistance they provided. MINERAL AVENUE PROPERTY - CONVEYANCE Ralph France, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that no comments were received regarding the County's intention to convey the Mineral Avenue property, which was conveyed to the County when it was not sold at a tax sale, to Habitat for Humanity for its use. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the conveyance of the Mineral Avenue property to Habitat for Humanity for no consideration with AUGUST 22, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. a clause included that the property will revert to the County at no cost if a building is not constructed within three years and to offer Habitat for Humanity the option to further extend the time period, if necessary, at that time. Unanimously approved. RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve a 10 foot wide easement for The Potomac Edison Company for the installation of underground utilities to the new JRA Executive Air shell building at the Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. EXTENSION OF LEASE - STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the extension of the lease for the State Fire Marshall's office for a five year period beginning October 1, 1995, at the rate of $11.18 per square foot. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION - TOWN OF HANCOCK - ESTABLISHMENT OF ENTERPRISE ZONE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the establishment of an enterprise zone within the Town of Hancock as heard at public hearing on July 11, 1995. Unanimously approved. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE CASE A-2 - TEXT AMENDMENTS Robert Arch, Planning Director, reviewed the text amendments to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance which were heard at the joint public hearing on June 12, 1995. The Commissioners discussed the APFO as it relates to overcrowding in schools. Commissioner Bowers stated that he feels there should be a time frame included for Planned Unit Developments (PVDs). The Commissioners asked Mr. Arch to have the Planning Commission look at the issue regarding school capacity as well as considering placing a time frame for PUD developments. The Commissioners agreed to wait until next week to take action on the text amendments. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 11:17 a.m., with regard to personnel matters, to consult with the County Attorney, and to consider businesses relocating in Washington County, in accordance with Section 10.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 12:24 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters and one 1) property matter. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:25 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at 1:05 p.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with Board of Education members Thomas Berry, Jan Cirincione, Dori Nipps, Marie Byers, and Robert Kline. Also present were Dr. Wayne Gersen, Superintendent of Schools, and David Brandenburg, Supervisor of Accounting, James Lemmert, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and Mark Michael, Student Representative, to discuss long range funding, review the Board of Education's proposed funding requirements, and discuss the County's five year budget. Mr. Berry reviewed the mission of the Board of Education. He then reviewed the Board's Long -Range Financial Plan and the assumptions made in developing this plan. Mr. Berry also reviewed enrollment trends from 1984 through 2000, which are projected to climb to over 20,000 students. Mrs. Byers discussed the special education program and the contracting for services related to placing some of the students in facilities which are not located in Washington County. Also discussed were the funding levels from the State and Federal governments for special education. AUGUST 22, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. Commissioner Shank asked the Board include costs for debt service, the health nurse program, and crossing guards in its budget. Dr. Gersen reviewed the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget and the process and timeline to submit it to the State Interagency Committee (IAC). Dr. Gersen then distributed a list of the status of projects which will be completed this year. He also reviewed project scheduled for FY 1996 - 2001. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, distributed copies of the projected General Fund budget for the County for FY 1997 - 2001 and reviewed projected revenues and expenditures for this time frame. Ms. Bastian stated that the County faces a projected deficit of $352,878 for FY 1997 which is predicted to grow to $3,522,654 in FY 2001. She also noted the large amount of debt service payments incurred during this time. Ms. Bastian also distributed information showing a 300 reduction of capital projects funding to the Board of Education in this time period, which is the amount of reduction the County will be facing. The Commissioners asked Mr. Shoop and Dr. Gersen to meet to discuss possible cuts to the Board of Education's budget in the future and a time frame for these reductions. The Commissioners also asked that the next meeting between the two groups be scheduled. The Board of Education distributed copies of the 1994-96 Final Operating Budget and its Performance Results. Commissioner Downey returned to the meeting at 3:11 p.m. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the meeting at 3:15 p.m. PINESBURG SOFTBALL COMPLEX - BID AWARD Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to award the bid for the construction of the Pinesburg Softball Complex to C. William Hetzer, Inc., who submitted the low bid of $285,674. Unanimously approved. CHANGE ORDER - AIRPORT FENCING Mr. Shoop presented the additional information requested on the amount of additional security fencing needed to complete this project at the Regional Airport. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to approve the transfer of 20,356 from the Paving & T -Hangar Unit 6 project in the CIP budget to the Security Fencing project and to amend this contract to include an additional 9,475 feet of fencing. Unanimously approved.