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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050315 March 14, 2005 Hagerstown, MD 21740 JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-05-001-003, WS-05-001 & 002, CP-05-001 & 002, and SO-05-001 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning map amendments RZ-05-001-003, Water and Sewerage Plan amendments WS-05-001-002, Comprehensive Plan amendments CP-05-001-002, and Subdivision Ordinance SO-05-001. The Commissioners agreed to postpone RZ-05-003 as requested by the applicant’s attorney. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook and Planning Commission Vice Chair Benjamin Clopper. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, and John C. Munson and Planning Commission members Linda Parrish, Terry Reiber, Bernie Moser, and George Anikis. The public hearing was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk March 15, 2005 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the “State of the City” forum sponsored by the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Clarion Inn & Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:15 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. 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 – MARCH 8, 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of March 8, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved. PURCHASING MONTH AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT & PRESENTATION TO KAREN LUTHER Ms. Luther stated that March is recognized as National Purchasing Month. She informed the Commissioners that the Purchasing Department celebrated by holding a contest for County employees. She introduced members of her staff who were in attendance. The person who submitted the most correct answers of the ten questions relating to purchasing will receive a cash prize of $50. Ms. Luther informed the Commissioners that there were four entries and Dave Blubaugh, Highway Department, won the prize by correctly answering nine of the ten questions. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Blubaugh and thanked the Purchasing staff for their good work. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he and Commissioner Wivell attended the County Delegation’s meeting last week to discuss the excise tax legislation and several amendments. He reviewed the amendments approved by the Delegation. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the amendments in more detail later in the meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Hagerstown Homebuilders’ Home Show. He informed the Commissioners that he spoke to the Paramount Elementary School Citizens Advisory Committee regarding the impacts of growth and also spoke to the 2004-05 class of Leadership Hagerstown during Local MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE TWO Government Day. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the Public Golf Corporation meeting. Commissioner Wivell reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting. He reminded the Commissioners that the Celebration of Business is scheduled for April 12. Commissioner Wivell also reported on the PenMar Development Corporation meeting. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Historical Advisory Committee meeting. She stated that the winners of the Commission for Women’s annual essay contest read their essays at the last meeting. The theme this year was “Women in the Arts.” Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that the recent Habitat for Humanity fundraiser raised $41,000. Commissioner Munson stated that he attended the Hagerstown Homebuilders’ Association Home Show. He proposed that the Commissioners consider approving the roads overlay/ reclamation portion of the FY 2006 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget in order to allow the staff to bid the project as soon as possible. The Commissioners agreed to schedule time at the next CIP budget workshop on March 22 to discuss the proposal. Commissioner Snook commended the Permits & Inspections Department for staffing a booth at the Home Show. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the refinancing of the Maryland Water Quality loan and thanked the Finance Department staff for their hard work. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Hagerstown Business College that they have made a proposal to the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer a four-year degree in Business and Information Technology. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Stephanie Stone, Director of the Community Partnership for Children & Families, informed the Commissioners that there is a movement in Annapolis to kill Senate Bill 222/House Bill 293 reauthorizing the Governor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families. Ms. Stone emphasized the importance of retaining the Local Management Board entity in the legislation. She stated that she has contacted members of the County Delegation to the General Assembly about her concerns. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he met with the stakeholders in the Maugans Avenue corridor projects regarding concerns for traffic safety. He stated that he met with local consultants regarding the highway adequacy policy and inclusion of language regarding a pavement element. He indicated that the meeting went well and that a number of issues were resolved. Mr. Rohrer reported that he and Scott Hobbs, Bridge Engineer, inspected the bridge at Kirk Woods Park that was damaged by a recent storm. He stated that an alternative location would have to be found for the bridge and that they may have to construct a pedestrian bridge until a new bridge is completed. CHANGE ORDER – AIRPORT RUNWAY PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve a change order for the Regional Airport Runway project in the total amount of $41,449.25. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” WATER QUALITY DEPARTMENT – BUDGET PRESENTATION Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2006 budget for the Department. He introduced staff members Jim Bishop, Deputy Director, Julie Pippel, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate, who were in attendance. Mr. Murray provided an overview of his department. Mr. Murray reviewed an operating budget comparison of fiscal years 2004 and 2005. The proposed FY 2006 revenue budgets are as follows: Utility Administration Fund (total) – $2,993,831; Water Fund - $1,031,170 MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE THREE (general fund appropriation of $357,400); Sewer - $10,901,366 (generalfund appropriation of $2,412,600); and Pretreatment Fund - $1,480,000 (general fund appropriation of $350,000). Mr. Murray reviewed the projected revenues and expenditures for each department. The Commissioners discussed sewer capacity and growth issues in the County. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION John Himes expressed a variety of concerns including a permitting issue, rural area rezoning, and the placement of a traffic light at Valley Road. WATER & SEWER RATE SETTING RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Murray then made recommendations to set rates for water and sewer services for fiscal year 2006. He reviewed projections for fiscal years 2006 through 2015 and recommended a 2% increase in the water rates and a 2.7% increase in the sewer rates. The recommended rate increase is 1% less than what was projected last year (3%). Mr. Murray reviewed the schedule of proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2006. He stated that the increase in sewer rates to the average residential customer would be $2.75 per quarter and $2.22 per quarter for water. Mr. Murray indicated that no borrowing would be needed for water or sewer funds this year. He also reviewed a proposed infrastructure management program fee for full service customers at Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant to be used to offset the administrative costs associated with operating the program and an Infrastructure Development Plan or required regional infrastructure contribution equivalent to a minimum of $1,000 per EDU to be used to ensure that adequate pumping and transmission infrastructure is available based on projected service area needs. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to advertise to accept the rate options for water and sewer fees as recommended by staff for presentation at a public hearing. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department, presented the budget request for the Solid WasteDepartment revenue budget for FY 2006 in the total amount of $8,121,405. The staff answered questions from the Board and discussed proposed rate changes and other items related to the landfill. The Commissioners discussed the proposed fee increases. Mr. Davenport and Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, reviewed the cost of service analysis that was done for the Solid Waste Department. Ms. Bastian also reviewed the debt service schedule. RECESS – LUNCH AND BUSINESS MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners recessed at 11:32 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and meeting with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College. MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES – HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC, to provide a brief overview of the budget, the budgeting process, and the funding breakdown between the State and County. HCC is requesting $6,005,734 from Washington County in FY 2006. Dr. Altieri reviewed the 2012 Strategic Plan with the Commissioners. He also provided a copy of the Middle States Evaluation report, the FY 2006 goals, vision, and action plan. Dr. Altieri reviewed the major capital improvement needs for the college over the next eight years. The meeting was then opened for comments and questions from the Commissioners. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:01 p.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. MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE FOUR BUDGET REQUEST – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Richard Miller, Chair of the Social Services Board, introduced Ellen Hayes, Rollan Smith, Spence Perry and Nicole Houser, who presented the fiscal year 2006 budget request for the Department of Social Services of $54,720 for rental of space for the Family Support Center plus an additional child care staff person, $40,059 for Adult Foster Care, and $62,970 for the School Family Liaison Program (Ellen Hayes). The Commissioners also watched a video, which was made by the participants of the Family Support Center. The Commissioners discussed the lease arrangement for the Family Support Center. CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE – WASHINGTON COUNTY 911 CENTER Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of excellence to the Washington County 911 Center staff on behalf of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He stated that Gordon Dean, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Number Systems Board, toured the 911 center as part of an annually required inspection and found that the center met or exceeded expectations. Bardona Woods, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, provided additional information on the scope of the inspection. REZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-04-009 (RONALD & CONNIE MCALLISTER AND JOHN & TRACY DOUB) Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed map amendment RZ-04- 009, submitted by Ronald and Connie McAllister and John and Tracy Doub, to rezone the subject properties from HI-1 – Highway Interchange 1 to RR – Rural Residential. Mr. Douglas stated that the Planning Commission recommended granting the rezoning. The Commissioners discussed the application, and Mr. Douglas indicated that he would develop a written decision for the Commissioners in order to vote on at a later meeting. The Commissioners cited the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval, the fact that water and sewer is available at the site, the overall improvement in the highway system, and the proximity of the subject properties to already existing residential development, among others, as reasons to approve the application. EXCISE TAX DISCUSSION The Commissioners discussed the suggested language amending the excise tax legislation that was received from Delegate Chris Shank regarding the surcharge criteria and other matters. Commissioner Snook reviewed the criteria, which included the number of residential units being greater than 25 in the subdivision, where a school is at or above state rated school capacity, or the roads within one mile of the subdivision are at a service level D or lower. The Commissioners suggested that this language be tied into the language from the existing highway adequacy policy. The Commissioners suggested that the surcharge criteria be based on 85 percent of the State rated school capacity rather than “at or above state rated school capacity.” They also discussed subsection (4) and the language included by the Delegation that the County must make a final report on several issues before they begin collecting revenues from the excise tax. The final report would be due by December 31, 2005. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the County would lose $2.5 million for schools by waiting until this date. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to ask that this section be deleted or that the report date changed to July 1, 2005, to allow them to begin collection of the excise tax. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:19 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State MARCH 15, 2005 PAGE FIVE Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 4:26 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice concerning one (1) matter, consulted with staff about pending or potential litigation, considered matters that concerned proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were John Martirano, County Attorney; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources; Annajean McKnight, Risk Management Administrator; Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport; Mike Thompson, Director of Planning; and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works. EMPLOY RISK MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to employ Becky Maginnis as Risk Management Administrator (Grade 12) at $44,000 to fill an upcoming vacancy that will occur due to the retirement of Annajean McKnight. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 4:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk