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HomeMy WebLinkAbout951003October 3, 1995 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 8:00 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 County Administrator, Rodney Shoop, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of September 26, 1995, as submitted. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Marge Peters and Sunny Engle, representing Y -Me of the Cumberland Valley, naming the month of October 1995 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Washington County and urging all women to be aware of the life saving measures of early detection. Ms. Peters informed the Commissioners of the fundraising events being held this month and invited them to participate in the press conference and Aerobathon. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners of the State Highway Administration Annual Tour on October 6. Commissioner Downey reported on the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Family Support Center. Commissioner Bowers asked that signage be placed to identify the entrance to the rubblefill. He also reported on complaints he has received regarding debris on roads and parking lots. Commissioner Bowers also reported on the tour of Ft. Ritchie. Commissioner Wade inquired about investigation procedures through the State's Attorney's office. VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION - INCOME TAX MODIFICATION PROGRAM Jerry Reed, Fire & Rescue Coordinator, reviewed the point system which was submitted by the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association for the Commissioners' approval to permit fire and rescue personnel to qualify for the tax exemption in Senate Bill 144, which was signed into law on May 25, 1995. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve the point system, as submitted by the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, for eligibility to receive the Income Tax Subtraction Modification as provided for in Senate Bill 144. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER 3, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. AMENDMENT TO GUIDELINES FOR FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to change the wording in the guidelines for the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board from "Chief Officers" to "Elected Officers" for eligibility for appointment to this Board. Unanimously approved. CLEAR SPRING AMBULANCE CLUB - REQUEST FOR LOAN APPROVAL Kathleen Riley, Director of Citizens Services, met with the Commissioners as a member of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund Committee, to inform them that the Committee reviewed a request from the Clear Spring Ambulance Club for a loan of 75,000 to purchase a 1995 P & L Ambulance. She stated that the Committee recommends that a loan be made for 500 of the total purchase price of $124,211 in accordance with the Fire & Rescue Loan Committee Guidelines. She stated that the Committee also expressed concerns that the Clear Spring Ambulance Club did not seek bank financing for this purchase. John Greenlee, representing the Clear Spring Ambulance Club, asked that the 50% rule be waived to allow them to receive the full $75,000 loan requested. He stated that the Club has an outstanding loan on its new facility and is providing paid personnel several days during the week, and, he is concerned about reducing the Club's cash balance by this amount if they would only receive a loan for 500 of the purchase price. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve waiving the Fire Rescue Revolving Loan Fund guidelines to allow the Clear Spring Ambulance Club to receive the full $75,000 loan requested for purchase of a new ambulance through this fund. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to amend the Main Motion to include the provision that the Clear Spring Ambulance Club utilize its own funds prior to utilizing the loan funds from the Revolving Loan Committee. Motion on the amendment was approved with Commissioners Downey, Shank, and Snook voting AYE" and Commissioners Bowers and Wade voting "NO". The Main Motion, as amended, was approved with Commissioners Downey, Shank, and Snook, voting "AYE" and Commissioners Bowers and Wade voting "NO". Commissioner Wade requested that the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Committee review its guidelines to establish a policy on when loan amounts to volunteer fire and rescue companies could be raised due to financial hardship. MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE EASEMENT - SOUTH POINTE DEVELOPMENT Paul Crampton, Jr., appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the drainage Swale which extends through the center of his South Pointe Development. Mr. Crampton distributed copies of drawings of this development showing the drainage Swale behind the single family dwelling units. He stated that he was under the impression that the Swale was to be dedicated to the County along with the stormwater management pond because of the large amount of water flow through the Swale which is not generated solely by this development. Terry McGee, County Engineer, stated that normally the County does not maintain large drainage easements through private developments but they are usually set aside. Mr. Crampton stated that no arrangements were put in place for the property owners bordering the Swale to maintain it. After questions and discussion, the Commissioners took this matter under consideration. 1995 UNITED WAY KICK-OFF Kathy Vogt, Executive Director of United Way; Alan Davis, Director of the Human Resources Department; and Kim Leatherman, Administrative Secretary in the Human Resources Department; appeared before the Commissioners to kick off the 1995 United Way campaign. Mr. Davis stated that he is acting as co-chairman for Division I, which includes governmental agencies, and they have set a goal of 50,000 for City/County employees. He asked for the Commissioners' continued support of United Way and indicated that he may ask them to approve incentives to employees for their participation. Ms. Vogt thanked the Commissioners for their support of the United Way program. FT. RITCHIE - OFFER TO BUY EASEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the offer of Ft. Ritchie to purchase .32 acres for the permanent flood control wall and .23 acre for a temporary construction easement for the amount of $2,530 plus an annual rental payment for a two year period of $290 for a total of $2,820. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER 3, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. OPTION AGREEMENTS FOR RUNWAY PROTECTION ZONE (RZF) Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the purchase of property from Omar M. Hege for the amount of $92,000 and from Paul J. Wilhide for the total amount of up to $128,200 (both acquisitions include moving and relocation costs) whose properties were located in the runway protection zone of the Washington County Regional Airport, to be funded 90% by an FAA grant, 5% by State funds, and 5% by County funds. Unanimously approved. ENTERPRISE ZONE TAX CREDITS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the Interstate 81 Enterprise Zone Tax Credits in accordance with the Tax -General Article - Title 4- 401 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as presented and as recommended by the County Treasurer. Unanimously approved. (Copy of approved listing is attached.) Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the Enterprise Zone Tax Credits in accordance with the Tax -General Article - Title 4-401 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as presented and as recommended by the County Treasurer. Unanimously approved. (Copy of approved listing is attached.) SUB -AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL TO ADMINISTER GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve a sub -agreement with the Community Action Council to administer the Homeless Prevention Services Program grant for the County. Unanimously approved. COMMERCIAL LEASE - 1260 MARYLAND AVENUE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve renewal of the commercial lease with Robert Bricker and James Ellis for office space at 1260 Maryland Avenue for a three year period beginning November 1, 1995, at $9.10 per square foot, as presented by the County Attorney. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING - VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF HALFWAY - SERVICE AGREEMENT AND RESOLUTION The Commissioners convened the Public Hearing at 10:52 a.m. regarding the service agreement and resolution of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. Ralph France, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway is borrowing $2.3 million from The Hagerstown Trust Company and, as required by Sections 150(e) and 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, for it to be considered a tax exempt transaction, a public hearing was held and a Resolution must be approved authorizing the County Commissioners to enter into a written agreement with them relating to the furnishing of firefighting services within a certain area of Washington County. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one to testify in favor of or in opposition to the proposed Service Agreement and Resolution. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the Resolution authorizing the County Commissioners of Washington County to enter into a written agreement with the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, Maryland, Inc., relating to the furnishing of firefighting services within a certain area of Washington County. Unanimously approved. (Copy of Resolution attached.) ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Antietam Cable Company now has the Commissioners' agenda on the air several times a week. Mr. Shoop also announced that Cas Taylor will be speaking at the Planning Conference at the Ramada Inn on October 13. Mr. Shoop asked for permission to advertise for an Administrative Secretary for the Executive Director for the Re -Use of Ft. Ritchie. The Commissioners asked him to see if the support personnel already in place are available before advertising for a new position. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the recommendation to appoint Clyde Harris to the Local Emergency Planning Commission pending verification that he resides in Washington County. Unanimously approved. AIRPORT AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE - BID AWARD Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to award the bid for the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle (AARF) to the Walter Truck Corporation who submitted the low bid of $171,986, which includes the Federal Aviation OCTOBER 3, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. Administration (FAA) share of $164,617, and County share of $15,599.85. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD - BOND COUNSEL Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to award the contract for bond counsel services to Eastwick, Rose & Wright who submitted the low total bid of $22,500. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth related an incident which occurred at the Hospital and his feeling that social programs classify people involved. He also spoke about the Board of Education personnel matters referred to in the newspaper. John Mullendore distributed copies of articles in Ft. Ritchie's Base Newsletter regarding appointment of the Executive Committee on the Re -use of Ft. Ritchie. NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Chris Nixon, representing the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to provide information regarding a new State source for community financing. Ms. Nixon provided information on the Neighborhood Business Development Program. She stated that the program utilized 7 million out of the rental housing programs to use for revitalization programs in downtown business districts as gap financing. Ms. Nixon provided details on the program and indicated that the monies can only be used in areas designated as Neighborhood Business Development Areas" but enterprise zones areas automatically receive this designation. Richard Kautz, Hagerstown City Planner, voiced is support of the program. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN PRESENTATION Keith Godwin, Manager of the Transportation Commission, introduced Fred Fravel, who is working with EcoSometrics to prepare the Washington County Transit Study, to present the current status of the study. Mr. Fravel stated that he will have the final results from the study for presentation by the end of October. He indicated that the needs assessment has been completed as well as the assessment of current County Commuter services, and a review of other services provided by the Transportation Commission. Mr. Fravel also presented a trend analysis and peer comparison with other transit systems. He stated that some of the routes will need to be pruned and he will provide more detailed recommendations when the study is completed. Mr. Fravel provided the following preliminary conclusions: 1) The County Commuter is comparable to peers in the region and to national averages in terms of costs and levels of service. 2) The County Commuter has ridership very close to that which would be expected from a service area with this population. 3) The difference in performance of the routes suggests that changes in some routes be undertaken to improve their cost-effectiveness by reducing costs, however, it is not clear that major surgery is needed. 4) Care must be taken to make sure that service reductions or fare increases do not lead to a loss of ridership that calls for further cuts. In answer to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Fravel stated that they will be making recommendations for a five year plan to work with the lower levels of funding now being provided by the Federal government. Mr. Godwin provided an outline of cost saving measures including trip eliminations to achieve a 22% and 50% reduction from weekday routes and 50% from Saturday routes. RUBBLEFILL RECYCLABLES AND TRANSFER STATION OPERATION Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, provided updated information on the rubblefill. He stated that 1,411 tons were received in August and 1,658 tons had been received in September. He stated that 8,000 residential permits have been sold. In response to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Davenport stated that they would lose $12,000 in revenue if the County decides not to charge residential permit holders for yard waste and approximately $30,000 if they do not charge for rubble and yard waste. The Commissioners discussed whether to initiate a special program for leaves to offer a temporary program or to just accept them at the rubble landfill. No decision was made at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to accept yard waste, i.e., grass, leaves and brush, at no charge from residential permit holders at the rubble landfill. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER 3, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. GROUP IV HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE REZONINGS The Commissioners agreed to the amendments made to the properties in the Group IV Comprehensive Highway Interchange rezonings and to advertise for a joint public hearing to be held October 25, 1995, at Williamsport High School. BID AWARD - LIGHTING OF FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELD - MARTY SNOOK PARK Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to award the bid for lighting at the football/soccer field at Marty Snook Park to Tri-State Electric Company who submitted the low bid meeting specifications of $43,818.33. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:27 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at 1:07 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to convene in Closed Session at 1:08 p.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. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the meeting at 3:22 p.m. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 4:33 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel matters, consulted with the County attorney on five (5) matters, and discussed four (4) economic development matters. EMPLOY - PART-TIME REPORTS CLERK - TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to employ Tina McCall as a Part-time Reports Clerk at the Transportation Commission. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adjourn at 4:35 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk