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HomeMy WebLinkAbout951114November 14, 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 Downey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT - KATHLEEN RILEY Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to Kathleen Riley in recognition of 7 years and 4 months of dedicated service as Division Chief of Citizens Services and for the excellent work she performed on behalf of Washington County and wished her success in her new endeavors. Ms. Riley thanked the Commissioners for the certificate. PRESENTATION TO COUNTY ATTORNEY Commissioner Snook presented County Attorney, Ralph France, with an engraved gavel from all the County Commissioners. Mr. France will be sworn in today as a Judge in the District Court. Mr. France thanked the Commissioners for the gift and stated that he enjoyed his work as County Attorney. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 7, 1995 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of November 7, 1995, as submitted. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER 1995 YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARD Commissioner Wade presented a Certificate of Merit to Michael S. Hoffman in recognition of being selected as the October 1995 Youth of the Month as recommended by the Children's Council. Commissioner Wade noted some of Michael's activities and accomplishments in school, church, and the community and congratulated him on being a superior role model for all youth. Michael thanked the Commissioners for the award and introduced his parents and teachers who were in attendance. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Downey reported on the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health meeting and the CASA Board meeting. Commissioner Bowers reported on the Retirement Board meeting, his meeting with the 5th grade class at Clear Spring Elementary School regarding air conditioning, and the LRA Executive Council meeting. Commissioner Wade reported on the Arts Council's open house. He stated NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. that he feels the Commissioners should consider holding one evening meeting per month at varied locations throughout the County. He also stated that he feels they may want to consider holding discussions on an individual basis with Board of Education members. Commissioner Shank expressed his support of Commissioner Wade's suggestion to hold one evening meeting each month providing they are well attended by the public. The Commissioners discussed this and agreed to have the County Administrator develop a schedule for their consideration. Commissioner Snook reported on the Frostburg State University Board meeting. The Commissioners asked that the County Administrator schedule a meeting with the HJC Board of Trustees regarding funding for next fiscal year's budget. KIDS' VOTING - WASHINGTON COUNTY PROJECT Carolyn Shaw and Frank Clopper from The Potomac Edison Company along with Ed Koogle, representing the Board of Education, met with the Commissioners to present information on the Kids' Voting Project. Ms. Shaw stated that Kids' Voting is a non-partisan, non-political program which encourages students to learn more about the election process and then go to the polls with their parents. She stated that there are special voting booths at the polling areas, manned by volunteers, to allow the children to vote and have the results tabulated. Mr. Clopper reported on the success of the program in other jurisdictions, and Mr. Koogle provided information on the curriculum furnished for the teachers. Ms. Shaw asked that the Commissioners lend their support by acting as the honorary board of directors and to help with volunteers to run the voting machines and establish polling areas for them. The Commissioners discussed the program and expressed concerns that it could be used to promote a political agenda. Mr. Koogle assured them that the curriculum used is compiled by the State Kids' Voting organization for use by all schools and is not biased for any political party. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to support the Kids' Voting Washington County project in concept. The Main Motion was discussed at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to amend the Main Motion to include language that every school in Washington County be required to follow the curriculum provided by the State Kids' Voting project and to have periodic reviews to assure that it is not issue or agenda oriented. Motion carried with Commissioners Bowers, Wade, Shank, and Downey voting "AYE" and Commissioner Snook voting "NO". The Main Motion to support the Kids' Voting project in concept, as amended to require periodic review and the use of standard curriculum issued by the State Kids' Voting Program, was then voted on and unanimously approved. METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION - TIP TRANSIT ELEMENT 1996-98 Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to sit as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Hagerstown Urbanized Area at 9:41 a.m. Unanimously approved. Robert Arch, Planning Director, reviewed the Transit Element for the Fiscal Year 1996-98 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as forwarded by the State Highway Administration. The Commissioners discussed the Local Government Share in the Public Transportation Operation Assistance project for FY 1996 which is projected by the State to be $395,000. Keith Godwin, Transportation Commission Manager, explained that this number is only used by the State as a planning tool, and the Commissioners can lower this number to reflect a more realistic figure without affecting the project. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, sitting as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, to accept the 1996-98 Transportation Improvement Program Transit Element and to lower the Local government share of Public Transportation Operating Assistance project for FY 1996 to $200,000. Motion carried with Commissioners Shank, Wade, Bowers and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Downey voting "NO". REZONING CASE - RZ-95-04 (MANSOOR SHAOOL) Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to accept the definition of neighborhood, the following Findings of Fact presented by the County Attorney together with the Report and Recommendation of the Planning Commission for RZ-95- 04, pursuant to Section 27.3 of the Zoning Ordinance of Washington County. Unanimously approved. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. a) The report and recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Washington County Planning Commission took action at a special meeting held on Monday, August 28, 1995, to recommend approval of map amendment RZ-95-04. The Commission's decision was rendered upon due consideration of testimony given at the public hearing held on June 12, 1995, any correspondence received in lieu of public testimony during the 10 day period following the public hearing and Staff Reports dated May 10, 1995 and August 2, 1995. The Planning Commission in accordance with Section 16.0 of the Zoning ordinance, accepted the Staff's findings of fact as their own and more specifically established during deliberation of RZ-95-04 the following findings of fact and recommended the following conditions be incorporated into any approval: 1) The proposed PUD met the intended purpose of a "PUD" Planned Unit Development. 2) The proposed PUD is within the designated UGA and conforms with applicable policies of the Comprehensive Plan. 3) The Concept Plan was determined to propose land uses which are generally compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. However, the portion of the concept plan for the east side of Robinwood Drive depicting dormitories would need to be revised on future development plans to provide for land uses that are compatible with the adjoining properties in scope and size. The Developer is also required to work with Hagerstown Junior College to address access to the College from the proposed development. In addition, concerns from the College with regard to stormwater management and buffering will also need to be addressed by the developer. 4) Two potential impacts on community infrastructure facilities were identified by agencies having jurisdiction. Potential impacts on schools and existing public roads must be addressed in order to obtain approval of future development plans. In addition, the developer shall provide main access to his development off a road to be constructed as the first leg of a new road between Robinwood Drive and Eastern Boulevard. b) Definition of the neighborhood. For the purposes of this rezoning, the neighborhood extends one mile north and one mile south from the subject property on Robinwood Drive, and one mile east and one mile west from the subject property. c) Population change in the area of the proposed change. The proposed rezoning is located in Election District 18 (Chewsville). The population in this district has increased 31% between 1970 and 1990. d) Availability of public facilities in the area. The Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan designates the portion of the subject property on the west side of Robinwood Drive as having a water service priority designation of W-3 (Programmed Service) and the portion on the east side as W-1 (Service existing or under construction). The Sewer Priority designation on both sides of the road in this area is S-5 (planned service). Public water to this site would be provided by the Hagerstown Water Department. Sewerage service is provided by the City of Hagerstown Water Pollution Control. Fire protection in this area is provided by the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company located in Funkstown and emergency medical service is provided by the Community Rescue Service located in Hagerstown. The subject site is served by the County Commuter Bus service which makes hourly round trips to Hagerstown Junior College via Robinwood Drive from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The bus makes four trips past this site on Saturdays. The proposed residential uses within this PUD are apartments and townhouses and are subject to the requirements of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The proposed PUD is located within the enrollment areas of Eastern Elementary School, E. Russell Hicks Middle School, and South Hagerstown High School. The subject project would substantially increase the school population at these three schools above the IAC rated capacity at 1050. e) Present and future transportation patterns in the area. The proposed PUD's primary access will be directly onto Robinwood Drive which is classified in the Washington County Highway Plan as a Major Collector. This classification's major function is to provide for intra -county travel. Major collector's typically carry 2,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day in an urban setting. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. The concept plan for this project shows a proposed connection with a future County road to be located along the north side of the subject property. This future county road is not currently in the County Highway Plan nor is it's construction listed in the County's Capital Improvements Program. Preliminary planning has been done by the County Engineering Department on this road to ultimately connect Robinwood Drive with Eastern Boulevard. Though a formal traffic study has not been completed for this project at this time, based on other recent traffic studies in this area, the anticipated additional traffic generated by this project will compound existing traffic flow problems in the Robinwood Drive, Mt. Aetna Road, U.S. 40 traffic corridor necessitating off-site improvements to accommodate and address the impact of future traffic associated with this development. f) Compatibility with existing and proposed development in the area including indication of neighboring sites identified by the Washington County Historic Sites Survey and subsequent revisions or updates. The 72 acre parcel on the west side of Robinwood Drive is bounded on the north by the campus of Hagerstown Junior College, to the west by undeveloped farm land zoned Residential Suburban, and to the south by the Robinwood Medical Campus also zoned Residential Suburban. To the east of this site and along the majority of the frontage of Robinwood Drive is scattered single family residential dwellings along with doctor offices. Across Robinwood Drive is undeveloped, Agriculturally zoned property, further east is single family residential developments called Brightwood Square and Brightwood East. Further north along the east side of Robinwood Drive is Robins Glenn, a townhouse development along with the Robinwood Court/Youngstoun/Stonecraft PUD which contains a commercial strip center, apartments, townhouses, and elderly housing. The 3.42 acre portion of the proposed PUD is bounded on the north and east by undeveloped Agricultural zoned land and to the south by single family residential development including the Brightwood Square subdivision. Current plans on file in the Washington County Planning Department include further development of the Robinwood Medical Campus and additional PUD developments called Kings Crest and Woodbridge. The larger parcel of the subject site was originally zoned PR - Planned Residential. In July of 1985, large tracts of land in the vicinity of the Junior College were rezoned from Planned Residential to Residential Suburban and RS - PUD, this was part of the Zoning Ordinance amendment which replaced the PR designation with the current PUD designation. At that time, there was no development plan in place for the subject property, therefore, it was rezoned to RS. In 1992, a subdivision plat was approved for a 140 lot single family development on the subject property. While this plat has been filed and approved, no development of these lots has occurred. The proposed PUD on this property if approved would substantially alter this previously approved subdivision. The smaller tract of land which is also part of this request is currently zoned Agricultural as is all of the surrounding land. This classification has been in place since the inception of zoning in 1973. A change in this property's designation to RS -PUD utilizing a mix of apartments and town houses would not appear to be incompatible with the current mix of residential development in this area. The PUD's concept plan must provide adequate buffering between single family and multi -family uses as well as commercial development. For purposes of initial review of a PUD application, the concept plan adequately identifies future commercial areas and their relationship to the residential areas. Future preliminary and final development plans would be required to substantiate the need for this commercial area in accordance with comprehensive plan policies. g) The relationship of the proposed change to the Adopted Plan for the County, Development Analysis Plan Map and Policies. The County's Comprehensive Plan identifies two distinct areas for implementation of land use development policies. The Urban and Town Growth Areas where public facilities are or may be available are the locations where urban type development will be encouraged. The subject property is located within the adopted Urban Growth Area. The Comprehensive Plan makes land use statements for several types of development within this area and this is the area in Washington County in which a PUD would be most compatible with the adopted Washington County Comprehensive Plan. PUD's are encouraged in this area. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. h) That there has been a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood where the property is located. Not applicable. i) That there was a mistake in the existinq zoninq classification. Not applicable. j) The purpose of the PUD District. The Washington County Zoning Ordinance states that the purpose of a PUD District is "to permit a greater degree of flexibility and more creativity in the design and development of residential areas than is possible under conventional zoning standards. The purpose is also to promote a more harmonious variety of housing choices, a more varied level of community amenities, and the promotion of adequate open space and scenic attractiveness". The applicant references more economical and efficient use of the land as well as the provision of "substantial" amenities, and open space areas to address the purpose of the PUD. Although there is nothing in the zoning regulations to prohibit the provision of amenities to a single family development under the existing RS classification, the use of the PUD provides for multi -family dwellings in a more concentrated area and allows for the use of greater expanses of common open space instead of these areas being split up by individual lots which is the case in conventional subdivisions. The PUD designation also allows for commercial development which is not permitted under the existing RS zoning. k) The applicable policies of the adopted Comprehensive Plan of Washington County. The Comprehensive Plan encourages growth to occur within the Urban Growth Area where adequate public facilities exist or are planned and that development should offer a wide variety of housing types and costs. The attractiveness and livability of the community should be ensured by adherence to sound principles of community design. The applicant's statement that the Robinwood corridor is targeted for higher intensity development is generally correct. The area is clearly within the Urban Growth Area and contains the highest concentration of PUD zoned land in the County. The primary reason for this concentration of PUD's is that much of the land in this area including the subject property was originally zoned PR (Planned Residential) when zoning was adopted in 1973. The Comprehensive Plan that was in effect at that time called for this area to be developed as a "college community". The original Comprehensive Plan also recognized future growth of the Junior College and its "poor access", stating that it will require correction. the Comprehensive Plan that is now in effect was adopted in 1983 and incorporated the idea of Planned Unit Developments. The new Plan did not target growth to specific areas. Instead, the Plan set up the concept of urban and town growth areas around centers of existing development and infrastructure. When PR zoning was replaced by PUD in 1985 only those properties that had a concept plan approved by the Planning Commission were given the PUD designation. The proposed PUD is a progressive and innovative zoning classification which allows the most flexibility in land use and site design. The proposed PUD represents a unified plan for the entire property that presents an alternative to conventional development and appears to be in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies as long as the provision of adequate infrastructure is addressed. 1) Compatibility of the proposed PUD with neighboring properties. See paragraph (e) above. m) Effect of the PUD on community infrastructure. The proposed PUD contains all multi -family and townhouse units and would therefore be required to abide by Article V of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. During the Development Plan review stages, the developer shall address the adequacy of schools based on anticipated school capacity problems identified by the school district in the PUD review process. The County Engineer believes that significant off-site improvements will be required to accommodate this development. This proposed PUD will have substantial effect on County roads surrounding the PUD, particular in the Robinwood Drive area and Mt. Aetna Road area and would have substantial impact on the schools servicing this development. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. n) Whether there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property. Based on comprehensive plan policies and neighborhood compatibility, it would appear that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property. However, that appropriateness is conditioned on needed improvements to community infrastructure being in place. Specifically, because of the potential for substantial off-site road improvements and the need for additional school capacity to address impacts from the proposed development, the developer shall address the adequacy issue in accordance with the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance through the consummation of a developer's agreement between the County and developer to insure that anticipated impacts are addressed in a timely manner and the resources to effectuate mitigation are in place. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, that based on the approved Findings of Fact as presented, the report and recommendations of the Planning Commission, the definition of the neighborhood, and the fact that there has been a mistake in the existing zoning, that there has been a convincing demonstration that the requested rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, that, based on the previous Motions for RZ-95-04, the subject property be rezoned with a Planned Unit Development "PUD" overlay. Motion carried with Commissioners Shank, Bowers, Downey, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wade voting "NO". Commissioner Wade expressed his concerns on the affect of the PUD on the infrastructure in the area. Commissioner Downey indicated that this would be addressed during the site plan approval process. After discussion, the Board directed the Planning Staff to develop a comprehensive program for funding infrastructure improvements in the Robinwood corridor with all PUD previously zoned property being included in the program. REZONING CASE - RZ-95-05 (MILLARD & BEVERLY KRETZER) Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to accept the proposed findings of fact presented by the County Attorney, together with the report and recommendation of the Planning Commission. Motion carried with Commissioners Bowers, Wade, Downey and Snook voting AYE" and Commissioner Shank voting "NO". The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, pursuant to Section 27.3 of the Zoning Ordinance of Washington County, makes the following findings of fact: a) The report and recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Washington County Planning Commission took action at their regular meeting held on Monday, November 6, 1995, to recommend denial of map amendment RZ-95-05. The Commission's decision was rendered upon due consideration of testimony given at the public hearing held on September 18, 1995, any correspondence received in lieu of public testimony during the 10 day period following the public hearing and Staff Reports dated August 11, 1995 and October 31, 1995. The Planning Commission accepted the Staff's findings of fact as the Commission's findings of fact pursuant to Section 27.3 of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance. The recommendation was based on the Commission's opinion that the applicant failed to substantiate that there was an error in the original zoning. The testimony provided by the applicant tended to focus on the historical existence of a business on this site and because a business existed it should have been zoned with a business classification. It was the Planning Commission's position that the past designation of a business on this site as a non -conforming use was not inappropriate and (no matter how long that use may have existed prior to zoning or after zoning was implemented) the mere fact of its existence at the time of the initial comprehensive rezoning of the County was insufficient justification to substantiate a claim of a mistake in original zoning. b) Population change in the area of the proposed change. The proposed rezoning is located in Election District 10. The population in this district has increased between 1970 and 1990 substantially. From 1970 to 1980 the population increased 19.6 percent and from 1980 to 1990, the population increased 15.8 percent to a total population in this election district of 9,034. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. c) Availability of public facilities in the area. The Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan designates the subject site as having a water service priority designation of W-1. The City of Hagerstown Water Department has no objection to the proposed rezoning and service is currently on site. The site has a sewerage service priority designation of S-3 which indicates service is programmed. Sewer service is not currently available at this time to the site, although the project is within an active subdistrict. Fire protection is provided by the Fairplay Volunteer Fire Company located approximately 3.5 miles to the south. Emergency medical services is provided by the Hagerstown Community Rescue Service located approximately 4 miles to the northwest. The subject site is served by the County Commuter which makes two trips per day on Wednesday and Saturday via scheduled routes to Sharpsburg. The rezoning site is within the school districts of Emma K. Doub Elementary, E. Russell Hicks Middle School, and South Hagerstown High School. A reclassification to the Business Local District would not have an impact on the area schools. d) Present and future transportation patterns in the area. The subject rezoning is located in the southeastern corner of College Road and the Sharpsburg Pike (Route 65). The site has 260 feet of frontage on College Road and 152 feet along the Sharpsburg Pike. The Sharpsburg Pike, according to the Washington County Highway Plan, is classified as a Minor Arterial with minimum requirements for future access spacing of 500 feet and future right of way requirements of 50 feet from centerline. College Road is classified local with no access spacing requirements and a future right-of-way of 25 feet from centerline. The Washington County Engineer stated that his office does not recommend approval due to the increase in traffic that would be generated at this parcel and the very poor access conditions that exist. Both College Road and MD Route 65 have increasing traffic volumes and the intersection will experience increasing congestion. The accesses which currently exist are too close to the intersection for safe operation. The State Highway Administration has no objection to the proposed rezoning. e) Compatibility with existing and proposed development in the area including indication of neighboring sites identified by the Washington County Historic Sites Survey and subsequent revisions or updates. The subject site is currently classified Residential Suburban. Located to the north along the east side of Sharpsburg Pike are several single family homes and a 157 acre farm owned by Earl Grove. These properties are zoned Agriculture. South of the Kretzer property and on the west side of Route 65 is the residential development known as St. James Village. Zoning for this area is "RS", Residential Suburban. Across the Sharpsburg Pike from this site is another single family subdivision called Clover Heights which is classified "RR", Rural Residential. Situated to the northwest of the site and across College Road is the future site of St. James Village North, a 134 Planned Unit Development with a Rural Residential designation. Approximately 72 acres of the concept proposes 263 single family and semi-detached lots. Seven acres are to be developed into local retail and service shops. There are five sites located on the Washington County Historic Site Survey within one-half mile of the MD/College Road intersection. One of the structures is located on the subject site and is identified within the survey as a 19th century log farm house and barn. The other four structures were all generally described as 19th century brick houses. f) The relationship of the proposed change to the Adopted Plan for the County, Development Analysis Plan Map and Policies. The County's Comprehensive Plan identifies two distinct areas for implementation of land use development policies. The subject property is located within the adopted Urban Growth Area. The Plan makes land use statements for several types of development within this area, and generally the Plan encourages efforts to redevelopment and revitalize established neighborhoods and commercial areas in order to preserve and maintain existing housing and services resources. g) Definition of the neighborhood. For the purposes of the rezoning, the neighborhood is defined as one-half mile south along Maryland Route 65, one-half mile to the west along College Road, one- half mile north along the Sharpsburg Pike, and one-quarter mile to the east of the Sharpsburg Pike. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, that based upon the findings of facts previously adopted and the report and recommendations of the Planning Commission, that there has not been a mistake in the existing zoning classification. Motion carried with Commissioners Bowers, Downey, and Wade voting AYE" and Commissioners Shank and Snook voting "NO". Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, that Rezoning Case RZ-95-05 be denied, based on the previous motions, the findings of fact, and the acceptance of the Planning Commission's recommendation. Motion carried with Commissioners Wade, Bowers, and Downey voting "AYE" and Commissioners Shank and Snook voting NO". COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS CP -95-01 AND CP -95-02 Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to TABLE discussion of Comprehensive Plan Amendments CP -95-01 and CP -95-02. Unanimously approved. HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE GROUP IV - ORDINANCE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve Highway Interchange Group IV, in accordance with the ordinances and findings of fact submitted by the County Attorney, consisting of Rezoning Case RZ-95-6.1; Rezoning Case RZ-95-6.2; Rezoning Case RZ-95-6.3; Rezoning Case RZ-95-6.4 and Rezoning Case RZ-95-6.5, and the recommendations submitted by the Planning Commission, as an update to the Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Zoning of the County in accordance with Section 3.05 of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Snook "ABSTAINING" from RZ-95-6.4. A copy of the Ordinance and Findings of Fact are attached) DEED CONVEYANCE - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve a deed conveyance to The Bowman Group from the Water and Sewer Department for property near the pumping station in exchange for an easement to allow future expansion of the sewer line. Unanimously approved. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION There was no one in attendance who wished to participate in the time set aside for citizens participation. CONSOLIDATION OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX BILLING AND COLLECTION Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, appeared before the Commissioners to inform them of his letter to the municipalities within Washington County offering to consolidate their real estate property tax and personal property tax billings and collection with the County's system. Mr. Hershey listed the benefits associated with the consolidation now that the State has adopted a semi-annual system, but stated that the municipalities will receive their revenues approximately 40 days later than when they perform their own collection services. He provided details on how the program would work with the municipalities. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Hershey for keeping them informed. DESIGNATION OF COUNTY AGENCY - GAMING COMMISSION REGULATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to change the designation of County Agency" in the Gaming Commission regulations from Kathleen Riley, Division Chief of Citizens Services to the Office of the Gaming Commission Coordinator. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT - HOUSING REHABILITATION LOAN COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to appoint Cynthia K. Hall - Snyder to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee to replace Iris Reeder. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS - FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to appoint Doug Snow, Randy Gaver, Chris Amos and Rick Blair to the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Board for three year terms. Unanimously approved. PINESBURG SOFTBALL COMPLEX - UPDATE Ronald Kidd, Director of Recreation & Parks, appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the Pinesburg Softball Complex. Mr. Kidd stated that the project is 90% complete. He stated that the bulk excavation has been completed and the contractor will be working on the stormwater management pond next week. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. He provided information on the cost overruns at this time but indicated that the final adjustment of quantities will determine the total cost at the end of the project. He also informed the Commissioners that the Recreation & Parks Department will be holding a weekend tournament in July of 1996 but the softball leagues won't actually begin play at the Pinesburg complex until the spring of 1997. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to convene in Closed Session at 11:16 a.m., with regard to personnel matters, in accordance with Section 10.508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners recessed for lunch from 12:06 - 1:06 p.m. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to reconvene in Regular Session at 1:51 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel matters. MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education members Thomas Berry, Janice Cirincione, Dori Nipps, B. Marie Byers, and Robert Kline. Also present were Dr. Wayne Gersen, Superintendent of Schools; David Brandenberg, Supervisor of Accounting; and James Lemmert, Assistant Superintendent of Operations. 1997-2002 Capital Program for IAC; 1996-2001 Capital Improvement Program for Washington County Dr. Gersen reviewed the 1997-2002 CIP Projects which were submitted to the State Interagency (IAC) Committee. He stated that the Priority #1 project is Smithsburg Elementary Renovation/Addition project and the Priority #2 project is Lincolnshire Elementary Renovation/Addition project. Dr. Gersen indicated that he has been advised that the State won't be able to initiate the Lincolnshire project next year due to budget cuts, but that they will try to appeal this decision to the Board of Public Works. He then reviewed the systemic projects which have been prioritized and the future projects included on the submission to the IAC. He stated that the Board adopted a preliminary recommendation to be sent to the State and answered questions from the Commissioners on the various projects. Commissioner Snook stated that he feels the County's commitment of $2.5 million per year is still a feasible number for long-range CIP projects. Quarterly Budget Report Dr. Gersen provided a review the first quarter of operations and the percentages spent through September 1995. He stated that they appear to be on target with their budget and are not requesting any transfers between budget categories. Commissioners Bowers had several questions regarding the health insurance fund and Mr. Brandenburg agreed to give him specific information on why there is a large amount in this fund. Proposed Calendar of the Development of the 1996-97 Operating Budget Dr. Gersen asked the Commissioners to give them a time schedule for development of the Operating Budget for FY 1997. He stated that they are open to ideas on ways to change the format of their budget. He provided a summary of possible direct and indirect program losses from federal and state budget cuts. He stated that these losses total $1.6 million and the Board would have to decide if they want to fund these programs through local monies if the state and federal funds are cut. Commissioner Shank stated that the Board of Education should accept the budget figure given to them by the County Commissioners. The Board members advised the Commissioners that they feel they have to put in the budget what they feel is needed for quality programs even if they know the County's bottom line budget figure will not fund all of the proposed items. The Commissioners agreed that they need to try to work together on this matter, and Commissioner Wade suggested that they try to make long-range projections for the operating budget like they do for the CIP budget. The group decided to try to get the final budget numbers as soon as possible to allow more discussion on the items and to schedule another joint meeting within 30 days. NOVEMBER 14, 1995 MINUTES, CONT'D. Fixed Asset Inventory Dr. Gersen informed the Commissioners that they will be sending out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a fixed asset inventory which will allow the County to receive an unqualified audit opinion. Commissioner Snook recommended that they tailor the RFP to receive proposals for fixed assets costs of $200, $400, or $1,000. He stated that the County's auditor suggested that the Board of Education keep a fixed asset report for items $1,000 and over. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adjourn at 3:40 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator Clerk