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HomeMy WebLinkAbout960213February 13, 1996 Hagerstown, Maryland CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 7:33 a.m., to consider property matters, 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 Wade, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 8:50 a.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed one property (1) matter. The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 8:50 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 Bowers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 6, 1996 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of February 6, 1996, as submitted. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - WORKERS' COMPENSATION FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the recommendation of the Insurance & Safety Coordinator to award the bid for Workers' Compensation Coverage for the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to Stine, Davis & Peck Insurance, through Selective Insurance Company, with a quoted premium of $83,500. Unanimously approved. NEW ROAD NAME - MAZE LANE Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve the name of Maze Lane submitted for an existing private lane located off Harpers Ferry Road. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LOADER - SANITARY LANDFILL Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to award the bid for a four-wheel drive loader to Standard Equipment Company who submitted a bid amount of $209,000 which, after adjustments of trade-in allowance for a D-7 dozer, guaranteed total cost of repairs for 10,000 hours or five years, guaranteed repurchase price, and the optional performance bond, the net up- front monies required will be $172,519. Unanimously approved. ENFORCEMENT OF HOUSE NUMBERING SYSTEM CRITERIA Bob Darby appeared before the Commissioners to express his concerns regarding road name duplication and sound -alike names as well as homeowners who have not complied with the house numbering system by properly displaying the numbering at their residences. Mr. Darby stated that fire and rescue services may have a difficult time locating these addresses in an emergency situation because they are not numbered properly or have no house number displayed. He suggested that the County try to better enforce this through the permits system for new construction and renovations. Ronald Karn, Chief of Fire & Rescue Communications, and Robert Arch, Planning Director, informed the Commissioners that there are no provisions in the house numbering system policy for enforcement or penalties for non-compliance with the policy. The Commissioners agreed to further examine this matter to determine what enforcement provisions can be established. Commissioner Downey suggested that reminders about house numbering procedures be sent with the tax bills this year. METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION - RETENTION OF CONSULTANT FOR ROBINWOOD AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to meet, sitting as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, at 9:23 a.m. Unanimously approved. Robert Arch, Planning Director, asked the Commissioners for their permission to expand the scope of the current long-range transportation study to include the Robinwood Drive Area corridor. Mr. Arch stated that there is a need for a more FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE TWO detailed analysis of this area. He stated that BMI Consultants will include an analysis of this entire corridor and detailed modeling for an additional $24,037 to their current contract with the County for development of a long- range transportation plan. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, sitting as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, to approve a change order to the Long -Range Transportation Study contract with BMI Consultants to include the Robinwood Drive Area Corridor in the study, as presented. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Downey reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Bowers reported on his meeting with the Delegation to the General Assembly regarding amendments to the gaming legislation and the City of Hagerstown's request for an increase in the hotel/motel tax. He also provided information on the LRA Executive Committee meeting. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the Joint Veterans Council proposing the establishment of a veterans' cemetery and home at Ft. Ritchie. Commissioner Shank reported on the Housing Authority meeting. INFORMATION ON BUILDING AT 100 WESTERN MARYLAND PARKWAY Dean Lowry, Administrative Engineer, and Sharon Disque, Economic Development Coordinator, met with the Commissioners regarding the building owned by the County at 100 Western Maryland Parkway. Mr. Lowry explained that the tenant at that location has given notice that they will be vacating at the end of February. Ms. Disque provided an information sheet on the facility to be used to market the facility. Mr. Lowry provided an estimated appraised value and asked the Commissioners if they wish to place the facility for sale or if they want to continue to lease it. After discussion, the Commissioners stated that they want to sell the facility but may consider leasing it on a short-term basis until it is sold. The Commissioners indicated that they will discuss an asking price for the facility at 100 Western Maryland Park in Closed Session later in the meeting. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that they are invited to attend a voting machine demonstration on February 23 at 5:00 p.m. at the Water & Sewer Department building sponsored by the Board of Election Supervisors. Mr. Shoop advised the Commissioners that he and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, have included themselves in the pool for random drug testing under the revised Drug and Alcohol Policy. Mr. Shoop asked the Commissioners if they wish to consider holding a luncheon to thank those who worked during the blizzard. The Commissioners took this under consideration at this time. The Commissioners agreed to send a letter of support to the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly in support of the request for the Department of Social Services to take over the child support administrative services from the State's Attorney's Office. Mr. Shoop distributed an amended schedule of the evening meetings and tax rebate meetings. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners of the meeting with the Greater Hagerstown Committee on Thursday, February 15, at 9:00 a.m. BUDGET TRANSFER - RENOVATION OF JUDGE'S OFFICE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the transfer of $4,000 from Account 01-5-0111-681-000 to Account 40-5-0100-581-032 for the purchase of carpet for the renovation at Judge Wright's office. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S ISSUES Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that he received a memorandum from Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, asking the Commissioners to go on record in opposition to H.B. 158 regarding Home Offices - Residential Use. The Commissioners took this under consideration. FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE THREE The Commissioners asked Mr. Douglas to review complaints made regarding residences used for senior assisted living and the zoning classifications for this use. Mr. Douglas stated that he will be meeting with outside counsel this week to review the Falter case, the Physioc case, and Arnold Martin's case, and he hopes to have more information for them at next week's meeting. CITIZEN'S PARTICIPATION Arnold Martin asked the Commissioners to resolve a dispute regarding the adjustment of his sewer bill. Mr. Douglas stated that he will review the documents and contact Mr. Martin next week. Donald Allensworth informed the Commissioners that a meeting is scheduled for February 17th at 10:00 in Frederick to answer questions and take testimony regarding the stadium proposal. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER - DISCUSSION OF FUNDING PROPOSAL The Commissioners discussed the funding proposal presented at the January 30 meeting in Sharpsburg by the Agricultural Education Center Committee. Mr. Shoop stated that the Parks Director does not feel he will need to hire additional maintenance workers to maintain the Center if the two positions which are currently vacant are filled. Commissioner Wade stated that there are questions which need to be addressed before consideration is given to the construction of a third building. Commissioner Snook stated that the Extension Office is going to work with the Committee to help them develop a plan for the operation of the museum building. The Commissioners discussed the negotiated items, and Commissioner Bowers recommended that the County staff meet with the Agricultural Education Committee to come to a final agreement on these issues. Commissioner Downey stated that they should get the issue of the matching funds resolved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, that any private contributions donated after January 1, 1996, should be deposited into a separate, interest bearing account, maintained by the County, to be used as matching funds needed to meet the State grant designated for the construction of a Farm Museum at the Agricultural Education Center. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, that the County will consider a $100,000 contribution to the Agricultural Education Center with $72,000 to be used to pay expenses previously incurred and the remainder of the funds to be designated to meet the matching grant. The Motion was discussed at this time. Commissioner Wade expressed concerns regarding who is going to operate the center and where the funds will come from for operating expenses. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to TABLE the above Motion until answers are forthcoming regarding questions with regard to the operation of the center and funding sources. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to develop a specific list of questions to be submitted in writing to the Agricultural Education Center Committee with a time frame established to receive the answers from them. Unanimously approved. UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - CONFERENCE CALL FROM DELEGATE DONOGHUE Delegate John Donoghue spoke with the Commissioners through a conference call to provide an update on Washington County's legislative requests. Delegate Donoghue advised the Commissioners that Bell Atlantic has agreed to make Frostburg University available to the Commissioners if they wish to try a tele- conferencing call with the Delegation each week. The Commissioners asked Delegate Donoghue to contact Mr. Shoop to try to arrange this call. Delegate Donoghue asked the Commissioners to provide a definition of "manufacturer's description of the game" and a definition of "felony/misdemeanor" to him by fax this afternoon to include with the gaming legislation. He also provided an update on requests from the Board of License Commissioners. Delegate Donoghue agreed to consider submitting legislation to revise the current law establishing the Economic Development Commission when the Commissioners have decided how they wish to restructure the Department. He stated that the final date to submit legislation is February 23. Commissioner Snook informed Delegate Donoghue that the County Commissioners are not in favor of the City of Hagerstown's request to increase the hotel/motel tax and that no public hearing or discussion was held regarding this request. He FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE FOUR stated that a meeting between the City officials and the Convention and Visitors Bureau is scheduled for Friday. Delegate Donoghue stated that the Delegation will wait until that meeting is held to see what proposals they develop. He asked the Commissioners to send him their position on this request in writing. SUBDIVISION/RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to accept the dedication of Reserve Plat 4145 for right-of-way needed for the future widening in the Nicodemus Mill Road Bridge project. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers to accept the following plats needed for right-of-way for the Wagaman Road Railroad Crossing Project: 1) Liber 774, folio 416, plat of Lot C from Ira M. Pike; 2) Plat folio 493 from Green Hill Development for Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Section B; 3) Plat folio 493- B from Green Hill Development for Lots 13 and 14 of Section D; and Plat folio 527 from Pierce Alexander, Sr. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the right-of- way agreement with The Potomac Edison Company for relocation of an electric service line on the Regional Airport property. Unanimously approved. OVERVIEW OF WESTERN MARYLAND CONSORTIUM PROJECTS Peter Thomas and James Cannon, representing the Western Maryland Consortium, appeared before the Commissioners to present an overview of the Consortium projects. Mr. Thomas reviewed the Project Independence Program statistics and the DTPA Title III Project for Economic Dislocation Worker Adjustment Assistance. He stated that in both cases Washington County has exceeded the State's goals for placement of those served. Mr. Cannon reviewed the data for DTPA Title IIA for Economically Disadvantaged Adults and DTPA Title IIC for Economically Disadvantaged Youth. He provided information on how the Consortium has worked with employees who were displaced when the London Fog plant closed. Mr. Cannon expressed concerns that if the Summer Jobs Program is cut by the Federal government, approximately 900 summer jobs for economically disadvantaged youth will be lost. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Thomas and Mr. Cannon for the presentation. RECYCLING COUNCIL/BFI AGREEMENT - RECYCLABLE MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY AND APPOINTMENT OF RECYCLING COUNCIL Robert Davenport, Director of Solid Waste Management, and Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, met with the Commissioners to present recommendations of individuals for appointment to the Recycling Council. Mr. Davenport stated that the establishment of this Council was part of the agreement with BFI to provide a line of communication between BFI and the County concerning recycling services. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to appoint the following individuals to a Recycling Council as recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Walter Ridenour, Ralph Burdick, Dr. Paul Wolber, James Black and Robert Davenport or Harvey Hoch. Unanimously approved. COORDINATING COMMITTEE PROPOSAL - CONSULTANT FOR LUND TRACT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to accept the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee to award the contract for consulting services for the Lund tract to SCS Engineers in the amount of $362,797. Unanimously approved. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:16 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at 1:00 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. BRIEFING ON STRATEGIC PLAN CONCEPT FOR FT. RITCHIE Robert Sweeney, Executive Director for the LRA Base Reuse Committee, and Terry Randall, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, met with the Commissioners to submit the Conceptual Redevelopment Plan for Ft. Ritchie. Mr. Randall stated that the purpose of the preliminary redevelopment plan is to establish a vehicle to provide overall guidance toward achieving the goals of replacing job losses caused by base closing, providing the first step toward long term economic stability for the area, and focusing on broadening the tax base of Washington FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE FIVE County. The Commissioners also reviewed a color -coded map showing the conceptual redevelopment of the areas at Ft. Ritchie. Mr. Sweeney reviewed the objectives of the plan and informed the Commissioners that the Executive Committee hopes to have a plan back to them for approval by summer. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to adopt the Conceptual Redevelopment Plan for Ft. Ritchie as proposed for submittal to the Department of Defense and the Department of Housing & Urban Development. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 1:27 p.m., with regard to personnel and property 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 2:50 p.m. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 4:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed six (6) personnel matters, seven (7) property matters, and consulted with counsel on two (2) legal matters. REAPPOINTMENT - PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to reappoint Bert Iseminger to the Planning Commission for a five year term. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION - CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to adopt a Resolution to proceed with condemnation of .3 acres of property owned by John Griffith for land needed for completion of the Monroe Road Bridge Project. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:48 p.m. EVENING SESSION - MEETING WITH TOWN OF SMITHSBURG Commissioners Gregory Snook, John Shank, R. Lee Downey, and James Wade met at 7:00 p.m. with Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers, and Councilmembers Joseph Slick, Gene Pryor, James Cunningham, and Timothy Gaines, at the Smithsburg Town Hall. Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6- 306 of the Tax -Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax rebate program. He stated that the Town of Smithsburg will receive $23,908 for 1995. He reviewed the figures used to calculate the tax rebate for the Town of Smithsburg. Councilman Slick expressed concerns regarding the Cavetown sewer project and asked that the Water & Sewer Department send notices to inform the residents of the costs involved, hook-up fees, and other basic information about the project. The Commissioners also discussed the water and sewer rate study currently underway and how it may affect the rates. Councilman Cunningham informed the Commissioners that they will be holding a meeting in the near future to decide whether they want to take over the Smithsburg system. In answer to questions from the Council, Commissioner Snook stated that the chipper will remain at the rubble landfill and will not be transferred to the transfer stations. He also informed them that, due to the revenue situation, the County will not waive the tipping fees at the sanitary landfill for the Town's annual clean-up day. Mayor Myers informed the Commissioners that they are trying to have changes made to the intersection near the entrance to the school complex which they feel is dangerous. She stated that the Transportation Advisory Committee is reviewing this situation. Commissioner Snook agreed to call James Lemmert, Assistant Superintendent, to get additional information. Other items discussed included the Smithsburg Elementary School project, gaming legislation and emergency services serving the Robinwood Drive area. FEBRUARY 13, 1996 PAGE SIX ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk