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HomeMy WebLinkAbout960215 February 15, 1996 Hagerstown, Maryland A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, and James R. Wade. MEETING WITH GREATER HAGERSTOWN COMMITTEE The Commissioners met with Greater Hagerstown Committee (GHC) members Wayne Alter, Chairman, William Reuter, Hugh Breslin, James Holzapfel, James Latimer, Robert Cirincione, Mack Davis, and Michael Callas. Also present was Herb Meininger, Executive Director for Greater Hagerstown. Commissioner Snook and Mr. Alter provided opening remarks. Downtown Parking Task Force Hugh Breslin provided a status report regarding the progress made by the Downtown Parking Task Force. Mr. Breslin presented a plan showing what they envision happening in the downtown area between East Franklin and East Washington Streets. He displayed a color-coded chart showing the properties under contract to be demolished under Phase I, the properties they hope to acquire, and the areas where they are proceeding. He stated that this will give a more "open" look to the downtown area, and they will also be adding landscaping and lighting to the parking area. Mr. Breslin indicated that they hope this will provide between 54-200 parking spaces. He stated that the group partnered with CHIEF to purchase the properties, and the City of Hagerstown will reimburse them through the General Fund parking revenues for the costs in Phase I. Neighborhood Housing Services Mr. Meininger provided information on Greater Hagerstown's Neighborhood Housing Services project. He explained that their purpose was to increase owner- occupied housing in the West End of Hagerstown, to expand low/moderate income homeownership, and to promote neighborhood stability and pride. He informed the Commissioners that the Neighborhood Housing Service has surpassed the goal they had established and has housed 5 families in the past 10 months. Mr. Meininger provided information on the funding sources used to begin the program. Mr. Reuter stated that the program is working well. Task Force to Consider Consolidation of Public Services Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that a Task Force to Consider the Possible Consolidation of Public Services was recently appointed to consider possible consolidation of services in the areas of purchasing, computer services, transportation, insurance, and maintenance, for Washington County government agencies, the Board of Education, and Hagerstown Junior College. Mr. Shoop stated that the first topic selected for review by the Task Force was data processing and computer services. Mr. Alter asked that a list be developed by the Task Force of agencies which need older computer equipment. He stated that businesses may be willing to donate their equipment when they upgrade to newer equipment. Commissioner Wade suggested that Greater Hagerstown may want to consider forming a committee to study the possible consolidation of fire and rescue services in the City of Hagerstown and Washington County. He said that he contacted City of Hagerstown officials to see if they were interested in beginning informal discussions regarding this issue, but they were not interested in pursuing the matter. He stated that he feels they may be more receptive if an independent, non-partisan group would study the issue and make recommendations on ways to make these agencies more efficient and cost-effective. Economic Development Issues Commissioner Snook presented a drawing of Newgate Industrial Park and informed Greater Hagerstown of the County's plans for this area. Commissioner Snook stated that the County's first priority for interchange improvements is at the I-81/Halfway Boulevard area. Mr. Alter stated that the Greater Hagerstown Committee will be taking a public position in support of the construction of an interchange at I-70/MD Rt. 632 at the public hearing on February 27. Commissioner Snook stated that a Commissioner or County representative will attend the hearing to testify in support of this interchange. The Commissioners also discussed plans for the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners have been considering several options and have taken the first step to separate responsibilities with the City of Hagerstown. He indicated that the City will now market the downtown area and the County will have responsibility for the County and industrial parks. FEBRUARY 15, 1996 PAGE TWO Commissioner Snook informed Greater Hagerstown that they have also been reviewing a proposal made by the Chamber of Commerce to privatize the Economic Development office and that they hope to make a decision in the next few weeks. He said that the Commissioners are interested in GHC's comments regarding privatization or having EDC remain as a County agency. Mr. Alter commended the Commissioners for trying to improve the operation but stated that he has some concerns with the Chamber's proposal. Mr. Reuter agreed and voiced his concerns that the Chamber's proposal has too many layers of advisory boards. He suggested that the County use Allegheny Power as a model for its EDC office. Commissioner Shank stated that the County wants to see a more efficient and more effective EDC office. Commissioner Snook indicated that the County has to submit a request to the Delegation to the General Assembly by February 23 if they wish to offer legislation this session. He stated that they may request enabling or broad-based legislation to allow the County to make changes later in the year. Mr. Holzapfel emphasized that he feels the County needs a high- powered "rainmaker" to market the County and bring new business to the area. The group discussed initiating some type of public/private partnership with the Director reporting to an appointed Commission. AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Commissioner Snook commended the Greater Hagerstown Committee members for its Ambassador Program for Allegheny Power Company employees who will be relocating in the Washington County area. RE/APPOINTMENT - DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE ADVISORY COUNCIL Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to appoint Diane Moats and to reappoint Sandy Graff to the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council for three year terms. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 10:45 a.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk