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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050329 March 29, 2005 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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 Wivell followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 14, 15 & 22, 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of March 14, March 15, and March 22, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. He stated that the Advisory Committee would be making a proposal for rate increases at Solid Waste. Commissioner Munson informed the Commissioners that a citizen contacted him suggesting that an advisory board be appointed for the County Commuter. Commissioner Nipps distributed an update from the URS Corporation relating to the runway extension project. She also reported on the Mental Health Authority meeting. Commissioner Wivell stated that he received a complaint that the County Commuter had discontinued the “shoppers special” route. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, noted that there would be a th meeting held on April 4 to discuss the bus routes. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives from the Agricultural Education Center Board and the Ag Expo Board regarding the proposed fees charged for the use of the Agricultural Education Center grounds. He also reported on the Social Services Board meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he met with Mayor Breichner and Delegate Shank regarding the excise tax legislation. He stated that the staff should begin working to gather information for the report that the Delegation is requiring as a condition in the legislation. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Local Management Board meeting. He suggested that the County consider holding an orientation for newly elected municipal officials regarding services offered by the County. Commissioner Snook distributed a copy of a letter from the Department of Housing & Community Development regarding legislation that would affect lower income housing programs. He stated that he met with Tim O’Rourke, Supervisor of Assessments, on the property tax assessment process and he will schedule time on the agenda for Mr. O’Rourke to explain the assessment process to the Commissioners. Commissioner Snook reported on the Advisory Board meeting for the University System of Maryland – Hagerstown campus. The Commissioners discussed a citizen’s complaint regarding the location of the sidewalk in front of his home. After discussion, the Commissioners requested the County Attorney’s Office to determine if the Board of County Commissioners has the ability to make changes to a Planning Commission decision. Commissioner Snook also reminded the Commissioners that the moratorium on Major New Residential Developments Outside the Growth Areas expires in April and that the Commissioners need to come to closure on this issue. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that 13 County roads were closed due to high water from yesterday’s rainstorm. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that local fire and rescue companies responded to over 40 calls regarding flooding conditions and that there were two water rescues. He stated that they expect the Potomac River to crest by tomorrow afternoon. MARCH 29, 2005 PAGE TWO Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval to approve advertising to fill the vacancy for a Senior Plant Operator at the Water Quality Department. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION (WCVFRA) Jay Grimes, Chairman of the Budget Committee for the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (“WCVFRA”), and Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services presented the FY 2006 budget request for the WCVFRA. Mr. Kroboth introduced members of the WCVFRA who were in attendance. Mr. Grimes provided the Commissioners with statistics for 2004. He stated that the total request for FY 2006 is $1,779,740 or an eight percent in the base allotment. He reviewed the proposed increases in the areas of maintenance, apparatus, fuel, and career positions. Mr. Grimes stated that the WCVFRA supports the County’s radio communications project. He also provided information on LOSAP statistics and stated that the program is working well and doing what it was intended to do. Dave Hayes highlighted the EMS budget request. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. BUDGET PRESENTATION – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Charles Mades, Captain Doug Mullendore, Lt. Randy Wilkinson, and Lt. Van Evans presented the FY 2006 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $83,380; Process Servers - $109,070; Patrol Division - $5,837,030; and Detention Center - $8,045,290. Also presented was the Narcotics Task Force budget request of $434,410. They each reviewed significant changes requested in the FY 2006 budget. PRESENTATION OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUEST William Christoffel, Health Officer, and Tom Pianta, Chair of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, presented the fiscal year 2006 budget request of $4,562,606 for the County share of their budget. He stated that this is an increase of $818,338 over last year’s budget. Mr. Christoffel then reviewed significant changes requested in the budget, which include the School Health Program, the hiring of two Mental Health Social Workers, and increases to the Teenage Pregnancy Program. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Tom Berry spoke to the Commissioners on various issues including rural zoning and compensation programs. Gene Hager, General Manager of Antietam Cable, expressed his concerns about the cable consultant community needs assessment. He said he foresees that the outcome of a study would be to add an additional “tax” to his customers. He provided rate comparisons for cable service with other area counties. Hannah Varguson, representing the Boonsboro High School Student Council, raised concerns about the issue of needed maintenance at Boonsboro High School and asked the Commissioners to assure that this item is included in the Board of Education’s FY 2006 budget. Jerry Ditto asked for an update on Commissioner Wivell’s proposed agricultural preservation plan forhis review. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reported that the February Casual Day event raised $412 for the Transplant Resource Center of Maryland in memory of Jason Chalfant. QUOTATION AWARD – CABLE CONSULTANT TO PERFORM A CABLE-RELATED COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for a cable consultant to perform a cable- related community needs assessment to CBG Communications, which submitted the only quotation of $25,000. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting ”NO.” MARCH 29, 2005 PAGE THREE REZONING MAP AMENDMENT - RZ-04-009 (RONALD & CONNIE MCALLISTER AND JOHN & TRACY DOUB) Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed map amendment RZ-04- 0049 submitted by Ronald and Connie McAllister and John and Tracy Doub, to rezone three parcels of land consisting in total of 6.96 acres from HI-1 - Highway Interchange 1 to RR – Rural Residential. The properties are located at 10604 and 10600 Will Rich Drive, Williamsport. Mr. Douglas stated that the Planning Commission recommended granting the rezoning. Commissioner Nipps again expressed her concerns about the driveway of one of the properties coming out on a commercial road. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to adopt the Findings of Fact and Articulation of Reasons as set forth in the report of the County Attorney for rezoning map amendment RZ-04-009 and to grant approval of the proposed rezoning from HI-1 - Highway Interchange 1 to RR – Rural Residential. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCHEON & BUDGET PRESENTATIONAT WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY The Commissioners recessed at 11:37 a.m. to attend a luncheon at the Washington County Free Library. Mary Baykan, Executive Director, provided information on the history of the library, and its mission and vision statements. Suzanne Downey-Hayes, Treasurer of the Board, made the fiscal year 2006 budget presentation for the Library. Ms. Hayes requested County funding of $3,341,792. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:39 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. GRANT SUBMISSION - SERVICE LINKED HOUSING PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the submission the 2006-2008 application to the Department of Human Resources for a grant of $214,917 to fund the Service-Linked Housing Program administered by the Community Action Council. Unanimously approved. HOUSING COUNSELOR PROGRAM – FY 2006-2008 APPLICATION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the submission of a Housing Counselor Program Application by the Community Action Council to the Maryland Department of Human Resources for a grant of $110,748. Unanimously approved. SPECIAL TASK FORCE - FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES FEE STRUCTURE Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, along with Tom Altman and Jay Grimes, representing the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (“WCVFRA”), recommended that a sub-committee of the Emergency Service Advisory Council be appointed to evaluate the request made by the WCVFRA, to establish a fire and emergency services fee structure. Mr. Shoop stated that the County Commissioners do not currently have the authority to implement such a fee, but would have to request enabling legislation from the Legislature. Mr. Kroboth reviewed a list of individuals who were suggested for consideration by the WCVFRA to serve on the task force. They are as follows: Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services; David Grabil (Certainteed Corporation); Melody Davis (Farmers & Merchants Bank); Spence Perry (attorney); Lee Downey (Century 21); Francis Carden (Ferris Baker Watts); Jack Latimer (Gruber Construction); John Latimer (Fire Chief, Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Co.); Jeff Ringer (Fire Chief, Halfway Volunteer Fire Co.); Glenn Fuscisk (Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co.); and Danny Pelton (Rescue Chief, Hancock Rescue Squad). The Commissioners discussed the recommendation and agreed that the sub-committee should first set objectives to present to the Commissioners for their review. They also asked that they set a time frame. Commissioner Munson asked that citizen-at-large representatives be included on the sub-committee. Commissioner Kercheval suggested that representatives from accounting and other specific areas be included on the sub- MARCH 29, 2005 PAGE FOUR committee. The Commissioners asked that citizens-at-large representatives be included for their consideration. They also discussed making the fire and emergency services representatives ex-officio members of the sub-committee. After discussion, the Commissioners stated that they would consider this matter again in early May. FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS - KAIZEN EVENT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT David Hankinson, Human Resources Director, and Mike Thompson, Director of Planning, met with the Commissioners to review the results of the Kaizen event held January 12-14 to examine the work processes and flow in the Planning Department. He stated that other members of the team included Dan Divito, Director of Permits & Inspections; Steve Goodrich, Chief Planner; Kathy Maher, Planning Director of the City of Hagerstown; Steve Zoretich, Frederick Seibert & Associates; and Paula Lampton. Mr. Hankinson explained that a Kaizen event is a short-term intense effort designed to help achieve organizational goals. He stated that one of the goals was to examine what current staffing and departmental organization and recommend changes to benefit the department. Mr. Hankinson reviewed the current organizational structure of the Department and outlined the problems identified in the process. He stated that one of the objectives was to develop a Mission Statement. The following Mission Statement was recommended for adoption by the Department: To effectively manage community change in both the short and long term with regard to land use, transportation, historic preservation, infrastructure, and overall development so that a positive environment that is productive and beneficial to all of the citizens of Washington County is obtained. Mr. Hankinson stated that the team felt that there were three major areas of concern. These were the need for additional staffing, more opportunities for training for the staff, and a redesign of the organization when additional staff have been recruited and are in place. Mr. Thompson recommended that a minimum of two additional planners be authorized during the budget cycle. This would provide enough manpower to split the department into short-term and long-term sections to allow staff to be dedicated to specific areas of responsibility. Mr. Hankinson stated that the lack of manpower has limited the training opportunities of the existing staff. Mr. Thompson noted that they would also like to make the department more accessible online. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. Mr. Thompson outlined the process used for plan review and indicated that the fees should be updated to handle the costs. He indicated that the additional positions and funding for training have been included in the FY 2006 budget request. PROPOSED FEE INCREASES – SOLID WASTE The Commissioners discussed the proposed fee increases relating to solid waste. Since the Solid Waste Advisory Committee also made recommendations at its last meeting, the Commissioners asked Richard Douglas, County Attorney, if it would be appropriate that both proposals be presented at the April 12 public hearing on the fee increases. Mr. Douglas indicated that it was proper from an advertising standpoint. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that he is concerned that there will be confusion about presenting two different proposals. After discussion, the Commissioners asked that the Advisory Commission’s proposed rates be applied to the computer model to determine if they would create the revenues needed and to have the Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chairman present the proposal. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:28 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel to obtain advice, discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussions would constitute a risk to the public or public security, including: the deployment of fire and police services and staff and the development and implementation of emergency plans, and to discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State MARCH 29, 2005 PAGE FIVE Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:59 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, discussed public security, if the public body determines that public discussions would constitute a risk to the public or public security, including: the deployment of fire and police services and staff and the development and implementation of emergency plans, and to discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct. 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; Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services; and Tom Altman, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to adjourn at 4:59 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk