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HomeMy WebLinkAbout960430 April 30, 1996 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 Snook followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS/RETIREMENT CERTIFICATE Commissioner Ronald Bowers presented a proclamation to John Shank, II, Soil and Water Stewardship proclaiming the week of April 28-May 5, 1996, as Week in Washington County “in full appreciation of the value of our soil and water to the public welfare and desiring to honor those who protect those resources. Mr. Shank thanked the Commissioners and presented each with a Harmony pin which denotes the theme for the week. Commissioner John Shank presented a proclamation to C. Walter Miller proclaiming the week of May 1-7, 1996, as B.P.O.E. National Youth Week to honor America’s Junior Citizens for their accomplishments and to give fitting recognition of their services to community, state, and nation. Mr. Miller noted that the Elks honor 16 area high school teenagers who have been selected by their schools with “Teenager of the Year” certificates from the Commissioners and these will be presented to them at a banquet on Wednesday, May 1st. Commissioner Jim Wade presented a retirement certificate to Norris Diefenderfer who recently retired after 23 years of service to Washington County as the Extension Service 4-H/Youth Advisor. Mr. Diefenderfer thanked the Commissioners for this honor and for their support of all Extension Service programs over the years. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook stated that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has requested an application for a sewage sludge permit to transport sludge from the prison complex to ICC and wanted to know if a public hearing was necessary. The Commissioners agreed that it would not be necessary to hold a public hearing in this matter. Commissioner Snook also asked the Commissioners if someone could substitute for him at a library convention in Hagerstown on Thursday, May 9th, at 9:30 am at the Ramada Inn and give the opening remarks. Commissioner Shank reported on the Mental Health Advisory meeting and noted that everything appears to be running much more smoothly than it had been. He also reported on the Western Maryland Commissioners Meeting held last Friday, April 26th, in Frederick. He reported that all counties were represented and that an ad hoc committee was formed to review proposed legislation for the state. The committee is to consist of County Commissioners and will meet twice a year with the first meeting being planned for June. The five counties (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties) also discussed the possibility of having their MACo booths side by side in order to coordinate their displays. The next Western Maryland Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Garrett County, possibly the second week of October during their autumn festival. Commissioner Bowers reported that Frederick County has developed by-laws for a privatized Economic Development Commission of Frederick County which will soon be in place. He gave a copy of the proposal to Mr. Shoop, County Administrator, to review. Commissioner Downey reported on a Healthy Communities 2000 sponsored luncheon he had attended and the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board meeting. He noted that another item to be discussed by the Western Maryland Commissioners ad hoc committee was the sales tax issue. The Commissioners discussed the recycling of yard debris issue and the fact that private haulers are charging extra to pick up yard waste. The Commissioners agreed to invite the private haulers in to meet with them to discuss this issue and hopefully determine a way in which to help the citizens of Washington County. APRIL 30, 1996 PAGE TWO AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE LOTS - BLACK ROCK ESTATES Dean Lowry, Administrative Engineer, addressed the Commissioners regarding payment of $50,000 which had been outstanding on a water and sewer construction bill for lots in Black Rock Estates which was received on April 22, 1996. Mr. Lowry requested permission of County Commissioners for execution and delivery of a deed to return three lots which were put up as security to be returned per agreement signed May 2, 1994. Mr. Lowry stated that a minor problem still existed with a swale for which a fourth lot is being held as security. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to release three lots in Black Rock Estates back to Manny Shaool, the owner, with the fourth lot to be returned when the swale has been accepted by the County. Unanimously approved. SYSTEMS REFORM INITIATIVES (SRI) LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD APPOINTMENTS Kristen Grosh, Children and Youth Coordinator, presented recommendations to the Commissioners for appointments to the Local Management Board. The Commissioners took these recommendations under advisement at this time. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, advised the Commissioners of a vacancy on the Gaming Commission. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to appoint Clarence Scheer to the Gaming Commission to serve a two-year term. Unanimously approved. SB93 Property Tax - Semi-Annual Property Tax Billing Mr. Shoop spoke to the Commissioners concerning the semi-annual property tax billing legislation recently passed by the General Assembly which gives the County the ability to charge a service charge for lost interest income associated with the delay in payment of the second installment. Commissioner Snook requested an example of the new billing to help them better understand and agree on a service charge percentage. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners about the groundbreaking ceremony for Purina Mills, Inc. for 5:00 p.m. this evening with reception/dinner at Nick’s Airport Inn to follow. Mr. Shoop advised the Board that the Water and Sewer Workshop that had been scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st, has been postponed; the Commissioners agreed on a rescheduled date of Monday, May 13th, 7:00 p.m., at the Water and Sewer Department on Elliott Parkway. Service Linked Housing Grant Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the submission of Community Action Council’s application request for a three-year Service Linked Housing Grant from the Department of Human Resources in the amount of $82,095. Unanimously approved. This grant will enable CAC to assist with case management services for a total of 25 families. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - BILL FEUERSTEIN AND RICHARD LONG, GAMING COMMISSION Commissioner Snook presented a certificate of appreciation to Bill Feuerstein, whose appointment as Chairperson of the Gaming Commission recently expired, for his superb leadership in the development of the rules and regulations to implement the Gaming Law. Mr. Feuerstein thanked the Commissioners and stated that he could not have done this job without the help of everyone on the Commission. Commissioner Downey presented a certificate of appreciation to Richard Long for his service as a member of the Gaming Commission and for his role in molding the Gaming Commission into the organization it is today. Mr. Long thanked the Commissioners and stated that everyone played an important part in the formulation of the Gaming Commission. Kathy Sterling, Gaming Commission Coordinator, stated that the next distribution period will be between July 1st and July 31st. Local Federal Emergency Management Agency Board Mr. Shoop advised the Commissioners of the need to appoint a government representative to the Local FEMA Board. This appointment is mandated by the National FEMA Board. This position has been open since the resignation of APRIL 30, 1996 PAGE THREE Kathleen Riley as Division Chief of Citizen Services. No decision was made at this time. Emergency Services Council Mr. Shoop discussed with the Commissioners the need for their direction in determining goals and objectives for the members of the Emergency Services Council. After some discussion, the Commissioners agreed to hold a workshop for this purpose next Tuesday afternoon, May 7th. BID RECOMMENDATION: SALE OF CONSTRUCTION TESTING EQUIPMENT - WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to reject the sole bid of Penniman & Browne (P&B) received for the sale of the above-mentioned equipment citing that bid prices were over-budget and to allow the Water and Sewer Department to enter into negotiations with Penniman & Browne for the equipment. Unanimously approved. BID RECOMMENDATION: HIGH-PERFORMANCE PHOTOCOPIER Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Bob Graff, Facilities Administrator, discussed with the Commissioners the possibility of renting a copier under a State contract as opposed to purchasing a copier. Should a State contract be used, the $65,000 budgeted in the FY96 CIP budget could be returned and used to help offset the $71,000 shortfall in CIP projects. The concept of a decentralized copier approach was also discussed which would increase office production and assist in more efficient time management. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to reject the bids submitted for the high-performance photocopier, return the $65,000 to the CIP budget, and accept the recommendation to go with State rental contract. Unanimously approved. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners that he would give a dry run of the budget presentation on Thursday morning from 9:00-10:00 and that the Water and Sewer Public Hearing will be held the first week of June. The suggested date was June 6th with the location to be determined. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION John Mullendore of Clear Spring; Paul Pittman, Executive Director of the Child Resource Center; and Don Allensworth addressed the County Commissioners at this time. Commissioner Downey stated that he had received a call from Bonnie Distad of the Maryland Health Resources Planning Commission requesting the aid of the Commissioners in scheduling a public hearing on the matter of home health agency requests for a Certificate of Need (CON) to serve Washington County by VNA of Maryland and Bay Area Health Care. They would like to have a Commissioner in attendance. Commissioner Downey suggested that if no one can attend, a letter should be drafted to the Health Resources Planning Commission. SEMI-ANNUAL TAX BILLING Debra Bastian, Director, Budget and Finance, and Todd Hershey, Washington County Treasurer, appeared before the Commissioners for a continued discussion on the semi-annual tax billing which takes effect as a result of SB93, Property Tax - Semi-Annual Property Tax Billing. A sample copy of the new tax bill was given to each Commissioner and discussion ensued. The new tax bill reflects a coupon system and gives taxpayers the option to pay their taxes in one lump sum or semi-annually. The County will lose revenue with semi-annual payments. Discounts on half the bill are given with the choice to make semi- annual payments. Mr. Hershey stated that the Board of County Commissioners needs to approve the service charge based upon the rate of interest the County is going to forfeit. According to the law, the percentage should be “reasonably equivalent to the anticipated lost interest income associated with the delay in payment of the second installment.” The Commissioners agreed to discuss this matter again at next week’s meeting. BID AWARD: NICODEMUS MILL ROAD BRIDGE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Commissioner Bowers, to award the above-named project to the firm of Antietam Construction, Inc. for the as bid price of $157,867.00. Unanimously approved. APRIL 30, 1996 PAGE FOUR HOPEWELL ROAD WATER LINE Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, advised the Commissioners that bids have been received on the Hopewell Road Water Line project. The totals are significantly over the budgeted amount. After some discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to award the contract to Charles E. Brake Company, the low bid meeting specifications, and to transfer $175,000 for the Hopewell Road Extended project in the CIP budget to meet the shortfall. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to convene in Closed Session at 11:27 a.m. to consider personnel matters, to consult with counsel regarding legal issues, and to consider businesses relocating to Washington County, 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 Downey, seconded by Wade, to reconvene in regular session at 3:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session, the Commissioners discussed five personnel matters, six legal matters, and two economic development matters. EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS Motion by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to employ the following individuals to fill existing vacancies: County Commuter Part-Time Occasional Bus Operators - David Stuller, James Mitchell, Elton Shelly, and Herman Stockslager; Parks Maintenance Person I - David Wayne Toms; and Legal Administrative Secretary - Cathy Blair Chalfant. DOGSTREET ROAD REHAB BID TABULATIONS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to award the bid to the second lowest bidder, Building Systems, in the amount of $48,076 due to lack of prior relevant experience of the low bidder for a stone masonry arch bridge. Unanimously approved. WELTY CHURCH ROAD BRIDGE REPAIR Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, stated that this repair project was submitted for FEMA funds for complete replacement; however, funds have not yet been received. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to award the Welty Church Road Bridge Repair to Building Systems, Inc. in the amount of $68,405 and to transfer $60,000 from CIP Contingency to fully fund the project as approved, to be reimbursed at a later date when FEMA funds are received. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to adjourn at 3:12 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________ County Administrator _____________________________ County Attorney _______________________, Clerk