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HomeMy WebLinkAbout960528 May 28, 1996 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 10:00 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. WORKSHOP SESSION - WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Jay Grimes, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA), and James Kimble, First Vice President, met with the Commissioners to address issues of importance to the future of fire and EMS services in Washington County. Mr. Grimes stated that the Association wants to rebuild a good relationship with the Commissioners and establish clear lines of communication. He referred to unresolved issues between the two groups and proposed that they put their differences to rest. Mr. Grimes asked that the Commissioners provide more information to the Association regarding the budget process and decisions on funding requests made by the WCVFRA. He also asked if the County had space available for them to house a computer with 24-hour access to it for the purpose of updating information. Mr. Grimes stated that the Association could also use assistance with grant writing. The Commissioners agreed to try to help with these requests and asked to receive copies of the WCVFRA minutes each month. The Commissioners discussed the objectives of the Emergency Services Council and the selection of its members. Mr. Grimes stated that he feels the President and First Vice President of the Association should have been included on the Emergency Services Council as voting members. The Commissioners agreed to appoint these individuals to the Council as well as an additional person to represent EMS concerns. Also discussed were the uniform operating standards for the companies and the lack of financial contributions by business and industry to volunteer companies. Mr. Grimes informed the Commissioners of the Association's plans to divide the County into six districts with representation on the steering committee. The Commissioners asked for more information on this plan and that a copy of the policy on standards be sent to them when approved by the Association membership. Mr. Grimes stated that the Association would like to see the number of bingo permits limited in the County. The Commissioners stated that they would research this issue to determine if they have the authority to restrict permits. Also discussed were accountability issues and perceptions regarding the number of vehicles responding to fires and accidents. Mr. Grimes suggested that the Commissioners consider reinstituting a Recognition Day for volunteers. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Grimes and Mr. Kimble for meeting with them and stated that they hope to continue to develop a better working relationship. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed from 11:38 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch. WORKSHOP - WATER & SEWER RATES Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Dawn Barnes, Assistant Director of Finance for the Water & Sewer Department; and George Gross, Director of Water & Sewer Operations, met with the Commissioners to begin discussions on establishing the basis for residential water and sewer rates. Also present were Water & Sewer Advisory Commission members Sam Phillips, Joseph Robeson, and Peggy Bushey. Mr. Rohrer displayed a chart showing the percentage of residential water and sewer usage. He stated that two variables were evaluated - one based on changing the volume charge and one based on changing the base charge - using a 2,000 minimum gallonage charge per month. He informed the Commissioners that Black & Veatch found that changing the volume rate increases the residential rate of low consumption customers as opposed to changing the base rate. He stated that the total revenues would remain the same for both methods. The difference is in the way the costs are allocated. Ms. Barnes presented examples of how the two options would affect rates for homeowners and for multi-family units. She stated that they are anticipating that commercial rates will remain the same. Mr. Rohrer stated that the staff is recommending using the account method based on the cost of service rather than the EDU method. After discussion, the Commissioners took this under consideration at this time. Mr. Phillips presented the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission's recommendations that residential water rates be based on services at $2l.85/month per 2,000 MAY 28, 1996 PAGE TWO gallons and commercial water rates on service at $27.90/month per 2,000 gallons and that residential sewer be based on services at $19.95/month per 2,000 gallons and commercial sewer based on service at $27.45/month per 2,000 gallons. He stated that the Advisory Commission has unanimously agreed to this recommendation based on one subdistrict. EDC BLUE RIBBON PANEL REPORT Dr. Robert Cirincione and Woody Hawbecker appeared before the Commissioners to present the Blue Ribbon Panel's recommendations on the reorganization of the Economic Development Commission. Also present were Blue Ribbon Panel members Gary Wright, Philip Rohrer, Alan Davis, and James Latimer. Dr. Cirincione stated that the Panel is recommending a public/private sector partnership by establishing an Economic Development Authority. They suggested that the membership of the nine-member Authority consist of three members appointed by the County Commissioners, two appointed by other government bodies, three appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, and one appointed by the Greater Hagerstown Committee. The Authority would also include three non- voting, ex-officio members consisting of one County Commissioner, the Mayor or one member of the City Council, and one member of the local delegation to the General Assembly. Dr. Cirincione stated that the role of the Authority would be to hire an Executive Director, approve the activity of the Executive Director, establish reasonable, attainable goals and objectives, report to governmental funding sources, approve and adopt a budget based on funding made available, accept gifts and dispose of accordingly (not to become a "land bank"), and to make prospects aware of sites. He said that the Panel did not recommend the Authority being given the ability to borrow funds. Commissioner Wade expressed concerns that, although economic development is a County responsibility, the Commissioners would have no vote on the proposed Economic Development Authority. Mayor Sager stated that the Blue Ribbon Panel felt the Authority should have the power to hire, fire, or promote employees. However, the County does provides funding which could be removed if the Commissioners are dissatisfied. Also discussed were the role of the Authority, the make up of the membership, and the discontinuation of the current Economic Development Commission. Delegate Poole asked that the Panel address the possibility of conflict of interest. Mayor Sager asked that the Commissioners, the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council, and the Delegation meet to discuss this as well as other issues. A tentative date of June 18 was scheduled. The Commissioners took the Blue Ribbon Panel's recommendations under consideration. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the Meeting at 4:05 p.m. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 4:09 p.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 Wade, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 5:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed, three (3) legal matters and six (6) economic development and property matters. EVENING SESSION The Evening Session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 7:00 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. 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 14 AND 21, 1996 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of May 14 and 21, 1996, as submitted. Unanimously approved. MAY 28, 1996 PAGE THREE BID AWARD - ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to award the bid for elevator maintenance services to Eastern Elevator Services and Sales Company who submitted the low base bid of $13,140, with service rates for time not covered by the Maintenance Contract of $60.50/hour regular rates and $84.70/hour overtime rate. Unanimously approved. REJECTION OF BID - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER KITCHEN FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to reject the one bid received from Trademark Builders, Inc. for kitchen facilities at the Agricultural Education Center due to budgetary constraints. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Shank reported on the Municipal League meeting and the Children's Council Banquet. Commissioner Downey stated that he participated in the Boonsboro Memorial Day Parade. Commissioner Bowers stated that he was asked by a constituent that the Commissioners consider adopting an ordinance prohibiting loud car stereos. He provided a copy of a similar ordinance adopted in Ocean City. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the County received its May income tax distribution in the amount of $6,057,000 which was more than the budgeted amount of $5.7 million. BUDGET TRANSFER - RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to approve the request made by the Recreation & Parks Department to transfer $3,300 from Account 01-4- 0000-371-024 (from the sale of used equipment) to Account 01-5-1801-682-000 to purchase a new woods finish mower attachment. Unanimously approved. INVOICE FOR CAP REPLACEMENT -SPCA Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve the payment of an invoice to replace the aluminum pick-up truck cap in the amount of $284, submitted by the SPCA, and to pay $61 of this bill from the Contingency Fund Account due to the fact that it would cause the SPCA to be over budget. Unanimously approved. ENGINEERING CONTRACT SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the low proposals for contractual engineering services on various projects as submitted by EBA Engineers, Inc. for the rate of $23.70/hour, and KCI Technologies for the rate of $28.60/hour, and to approve the proposals for the services of a Senior Construction Inspector as submitted by EBA Engineers for $29.70/hour and KCI Technologies for $33.00/hour, with services to be charged against the respective capital projects. Unanimously approved. UNGER ROAD BRIDGE Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners in answer to complaints from the adjoining property owner on the Unger Road Bridge project. Mr. Rohrer provided background information on the project. He stated that the project was designed to AASHTO standards, and he does not feel it is over- designed. He then outlined the alternatives and the costs involved with adjustments. Mr. Rohrer stated that the end sections of the guard rail can be flared down into the embankment to minimize the aesthetic impact. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that he viewed the site and feels the County could be held liable if the bridge is not improved to AASHTO standards for design. Commissioner Bowers stated that the property owner should have been contacted before the project began. The Commissioners discussed the matter and directed Mr. Rohrer to proceed with the project as planned but to assure that adjoining property owners are contacted prior to the start of new projects. CITICORP EXPANSION - PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Rohrer stated that the Citicorp expansion project is under roof and progressing. He informed the Commissioners that all permits have been issued and that they are now waiting for the traffic impact study. Mr. Rohrer stated that Citicorp has taken the responsibility for designing the stormwater management pond which is scheduled for construction in 1998. Mr. Rohrer also provided a brief update on the First Merchant Services project and the Robinwood Medical Center project. MAY 28, 1996 PAGE FOUR CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Joe Swope voiced his opposition to the budget cuts made by the County, the Agricultural Education Center project and growth issues. Seth Wilson asked for a copy of information from the Finance Department on the debt of each subdistrict at the Water & Sewer Department and the financing of the debt. STATUS OF STAPLES PROJECT Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the Staples project. He stated that the environmental review is complete and that all the required reviews are in. Mr. Arch thanked Senator Bartlett's office for the short turn-around time in development approval. He informed the Commissioners that the proposed subdivision plan will be presented to the Planning Commission at next week's meeting. The Commissioners discussed various aspects of the project and its progress. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE Robert Arch, Planning Director, presented a periodic report indicating whether there is a continuing need for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) as required by Article XI of the Ordinance. Mr. Arch indicated that at the May 6, 1996, Planning Commission meeting they voted to recommend that there is a continuing need to retain the APFO. Mr. Arch then reviewed the activity for the period July 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995. He stated that this is the first report utilizing the revised Board of Education capacity figures. Mr. Arch reported that the Planning Commission feels the issue of school capacity and application of the APFO is a subject which needs to be reviewed with the Board of Education and they hope to attempt to reschedule that meeting some time in the near future. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, that there is a continuing need for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Unanimously approved. QUIT CLAIM DEEDS - CROSS COURSE ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to convey all of the County's right, title and interest in a parcel of land located in Fountainhead Heights to adjoining property owners John Clark, William and Barbara Koelle, Irvin and Betty Easterday, and Edward and Rosina Delgiorno and Laura Cardi, for no monetary consideration, and as shown in a plat entitled "Allotment No 5 Fountainhead Heights" and recorded among the record plats of Washington County, Maryland, at Folio 238-F. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 8:34 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________ County Administrator _____________________________ County Attorney _______________________, Clerk