Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout960611 June 11, 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 Wade, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 28 AND 30, 1996 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of May 28 and 30, 1996, as submitted. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL - SERVICE AT TRANSFER STATIONS AND ON-SITE AT RESH LANDFILL Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to renew the contract for services at the transfer stations and on-site at Resh Landfill with Waste Management of West Virginia, Inc. d/b/a Waste Management of Shenandoah Valley for the low total base bid of $155,500 with an annual fee for performance/payment bond of $1,500 as recommended by the Purchasing Agent and Director of Solid Waste Management. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter expressing interest in appointment to the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission and asked if the Commissioners are interested in expanding this Commission to seven members. Commissioner Snook read a letter from the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce asking the Commissioners for their permission to hold an air show at the Regional Airport in 1997. He also advised the Commissioners that the Frederick County Commissioners are holding a workshop on solid waste issues on Tuesday June 25. Commissioner Shank reported on the Recreation & Parks Board meeting. Commissioner Wade indicated that he would like to have future discussions on increasing the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission to seven members. Commissioner Bowers stated that the LRA Executive Committee will be meeting with the final three consultants for base reuse at Ft. Ritchie. Commissioner Downey reported on the Western Maryland Consortium meeting, the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health meeting, and the Emergency Services Council meeting. He also reminded the Commissioners of the Western Maryland Commissioners Task Force meeting which will be held on June 14. JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE TWO RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT - REDUCTIONS IN BUDGET Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve the recommendation of the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board to move the Director's salary from the Recreation Division Budget to the Parks Division Budget and to reduce the Parks Division budget by $26,544, as specified, and to reduce the Recreation Division budget by $44,892, as specified, for a total reduction of $70,892 in the Fiscal Year 1997 budget. Unanimously approved. 1997 AIR SHOW - REQUEST BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to grant permission to the Chamber of Commerce to hold the 1997 air show at the Washington County Regional Airport, as requested. Unanimously approved. STATUS OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS Terry McGee, County Engineer, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to review the current priority of projects in Engineering Department. Mr. McGee distributed a list of Engineering Department priorities and stated that this is the most ambitious construction schedule the Department has undertaken. He reviewed recent projects submitted for the Agricultural Education Center and informed the Commissioners that the site plan should be revised prior to starting construction on these projects. Commissioner Shank stated that the Planning Department has been asked to upgrade the concept plan for the Agricultural Education Center. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to write Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for projects and asked Mr. McGee and Mr. Rohrer to come back with a recommendation as well as the costs associated with this proposal. The Commissioners directed the County Administrator, Rodney Shoop, to determine the amount of time the Agricultural Education Center projects will consume and which projects on the list may be delayed. MONROE ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT - OPTION AGREEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to approve the acquisition of .30 of an acre of land needed for right-of-way in the Monroe Road bridge project from John Griffith for the amount of $6,925 with the condition that the County install 600 linear feet of American wire fencing. Motion carried with Commissioners Downey, Shank, Wade, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Bowers voting "NO." MEETING WITH HEALTH DEPARTMENT Health Department personnel met with the Commissioners to provide information on various programs offered at the Health Department. Dr. Robert Parker, Health Officer, provided an overview to the Commissioners on recent changes in the Medicaid waiver legislation. He stated that the impact of this legislation on the Health Department is unknown at this time although it may result in some reductions in their collections. Dr. Parker explained that the Health Department is considering functioning in the capacity of an ombudsman to resolve problems between clients and HMOs. He also indicated that they may expand their role in bringing care to pregnant women and children. Henry Brown, Director of the Addictions Division, provided information on the Addictions Divisions involvement in providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for private companies. He also gave an update on AIDS activities and the Clean Focus Coalition. Earl Stoner provided a summary of the activities of Community Outreach Services. He informed the Commissioners that on-going programs provided by Community Outreach are the breast and cervical cancer outreach, immunization outreach, injury prevention, afterschool programs, and family outreach initiatives. Mr. Stoner reported on their future plans and on two special projects they are working on - the Potomac Street Community Health Center and the Community Enrichment Coalition. Linda Humbert distributed information on the Community Health Nurse Program and the percentage of time spent on various programs. She provided a summary of home health visits and on the attendance at outreach clinics. The School Health Nurse Program was also discussed and the costs estimated for Fiscal Year 1998, which is the final year for phase-in of the program. Dr. Parker emphasized the need to address long-range planning for the staff. He stated that the school nurses are contractual employees at this time and do not JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE THREE receive benefits. Phyllis Eshleman furnished statistical information on the school nurse program for 1995-96 and the services provided to the students. She stated that 32 schools will be served this fall. Dr. Gist, Chairperson of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, reported on several topics the Advisory Commission has addressed. Commissioner Snook thanked the Health Department staff for focusing their efforts out into the community and encouraged them to continue in that direction. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth stated that he feels alternatives should be considered to deal with the water and sewer issue rather than borrowing funds. Henrietta Burger asked the Commissioners not to make a decision on water and sewer rates and to consider selling assets owned by the County. Joseph Walker asked the Commissioners to delay a decision on the water and sewer rate increases. Ronnie Milburn, Vice-Mayor for the Town of Sharpsburg, expressed his concerns with alternatives provided by the Commissioners on the water and sewer issue. ADOPTION OF WATER & SEWER RATES The Commissioners discussed the plan taken to public hearing on June 4, 1996, to consider considering the combination of water subdistricts and sewer subdistricts and to adopt rates in order to address the debt incurred and costs involved in providing these services. Commissioner Bowers asked if a one-year plan, rather than a three-year plan, could be implemented. Commissioner Downey stated that he feels a three-year plan should be instituted because that was what was presented at the public hearing. He suggested that after the BNR study is complete and the Commissioners have a better idea of the revenue received and new users from economic development efforts, that the rates could be adjusted for the second and third year. The Commissioners also discussed the County's payment of the debt for the pre-treatment plant and emphasized that this is not included in the billings for the users of the system. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to implement the rate increases as proposed at the public hearing on June 4, 1996, with a maximum increase of 14% for 1997 and 1998, and to review these revenues and costs in the Spring of 1997 April after the BNR study is complete to determine if rates could be reduced, and to adopt the Resolution to consolidate the water subdistricts and sewer subdistricts (copy attached). The Commissioners also agreed to quarterly billings and to reinstitute a Water and Sewer Task Force or expand the Advisory Commission, or designate a sub-committee, to look at future projects. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION CENTENNIAL Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Robert Gonzales, President of the Maryland State Bar Association, and Kennedy Boone, President of the Washington County Bar Association, in honor of the 1996 Centennial Celebration of the Maryland Bar Association and urging all citizens to acknowledge the community service projects initiated by the MSBA in its pursuit of justice. RECESS - LUNCHEON AND DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL PLAQUES - PEN MAR PARK The Commissioners recessed at 11:37 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and dedication of plaques in memory of Dave Emmert and Russell Keener, former Parks Board members, at Pen Mar Park. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was convened at 1:50 p.m. by the President, Gregory Snook with the following members present: Vice President, John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. DEFERRED COMPENSATION OPTIONS Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, and Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners regarding deferred compensation options. Mr. Davis explained that the County has participated in a deferred compensation program offered by the National Association of Counties (NACO) through PEPSCO for over 20 years. Mr. Davis provided information on PEPSCO's history with Washington County. He asked that the Commissioners consider authorizing two JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE FOUR additional deferred compensation plans to be offered to County employees. Mr. Davis stated that an RFP would be sent out and the proposals received would be reviewed by the Coordinating Committee. He indicated that they have no problems with the PEPSCO program, but wish to offer additional investing opportunities to County employees. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to authorize the Director of Human Resources and Director of Finance to proceed to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for two additional deferred compensation plans which will be offered to County employees. Unanimously approved. FISCAL YEAR 1997 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE - ANNUAL ACQUISITION PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve submission of the Fiscal Year 1997 Annual Acquisition Program application for Program Open Space as follows: City of Hagerstown Fairgrounds - Reed Park - $75,758, UNK (Hamilton Run Park) - $144,500, Smithsburg Veterans Park - $234,318, and Black Rock Golf Course - $87,687. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Shank went on record that, although he voted in favor of the FY 1997 POS Annual Acquisition Program, he is not in favor of funds being designated for the expansion of Black Rock Golf Course. RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS - DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Motion made b Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to renew the contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice for grant funding for the Community Service Program in the amount of $68,597 and the Night Intake Crisis Intervention Program in the amount of $30,687. Unanimously approved. EXTENSION SERVICE REQUEST - PART-TIME WORKER Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the request of the Extension Service to permit them to extend the contract of part-time worker, Cindy Reeder, until the vacant Extension Agent position is filled, with the period not to extend past September 30, 1996. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that Robert Nichols has resigned from the Facilities Design Review Committee. Commissioner Shank stated that he would check with two individuals who may be willing to serve on this Committee. The Commissioners decided to schedule the public hearing for the Solid Waste Plan update at the July 23 meeting in Boonsboro. The Commissioners asked that the Roads Department discontinue mowing and hauling of debris at the Fairgrounds and to place this item on the agenda for the joint meeting with the City of Hagerstown. Commissioner Bowers asked for a break-down of the amount of money put into this facility. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners about the tour of California Microwave scheduled for June 20. CORRECTION OF APRIL 30, 1996 MINUTES - HALFWAY BOULEVARD EXTENSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to amend the minutes of April 30, 1996, to reflect that the transfer of funds for the extension of Halfway Boulevard is $70,000, rather than the $175,000 indicated in the minutes. Unanimously approved. REQUEST FROM STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION - PARK & RIDE LOT The Commissioners considered a request made by State Highway Administration (SHA) to allow them to utilize the parking lot at Martin L. Snook Memorial Park and Rt. 632 as a park & ride after the interchange at I-70 and Rt. 632 is constructed. The State Highway Administration has asked that they be authorized to use the lot Monday through Friday. The Commissioners agreed to this request if SHA agrees to resurface the lot, and provide lighting and maintenance. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve the transfer of $4,100 from Account 01-5-0131-525-030 to Account 01-5-0135-687 as requested by the Water & Sewer Department for the purchase of one computer and one printer. Unanimously approved. JUNE 11, 1996 PAGE FIVE NOTICE - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT - CITY OF HAGERSTOWN In response to a notice received from the Department of the Environment, the Commissioners responded that they had no objections to the route used by the City of Hagerstown to haul pelletized sludge to the landfill. WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION - ADVERTISEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to advertise and schedule a public hearing to include the Washington County Public Education Foundation on the list of non-profit agencies to which the County may contribute funds. Unanimously approved. APPROPRIATION OF CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT - COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve up to $3,000 from the Contingency Fund for the purchase of computer equipment for the County Attorney's Office. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the Meeting at this time. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 2:57 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 3:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed five (5) personnel issues. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - WATER & SEWER DISTRICTS AND ADOPTION OF RATES Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adopt the Resolution regarding the combination of all water districts and all sewer districts; the combination of all assets, including funds, receipts and expenditures from all water subdistricts and all sewer subdistricts; the adoption of rates which are the same for each water subdistrict and each sewer subdistrict; and establishing the new rate structure. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Bowers was contacted by telephone and voted in favor of this motion.) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to convene in Closed Session at 3:32 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 Shank, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 4:20 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed, five (5) legal matters, one (1) economic development and property matter, and three (3) personnel issues. LATERAL TRANSFER - PLANNER II-GRANTS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to laterally transfer Joe Kuhna, CDBG Coordinator, Grade 8, from Housing & Community Development to Planner II-Grants in the Planning Department, effective July 1, 1996. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF SALE OF LOTS - MT. AETNA ROAD Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to accept the offer of John and Susan Itell in the amount of $90,000 for two lots owned by Washington County located on Mt. Aetna Road. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. Unanimously approved.