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HomeMy WebLinkAbout960618 June 18, 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, and R. Lee Downey. (Commissioner James R. Wade was absent from the meeting.) INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 4, 1996 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of June 4, 1996, as corrected. Unanimously approved. BID REJECTION - COMPUTER & COPY PAPER FOR WESTERN MARYLAND COOPERATIVE PURCHASING COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to accept the recommendation of the Western Maryland Cooperative Purchasing Committee and reject all bids for computer and copy paper and to do "spot bidding" as necessary for the items bid. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that Governor Glendening signed Senate Bill 578 giving additional financial assistance under the Police Aid Grant. He stated that Washington County will receive approximately $39,000. Commissioner Shank reported that ICC donated three concrete picnic tables to Doubs Woods Park. Commissioner Downey reported on the topics discussed at the Western Maryland Commissioners Task Force meeting. Commissioner Bowers informed the Commissioners of the interviews held for marketing consultants at Ft. Ritchie INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION & PARENTING Carol Costello, representing the Inter-Agency Committee on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting (ICAPPP), met with the Commissioners to provide them with information on the Committee's functions. She stated that over 200 teenage girls in Washington County become pregnant each year and that this impacts a variety of areas such as education, welfare, health care, and housing. Ms. Costello informed the Commissioners that the three functions of ICAPPP are coordinating services, developing programs and materials to educate youth to help reduce incidents of teen pregnancy, and making sure that teen parents receive the services they need. Ms. Costello introduced Tiffany Young, a teen parent in the program, who will be graduating tomorrow. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Costello for her presentation and for ICAPPP's service to the community. BUDGET TRANSFER - PUBLIC WORKS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the request from the Department of Public Works to transfer $689 from Account 01-5-0161- 526-000 and $581 from Account 01-5-0161-528-010, for a total of $1,270 to Account 01-5-0161-687-000 to be used for the purchase a new printer. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners of the tour of California Microwave on June 20. He stated that the Solid Waste Plan Update hearing has been scheduled for the July 23 meeting. The Commissioners asked Mr. Shoop to respond to DOE that they have no comments on the request for a Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit for the Steve Rhoton farm. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that Community Action Council is willing to pick up the responsibility for grant writing for the homelessness grants. Mr. Shoop announced that the City, County, and Library have received an ARC funding in the amount of $45,000 in order to set up Internet equipment. BUDGET DISCUSSION - WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Howard Long, President of the Washington County Housing Authority, and Thomas Kloc, Vice-President, met with the Commissioners regarding the budget reduction JUNE 18, 1996 PAGE TWO to Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the programs and services it provides to the community. Mr. Long read the mission statement for the Housing Authority and provided information on the revenues received, citizens served, and the employees required for the projects. Mr. Long and Mr. Kloc asked that the Commissioners restore the funding cut from the Housing Department's budget. Also discussed was possible consolidation with the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Commissioner Snook stated that difficult budget decisions had to be made this year. He stated that it was the decision of the Commissioners to phase out the General Fund contribution for the Housing office rather than cutting the funding completely. He advised the Housing Authority to proceed with an evaluation process to plan for future programs and to continue discussions with the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Commissioner Snook asked for additional information on the financial information submitted today. QUARTERLY SERVICE PIN PRESENTATIONS Commissioner Snook presented service pins to the following individuals for their years of service with the Washington County government: 25 years - William Unger, III, Mary Kline and Jacob Myers; 20 years - Lesa Bakner; 15 years -William Stachoviak and Tim Baker; 10 years - Travers Ruppert and Paula Blenard and; 5 years - Homer Spradlin. On behalf of the Commissioners, Commissioner Snook thanked the employees for their hard work and dedication to County government. DEED OF EASEMENT - USA ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve a Deed of Easement with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, in the amount of $2,820 to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to access lower Lake Royer for a dam repair project. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION GRANTING DEED OF EASEMENT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve a Resolution granting a Deed of Easement to Wayne Younker at 14108 Roundtop Road, Hancock, Maryland, for a perpetual easement with restrictions resulting from an encroachment onto public right-of-way, for the purpose of clarifying the rights of both parties. Unanimously approved. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - AIRPORT RATE INCREASES The Commissioners convened the joint public hearing with the Regional Airport Commission for the purpose of considering an increase in current charges, rentals, and fees at the Washington County Regional Airport. Airport Commission members present were Richard Phoebus, George "Pete" Warrenfeltz, and Douglas Stine. Ms. Motz reviewed the proposed rate increases as follows: Terminal Rental - Counter space - $26 sq. ft. to $27.50 sq. ft.; Fuel Flow Fee - 0.05 gallon delivered to 0.06 gallon delivered; Landing Fees - Change structure from set $3.00 "per landing rate" to "landing per 1,000 pounds" for scheduled commuters, signatory, and non-signature aircraft over 12,500 pounds as proposed .35/1,000 lbs. in 1996-97, .50/1,000 lbs. in 1997-98, and .65/1,000 in 1998-99; Hanger Rates - An overall increase of 5% is recommended with rates adjusted according to particular hangar condition and size; Tie Down Rates - From $40 to $50 per month; Access Fee - A re-initiation of Taxiway "F" East access to airport at $1,000 per month for Top Flight Airpark. At this time the hearing was opened for public comment. Joseph Walker, Robert Schwartz, Pete Warrenfeltz, and Don Molson spoke at this time. Correspondence was also received on this proposal. Commissioner Snook announced that the Commissioners would allow written comments until Friday, June 21, and the Commissioners will take action on this proposal at the meeting on June 25. PUBLIC HEARING - CDBG GRANT APPLICATION The Commissioners convened the public hearing to hear public comments regarding the intent to submit an application for Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $1,600,000 for property acquisition for the Staples Distribution Center. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that the County government would be acting as a conduit for the funding which would be granted to Tri-County Council, who will then be the actual purchaser of the property. Mr. Arch indicated that the sale price would be a combination of grant money and Staples' funds. At this time the hearing was opened for public comment. Joseph Walker and Donald Allensworth commented on this proposal. Commissioner Snook announced that written comments would be accepted until June 21, and the Commissioners plan to take action on this application at their meeting on June 25, 1996. JUNE 18, 1996 PAGE THREE CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Joseph Walker spoke regarding the accounts from the water and sewer debt. James Stewart, Jr., and his mother, Ellen, asked for an appeal of a water billing under the leakage policy. She stated that $495 of the bill was excused by the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee but $607.65 is still due and she does not feel that she owes the money because the contractor did not find a leak in the line. The Commissioners took this under advisement at this time. APPROVAL OF LEASE - WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT FACILITY Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the Lease Agreement with American Advanced Computers, Inc., to lease 4,700 square feet of the Water & Sewer Department Building located at 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland, for the price of $8.00 per square foot or $37,600 per year, under the terms of the Lease as presented, with an option to renew for a second year. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - INLAND MARINE POLICY Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to award the bid for the Inland Marine Insurance policy to J. Edward Cochran & Company, who submitted the low bid of $20,995. Unanimously approved. MORTGAGE RELEASE - JOAN WIELAND Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to authorize Commissioner Snook, as President of the Commissioners, to execute the Mortgage Release for Joan Wieland in the amount of $2,913. Unanimously approved. MIDFA LEASE - LAWRENCE & STANLEY BANKS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the Deed granting and conveying that parcel of land in the Earley Industrial Park, together with the improvements, as described in the Exhibit to Lawrence and Stanley Banks for the amount of $1.00 as established under the terms of the MIDFA agreement. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in Closed Session at 11:35 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. The Commissioners recessed from 12:15 p.m - 1:00 p.m for lunch. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the meeting at 12:15 p.m. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular Session at 2:20 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed eight (8) legal matters, one (1) economic development and property matter, and four (4) personnel issues. CORNETT CLAIM - CONTINGENCY FUND Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to settle the claim by Edward and Debra Cornett in an amount up to $800 with funds to be taken from the Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - BITUMINOUS CONCRETE OVERLAY Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to award the bid for bituminous concrete overlay to C. William Hetzer, Inc., who submitted the low bid of $25.43 per ton in place. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:22 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY DELEGATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND HAGERSTOWN MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL Commissioners Gregory Snook, John Shank, R. Lee Downey, and Ronald Bowers met with the Delegation to the General Assembly and the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council at 4:00 p.m. at Hagerstown City Hall. The following Delegation members were in attendance: Senator John Derr, Senator Donald Munson, Delegates John JUNE 18, 1996 PAGE FOUR Donoghue, D. Bruce Poole, Louise Snodgrass, Robert McKee, and Anita Stup. Also present were Mayor Steven Sager, and Council Members William Breichner, Susan Saum-Wicklein, Fred Kramer, Lewis Metzner, and Mark Jameson. Future of Hagerstown Fairgrounds Mayor Sager informed the Commissioners that the City is interested in taking the lead and purchasing the entire 68 acres of the Hagerstown Fairgrounds property through the use of Program Open Space funds. Merle Elliott, President of Community Center, Inc., which owns the Fairgrounds, provided a history of the project and stated that they are willing to be patient as long as the City has a plan for the property. In answer to questions from the Delegation, Mayor Sager stated that the City does not have a plan for use of the property at this time but would develop a use study. Commissioner Snook asked the members of the Delegation for their help in allowing POS acquisition funds to be used for development of POS projects. Commissioner Bowers suggested trying to designate a "greenway" area by including Pangborn Park, the Pony League site, and the Municipal Golf Course, and obtaining a bond bill for the purchase of the Fairgrounds. Senator Munson indicated that the Delegation would be willing to help but they would require a long-term commitment from the City. He also stated that they are not interested in seeing the property used for housing or development. Tourism Mayor Sager stated that, in his meetings with the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) regarding the increase in the hotel/motel tax, that he found the CVB to be frustrated with the current use of funds. He stated that they feel a disproportionate amount of funding is going to the visitors centers rather than for promotions or attractions. Leroy Burtner, Director of the CVB, stated that they are going through a restructuring process and that more emphasis will be on marketing and advertising. He also stated that they are looking at a regional approach to tourism. Commissioner Downey suggested trying to get Tri- County Council involved in this regional approach as well as the Quad State Council. Mayor Sager provided information on upcoming Civil War promotions. Recommendation of Blue Ribbon Panel on Economic Development Mayor Sager indicated that he supports the recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Panel to replace the current Economic Development Commission with an Economic Development Authority. Commissioner Snook stated that no decision has been made by the Commissioners and that they are still discussing concerns regarding control, funding, and other issues. The group discussed the recommendation and the issues involved with establishment of an Economic Development Authority. Possible Consolidation of Washington County Housing & Community Development with Hagerstown Housing Authority Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners made the decision to cut the General Fund contribution to the Housing Department by one-half and to cut all General Fund funding in next fiscal year's budget in an effort to make the operation financially self-supporting. He also indicated that the County is considering a possible merger with the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Roger Miller, Executive Director of the Hagerstown Housing Authority, stated that they are looking at the financial feasibility of such a merger. The Delegation asked if it would require legislation to allow this to occur. The Commissioners stated that they are studying the options at this time. Water & Sewer Issues Both the City officials and County officials reported on estimated costs to make improvements to the treatment plants which are required for new State BNR regulations. Mayor Sager stated that he remains of the opinion that the property in the City of Hagerstown is not legally assessable to pay debt service or operating losses of the County's Water and Sewer Department. He stated that attorneys from the City and County met last week to discuss this issue. Senator Munson informed the Commissioners that the State Legislature is not likely to give the County authority to assess an additional sales tax even if it will be used for a specific purpose. He indicated that the State will not give up its sales tax authority. Commissioner Snook indicated that the County is continuing to market the pre-treatment facility to try to increase the customer base. Delegate Poole asked if the County is considering changing the zoning to encourage more residential customers rather than to allow them to use well and septic. He also asked if the County is considering the use of impact fees. Also discussed were the application of sludge and regulations JUNE 18, 1996 PAGE FIVE regarding this matter. Commissioner Snook and Mayor Sager agreed to meet to discuss several water and sewer issues. Commissioner Bowers asked that the City consider a trade of certain areas with the County without the City losing any of its customer base. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. _____________________________ County Administrator _____________________________ County Attorney _______________________, Clerk