HomeMy WebLinkAbout970109January 9, 1997
Hagerstown, Maryland
A Workshop Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County,
Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 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.
EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL WORKSHOP
The Commissioners met with members of the Emergency Services Council to
continue discussions on the future direction of fire protection and emergency
medical service delivery to the citizens of Washington County. Present at the
meeting were Emergency Services Council members Charlie Shindle, James Kimble,
Thomas Cochran, Dr. Lawrence Johns, Dr. Kathryn Reihard, Ronald Karn, and Jay
Grimes.
Dr. Johns provided an update on the meetings of the Emergency Services
Council. He stated that the main problems involve manpower and funding. Dr.
Johns indicated that the Council discussed a request that legislation be
introduced to assess an insurance surcharge which would be designated directly
for fire and rescue services. He also stated the EMC developed a
questionnaire for the individual fire and rescue companies to complete
regarding any problems they are experiencing. The Commissioners authorized
Jerry Reed, Fire & Rescue Coordinator, to contact the companies who are
delinquent and inform them that the questionnaires are due back to the Council
in ten days or the County will withhold the quarterly payments. Dr. Johns
asked that the Commissioners provide the Council with a written charge as well
as secretarial support services. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated
that these concerns will be addressed.
Also discussed was the possibility of hiring a consultant to look at the
volunteer companies in Washington County and assess what is in place now and
what services will be needed for the future. Commissioner Bowers suggested
using personnel from the University of Maryland for this purpose. Mr. Grimes
suggested using fire engineering students. It was agreed that Phase I would
be to obtain a consultant to identify the present needs of volunteer fire and
rescue companies, assess what is in place now, identify costs, and develop a
mission statement. The Commissioners asked the Council to recommend a
consultant for this phase. Dr. Johns stated that a reserve equipment pool, a
training facility in the area, using paid personnel as a resource, and
centralized purchasing should be part of the study. Phase II would involve a
recommendation to implement the findings of the consultant. The Commissioners
agreed that it would be the responsibility of the Emergency Services Council
to take the lead on the issues discussed today.
Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that the
information on the LOSAP program has been forwarded to the County=s actuarial
firm for its review, and he will be meeting with them this week to get an idea
of what the firm will charge the County to actuarially assess the costs of
implementing the program.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to convene in Closed
Session at 11:16 a.m. to discuss personnel matters and to consult with counsel
on legal matters, 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 Shank, to reconvene in Regular
Session at 11:32 a.m. Unanimously approved.
JANUARY 9, 1997
PAGE TWO
In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel issues and
one (1) legal issue.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adjourn at 11:33 a.m.
Unanimously approved.
County Administrator
County Attorney
, Clerk