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January 16, 1997
Hagerstown, Maryland
A Workshop Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County,
Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 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.
GOVERNANCE OF FORT RITCHIE
Robert Sweeney, Director of the LRA for Fort Ritchie, and Commissioner Bowers,
representing the LRA Executive Council, met with the Commissioners to present
options for the governance of Fort Ritchie after it is conveyed by the Army to
the County in October 1998. Mr. Sweeney reviewed the four alternative
management structures which are under consideration which include the County
as LRA, County EDC, private developer, or a new not-for-profit development
company. The Executive Council and consultant are recommending the creation
of a not-for-profit corporation which would be a quasi-governmental group
similar to the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). The
Commissioners reviewed a memorandum from the consultant listing the
implications of each option. Mr. Sweeney stated that a not-for-profit
corporation would minimize the impact to the County and maximize flexibility
in dealing with the private sector. Commissioner Bowers indicated that it
would require legislation to establish such a entity. Mr. Sweeney distributed
copies of the legislation creating MEDCO. The Commissioners agreed to
assemble a group to proceed in developing legislation to be considered during
this session of the General Assembly to be focused solely on Fort Ritchie.
They asked that the proposal be submitted to them for their approval.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to convene in Closed
Session at 9:04 a.m. to consult with the County Attorney on 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.
Commissioner Bowers was excused from the Meeting at this time.
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in Regular
Session at 9:37 a.m. Unanimously approved.
In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed one (1) legal matter and three
(3) businesses considering relocation to Washington County.
REAPPOINTMENT - DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to reappoint Ruth
Cunningham to the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council for a three-year term.
Unanimously approved.
LETTER OF SUPPORT
It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter of support for
Steven Davis as the State Highway Administration Resident Maintenance Engineer
for Washington County.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to adjourn at 9:39 a.m.
Unanimously approved.
County Administrator