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HomeMy WebLinkAbout970128 January 28, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 4:15 p.m. by the Vice President, John S. Shank, with the following members present: Commissioners R. Lee Downey and James R. Wade. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to convene in Closed Session at 4:15 p.m. to consider personnel issues, 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. RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to reconvene in Regular Session at 5:43 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners discussed five (5) legal matters, two (2) business considering relocation to Washington County, and two (2) personnel issues. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:43 p.m. EVENING SESSION - TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The Evening Session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at the Clear Spring Town Hall at 8:00 p.m. by the Vice President, John S. Shank, with the following members present: Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey and James R. Wade. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Bowers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT & BID AWARD - TAG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the lease/purchase of the Total Account for Governments (TAG) Procurement System under the sole source procurement provisions of Section 1-106(a)(1) of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland, and to award the bid contract to Koch Finance Corp., which submitted the low bid for the lease/purchase of $94,846.85 payable over five years. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Betty Shank asked the Commissioners about the projected time frame for rendering a final decision on the Highway Interchange zoning which affects the Clear Spring area. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed them that it is scheduled on the Planning Commission agenda for February 11 after which time they will make a recommendation to the County Commissioners. William Albowicz, Councilman for the Town of Clear Spring, urged the Commissioners to expedite a decision on Highway Interchange zoning because it will have an impact of the capital improvements budget for the Town of Clear Spring. Lisa Shank Poole stated that the residents of Clear Spring are interested in having a final decision on the comprehensive rezoning. JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE TWO ELDERLY HOUSING PROJECT - RECOMMENDATION Richard Willson, Director of Housing & Community Development, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the Housing Authority recommendation to proceed with the expansion of the Williamsport senior housing development. Mr. Willson stated that a market study indicated that a project in Williamsport would not affect the demand for a project in Clear Spring. He indicated that it is important that they submit an application for funding to the State as soon as possible. Mr. Willson stated that the Williamsport project was recommended because a site has not been purchased for the Clear Spring project at this time. He explained some of the difficulties they have had in finding a site. Betty Shank, Chairperson of the Clear Spring Housing Committee, asked the Commissioners to meet with the property owner who had negotiated an option on a parcel of land to see if he is willing to sell the property before they proceed with the Williamsport project. William Albowicz, Town Councilman, indicated that the Town is interested in negotiating for the water rights on the Snyder property and this will take additional time to settle. He  suggested that the Towns housing committee consider placing the senior center and library and contain the development to one area. After discussion of the various sites, the Commissioners agreed to talk to the property owner again to see if he will sell the specified parcel at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to proceed in making  an application to the States Rental Housing Partnership Program for the expansion of the Williamsport elderly housing site and to actively pursue the purchase of land to plan for the Clear Spring site. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION (CONTINUED) Donald Allensworth asked the Commissioners to uphold the decision made on rezoning case RZ-92-14 to not allow additional access onto Walnut Point Road. TAX DIFFERENTIAL PROGRAM Commissioner Shank stated that pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax rebate program. He stated that the Town of Clear Spring will receive the minimum payment of $2,000. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, explained how the calculations are determined for the tax differential program.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners that the breakfast meeting with the Leadership Hagerstown class will be February 6 at 7:30 a.m., followed by a work session on the Capital Improvements Program budget. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that they must make an appointment to make to the Community Action Council Board of Directors. The Commissioners asked the Clear Spring Mayor and Council members if they had a recommendation for this vacancy. BUDGET TRANSFER - BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to approve the transfer of $1,534, as requested by the Black Rock Golf Course Board of Directors, from Account 65-5-3503-529-060 to Account 65-5-3503-687-000, to allow them to purchase a computer. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 16 AND 21, 1997 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of January 16 and 21, 1997, as submitted. Unanimously approved. JANUARY 28, 1997 PAGE THREE REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF LANDFILL FEES Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to deny the request made by Boy Scout Troop 51 for a waiver of landfill fees. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk