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HomeMy WebLinkAbout970617 June 17, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by the Vice President, John S. Shank, with the following members present: Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to convene in closed session at 7:32 a.m. to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto and to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice an and discuss pending litigation, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to reconvene in open session at 8:30 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) issues and one discussed one (1) matter involving the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - WILLIAM FORD Commissioner Wade presented a Certificate of Merit to William Ford in appreciation of his 33 years of service to the Washington County Board of Education and to the students of the County. The Commissioners offered Mr. Ford their best wishes for an enjoyable retirement. Mr. Ford thanked the Commissioners for the recognition and for the Certificate. WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - CATEGORY CHANGES The Commissioners met with Board of Education members B. Marie Byers, Dori Nipps, Ed Hayes, Bob Kline, and Andrew Humphreys. Also present were Dr. Wayne Gersen, Superintendent, and Chris South, Director of Budget and Finance. Each of the Board members thanked the Commissioners for shifting additional funds into the operating budget. Mrs. Byers introduced Linda Barkdoll who was appointed Acting Superintendent due to the resignation of Dr. Gersen. She informed the Commissioners that they will be reviewing a lease/purchase arrangement for computers and agreed to schedule a meeting with the Commissioners when they have more information on this option. Mrs. Byers also reviewed a letter from the staff of Springfield Middle School requesting that the position of second vice- principal be restored. With regard to questions from the Commissioners regarding salary negotiations, Dr. Gersen informed the Commissioners that they are still negotiating with the bargaining units. Commissioner Shank stated that the Commissioners would like to see a uniform salary increase to include senior teachers at the top of the salary scale. Mr. South reviewed the categories as defined by State government and the new categories, sub-categories, and cost centers and the consequences of these changes. Mr. South stated that the new category designations will increase control by the Commissioners and decrease flexibility at the school level. He expressed concerns that, with the changes to the reporting manual, the cost  shifts due to category changes will be viewed as a shell game. At this time  Mr. South reviewed the Boards recommendations for items to be restored to the  baseline budget as a result of the Commissioners decision to reallocate funds JUNE 17, 1997 PAGE TWO for non-recurring costs for operating funds. The Commissioners discussed and approved the category changes. Commissioner Wade stated that he feels it is time to establish an agreement regarding salary equity for employees, to begin discussions on a long-range strategic plan, and to begin a multi-year budget. Also discussed was the trend of charging additional fees to parents. Commissioner Shank expressed concerns regarding the decrease in the funding of the textbook line item. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the request made by the Board of Education to carry over $319,498 in excess funds from the fiscal year 1997 budget to balance its fiscal year 1998 budget. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners thanked Dr. Gersen for his years of service as Superintendent at the Board of Education and expressed their best wishes for his success in his new position. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT - PAUL BAILEY Commissioner Downey presented a Certificate of Merit to Paul Bailey in appreciation for his 37 years of service to the students of Washington County. He expressed the gratitude of the Commissioners for the time and effort Mr. Bailey put forth providing for the academic needs of the children. The Commissioners extended their best wishes for an enjoyable retirement. Mr. Bailey thanked the Commissioners for the Certificate and for their recognition. APPROVAL OF MODIFIED DUTY POLICY Alan Davis, Human Resources Director, reviewed the changes made to the Modified  Duty Policy which was presented at last weeks meeting. The Commissioners discussed the policy and how it will affect employees currently on short-term disability leave. They asked that the paragraph regarding seniority be removed from the Modified Duty Policy procedure. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve Policy PR-17, Modified Duty Policy, as amended, effective this date. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - BITUMINOUS CONCRETE OVERLAY Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to award the bid for bituminous concrete overlay to L. W. Wolfe Enterprises, Inc. which submitted the low bid of $26.85 per ton in place. Unanimously approved.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners of the change of command ceremony which will be held at Fort Ritchie on June 24. REQUEST FOR ROAD NAME CHANGE Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to deny the request to change the name of Fahrney Church Road to Hidden Spring Road. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER - PURCHASING DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve the transfer of $1,627.56 from Account 01-5-0136-543-000 to Account 01-5-0136-687 as requested by the Purchasing Department for the purchase of a laser printer to support the TAG procurement software. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER - FACILITIES Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to approve the request made by the Facilities Department to transfer $1,500 from Account 01-5-0171-682- 000 to Account 01-5-0171-682-000 for asbestos removal. Unanimously approved. JUNE 17, 1997 PAGE THREE  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Wade reported on the joint meeting of the Washington County and Frederick County Planning Commissions. Commissioner Shank reminded the Commissioners of the meeting tomorrow with the Delegation to the General Assembly regarding the Convention and Visitors Bureau. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION  Donald Allensworth commented on Frederick Countys Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and on decisions for rezoning cases. AMENDMENTS TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - CP-97-02 AND CP-97-03 Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review amendments to the Comprehensive Plan which were recommended for adoption by the Planning Commission. Mr. Arch reviewed amendment CP-97-02 which would approve the creation of a Special Planning Area for the Fort Ritchie/Cascade area. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to adopt the Resolution approving Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-97-02 for the creation of a Special Planning Area for the Fort Ritchie/Cascade area, as heard at public hearing on March 31, 1997, and recommended by the Planning Commission. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to adopt the Resolution approving Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-97-03 with regard to Regulatory Streamlining, as heard at public hearing on March 31, 1997, and as recommended by the Planning Commission. Unanimously approved. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION - WATER & SEWER RATES Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to adopt the following schedule of rates for water and sewer service to become effective July 1, 1997, as presented at the public hearing on June 4, 1997. Full Service: Water Sewer Base for 6,000 gallons per account  Residential $65.55 $62.84  Commercial I $65.55 $62.84  Commercial II $83.70 $89.15  Volunteer Service $65.55 $62.84 Volume per 1,000 Gallons  Residential $ 5.75 $ 4.06  Commercial I $ 5.75 $ 5.60  Commercial II $ 5.25 $ 7.20  Volunteer Service $ 5.75 $ 4.06 Proposed Quarterly Rate for Water and Sewer: Water Distribution Only - $70 per EDU Sewer Collection Only - $40.per EDU Sewer Wholesale Customers - $3.27 per 1,000 gallons  Motion carried with Commissioners Downey, Wade, and Bowers voting AYE and  Commissioner Shank voting NO. BUDGET TRANSFER - AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve the transfer of $4,441 from Account 40-5-3100-580-086 to Account 40-5-3100-581-114 as requested for roof repair on T-Hangar #4 from fire damage. Unanimously approved. JUNE 17, 1997 PAGE FOUR TRANSFER OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS Commissioner Bowers asked for an explanation of when the County will accept  transferred benefits and credited time from another public entitys pension plan. Mr. Shoop explained that the County will accept the transfer of retirement funds and accumulated time from a previous employer if the employee is hired from a public entity which had a retirement plan and the employee participated in that plan. Richard Douglas stated that the issue is governed by State law which is binding on the County. UPDATE - COMMEMORATION OF 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and Dennis Frye, Director of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (APCWS), met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the commemoration of the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. Mr. Arch reviewed a map of the commemoration site and the locations of various activities. Mr. Frye thanked the Commissioners for the assistance of County staff in planning and coordinating the reenactment. He provided information on the reenactment and events in the area which will be held to coincide with the commemoration. Mr. Frye informed the Commissioners that area hotels have been polled and they are at 90% capacity for the weekend. The Commissioners asked the County Attorney to determine if the event is required to collect admissions and amusements tax. SPECIAL MEETING - HAGERSTOWN/EASTERN PANHANDLE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) STATE COUNCIL - AMENDMENTS TO FY 1997 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM A special meeting of the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was called to order at 12:04 p.m. by Commissioner James Wade. Also present were members Commissioner Lee Downey, Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey, and Mike Nixon of the State Highway Administration. County Planning Director Robert Arch and City Planning Director Richard Kautz were also in attendance. Mr. Arch stated that the meeting is being held to consider amendments to the fiscal year 1997 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) adopted last August. He stated that the amendment to utilize enhancement funds would allow improvements to the downtown area including greenways construction, landscaping, and sidewalk improvements. Motion made by Lee Downey, seconded by Robert Bruchey, to approve the amendment to the fiscal year 1997 Transportation Improvement Program to allow the use of enhancement funds for the projects outlined. Unanimously approved. Mr. Nixon stated that the proposed transit amendments are as follows: acquisition of a mid-size transit bus for the County Commuter, replacement of parts for existing bus shelters and parts for new shelters, purchase of electronic fare box equipment, and the purchase of computer software for the County Commuter. Motion made by Lee Downey, seconded by Mike Nixon, to approve the amendment to the fiscal year 1997 TIP program to allow the purchase of the proposed items using transit funds. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Lee Downey, seconded by Robert Bruchey, to adjourn sitting as the MPO at 12:12 p.m. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:12 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:04 p.m. by the Vice President John S. Shank, with the following members present: Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, JUNE 17, 1997 PAGE FIVE R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION OF HIRT/CO.28/REHAB UNIT/ AND AIR UNIT Gregory Socks, Chief of the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) and Donald Koons, Chief of the Air Unit, met with the Commissioners to outline a proposal to consolidate the HIRT Team, Civil Defense Co. 28, the Rehab Unit, and Air Unit into the Emergency Services Office of Specialty Services . Mr. Socks stated that the proposal has received the approval of the Emergency Services Council. He informed the Commissioners that the mission statement is to provide county fire and rescue departments and the citizens of Washington County, specialized equipment, training, and personnel for the protection of life, property and the environment from emergencies normally not considered a primary emergency service provided by local fire and rescue departments. Mr. Socks outlined the types of support services to be provided and the apparatus he feels will be needed for these duties. He presented a proposed chain of command for administration and operations. Robert Myers, Assistant Chief of Company 28, presented a letter from the members of Company 28 requesting that the Commissioners deny this proposal. After questions and discussion from the Commissioners regarding the proposed consolidation, location of the units, and management, they asked that the committee meet again to review the recommendations that the consolidation more fully involve the Airport fire personnel and Company 28. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to convene in closed session at 2:20 p.m. to consider personnel issues and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to reconvene in open session at 3:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners considered four (4) personnel issues and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issue. PART-TIME PARK ATTENDANTS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to hire Malcolm Scott Mullendore and John Kane as Part-time Park Attendants at $4.75 per hour. Unanimously approved. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to terminate the employment of Keith Godwin from the Transportation Department. Unanimously approved. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT - COUNTY COMMUTER Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to terminate the employment of Frank Danfelt from the Transportation Department. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to adjourn at 4:51 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk