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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050419 April 19, 2005 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 12, 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of April 12, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, introduced new County employee Stephanie Snow (Planning Department). The Commissioners welcomed Ms. Snow and wished her well in her new position. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he met with representatives of the Ag Expo Board and Agricultural Education Center to negotiate an agreement for the use of the Agricultural Education Center facility. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Economic Development Commission and a sub-committee to review the excise tax rate for nonresidential development. Commissioner Kercheval had invited representatives from the Chamber and Greater Hagerstown Committee to join in the discussions of the sub- committee. He also reported on the meetings of the Local Management Board, C-Safe Board and “2+2” Committee. Commissioner Munson informed the Commissioners that County Attorney Richard Douglas advised him that permission would have to be granted by the State in order to forgive property taxes in regard to potential agricultural preservation programs. Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the Crystal Ball fundraiser. She informed the Commissioners that the County is receiving $940,000 in Program Open Space funding and that the Recreation & Parks Board would review the requests for funding at its May meeting. Commissioner Nipps reported that she attended the Leadership Maryland retreat. She stated that the Department of Transportation announced that the Essential Air Service (EAS) designation was reinstated at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended a fundraiser for San Mar Children’s Home. He informed the Commissioners that the open house for Wantz Distributors has been rescheduled for August 20. Commissioner Snook stated that he received correspondence from the State Highway Administration (SHA) that they are planning to do geometric resurfacing on Maryland Rt. 77. He noted that Robert Fisher was selected as SHA District Engineer for District 6. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport, informed the Commissioners that the Emergency Air Service designation was reinstated at the Airport. He provided information on the process to obtain a carrier. Mr. Larsen stated that the Department of Transportation will “hold in” the existing carrier until the new service is in place. He indicated that they anticipate the new service will be in operation by July 4. Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP), stated that the WCCP th recently sponsored the 17 annual workshop on child abuse. Ms. Stone indicated that the State Office of Children, Youth & Families would be operating under a APRIL 19, 2005 PAGE TWO different State department in the future, although the funding for Local Management Boards is intact and will continue. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he met with the Boonsboro Library Building Committee and reviewed the schematic plans for the new branch library. Mr. Rohrer also provided an update on the Smithsburg library project. In answer to questions from the Commissioners, he stated that the Tollgate Road Bridge project should be completed in September. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that a public information meeting would be held regarding the Marble Quarry Road Bridge on May 4. He also indicated that he met with members of the Economic Development Commission to discuss the application of the excise tax for non-residential development. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION FUNDING APPLICATIONS Stephen Goodrich, Chief Planner, met with the Commissioners to review the applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding. Mr. Goodrich explained that Tri-County Council is requesting that the County review and prioritize the projects to be submitted for funding consideration. He stated that the only request received was from Hagerstown Community College in the amount of $40,000 for a project entitled “Expanding the Internet Communication Capacity of Local Governments, Business and Non-profit Organizations.” The total project cost is $135,000. Mr. Goodrich informed the Commissioners that ARC normally funds 30% of a project cost if approved. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to submit to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funding consideration the one application received from Hagerstown Community College for the project “Expanding the Internet Communication Capacity of Local Governments, Business and Non- profit Organizations” for $40,000 in ARC funding. Unanimously approved. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT SHELTERS Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, and Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance Director, requested authorization to purchase four communications equipment shelters for use with the proposed Public Safety UHF Trunked Radio System project through Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase under the State of Maryland from Wolf Contractors for the total sum of $533,866.40. Mr. Kroboth stated that they estimate the proposed radio communications system will require ten tower sites, each requiring an equipment shelter. The shelters would be delivered and temporarily installed on a site at the Hagerstown Regional Airport for later use at the tower sites. He stated that Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws grants authorization for the County to procure goods or services entered into by other governmental entities. A Homeland Security grant will fund 100% of the project for the shelters. If the funds are not encumbered by April 30, 2005, the County will lose the grant. The additional $33,866.40 would be taken from another Homeland Security grant that expires September 15, 2005. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to approve the resolution to purchase four (4) shelters from Wolf Contractors in the total amount of $533,866.40 for the new radio communications systems project by “piggybacking” onto a contract awarded by the State of Maryland. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES The Commissioners considered the proposed modifications to certain landfill user fees as proposed at the public hearing held on April 12, 2005. They also considered the recommendations made by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the comments made during the hearing. Motion made by Commissioner Munson to adopt the proposed modifications to certain landfill user fees as proposed by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The motion died for lack of a second. APRIL 19, 2005 PAGE THREE Commissioner Wivell expressed concern regarding the increases proposed in the residential user permit. He stated that he would agree to adopt the fees proposed by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with the exception of the residential drop- off fees. The Commissioners discussed the fees proposed and agreed not to increase the residential permit user fees. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to adopt the following modifications to the landfill user fees: General Refuse - $45/ton; Rubble, Building and Yard Debris - $50/ton; Minimum Scale Charge - $8.00/320 lbs.; Appliances with refrigeration - $5 per appliance; Sludge - $50/ton; Fill dirt - $4.00/ton; Permit Fees for residential drop-off - $120/annual, Senior Citizens - $90/annual. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell to amend the motion to reduce the minimum scale charge to $5.00/240 lbs. as proposed by staff. He withdrew the motion after discussion. PURCHASE OF SEWER LINE FLUSHING/VACUUM TRUCK Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to authorize the Water Quality Department to purchase a sewer line flushing/vacuum truck from Pierce Equipment Company, at a total cost of $249,551 by utilizing the existing bid of the Monroe Township Municipal Utilities Authority, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that contract and in accordance with the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County Maryland ,, Section 1-106.3, and to approve the transfer of $49,551 from the Water Quality Department’s operating reserves to fully fund the purchase. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) PROCLAMATION – WASHINGTON COUNTY READING DAY Brenda Bush, Chair of Washington County Reading Day, and Kathleen O’Connell, representing the Washington County Free Library, appeared before the Commissioners regarding the 2005 Washington County Reading Day – “STOP. DROP. READ.” Ms. Bush stated that Partners in Literacy have joined together to sponsor the third annual reading day. She outlined the activities and events that have been planned. She asked the Commissioners to provide $1,000 to help defray the costs of transportation and material. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to provide up to $1,000 from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund to assist the Washington County Free Library with Reading Day events. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Nipps presented a proclamation to Kathleen O’Connell designating May 14, 2005 as Washington County Reading Day in order to promote family involvement in education and reading for “fun” and to stress the role of literacy in the economic development of our county and the importance of education to our citizens. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Lloyd and Louise Hamilton appeared before the Commissioners to outline their complaint regarding a “sidewalk” that was placed through the center of their yard. Mr. Hamilton stated that it is disturbing to them. He read a letter from the developer of his subdivision to the homeowners association seeking approval for him to go to before the Planning Commission to request that the sidewalk be moved on the property. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners do not have the authority to override the Planning Commission’s decision. John Martirano, County Attorney, advised that this is a private matter between a homeowner and the homeowners association regarding a recorded plat. Commissioner Snook asked that time be scheduled between Mr. Hamilton and the staff to discuss the matter. George Knight spoke to the Commissioners regarding the use of Homeland Security grant funds. APRIL 19, 2005 PAGE FOUR Peter Bernier expressed concerns about the high percentage of registered sex offenders living in the area. He stated that there should be more public awareness about this issue. REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS – COMMISSION ON AGING The Commissioners discussed the request made by the Commission on Aging at last week’s meeting for supplemental funding. The Commissioners had agreed to provide $40,000 of the requested $80,000. Susan MacDonald, Director of the Commission on Aging, stated that a representative of the Maryland Department of Aging informed her that it would be unlikely they would receive any additional funding this fiscal year. Commissioner Nipps recommended that the Commission consider instituting a tiered fee structure for the services they provide. Commissioners Wivell and Munson indicated that they feel they should wait for a formal response from the State before providing additional funding over what was granted last week. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to support the Commission on Aging’s request for an additional $40,000 from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund, and that adjustments would be made in the FY 2006 budget if the State Department on Aging provides additional funding. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “NO.” BUDGET PRESENTATION - WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Susan MacDonald, Director of the Commission on Aging, and Bill Beard, Chair of the Commission on Aging Board, presented the fiscal year 2006 budget request for the Commission on Aging. Ms. MacDonald presented the Commissioners with copies of their new vision and mission statements. Katrina Ebersole, Director of the SHIP program, provided information on her duties administering the health insurance advocacy program and the extreme changes that will be affecting Medicare health care benefits. Ms. MacDonald requested county funding of $473,922 for FY 2006 and highlighted the major changes in the budget. Commissioner Snook emphasized the need to build budget reserves. RECESS – LUNCH AT DEPARTMENT OF PERMITS & INSPECTIONS The Commissioners recessed at 11:33 a.m. for lunch at the Department of Permits & Inspections to honor the staff for their many recent accomplishments. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. CONTINUATION - HUMAN RESOURCES BUDGET DISCUSSIONS David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to continue discussions from the April 12 meeting regarding new positions being requested and reclassifications. He also provided the recommendation made by staff regarding the requests. New Positions The Commissioners continued discussions of new positions being recommended. Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families; Sheriff Charles Mades; Charles Strong, State’s Attorney; William Christoffel, Health Officer; and Carrol Lourie, representing the Department of Social Services answered questions and spoke in support for funding the Director of the Child Advocacy Center position. They emphasized their concern for retaining the current director with a year-to-year position and the need to secure the position through the County funding since grant funding is not secured after 2006. Any grant funding received would still be used to fund other parts of the program. Also being recommended for approval were the following positions at the Water Quality Department: Utility Worker II, Senior Collections Distribution Operator and Infrastructure Planner/Coordinator. APRIL 19, 2005 PAGE FIVE Reclassification requests: The Commissioners reviewed all the requests made for position reclassifications. The following positions were recommended by staff for approval: State’s Attorney’s Office - Deputy State’s Attorney – staff recommended increase to $77,000; State’s Attorney III – the recommendation made was to give a 4% increase but keep the position at Grade 17; State’s Attorney II – keep at Grade 16 but provide increase; approve State’s Attorney I (Grade 15) to State’s Attorney II (Grade 16); State’s Attorney II (Grade 16) to State’s Attorney III (Grade 17);Senior Office Associate - Grade 8 to Grade 9; Budget & Finance - Fiscal Technician (Grade 9) to Staff Accountant (Grade 14); Planning Department - Planner (Grade 11) to Senior Planner (Grade 13); Information Technologies: Technical Support Analyst (Grade 12) to Technical Support Analyst II (Grade 13), Programmer/Analyst I (Grade 11) to IT Service Specialist II (Grade 12), Webmaster (Grade 10) to IT Service Specialist I (Grade 11); Narcotics Task Force – the recommendation was for promotional increases, but not positional reclassification; 911 Communications – Senior Office Associate (Grade 8) to Administrative Assistant (Grade 9); Engineering – Stormwater Management/Utility Coordinator - recommended promotional increase but not positional reclassification; Parks Department – Office Associate – promotional increase recommended; Economic Development Commission: Senior Office Associate (Grade 8) to Administrative Assistant (Grade 9), Fiscal/Research Specialist – Grade 9 to Grade 10; Emergency Services Department – Director of Emergency Services (Grade 18) to Director, Division of Fire & Emergency Services (Grade 19); Water Quality Department: Lab Technician II (Grade 8) to Lab Technician III (Grade 10), Lab Technician I (Grade 7) to Lab Technician II (Grade 8), and System Mechanic I from Grade 7 to Grade 8. Other Requests The following other requests were reviewed by the Commissioners: County Administrator - Increase in overtime for Executive Assistant; Election Board – Increase part-time hourly wages by $.50 per hour; Sheriff’s Department (Detention) – increase in pay for contractual attorney; Special Operations – two full-time positions. Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, stated that a percentage would be paid for by the Federal government for a five-year period; 911 Communications – increase in part- time wages to cover cost of training for new hires; Permits & Inspections – salary adjustments for those receiving advanced certifications; Recreation – increase part-time wage budget; Economic Development – salary adjustment for Director; Human Resources – salary adjustment for Director; Transportation – salary adjustment for Director; Water Quality Department: salary adjustment for Director, Deputy Director of Water Quality – salary adjustment, and change position name from Chief Inspector to Project Manager. Mr. Hankinson recommended that the Commissioners consider a four percent wage increase for full-time County employees in FY 2006. GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners continued discussions on the FY 2006 General Fund budget. Debra Murray, Director of Budget & Finance, informed the Commissioners that the general fund is projected to be $160,869,866, which is a $12.65 million increase over last fiscal year. She stated that the budget is balanced with 81% of the $12.65 million going for program service costs and capital, 7% for personnel increases, 6% for personnel requests, and 6% for pension adjustment. Ms. Murray indicated that the Board of Education’s budget request is fully funded in Draft #1 of the proposed budget. She then reviewed the Board of Education’s request and informed the Commissioners that the buses have been shifted from maintenance of effort into one-time costs. Ms. Murray provided graphs showing where the proposed funding would be spent. The Commissioners discussed the information and agreed to further review the budget prior to the May 10 public hearing. APRIL 19, 2005 PAGE SIX REAPPOINTMENTS – ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to waive the two-term policy limit and reappoint Jane Hershey and Nancy Kefauver to the Antietam Battlefield Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT – PLANNING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to reappoint Bernard Moser to the Washington County Planning Commission for a five-year term. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 3:42 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, 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 Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) personnel matters. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk