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HomeMy WebLinkAbout970808 August 8, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the President, Gregory I Snook, with the following members present: Commissioners R. Lee Downey and James R. Wade. ANNUAL VISIT BY U.S. SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI Senator Barbara Mikulski thanked the Commissioners for arranging their schedule to meet with her. She stated that she has several items of good news for Western Maryland. Senator Mikulski announced that money has been appropriated to open a Veterans Administration clinic in Hagerstown. She also informed the Commissioners that the Economic Development Administration has approved a $1 million grant for infrastructure for the Newgate Industrial Park. She stated that a letter has been sent to President Clinton requesting that he expedite the drought relief funding for Western Maryland. Also in attendance with Senator Mikulski were staff members Jennifer Maust and Andy Givens. COPS/HotSpots Program  Sheriff Charles Mades and Kenneth Long, States Attorney, informed the Senator that Washington County has received $200,000 for the COPS/HotSpots Program from the Federal government. He explained that this is a three-year program to help reduce violent crime in high percentage crime areas. Sheriff Mades indicated that the Jonathan Street corridor has been targeted to receive the funding for this project. Senator Mikulski stated the University of Maryland has a very successful drug policing and prevention program and they would be available to meet with Washington County to share their findings. Federal Balanced Budget Commissioner Snook congratulated Senator Mikulski regarding the balanced federal budget. The Senator stated that she is proud of the fact that the budget was balanced and that legislation was passed which will provide tax relief to the middle class and reward saving. She also noted that no unfunded mandates will be approved by the Federal government Fort Ritchie Transition Commissioner Snook gave a brief update on the base closing at Fort Ritchie. He stated that the International Masonry Institute will be locating at Fort Ritchie and will be bringing 200 jobs to the area. Senator Mikulski discussed the merger between CSX and Norfolk Southern and the possible benefits of this to Washington County. She also stated that Governor Glendening is working to extend the MARC train service into Western Maryland. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, indicated that the County hopes to acquire another commercial carrier to provide flights to Dulles or New York. EDA/ARC Programs Commissioner Snook emphasized the importance of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding and Economic Development Administration (EDA) to the community. Senator Mikulski stated that funding has been insured for the Appalachian Regional Commission for this year. She announced that later today she will be presenting the check for the EDA grant funds this afternoon at the Newgate Industrial Park site. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, provided information about the development of the industrial park and how the funding will be used. Robert Sweeney, Executive Director of the PenMar Development Corporation, informed the Senator of how EDA funding has been used for the base closing and transition at Fort Ritchie. C&O Canal Improvements Commissioner Snook stated that a large portion of the C&O Canal Park runs through Washington County. He reminded Senator Mikulski that the canal was AUGUST 8, 1997 PAGE TWO heavily damaged by floods and asked that the Federal government continue to designate funds for repairs to the Canal. Senator Mikulski informed the Commissioners that they are working to have the C & O Canal designated as a heritage trail and are working to restore and stabilize it. She stated that the National Park Service has been instructed to inform them of what repairs are needed. Commemorative Re-Enactment - 135th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam Mr. Arch informed Senator Mikulski of the plans for the commemorative reenactment of the battle of Antietam and the concerns they have with aircraft fly-overs during the reenactment. Ms. Motz explained that the FAA has been  contacted to see if the area could be designated as a no fly zone but, because the area is uncontrolled airspace, the request was denied. Senator Mikulski asked to see copies of the correspondence to the FAA and she will request that they reconsider their decision. Acknowledgment of Support - AIP Funding Commissioner Snook thanked Senator Mikulski for her continued support for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. He stated that this funding is critical to the Washington County Regional Airport. Community Oriented Policing Program Sheriff Mades informed Senator Mikulski that he will be re-applying for a  Cops on the Street grant from the Federal government to help pay for additional officers which will be needed when Washington County assumes authority of the Fort Ritchie base and the military police are no longer available to assist with enforcement in this area of the County. Sheriff Mades also asked the Senator for her support of the creation of the Tri-State Task Force through the Drug Enforcement Administration which is under consideration at this time. Metropolitan Planning Organization Mr. Arch informed Senator Mikulski that Washington County is part of a multi- state Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as required through ISTEA  legislation. He encouraged her support of the request that the smaller MPOs be given the ability to select projects for funding, similar to the authority  that is granted to the larger jurisdiction MPOs. Senator Mikulski asked him to provide her with background information on this request. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to adjourn at 10:45 a.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator Assistant County Attorney , Clerk