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HomeMy WebLinkAbout970930 September 30, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland Prior to the convening the meeting, the Commissioners made a field inspection of the intersection of Dogstreet Road and Red Hill Road in Keedysville, and  attended the reception honoring Washington Countys Most Wonderful Citizens nominees. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey and James R. Wade. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Snook led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) - PUBLIC RELATIONS GRANT Clyde Harris, Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) informed the Commissioners that the Committee has received a $20,750 public relations grant from the Environmental Protection Agency which can be used over a three- year period. He stated that the grant is in four phases and will include public service announcements, production of a chemical awareness video, equipment purchase, and a television campaign. Mr. Harris also informed the Commissioners that this year will mark the tenth anniversary of the LEPC. UPDATE - I-70 INTERCHANGE AT MARYLAND ROUTE 632 Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the proposed interchange of I-70 and MD Route 632. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that the State Highway Administration expects to complete the final design by November and will advertise for bids in December. He stated that the project is scheduled for completion in late summer or early fall of 1999 and is estimated to cost $11.4 million. The Commissioners asked that the Planning Director be scheduled to discuss the zoning around the interchange. Commissioner Downey indicated that the County should ask the State Highway Administration to fund safety improvements to Halfway Boulevard which will experience additional traffic pressure because of the new interchange. BOARD OF EDUCATION - FOURTH QUARTER LINE ITEM ADJUSTMENTS Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance for the Board of Education, and David Brandenberg, Supervisor of Accounting, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed final year-end adjustments to the categories in the operating budget. Mr. South requested the following adjustments to the fiscal year 1997 operating budget and explained the reasons for each of the changes: 1) decrease the Revenue line item by $194,005; 2) decrease Administration by $29,535; 3) decrease Instruction by $26,507; 4) decrease the Student Personnel line item by $2,641; 5) decrease Transportation by $71,293; 6) increase Operations by $23,717; 6) increase Maintenance by $93,710, 7) decrease Special Education by $148,993; and 8) decrease Fixed Charges by $346,063. He stated these adjustments will yield a surplus of $313,600 which, as previously approved, will be used to balance the budget for the current year. Mr. South distributed materials showing the additional $50,000 the Commissioners previously allocated for textbooks. He informed them that the money was placed in the Instructional Materials line item but that principals can use this funding for textbooks if needed. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve the final  year-end category adjustments to the Board of Educations fiscal year 1997 operating budget as proposed. Unanimously approved. SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 PAGE TWO BID AWARD - SALE OF CONFISCATED USED 1995 BMW Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to award the bid for the sale of the used 1995 BMW Me 2-Door Sport Coupe, which was confiscated by the Narcotics Task Force, to Jawahar Mehra who submitted the high bid price of $22,775.50. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT RENEWAL - RECORD-KEEPING AND ACTUARIAL SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to renew the contract for record-keeping and actuarial services to Beall, Garner, Screen & Geare (BGS&G) for a one-year period at the second year price of $13,500, as contained in the original proposal dated November 15, 1996. Unanimously approved. CHANGE ORDER 3 & BUDGET TRANSFER- LEACHATE COLLECTION SYSTEM AT RESH ROAD LANDFILL POND A Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve Change Order No. 3 with the Charles E. Brake Co., Inc. in the amount of $56,662.50 for construction of a pump station for a leachate collection system at the Washington County Landfill Stormwater Facility Reconstruction at Pond A and to approve the budget transfer of $56,662.50 from 40-4-0000-390-010 (Prior Year Savings) to 40-5-1430-580-115 (Facility Construction at Pond A) as requested. Unanimously approved. AIRPORT SHELL BUILDING - REQUEST FOR CHANGE ORDER Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Steven Spalding, Project Manager, appeared before the Commissioners to provide additional information about the change order requested for the Airport shell building. Ms. Motz explained that, given the size of the building, the Fire Marshall gave two options for fire proofing the facility. She indicated that they chose blown fire insulation as opposed to foam suppression system due to the cost of installation and maintenance factors for the foam system. Ms. Motz stated that, after the application of the insulation, it was evident that the normal dusting of the material would not be acceptable in this environment. They asked the State for permission to use funds remaining in the MILA project loan for the project to encapsulate the insulation. She explained that the costs for this change order will be recovered through the rent paid by the tenant. The Commissioners questioned the warranty on the product, the application of the material, and the responsibility of the general contractor. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to deny the request for a change order requested in the amount of $88,425 for installation of a linear panel to encapsulate the fire insulation at the Airport Shell Building and to advertise to accept bids for the project. Motion carried with Commissioners  Bowers, Shank, Downey, and Wade voting AYE and Commissioner Snook voting  NO. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to convene in at 2:48 p.m. to consider personnel matters, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 Shank, to reconvene in open session at 4:34 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners considered thirteen (13) personnel SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 PAGE THREE matters, consulted with legal counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issues, and considered one (1) issue related to the location, expansion or retention of businesses or industrial organizations in the State. PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve the following personnel actions: Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO) III - Roads Department - to promote Michael Sprecher and Rodney Bowers from MEO II to MEO III, Grade 7, at the Roads Department to fill existing vacancies; Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO) II - Roads Department - to promote George Lashley and Terrence Golden from MEO I to MEO II, Grade 6, at the Roads Department to fill existing vacancies and to authorize filling the subsequent MEO I vacancies created by the promotions; Full-time Bus Operator Positions - County Commuter - to employ John Jones and Douglas Concovia as full-time Bus Operators, Grade 5, to fill existing vacancies; Family Services Coordinator - to employ John Budesky as Family Services Coordinator, Grade 10, a one year grant-funded position through the Local Management Board; Office Associate III - Water & Sewer - to promote Kathy Grove to Office Associate III, Grade 6, to fill an existing vacancy and authorized advertising for a Project Manager position in Engineering; Utility Worker I Positions - Water & Sewer - to employ Jerry Nave and Jay Mills as Utility Workers I at the Water & Sewer Department to fill existing vacancies; and Electrical Inspector - Permits & Inspections - to employ Blaine Mowen, II, as Electrical Inspector, Grade 11 to fill an existing vacancy. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENTS - PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to appoint Robert Starliper, Kenneth Peters, and Roger Finn to the Washington County Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning December 1, 1997. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:35 p.m. TOUR OF INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE FACILITY - FORT RITCHIE The Commissioners toured the International Masonry Institute (IMI) facility at Fort Ritchie. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to convene in at 6:35 p.m. to consider matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, 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 Downey, seconded by Bowers, to reconvene in open session at 7:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners considered six (6) issues related to the location, expansion or retention of businesses or industrial organizations in the State. EVENING SESSION - FORT RITCHIE TRAINING CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE The Evening Session of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at the Fort Ritchie Training Center for Excellence Building at Fort Ritchie at 7:00 p.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 PAGE FOUR Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. 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 - SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of September 23, 1997, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook reported on a letter he received from the Maryland Transit Administration regarding railroad service. Commissioner Bowers reported on  improvements which will be made at the Veterans Memorial Gardens located at the Marty Snook Park. He also gave a summary of the meeting held to study the feasibility of building a stadium or sports complex. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, indicated that they hope to appoint a task force to review the issues involved. Commissioner Shank reported on the Municipal League meeting, the meeting with the Greater Hagerstown Committee, and the County picnic. Commissioner Wade stated that meeting dates should be scheduled with the Board of Education to start planning for a three-year operational budget. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Peter James introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated that he is searching for a high-tech area in Maryland in which to locate his business. Sam Phillips expressed concerns about the increased cost of permits. He suggested that Bob Miller be appointed to the task force to study the stadium issues. Mr. Phillips also expressed his views on the name of the air show and asked how surplus funds will be appropriated. Bryan Babington presented a petition asking that the County correct problems at the intersection of Dogstreet Road and Red Hill Road in Keedysville. The Commissioners stated that they visited this area today and have directed staff to make recommendations to them on how this intersection can be improved. Don Rivera asked that drainage problems at the intersection of Dogstreet Road and Red Hill Road also be addressed. Greg Delauter asked the Commissioners for their support in lobbying the Board of Education to keep the Cascade Elementary School open. He stated that the enrollment at the school will increase in the future under the plan adopted for the re-development of Fort Ritchie. Joe Swope expressed concerns that the gate at the Agricultural Education Center was locked. He complimented the Planning Commission on its community outreach for the update to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Swope stated that he is not in support of using tax dollars for construction of a new stadium. He also expressed concerns about the permit fee increases and the zoning classifications for properties adjoining the proposed I-70 interchange at MD Route 632. UPDATE - PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Robert Sweeney, Executive Director of the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC), and James LaFleur, Deputy Executive Director, met with the Commissioners to provide a status report on the PMDC. Mr. LaFleur stated that they are in the process of negotiating a lease price with the Army. He indicated that the first lease was signed with IMI and they are now working SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 PAGE FIVE with the utility companies to develop a business plan for the area. Mr. LaFleur indicated that several transition issues are being addressed now that the PMDC, as a public corporation, is acting as an implementing re-development authority. He reported on the draft environmental report and the strategic marketing plans. County focus issues for PMDC include rights-of-way, public safety, zoning, road improvements, and grant funding. Mr. Sweeney reviewed project funding requirements and areas where there may be a potential overlap with the County. He stated that they are working on the economic development conveyance, compliance with state and local codes, an infrastructure study, a regional marketing update, and a workforce development strategy. RESOLUTION - PRIME RETAIL SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to adopt the Resolution evidencing the intention of the County Commissioners of Washington County to create a special taxing district and to levy a special tax or fee in connection with Prime Retail, L.P., under the terms of Section 9-1301 of Article 24 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. DOGSTREET ROAD AND RED HILL ROAD INTERSECTION Terry McGee, County Engineer, met with the Commissioners to review improvements made to the intersection of Dogstreet Road and Red Hill Road. Commissioner Snook asked that staff consider adding another stop sign and moving the painted stop bars farther back on the road. He asked that Mr. McGee and his staff evaluate the situation and report back to them on ways to improve the safety concerns at this intersection. Mr. McGee stated that they have also reviewed the drainage patterns and will review some of the downstream areas to see if improvements could be made to channelize the water. At the request of the Commissioners, he agreed to review the intersection and report back to the Commissioners on drainage issues and improvements within 30-45 days. UPDATE - WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Bob Cumberland, Administrative Planner for the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, presented an update on the activities of the Association. Mr. Cumberland informed the Commissioners that the Association is working to improve training levels. They applied for a grant for terrorism training for emergency services personnel. He stated that he attended the  Pennsylvania Firemens Convention, and the Association staffed a recruitment booth at the Mack Trucks Rodeo. Mr. Cumberland also informed them that the County-owned pumper is on loan. He reminded them that next week is fire prevention week. Mr. Cumberland informed the Commissioners that the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company purchased foam from a local business to suppress a tire fire on private property in March 1997. The bill for the foam was $17,000 and, as of this date, the property owner has not paid for the foam. He asked that the Commissioners consider advance payment pending the receipt of federal reimbursement. After discussion, Commissioner Snook advised Mr. Cumberland to  meet with the County Attorney or the Associations attorney to resolve this issue.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Mr. Shoop asked the Commissioners if they would act as judges of a slogan contest sponsored by the State Highway Administration, and they agreed to this request. He stated that the United Way campaign is underway. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that the community meeting regarding the proposed realignment of Robinwood Drive has been scheduled for October 23 at Hagerstown Junior College. SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 PAGE SIX APPOINTMENT - FIRE & RESCUE REVOLVING LOAN FUND COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to appoint Robert Cumberland to the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Fund Committee representing the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Unanimously approved. WESTERN MARYLAND RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL - REQUEST FOR DUES Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to deny the request of the Western Maryland Research and Development Council to pay dues in the amount of $300. Unanimously approved. HEALTH DEPARTMENT - REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION Mr. Shoop stated that the Health Department is requesting an exemption from  the Countys Purchasing Policy for purchase of items over $12,000. The Commissioners took this request under advisement. APPROVAL OF ROAD NAME - MEMORY LANE  Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Wade, to designate as Memory  Lane, a previously unnamed lane on the north side of Mt. Tabor Road at its intersection with Kaiser Ridge Road, as requested. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINT - WATER & SEWER ADVISORY COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to reappoint Bonnie Parks to the Water & Sewer Advisory Commission for a three-year term beginning December l, l997. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk