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HomeMy WebLinkAbout971014 October 14, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 a.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. 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 - OCTOBER 3, 1997 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to approve the minutes of October 3, as presented. Unanimously approved.  PROCLAMATION - WASHINGTON COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Commissioner Bowers presented a proclamation to Rae Miles and Peter Callas, representing the Washington County Retired Teachers Association, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the National Retired Teachers Association and the thousands of hours of volunteer services provided to the community by retired teachers. The Commissioners proclaimed October 13, 1997, as Retired Teacher Day. Ms. Miles presented the Commissioners with a facsimile check in the amount of $104,874.25 representing the value of the hours of volunteer community service given by retired teachers in community education. PROCLAMATION - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Marge Peters and Paulette Dieterich, representing Y-Me of the Cumberland Valley, designating the month of October 1997 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Washington County and urging all women to be aware of the life-saving measures of early detection. Ms. Peters informed the Commissioners of the fundraising events being held this month and invited them to participate in the fitness fest.  PROCLAMATION - PEACING IT TOGETHER AT NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL Commissioner Wade presented a proclamation to Alan Eisenhuth, teacher at Northern Middle School, and students Katie Murphy, Tiffany Needy, and Kelly  Creeden, commending them for developing the Peacing It Together Program to help foster a more peaceful environment within the school. Mr. Eisenhuth and the students thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and informed them of the 3.6 mile Walk/Run for Peace which will be held on October 18.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook distributed a letter he received from the Department of Business & Economic Development, regarding the availability of bond funds. He informed the Commissioners that the State of the County Forum has tentatively been scheduled for February 3. Commissioner Snook stated that he received notification that Hagerstown Junior College and Frederick Community College have received a grant of $176,000 for creation of the Potomac Manufacturing Advanced Technology Center. He reported that the State Highway Administration has notified them of areas where they will be making improvements to Interstate 70. He also reported on the Western Maryland Consortium meeting. Commissioner Downey reported on the Tri-County Council meeting. Commissioner Shank stated that he attended the Y-Me luncheon. Commissioner Wade asked that time be scheduled on the agenda to discuss legislative issues. He noted that a luncheon has been scheduled on January 27 to visit the cold weather homeless shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church. Commissioner Bowers stated that the PenMar Development Corporation has vacancies on its Board of Directors which need to be filled in the near future. OCTOBER 14, 1997 PAGE TWO PRESENTATION OF IDEA AWARD - RONALD BAER Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, presented a certificate of merit to Ron Baer, Systems Construction Leader with the Water & Sewer Department, as the recipient of the Innovative, Dedicated Employee Award (IDEA) Program Award for the quarter. Mr. Shoop read the nomination form as submitted by Cindy Glessner, Facilities Manager at the Water & Sewer Department, recommending Mr. Baer for the IDEA award for his innovative idea to replace in-ground fuel tanks with above-ground tanks contained within concrete septic tank enclosures. Mr. Shoop indicated that this process will save the County nearly $50,000 and will also eliminate confined-space safety hazards to personnel by installing the tanks. It should also minimize the chance of groundwater pollution from the underground tanks. The IDEA award consists of a $500 check and an additional personal day. Mr. Baer thanked the Commissioners for the award and thanked his fellow employees for a team effort. ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION TOUR MEETING - PROPOSED PROJECTS Commissioner Downey listed several small projects he would like to bring to the attention of the State Highway Administration at the annual transportation tour meeting on October 16. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - UPDATE John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), provided an update on his first three weeks as Director. He complimented the  Commissioners on being the doing-est group of County Commissioners he has ever worked with. He evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the community and listed the meetings and activities he has attended in the past three weeks. Mr. Howard informed the Commissioners of the results of surveys done on site selection. He also stressed the importance of having a trained workforce available for businesses considering moving into the area. Commissioner Wade suggested that Mr. Howard meet with the Board of Education on the feasibility of developing a program in conjunction with area businesses to train interested high school students in the skills needed for employment with these companies. Mr. Howard stated that the County needs to continue to build educational awareness in the community. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Howard for his update and thanked Beverly Baccala and Sharon Disque, Economic Development Specialists, for their assistance during the time the position of Director was vacant.  SENIORS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTER Norman Bassett, Disability and Training Coordinator, and Dorothy Boone, representing the Commission on Aging, met with the Commissioners to make them aware of the grand opening of the Assistive Technology Demonstration Center. Mr. Bassett explained that this service is being offered by the Commission on Aging at Potomac Towers and will offer hands-on experience with devices designed to make living easier and assist the elderly with everyday activities that may be difficult as they age. Ms. Boone stated that they hope to help the elderly live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. STATUS OF DOGSTREET ROAD/RED HILL ROAD Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, and Terry McGee, County Engineer, met with the Commissioners to provide the current status of the Dogstreet Road and Red Hill Road project. Mr. Rohrer stated that variable message signs, as well as yield and caution signs, have been placed near the intersection to advise motorists of the new traffic patterns. Mr. McGee informed the Commissioners that the stop bar has been relocated. He stated that his staff will manually  be doing traffic counts and spot speed studies in the area. Commissioner  Bowers questioned the need for a yield sign at this location and stated that OCTOBER 14, 1997 PAGE THREE he feels it will only confuse motorists. After discussion, the Commissioners asked that the Transportation Advisory Committee review the intersection and the signage at its next meeting and make a recommendation to them. Mr. McGee informed them that a consultant from Frederick Seibert & Associates will have preliminary concepts and cost estimates on the drainage issues to them by November 10 and they will proceed after they receive that report. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth stated that he is concerned about the problems which may arise from recent annexations by municipalities in the County. Jeannine Humphreys informed the Commissioners that there is a meeting next week to attempt to revive the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, asked the Commissioners if they wish to consider adopting a formal policy to allow space to be leased on commercial towers owned by the County. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that the staff proceed to develop a policy and rate structure for their consideration. Mr. Shoop reported on the strategic planning process the staff is undertaking to develop a five-year operations and maintenance plan for the County. The Commissioners authorized filling the vacant Auto Mechanic position at the Roads Department. Commissioner Downey stated that the Commissioners need to consider a policy to allow the County Administrator more latitude in the approval of budget transfer requests. BUDGET TRANSFER - AIR UNIT Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the transfer of $1,500, from Equipment/Improvement/Update (01-5-1217-582-000) to Building Improvements (01-5-1217-682-000) to cover the cost of an overrun for a building improvement project. Unanimously approved. RESOLUTION REVISING THE BOUNDARY OF SHARPSBURG/KEEDYSVILLE SEWER SERVICE AREA Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to adopt a resolution revising the boundary of the Sharpsburg/Keedysville Sewer Service Area 4-1 (former Subdistrict 4-1) which follows amendment of the sewer service priority classification from W-7, S-7 (No Planned Service) to W-5, S-5 (Planned Service). Unanimously approved. AGREEMENT TO ASSIGN LEASE FOR WATER & SEWER LINES - FORT RITCHIE Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed an agreement regarding the reassignment of the original lease from the U. S. Army to Western Maryland Railroad (now CSX Railroad) to Washington County for water and sewer lines at Fort Ritchie. Ms. Evans stated that the agreement would allow the lines to cross the CSX right-of-way and would also convert the annual fee to a one-time lump sum fee of $30,750. Commissioner Bowers asked that this be presented to the PenMar Development Corporation prior to its approval. Ms. Evans agreed to check on whether the agreement has been reviewed by them. The agreement was approved later in the session. AGREEMENT - RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to approve an agreement with Community Action Council to administer the Rental Assistance Program OCTOBER 14, 1997 PAGE FOUR (RAP) grant from the Community Development Administration in the amount of $57,630 for fiscal year 1997. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT - ADVISORY COMMISSION TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to reappoint Suzette Snyder, David Resh, and Jack Costa, to their second three-year terms on the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Unanimously approved. UPDATE - PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Mr. Shoop gave an update on issues that the PenMar Development Corporation will be addressing when the Army closes the base next October. He stated that the County will have to make decisions which will have an impact on the budget regarding security, fire and emergency services, and equipment transfers. AGREEMENT TO ASSIGN LEASE FOR WATER & SEWER LINES - FORT RITCHIE Ms. Evans informed the Commissioners that she has spoken to Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department, who informed her that the PenMar Development Corporation Board is in agreement with the assignment of the lease for the water and sewer lines. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the assignment of the agreement and modification of the lease for the water and sewer lines at Fort Ritchie with CSX Railroad and the payment of a one-time, lump sum fee of $30,750 in lieu of the annual payment and in consideration of  the Licensors waiver of future fee increases. Unanimously approved. CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to ask that they consider endorsing the development of a joint  Heritage Area for Washington and Frederick Counties based upon a Civil War theme. He stated that the two counties could submit a joint Maryland Heritage Program application. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to authorize the development of a joint application with Frederick County to the Maryland Heritage Program for designation of a heritage area. Unanimously approved. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO)- SIX-MONTH UPDATE Robert Arch, Planning Director, presented a periodic report indicating whether there is a continuing need for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) as required by Article XI of the Ordinance. Mr. Arch indicated that the Planning Commission voted to recommend that there is a continuing need to retain the APFO. Mr. Arch reviewed the activity for the period January 1, 1997 to June 30, 1997. He noted that a total of 87 lots were approved during this reporting period, with 59 lots qualifying for school exemptions. Of the lots qualifying for exemption, 57 were located within the Urban Growth Area or Town Growth Areas. Mr. Arch also reviewed the school capacity ratings. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to adopt the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Report for the period January 1 - June 30, 1997, and to acknowledge that there is a continuing need for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Unanimously approved. EMPLOYMENT - MARKETING COORDINATOR FOR WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to employ Greg Larsen as Marketing Coordinator, Grade 12, for the pre-treatment plant at the Water & Sewer Department. Motion carried with Commissioners Wade, Downey, and Snook  voting AYE and Commissioners Shank and Bowers voting NO. OCTOBER 14, 1997 PAGE FIVE CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to convene in closed session at 11:15 p.m. 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 Shank, seconded by Wade, to reconvene in open session at 12:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners consulted with legal counsel to obtain legal advice on five (5) issues and considered two (2) issues related to the location, expansion or retention of businesses or industrial organizations in the State. Commissioner Bowers was excused from the meeting at 12:00 p.m. RECESS - LUNCH AND PRESENTATION AT AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER The Commissioners recessed at 12:00 p.m. for lunch and to attend a ceremony at the Agricultural Education Center. At the presentation, Adna Fulton and his wife, Barbara, of AC&T Corporation, made a donation of $25,000 to the Facilities Fund. Purina Mills, Inc., represented by John Zerbe, made a donation of $15,000. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John Shank, and Commissioners R. Lee Downey and James R. Wade. PROCLAMATION - 40TH BIRTHDAY Rodney Shoop, read and presented a proclamation to Commissioner Gregory Snook in celebration of his 40th birthday. BOARD OF EDUCATION - PRESENTATION OF CURRICULUM AUDIT Board of Education members B. Marie Byers, Edwin Hayes, Andrew Humphreys, and Robert Kline met with the Commissioners to review the findings of the Curriculum Management Audit of Washington County Schools. Theresa Flak, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, distributed a copy of the full audit report to the Commissioners. She stated that the audit was conducted by Phi Delta Kappa International and was released in September, 1997. Ms. Flak reviewed the executive summary of the audit. She indicated that the audit evaluated the written curriculum, the taught curriculum, and the tested curriculum. Ms. Flak reviewed the five standards used to review the management principles and practices and a summary of the findings of the audit. She stated that the following recommendations were made in the audit: 1) Develop processes to improve the Board of Education and Superintendent relationship and foster district unity; 2) Update existing policy to ensure that a comprehensive curriculum management process exists; 3) Update all job descriptions identified in the Table of Organization; 4) Integrate all existing plans and develop a well-planned strategic planning and implementation process; 5) Revise curriculum guides to ensure high quality, internal consistency and congruity to the assessment process; 6) Design and implement a comprehensive curriculum management system to ensure quality design and delivery of curriculum; 7) Design and implement a comprehensive staff development plan; 8) Develop and implement plans to overcome OCTOBER 14, 1997 PAGE SIX inequalities in resource allocations and the program participation and placement of students; 9) Establish a comprehensive plan for program and student assessment; 10) Revise the technology plan to ensure effective use of technology as a teaching and learning tool; and 11) Design and implement a programmatic budgeting process. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. Edwin Hayes stated that the Board members feel that the audit is important and they support its findings. Ms. Byers informed the Commissioners that they will be introducing the new Superintendent of Schools at a press conference tomorrow afternoon. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Flak for the presentation. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 3:15 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk