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HomeMy WebLinkAbout971021 October 21, 1997 Hagerstown, Maryland PRESENTATIONS - SERVICE PINS AND RETIREMENT PLAQUES The Commissioners met at the Roads Department, Central Section office, at 8:00 a.m. to present service pins and retirement plaques to County employees. Commissioner Shank presented a pewter plaque to each of the following individuals who recently retired from County service: Vernon Kline in recognition of his 28 years of service, Paul Iden in recognition of his 20 years of service, and John True in recognition of his 15 years of service. Commissioner Shank then presented service pins to the following individuals for their years of service with the Washington County government: 25 years -  Dale Rusty Bowser; 20 years - Paul Iden, Frank Huntzberry, Phillip Williams, Kathy Good, and Christine Ellis; 15 years - Hazel Butts; 10 years - Edward Parker, Jr., Janis Bomar, Randall Bradley, Kelly Ellis, Dennis Minnick, Tony Pepple, and Luann Veldhuizen; 5 years - Timothy Cordell, Shirley Mills, John Pennesi, Deborah Kirkpatrick, Vinson Shank, Michael Rohrer, and Terry Schlotterbeck. Commissioner Shank thanked the employees on behalf of all the Commissioners for their hard work and dedication to County government. The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 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 Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 7 & 14, 1997 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of October 7, 1997, as presented, and October 14, 1997 as amended. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARD - ROBIN SMITH Commissioner Bowers presented a Certificate of Merit to Robin S. Smith in recognition of her selection as the Youth of the Month for October 1997 by the Washington County Children's Council. Commissioner Bowers commended Robin for her academic, leadership, extra-curricular activities and accomplishments. Robin thanked the Commissioners for the award and introduced her family. She informed the Commissioners that she plans to attend Notre Dame University. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Shank reported on the Annual Prayer Breakfast. Commissioner  Bowers stated that he attended the Womens Fair. Commissioner Downey reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. He also stated that the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council is discussing alternatives to help deter drug dealing in Washington County. The Commissioners asked the County Administrator to schedule time on the agenda to meet with law enforcement officials to discuss requesting legislation to impose harsher penalties for drug related crimes. Commissioner Snook reported on the Airport Commission meeting, the Frostburg State University quarterly  meeting, and the Womens Commission meeting. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND FOREST CONSERVATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development; Elmer Weibley, District Manager of Soil Conservation District; and Phil Pannill, Regional Watershed Forester for the Department of Natural Resources, met with the OCTOBER 21, 1997 PAGE TWO Commissioners to present proposals for the use of forest conservation funds to demonstrate agroforestry techniques. Mr. Weibley and Mr. Pannill outlined the demonstration projects which would establish two sites at the Western Maryland Research Facility for plantings of black walnut trees with enough spacing to allow crops to be planted between the tree rows. He stated that forage grasses can be planted when the trees mature. Mr. Arch estimated that the project will cost $2,465 and indicated that the State is in agreement that this project would be an appropriate use of forest conservation funds. Mr. Weibley said that the Soil Conservation District would oversee the funds and grant at no cost and will provide regular reports to the Commissioners. In response to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Pannill stated that the black walnut seedlings will be approximately 2-3 feet high when they are received from the State nursery. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to adopt the proposal. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Pannill and Mr. Weibley to see if the Maryland Chapter of the Walnut Council would be agreeable to donating trees to plant near the entrances to Washington County. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the proposal to use Forest Conservation Funds for an agroforestry demonstration project at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center as outlined by the District Manager of the Soil Conservation District and the Regional Watershed Forester from the Department of Natural Resources. Unanimously approved. UPDATE - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETINGS Mr. Arch informed the Commissioners of the public information meetings which  have been held regarding the update of the Countys Comprehensive Plan. He stated that they are being held to obtain information on how the citizens feel prior to drafting an updated plan which will then be heard at public hearing. TRANSPORTATION TOUR MEETING Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners of the issues discussed at the annual transportation tour meeting with officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT). Commissioner Wade stated that the Commissioners  should discuss the Countys priorities for transportation funds with the Delegation to the General Assembly for their support with DOT. AMENDMENT OF BUDGET TRANSFER PROCEDURES Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to amend the procedures for budget transfer requests to allow the County Administrator to approve requests in an amount up to $25,000 within budget and to approve Contingency Fund transfers up to $1,000, with the requirement that a record of the transactions be submitted to them on a monthly basis. Unanimously approved. SUBDIVISION STREET ACCEPTANCES Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to accept Woodbridge Avenue and Woodbridge Drive, located in Section A of the Woodbridge Subdivision, and a two-year maintenance bond of $20,000. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to accept Woodbury Walk, located in Antietam Approach Estates, and a one-year maintenance bond of $6,000. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to accept Pembrook Drive and Campbell Court, located in the Pemberton Subdivision, and a one-year maintenance bond of $41,000. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to accept Atlanthus OCTOBER 21, 1997 PAGE THREE Drive and Silk Tree Court, located in the Cedar Hills East Subdivision, Phase I, and a two-year maintenance bond of $45,000. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners asked Dean Lowry, Administrative Engineer, to review the Subdivision Ordinance and make recommendations on ways to amend the policy regarding road standards in subdivisions. EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE WITH GARRETT COUNTY ROADS DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to accept the recommendation of the Transportation Superintendent to approve the agreement with Garrett County for the exchange of the equipment outlined in the agreement. Unanimously approved. REVIEW OF BIDDING PROCESS Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, reviewed the overall bidding process as outlined in Policy P-1, Professional/Technical Services Selection and the estimated time involved for each item. Commissioner Shank expressed concerns that the process is too lengthy and should be shortened. After discussion the Commissioners suggested some small changes that may save scheduling time. The Commissioners commended Ms. Luther for her good work. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth suggested questions that the press may want to ask a gubernatorial candidate for the State of Maryland. APPROVAL OF FAMILY PRESERVATION PLAN Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve the Hagerstown Family Preservation Community Assessment and Plan to be included in the Federal Family Preservation Plan for Washington County as submitted by the Local Management Board. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF FAMILY PRESERVATION GRANT PROPOSAL Kristin Grosh, Coordinator for the Office of Children & Youth, and Mike Hardy, Chairman of the Local Management Board (LMB), reviewed the proposal they wish to submit to participate in the Federal Family Preservation and Support Services Program. Ms. Grosh stated that the total request is for $187,000 and identified the eight issues its plan of action would address. The County would provide oversight of the program as an in-kind service. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey to approve the submission of the Family Preservation Grant Proposal in the amount of $187,500 to address the eight goals identified by the Local Management Board and an additional $100,000 requested for funding of special projects known as the School Liaison Program and Youth Mentoring Program. Unanimously approved.  SMART IDEAS HOMEOWNERSHIP INITIATIVE Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, reviewed information concerning a new homeownership program being introduced by the State in conjunction with the Smart Growth/Neighborhood Conservation Program. He stated that the program provides low interest loans for home buyers in targeted areas. Mr. Arch indicated that a prime candidate for the program would be the Halfway area. The Commissioners discussed the information and asked Mr. Arch to see if this program would tie into the program introduced by the Greater Hagerstown Committee in the West End of Hagerstown. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, authorizing development and submission of an application to the State under the Smart Ideas Homeownership Initiatives to target the Halfway area. Unanimously approved. OCTOBER 21, 1997 PAGE FOUR  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that  construction of the veterans wall at Marty Snook Park will begin in the spring when the International Masonry Institute (IMI) stone masons are available to start the work. The Commissioners asked that the Parks Department personnel proceed to collect the donations pledged for the project. Mr. Shoop reported on the meeting of the Stadium Committee. He stated that the group will be making recommendations for a seven-member task force later today to address issues associated with the construction of a new stadium. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:29 a.m for lunch. 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 Ronald L. Bowers, R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade. RATE SCHEDULES AND OPTIONS FOR PERMITS/INSPECTION FEES Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, and Randy Dick, Deputy Director, met with the Commissioners to review fee comparisons with other jurisdictions and proposed option plans for their consideration. Mr. Prodonovich stated that Option I would keep the present fee schedule, Option II would implement the initial proposal in its entirety, and Option III would phase in the fees over three-year period. He reviewed the projected operating costs and projected income for 1997-2001 based on a three percent increase in fees. After discussion of the options presented, Commissioner Snook asked the Electrical Board members for their input on the proposed fees. Charles Shindle and Ronnie Kinsey spoke for the Electrical Board and agreed that a fee should be instituted for mechanical work but felt that the other fees should be phased in. Commissioner Snook requested that the Electrical Board hold a special meeting to review the options and make a recommendation on the Commissioners in two weeks. PERFORMANCE BOND FOR DRAPER ANTIQUE MALL Terry McGee, County Engineer, informed the Commissioners that the owner of the Draper Antique Mall wants to begin operations although the stormwater management pond has not been constructed. He stated that, in an effort to work with the developer and in recognition of the unique situation, he has agreed to accept a $25,000 performance bond to guarantee completion of the work. Mr. McGee noted that the bond will expire on May 31, 1998. The Commissioners discussed the situation and agreed to the recommendation. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to accept the County  Engineers recommendation to accept a $25,000 performance bond for construction of a stormwater management pond for the Draper Antique Mall to allow a use and occupancy permit to be issued. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to convene in closed session at 1:52 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. OCTOBER 21, 1996 PAGE FIVE RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in open session at 3:52 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners consulted with legal counsel to obtain legal advice on eight (8) issues and considered two (2) issues related to the location, expansion or retention of businesses or industrial organizations in the State. LETTER OF INTENT - TEMPICO MID-ATLANTIC LLC Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey, to approve the revised response to the letter of intent from Tempico Mid-Atlantic LLC concerning its intent to purchase of 5.9 acres in the Washington County Business Park. Unanimously approved. JOINT MEETING WITH HAGERSTOWN MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Lewis Metzner, Susan Saum-Wicklein, Wallace McClure, and Al Boyer. Fairgrounds Status Report Rick Kautz, City Planner, presented a map showing the types of uses anticipated at the Fairgrounds. He reviewed the commitment of State Program Open Space funding for the project and stated that they anticipate that this will fund the entire acquisition cost, but the City may seek bond funding for development costs. Mr. Kautz indicated that the concept plan includes soccer fields, an equestrian show area, trails, softball fields and a skateboarding area. Bruce Johnston, City Engineer, stated that the City is expecting technical and price proposals for the project on November 6. Mr. Kautz also outlined a map showing the greenway area. Discussion of Stadium Issues Mayor Bruchey reported that the Joint Stadium Committee feels that a task force should be appointed to address the following issues: 1) economic benefits of a minor league team in our community, 2) location recommendation, 3) funding plan, 4) minor league team affiliation, 5) other uses within the stadium complex, and 6) identification of any intangible benefits. He provided a list of individuals who have agreed to serve on the Stadium Task Force Committee. The group agreed to appoint a nine-member committee and suggested that the group provide a recommendation to them within six months. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to appoint Brandon Younger, Tim Henry, Glen Presgraves, Floyd Wright, Merle Elliott, Dale Swope, Dennis Miller, Sandra Gagliardi, and Julie Donat to the Stadium Task Force Committee to address the issues outlined by the Joint Stadium Committee. Unanimously approved. Agenda Items for November Meeting The Commissioners and Mayor and Council discussed agenda items for the joint meeting to be held in November. They agreed to include a Convention & Visitors Bureau update, a Narcotics Task Force update, a report from the Stadium Task Force, and a report from staff on water and sewer issues. Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator, gave a brief update on issues the joint staffs have been discussing regarding a regional authority for water and sewer operations. Prime Retail - Sewer Allocation The Commissioners asked if the City has considered their request for an OCTOBER 21, 1997 PAGE SIX sewer allocation of 23,000 gallons per day for the Prime Retail Outlet Mall which lies within the Sharpsburg Pike service area and is served by the City of Hagerstown. Councilman Breichner stated that the Council informally approved a 15,000 gallon allocation for the first phase. Commissioner Snook explained that Prime Retail will be creating a special taxing district and, in order to proceed with this financing, will need a commitment of sewer allocation needed for the entire project. The Commissioners stated that the County has exceeded the 30,000 gallon allocation for the Sharpsburg Pike area as specified in the Consolidated Service Agreement and asked whether they could increase the committed allocation to 50,000-60,000 gallons. Councilman Breichner stated that the City does not want to commit capacity to an area which will not be used at this time. Councilman Breichner stated that the City has not gotten an answer from the Commissioners as to whether they will support the annexation of the Groh property at the interchange of I-81 and U.S. Route 40. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners have no problems with the annexation of this property, however they feel that the sewer should flow along the natural drainage area to the Conococheague Treatment Plant. The Commissioners also stated that they would not support annexation of property if the owner is not in favor of the request. After discussion, the group decided that they need to develop an annexation plan that both parties can agree on. After  discussion of annexation issues and the Countys request for additional capacity for the Prime Retail project, the Mayor and Council agreed to formally vote next Tuesday to allocate 23,000 gallons of capacity for the Prime Retail project if the Commissioners will agree to discuss the development of an annexation plan. Commissioner Wade was excused from the meeting at 5:04 p.m. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to convene in closed session at 5:21 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. At this time the Hagerstown Mayor & Council also formally voted to convene in closed session. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to reconvene in open session at 5:44 p.m. Unanimously approved. In Closed Session the Commissioners consulted with legal counsel to obtain legal advice on four (4) issues and considered one (1) issue related to the location, expansion or retention of businesses or industrial organizations in the State. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator