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HomeMy WebLinkAbout980120 January 20, 1998 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:00 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 Commissioner Wade, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. REVIEW OF SCHEMATIC PLANS - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER MUSEUM & OFFICE SPACE  Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, presented the architects schematic plans for the Agricultural Education Center museum and offices. He reviewed the proposed plans and concept drawing of the exterior of the building. Mr. Rohrer provided a preliminary site drawing for the building. He stated that he has concerns regarding the distance that the building is set back on the land because of the drainage outfall. He recommended that the building be moved forward 50-75 feet on the lot to mitigate excessive site excavation costs for fill and open drainage. Mr. Rohrer stated that he feels the visual impact would still be aesthetically pleasing. Commissioner Shank expressed concern with having the drainage in front of the building and asked that stakes be placed on the site so he can see where the building will be located. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to allow Mr. Rohrer to proceed with the recommendation to move the location of the building forward on the site as proposed.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Snook reviewed a letter that he received from the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding well permits. He also distributed a copy of a report on aging schools from the Public School Construction Program. Commissioner Snook asked the County Administrator to contact Antietam Cable Television to see if Washington County could put information of public interest on its government channel. Commissioner Shank reported on the Recreation and Parks Board meeting and the Economic Development Commission meeting. Commissioner Wade stated that the conference call the Commissioners scheduled with Delegate Donoghue during the legislative session was very helpful and asked that this procedure be continued this year. Commissioner Bowers stated that he enjoyed the tour of Fountain Rock Elementary School last week. Commissioner Downey reported on the Community Housing Resources Board meeting and the CASA Board of Directors meeting. UPDATE - RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM  Eric Seifarth, Associate Planner, provided an update on Countys joint application with Frederick and Montgomery Counties to be submitted for the Rural Legacy Program. Mr. Seifarth explained how the program works and the criteria used to prioritize the properties. He stated that the three-county region is requesting $9.5 million for the purchase of easements in the priority areas. The Commissioners discussed the information submitted and renewed their support for the program. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to authorize submission of the application for the Rural Legacy Program as proposed. Unanimously approved. UPDATE - SKYDIVING AT WASHINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Brandon Taksa, Operations Manager, met with the Commissioners to provide them with a copy of the Plan to Accommodate Parachute Operations and to update them on the situation. Ms. Motz provided JANUARY 20, 1998 PAGE TWO background information and stated that the FAA decided that skydiving must be allowed at the Regional Airport. The Airport was required to submit a plan to accommodate this activity. Mr. Taksa stated that the plan was submitted to the FAA last summer. The FAA has reviewed the plan and asked that minor revisions be made by January 1. Mr. Taksa informed the Commissioners that if the plan is not approved by the Commissioners and implemented by April 1, 1998, the FAA could withhold Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding from the Regional Airport. He briefly reviewed the plan and stated that before it can be implemented, the Airport Layout Plan must be modified and insurance acquired to cover the parachute operations  which will be paid at the parachutists expense. The Commissioners  discussed the plan and had several questions on the Countys liability for  damages. Commissioner Snook asked the Airport staff to contact the Countys congressional representatives in an attempt to reverse the FAA decision. UPDATE ON USE OF RECYCLING TRAILER - ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS Nona Haupt, Contract Procurement Specialist for the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the pilot recycling program which the ARC assumed from the County six months ago. Ms. Haupt informed the Commissioners that the pilot program has generated approximately 23 tons of recyclables since ARC assumed the program. She stated that they have expanded to the newly-developed portions of the St. James and Van Lear subdivisions. To date, $690 in donations has been received from the 34 residents which covers only 28% of the participants. She stated that the estimated annual expense of operating the program is $13,000. Ms. Haupt indicated that ARC has decided that the best way to utilize the trailer is to focus on multi-unit dwellings with centralized pick-up for further expansion. She stated that they would like to continue to use the trailer until July and will re-evaluate the program at that time to see if it is cost- effective for them to continue it. ROBINWOOD DRIVE - ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to present alternative alignments for Phase IV of the Robinwood Drive project. Mr. Rohrer provided background information on the project. He stated that they hope to establish and dedicate the corridor for the remaining phases of the project. Mr. McGee stated that the following five alignments were evaluated: Alignment A is approximately 5,100 linear feet which eventually follows Harp Road; Alignment B is parallel to Robinwood Drive and runs approximately 4,800 linear feet; Alignment C is the existing Robinwood Drive; Alignment D runs through the Woodbridge Subdivision turning north onto Kieffer Funk Road; and Alignment E is similar to D, except that it parallels Kieffer Funk Road in a northerly direction to a point approximately 1000' farther east on Route 64. Mr. McGee stated that each of the alignments was evaluated on eight study factors: 1) community structure (impact), 2) right-of-way acquisition, 3) zoning and land use, 4) traffic operations, 5) utilities, 6) topography, geology and soils, 7) environmental features, and 8) project cost. The Commissioners discussed each of the alignments presented. Commissioner Bowers proposed the possibility of constructing a road off Robinwood Drive adjacent to HJC property which would connect with Eastern Boulevard. He also suggested that an upgrade of Whitehall Road be considered. The Commissioners discussed each of the alignments presented. Commissioner Wade stated that a public hearing should be held to allow the citizens of that area to comment on all of the alternatives. Commissioner Shank expressed concern that delaying the selection of an alignment is impeding those individuals who wish to develop property in the area. Commissioner Snook thanked the staff for the presentation. He stated that the Commissioners will review the options and notify the public of their decision. JANUARY 20, 1998 PAGE THREE CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Richard Dautridge asked the Commissioners to decide on the alignment for the relocation of Robinwood Drive so he can proceed to develop his property. He stated the delay affects property owners in the area. Mona Atkins asked the Commissioners to expedite making a decision on the  Robinwood alignment so the residents in the area can sleep at night. George Evans, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, informed the Commissioners that the church owns two lots which they cannot sell because of the possibility of the possible realignment of Robinwood Drive through the property. George Knight expressed concerns that no traffic survey was done for this area. Donald Shinham asked the Commissioners to be men of vision and to give thoughtful prayer and consideration to their decision on the Robinwood realignment. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - FEDERAL GRANTS FOR BRIDGE WORK Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to decrease the revenue and expense line items in the Engineering Department budget for the Government - Federal Grants for bridge inspection and scour analysis in the amount of $227,000 and $240,000. Unanimously approved. CONSULTANT CONTRACT - GOVERNMENT FINANCE GROUP, INC. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the contract with Government Finance Group, Inc., for consulting work for the Water and Sewer Department, as presented. Unanimously approved. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR FOR ADA GRANT FUNDS - AMENDMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to designate Cheryl  Cordell as the project director for the Transportation Departments ADA grant funds instead of Norman Bassett, as outlined in the January 13 meeting. Unanimously approved. AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE LAND CONVEYANCE - BOARD OF EDUCATION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to authorize  advertising the Countys intent to convey 21,000 square feet of land located at the rear entrance of South Hagerstown High School to the Board of Education for no consideration. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon meeting with the Board of Trustees for Hagerstown Junior College. MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES - HAGERSTOWN JUNIOR COLLEGE The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Junior College (HJC) for a luncheon meeting at Hagerstown Junior College. Wayne Alter, Chairman of the Board, along with members Carolyn Brooks, Florence Murdoch, James Latimer, William Reuter, Roger Fiery, and Merle Elliott were present for the meeting. Fiscal Year 1999 Operating Budget Mr. Alter informed the Commissioners that the Board hopes they will not have to increase tuition this year for in-County students. He reviewed the cost per credit hour proposed for out-of-county and out-of-state students. Norman JANUARY 20, 1998 PAGE FOUR Shea, President of HJC, stated that he anticipates an increase of $19,000 in State aid and that there is a possibility that the College may receive $235,000 in additional funds from the State. Dr. Shea stated that the Board will be requesting a $250,000 increase from the County for fiscal year 1999 but, if the College receives the entire amount of anticipated funding from the State, the request will be lowered to $200,000. Commissioner Snook informed the group that the Commissioners have projected a three-percent increase for educational funds for long-range planning purposes. Dr. Shea informed the Commissioners that $735,000 has been approved for the Learning Resource Center (LRC) although $600,000 is still needed from the State for computers and equipment for the facility. Capital Improvement Program Dr. Shea reported on the status of the LRC and the stormwater management issues. He indicated that they hope to open the building in the fall of 1999. Dr. Shea also reported on the status of the alumni amphitheater. Mr. Alter informed the Commissioners that future plans include conversion of the old library to a student center and remodeling of the career programs building. Commissioner Downey stated that a right-turn lane into the College is needed and suggested that they include this project in the upcoming year for possible funding. Commissioner Bowers informed the Board members of discussions earlier today regarding the Robinwood Drive area and the possibility of constructing a road off Robinwood Drive adjacent to HJC property which would connect with Eastern Boulevard. The Board members expressed their support for this plan and stated that it would have a positive impact on the College. Enrollment Dr. Shea reviewed the enrollment statistics comparing the spring semesters for 1997 and 1998. He indicated that they have a four percent increase in students and credited this to an aggressive marketing campaign. Dr. Shea noted that 30 percent of high school seniors in Washington County are likely to attend HJC. Economic Development Wayne Alter commended the County for promoting economic development and for making education a priority. He stated that he hopes the Commissioners continue to hold education as a high priority. Dr. Shea reported on some of the customized training his staff has been doing for businesses in the County. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, commended HJC on the training recently provided to County staff on strategic planning. Mr. Alter informed the Commissioners that the Board of Trustees is considering changing the name of the college to Hagerstown Community College. After discussion of several names, the Commissioners expressed their support for the initiative. AFTERNOON SESSION The Afternoon Session was called to order at 1:55 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. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to convene in closed session at 1:55 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, to consider matters that concern the proposal for businesses or industrial JANUARY 20, 1998 PAGE FIVE organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 4:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) issue, considered one (1) item concerning a proposal for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and discussed three (3) issues regarding the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPER AGREEMENT - EMERITUS CORPORATION Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve the agreement with the Emeritus Corporation as presented by Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:00 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members Lewis Metzner, Susan Saum-Wicklein, Wallace McClure, William Breichner, and Al Boyer in the Council chambers at City Hall at 4:00 p.m. Paul Muldowney objected to the County using general fund monies to pay the water and sewer debt. He stated that he pays more for this system that he  doesnt use than the City system he does use. Mr. Muldowney suggested that the Commissioners request that the Delegation change the law to allow gaming funds to be used to pay the debt. Commissioner Wade defended the use of general fund monies and stated that it is not a feasible solution to double the rates to the customers of the system. He stated that they are continuing discussions on the issues and how to solve the problem. Joint Utility Authority Issues Gary Rohrer, Director of Washington County Division of Public Works; Rick Thomas, Manager of the City of Hagerstown Water Pollution Control; Greg Murray, Director of Washington County Water & Sewer Department; and Austin Abraham, Project Coordinator for the City of Hagerstown, made a presentation to the Commissioners and Mayor and City Council regarding the issues involved in establishing a joint regional authority for water and wastewater issues. Mr. Thomas presented the mission statement adopted by the two staffs, and Mr. Murray reviewed a map showing the service areas that are served for water and wastewater. Mr. Rohrer and Mr. Abraham listed the following issues which would need to be addressed in creating a joint utility authority: 1) geographic area, 2) ownership and operation, 3) which utility services to include, 4) financial implications, 5) cost-benefit analysis, 6) plant service boundaries, 7) structure and representation of an authority, 8) implementation of a joint authority if one were to be created, 9) meeting future service demands, 10) general operations, 11) legal issues,  12) rates, and 13) influence of the States Smart Growth initiative. Mr. Rohrer stated that both the City staff and County staff developed two models for consideration. After discussion, the group agreed to meet again to review all of the models in order to give the issue the time and consideration it deserves. A February 3 meeting date was set. JANUARY 20, 1998 PAGE SIX Mayor Bruchey informed the Commissioners that the City Council will approve allocating 100,000 gallons per day for areas outside the County when they meet in general session next Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk