Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout980210 February 10, 1998 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 Bowers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wade commented on the meeting with the Hagerstown Housing Authority. Commissioner Shank reported on the Recreation and Parks Board meeting. Commissioner Downey reviewed information presented at the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Snook reviewed the project schedule for the Agricultural Education Center. He also reported on his meeting with the Washington County Delegation to the  General Assembly on the gaming law and the changes made to the Countys request.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Solid Waste Department will proceed with the purchase of the new yard waste  grinder. Mr. Shoop provided an update on his meeting with the Countys Delegation to the General Assembly. The Commissioners asked that he send a letter to the Delegation with specific information on the State-mandated Elk Ridge water project to request that the State provide financial relief for the costs associated with this project. UPDATE - CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU MARKETING PLAN Ben Hart, Executive Vice President of the Hagerstown/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), appeared before the Commissioners to present the 1998 Marketing Plan. Mr. Hart introduced the CVB staff and board members in attendance. He stated that the mission adopted by the CVB  is To develop tourism and market Washington County to meeting planners,  leisure travelers, and business customers. Mr. Hart then reviewed the 1998 budget and informed the Commissioners that 59 percent is dedicated for promotion, 27 percent for administration, and 14 percent for overhead costs. The total approved budget for the CVB is $563,800. Mr. Hart then reviewed the goals set by the CVB for 1998. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Hart for the presentation and wished the CVB success with its programs. BID AWARD - PROCUREMENT & INSTALLATION OF VALVES ON 16" FORCE MAIN - HALFWAY WWCS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to award the contract for the procurement and installation of valves and boxes on 16 inch force main for the Halfway WWCS to Fayetteville Contractors, Inc. which submitted the low total lump sum bid of $73,800. Unanimously approved.  BID AWARD RENEWAL - SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT DEPUTIES UNIFORMS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to renew the contract  with Hoffman Clothiers, Inc. for Sheriffs Department Deputies uniforms at the prices listed in the proposal. Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION - STADIUM ISSUES Winston Blenckstone, owner of the Hagerstown Suns, met with the Commissioners regarding his request that the County participate with the City of Hagerstown and the State to provide funding for the construction of a new baseball stadium along the Interstate 81 corridor. Commissioner Bowers outlined a proposal for a business complex which would include the new stadium. He FEBRUARY 10, 1998 PAGE TWO stated that George Williams, Director of the State Tourism Office, has expressed interest in constructing a tourist information center at that location if it is developed. Commissioner Bowers also stated that his proposal would help bring the necessary infrastructure to the stadium site. The County could then recoup some of its costs through the sale of the lots in the business park. Commissioner Bowers indicated that he presented the idea for discussion purposes and that he does not favor using County funding  for the bricks and mortar for a stadium itself. Mr. Blenckstone provided the Commissioners with a copy of the stadium survey done by the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that a local business has committed $1 million for naming rights for a new stadium. Mr. Blenkstone estimated that the stadium construction would cost $9 million and the entire project, to include the road from Marshall Street to Salem Avenue, would total $10 million. He stated that the owners will provide $200,000- $400,000, the State would fund $4.4 million, the City has committed $2.5 million, and he is requesting that the County fund $1.8 million. After discussion, Commissioner Snook stated that he does not feel the Board of County Commissioners will agree to commit funds for the stadium. Commissioner Wade renewed his objections to using State or local tax dollars for professional sports in the County. He stated that the County has other projects that it cannot ignore. Mayor Bruchey endorsed the plan presented by Commissioner Bowers and noted that it provides economic development benefits to the City of Hagerstown and needed amenities to the West End. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners would take this matter under consideration and provide Mr. Blenckstone with a decision in the near future. REZONING CASE RZ-97-07 - FMW PARTNERSHIP Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed rezoning map amendment RZ- 97-07, submitted by FMW Partnership, to rezone 38.639 acres from Residential Multi-Family (RM) to Highway Interchange 1 (HI-1) which was heard at public hearing on November 10, 1997. Ms. Evans stated that the Planning Commission recommended that the rezoning application be granted with additional conditions imposed. She indicated that the Commissioners have the authority to impose conditions as long as they do not restrict the types of uses allowed. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, listed previous rezoning cases in which conditions have been imposed. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to make the findings of fact as set forth in the report of the County Attorney which is attached. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, that there was a mistake in the current zoning because the subject property was zoned RM at the time of the most recent comprehensive zoning and subsequent events have revealed that this assumption was not valid given the passage of time. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, that there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property and would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as found by the Planning Commission. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, based upon the previous motions, and giving consideration to the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission that the proposed rezoning request be granted to the FEBRUARY 10, 1998 PAGE THREE conditions that (1) no access shall be permitted to any new commercial development on the subject property via existing roads that provide access to Hickory Elementary School and (2) buffer yards for the areas of the subject property which abut residential property shall be no less than 75 feet. Unanimously approved. REZONING CASE RZ-97-10 - SHARPSBURG PIKE L.L.C. Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed rezoning map amendment RZ- 97-10, submitted by Sharpsburg Pike L.L.C. for land owned by Elizabeth and Waldo Arnett, to rezone the property from Highway Interchange 2 (HI-2) to Highway Interchange 1 (HI-1) as heard at public hearing on November 10, 1997. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to make the findings of fact as set forth in the report of the County Attorney which is attached. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, that there was a mistake in the original zoning based upon the commercial nature of the I-70  and Sharpsburg Pike interchange and the propertys frontage along H.K. Douglas Drive, which in turn connects with the Sharpsburg Pike, which allows it to be more appropriately developed commercially. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, that there has been a convincing demonstration that the proposed rezoning would be appropriate and logical for the subject property. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, based upon the previous motions, that the proposed rezoning from HI-2 to HI-1 be granted. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Don Allensworth stated that it may be legal in Maryland to have developers finance projects and infrastructure for their projects at the time their property is rezoned. Tom Grosh expressed his opposition to rezoning the interchange in Clear Spring. He also expressed his feelings regarding the stadium issue and sewer debt. APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATION - HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to authorize the submission of an application to Rural Housing Service for grant funding from the Housing Preservation Grant Program in the amount of $59,000. Unanimously approved. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - 1998 PRIORITIES John Howard, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and Suzanne Downey-Hayes, Chairman of the EDC, appeared before the Commissioners to present their Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities for 1998. Ms. Downey-Hayes informed the Commissioners that the EDC adopted the following  Mission Statement: We Promote Economic Opportunity For Our Citizens. She also cited the 1998 Strategic Priorities: 1) Emphasize the development of existing businesses; 2) Develop workforce preparedness programs; 3) Implement a strategic marketing plan; 4) Establish a public relations program; and 5) Implement strategic partnerships. At this time Mr. Howard and Ms. Downey-Hayes reviewed the goals of the EDC for each of the priorities. Mr. Howard informed the Commissioners of activities they will be undertaking in 1998. He stated that the EDC members have agreed to meet semi-monthly. He urged the FEBRUARY 10, 1998 PAGE FOUR Commissioners to continue visiting with existing businesses in the County on a monthly basis. Mr. Howard also distributed a copy of the Principles of Performance adopted by the EDC. Commissioner Snook thanked the EDC and staff for the presentation. HAGERSTOWN HOUSING AUTHORITY - ACQUISITION DISCUSSION The Commissioners continued discussions regarding the proposed consolidation of the Hagerstown Housing Authority (HHA) and the Washington County Housing Authority. Mr. Shoop distributed budget information on housing revenues and expenditures for FY 1998 and the proposed request for FY 1999. He stated that total direct County support, including fringe benefit costs, is $28,696 for FY 1999. Commissioner Wade expressed concerns that the housing units outside the City of Hagerstown will not receive the same level of priority as those inside the City limits. The Commissioners also discussed the issue of representation on the HHA. It was the consensus of the Board to request that the Hagerstown Housing Authority expand its Board by two members which would be appointed by the County Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the elderly/handicapped units being planned in the Towns of Clear Spring and Hancock and the expansion of the Williamsport project. Ted Shankle, Executive Director of the HHA, stated that if the consolidation is approved, the HHA will give as much consideration to the County projects as they do to City projects. He indicated that the new projects must be economically viable for them to proceed with development. The Commissioners also discussed a proposal to have the HHA assume only the Section 8 housing program and the scattered site units. The Commissioners then requested additional financial information on the costs for each of the County housing programs and informed Mr. Shankle that they would discuss this again after they receive the information. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to send a letter to the HHA requesting the expansion of the Board and to wait for a response to this request before they proceed with further discussion. CONFERENCE CALL WITH DELEGATE JOHN DONOGHUE Delegate John Donoghue spoke with the Commissioners on a conference call to provide an update on Washington County's legislative requests. Commissioner Wade asked Delegate Donoghue to see if the County could seek relief in connection with the State-mandated projects of Elk Ridge, Sandy Hook, and Highfield/Cascade. Commissioner Snook informed Delegate Donoghue that the County has requested that the Hagerstown Housing Authority expand its Board to seven members and, if the response is favorable, a request may be made to revise the law to accomodate this change. Delegate Donoghue advised the Commissioners on the bills that have been submitted on behalf of Washington County to date. DENIAL OF REQUEST FOR STADIUM FUNDING The Commissioners continued discussions regarding the request that the County provide $1.8 million to help fund the construction of a new stadium  and Commissioner Bowers proposed plan to construct a business park along the I-81 corridor where a new stadium could also be located. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Shank, to deny the request for the use of County tax revenues to fund the construction of a stadium or infrastructure which would be used by a professional sports team. After discussion, the Motion carried with Commissioners Wade, Shank, and Snook  voting AYE and Commissioners Bowers and Downey voting NO. FEBRUARY 10, 1998 PAGE FIVE RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:22 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:00 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 Wade, seconded by Shank, to convene in closed session at 1:00 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to consider issues relating to collective bargaining, 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 Downey, to reconvene in open session at 1:32 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) issues. APPOINTMENTS - PLUMBING BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to appoint Leonard Shade and Gerald Anders to the Plumbing Board for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. RECESS At this time, the Commissioners recessed to travel to Eastern Elementary School for a meeting with the Board of Education. MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION - EASTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at Eastern Elementary School at 2:00 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Robert Kline, Dori Nipps, Andrew Humphreys, and Edwin Hayes. Also present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Chris South, Director of Budget & Finance; and Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management. Fiscal Year 1999 Budget Request Dr. Bartlett informed the Commissioners that the Board of Education is in the process of finalizing the FY 1999 budget request. He stated that he feels they will meet the original deadline. Dr. Bartlett then summarized the basic issues addressed in the budget request as the curriculum audit, personnel pay, and the reading program. The Commissioners informed the Board members that they have received letters requesting the reinstatement of the elementary instrumental music program.  Dr. Bartlett indicated that there is no funding in this years budget for the program. Mrs. Nipps stated that the strategic planning committee will be addressing this issue and will be making a recommendation to them. The Commissioners asked for information on the funding requests which are associated with the curriculum audit. Curriculum Audit Committee Dr. Bartlett informed the Commissioners that the steering committee and sub- committee meetings have been scheduled. He stated that a consultant has been hired to go through the strategic planning process. FEBRUARY 10, 1998 PAGE SIX South High & CIP Project Updates Dennis McGee provided a schedule for the Clear Spring science laboratory project, the South Hagerstown High School renovation project, and the Clear Spring Elementary School addition/renovation project. He stated that Phase I of the South High project is scheduled to begin in July. Mr. McGee informed the Commissioners that the appeal for funding for the Clear Spring Elementary project was held before the Board of Public Works and, if funds are allocated, the project will start construction next summer. The Commissioners also discussed the ingress and egress at Smithsburg High School and Elementary School. The school cancellation policy for inclement weather was discussed. The Board members stated that they have addressed issues in Cascade and will be considering options for other areas of the County. The Commissioners asked that the next joint meeting with the Board of Education be held at Smithsburg Elementary School. The meeting recessed at 3:00 p.m. TAX REBATE - TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Smithsburg Town Hall by the President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners R. Lee Downey and  James R. Wade. Also in attendance were Mayor Mildred Mickey Myers, and Council members Joseph Slick and James Cunningham. Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306, of the Tax- Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax differential or payment-in-lieu of services program. Commissioner Snook stated that for Fiscal Year 1997, Smithsburg is projected to receive $25,412 and $23,895 for Fiscal Year 1998. He also explained that the estimated amounts will be subject to an audit of expenditures. Commissioner Snook reviewed the summary and formula for highways, police, and parks. Mayor Myers asked that the County review the road mileage used in the formula for Smithsburg. She stated that their calculations show 8.7 miles of roadway. The Commissioners then opened the meeting for questions. At the request of Mayor Myers, they provided an update on the possible merger of the Hagerstown Housing Authority and Washington County Housing Authority. Commissioner Snook explained the issues being considered regarding representation.  Mayor Myers then reviewed the proposed site plan for phase I of the Towns new park project. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to adjourn at 3:57 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk