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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050503 May 3, 2005 Hagerstown, Maryland EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS BREAKFAST The Commissioners met at 7:30 a.m. at the Four Points Hotel for the annual service/retirement awards program. Service pins were presented to County employees for their years of service to Washington County government, and the following retirees were honored: Calvin Turner, Dean Lowry, Gregory Stotler, Robert Kefauver, Forrest Sprecher, William Morgan, Manford Hart, William Malott, Jr., Richard Mason, and Robert Arch. Commissioner Snook 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 9:30 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. 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 – APRIL 26, 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of April 26, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Munson reported on the meetings of the Agricultural Education Center Board and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Commissioner Nipps informed the Commissioners that she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pry House Field Museum. She reported on the meetings of the Airport Commission, Recreation & Parks Board, and Community Action Council. Commissioner Nipps stated that she participated in a discussion sponsored by the Health Department on the high teenage pregnancy rate in the County and how to address this issue. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that he attended the Educator of the Year Banquet, the University System of Maryland (USM) scholarship fundraiser, and the Pry House ribbon- cutting ceremony. He stated that he participated in a budget discussion sponsored by the Boonsboro High School CAC and presented a proclamation at the AFL-CIO Workers’ Memorial Day celebration. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Educator of the Year banquet, the USM scholarship fundraiser, and the Economic Development Commission strategic planning meeting. He reported on the meetings of the “2 + 2” Committee and the Water & Sewer Task Force. Commissioner Kercheval provided an overview of the cases heard at the Planning Commission meeting. He stated that he met with the Humane Society on budget issues and asked them to provide additional information. Their presentation scheduled for today will be delayed until they can meet with their accountant to obtain the requested information. Commissioner Kercheval commended the Sheriff’s Department on its annual report. Commissioner Snook stated that he received a letter from the President of the Historical Advisory Committee recommending that the County restore or sell the French Lane property. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, indicated that he would provide an update on the property. Commissioner Snook distributed copies of letters of the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding permits being requested to install new boilers at Mack Trucks and for the transportation of sludge from the DanDee Motel to the water treatment plant for further treatment. He stated that he attended the MBRG luncheon. Commissioner Snook noted that Maryland Realtor Magazine reported that the average home price in Washington County for March was $206,000. He informed the Commissioners that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has requested that the County prioritize the two projects it has submitted to Tri-County Council for ARC funding. The Commissioners agreed that the new pumping station would be their first priority. MAY 3, 2005 PAGE TWO REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, reminded the Commissioners that a public information meeting would be held tomorrow regarding the detour for the Marble Quarry Road bridge project. Mr. Rohrer stated that he would provide a written update and hold a public information meeting once the contract for the PenMar water project is awarded. He reported on the topics discussed at the County Engineers’ conference. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve advertising to fill the vacant Motor Equipment Operator I position at the Highway Department. Unanimously approved. RUNWAY 9/27 LAND ACQUISITION – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, and Mahesh Kukata, Project Manager for URS, Inc., met with the Commissioners to request approval of an administrative settlement of $2,500 to Richard and Joanne Byers for the acquisition of 178 square feet in fee- simple purchase and 3,798 square feet in temporary construction easement, which are needed for the realignment and reconstruction of Byers Road. The second easement requested is from Enos and Loretta Rudolph for fee-simple purchase of 2.69 acres for $88,770 needed to establish the required Runway Protection Zone for the extension of Runway 27. Ms. Motz stated that the project is 95% funded by FAA, 2.5% from the State, and 2.5% is County funding. The Commissioners discussed the project and asked several questions of Ms. Motz. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the administrative settlement of $2,500 to Richard and Joanne Byers for acquisition of 178 square feet in fee-simple purchase and 3,798 square feet in temporary construction easement needed for the realignment and reconstruction of Byers Road and for $88,770 to Enos and Loretta Rudolph for the fee- simple purchase of 2.69 acres, which is needed to establish the required Runway Protection Zone for the extension of Runway 27. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION John Himes spoke to the Commissioners regarding an entrance into his son’s property and several other traffic issues. Tom Berry expressed his concerns about the proposed comprehensive rezoning. Commissioner Snook stated that the Planning staff would be scheduled on a future agenda to provide background information and review various issues prior to their voting on them. He informed Mr. Berry that an updated version of the Comprehensive Plan is on the County’s website. Charlene Jones expressed concerns about the proposed comprehensive rezoning. th Commissioner Snook welcomed the 9 grade class from the Paradise Mennonite School, who were in attendance to observe the meeting. PROCLAMATION – SECOND ANNUAL MUSEUM RAMBLE William Knode, President of the Washington County Association of Museums and Historic Sites, appeared before the Commissioners to provide information about the Second Annual Museum Ramble, which is being held on May 7 and 8, 2005. Mr. Knode stated that the ramble is a special self-guided tour of the many museums throughout Washington County. He informed the Commissioners that the ramble would start at the Visitors Welcome Center and distributed brochures on the event and the 11 museums that would be featured. Mr. Knode indicated that there are 35 museums throughout Washington County that hold treasures of historical interest and display our art and heritage. Commissioner Kercheval presented a proclamation to Mr. Knode in recognition of the efforts of the Association of Museums and Historic Sites and in celebration of the Second Annual Museum Ramble to promote these sites in Washington County. MAY 3, 2005 PAGE THREE ANNUAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION FOR MARYLAND AND NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK Tom Riford, President of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) provided an update on tourism in Washington County for 2004. He stated that the local hotel occupancies are up significantly in 2004 and that visitation to local attractions has increased. Mr. Riford noted that tourism is the fourth largest industry in Washington County. He distributed copies of the 2005 Visitors Guide. Mr. Riford noted the need for quality hotel rooms and convention space. Mr. Riford distributed copies of the CVB’s 2004 financial report. (A copy of the 2004 Financial Report is attached to the minutes.) He stated that they began 2004 with a $180,428 deficit, but turned things around and finished with $13,108 in net assets. He thanked the City of Hagerstown and Washington County for forgiving certain debts owed by the CVB. Mr. Riford stated that revenues and other support totaled $818,990 in 2004 and the line of credit was cut by one-third. He then outlined the events scheduled for tourism week. Commissioner Wivell presented Mr. Riford with a proclamation designating May 7-15, 2005 as Tourism Week in Washington County to recognize and celebrate the importance of welcoming visitors and promoting its historical and recreational features. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – ELECTRONIC MEDIA/VIDEO CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Captain Douglas Mullendore and Lt. Van Evans of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department requested authorization of the intergovernmental cooperative purchase and installation of video conferencing hardware/software equipment from Wire One Communications, Inc. for $30,529.40 based on a contract under the Commonwealth of Virginia – Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). Captain Mullendore stated that the original video-conference system for bail reviews was purchased and installed in 1998. The current software is no longer being supported and has been in operation at a reduced level of functionality. He noted that Section 106.3 of the Public Local Laws of Washington County grants authorization for the County to procure goods or services under contracts entered into by other governmental entities. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the resolution for an intergovernmental cooperative purchase and installation of video conferencing hardware/software equipment from Wire One Communications, Inc. for the total sum of $30,529.40 under a Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). Unanimously approved. (A copy of the adopted resolution is attached.) THOMPSON DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND WESTFIELDS SUBDIVISION The Commissioners discussed the request made by Thompson Distribution, Inc. to provide propane distribution service to the Westfields subdivision. Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the proposed Order allows them to proceed, but requires approval of its plans by the Division of Public Works and also requires that Thompson restore any affected County right-of-way to a condition substantially similar to its condition prior to Thompson’s installation activities. The matter was discussed previously on April 5, 2004. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners asked the County Attorney’s Office to follow up on their questions regarding assessment of the lines and authorization to utilize a County right-of-way. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the proposed Order in the matter of the application of Thompson Distribution, Inc. to provide propane distribution service in the Westfields Subdivision in Washington County, Maryland, as amended. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:01 p.m. for lunch. MAY 3, 2005 PAGE FOUR AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:09 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. 2006 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE FUNDING Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks, met with the Commissioners to review the FY 2006 Program Open Space Funding proposals as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Board. Mr. Sterling informed the Commissioners that the County’s FY 2006 allocation from the State is $950,000. The Commissioners then discussed the proposed projects as recommended by the Board: Development - North Hagerstown High School Stadium Track - $150,000; Hancock – Park Signs ($20,507), Hancock Park Retaining Wall ($10,800), and Gerber Little League Field Parking Lot ($13,500); Smithsburg – Veterans Park ($13,500), Williamsport – Byron Park Access Road ($55,800); Washington County – Martin L. Snook Park Road Overlay ($42,750), Kemps Mill Park Parking Lot ($33,300), Clear Spring Park Parking Lot ($53,100), Regional Park Lighting Project ($36,000), Tennis Court Rehab ($70,000); Funkstown – Community Park Pavilion ($54,000); Hagerstown – Hellane Park Pavilion ($16,000), Pangborn Park Playground Equipment - $20,000, City Park Lake Fountain ($10,400), Fairground Park Sand Volleyball Courts ($4,800), Pangborn Park Fountain ($16,000); and Acquisition: Boonsboro – Shafer Park Acquisition - $75,000; and Reserve Funds - $254,543. Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the FY 2006 Program Open Space program, as presented, in the amount of $950,000. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – TENNIS COURT REPAIR PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for the tennis court repair project to Craig Paving, Inc. for the total lump sum of $197,937, based on Option 2, with approval to use $70,000 in FY 2006 Program Open Space funds to cover the budget shortfall. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 1:42 p.m. to discuss personnel issues; consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including the deployment of fire services and staff; discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct; and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 2:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue; considered a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; discussed public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including the deployment of fire services and staff; discussed an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct; and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Tom Altman, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. MAY 3, 2005 PAGE FIVE YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – FEBRUARY 2005 & MARCH 2005 Commissioner Nipps presented Certificate of Merits to Karlie Hose (middle school) and Christopher Martin (high school), in recognition of their selection as the recipients of the February 2005 Youth of the Month Awards and Commissioner Munson presented Certificates of Merit to Carrie Rishell (middle school) and to Amber Moats (high school), as the recipients of the March 2005 Youth of the Month Awards, as recommended by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP). The Commissioners commended them for their leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Snook stated that each of the students would also receive a $100 savings bond from the WCCP. PROCLAMATION – COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Martha Bird Middleton, Executive Director of the Western Maryland Area Health Education Center, and Earl Stoner, representing the Washington County Health Department, designating May 1-8, 2005, as “Cover the Uninsured Week” in an effort to recognize the urgency of seeking solutions to this problem. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:05 p.m. to discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct and consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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 Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:29 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk, John Martirano, County Attorney, Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services, Jim Hovis, Director of the Gaming Commission Office, and Steve Davis, Gaming Inspector. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION SUBMISSION FOR GRANT FUNDS – PUBLIC HEARING Dave Jordan, Executive Director of the Community Action Council (CAC),and Kathy Saxman, Director of Housing for the CAC, asked the Commissioners to approve submission of the following applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds: 1) County-wide Housing Rehab Program – application for a $400,000 grant to provide a two-year program to focus on correction of health and safety issues in order to bring houses up to local building codes; and 2) PenMar Water System – application for a $400,000 grant to provide assistance to property owners for costs required to hook up to the water system. Ms. Saxman also presented the citizens participation plan and noted that eligible applicants must meet the CDBG low- income guidelines. The Commissioners discussed the request and asked that CAC schedule a public information meeting with the citizens of the area to explain the program. The meeting was then opened for public comment. Norman Bassett, Washington County’s Disability Coordinator, spoke in support of the application. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the submission of applications for Community Development Block funding for the County-wide Housing Rehabilitation Program ($400,000) and the PenMar Water System ($400,000), with the understanding that a public information meeting would be held to discuss the grant submission for the water project with the citizens of the PenMar area. Unanimously approved. MAY 3, 2005 PAGE SIX ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 3:47 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk