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HomeMy WebLinkAbout980630 June 30, 1998 Hagerstown, Maryland The Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the President, Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. . Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers and R. Lee Downey INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Shank, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. DISCUSSIONS ON AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER DISCUSSIONS John Staub, Chairman of the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors; Ronald Phillips and Ed Hess, representing the Recreation & Parks Board; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Ronald Kidd, Director of the Recreation & Parks Department, met with the Commissioners to present a recommendation for construction of the farm museum and office complex proposed for construction at the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Hess presented a history of the project and stated that, following a joint meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors and the Recreation & Parks Board, the group felt that the best alternative would be  to use a design build concept to house the farm museum and Extension Service offices. Mr. Rohrer then outlined the layout proposed. He indicated that by including only the farm museum, Extension Service Offices and a technical center, the previous design is reduced by 9,000 square feet. Mr. Rohrer stated that site preparation costs can also be reduced by constructing a smaller facility because the building can then be located near the front of the site. He informed the Commissioners that the University of Maryland has agreed to provide the equipment for the technical center to allow video tele-conferencing. Mr. Hess estimated that it will cost $1.5 million for the building and necessary site work and contingency funds. He indicated that, after subtracting the $700,000 State matching grant, the total cost of the project would be $825,000. Mr. Hess reviewed a possible funding scenario utilizing bonds. This would result in an annual shortfall of $4,125 from the rent the County is currently paying for the Extension Service offices. The Commissioners discussed the proposal and thanked the members of both boards for their input. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to support the recommendation made jointly by the Recreation & Parks Board and Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors for construction of a 19,025 square feet design-build facility which will house the Agricultural Farm Museum, Extension Service offices, and technical center at the Agricultural Education Center conditioned upon the County working to assure that the transition does not penalize the Extension Service staff. Unanimously approved. REJECTION OF BIDS - AGRICULTURAL FARM MUSEUM & OFFICE COMPLEX Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to reject the bids received for construction of the farm museum and administrative office building at the Agricultural Education Center, which were reviewed on May 23, 1998. Unanimously approved. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AWARD - LEADERSHIP ODYSSEY PROGRAM  Commissioner Snook presented the 1998 National Association of Counties (NACO) achievement award to Rodney Shoop for the Leadership Odyssey Program. Commissioner Snook noted that the award recognizes the Leadership Odyssey Program for its innovative leadership and community partnership. Mr. Shoop explained that the program provided training to the County staff on management and strategic planning. Mr. Shoop acknowledged the instructors and staff from Hagerstown Community College (HCC) who helped to develop and implement the training. He also thanked the County staff members which helped to develop the curriculum for the program. Mr. Shoop stated that Leadership Odyssey was the first step in accomplishing the goal to develop a long-range strategic plan for the County.  RECOMMENDATION TO SUPPORT THE CITY OF HAGERSTOWNS GRANT APPLICATION FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A NEW BASEBALL STADIUM Mike Callas, representing the Greater Hagerstown Committee, and Phil Kelley, President of the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Commissioners to request that the County support the grant application for an economic impact and feasibility study regarding JUNE 30, 1998 PAGE TWO construction of a new baseball stadium. Mr. Kelley stated that the study would be solely funded by the State and that the County would have no financial involvement or commitment for future funding. Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator, stated that the grant the City was originally seeking did require a match. Commissioner Bowers asked that the study be generic in nature regarding the team which will utilize the stadium. The Commissioners discussed the matter and agreed to support the request but indicated this did not imply that they were making any commitment for future funding. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to support the City  of Hagerstowns grant application for an economic impact and feasibility study regarding the construction of a new baseball stadium, with any funding needed to be provided the City of Hagerstown and community groups. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW DIRECTOR - MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Philip Dukes, new Executive Director of the Mental Health Authority, was introduced to the Commissioners. Mr. Dukes stated that he is hoping to have a needs assessment study prepared for Washington County with a plan on how to meet those needs. He stated that many mental health services are centralized in the City of Hagerstown, and he would like to see the services provided in some of the smaller municipalities as a true County service. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Dukes for meeting with them and offered the  Countys assistance. TAX CREDITS FOR ENTERPRISE ZONES AND PAYMENT-IN-LIEU OF TAXES Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to approve the write- off of taxes for FY 1999 in accordance with Tax Property Article, Section 4- 401 of the Annotated Code of Maryland for special County credits, the Airport Enterprise Zone, County enterprise zone, payment-in-lieu of taxes program, and ruritan and civic organizations, as recommended by the County Treasurer. Motion carried with Commissioners Shank, Bowers, and Downey  voting AYE and Commissioner Snook ABSTAINING. Commissioner Bowers expressed his dissatisfaction with the heading of the form and requested that the County Treasurer create a new form. After discussion, the Commissioners also agreed to request that the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly introduce legislation to make ruritan and civic organizations tax exempt. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:51 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by the President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President John S. Shank, and Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers and R. Lee Downey. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Bowers, to convene in closed session at 1:05 p.m. to consider personnel issues, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and to consider 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 Downey, to reconvene in open session at 3:08 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners discussed seven (7) personnel issues dealing with employment, discussed one (1) item concerning a proposal for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter regarding a property matter. EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONNEL DECISIONS Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to employ the following individuals: Computer Systems Support Coordinator - Computer Information Systems - to employ Jodi Ebersole, as Computer Systems Support Coordinator, Grade 9, to fill an existing vacancy; Full-time Fire & Rescue Communications Technician - to upgrade Anthony Delosier from Part-time to Full-time Fire & Rescue Communications Technician, Grade 7, to fill an JUNE 30, 1998 PAGE THREE existing vacancy; Plant Operator IV - Water & Sewer Department - to hire Kenneth Federighi as Plant Operator IV, Grade 9, at the Water & Sewer Department to fill an existing vacancy; and Operator Trainees - Water & Sewer Department - to employ Frederick Hartley, Darin Grimm, Douglas Layman, and Randy Brooks as Operator Trainees, Grade 5, at Water & Sewer Department to fill existing vacancies. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:10 p.m. EVENING SESSION - AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER The Evening Session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Agricultural Education Center 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 23, 1998 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of June 23, as submitted. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Joe Swope spoke on behalf of the Catoctin Chapter of the Sierra Club in protest that the public hearing on the 1998 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan is being held during the day. He also congratulated Commissioner Wade on the comments he made on Maryland Public Television in opposition to  public funding for stadiums. Mr. Swope commended the Countys Planning staff for their application to obtain Rural Legacy funds. DRAFT POLICY - RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to review the guidelines drafted for provision of health insurance for long- term retirees which he presented to the Commissioners on June 16, 1998. Mr. Davis provided information of the current health insurance benefits being provided to retirees. He cautioned the Commissioners that the program could have a severe impact on the health insurance program. The Commissioners then discussed the guidelines and asked that Mr. Davis provide them with impacts for providing the program for employees with 25 years of service and aged 60 or older. They also asked for a projection for the next five years and general guidelines for continuing the program currently in place for younger employees. CSX ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM DISCUSSION Bill Knode, representing the Railroad Museum Committee, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the discussions on the CSX Roundhouse.  He distributed information regarding the Committees objectives to acquire and preserve the property. Mr. Knode stated that they hope to restore and develop a portion of the site into a working railroad museum and create excursion railroad opportunities. He indicated that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has indicated that there is a violation on the CSX property which has to be resolved. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Knode for the update and stated that the key point is the possible contamination on the site. He informed Mr. Knode that the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) may be able to obtain Federal ISTEA funding for transportation-related museums. The criteria for this program has not been finalized at this time. Commissioner Bowers indicated that the MDE hopes to have an answer by July 17 on any contaminates which may be on the property. Commissioner Wade voiced concerns that there are no concrete plans for purchasing the land or operating the museum. Bruce Zimmerman, City Administrator, stated that the City has concerns about the hazardous waste and clean-up of the property. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Knode for meeting with them and providing an update on the project. (Commissioner Snook was excused at 8:00 p.m., and Commissioner Shank assumed the Chair.)  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners of the Environmental Wastewater Contractors Summer Meeting at the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant on July 11. Mr. Shoop also complimented the JUNE 30, 1998 PAGE FOUR staff on the successful management of their budgets during Fiscal Year 1998. RE/APPOINTMENTS - MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to reappoint Morris Anderson and Margaret Wagner to the Mental Health Advisory Committee for their second three-year terms and to appoint Sgt. Rodney Weicht and Barbara Koelle to their first three-year terms. Unanimously approved. CITY/COUNTY AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF POLICE EQUIPMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the agreement as presented by the County Attorney to provide maintenance to City of Hagerstown Police Department radio equipment at the agreed-upon rate of $30 per man-hour plus costs and parts. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimously approved County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk