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HomeMy WebLinkAbout980818 August 18, 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 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 28 AND AUGUST 11, 1998 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of July 28, 1998, as submitted, and August 11, 1998, as amended. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - CONSTRUCTION OF HEATED EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING AT CONOCOCHEAGUE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to recommend that the Commissioners award the contract for the construction of the heated storage building at the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant to Myers Building Systems, Inc. Mr. Rohrer stated that Myers Building Systems submitted the low total sum base bid for the project, however they did submit an incorrect figure for item A1. He stated A1 was included for informational purposes only and does not affect the total base bid. Mr. Rohrer asked that it be waived as a technicality and the bid awarded to the low bidder. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Wade, to award the contract for construction of a heated equipment storage building at the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant to Myers Building Systems, Inc. which submitted the low total sum base bid of $178,221 and to waive the incorrect figure submitted in A1 as a technicality. Unanimously approved. Tim Campbell, representing Excel Construction Company, the second lowest bidder, was in attendance and stated that the item was confusing and that he has no problem with the County awarding to the low bidder based on the total sum base bid. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Bowers reported on a meeting with representatives of the Economic Development Administration. Commissioner Downey asked for an update on the proposal made by the Association for Retarded Citizens to provide centralized pick-up for the pilot curbside recycling program. He also asked for additional information on the situation at Red Brick Lane. IMPACT OF SEWAGE SLUDGE APPLICATION & WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT Don Schwartz, Extension Agent - Agricultural & Natural Resources, met with the Commissioners to provide background information on the Water Quality Improvement Act (WQIA) of 1998 and its effect on nutrient management plans in place. Mr. Schwartz informed the Commissioners that the WQIA represents a major change in the approach to controlling agricultural nutrient pollution. He stated that the most far-reaching requirement of the WQIA is that all agricultural operations with annual incomes greater than $2,500 will be required to implement a nitrogen- and phosphorus-based nutrient management plan. Mr. Schwartz provided information on the soils in the area and how they are affected by the application of sewage sludge. He stated that phosphorus is retained in the soils for longer periods and this will require approximately three times as much land for application. The types  of soils will help govern the application rates and amount of storage on the fields. Commissioner Shank expressed concerns about the amount of sewage sludge which will be hauled in from outside the County. He stated that the Maryland Department of the Environment implements the program and he feels that the County should contact State representatives to request  that controls be established. Mr. Schwartz stated that the Governors Advisory Committee has not drafted regulations as of this time so it is not known how sewage sludge application regulations will be affected. He indicated that he will report to the Commissioners when he has additional information. DISCUSSION OF ROUNDHOUSE PROJECT Bill Knode, representing the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum Board, met with the Commissioners in regard to saving the roundhouse complex from demolition. Mr. Knode requested that the County submit a letter of intent to CSX Railroad to acquire the roundhouse property with the reimbursement AUGUST 18, 1998 PAGE TWO cost to be paid by the Museum. He stated that the Museum Board has $325,000 pledged toward the purchase and they are confident they can raise the balance within six months. Mr. Knode also stated that the Museum will provide insurance for liability. Denise Troxell made a presentation in support of the request. John Darnell, Aide to Congressman Bartlett, distributed a letter from the Congressman in support of the project. The Commissioners voiced their concerns regarding the liability and expense involved if the site contains hazardous waste. Mr. Darnell stated that if CSX receives a letter of intent from the County, they will proceed in having a site characterization study done which will show where the contaminants are located. He indicated that CSX would then be required to clean up the  site to the Maryland Department of the Environments satisfaction. The Commissioners had several questions regarding liability, financing, and if the property can be transferred to another entity. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. Knode to try to get the answers from CSX in time for the joint meeting with the City Council. Mayor Robert Bruchey, City of Hagerstown, was also in attendance and related information they have received from CSX Railroad in their meetings with them regarding the roundhouse property. APPROVAL OF REVISIONS - PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, reviewed the proposed revisions to the performance management system as outlined on August 11. Mr. Davis provided additional information requested by the Commissioners regarding time involved with performance evaluations and the estimated cost of staff time. He also provided organizational charts of County departments. Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Downey, to approve the revisions proposed to the Performance Management System Policy PR-19. Motion carried with Commissioners Wade, Downey, Shank, and Snook voting  AYE and Commissioner Bowers voting NO. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION  Don Allensworth voiced concerns regarding the fast track permitting process. Commissioner Snook acknowledged County Commissioner candidates Mary Kline and Paul Schwartz who were in attendance. REVISION TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to approve the revised Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Maryland, Office of Children, Youth, and Families, for the Local Management Board to ratify the changes made in the budget figures and the estimated number of households to be served. Unanimously approved. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES - LMB Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve the revisions to the sole source contract for Family Preservation, Return and Diversion Services with the Washington County Department of Social Services for the Local Management Board, as a result of the clarification from the State regarding eligibility requirements. Unanimously approved. BUDGET INCREASE - LMB SYSTEM REFORM GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to approve the budget increase to the LMB due to the System Reform Grant from the State in the amount of $1,840,742. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF GRANT FUNDS - VARIOUS PROGRAMS Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve the following grants: Crisis Intervention/Night Intake Grant - Dept. of Juvenile Services - to approve a $31,938 grant for the Crisis Intervention/Night Intake Grant for the Department of Juvenile Services; Restitution Services Grant - Juvenile Services - to approve grant funds from the State in the amount of $71,392 for the Restitution Services Grant for the Department of Juvenile Services; Service-Linked Housing Program Grant - Community Action Council - to approve grant funding in the amount of $28,844 for the Service- Linked Housing Program for the Community Action Council; and Housing Counselor Program Grant - to approve the grant funds in the amount of $43,961 for the Housing Counselor Grant Program for Community Action Council. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER FOR OVERLAY PROGRAM - SURPLUS FUNDS Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to approve a budget AUGUST 18, 1998 PAGE THREE transfer of $500,000 to adjust the Fiscal Year 1998 Capital Improvements Program budget and General Fund budget to provide additional for appropriation to the overlay program. Unanimously approved. EXTENSION OF LEASE AGREEMENT - 1260 MARYLAND AVENUE Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to approve extensions to the lease agreements with the Washington County Extension Service, the Farm Service Agency, and Central Maryland Farm Credit at 1260 Maryland Avenue for a one-year period commencing November 1, 1998 and terminating on October 31, 1999, and to approve an additional one-year extension if necessary. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF DECLARATION - LAND CONVEYANCE Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to approve the Declaration to accept the approved subdivision plat for land conveyed from the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc./Xerxes Corporation in the 70/81 Industrial Park. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS - ETHICS COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Wade, to reappoint Catherine  Drummond and Mildred Mickey Myers to the Ethics Commission for three-year terms. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN - LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to reappoint Michael Hardy as Chairman of the Local Management Board for a one-year period. Unanimously approved. WESTERN MARYLAND EXHIBIT - MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES CONFERENCE Paulette Sprinkle reported to the Commissioners that for the second year in a row, the exhibit by the three Western Maryland counties won first place for Best County Booth at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) annual  conference. She stated that the booth was titled Western Marylands Mardi  Gras of Festivals which promoted the numerous festivals found in Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties. Ms. Sprinkle thanked her counterparts in Allegany and Garrett Counties for helping to make the booth a success. Commissioner Snook thanked Ms. Sprinkle for the time and effort she put into  helping to prepare this years exhibit. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to convene in closed session at 11:14 a.m. to 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 Downey, seconded by Wade, to reconvene in open session at 11:55 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners considered consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on three (3) legal matters. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:56 a.m. Commissioner Wade was excused from the meeting at 11:56 a.m. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:11 p.m. by the Vice President John S. Shank, with the following members present: Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers and R. Lee Downey. STATUS OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met  with the Commissioners to review the Engineering Departments current workload and identify the priority projects. Mr. McGee reviewed the monthly project status report. He informed the Commissioners that there are 56 active design/right-of-way projects and 10 active construction projects. He stated that these are considered as priority projects. Mr. McGee also  reviewed the private developer projects. At the Commissioners request, Mr. McGee provided details on the status of individual projects. (Commissioner Snook arrived at 1:29 p.m. and assumed the chair.) AUGUST 18, 1998 PAGE FOUR RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 1:54 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members Al Boyer, Susan Saum-Wicklein, and Wallace McClure, at City Hall at 4:30 p.m. Update - District Court Project Debbie Everhart, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Hagerstown, introduced Barry Miller, Project Manager for the District Court  project. Mr. Miller presented the artists rendering of the new District Court facility. He stated that the design will be completed in the Fall and hope to advertise for bid in early Winter. The construction will begin in the Spring of 1999. Mr. Miller reviewed the plans for the facility and opened the meeting for any questions. Proposed New Business Park John Howard, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, and Ms. Everhart appeared before the Commissioners and City Council to discuss the site for a proposed business park in the West End of Hagerstown. Mr. Howard stated that the 70-acre site is located on Marshall Street near the Interstate 81 interchange. Ms. Everhart reviewed the current zoning on the property. Councilman Boyer stated that if the project moves forward, there should be consideration given to construction of a connector road to Pennsylvania Avenue. The group suggested that this proceed as an Economic Development Commission project and not as a City or County project. They suggested that CHIEF be used as a conduit for development of the project. Merle Elliott, President of CHIEF, suggested that an economic feasibility study be done to see if a market exists for a new business park. The Commissioners and City Council agreed that Mr. Howard and Ms. Everhart should proceed to discuss the proposed business park with CHIEF. Roundhouse Museum - Discussions Commissioner Snook informed the Mayor and City Council of the presentation made earlier in the session regarding the CSX Roundhouse site. William Knode and Blaine Weaver, representing the Roundhouse Museum Board of Trustees, along with John Darnell, Aide to Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, and Denise Troxell were in attendance to support the request that the City and/or County purchase the Roundhouse site. Mr. Darnell stated that CSX has agreed to assume responsibility for clean-up of any contamination found in the site survey. He indicated that CSX has indicated that they will not sell the property to the Roundhouse Museum Board but would agree to sell it to a government agency or large corporation. The Commissioners suggested that there may be a national railroad organization which could assist as a conduit in the purchase of the site. Councilwoman Saum-Wicklein suggested a possible joint venture between the Federal, State and local governments. Mr. Darnell stated that CSX is looking for a Letter of Intent to purchase the property which could be made contingent upon the approval of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) after the site characterization survey is completed. The purchaser would not receive the property until CSX has finalized the clean-up. Mr. Darnell then provided information on the type of possible contaminants on the property. He stated that MDE would require mitigation or encapsulation of the areas in question. Commissioner Snook stated that they need to meet with CSX representatives to get answers to some of their questions before they proceed. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to convene in closed session at 5:55 p.m. to 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 Downey, seconded by Shank, to reconvene in open session at 6:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners considered consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter regarding a proposed agreement. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Shank, to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. AUGUST 18, 1998 PAGE FIVE County Administrator County Attorney , Clerk