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HomeMy WebLinkAbout981020 October 20, 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 Vice President John S. Shank with the following members present: Commissioners Ronald L. Bowers, . R. Lee Downey, and James R. Wade INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. BID AWARD - SALE OF LABORATORY TESTING EQUIPMENT Motion made by Downey, seconded by Bowers, to award the bid for the sale of laboratory testing equipment at the Water and Sewer Department to Martel Laboratories JDS, Inc. which submitted the high bid for Option II (lump sum bid) of $63,000. Unanimously approved.  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Downey reported that Tri-County Council will meet this week. He also reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Downey stated that the Local Management Board met to  outline this years activities. Commissioner Bowers reported on the rededication of the Hancock War Memorial Library.  COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that flu shots will be given on October 23. He also reminded them that the  Washington County Leaders Prayer Breakfast will be held on October 30. Mr. Shoop informed the Commissioners that he attended the PenMar Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting last week and provided an update on  the Boards activities. 1991 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT -AUTHORIZATION TO CLASSIFY AS GRANT FUNDING Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, that the sum of $88,000 owed to Washington County from the 1991 Community Development Block Grant program income be classified as a grant to the Washington County Housing Authority. Unanimously approved. RE/APPOINTMENTS - BLACK ROCK GOLF BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wade, seconded by Bowers, to reappoint Garland Harbaugh and Doug Moul to the Washington County Public Golf Corporation for three-year terms and to appoint Ronald Phillips for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 13, 1998 Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to approve the minutes of October 13, 1998, as amended. Unanimously approved. 60/40 MATCHING PROGRAM - FARMLAND PRESERVATION Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Administrator, met with the  Commissioners regarding the Countys 40% funding commitment to the 60/40 matching program with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Mr. Seifarth recommended that the Commissioners approve a contribution of $350,000 from the proceeds of the agricultural transfer tax for the program.  He stated that when this funding is combined with the States share, it would provide nearly $1 million to purchase preservation easements. Mr. Seifarth noted that there is now an unencumbered fund balance of $245,000 in the agricultural transfer tax account. He stated that, although the FY 1999 money will not be due for about a year, the account should be sufficient to fund the recommended $350,000 commitment. Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Bowers, to participate in the State 60/40 Matching Program for Agricultural Land Preservation and to  contribute $350,000 from the agricultural transfer tax funds as the Countys 40% matching funds for the next easement cycle. Unanimously approved. UPDATE - RURAL LEGACY GRANT AGREEMENT Eric Seifarth provided information on the Rural Legacy Program (RLP). He stated that RLP is a Program Open Space program which seeks to protect land having agricultural, environmental, and historic significance. Landowners may sell easements to the State assuring that the land will not be developed. He indicated that he and Beth Evans, Assistant County Attorney, are currently reviewing the RLP grant agreement. He stated that Ms. Evans has concerns with the form of the agreement. Ms. Evans stated that she OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE TWO is currently negotating with the State to resolve the issues of indemnification. Mr. Seifarth presented a map of the areas proposed for the RLP and explained the eligibility requirements for inclusion in the program. He then answered questions from the Commissioners about the RLP program and the formula used for priority rankings. Motion made by Bowers, seconded by Downey, to approve the grant agreement for the Rural Legacy Program, subject to the issuance of an endorsement by the insurance company to provide for indemnification. Unanimously approved. WAGE AND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM POLICY Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, presented revisions to Policy PR- 18, Wage & Classification Program Policy, due to changes adopted in Policy PR-19. Mr. Davis stated that revisions include the addition of a fifth performance level, modification of the merit increase formula, and the addition of Section VIII - Miscellaneous Guidelines. Motion made by Bowers, seconded by Wade, to approve revised Policy PR-18, Wage and Classification Program, as amended. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Snook arrived at the meeting at this time and assumed the Chair)  COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS - CONTINUED Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he attended a ribbon- cutting ceremony this morning at the Interstate 81 Industrial Park for the expansion of Samp USA. He reported that he received correspondence from the Department of the Environment approving a new grant for the Beaver Creek Stream Restoration Program in the amount of $80,000. Commissioner Snook stated that the State Highway Administration will soon begin improvements to U.S. 11 from the north corporate limit of Williamsport to Bower Avenue. PUBLIC HEARING - ISSUANCE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY SPECIAL OBLIGATION BONDS - PRIME RETAIL - PHASE II (BARKDOLL TRACT SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT) The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. to allow citizens to comment on the proposed issuance of special obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,500,000 at an interest rate not  to exceed 8% (the Series 1998B Bonds) to finance certain improvements on properties located in the Barkdoll Tract Special Taxing District which was created by a resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on December 2, 1997. Timmy Ruppersberger, County Bond Counsel, explained that in legislation enacted in the General Assembly in the 1995 Session, Washington County became one of the counties authorized to create special taxing districts. The bond debt will be repaid through special assessments levied against the properties in the taxing district. Ms. Ruppersberger assured the Commissioners that no debt or obligation would be incurred by the County. She stated the Series 1998B Bonds will be issued on a parity with the 1998 Bonds. At this time Commissioner Snook opened the meeting for public comment. There was no one at the hearing who wished to comment. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Wade, to adopt the resolution to authorize the issuance of special obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,500,000 at an interest rate not  to exceed 8% (the Series 1998B Bonds) to finance certain improvements on properties located in the Barkdoll Tract Special Taxing District which was created by a resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on December 2, 1997. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the resolution is attached.) CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Donald Allensworth discussed candidate responses regarding the establishment of impact fees. Linda Cohn stated that she owns property in Hagerstown between Burhans Boulevard and Washington Square. She informed the Commissioners that her tenants have complained of drug activity in the neighborhood and asked the Commissioners for their support. Carolyn Brooks, Hotshots Administrator, and Hagerstown Police Chief, Dale Jones, met with Ms. Cohn to address her concerns. Craig Clevenger expressed concerns about the bridge replacement project on OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE THREE Antietam Drive and the length of time it has taken. Mr. Clevenger also  reported on speeding problems on Old Forge Road and asked that the Sheriffs Department address this problem. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Downey, seconded by Bowers, to convene in closed session at 10:41 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. (Commissioner Wade was excused at 11:05 a.m.) RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Shank, seconded by Downey, to reconvene in open session at 11:15 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matteras to the effect on County government of a law passed in 1998. UPDATE - ENHANCEMENTS TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM Louie Watson, Regional Market Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region of PEBSCO, met with the Commissioners to provide a summary of the enhancements to the current PEBSCO deferred compensation plan. Mr. Watson stated that they are currently working with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to make changes to the deferred compensation program and to offer the program to all counties in Maryland. He indicated that the changes would affect pricing and enhancements on options available to employees in selecting funds for retirement. Mr. Watson then explained the new MACo Plan which takes effect on November 1. He stated that it adds a 401(a) defined contribution program and includes increased on-site visits, retirement planning seminars, periodic progress reports and marketing plans to be developed for each county for the 457 deferred compensation program. After reviewing the changes, Mr. Watson answered questions from the Commissioners on the program. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:47 a.m. 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 and R. Lee Downey. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Shank, seconded by Downey to convene in closed session at 1:00 p.m. 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 Bowers, seconded by Shank, to reconvene in open session at 3:18 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session the Commissioners discussed five (5) items concerning a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on two (2) matters involving negotiating strategy as to pending agreements. PRESENTATION OF NEW COUNTY COMMUTER BUSES The Commissioners recessed to attend the presentation of the new smaller County Commuter buses. Kevin Cerrone, Manager of the County Commuter, reported that two paratransit buses with six-passenger/three-wheelchair securement were put in service in September, and paratransit buses with three eighteen passenger/two wheelchair securements will go into service November 1. Five thirty-passenger buses will be retired upon implementation of the new vehicles. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members Al Boyer, Susan Saum-Wicklein, Wallace McClure, and William OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE FOUR Breichner, at 4:00 p.m. Update - HotSpots Program Hagerstown Police Chief, Dale Jones, reviewed the main components of the HotSpots Program. He reported that the program received $221,000 in grant funding for the first year and has just received a grant to continue for the second year. Carolyn Brooks, HotSpots Coordinator, provided an update on the HotSpots Program. Ms. Brooks stated that the program has been operating for approximately 12 months. She reviewed the first-year accomplishments of the program which include a 20% drop in the violent crime rate in the HotSpots area, the institution of an after-school program for fourth and fifth graders, and a community clean-up day. Ms. Brooks requested that the City of Hagerstown and Washington County cooperate in funding a trades apprenticeship training program through Associated Builders & Contractors. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, stated that the trades apprenticeship program would cost $20,000. Mr. Davis outlined a draft policy for the Commissioners and Council to consider regarding the development of a pilot mentoring program with HotSpots to familiarize teenagers and young adults with local government and commonly-accepted business protocol. Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Shank, to adopt Policy PR-23 Washington County/HotSpots Mentoring Program, as presented. Unanimously approved. (Councilman Lewis Metzner arrived at 4:30 p.m.) Redevelopment of Former Fairgrounds Bruce Johnston, City Engineer, and Rodney Tissue, Assistant City Engineer, presented the concept plan for the redevelopment of the former Fairgrounds property. Mr. Tissue stated that the plans call for three multi-purpose/ soccer fields, three softball fields, a BMX facility, a Little League field, and an in-line skate and hockey area. He indicated that the City hopes to renovate the old grandstand to include courts for basketball, indoor soccer or volleyball. Mr. Johnston informed the Commissioners that the final plans and cost estimates will be presented to the Mayor and Council by the consultants on November 17. He stated that may also try to provide walking trails in the area of the Hamilton Run interceptor. Commissioner Snook suggested that the City contact Program Open Space regarding the availability of special projects funding. Ronald Phillips, President of the Recreation & Parks Board, offered the support of his Board. Recommendation - Forest Conservation Ordinance Deborah Everhart, Zoning Administrator for the City of Hagerstown, requested that the Commissioners approach the Delegation to the General Assembly to introduce legislation to exempt Hagerstown from the Forest Conservation Act. She stated that the State currently administers the program for the City of Hagerstown. The City Attorney is in the process of drafting an ordinance for the City. Ms. Everhart asked if the County is interested in joining with  them in the request. The Commissioners indicated that the States current  Smart Growth initiative may support the request. They asked that the City draft the request for their review. Discussion of Tax Differential Formula Richard Kautz, City Planner, reviewed House Bill 216, enacted in the 1998 session to deal with County property tax setoffs for municipalities. He requested that the Commissioners consider changing the current tax differential formula to follow the process outlined in the law. Commissioner Snook indicated that consolidation of certain services should also be considered. Also discussed was the possibility of reducing County taxes for City residents instead of providing a tax setoff. Commissioner Downey suggested that the current agreement be extended for one year to allow the new Commissioners taking office time to evaluate the recommendations. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Bowers, seconded by Downey, to adjourn at 5:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator