Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout050523 May 23, 2005 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 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 – MAY 17, 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to approve the minutes of May 17, 2005, as amended. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, Munson and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS & COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission, Mental Health Authority, and the Western Maryland Consortium. She stated that she attended the opening of the new Susquehanna Bancshares office building, the Heroes Awards Dinner, and the Senior Fair. Commissioner Munson informed the Commissioners that he attended the opening of the Senior Fair. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Sheriff’s Open House and Memorial Service. Commissioner Kercheval reported on meetings of the Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Local Management Board. He stated that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the next phase of the Rail-Trail project and the reception for the expansion of the Green Spring Water Company. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the public hearing regarding cable broadband. He congratulated the new Mayor of Hagerstown and the new City Council members who were elected last week. Commissioner Snook reported on the Western Maryland Consortium meeting. He distributed a copy of a recent article in the Baltimore Sun regarding the unsatisfactory response times for emergency medical service in Prince George’s County and the impact it has had in halting residential development due to a local ordinance. Commissioner Snook stated that he is the incoming chair of the MACo Legislative Committee and asked the Commissioners to be thinking of any items they wish to have the Committee consider in the next legislative session. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that Marty Snook Park was vandalized last night. He provided an update on the Tollgate Road Bridge project. Mike Thompson, Director of Planning, informed the Commissioners that the Planning Commission has a lengthy agenda for its June meeting. Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, informed the Commissioners that the CoStar Group, a prominent commercial real estate tracking company, visited the County last week and will begin to include sites in Washington County on its database in the near future. Ron Whitt, Director of Information Technologies, reported on the cable-related community assessment meetings that were held last week. He stated that 4,000 residential surveys were sent out last week. WASHINGTON COUNTY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Ross Rhoads and Spence Perry, representing the Leadership Hagerstown program, appeared before the Commissioners to request $40,000 in initial funding for the Leadership Development Program. Mr. Rhoads reviewed the history and mission of the program. He explained that the new program MAY 23, 2005 PAGE TWO would combine Leadership Hagerstown, Junior Leadership Hagerstown, and the Leadership Hagerstown Alumni Association into a new leadership development program. Mr. Perry stated that the program would also include classes on boardsmanship and executive and management orientation. Mr. Rhoads stated that they would also be requesting similar grants from the City of Hagerstown and the Municipal League. He indicated that the group might request an annual grant of $10,000. After the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions and discussion with the Commissioners. The Commissioners took this request under consideration. FAA GRANT AGREEMENT – RUNWAY EXTENSION PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to accept an FAA grant of $8,421,000 for the Airport Runway Extension Project. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” APPROVAL FOR PARTIAL RELEASE OF RESTRICTIONS & CONVENANTS – HAGERSTOWN HOUSING AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request made by the Hagerstown Housing Authority for a partial release of the declaration of restrictions and covenants on the property conveyed to them by the County, which is located on Mt. Valla Avenue, as it relates to the creation of a business park. Unanimously approved. QUOTATION AWARD – ULTRAVIOLET EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONOCOCHEAGUE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to award the quote for an ultraviolet equipment system upgrade at the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant to Delmar Ultraviolet, Inc., which submitted the low quotation of $25,915. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD – LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for a laboratory information management system to OPS Systems, Inc. (Telecation Division), which submitted the only responsive bid of $36,800. Unanimously approved. 2005 CITIZEN SCRAP TIRE DROP-OFF DAY – AMENDATORY AGREEMENT WITH MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator, met with the Commissioners to review the Amendatory Agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) that is required for participation in the 2005 Citizen Scrap Tire Drop-off Day. He provided a history of the program and the revisions in the proposed agreement. Mr. Hoch stated that MES would organize and monitor the event. He explained that the purpose of a tire amnesty day is to provide residents with a free, responsible disposal option for a small number of scrap tires. Mr. Hoch informed the Commissioners that MDE has only guaranteed funding for the transportation and disposal of up to 75 tons of scrap tires. He stated that the program could exceed MDE funding and informed the Commissioners that the rules were adjusted in 2004 to reduce the risk of exceeding State funding. He reviewed the revisions that were made to the project parameters to reduce the maximum number of tires accepted from one individual from ten to five. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to participate in 2005 Citizen Scrap Tire Drop-off Day and approve the execution of the Amendatory Agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service for this project, as presented. Unanimously approved. AWARD BID – PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2005 Debra Murray, Director of Finance, Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, and Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, appeared before the Commissioners at 10:00 a.m. to receive and evaluate electronic bids for the Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2005 via the Parity service. Mr. Guthorn reviewed the process. The Commissioners viewed the bids online and evaluated the bid representing the lowest interest rate to the County. At this time, Mr. Guthorn and Ms. Ruppersberger left the meeting MAY 23, 2005 PAGE THREE to review and verify the bids submitted and stated that they would return for award of the bid. RESOLUTION – MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY AND FUND (MEDAAF) GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve a resolution for grant funding from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) for $21,385 to cover a portion of the costs of conducting a land development assessment of property owned by Mack Trucks, Inc. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Daniel Moeller asked the Commissioners to inform him of the total number of building lots he could have under the proposed zoning of his property. He asked them to respond to a questionnaire he distributed. Tom Berry had several questions regarding the hearings that he heard were going to be held regarding the comprehensive rural rezoning and compensation to landowners. Karen Cramer, Kim Austin, Karen Reilly, and Donna Brightman, all members of the Boonsboro High School Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the status and facility needs at the High School and whether funding has been budgeted in the Board of Education’s FY 2006 budget for these improvements. WORKSHOP – PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS, TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS AND ASSESSMENT APPEALS Todd Hershey, County Treasurer; Tim O’Rourke, Director of Assessments & Taxation; and Ronald Bowers, Administrator of the Appeals Tax Board, met with the Commissioners to provide them with information on property tax assessments, affordable housing, and tax credit programs. Mr. O’Rourke provided an overview of the State of Maryland’s Assessment and Taxation Department and explained how the assessment process works. He stated that the Department reassesses one-third of the County each year to determine the value of properties. Mr. O’Rourke informed them that the median sale price in January was $210,000 compared to the January 2001 median of $130,000. He explained that Washington County has a 10% cap on reassessments. Mr. O’Rourke then took questions from the Commissioners. Mr. Bowers distributed information on the caseload data from 2000-2004 for the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board of Washington County and the number of homestead tax credit applications and credits provided by the Department of Assessments in Washington County. He stated that 1,885 applications for credit were received in 2004 and 1,635 credits were issued. Mr. Bowers provided information on the homestead tax credit percentage limits for each county in Maryland. He noted that homeowners have to actively apply for the homestead tax credit and that there is a need to get more information out to the public about the program. Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, stated that some counties have initiated supplemental programs to enhance the State tax credit program and that there is also a renters’ tax credit program available. He informed the Commissioners that a quarterly billing rather than half-year billing would produce additional revenue. The meeting was then opened for questions. The Commissioners thanked them for the presentation. RECESS – YOUTH OF THE MONTH ANNUAL BANQUET The Commissioners recessed at 12:05 p.m. in order to attend the annual banquet honoring the nominees and recipients of the Youth of the Month awards. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:44 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. MAY 23, 2005 PAGE FOUR HUMANE SOCIETY/ANIMAL CONTROL BUDGET DISCUSSION Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC), and Dana Moylan, Chair of the Board of Directors, met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2005 proposed budget. Mr. Miller reviewed the FY 2005 budget formula and how the HSWC arrived at the number of animal control units for budget purposes. He explained that 16% of the costs are associated with humane society functions and 84% with animal control related issues. Mr. Miller outlined the number and category of field service calls. Mr. Miller then reviewed the duties and definitions contained in the agreement that the HSWC entered into with Washington County in 1999. He outlined the factors involved in the increasing costs for the FY 2006 budget. Mr. Miller reviewed the payment formula, which shows that the percentage of animal control animals is 85%. He stated that 85% of the requested operating budget is $1,074,630.35 and that the capital request is $101,000. Commissioner Kercheval suggested that they provide the one year allocation and attempt to work over the next 12 months to lower the number of animals coming into the shelter. He stated that the County differs somewhat in the interpretation of the contract. The Commissioners discussed the obligations under the agreement. Commissioner Wivell proposed that the request for an additional animal control officer and vehicle be cut from the budget, which is a reduction of $114,000 to operations. Commissioner Snook stated that the request is $278,000 above last year’s budget. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to provide the HSWC with a used County vehicle to replace the one being removed from the budget. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell to cut the Humane Society of Washington County’s FY 2006 budget request for operations by $114,000 and to cut the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request of two vehicles and one animal control officer. The motion died for lack of a second. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to take the matter under consideration. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED FY 2006 BUDGET The Commissioners discussed the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget and the testimony given at the public hearing on May 10, 2005. They reviewed a draft of the General Fund revenues and expenditures. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, reviewed the changes that were made from Version 2 to Version 3 of the proposed budget. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that the County would be receiving an increase in State Highway User Revenue of $1,800,000. She proposed the application of the additional funds to the following categories in the Highway Fund: CIP - Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation - $239,830, Miscellaneous Project Costs - $280,000, Small Operating Equipment - $29,880, Supplies and Materials - $38,380, Construction - $38,380, and Capital Outlay - $1,173,530. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the recommendation, but stated that adjustments may be made to fund reserves if the revenues are not as anticipated after the final audit. Commissioner Munson stated that he believes the County policy should be revised to increase the mileage level on diesel trucks before they are replaced. Ms. Murray reviewed the changes made in the proposed FY 2006 CIP budget. She stated that road improvements increased through the additional State Highway User Funds previously discussed. Ms. Murray indicated that general fund savings were realized through reductions made by the Commissioners in the proposed budgets and she proposed to increase the construction reserve funds in the General Government category. She stated that $31,000 was used to offset the amount of State funding for the Maugansville Elementary School project. MAY 23, 2005 PAGE FIVE Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the FY 2006 Capital Improvement Projects budget of $52,938,044, as amended. Unanimously approved. The Commissioners then discussed the supplemental budget request of $2.7 million made by the Board of Education for CIP projects. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he is in favor of granting the Board the additional funding since the proposed projects would probably cost more next year due to increasing construction costs and higher interest rates. Commissioner Nipps indicated that she would like to review the entire report evaluating school facilities and have these projects prioritized along with current projects in the CIP budget, before approving the funding. It was the consensus of the Commissioners not to fund the Board of Education’s supplemental budget request. They discussed using surplus funds to address these items at a later time if possible. The Commissioners reviewed the net reductions to the operating budget of $530,430. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the Health Department would like to transfer $43,000 from funds for health nurses to allow them to fund an additional mental health counselor since additional grant funding was received for the nursing program. The Commissioners also began their review of the revisions proposed by Commissioner Wivell. The Commissioners agreed to continue the budget review following the bid award for the Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2005. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION – AWARD OF THE BID FOR THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2005 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to accept the low bid of Legg, Mason, Wood, Walker, Inc. at the true interest cost (TIC) of 3.72% on the sale of $30,135,000 Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds of 2005and to adopt a resolution for the Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse for the Six-Year Capital Improvement Program. Unanimously approved. (A copy of the Supplemental Resolution is attached.) Unanimously approved. DISCUSSION & ADOPTION OF FY 2006 BUDGET - CONTINUED The Commissioners continued budget discussions on the proposed FY 2006 budget. The Commissioners continued their review of each of Commissioner Wivell’s proposed revisions and made decisions on each of them. They discussed the proposed wage adjustment recommendation for County employees of 4.5%. After considering various proposals, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the recommended 4.5% for wage adjustments. The Commissioners discussed the budget request made by the Washington County Humane Society. After discussion, it was the consensus to set funding at $986,988 and provide them with a used County vehicle. They agreed that they would review the formula more closely during the year to determine if any revisions should be made. Ms. Murray stated that she would make the necessary adjustments to the budget. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the Fiscal Year 2006 budget, as amended, in the following amounts: General Fund budget of $160,869,866; Capital - $52,938,044; Special Revenue Funds (Highway Funds – $8,319,576 and Solid Waste Fund - $8,651,020); the Transit Fund - $1,999,455; Airport Fund - $1,351,433; Golf Course Fund - $1,262,240; Utility Fund - $3,008,231; Water Fund - $1,031,170; Sewer Fund - $10,907,386; Pretreatment Fund - $1,480,000; Foreign Trade Zone - $7,000; Agricultural Education Center Fund - $161,200; Community Partnership Fund - $123,680; and Inmate Welfare Fund - $384,415 for a total of all funds of $252,494,676; to maintain the current property tax rate of $.948 per $100 of full-assessed value and the interest rate of 1.65% for service charges associated with semiannual property tax payments. Motion carried with Commissioners Munson, Nipps, Kercheval, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” MAY 23, 2005 PAGE SIX CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, and consider matters that concern 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 Nipps, seconded by Munson, to reconvene in open session at 5:48 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel matter, consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, and considered matters that concern proposals for businesses or industrial organizations to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 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; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 5:48 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk