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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.09.1987 February 9, 1987 Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 3:20 p.m. by the President, Ronald L. Bowers with the following members present: Vice President Richard E. Roulette and Commissioners R. Lee Downey and Linda C. Irvin. MEETING WITH SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI Senator Barbara Mikulski met with the County Commissioners to hear their concerns regarding County projects which utilize Federal funding. Board of Education - Wayne Stouffer, Director of Fiscal Management at the Washington County Board of Education, informed Senator Mikulski that their Board receives $3-$5 million in federal funding annually and that the proposed decreases in federal assistance would effect funds which provide for programs dealing with disadvantaged youth, pre-school and special education programs and cuts in teachers' salaries. Cuts in federal funding would mean that the Board must scale down programs or seek additional funding from the County government. Transportation - Keith Godwin, representing the Washington County Transportation Commission, gave a report on the types of federal funding used by the Washington County Commuter. He stated that the Commission receives two types of federal assistance, both of which are administered by the Urban Mass Transit Administration: 1. Operating Assistance - In FY l986, the County received the maximum amount of $l86,l92 in Section 9 operating assistance and $l5,000 in Section l8 operating assistance. 2. Capital Assistance - In l986 the WCTC received $86,000 in federal funding to assist in the purchase of fare collection equipment and other miscellaneous equipment, computer hardware and software and for renovation to the facility. Mr. Godwin also stated that the continuation of Federal Mass Transportation Assistance is vital to the survival of the mass transportation service since the bus system provides mobility for work, school, recreation and a good portion of the County'a handicapped and elderly population. County Roads and Bridges - Glenn Dull, County Engineer Washington County utilizes federal aid for public improvements for bridge repair and replacement, railroad crossing improvements and State-aid. The County receives approximately $250,000 annually for bridge repair and replacement and has administered these funds for replacement of three bridges in the County roads system. The County also receives approximately $250,000 annually for signalization of hazardous railroad crossings. Mr. Dull stated that one concern with State- administered funds is that the County must have the State certify or inspect each step of the project and reimburse them for this service. Since the County is using State Highway Administration specifications for projects and registered engineering firms, he feels the additional inspections by the State are unnecessary and time consuming. Housing & Community Development - Neil Curran, Director The County has utilized federal funding from the Department of Housing & Urban Development for two programs - rental assistance for low income families and public and private housing and the Community Development Block Grant program. Our Section 8 Rental Assistance Program consists of nearly 300 units and currently spends approximately $l million annually. Mr. Curran reported on the County's use of CDBG funds and the vital part federal assistance plays in Washington County's Housing and Commnunity Development programs. Airport - Leigh Sprowls Leigh Sprowls, Airport Manager, explained that the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of l982 called the Airport Improvement Program has funded airport construction and safety related improvements at the Washington County Regional Airport and that this program or a similar program must continue in order to provide these necessary improvements. The County currently has completed or is in the process of completing projects in the amount of $5.4 million. Mr. Sprowls reported on the 9 projects scheduled in the County's Capital Improvements Program and the Master Plan Study. Since the Airport is one of the major economic development assets in attracting new corporations to this area, the loss of federal fuding would have a very negative impact on the future development in this area. FEBRUARY 9, 1987 MINUTES, CONT'D. Economic Development Commission Leroy Burtner, Director of the Economic Development Commission, reported on County industrial parks and proposed development activities, including a proposed new sewer treatment plant, application for a rail spur which is now being reviewed by the Secretary of EDA and two major economic development activities for expansion at the airport and possible development of the CSX property. He also stressed the importance of ARC, EPA and EDA funding and past uses of these funds. At this time Commissioner Roulette was excused from the Meeting. Agriculture John Burtner, President of the Washington County Farm Bureau, asked that Senator Mikulski keep in contact with the Farm Bureau regarding concerns about agricultural issues and expressed concern for better bridges and roads to keep Washington County connected with other areas of the State. Terry Hepburn from the Fruit Growers Association, explained that 65% of the fruit grown in Maryland is from Washington County. He also expressed concern regarding the Legal Aid Bureau and problems connected with migrant workers employment. Chamber of Commerce Siebert Shifler, President-Elect of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed the need for educational and retraining facilities in the area, particularly in the area of technology due to the growth of small businesses. He also indicated the need to employ those people currently on welfare roles. Senator Mikulski provided information regarding several possible programs regarding a teachers service corporation and a welfare reform program. The Commissioners expressed their concerns regarding groundwater supplies, special education funding, and the need for a public hearing regarding the Ground Wave Energy Network (GWEN) tower proposed for construction by the Air Force at Maryland Correctional Institution. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Downey, seconded by Irvin to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk