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HomeMy WebLinkAbout160308BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland March 8, 2016 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 10:27 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to convene in closed session at 10:27 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one of more specific individuals, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the potential reappointment of a specific individual to a commission position over which the Commissioners have appointment authority; and discussed a specific County personnel recommendation/employment matter with County staff During closed session, the Commissioners instructed staff to bring forth the potential reappointment to a commission over which the Commissioners have appointment authority for further consideration and discussion and a possible vote during the open session portion of today's meeting; and provided specific direction to County staff regarding s County personnel recommendation/employment matter. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. Also present were Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Stephanie Stone, Director, Health and Human Services; Angela Smith, Deputy Director/Deputy Code Official, Plan Review; and Stephen Goodrich, Director, Planning and Zoning. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to reconvene in open session at 10:41 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. March 8, 2016 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 1, 2016 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the minutes of March 1, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Cline reported attending an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Ryan Maguire of Maugansville. Commissioner Myers noted that Washington County's legislative bills are progressing well during this legislative session. He discussed the condition of certain roads in the County and perhaps looking to the State to fund additional paving and repairs. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the usual Wednesday meetings in Annapolis as President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). He also discussed the state of the County's roads and the long-term ramification of putting off repairs/repaving. Mr. Barr noted that he would be appearing before the General Assembly this week representing MACo regarding the restoration of highway user funding. Commissioner Baker requested clarification of the House Bill regarding sprinkler systems. BUDGET DISCUSSION — WATER QUALITY Julie Pippel, Director, Environmental Management, presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Water Quality budget that includes water and sewer rates. The total expected revenue for the Utility Fund is $4,072,310, representing an overall increase of 0.19%. The Water Fund of $1,337,520 represents an overall increased percentage of 4.34%, and Sewer Fund of $11,877,420, representing an overall increase of 8.97%, most of which is attributable to debt service associated with State mandated upgrades. Planned fund balance usage helps offset this increase. Ms. Pippel reviewed the proposed water and sewer rates for FY 2017 that show an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 3.5% (or $5.57) for water and 3.4% (or $5.00) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. She advised that water service allocation fees (commonly called connection fees), charged when a new customer begins service or has an increase in usage that exceeds their allocation cap (in this case, commercial accounts), are proposed to increase from $1,950 to $2,500 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU). Sewer allocation fees are also recommended to increase from $5,900 per EDU to $6,900 per EDU. The collection service only area allocation fee is proposed to increase from $1,800 to $2,500 per EDU. Those rates have not increased since 2007 but are slated to rise due to State mandates that involve substantial capital costs. County Administrator Greg Murray commented that the 20 -year plan has been working efficiently and model rates are lower than originally projected. March 8, 2016 Page 3 The Commissioners discussed the information presented. Ms. Pippel stated that if the Commissioners agree, a public hearing would be held April 5 regarding the proposed water rates and sewer rates. The Commissioners reached a consensus to hold a public hearing on April 5 regarding the proposed water and sewer rates. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF County Clerk — Appointments to Boards/Commissions Washington County Planning Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Myers, moved to reappoint Clint Wiley to serve a third, five-year term through February 28, 2021 on the Washington County Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. County Administrator — Maryland Theatre State Bond Bill Match County Administrator Greg Murray discussed a current State bond bill involving the Maryland Theatre's capital needs such as a fire curtain. The theatre must provide $175,000 in matching funds to take advantage of a State match that expires in October 2016. Mr. Murray advised that funds are available in the County's share of Hotel Rental Tax Funds. The Commissioners discussed the request. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to provide $175,000 from Hotel Rental Tax Funds to the Maryland Theatre to take advantage of a State bond bill requiring matching funds for capital improvements. The motion passed unanimously. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION Dan Kaminsky, outreach coordinator for TriState Astronomers, informed the Commissioners of the group's activities that include sponsoring a Star Party held at the Antietam Battlefield. The group was advised by the National Park Service that it must provide overtime pay at the rate of $45 per hour for park rangers during future events. He requested support from the Commissioners to have the fee waived for the group. County Commissioner nominee Wayne Keefer introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated that he looks forward to being confirmed by the Governor and working for County citizens. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 11:40 a.m. and attended a luncheon meeting and tour of the Early Voting Center with Washington County Election Board members and staff at 101 Tandy Drive, Hagerstown. EVENING MEETING — TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING An evening meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was held at the L. P. Snyder Memorial Library, 12634 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring. March 8, 2016 Page 4 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Myers thanked the town for the warm welcome. He recognized County Commissioner nominee Wayne Keefer, who was in the audience. Commissioner Cline reported attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Ryan Maguire. He congratulated the Clear Spring boys' basketball team that will be competing in the State tournament. Commissioner Barr had no report. Commissioner Baker thanked the town for hosting the evening meeting. He noted that he began his political career by first serving on the Clear Spring Town Council. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Paul Hose, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners to the town. He thanked the County for assisting the town with various issues throughout the year. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF County Administrator County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the County's work to improve water and sewer issues in Clear Spring. Mr. Murray provided information on two bills proposed this legislative session. Senator Serafini has proposed a bill that rescinds an earlier statute specific to Washington County that requires a zoning certification to obtain a business license. Delegate Neil Parrott requested a letter of support from the Commissioners regarding a bill that requires unemployed, able-bodied adults with no dependents to work at least 20 hours a week or provide 20 hours of volunteer service in the community to be eligible for food stamps. The Commissioners discussed both bills. Commissioner Myers requested time to look into further details of the bill regarding food stamps before agreeing to a letter of support. Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to send a letter of support to Senator Serafini and Delegate Parrott regarding the proposed bill that rescinds an earlier statute specific to Washington County that requires a zoning certification to obtain a business license. The motion passed unanimously. March 8, 2016 Page 5 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION George Souders, President of the Leitersburg Ruritan Club, and several other members, discussed the former schoolhouse building property conveyed by the County to the club in 1976. Members would like to rehabilitate or remove the dilapidated building. County Administrator Greg Murray discussed the specific reverter clauses contained in the deed. Members requested a written explanation of the provisions of the 1976 deed. Clear Spring resident Betty Shank discussed her membership in the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee and offered assistance to the Leitersburg Ruritan Club on adaptive reuses and possible State funding for the former school building built in 1914. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Myers, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 7:34 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk