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HomeMy WebLinkAbout060117 January 17, 2006 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:00 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 – DECEMBER 20, 2005 & JANUARY 10, 2006 Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of December 20, 2005 and January 10, 2006, as amended. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Economic Development Commission, Planning Commission, and Mental Health Advisory Committee. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Commission for Women meeting. She informed the Board that she and Guy Altieri, President of Hagerstown Community College (HCC), made a presentation to HCC’s leadership class. Commissioner Snook reminded the Commissioners that the Maryland Municipal League meeting is scheduled for January 23 and the League of Women Voters forum is scheduled for February 8. He stated that a Frederick newspaper reported that Frederick County has increased its budget for wet labs at the Community College and has included additional funding for high school science labs. Commissioner Snook also provided a report on home sales in Washington County for September and October 2005. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that the Maryland Department of the Environment has completed a cursory review of the Resh Road Landfill closeout. He informed the Commissioners that he met with State Highway Administration representatives last week regarding the Edgewood Drive/Route 40 project. Mr. Rohrer noted that the Statewide Interoperability group awarded Washington County $83,000 for the radio communications project. He stated that the School Design Review Committee would be meeting to review Maugansville Elementary and Callas stadium. John Latimer, Emergency Services Director, provided a brief update on the anthrax threat that occurred last week. Mr. Latimer applauded the cooperative effort between City and County agencies. He stated that he would review the relevant policies at the next quarterly staff meeting. Mr. Latimer then answered questions from the Commissioners regarding how the threat was handled. EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING & SERVICES GRANT APPLICATION AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve submission of grant applications by the Community Action Council to the Department of Human Resources for Emergency and Transitional Housing and Services for a two-year grant of $166,821 and a Homelessness Prevention Program Grant for a two- year total of $500,463, on behalf of four sub-recipient agencies. Unanimously approved. YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE CAMPGROUND - SEWER CONNECTION FEES Tim Troxell, Executive Director, and Robert Mandley, met with the Commissioners to discuss the sewer connection fees and benefit charges for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground. Mr. Troxell explained that the campground expansion would require a new pump station and force main due to the topography in the area. He stated that when the Commissioners approved Rehoboth United Methodist Church’s petition to allow their future development to connect to the system, it affected the design of the pump station for the upgrades to support the additional development. JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE TWO The costs to construct the pump station and force main to specifications are approximately $797,000. Jellystone is prepared to proceed and will absorb the additional costs, but has requested approval of a five-year payment plan for the sewer connection fees and benefit charges for the project. Mr. Troxell stated that the Budget and Finance Department suggested that the project be funded through the Economic Development budget and unused capital outlay funds. He also provided an amortization schedule for the proposed plans. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners discussed the length of the payback period and agreed that a policy should be established to deal with future requests and how they would be handled. Motion made by Commissioner Munson to approve a three-year payment schedule and to include the amount of taxes that would be lost in the payments. Motion died for lack of a second. The Commissioners continued the discussion and agreed to develop a policy for such matters. It was the consensus to take the matter under consideration. LANDMARK EQUIPMENT – EXCISE TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED EXPANSION/RELOCATION Mr. Troxell informed the Commissioners that Landmark Equipment is considering an expansion/relocation of their business, which may include construction of “for lease” buildings, and has submitted a site plan for the project. They have not applied for a building permit. The company would like the Commissioners to consider granting an exemption or reduction in the excise tax for the portion of the building dedicated to agricultural/farm construction. Dave Quirple, owner of Landmark Equipment, read a definition in the Excise Tax Ordinance regarding agricultural property and stated that he feels they meet the criteria for exemptions. The meeting was then opened for discussion of the request. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the staff should re-evaluate the matrix for nonresidential development based on the questions that have resulted from its application. Commissioner Snook indicated that he would like clarification from the County Attorney before making a decision. He stated that the Commissioners would make a decision as soon as possible. CHANGE ORDER – NEWGATE INDUSTRIAL PARK INTERCEPTOR SEWER, FIBER OPTIC CONDUITS Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to approve the change order with Gabe’s Services, Inc. in the amount of $60,042 and an allocation of $2,665.13 for the purchase of materials to be provided by the County from the CIP Technology Development & Upgrades account, for the construction of (2) four-inch conduits from the vicinity of Western Maryland Parkway to Hopewell Road along the proposed sanitary sewer route to provide connectivity to the Elliott Parkway facility, for a total change order of $62,707.13. Unanimously approved CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that budget review for FY 2007 would begin in the near future. He stated that he has scheduled time on next week’s agenda to discuss goals for 2006. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 10:22 a.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, and consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization 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. JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE THREE RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 11:41 a.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, consulted with staff about pending or potential litigation, and considered a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Robert Mandley, EDC Project Coordinator, and Mike Thompson, Director of Planning. RECESS – LUNCH AND MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners recessed at 11:41 a.m. for a luncheon meeting with the Board of Education at Salem Avenue Elementary School. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at Salem Avenue Elementary School. The following Board of Education members were present: Paul Bailey, Russell Williams, Roxanne Ober, Ed Forrest, and Jacqueline Fischer. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; William Blum, Chief Operating Officer; and Dr. Patricia Abernethy, Deputy Superintendent of Schools. SAT EXAMS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT RESULTS Dr. Abernethy reviewed the latest results for SAT tests and Advanced Placement (AP) testing with the Commissioners. She reviewed data on the tests from 2000 – 2005. Dr. Abernethy informed the Commissioners that 734 seniors (55%) took the SAT test in 2005 compared to 574 (51%) in 2000. The scores for 2005 declined slightly over the 2004 scores, with verbal scores averaging 489 and math scores at 511. She stated that the County scores are a little below the state and national averages. Dr. Abernethy then reviewed initiatives taken by the Board of Education to assist students in preparing for the SAT exam. The Advanced Placement (AP) results were then reviewed. The AP class enrollment was 1,677 in 2005 and is 1,897 in 2006. Dr. Abernethy provided a breakdown of the AP classes being taken by the students. She stated that a recent study found that 85 percent of high school students who took AP courses continued their education after high school, and that taking AP courses contributed to students’ ability to complete their degree requirements. Dr. Abernethy noted that all-time highs in 2005 were: 1,677 enrolled in AP courses, 1,147 exams taken, 645 different exam takers, and 511 exams scored a 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5. GASB 45 ANALYSIS AND PROCESS William Blum, Chief Operating Officer, informed the Commissioners that the Board of Education is in the early stages of developing a GASB 45 compliance plan. He stated that they are currently working with their consultant to develop the plan as well as the liability and recommended funded expense amounts. Mr. Blum indicated that they hope to have the final report in December. STATE CHANGES TO RETIREMENT PLAN Dr. Morgan informed the Commissioners that, at a statewide meeting of school superintendents, they were informed that there is a $300 million deficit in their retirement system. She indicated that the main issue is that the State overestimated the rate of returns on investments to bolster the retirement. Dr. Morgan stated that there will be more information forthcoming. TOUR OF SALEM AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITY JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE FOUR The Commissioners toured the renovations at Salem Avenue Elementary School. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 2:00 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF SMITHSBURG The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Sharpsburg Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval and Doris J. Nipps. Commissioner Snook offered his condolences on the death of former Smithsburg Councilman Charles Slick. Tax Setoff – Smithsburg Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2006, the Town of Smithsburg is estimated to receive $64,859. He also reviewed the summary and formula for highways, police, and parks. Commissioner Snook informed the town officials that their employees are welcome to participate in any of the safety training sessions sponsored by the County. He stated that the County has not heard if the State is increasing Program Open Space (POS) funding for next fiscal year. Councilman Martin suggested that the County consider ways to make the Greensburg transfer station more accessible and efficient for the recycling drop-off program. The Commissioners asked that he send his suggestions to Harvey Hoch, Recycling Coordinator. Mr. Shoop suggested that the Town piggyback onto the County’s recycling contract. Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) Commissioner Snook stated that the County wants to make sure that the ordinances adopted by the municipalities are consistent with the County’s APFO. He informed the Town officials that the County’s Finance Director has developed a uniform process for the towns to report the collection of the building excise tax. Mayor Myers stated that the Town has adopted an APFO but that it has to be revised to be consistent with the County’s ordinance. Commissioner Snook indicated that the County extended the deadline to 120 days to allow the municipalities to revise or adopt a compliant ordinance in order to receive building excise tax proceeds retroactive to July 1, 2005. He also reviewed the Board of Education’s capital projects planned for Smithsburg area schools. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Kercheval explained how the mitigation process could work in negotiating with developers. Smithsburg Branch Library Project – Update Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that 36 percent of the branch library was completed as of December 31, 2005. He indicated that the project is a few weeks behind schedule and should be completed by the end of April. Mayor Myers stated that they need to meet with the County to resolve the land issues. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded Nipps, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator ___________________________, County Attorney ______________________, Clerk