Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout060314 March 13, 2006 Hagerstown, MD 21740 JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – REZONING CASES RZ-06-003, RZ-06-004, AND CP-06-001 A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and the Washington County Planning Commission was convened in Court Room #l at 7:00 p.m. to hear testimony and receive evidence in rezoning map amendments RZ-06-003, RZ-06- 004, and Comprehensive Plan text amendment CP-06-001. Presiding at the hearing were County Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook and Planning Commission Chair Benjamin Clopper. Also present at the hearing were County Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps, and Planning Commission Vice Chair George Anikis and members Linda Parrish, Terry Reiber, Bernie Moser, and Clint Wiley. The public hearing was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. __________________________, County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk March 14, 2006 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:45 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, and Doris J. Nipps. Commissioner Munson was absent. 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. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Nipps reported on the Historic Advisory Committee meeting. She informed the Board that the Commission for Women presented awards to this year’s essay contest winners last week. Commissioner Nipps stated that she participated on a panel with the Leadership Hagerstown class. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Home Show and stopped by the County booth. He reported that he attended the Leadership Hagerstown forum and attended the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting. Commissioner Wivell reported on the meetings of the Economic Development Commission and the PenMar Development Corporation. He stated that he spoke with Delegate Shank regarding the reports on the cost of local government per capita and found that the figures include the prison population. Commissioner Wivell stated that Delegate Shank agreed to attempt to have the prison population removed from the formula. He also informed the Board that Delegate Shank is willing to amend the Homestead Property Tax legislation as long as the Delegation is assured that the County will take action on its own to lower the property tax cap from 10% to 5%. He stated that the provision to authorize the credit would remain in the legislation. The legislation would take effect in FY 2008. The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Snook indicated that they would consider it again when they review the County’s entire revenue picture in two weeks. The Commissioners also discussed the Agricultural Marketing Specialist position and asked for a copy of the job description for Matt Harsh, Agricultural Economic Development Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension of Adams County, to compare to the one developed by the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the Street Acceptance Committee accepted six streets into the County system. He stated that he MARCH 14, 2006 PAGE TWO was a judge in the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) annual poster contest. Commissioner Snook stated that the average home price in Washington County for December was $256,000 and statewide was $350,000. It was the consensus not to request that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) hold public informational meetings regarding the upgrade of emissions control by Fil-Tech or the renewal of Xerxes’ air quality operating permit. Commissioner Snook stated that the University System of Maryland is holding a seminar on April 26 entitled “Protecting Maryland’s Competitive Edge.” PRESENTATION OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUEST William Christoffel, Health Officer, and Earl Stoner, Deputy Health Officer, presented the fiscal year 2007 budget request of $2,381,056 for the County share of their budget. He stated that this is an increase of $880,000 over last year’s budget. The FY 2007 budget for School Health Nurses is $3,283.134. Mr. Christoffel then reviewed significant changes requested in the budget. He stated that the Department hopes to add a full-time health nurse at Williamsport and Boonsboro schools, reduce the school clusters, and add a Health Educator to the staff. He stated that the County’s portion of the wage increases would be $217,000. The meeting was then opened for questions regarding the budget and the programs offered. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:53 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:10 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. PROCLAMATION – MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK Commissioner Snook presented a proclamation to Debbie Godlove, Facilitator for the Washington County Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, and Sondra Funk, representing the Disabilities Advisory Committee, designating the week of March 13-17, 2006, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Washington County and commending this observance to all citizens. Ms. Godlove thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and outlined the activities planned for the first MS Awareness Week. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize filling the Auto Service Technician position at the Highway Department and Plant Operator position at the Water Quality Department. Unanimously approved. Joe Kroboth, Deputy Director of Public Works, asked for authorization to proceed to award a contract under the emergency Code of Public Local Laws provisions of the to repair a portion of Roxbury Road and the guardrail that collapsed. Mr. Kroboth recommended that funds be transferred from the CIP Contingency Fund. He estimated that the repairs would cost approximately $75,000. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to award a contract under the emergency Code of Public Local Lawsof Washington County provisions of the for the repairs needed to Roxbury Road and to approve the transfer of funds from the CIP Contingency Fund for the repairs. Unanimously approved. WATER QUALITY OPERATIONAL BUDGET & COST OF SERVICE RATES Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality, met with the Commissioners to present the proposed FY 2007 budget for the Department. He introduced staff members Jim Bishop, Deputy Director; Julie Pippel, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator; Mark Bradshaw, Facilities Engineer; Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate; and Scott Schubel, Water Quality Advisory Commission member, all of whom were in attendance. MARCH 14, 2006 PAGE THREE The proposed FY 2007 revenue budgets are as follows: Utility Administration Fund (total) – $3,639,250; Water Fund - $1,678,040 (general fund appropriation of $857,400); Sewer - $9,952,420 (general fund appropriation of $1,912,600); and Pretreatment Fund - $695,600(general fund appropriation of $350,000). Mr. Murray reviewed the projected revenues and expenditures for each department and the major changes. The Commissioners discussed sewer capacity and growth issues in the County. Mr. Murray then made recommendations to set rates for water and sewer services for fiscal year 2007. He stated that the increase in sewer rates to the average residential customer would be $.71 per quarter (2%) and $1.16 per quarter for water (3%). Mr. Murray indicated that no borrowing would be needed for water or sewer funds again this year. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Nipps, to advertise to accept the rate options for water and sewer fees as recommended by staff for presentation at a public hearing. Unanimously approved. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT – GRINDER PUMPS – DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for the purchase of thirteen (13) Myers residential simplex grinder pump units from Shafer, Troxell & Howe in the amount of $48,685. The award is a sole source procurement based Code of the Public Local Laws of on Section 1-106.2(a)(2) of the Washington County that sole source procurement is permissible when “the compatibility of equipment, accessories, or replacement parts is the paramount consideration.” Unanimously approved. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT - 2006 CITIZEN SCRAP TIRE DROP-OFF DAY 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 2006 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 72 tons of scrap tires. He stated 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 Kercheval, to participate in 2006 Citizen Scrap Tire Drop-off Day and approve the execution of the Amendatory Agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service for this project, as presented, for up to 72 tons. Unanimously approved. DATE FOR REZONING HEARING Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that one of the rezoning map amendments scheduled to be heard at the March 20 hearing has been rescheduled for Monday, April 10 due to an oversight by the newspaper in advertising the case. ANNEXATION REQUEST – TOWN OF SMITHSBURG #2 – FLEMING Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development, met with the Commissioners to review the annexation request before the Town of Smithsburg for the Fleming property. Mr. Thompson stated that the Fleming property consists of 4.5 acres of land on the north side of Cave Hill Road. The property is designated as low density in the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning SR – Suburban Residential is consistent with the RR – Rural Residential zoning that presently is on the property. Mr. Thompson stated that Maryland Code does not allow a municipality to place a property into a zoning classification that permits land use substantially different from the use permitted in the adopted comprehensive plan. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. MARCH 20, 2006 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to concur with the determination of the Planning staff that the proposed annexation for the Fleming property as submitted to the Town of Smithsburg is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Unanimously approved. ANNEXATION REQUEST #1 – TOWN OF SMITHSBURG Mr. Thompson reviewed the request made to annex the Frey property into the Town of Smithsburg. He stated that the property is a 3.04-acre tract located on the north side of Crystal Falls Drive. It was designated as low density in the Comprehensive plan and is currently zoned RR-Rural Residential. Mr. Thompson informed the Commissioners that the Planning staff found that the proposed annexation and zoning of SR-Suburban Residential is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to concur with the determination of the Planning staff that the proposed annexation of the Frey property, as submitted to the Town of Smithsburg, is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Unanimously approved. ANNEXATION REQUEST – TOWN OF BOONSBORO Mr. Thompson reviewed the request made to annex a 32.49- acre tract along South Main Street into the Town of Boonsboro. He stated that the property is designated as Commercial in the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The staff found that the proposed zoning of GC-General Commercial is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and requires no further action by the Board; however, the nine-acre area proposed for SR-Suburban Residential zoning is inconsistent with the adopted plan and the Board must grant “express approval” or this portion of the annexation would have to wait a period of five years prior to development in a manner other than commercial. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to concur with the determination of the Planning staff that the proposed annexation for the Town of Boonsboro property is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan for General Commercial, and to grant express approval for the nine-acre portion to be zoned SR. Unanimously approved. John Kendle, Boonsboro Town Manager, provided an update on the water line project and the proposed annexation along Alternate Route 40. RECESS The Commissioners recessed from 2:52 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT – U.S. ROUTE 40 AT EDGEWOOD DRIVE The Commissioner and Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and Council members Kristin Aleshire, Lewis Metzner, Penny Nigh, and Kelly Cromer, met with representatives of the State Highway Administration (SHA) Design Team to hear a presentation on the proposed intersection improvements at U.S. Route 40 and Edgewood Drive. Dennis German, Chief, Community Design Division; Bob Fisher, District 6 Engineer; and Jeff Folden, Project Manager, gave an update on the project. Mr. Folden provided information on the preliminary design of the project and the existing conditions at the intersection. He stated that the level of service for highway capacity at peak times on Edgewood Drive Northbound is an “F” and Southbound is an “E.” Mr. Folden outlined the proposed scope of the project which includes a third through lane in each direction on Route 40, extending the existing left- and right-turn lanes on Route 40, widening of Edgewood drive to provide two left-turn lanes, one through lane, and one through right lane. He also provided the anticipated levels of service for the year 2010 at peak times. The current project estimate is $11.934 million with proposed funding of $3.9 million each from SHA, the County, and City. Estimated completion date for the project is spring 2009. Mr. German stated that SHA would require receipt of Letters of Intent (LOI) from the County and City by April 30, 2006 and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to advertisement of the project MARCH 14, 2006 PAGE FIVE this spring. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Councilman Metzner expressed concerns that the intersection is expected to be a level of service “D” by the year 2020. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, outlined several County projects that could also help alleviate traffic congestion at this intersection that were not taken into account when estimating the level of service. He also stated that the project would double in cost if it were not done now. The group discussed possible funding levels for each entity. Councilman Aleshire suggested a funding scenario for the City totaling $2.2 million. Also discussed was the possibility of additional grant funding from the State. Mr. German stated that the decision regarding funding rests with the Secretary of Transportation. The group agreed to take this matter under consideration to allow both bodies to discuss it further. Commissioner Snook stated that he would send a draft copy of the Letter of Intent to the City to see if it meets their approval. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:20 p.m. FISCAL YEAR 2006 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College 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. Also present were Board of Education members Bernadette Wagner, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Paul Bailey, Jacqueline Fischer, Wayne Ridenour, and Russell Williams. Mr. Bailey reviewed information concerning the budget process and the Board’s vision, mission and goals. Mr. Forrest outlined the anticipated State funding for FY 2007 of $15.6 million and the request to the County for $4.5 million. He stated that the Maintenance of Effort is $1.8 million. Ms. Ober provided the following summary of incremental requests: A) Increase related to Enrollment Growth - $2,538,846; B) Increase related to Meeting State & Federal Regulations - $2,458,877; C) Increase related to Utilities - $1,717,118; D) Increase related to Transportation - $1,702,070; E) Increase related to Facilities maintenance - $2,185,845; F) Increases Related to Miscellaneous Services - $632,055; and G) Increases Related to Employee Compensation & Benefits - $8,803,155. Following the presentations, the meeting was opened for questions and comments from the County Commissioners. The meeting was then opened for comments from the public. After hearing all comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney , Clerk