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HomeMy WebLinkAbout060711 July 11 2006 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 9:30 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. The meeting was held at 80 West Baltimore Street due to elevator maintenance at the County Administration Building. 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 – JUNE 20, 2006 Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of June 20, 2006. Motion carried with Commissioners Munson, Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Wivell reported on the PenMar Development Corporation meeting. He informed the Commissioners that a certificate of merit was presented to Bonnie Parks at the Water Quality Advisory Commission meeting in recognition of her ten years on the Commission. Commissioner Wivell stated that the City’s Citizens on Patrol program is requesting that the County contribute another used Sheriff’s Department cruiser for use by the fire police. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the request if there is a suitable vehicle available. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meeting of the Downtown Summit Group and its objectives. He stated that the City is asking that the County finalize the design of the intersection of Eastern Boulevard Extended and Marsh Pike. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Planning Commission meeting. He cited several issues, including an allocation policy for new school capacity in regards to the County’s APFO, that the Commissioners need to resolve as a Board and suggested that they hold a workshop meeting with the Planning Commission to address them. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he spoke to the Retired Teachers Association and they were very complimentary of actions taken by the Commissioners in working in conjunction with the Board of Education on various school capital improvement issues. Commissioner Munson reported on the Agricultural Education Center Board meeting. He provided copies of a map and financial plan for the Rural Heritage Museum. Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, stated that the Board is interested in permitting nonprofit organizations to have gaming activities such as bingo and tip jars during functions at the facility, but that the regulations would have to be revised. He informed the Commissioners that the Firemen’s Association is also interested in holding the “Bonanza Extravaganza” there next year. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to proceed with the intent to revise County regulations to allow gaming at the Agricultural Education Center facility in conjunction with Gaming Commission regulations. Commissioner Nipps reported on the Community Action Council Board meeting. Commissioner Snook introduced Robert Gordon, the new Director of the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Mr. Gordon explained some of the new Federal regulations and how they will affect transportation projects. Commissioner Snook stated that he received notification from the Department of the Environment that H.B. Mellott has applied to expand its surface mine permit at the Beaver Creek Quarry. The public information meeting is scheduled for July 27. Commissioner Snook informed the Board that he has recommended that Sonja Hoover, Fiscal/Research Specialist for the Economic Development Commission, sit on the Revolving Loan Fund Subcommittee for Tri-County Council. He stated that the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) has contracted to hold its annual winter conferences at the Cambridge Hyatt JULY 11, 2006 PAGE TWO for the next three years. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the MACo Executive Board discussed the new annexation requirements and the possibility of costs for early voting being passed down to the counties. He stated that a commission has been formed by the State to discuss maintenance of effort for education funding. He also indicated that they should be aware of possible changes in payment of jury management and court costs. MEDICAL EXAMINER FEES Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that Dr. Edward Ditto, Medical Examiner, has requested an increase in the County supplement for post-mortem investigations and exams from $65 to $80 per case. He indicated that this is a supplement to the State payment of $80 for examinations as required under State law. After discussion, it was the consensus to approve the request. The supplement had not been raised since the early 1980s. The County has approximately 90 cases per year with an annual budget of $6,000. The increased rate would require a budget adjustment of approximately $1,400. REZONING TEXT AMENDMENT RZ-06-010 Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development, reviewed text amendment RZ-06-010, submitted by his Department to amend the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments consist of revisions to Sections 6.1(f), 6.2(j), 6.5, 7.2(c), 7.5 and 21A.1(c) relating to references to Hospital (Class A) and Hospital (Class B). Mr. Thompson stated that the revisions are the result of a change in definitions in the Ordinance that were made during the Rural Zoning update. He explained that a new definition was provided for a hospital, which replaced the previous definitions for Class A and Class B hospitals, but these references were not incorporated into the updated Rural Rezoning sections of the Ordinance. Mr. Thompson noted that the proposed amendments do not affect where a hospital may be located in Washington County. The sole purpose for the amendments is to eliminate references to a Class A/Class B distinction that no longer exists in the Ordinance. The public hearing was held on June 12, 2006 and the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the text amendment. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to approve Text Amendment RZ-06-010, as presented at a joint public hearing held June 12, 2006. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – HALFWAY AREA SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for the Halfway Area Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project to Am-Liner East, Inc., which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid in the amount of $931,345.20, contingent upon receiving approval from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), to approve a Budget Transfer Request of $500,000 to increase account 32-42010-LIN007 from State grants/loans and the upcoming Budget Transfer request of $623,785.55 to complete Phase II as well, with the additional grant funding through MDE, to allow completion of the entire project. Unanimously approved. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – SELF-PROPELLED ASPHALT PAVER Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize the Highway Department to purchase a self- propelled asphalt paver from Valley Supply & Equipment Company in the amount of $70,000 through the City of Frederick, Maryland’s bid in accordance with the terms and conditions of that contract resolution pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to comment. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department, provided an update on the recent heavy rainfall and impact on utilities. He stated that the JULY 11, 2006 PAGE THREE flow transfer agreement allowed the City to transfer 500,000 gallons to the County system and avoid environmental damage. Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, asked for authorization to fill the Accounting Supervisor vacancy in the Budget & Finance Department, a Maintenance Equipment Operator (MEO) II position at the Highway Department, and two MEO I positions at the Highway Department. Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell to approve the recommendation to advertise to fill the requested positions. Unanimously approved. John Latimer, IV, Chair of the Fire & Rescue Association Revolving Loan Committee, appeared before the Commissioners regarding a request from the Boonsboro Ambulance Service for a loan in the amount of $78,000 from the revolving loan fund to purchase a new ambulance. Mr. Latimer also provided an update on the cave rescue that was made on Sunday near the C&O Canal. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the recommendation of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Committee to approve a loan from the revolving loan fund in the amount of $78,000 to Boonsboro Ambulance Service, Inc. for the purchase of a new ambulance. Unanimously approved. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that her Department would be sending out the final notices on delinquent bay restoration fees in the near future. RECESS – TOUR OF COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC AND LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 10:50 a.m. in order to tour the Washington County Community Free Clinic. Robin Roberson, Executive Director, informed the Commissioners that the Clinic has experienced a 49% growth in the number of patient visits from 2004 to 2005. She indicated the need for additional funding as they have discontinued taking new patients until they resolve the funding issues. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:48 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROPOSAL FOR FUNDS RELATED TO TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION Maureen Grove, Chair of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force, met with the Commissioners to express their support of the Health Department’s proposal to utilize $134,097 in County funds for teen pregnancy prevention programs. The money was set aside in the FY 2007 budget by the Commissioners until the proposal could be reviewed by the Task Force. Ms. Grove informed the Commissioners that the Task Force met on June 29, 2006 to hear the Health Department’s presentation regarding how they would utilize the County funds. The Task Force voted unanimously to support the proposal for a full-time nurse practitioner, media ads, equipment/supplies and medications. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Wivell expressed concern that proposals from other agencies were not considered by the Task Force. Earl Stoner, Deputy Director of the Health Department, explained that the funding was included in the Health Department’s original FY 2007 budget submittal and was set aside in order to allow the Task Force time to review and make a recommendation. Commissioner Snook asked the Task Force to report back to them in six months on the programs. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to release the $134,097 in County funding to support the Health Department’s proposal for Teen Pregnancy Prevention program as proposed in the FY 2007 Health Dept budget and as reviewed and recommended by the Teenage Pregnancy Task JULY 11, 2006 PAGE FOUR Force. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” REQUEST FOR FUNDING – WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Joseph Ruzicka, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, met with the Commissioners to request funding for a special one-time publication commemorating the th Museum’s 75 anniversary. Mr. Ruzicka stated that the cost Our Fondest Dreams and Hopes of the publication, , would be $21,300. He informed the Commissioners that the Museum has secured a pledge from Hagerstown Bookbinding and Printing to print the catalogue at cost. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request made by the Museum of Fine Arts to th provide funding in the amount of $21,300 for their 75 anniversary publication, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners Contingency fund. Unanimously approved. In response to the last week’s announcement that Commissioner Snook would not be seeking re-election, Mr. Rusicka thanked him for his years of public service and for masterfully leading the County over the past 20 years. He stated that he would miss Commissioner Snook’s wisdom and experience. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to convene in closed session at 2:20 p.m. to discuss personnel matters relating to the appointment, employment and/or promotion of individuals over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction and any other personnel matters affecting one or more specific individuals, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, 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. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to reconvene in open session at 4:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters relating to the employment or appointment of individuals over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction and other personnel matters affecting one or more specific individuals and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. 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 Kirk C. Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; David Hankinson, Director of Human Resources; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; John A. Latimer, IV, Director of Fire and Emergency Services; Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport; Tim Troxell, Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Robert Mandley, EDC Project Coordinator; Cassandra Latimer, EDC Marketing Specialist; Dan DiVito, Director of Permits & Inspections; Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development; and Guy Bonner, Phoenix Color Corporation. REAPPOINTMENT - SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reappoint Kenneth Conway to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. EMPLOY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to employ Kevin Lewis as Deputy Director of Fire & Emergency Services. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” EMPLOY EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to employ JULY 11, 2006 PAGE FIVE Brigitte Heller as Emergency Medical Services Coordinator. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT SERVICES – MEDICAL DIRECTOR Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to enter into a one-year contract with Dr. Vincent Cantone to serve as jurisdictional medical director for emergency services for the fee of $25,000 per year. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 4:32 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk