HomeMy WebLinkAbout060808
August 8, 2006
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 8:30 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 the Department of Water Quality, 16232 Elliott Parkway
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 – JULY 11 & 18, 2006
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to
approve the minutes of July 11 and 18, 2006. Unanimously
approved.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – BENJAMIN JONES
Commissioner Snook presented a Certificate of Merit to Deputy
First Class Benjamin Jones, in recognition of his exemplary
actions in the line of duty on January 26, 2006 in the
apprehension of the suspect who shot Corrections Officer Jeffrey
Wroten. Deputy Jones thanked the Commissioners for the
Certificate and related the events of that evening. Sheriff
Mades informed the Commissioners that Deputy Jones also received
the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from the American
Legion.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the New Educators
Reception, the Barge Bash in Hancock, and the presentation made
by Jim Rzepkowski, Assistant Secretary of the Department of
Business and Economic Development, at the Chamber of Commerce
meeting. She reported on the meetings of the Community Action
Council and Historic District Commission.
Commissioner Munson informed the Board that he followed up on a
complaint from a resident regarding the delay of a building
permit. He stated that the delay was caused by the need for
approvals from outside agencies. Commissioner Munson suggested
that the County consider purchasing the Phoenix Color facility
on Western Maryland Parkway for an expansion of the Detention
Center.
Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the New Educators
reception and the C-SAFE Night Out Celebration. He informed the
Commissioners that he attended a meeting with representatives of
the Board of Education to discuss possible changes that would
add more flexibility to the Board of Education’s mitigation
policy. He reported on the Strategic Planning Meeting for the
Downtown Summit and the Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that Senator
Mikulski has submitted an application for $200,000 in grant
funding for the new Boonsboro Library Branch. He stated that he
received a letter from the Maryland Department of Transportation
that there are 113 school bus drivers in Washington County that
have not received their School Bus Knowledge Test certification.
Commissioner Snook received notification from the State Highway
Administration regarding a resurfacing and safety improvement
project they are doing on State Rt. 67. He stated that the ISO
lowered the classification in the Fairplay area, which could
cause increased fire insurance premiums in that area. Rodney
Shoop, County Administrator, stated that the Fire & Emergency
Services Department is working with the fire company in that
area to address the current issues. Commissioner Snook stated
that he attended the press conference at Hagerstown Community
College regarding the new wet labs, the Tri-County Council
meeting, and the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board meeting.
MAUGANS AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
approve the purchase of right-of-way from Burgerbusters III, LC
for property that is needed for the Maugans Avenue project as
follows: 833 square feet in fee
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE TWO
simple, 922 square feet in revertible construction easement for
the total acquisition price of $30,000. Unanimously approved.
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT APPLICATION – FY 2006
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to
approve the submission of an Emergency Shelter Grant application
for FY 2006 to the Department of Housing and Community
Development in the amount of $50,000 that would provide funding
for the Community Action Council, CASA, St. John’s Shelter, and
REACH, Inc., and to approve the grant agreements and sub-
recipient agreements subject to the review and approval of the
County Attorney. Unanimously approved.
DISTRIBUTION OF GAMING FUNDS
Jim Hovis, Gaming Director, introduced the Gaming Commission
members in attendance. William McKinley, Chair, informed the
Commissioners that the gaming distribution for FY 2006 is
$2,884,489.46. He stated that this distribution represents a
four percent decrease from last fiscal year’s record amount.
Mr. McKinley said that the funds would be divided between 83
charities and the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Association. He provided a list of organizations that would be
receiving gaming funds. Mr. McKinley introduced the current and
past Board members who were in attendance.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF MERIT - GAMING COMMISSION
MEMBERS
Commissioner Snook presented certificates of merit to Robert
Schleigh, Mary Ellen Waltemire, and Ralph Wachter in recognition
of their outstanding service as members of the Washington County
Gaming Commission. He commended them for their leadership and
dedication. The Commissioners offered their appreciation to the
outgoing members for the contribution of their time to improve
the quality of life for citizens of Washington County.
BID AWARD – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT – EAST AND WEST APRON
REHABILITATIONS & TAXIWAY A/G MODIFICATIONS – PHASE I
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
award the contract for East and West Apron Rehabilitations and
Taxiway A/G Modifications – Phase I – at the Hagerstown Regional
Airport to C. William Hetzer, Inc., which submitted the lowest
responsive, responsible total base bid of $2,066,728.25 with
Alternate No. 1 - $55,800 and Alternate No. 2 - $242,900 for a
total of $2,365,428.25, contingent upon FAA approval. The
motion also includes approval of a budget transfer request in
the amount of $55,800 from Airport Operation Reserves ($25,000)
and Airport CIP Reserves ($30,800). Motion carried with
Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE”
and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.”
AMENDED FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) GRANT
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the new grant agreement from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) for a previous grant that was amended
downward to $2.5 million due to lower bids than anticipated on
the contract for East and West Apron Rehabilitations and Taxiway
A/G Modifications – Phase I – at the Hagerstown Regional Airport .
Unanimously approved.
MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (MAA) GRANT (MAA-GR-07-004 &
MAA-GR-07-005)
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) Grant Agreement
MAA-GR-07-004 for $157,895 for the construction of the Runway
9/27 safety area (Phase IV) and Special Grant Agreement MAA-GR-
07-005 for up to $175,438 for use at the Hagerstown Regional
Airport. Unanimously approved.
RENEWED AGENCY AGREEMENT – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to
approve the Renewed Agency Agreement to allow the State to act
as the agent for pass-through grant monies for FAA projects at
the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved.
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE THREE
PROPERTY ACQUISITION – RUNWAY PROTECTION ZONE
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the purchase of 25.20 acres of agricultural land located
on Reidtown Road from Anna Martin for the price of $646,120.
The property is in the Runway 27 “Runway Protection Zone” and is
95% FAA funded. Unanimously approved.
CONTRACT RENEWAL – COMMUNITY SERVICE AND NIGHT INTAKE –
DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to renew
the one-year contract for the Juvenile Community
Service/Informal Supervision program with the Department of
Juvenile Services, in the amount of $77,000 and Night Intake
Services in the amount of $34,779, as provided by the State
Department of Juvenile Services for FY 2007. Unanimously
approved.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AND CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES WITH
MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to
accept the Community Partnership Agreement as submitted to the
Governor’s Office for Children for a one-year extension in FY
2007 and to accept the current programs that have been
transferred from the Governor’s Office for Children to the
Maryland State Department of Education as outlined. Unanimously
approved.
CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Jeff Kline, Williamsport Town Council Member, thanked the
Commissioners for their support of the Town. He informed the
Commissioners that the State grant funding for the playground
equipment the Town ordered for Byron Playground did not
completely cover the increase in the equipment costs and he
asked the Commissioners for assistance for the additional amount
of $14,000.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to
approve the request for $14,000 for the additional cost of the
playground equipment for the Town of Williamsport with funds to
be taken from the Commissioners Contingency Fund.
The Commissioners discussed the request. Commissioner Nipps
recommended that the Town’s Program Open Space request be
amended to delay the Town’s current project and allow those
funds to be used to complete the Town’s playground project.
Councilman Kline was amenable to the recommendation and thanked
the Commissioners for their assistance. At this time,
Commissioner Munson withdrew his motion.
James Devine had several questions regarding the biodiesel
project that will be discussed during the afternoon session.
Jerry Ditto reminded the Commissioners that one of the
conditions relating to the adoption of the Rural Area Rezoning
was that a Transferable Development Rights (TDR) program be
developed and presented by August 1, 2006. Mr. Ditto stated
that he feels the motion should be void since this condition was
not met. Commissioner Snook stated that the Commissioners
approved the hiring of a consultant to assist the County staff
in developing a TDR program and that the project is ongoing but
that it has not been completed at this time.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, announced that the August 22
meeting would be held at the Regional Airport. A tour of the
Airport will be conducted following the meeting and casual dress
is recommended. He stated that the elevator repairs in the
County Administration Building should be completed by the end of
August.
ORDINANCE – DECLARING PROERTY AS SURPLUS AND APPROVING SALE OF
SAID REAL PROPERTY
John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that the Commissioners
agreed to convey a parcel of real property declared as surplus
and no longer needed for public use located on West Church
Street in Hagerstown to Roy N. and
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE FOUR
Delight L. Jones in 2005. The County Attorney’s Office has
received a request that the Commissioners provide a confirmatory
ordinance relating to the conveyance.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to
approve an Ordinance to declare certain real property located on
West Church Street in the City of Hagerstown as surplus property
and no longer needed for public use and to approve the
conveyance of said real property, which was properly advertised,
to Roy N. and Delight L. Jones for the purchase price of
$87,500. Unanimously approved.
REAPPOINTMENTS – ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to waive
the two-term limit policy and reappoint Edwin Itnyre and John
Powell to the Antietam Battlefield Advisory Committee, and for
three-year terms as representatives of the Civil War Roundtable.
Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENT – HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to
appoint James Black to the Housing Authority of Washington
County to fill the unexpired term of Marty Roberson, which
extends to August 31, 2007. Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENTS - MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
appoint William Kidwell and Juanita Fasenbaker to the Mental
Health Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Unanimously
approved.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the
Commissioners that the bid opening for the new Boonsboro Library
branch would be held on August 22. He stated that the
reclamation of Kaetzel Road began today and the project
initiation meeting for the emergency communications project is
scheduled for August 24.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve three change orders totaling $68,768 to L. Robert
Kimball & Associations for various environmental and emissions
studies that are required for the new public safety radio
communications system and to approve a change order to LRK in
the amount of $72,800 to provide project management and
inspection through the existing contract. Unanimously approved.
BUDGET TRANSFER – ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
approve a Budget Transfer Request in the total amount of $76,000
for the Toms Road Culvert Replacement and Lanes Run Culvert
Replacement with funds to be taken from six bridge and culvert
projects as outlined in the request, to cover the cost of
contract inspection. Unanimously approved.
APPROVAL TO FILL VACANT POSITIONS
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Munson, to
approve the request to fill an Engineering Project Manager
position in the Engineering Department. Motion carried with
Commissioners Kercheval, Munson, Nipps, and Snook voting “AYE”
and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.”
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to
approve hiring a Permits Processor to fill an upcoming vacancy
in the Planning Department. Unanimously approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to
approve the request to fill the vacant Maintenance Equipment
Operator I position in the Highway Department. Unanimously
approved.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to deny
the request to fill the vacant Building Inspector position in
the Permits & Inspections Department. Motion was denied with
Commissioners Munson and Wivell voting “AYE” and Commissioners
Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “NO.”
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE FIVE
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to
approve the request to fill the vacant Building Inspector
position in the Permits & Inspections Department. Motion
carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting
“AYE” and Commissioners Munson and Wivell voting “NO.”
PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTION OF HOME RULE
Joe Kroboth, Chairman of the Task Force on Home Rule, met with
the Commissioners to establish a schedule for appointing the
Charter Board members. Mr. Kroboth explained that August 19,
2006 is the earliest date that Board members can be appointed
and October 19 is the latest. He stated that the membership
must be an odd number between 5 and 9.
Mr. Kroboth informed the Commissioners that he recommends the
appointment of one attorney, one representative from the Chamber
of Commerce, one representative from the Greater Hagerstown
Committee, one representative from the League of Women Voters
and three citizens-at-large members, for a total of 7 members.
Mr. Kroboth explained that the Commissioners can give the
Charter Board specific instructions relating to the Charter
Document. He stated that once the nominations are made, the
process will begin and will continue through its completion.
The Commissioners discussed the process, number of members, and
whether a balanced party affiliation should be considered. They
also had questions regarding the time commitment involved and
whether the Board should be compensated. Commissioner Wivell
stated that he would like each Commissioner to have one
appointment and then include two individuals from the groups
that were suggested. Commissioners Nipps and Munson agreed that
they feel nine members should be appointed to include
representation from different geographical areas of the County.
It was the consensus to appoint nine members with each
Commissioner making one appointment and the remaining four
individuals chosen with the consensus of the Board. They agreed
to have an application form for the Charter Board placed on the
County’s website for submission by individuals interested in
appointment and to address the issue at its September 19
meeting.
CONTRACT AWARD – ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR
RENOVATIONS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS ANNEX FOR FIRE & EMERGENCY
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to
award the contract for architectural and engineering services
for renovations to the Public Works Annex for Fire & Emergency
Services Administration and Communications Center to Betzwood
Associates for the lump sum fee of $60,000 plus the add
alternate of $1,380 for a total of $61,380 to include the option
for design of a sprinkler system. Unanimously approved.
RECESS – LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 11:42 a.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 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.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF PAINTED PAVEMENT
MARKING SERVICES – HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
authorize the Highway Department to purchase services from Alpha
Space Control Co., Inc., to line strip 2,142,857 linear feet at
$0.042 per linear foot on various roads located in the Eastern,
Southern, and Western sections of the County in the amount of
$90,000, through the City of Hagerstown’s Painted Pavement
Marking Contract #04-04-PM-03, in accordance with the terms and
conditions of that contract and approval of a Resolution
pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws of
Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously approved.
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE SIX
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MITIGATION PROPOSAL – DEERFIELD KNOLLS
Kathleen Maher, Planning Director for the City of Hagerstown,
and Bruce Pitts, representing Revere Development Company, met
with the Commissioners to request approval of a mitigation
proposal under Section 8.3A of the City’s Adequate Public
Facilities Ordinances (APFO) for Deerfield Knolls. Ms. Maher
informed the Commissioners that the Mayor and City Council
adopted an ordinance on May 23 to create a Planned Unit
Development overlay on property on the west side of North
Burhans Boulevard for an 82-unit townhouse development known as
Deerfield Knolls.
Ms. Maher outlined the neighborhood revitalization benefits and
improvements provided by the development. She noted that the
Board of Education’s Facilities Committee found that the project
failed the Board of Education’s current mitigation policy;
however, the Board found that the project does meet the criteria
for a revitalization project. Ms. Maher stated that the
mitigation program associated with this development proposes a
reasonable limitation of 35 building permits per year starting
in 2007. This would prolong the build-out of the community
until 2010, which is when Winter Street Elementary is scheduled
to double in capacity, providing significantly more than the 20
seats required for this development. The Board of Education’s
review of this application noted that there is adequate capacity
in the middle and high schools serving the development. The
meeting was then opened for questions and discussion.
Commissioner Kercheval expressed concern regarding the impact to
South Hagerstown High School and with the phasing schedule for
sewer capacity allocation with regard to the developers that are
already waiting for allocation. He also asked for additional
information on the improvements planned for Winter Street
Elementary School. After discussion, Commissioner Snook
suggested that this item be tabled until the developer can meet
with Board of Education and representatives from the City and
County staff to determine if the area could be redistricted for
high school students to attend North High and to resolve the
mitigation issues. The Commissioners agreed to address the
matter in September if possible.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – OFFICE FURNISHINGS FOR
COURT HOUSE ANNEX RENOVATION PROJECT
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to
authorize the Circuit Court Administration to purchase office
furnishings from Office Suppliers, Inc. for the Court House
Annex Renovation Project in the amount of $53,068.30, through
the U.S. Communities Contract No. RQ01-411313-16, in accordance
with the terms and conditions of that contract and approval of a
Resolution pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public
Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously
approved.
FINAL REPORT OF THE WATER & SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION
Merle Elliott, Chair of the Water & Sewer Infrastructure
Commission, appeared before the Commissioners to outline the
Commission’s final report. He provided an overview of the
report and stated that the County would be faced with finite
limits on availability and discharge limits. He recommended that
careful and coordinated planning be done between all
governmental bodies in the County and emphasized the need to
increase overall cooperation and coordination among all county
jurisdictions on planning related to the ultimate limitations on
water sources and regulatory restrictions on nutrient discharges
into Chesapeake Bay tributaries.
“Observations and Conclusions” of the Infrastructure Commission
include the findings that countywide procedures or processes
should be implemented to assure maximization to the entire
county of its total available capabilities and resources. The
report also noted that there is limited coordination between
governmental bodies and agencies.
Recommendations included update of Comprehensive Plans, update
of the County’s Water and Sewer Plan, Coordination of water and
sewer facilities in Washington County, and consideration of
evaluation of merger or consolidation of water and sewer
operations. Wastewater loading
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE SEVEN
limitations must be seriously addressed. The report stated that
“Immediate steps to develop cooperative approaches among all
governmental bodies and all water and sewer utilities in the
county are necessary to insure that the interests of the entire
county are carefully addressed.” The meeting was opened for
questions and discussion regarding the report. Commissioner
Snook thanked Mr. Elliott and the Infrastructure Commission for
their work in developing the report.
UPDATE ON GOAL #2 – URBAN GROWTH AREA ZONING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
AND SCHEDULE
Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, and Stephen Goodrich,
Chief Planner, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed
plan and schedule to implement Goal #2 – Urban Growth Area
Zoning Implementation Plan and Schedule. Mr. Goodrich stated
that, as a result of lessons learned during the rural area
rezoning, it should be attempted to obtain focused community
input in the beginning of the project. He recommended that an
advisory committee be assigned specific issues to address. Mr.
Goodrich also recommended that the membership should cover a
broad spectrum of community interests and concerns, but is not a
substitute for citizen input. He outlined specific tasks that
could be assigned to them. After input from the Commissioners,
Mr. Goodrich agreed to provide additional information regarding
their concerns.
REZONING MAP AMENDMENT RZ-06-002 (HASHEMPOUR CONSULTING &
MANAGEMENT, LLC, ET AL.)
Misty Wagner-Grillo, Senior Planner, and Michael Thompson,
Director of the Planning Department, reviewed the staff report
and Planning Commission findings for rezoning case RZ-06-002, as
submitted by Hashempour Consulting & Management, LLC, et al. to
rezone 178.80 acres of land located on the west side of MD Route
65 from A -Agricultural to RV – Rural Village. Ms. Wagner-
Grillo stated that the subject property includes three (3)
parcels of land. She stated that the Planning Commission
recommended denial of this map amendment.
Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, stated that the purpose
of today’s session is for the Commissioners to discuss the case
with the hope that they will reach a consensus. He would then
develop findings of fact and an articulation of reasons for the
decision, which would be brought back for a final vote at the
next Commissioners’ meeting. Each Commissioner then commented
on the application.
Commissioner Kercheval stated that he does not support the
request and noted that the application is not consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan, which would increase the size of the
Rural Village of Lappans by 169 percent. He indicated that
there is no water and sewerage service planned for the subject
property and that staff followed guidelines from the State that
did not recommend adding large vacant parcels to existing rural
villages. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the existing
agricultural classification is appropriate.
It was the consensus of the Commissioners to deny the request
RZ-06-002, and the Commissioners asked Mr. Downey to draft the
appropriate findings for a final vote at its next meeting.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ANNEXATION REQUEST – A06-03 – SHAOOL
Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development,
met with the Commissioners to review the annexation request
before the City of Hagerstown for the Shaool property. Mr.
Thompson stated that the property consists of 5.948 acres of
land on the east side of Eastern Boulevard between Security Road
and the YMCA. The proposed zoning R-1 – Residential is
consistent with the RS-Residential Suburban zoning.
The plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission which
recommended a second entrance be provided and provisions for
school bus access be addressed. The staff found the request to
be consistent with the adopted 2002 Comprehensive Plan. It was
recommended that the developer be required to provide any
additional rights-of-way necessary for the widening of Eastern
Boulevard and make a final commitment in the amount agreed upon
by the City and County toward the construction of the
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE EIGHT
improvements along the frontage of the development. Mr.
Thompson stated that these recommendations have been forwarded
to the City. 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.
Commissioner Nipps cited concerns with flooding on the parcel,
access onto Eastern Boulevard, the inadequacy of Antietam Drive,
and traffic issues. She noted that the development should have
access to Klick Way. The Commissioners asked Mr. Thompson to
find out if Eastern Boulevard is a limited access road and
expressed concerns about the entrance. Commissioner Kercheval
stated that the density proposed does not fit with the exiting
homes in area. He also commented about the need for the
developer to dedicate rights-of-way for road improvements and
buffering.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by
Wivell, to concur with the determination of the Planning staff
that the proposed annexation or R-1 for the Shaool property as
submitted to the City of Hagerstown is consistent with the
adopted Comprehensive Plan and asked that their numerous
concerns and comments regarding the project be forwarded to the
City for the City’s consideration. Unanimously approved.
2006 ON BEHALF OF (OBO) LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION
PROGRAM
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to assign
Washington County’s 2006 housing bond allocation in the amount
of $3,943,196 to the Community Development Administration for
use in the Maryland Mortgage On Behalf of (OBO) Program for
first-time homebuyers. Unanimously approved.
INDEPENDENT FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PROPOSED BIO-DIESEL FACILITY
Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development
Commission (EDC), and Robin Ferree, EDC Business Development
Specialist, requested approval of a Resolution to Endorse Grant
of an Amount not to Exceed $42,000 from the Maryland Economic
Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) to the
Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. for a
bio-diesel facility feasibility study.
Mr. Troxell informed the Commissioners that the EDC has been
working with a Chesapeake Bio-Energy, LLC, that intends to
construct a large integrated soybean extraction and bio-diesel
facility in Western Maryland. Representatives of the company
have met with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic
Development (DBED). The State and private financing community
are requiring that an independent feasibility study be conducted
before funding is finalized. DBED would provide 70% of the cost
of the study with Washington County’s concurrence to fund the
remaining 30%. Mr. Troxell stated that a not-to-exceed cost of
$60,000 has been estimated for the study. Washington County’s
local match would not exceed $18,000 for the study.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the Resolution to Endorse Grant of an Amount not to
Exceed $42,000 from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance
Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) to the Hagerstown-Washington County
Industrial Foundation, Inc. for a bio-diesel facility
feasibility study, and to approve a County match not to exceed
$18,000. Unanimously approved.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – JULIE PIPPEL
Commissioner Snook presented Julie Pippel with a certificate of
merit in recognition of having received her Bachelors Degree in
Business Administration, graduating magna cum laude, and
commended her for her dedication and perseverance. The
Commissioners congratulated her on this achievement. Ms. Pippel
thanked the Commissioners for the Certificate.
FAA GRANT – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
approve an FAA grant in the amount of $289,085 for engineering
services for the addition
AUGUST 8, 2006
PAGE NINE
to the Rescue and Firefighting Building at the Hagerstown
Regional Airport. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Munson, seconded by Nipps, at 4:45 p.m. to
discuss personnel matters relating to the appointment,
employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion,
compensation, removal, and/or resignation of an appointee,
employee, or official 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, consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a
business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain
in the State, and to consider the acquisition of real property
for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to
reconvene in open session at 5:29 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed four (4) matters
relating to the employment, appointment, assignment, promotion,
discipline, demotion, compensation, removal and/or resignation
of an appointee, employee or official over whom the
Commissioners have jurisdiction and other personnel matters
affecting one or more specific individuals, consulted with
counsel to obtain legal advice, considered a matter that
concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to
locate, expand, or remain in the State, and considered one
matter relating to the acquisition of real property for a public
purpose. 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
John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk C. Downey, Assistant
County Attorney; Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni
Bittner, County Clerk; David Hankinson, Director of Human
Resources; Tim Troxell, Director of the Economic Development
Commission (EDC); Robin Ferree, EDC Business Development
Specialist; Debra Murray, Director of Finance; and Greg Murray,
Director of the Water Quality Department.
EMPLOY ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN II AND UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTOR AT WATER QUALITY DEPARTMENT AND APPROVE PROPOSED
REORGANIZATION OF THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to
approve hiring Raymond Riner as Engineering Technician II and
Randy McPeak as Utilities Construction Inspector at the Water
Quality Department and to approve the proposed reorganization of
the Purchasing Department to delete a Buyer position, create a
Procurement Specialist II position (Grade 10), to promote Brandi
Naugle to this new position, and to fill the Procurement
Specialist I vacancy. Unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Nipps, to
adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Unanimously approved.
,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
___________________________,
County Clerk