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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070116 January 16, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m. The following Board of Education members were present: Ed Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Bernadette Wagner, Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, and Wayne Ridenour. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations; and Robert Rollins, Acting Director of Facilities Planning and Development. Pupil Generation Rates Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, and Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations, appeared before the group to discuss pupil generation rates. Mr. Michael stated that the Board of Education adjusted the rates in December 2005 to the following: Single Family .36 .18 .22 .77 Town Homes .24 .06 .07 .37 Multi-Family .13 .057 .066 .253 Mr. Thompson and Mr. Michael recommended that the pupil generation rates remain unchanged for the next year. Mr. Michael informed the Commissioners that the Board is in the process of utilizing a GIS program that will assist them in more accurately determining the rate. He stated that he is reluctant to change the rates at this time and feels they should wait until the GIS system is up and running. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. Commissioner Kercheval expressed his concern that there was no supporting data to verify the rates chosen and indicated that he feels there are ways to obtain more accurate calculations. He suggested that they run a search comparing the County’s new permit data with the Board’s student database to determine actual pupil generation from new homes being built over the last three years. He explained that the information should be broken down to better determine the trends. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the recommendation to maintain the current pupil generation rates for 2007 to be used in determining school adequacy under the APFO, as presented by staff, which are to be reviewed and approved on an annual basis by the Board following the reporting of the September 30 enrollment figures to the State. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Aleshire, Baker and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval voting “NO.” Dr. Morgan recommended that they meet as soon as possible to determine the exact information Commissioner Kercheval is looking for and then make sure that the pieces are in place to obtain it. Maugansville Elementary School – Advisory School Design Review Committee Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the Advisory School Design Review Committee has completed its review of the construction drawings for Maugansville Elementary School. Mr. Rohrer stated that the Committee expressed concern about the costs of a standing seam metal roof versus a built-up roof and requested a comparison of the lifecycle. Although there were no conclusions drawn, the Committee feels that this concept should be examined more closely before applying it to large-scale school projects in the future. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the Committee has approved the drawings for advertisement pending funding for the budgetary shortfall. He stated that the consultant’s estimate is $20,988,128 including $2.25 million for site work. Mr. Rohrer indicated that the Committee also recommended that the Board hold the bid opening later in the day to allow contractors adequate time and to allow a 30-day calendar difference between bid openings for Westfields and Maugansville schools. He stated that there were concerns about the amount of construction debris and asked that alternatives for recycling be considered. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the recommendation of the Advisory School Facilities Design Committee and approve advertisement and bidding of the Maugansville Elementary School JANUARY 16, 2007 PAGE TWO project. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Aleshire, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” Status of Maugansville, Pangborn and Westfields Elementary Schools Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, stated that the three elementary schools are the County’s highest priority. He indicated that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee would be meeting next week to discuss funding the projects. Mr. Shoop indicated that funding would come from a mix of excise tax, pay-go funding, and bond funding. Prevailing Wage Law and Local School Construction Mr. Michael and Mr. Rollins reviewed information on the prevailing wage law. Mr. Rollins stated that it is required for State-funded projects when the project’s construction cost is greater than $500,000 and State allocation is greater than or equal to 50% of the project’s construction cost. He informed the Commissioners that Maugansville Elementary would be bid without the prevailing wages and Westfields and Pangborn Elementary would be bid both with and without prevailing wages. Commissioner Aleshire asked for information on statewide projects that have received greater than 50% of State funding. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:27 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:40 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to convene in closed session at 9:41 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, or compensation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction and any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; 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, with the provision that only the County Commissioners and County Clerk be included in the personnel portion of the session. After discussion of who should be present during the session, the motion was amended by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to permit the Acting Human Resources Director and County Attorney to be included in the personnel portion of the session. The Main Motion as amended was unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed from 11:53 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. for lunch and continued in Closed Session. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 3:46 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed three (3) personnel matters relating to the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction and other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were: JANUARY 16, 2007 PAGE THREE John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Rod Shoop, County Administrator; Dee Hawbaker, Acting Director of Human Resources; Sheriff Douglas Mullendore; Major Van Evans, Washington County Detention Center; Colonel Randy Wilkinson, Sheriff’s Department; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Joseph Kroboth, Deputy Director of Public Works; and three potential candidates for employment. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL RECOGNITION Sheriff Douglas Mullendore recognized the following employees for their recent promotions and provided background information on each individual: Patrol - Colonel Randy Wilkinson; Major Robert G. Leatherman, Jr., Major Sam Billotti (Professional Services Unit). Detention – Corporal Daniel Harrison and Deputy First Class Robert “John” Long, II, William Mills, and Robert Reid. UPDATE - ACTIVITIES AT WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Joseph Ruzicka, Executive Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the Museum’s activities and the celebrations planned th for the Museum’s 75 anniversary. CITIZEN’S PARTICIPATION Scott Frey appeared before the Commissioners to discuss his dissatisfaction with the stormwater management pond near his residence in the Hampton’s of Brightwood. He reviewed background information and provided a list of unresolved issues. Mr. Frey stated that the developer has been less than cooperative and has not followed through on the required screenings, fencing, and plantings. Commissioner Kercheval asked that staff return next week with additional information on the developer’s requirements. John Himes met with the Commissioners to express a variety of concerns including dogs running at large, high-powered rifles, improvements to Valley Road, and the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Keep Tryst Road and Valley Road. LAND ACQUISITION – REGIONAL AIRPORT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the purchase of property located at 14320 Pennsylvania Avenue from Carol Alphin in the amount of $300,000 plus closing costs, with funding to be taken from the Airport’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Reserve and the remainder from CIP General Reserve. The staff will request reimbursement from the FAA in fiscal year 2009. This property was identified in the Future Land Acquisition Plan for the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 9, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the minutes of January 9, 2007. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval asked that the 2007 legislative issues be placed on next week’s agenda for review prior to the trip to Annapolis on January 24 to meet with the Local Delegation to the General Assembly. Commissioner Barr stated that he would not be available to install officers at the Commission on Aging meeting due to the trip to Annapolis. Commissioner Aleshire agreed to do the installation if he does not go to Annapolis. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company banquet. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he met with the individuals who appealed the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision with regard to construction of the new Washington County Hospital to ask them to reconsider as a private citizen and not on behalf of the County Commissioners. He stated that the suit could increase costs to the JANUARY 16, 2007 PAGE FOUR Hospital of $120 to $140 million and feels it would impact County citizens. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, asked the Commissioners to include an additional item in the 2007 legislative package. Mr. Downey stated that the Attorney General’s Office has determined that the County needs to include a bill to approve and enact the newly updated version of the Code of Public Local Laws. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to approve the request. Major Sam Billotti of the Sheriff’s Department clarified the request to amend the fire police bill from how it was initially presented. He stated that the Sheriff would like to limit the fire police role and asked that they be identified as fire police with limited authority controlling traffic and security on the scene. The Commissioners approved the request but asked to see the final language next week for further discussion. FINAL CHANGE ORDER – FY 2006 PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to approve the final change order for the FY 2006 pavement management program with C. William Hetzer, Inc., in the amount of $337,722.14 to cover asphalt price increases and line item increases. Unanimously approved. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve a budget transfer of $107,218 to increase the pavement management program from developer contributions to the County (John R. Oliver - $27,000 and Beazer Homes - $80,218) to permit required improvements to be incorporated into the County’s program. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:13 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk Commissioners Barr and Aleshire will meet at the Department of Water Quality at 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, on January 17 as part of the newly elected County Commissioners’ orientation program to discuss operations and to tour the facilities.