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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070220 February 19, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland Commissioners Barr, Baker, and Aleshire met at the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department at 1307 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, and will meet at the Economic Development Commission at 100 West Washington Street on February 21 as part of the newly-elected County Commissioners’ orientation program to discuss operations and tour the facilities. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, or compensation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction and to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION AND ADJOURN Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 8:15 p.m. and adjourn. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed a personnel matter 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. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ______________________, Clerk February 20, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:45 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 13, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of February 13, 2007. Unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Cindy Mowen, Acting Human Resources Administrator, introduced new County employee Heather Snyder (State’s Attorney’s Office). The Commissioners welcomed Ms. Snyder and wished her well in her new position. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that the Hagerstown Planning Department’s Quarterly newsletter indicated that it would be accepting comments on its draft Comprehensive Plan and he hopes that the County would participate in making comments within the 60-day period. He stated that he would be attending the Western Maryland Transportation Forum on March 14. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he would like to follow up on the Farm Bureau’s request during the Agricultural Education FEBRUARY 20, 2007 PAGE TWO Center visit and also on the request to abandon a right-of- way on Polecat Hollow Road. Commissioner Wivell informed the Commissioners that the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Department donated a piece of its older fire apparatus to a fire company in Louisiana that had equipment damaged due to Hurricane Katrina. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended Smithsburg th Volunteer Fire Company’s 75 anniversary celebration. He reviewed items that were discussed at the Planning Commission workshop and noted that there were several good The Planning Journal articles in that the Commissioners may wish to read. Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the Recreation Commission’s soccer league championship game and presented awards on behalf of the Commissioners. HUMAN SERVICE TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION GRANT William Beard and Rod MacRae appeared before the Commissioners to present the recommendations of the Transportation Coordination Sub-Committee. Mr. Beard provided a history of the Committee and related that it was established as a sub-committee of the Disabilities Advisory Committee in 2005. He asked the Commissioners to approve the application for the second year of transportation grant of $40,000 to fund the development of a plan to coordinate and consolidate certain aspects of human service transportation. Mr. MacRae indicated that there are often multiple agencies/vehicles who serve clients living in the same area and who are traveling to similar destinations. These vehicles could be utilized in “off peak” hours through interagency cooperation. Mr. MacRae indicated that several local non-profit agencies, including the Department of Social Services, Commission on Aging, and Health Department, have agreed to be a part of the project. The group also recommended that the Washington County Health Department continue to be the lead agency for the grant funding and housing the position. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the application to the Maryland Transportation Administration in the amount of $40,000 for the second year of a transportation grant to coordinate and consolidate human service transportation with the Washington County Health Department to act as the lead agency. The $4,450 in-kind contribution will be provided in the Health Department’s FY 2008 budget. Unanimously approved. Peggy Martin, a member of the Transportation Subcommittee provided information on the Western Maryland Regional Transportation Planning meeting held on March 14. She stated that all transportation funds were combined into one plan and that the regional plans must be included in the State plan in order to receive funding. Ms. Martin emphasized the importance of local elected officials attending this meeting. BUDGET PRESENTATION - SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Douglas Mullendore and Colonel Randy Wilkinson presented the FY 2008 Sheriff's Department budget as follows: Judicial - $1,912,870; Process Servers - $120,740; Patrol Division - $8,053,580; and Detention Center - $9,769,240. They also presented the Narcotics Task Force budget of $472,880 and reviewed significant changes requested in the FY 2008 budget. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners regarding the budget requests. PROCLAMATION – ENERGY AWARENESS WEEK Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to David Jordan, Executive Director of the Community Action Council (CAC), designating the week of February 19-23, 2007, as Energy Awareness Week and urging all citizens to observe this week by participating in events across the State promoting awareness of the energy burden on low income families and the availability of programs to benefit to those in need. Mr. Jordan thanked FEBRUARY 20, 2007 PAGE THREE the Commissioners for the proclamation and stated that CAC processed over 4,000 applications for energy assistance this winter. APPLICATION FOR MULTI-FAMILY TAX EXEMPT BONDS Jed Henderson, representing Michaels Development Company, met with the Commissioners to provide the additional information they requested regarding the company’s application for an award of multi-family tax-exempt bonds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Michaels Development Company has asked for a letter of support from the Commissioners to include with its application. Mr. Henderson stated that the bonds would be used for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Halfway Manor Apartments. The Commissioners questioned Mr. Henderson regarding the grant process and the information he provided to them. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he would like to see the scope of services for the project. The Commissioners also asked Sheriff Mullendore to provide historical data on calls that have been made to the development over the past three years when Michaels Development Company began management of the housing complex. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, asked if there could be an Addendum to address security issues between the County and owner of the property. Sheriff Mullendore stated that “tightening” of the management of the property would be beneficial. He offered to have the Department’s Crime Prevention Unit work with Michaels Development Company to evaluate the property. Mr. Henderson stated that they would correct as many items in the report as possible. CITIZEN’S PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, would be attending the meeting of the Local Delegation to the General Assembly tomorrow morning in Annapolis and asked that they notify him today if they have anything specific they would like Mr. Downey to discuss with the Local Delegation. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that the Highway Department spent $126,177 on snow removal during last week’s storm. John Latimer, IV, Director of Fire & Emergency Services, distributed copies of a supplement to the Emergency Services Master Plan and informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association voted to support the Plan and will be making that recommendation to the County Commissioners. FUNKSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC – RESOLUTION FOR LEASE AND OPTION AGREEMENT John Martirano, County Attorney, informed the Commissioners that the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department would like to enter into a lease and option agreement to finance the purchase of a new pumper truck. Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, requires that the Fire Department obtain the approval of the Board of County Commissioners, the local governing body, in order to be eligible for the low interest financing. Mr. Martirano stated that the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department held a public hearing on February 5, 2007, as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Martirano also stated that approval of the proposed resolution would not create any obligation on behalf of the County. Dale Hill, representing the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department, provided information on the equipment and the loan Funkstown Fire Department is seeking. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the Resolution authorizing the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., to enter into a lease and option agreement with First Bankers Corporation in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $444,435 to finance one (1) KME Pumper Truck, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code FEBRUARY 20, 2007 PAGE FOUR of 1986, as amended. Unanimously approved. RECESS – GREATER HAGERSTOWN COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION FORUM AND LUNCHEON MEETING The Commissioners recessed at 11:20 a.m. to attend the Greater Hagerstown Committee’s Transportation Forum and Luncheon meeting. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:30 p.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. BUDGET PRESENTATION – DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES David Engle, Director of the Department of Social Services, introduced Ellen Hayes, David Yohman, Rollan Smith, Delores Harman, Spence Perry and Nettie Anderson-Simmons, members of the Board of Social Services, who presented the FY 2008 budget request for the Department of Social Services in the amount of $297,160. The Board members provided information on various programs and stated that the request would support the rental of space for the Family Support Center, Adult Foster Care, the School Family Liaison Program, a supplement to the Director’s salary, and a Child Advocacy Center Director position. BUDGET PRESENTATION - CITIZENS ASSISTING & SHELTERING THE ABUSED (CASA), INC. Vicki Sadehvandi, Executive Director of CASA, and Jack Hall, President of the CASA Board of Directors, presented the Board with the FY 2008 budget request of $254,490. Ms. Sadehvandi reviewed the services that CASA provides to the community and emphasized that the salaries it pays are not competitive with other agencies in the area. She stated that the request is an increase of $50,159, which would be used for salaries and fringe benefits for staff. Ms. Sadehvandi provided a detailed review of the staffing issues. The meeting was opened for questions. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 3:37 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction; discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; 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 Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 5:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom the Commissioners have jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; and considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. 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 John Martirano, County Attorney; Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Earl Stoner, Deputy Health Officer; Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager; Phil Ridenour, Airport Fire Chief; Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager; Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality and Joe Kroboth, Deputy Director of Public Works. FEBRUARY 20, 2007 PAGE FIVE ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator _____________________________________, County Attorney ______________________, Clerk