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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070320 March 20, 2007 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 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 – MARCH 13, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of March 13, 2007. Motion carried with Commissioners Aleshire, Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Local Management Board, Public Golf Corporation Board and the 2+2 Committee with the Board of Education. He stated that the City of Hagerstown has transportation priorities scheduled on its agenda tonight and asked for an update on our efforts. Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, informed the Board that he would be attending the City’s meeting and would be coming in with a presentation for the County’s priorities in the coming weeks. Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the orientation session at the Purchasing Department. He informed the Commissioners that he also attended the informational meeting at the Maugansville Ruritan Club regarding the Maugans Avenue reconstruction project and complimented the County’s staff on their presentation. Commissioner Baker also cited a recent letter to the editor of the local newspaper concerning televising County Commissioners’ meetings. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the City of Hagerstown awareness presentation regarding the Leitersburg Pike/Marsh Pike intersection project and the Eastern Boulevard bypass. He informed the Commissioners that he attended the celebration of the return of the C-82 “boxcar” aircraft to the Hagerstown Regional Airport. HUMAN RESOURCES BUDGET PRESENTATION BUDGET WORKSHOP – SALARY AND BENEFITS RECOMMENDATIONS Dee Hawbaker, Acting Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to present salary and benefits recommendations for the fiscal year 2008 budget. Ms. Hawbaker provided a summary of current benefits for their information. She stated that staff is requesting a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for retirees. She also recommended that the Retirement Committee review a proposal to include a 1% annual COLA into the retirement plan. Ms. Hawbaker informed the Commissioners that she is proposing an increase in the short-term disability benefit from 70% of pay, not to exceed $500 per week, to a maximum of $800/week. Health Insurance Review – Ms. Hawbaker reviewed recommendations for changes to the health insurance plan. She proposed an increase of 2.1% for health insurance, 3.2% for vision and 1.0% for dental, which would maintain the current proportions with the employees contributing 10.2% of the total cost and the employer contributing 89.8% percent. She indicated that this would increase the General Fund contribution. Ms. Hawbaker informed the Commissioners that the County is currently on target to maintain its reserves. Debbie Peyton, Insurance Administrator, reviewed the CareEssentials program provided through CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Ms. Hawbaker provided a twelve-year staffing history, salary scale history, and employment activity during the fiscal year. Also provided were the salary step scales for the Sheriff’s Detention Center and Patrol officers. Ms. Hawbaker and Mr. Murray recommended reinstatement of the Salary Review Committee to review all personnel reclassification and MARCH 20, 2007 PAGE TWO additional compensation requests prior to the annual budget presentation. They recommended that a review of one-third of the work force be performed each year and recommended changes to the salary structure. Ms. Hawbaker stated that they are requesting an overall increase of 3.5% plus merit for all non-uniformed employees. The Salary Review Committee will review the reclassification and additional salary requests. It was also recommended that a flat $1,000 be added to salaries of those individuals who did not receive an additional 4% last year as part of an internal salary review. Ms. Hawbaker stated that uniformed personnel went to a step scale effective October 2006 and they are requesting a 2% COLA in FY 2008. She indicated that she is recommending that a flat $1,000 be given rather than the requested COLA. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. Ms. Hawbaker reviewed the personnel requests for new positions. The following positions in the General Fund are being recommended: GIS Database Administrator (IT); Deputy Sheriffs (2) for Court Security with a hiring date of 1/08 (Judicial); Patrol – 6 Deputy Sheriffs with approved hiring for 9/1/07; Deputy Sheriff (Domestic Violence – currently grant funded); Building Maintenance Worker; Advanced Life Support Technicians – 12 (Fire & Emergency Services); Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Service (Fire & Emergency Services); Deputy Chief Engineer (Engineering), Construction Inspectors - 3 (Engineering). The following part-time positions are being recommended: Detention Center – Barber; Black Rock Golf Course –Course Maintenance; Water Quality – 2 Guards; and Highway 5 Equipment Operator I positions PROCLAMATION –AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Julie Barr- Strasburg, Executive Director of the Washington County Office of the American Red Cross, designating March 2007 as “American Red Cross Month” and designating March 20 as “Hometown Heroes Day” in recognition of the volunteers who donate time, blood or money, coordinate blood drives, teach lifesaving courses, and provide emergency services. Ms. Barr-Strasburg thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Gerry Ditto suggested changes to the Commissioners’ meeting schedule to include more important agenda items in the mornings around Citizen Participation time. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Gregory Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that Mayor McCleaf from the Town of Williamsport has requested that the Commissioners send a letter of support for the Town’s application to the Maryland Historic Trust to build carriages for Civil War cannons. The Commissioners approved the request. Mr. Murray informed the Commissioners that he would be providing information on permit activity on a regular basis. He stated that the Health Department has scheduled a press conference at the Sheriff’s Department on April 20 regarding underage drinking and has invited the Commissioners to attend. Mr. Murray stated that the new agenda policy is now in effect and that the packets for next week’s meeting will be on their desks today. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, is in Annapolis today to testify before the State Senate on proposed legislation concerning the Stormwater Management Act. He also noted that Kevin Cerrone, Transportation Manager, received the Community Partnership Award from the Department of Social Services for partnering on the JOBS Program. Mr. Kroboth stated that the cost of snow removal for last week’s storm was $158,923. Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, announced that this would be Herald-Mail reporter Tara Reilly’s last week covering the County Commissioner meetings. The Commissioners wished her well. MARCH 20, 2007 PAGE THREE PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICTS The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 11:00 a.m. to consider applications AD-06-018, AD-06-015, AD-06-019, AD-06- 001, and AD-06-007 for ten-year agricultural preservation districts. Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, provided background information regarding the program. Holly Thibault, Land Preservation and Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed each of the applications for consideration. Mr. Seifarth noted that the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board has approved the applications and the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistentwith the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was opened for public comment. Jerry Ditto commented that it can be disadvantageous to have an easement on a property for 10 years. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve applications AD-06-018 (submitted by Kriner Farms, LLC), AD-06-015 (submitted by Theodore Rosenberry), AD-06-019 (submitted by Robert Martz), and AD-06-007 (submitted by Rodney Dill), for 10-year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. COMPREHENSIVE TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION STRATEGIES Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP), met with the Commissioners to discuss the transfer of the award of the Comprehensive Teen Pregnancy Prevention Strategies program. Ms. Stone asked that the Sole Source award for public awareness and resource development services be transferred from the Washington County Health Department to the Community Action Council due to procurement issues. She stated that this is in conjunction with recommendations from the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition. Ms. Stone explained that the purpose of the service is to use the carry forward funds to provide increased public awareness of the prevalence and consequences of teen pregnancy among Washington County youth, improvement access to basic, accurate information regarding sexual activity and promote the availability of teen pregnancy prevention education and resources. She indicated that the total funding allocated was originally $108,897 in carry-forward funds from the WCCP. Since FY 2007, approximately $11,055.19 has been spent with $97,841.81 remaining to be transferred from the Health Department to CAC. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions from the Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the request to transfer the grant funds for Comprehensive Teen Pregnancy Prevention Strategies from the Washington County Health Department to the Community Action Council. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH AND BUDGET PRESENTATION - HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and presentation of the FY 2008 budget with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College. MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES – HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC, to provide an overview of the budget, the budgeting process, and the funding breakdown between the State and County. HCC is requesting $7,942,583 from Washington County in FY 2008. The Trustees also reviewed their Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget requests. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:15 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 – WASHINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC), met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2008 proposed budget. Mr. Miller stated that the total request for FY 2008 is MARCH 20, 2007 PAGE FOUR $1,252,535, which includes $1,114,035 for operations under the contract, $50,000 for the SNAP program, and $88,500 for hiring an additional Animal Control Officer and purchasing a vehicle. Mr. Miller outlined the number and category of field service calls and provided statistics on animals admitted to the shelter and dispositions. PROCLAMATION – COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Earl Stoner, Deputy Director of the Washington County Health Department, and Kimberly Rasch, Health Services Division Director, designating the month of March 2007 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Washington County to remind the public that early screening is the most valuable form of protection and urging citizens to talk with their physicians about risk factors, symptoms and recommendations. Mr. Stoner thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. PRESENTATION OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUEST Earl Stoner, Deputy Health Officer, presented the fiscal year 2008 budget request of $2,674,763 for the County share of the Health Department’s budget. He stated that this is an increase of $300,519 over last year’s budget with the majority of the request used to partially cover the unfunded mandate approved by the State giving raises to their employees totaling over $500,000. The FY 2008 budget for School Health Nurses is $5,708,944. Mr. Stoner then reviewed significant changes requested in the budget. He provided an overview of some achievements of the Health Department over the past year. These include implementation of the flu mist project, acquiring State funding for a “Safe Routes to School” grant, and being active in public awareness campaigns. The meeting was then opened for questions regarding the budget and the programs offered. Thomas Pianta, Chair of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health, stated that the Commission has approved the budget and supports it. CONTRACT AWARD – BOILER REPLACEMENT AT WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for the boiler replacement at the Washington County Health Department to T.A. Gorman, Inc., which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $60,500 and to fund up to $19,000 for engineering services from Gipe Associates, Inc. Engineering Contractors. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION (DDA) FUNDS TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF CHILDCARE PROVIDERS TO SERVE YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to award the contract for DDA funds to Build the Capacity of Child Care Providers to Serve Youth with Special Needs to APPLES for Children, Inc. in the amount of $30,536 which has been approved by the Washington County Community Partnership Board. Unanimously approved. CONTRACT AWARD – INSURANCE BROKERAGE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management Services to Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs of Baltimore, Inc. which submitted the lowest proposal cost of $75,000 per year for each of the three (3) contract years, totaling $225,000. The Commissioners asked for a presentation of the options when the analysis is complete. Unanimously approved. RECOMMENDATION FOR REJECTION OF BIDS – AGRICULTURE MUSEUM Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, met with the Commissioners to discuss their recommendation to reject all bids for the construction of the new Agriculture Museum. Ms. Luther stated that funding in the amount of $200,000 ($75,000 State funding and $125,000 contributions) was approved for the project and lowest bid received was $385,677. In light of the budgetary constraints, he asked that the all bids be rejected. Mr. Sterling reviewed items that could be eliminated to help lower the cost when the project is rebid. Mr. Sterling stated that State funding MARCH 20, 2007 PAGE FIVE expires July 1, 2007 and that he will attempt to get an extension on the funding. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to approve the recommendation to reject all bids for the construction of the new Agriculture Museum and to revise the specifications and rebid the project when funding, including a 5% contingency, is secured. Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:59 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSION - STRATEGIC PLANNING AND COMMISSIONERS’ FOUR- YEAR INITIATIVES The Commissioners met at 4:15 p.m. to begin planning for four- year initiatives and to set goals for 2007. Greg Murray, County Administrator, provided the Commissioners with a copy of the 2002-2006 Commissioner initiatives and 2006 County goals. The Commissioners discussed items to include in the four-year initiatives. Mr. Murray agreed to send out a matrix for each Commissioner to complete so they will all be working from the same structural format. The Commissioners discussed items to consider for solid waste, planning, and emergency services. They also indicated that they would like to adopt a rotation schedule for updating policies and a mechanism for citizens to provide input. Mr. Murray stated that he would take the information they provide, classify it into four-year initiatives or goals, and present it to them in that format for discussion on April 10. Commissioner Aleshire noted that he hopes to have the process finalized by the end of April. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:11 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk