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HomeMy WebLinkAbout070403 Commissioners Barr, Baker, and Aleshire met at the Recreation Department at Hagerstown Community College on April 2 as part of the newly elected County Commissioners’ orientation program to discuss operations and tour the facilities. April 3, 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: Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William 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 27, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of March 27, 2007. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the orientation session at the Recreation Department. He noted that the Department has no agreement with Hagerstown Community College (HCC) for use of the Athletic Recreation Community Center (ARCC) and that this should be included on the list of goals to be accomplished. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the C-Safe meeting. He reported on the meetings of the 2+2 Committee with the City, MACo Legislative Committee, and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Board that he met with a developer regarding mitigation for a potential project. He noted that there was an article in The County News regarding new landfill initiatives and technology. Commissioner Barr reported on the meetings of the Museum of Fine Arts Board and the MACo Legislative Committee. He stated that he attended the Health Awareness Initiative “Walk Across Maryland” at Hancock. Commissioner Barr also noted that he attended HCC’s annual endowment fundraiser, Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraiser/auction, and the Spring Open House at the Agricultural Education Center. He asked if one of the Commissioners would be able to be a judge at the Maugansville barbeque cook-off on April 28 since he would be out of town that day. BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE – BUDGET PRESENTATION Dick Roulette, Chairperson of the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors; Darrell Whittington, Director of Golf; and John Kain, Golf Course Superintendent, presented the FY 2008 budget request for Black Rock Golf Course of $1,284,480. Mr. Roulette provided a history of the Golf Course. He noted that the only source of revenue is from greens fees/cart rentals and outlined the fixed costs and variables that are unique to the golf course. Mr. Whittington reviewed the minor rate increases proposed for next fiscal year and the rate comparisons with other courses in the area. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, outlined a proposed Management Plan to become effective July 1: 1) Work to restore cash balance and remove current reserve requirement. 2) Treat the current balance of $117,760 relating to equipment as contributed capital, thereby releasing the expenditure requirement of $47,100 through January 2010. 3) Place the Golf Course under the Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Department. 4) Release the restriction on the Howard Trust and revert back to the original trust agreement. Place investment and earnings in Capital Improvement fund for capital use related to items. 5) Write new agreement with the Golf Course Board of Directors. 6) Review the management plan after three years to analyze the restructuring and determine self- support function. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Wivell requested a report on the proposed management plan every six months. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the management plan for Black Rock Golf Course as proposed by staff to become effective July 1, 2007, contingent upon a report being given to the Commissioners every six months. Unanimously approved. APRIL 3, 2007 PAGE TWO PUBLIC HEARING – MODIFICATION OF WATER & SEWER RATES AND FEES FOR FY 2008 A public hearing to consider the proposed rates for water and sewer service for FY 2008 was called to order at 9:37 a.m. Julie Pippel, cting Director of the Water Quality Department, reviewed the recommendation for a 4% increase in water revenue and 3% increase in sewer revenue. She reviewed the rates proposed for each classification of customer. Non-metered accounts are proposed to increase from $118.60 to $122.80 per quarter. Ms. Pippel stated that the sewer allocation fee for full-serve sewer service customers is proposed to increase from $3,500 to $5,900. The Commissioners discussed the recommendations and options presented. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The public hearing was adjourned at 9:49 a.m. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to adopt the resolution modifying the water and sewer rates and allocation fees for fiscal year 2008 as presented at the public hearing for a 4% increase in water revenue and 3% increase in sewer revenue, to become effective July 1, 2007. Unanimously approved. (A copy of Resolution # RS-07- 003 can be found in the County Commissioners’ Office). JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – MODIFICATION OF CHARGES, RENTALS AND FEES FOR FY 2008 – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners and the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission was convened at 9:52 a.m. to hear testimony regarding the proposed increase in current charges, rentals and fees at the Airport. Also present at the hearing were Airport Advisory Commission member Tom Henderson. Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, reviewed the proposed rates and charges. She stated that the average increase in rates being requested is 4%. The meeting was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The hearing was closed at 9:58 a.m. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to adopt the resolution adopting changes to charges, rentals, and fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport with the rate increases for FY 2008 as proposed to become effective July 1, 2007. Unanimously Approved. (A copy of Resolution # RS-07-004 can be found in the County Commissioners’ Office). PUBLIC HEARING – FY 2007 INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PROGRAM EASEMENTS (BOWMAN, MARTIN NEWCOMER & ZIEM) A public hearing to consider the proposed Installment Payment Program (IPP) easement payment schedules for Tricia Bowman Clopper, Myron Martin, Kathleen Newcomer, and Ruth Ziem was called to order at 10:10 a.m. Eric Seifarth, Rural Preservation Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the IPP allows the County to leverage transfer tax funds over a ten-year payment plan with a 3 percent interest rate. Easement values for the properties have been established. Mr. Seifarth stated that the cost for these four projects (easement values plus interest) equals $3,328,981.23. He estimated title and settlement costs to average about $1,800 per property. Peter Vorac, Director of the Mid-Maryland Land Trust, informed the Commissioners that the Trust received $592,000 in Federal Ranch Protection Program grants to help leverage the County money to purchase the Newcomer easement. The meeting was opened for public comment. A letter received from Aldine Moser, Jr., in support of the Bowman easement was submitted for the record. After taking questions from the Commissioners, the meeting was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The hearing was closed at 10:40 a.m. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the Installment Payment Program (IPP) as presented for the purchase of easements from Tricia Bowman Clopper, Myron Martin, Kathleen Newcomer, and Ruth Ziem as presented by staff. Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Kercheval, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire “ABSTAINING.” APRIL 3, 2007 PAGE THREE CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Don Lytle, Chief of the Sharpsburg Area Emergency Medical Service, spoke in support of the Emergency Medical Services plan for the future and outlined the current challenges they face with staffing, training, and financial constraints. RESH ROAD LANDFILL II CLOSURE, PHASE 1, CLOSURE CAP CONSTRUCTION – CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve Change Order No. 4 with Pavex, Inc. for the Resh Road Landfill II Closure, Phase I project in the amount of $738,156.90 for additional work above and beyond the contract and quantity overruns to address site conditions that were not in accordance with the construction plans. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he is trying to get the tax set-off presentation scheduled on the May 21 agenda of the local Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting. Mr. Murray reminded the Commissioners that the Health Department has scheduled a press conference at the Sheriff’s Department on April 20 regarding underage drinking. He stated that a letter was sent to the National Park Service via e-mail in support of including local C&O National Canal Park projects in the Centennial Initiative Challenge. Mr. Murray informed the Commissioners that a letter was received from the State Department of Agriculture requesting additional funding from the County for Gypsy Moth initiatives. He stated that $26,000 was included in this year’s budget and the State has requested $46,500 as the County’s share of the cost. After discussion, it was the consensus to maintain the budget for gypsy moth spraying at $26,000. The Commissioners discussed the request from the State that an additional $3,500 be added to expand the current mosquito control program in the County. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he would like to see a more systematic approach to the areas being sprayed. It was the consensus of the Commissioners not to increase the funding at this time. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects, informed the Commissioners that he is attempting to obtain additional information on the septic bioreactor that was featured in an article in the National Association of Counties (NACo) newsletter. He stated that the facility is currently being utilized in Michigan. Mr. Rohrer indicated that he met with Rodney Tissue, Hagerstown City Engineer last week regarding transportation issues. (Commissioner Baker arrived at 11:21 a.m.) ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL ACTION RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF $5,000,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS (RAMPF MOLDS INDUSTRIES, INC.) Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, met with the Commissioners to present a request made by Rampf Molds Industries, Inc. requesting the issuance by the County Commissioners of one or more series of its economic development revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000. The bonds will be used by the Borrower to finance or refinance: (i) the construction of an approximately 18,750 square foot addition to the Borrower’s existing facility located at 90 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown; (ii) the acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, including without limitation a Case Hardening Oven, milling machines, cranes straightening presses, shot blasting booth, and paint booth, and landscaping, roads or other rights of access, utilities and other facilities as may be necessary or suitable for the foregoing; (iii) capitalized interest on the bonds; and (iv) the payment of bond issuance costs. Ms. Ruppersberger stated that Washington County would only be used as a conduit to issue the bonds and would not be liable for the payments. She stated that the issuance would have no impact on the County’s borrowing limits or financial position, but the APRIL 3, 2007 PAGE FOUR resolution would allow the company to proceed to begin the project and then be reimbursed through the bond funding. Bernd Andreas, President and CEO of Rampf Molds, provided additional information regarding the use of the bond funds. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to adopt an official Action Resolution approving the issuance and sale of its economic development revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in one or more series from time to time, in order to lend the proceeds thereof to Rampf Molds Industries, Inc. solely for the purpose of financing or refinancing all or a portion of the cost of certain facilities in Washington County, Maryland, to be used by the Borrower for: i) the construction of an approximately 18,750 square foot addition to the Borrower’s existing facility located at 90 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown; (ii) the acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, including without limitation a Case Hardening Oven, milling machines, cranes straightening presses, shot blasting booth, and paint booth, and landscaping, roads or other rights of access, utilities and other facilities as may be necessary or suitable for the foregoing; (iii) capitalized interest on the bonds; and (iv) the payment of bond issuance costs.Unanimously approved. (A copy of the approved resolution, Resolution # RS-07-002 can be found in the County Commissioners’ Office.) BID AWARD – TROMMEL SCREEN Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to award the bid for a Trommel Screen to Aggregate Screens and Crushers, LLC, which submitted the low responsible, responsive bid of $122,500. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Aleshire and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” RECOMMENDATION TO ABANDON A PORTION OF POLECAT HOLLOW ROAD Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, met with the Commissioners to request authorization for the Division of Public Works (“DPW”) and the County Attorney’s Office to begin the process to convey approximately 2.4 miles of unpaved, non-maintained roadbed known as Polecat Hollow Road to the Washington County Sportsman Club, Inc. in exchange for a communications equipment site. Mr. Kuhna stated that the Club has requested that the County to convey this section of unpaved road that runs through their property due to numerous complaints of trespassing with off-road vehicles and recreation vehicles and dumping of trash. Representatives from the Sportsman Club were in attendance to speak in support of the project and answer any questions the Commissioners might have. Mr. Kuhna stated that a communications site will be necessary to cover the Blair’s Valley Lake area and the DPW would like to negotiate a transfer of land for a future communications tower site. He explained that the communications site would be approximately 150’ x 150’ in size and would be placed on a high elevation site. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to authorize Staff to begin the process to advertise the County’s intent to convey and abandon/close a 2.4 mile portion of an unpaved, non-maintained roadbed known as Polecat Hollow Road to the Washington County Sportsman Club with the understanding that property owners (Washington County Sportsman Club) would allow the Department of Public Works to provide to them a site for a future communications tower with appropriate access to the tower site and that the Washington County Sportsman Club would agree to convey said site with appropriate and acceptable access to the County in fee simple and to approve the conveyance of the portion of Polecat Hollow Road if no comments are received. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM – MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Joe Kroboth, III, Director of Public Works, requested authorization to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between various agencies of the State of Maryland and Washington County. Mr. Kroboth informed the APRIL 3, 2007 PAGE FIVE Commissioners that the Division of Public Works has negotiated an agreement with the State of Maryland to partner in the cost for site improvements to new and existing sites required by the Public Safety Communications Project. He stated that in exchange for cost sharing, the County would provide space in equipment shelters for state communications equipment. Mr. Kroboth indicated that preliminary estimates for the total site work are $2,828,700 with the State to pay $1,753,100 if partnering is approved. The meeting was then opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve and authorize the Division of Public Works on behalf of the County to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with various agencies of the State of Maryland as outlined, for partnering for site improvements needed for the Public Safety Communications Project. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:04 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:18 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 VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION (WCVFRA) Glenn Fuscsick, President of Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA) presented the FY 2008 budget request for the WCVFRA and reviewed the major changes. Mr. Fuscsick stated that the total request for FY 2008 is $1,609,580. He reviewed the proposed increases in the costs of utilities. Mr. Fuscsick also provided information on LOSAP statistics and stated that the program is working well and doing what it was intended to do. He requested additional funding of $50,000 or that the County provide an alternate location for a training facility for the WCVFRA. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. GRANT APPLICATION – WORK CREW SUPERVISOR GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to authorize submission of a grant application in the amount of $30,950 to the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the salary of a Work Crew Supervisor to oversee individuals who have received community service. Unanimously approved. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Kim Edlund, Deputy Director, met with the Commissioners to discuss the FY 2008 General Fund budget. Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that she is working on the bond issue for 2007. She stated that one of the items included in the issuance is the request to borrow $426,000 for the Board of Education’s Antietam Academy project. Ms. Murray asked if they wanted her to include this funding until a final decision is made on whether to proceed with the project and reappropriate the funds to another Board project if it is deleted or to reduce the borrowing by this amount for 2007. After discussion, it was the consensus not to borrow the money for the project and to reduce the bond funding by that amount. The Commissioners began discussions on the FY 2008 General Fund expenditures budget. Debra Murray, Director of Budget & Finance, informed the Commissioners that the general fund requests have increased by 4.7 percent. She stated that, by category, the increases as a percent of total budget are as follows: 50.37% education, 14.72% public safety, 20.27% capital and transfer related costs, and 14.64% other government programs. Ms. Murray reviewed the Board of Education’s request and informed the Commissioners that it has been reduced but will preserve maintenance of effort. She explained that the buses have been shifted from maintenance of effort into one-time costs, for total proposed funding for the Board of Education of $85,309,670. The Commissioners reviewed the budget APRIL 3, 2007 PAGE SIX proposals for Hagerstown Community College and the Washington County Free Library. They discussed the recommendation to provide a 7.2% increase or $7.4 million to HCC. The Commissioners discussed funding for the branch library facilities and the need to have the costs broken out more specifically. The Commissioners discussed providing a three percent increase ($71,776) to the Library and allowing them to determine where to use the funding. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he is willing to provide them $100,000 if the County can negotiate with the towns involved for maintaining the branch library facilities. The Commissioners agreed that there should be an agreement with the towns for maintenance of these buildings. The Commissioners began their review of the FY 2008 Sheriff’s Office budgets and Narcotics Task Force. Ms. Murray also reviewed hearing dates for the budget presentation and the State advertising requirements for the hearing if the current date of May 8 cannot be met. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 4:04 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discuss any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the state; consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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 Aleshire, to reconvene in open session at 5:13 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, or compensation of an appointee, employee or official over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed a personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; considered matters that concern the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the state; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; and consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. 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 Gregory Murray, County Administrator; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Timothy Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Robert Garver, Regional Office of the Department of Business & Economic Development; Dee Hawbaker, Acting Director of Human Resources; Brian Overcash, Safety Coordinator; Becky Maginnis, Risk Management Administrator; and Greg Larsen, Business Development Manager for the Hagerstown Regional Airport. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to adjourn at 5:13 p.m. Unanimously approved. , County Administrator , County Attorney ___________________________, County Clerk