May 8, 2007
Hagerstown, MarylandThe regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:10 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire and James F. Kercheval.
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 – MAY 1, 2007
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the minutes of May 1, 2007. Unanimously approved.COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he attended the Board of Education’s meeting on redistricting and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Media Awards.
Commissioner Kercheval reported on the meetings of the Planning Commission and the 2+2 Committee with the representatives of the City of Hagerstown. He stated that he met with a developer regarding excise tax issues.
Commissioner Baker noted that he has received several calls from municipalities regarding whether the Commissioners would be scheduling meetings with them. The Commissioners indicated that they plan to schedule the meetings after the FY 2008 budget is finalized.
Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he has had a large number of telephone calls regarding the request for funding for the Refugee Resettlement Program and the misconceptions held by the public.
CONTRACT AWARDS – GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE (MEDICAL, PRESCRIPTION/STOPLOSS, DENTAL AND VISION)
Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent and Mike Marchini, Senior Employee Benefits Consultant with CBIZ/BGS&G, appeared before the Commissioners to present the recommendation for group health insurance for the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Marchini reviewed the process used by the Coordinating Committee in making its recommendation. He stated that other members serving on the Coordinating Committee were Gregory Murray, Chairman; Dee Hawbaker, Acting Director of Human Resources; Debbie Peyton, Benefits Administrator; Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; and Joanne Morgan, Procurement Technician/Secretary. CBIZ Consultants Mike Marchini, Beckie Lewis, Steve Dillman, and Liz Logsdon also participated as non-voting members.(Commissioner Wivell arrived at the meeting at 8:20 a.m.)
Mr. Marchini reviewed the timeline of events, process used, and the cost analysis summary. He stated that the request for proposal asked for duplication of current benefits, pricing decrements for benefit modifications and pricing on both a fully insured and self-funded basis. He stated that the Committee had been assured that there would be minimal disruptions to employees. Mr. Marchini informed the Commissioners that it was the unanimous decision of the Coordinating Committee to recommend United Healthcare for the County medical/prescription and stop loss coverage; United Concordia for dental coverage; and Spectera for vision coverage. Mr. Marchini reviewed the final recommendations and the rationale for selecting them. He noted that the County could realize a savings of $203,000 over the incumbents in the first year.At this time, the meeting was opened for questions and discussion regarding the recommendation. Greg Murray, County Administrator, thanked all of the individuals for their participation on the Coordinating Committee.
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for employee medical/prescription and stop loss coverage to United Healthcare, United Concordia for dental coverage; and Spectera for vision coverage, effective July 1, 2007 and to approve the rates proposed for County employees. Unanimously approved.
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION (ARC) - PRELIMINARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and Robert Mandley, Project Coordinator for the EDC, met with the Commissioners to review the applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding. Mr. Troxell explained that Tri-County Council is requesting that the County review and prioritize the projects to be submitted for funding consideration. ARC funding is limited to 30% of a project’s cost. He stated that there are two proposed projects in the TEA-21 Access Road funding category – Northwest Connector Bridge and Eastern Boulevard North Extension for $500,000 each. Both projects are being submitted by the City of Hagerstown.Mr. Troxell then reviewed the proposed projects in the Area Development Projects category, which were ranked as follows: 1) Hagerstown Community College – Growth of a Biotechnology Industry in Washington County ($90,000); 2) Washington County Leadership Development, Inc. - Strengthening Community by Strengthening Leaders and Teaching Leadership Skills ($10,000); 3) Washington County Leadership Development, Inc. - Building Better Non-Profits by Building Better Boards through expanded Boardmanship Training ($10,000); 4) Washington County Board of Education - Student Resources & Allocation Project ($48,300); 5) Washington County Board of Education – Barbara Ingram School of the Arts ($150,000); 6) Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. – Comprehensive Aging Planning Project ($10,500); 7) City of Hagerstown – West End Fire and EMS Station ($500,000); and 8) City of Hagerstown – North End Fire Station ($500,000). After discussion, Commissioner Aleshire asked that priority of the TEA –21 projects be switched. The meeting was opened for discussion and questions.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to submit the preliminary project rankings to Appalachian Regional Commission for funding consideration as follows: 1) Hagerstown Community College – Growth of a Biotechnology Industry in Washington County ($90,000); 2) Washington County Leadership Development, Inc. - Strengthening Community by Strengthening Leaders and Teaching Leadership Skills ($10,000); 3) Washington County Leadership Development, Inc. - Building Better Non-Profits by Building Better Boards through expanded Boardmanship Training ($10,000); 4) Washington County Board of Education - Student Resources & Allocation Project ($48,300); 5) Washington County Board of Education – Barbara Ingram School of the Arts ($150,000); 6) Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. – Comprehensive Aging Planning Project ($10,500); 7) City of Hagerstown – West End Fire and EMS Station ($500,000); and 8) City of Hagerstown – North End Fire Station ($500,000); and to approve submittal of the following TEA-21 projects in the Access Road category: 1) Eastern Boulevard North Extension ($500,000) and 2) Northwest Connector Bridge and ($500,000). Unanimously approved.
2007 ON BEHALF OF (OBO) LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION PROGRAM
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to assign Washington County’s 2007 housing bond allocation in the amount of $4,201,120 to the Community Development Administration for use in the Maryland Mortgage On Behalf of (OBO) Program for first-time homebuyers. Unanimously approved.CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL AUDIT PRESENTATION
Tom Riford, Director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), met with the Commissioners to provide the annual update on the CVB. He introduced Robert Garver, CVB Board member, and the CVB staff who were in attendance. Mr. Riford noted that local hotel occupancies maintained a strong pace in 2006, revenues were up, and visitations to local attractions have increased. The State’s Office of Tourism Development reported that 1.9 million visitors spent $237.7 million in Washington County last year. He provided statistics from the State Office on Tourism for the County. Mr. Riford stated that nearly 6,000 people work in the tourism industry in the County. He distributed copies of the 2007 Visitors Guide, Destination Planning Guide, Annual Report, and other brochures on places of interest in Washington County. Mr. Riford distributed copies of the CVB’s 2006 financial audit. He stated that the CVB has paid off all debt and now has a working cash reserve. He thanked the Board of Directors for their support in this financial turn-around. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions.Commissioner Barr presented Mr. Riford and staff members Jolene Thomas and Betsy DeVore with a proclamation designating May 12-20, 2007 as Tourism Week in Washington County and urging all citizens to recognize and celebrate the importance of welcoming visitors and promoting Washington County’s historical and recreational features.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT – CHARLES L. MOBLEY, JR.
Commissioner Barr presented a Certificate of Merit to Charles L. Mobley, Jr., an outgoing member of the Board of Elections in recognition of his 16 years of service on the Board. Mr. Mobley thanked the Commissioners for the certificate and noted that his years of service were very rewarding. He commended the local Election Board staff for their dedication and hard work.CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
There was no one present who wished to comment.
COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES
John Martirano, County Attorney, reminded the Commissioners that a public hearing was held on the individual requests of three non-profit organizations to be added to the Section 1-108 list of non-profit organizations to which the Commissioners may contribute funds. Mr. Martirano stated that adding an organization to the list does not guarantee funding, but they must be on the list to receive funds from the County through the County’s regular budget process.
RE/APPOINTMENTS – LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to reappoint Donna Rudy to the Local Management Board for a three-year term and to appoint Kim Mills to a three-year term. Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENTS – BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to appoint Dr. Thomas Oyster to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term and to appoint Hampton Wedlock to the Board of Zoning Appeals as an Alternate to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Oyster which extends to July 31, 2008. Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENT – ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to appoint John Venditta to the Animal Control Authority to fill the remaining term of Rollan Myers, which extends to July 31, 2009. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from the Board of Public Works that the State tax rate would remain the same. He reported that he sent a letter to each municipality explaining the tax set-off procedures and including their check for FY 2007. Mr. Murray stated that his office would be contacting each municipality to schedule a joint evening meeting. He distributed a copy of the “Speak-up” newsletter from Brothers United Who Dare to Care and distributed copies of the Community Report Card.
BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - ENGINEERING
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve a budget transfer of $26,500 to be used for the Indian Springs Road Bridge and Lane’s Run Road culvert with funds to be taken from several bridge projects with remaining funds. Unanimously approved.
MARYLAND HERITAGE AREA PLAQUES
Greg Murray, County Administrator, stated that the City of Hagerstown received a grant from the Maryland Heritage Area Program to create interpretive plaques for downtown on Civil War history. The City has asked for permission to place a wall-mounted plaque on the Court House which was the site finalizing the ransom of Hagerstown for $20,000 in 1864 and where Colonel Henry Kyd Douglas, youngest officer on the staff of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, later practiced law and served as a judge of the Circuit Court. Mr. Murray indicated that the second site for a plaque would be at the County Office Building at 33 West Washington Street, the former site of the Hagerstown Bank, where the ransom money was collected to spare the town from being burned in 1864. The meeting was opened for questions. The Commissioners recommended that the plaque for the Court House be placed on the right-hand corner site.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to approve the City of Hagerstown’s request to place interpretive plaques of Civil War history on the Court House and County Office Building, to be coordinated with the County’s Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Department. Unanimously approved.
CONSOLIDATED GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT – AMENDMENT #9
Gregory Murray, County Administrator, reviewed Amendment #9 to the Consolidated General Services Agreement with the City of Hagerstown. Mr. Murray explained that Section 16 entitled “Joint Sewer Services Areas,” would be amended to include Lot 2, Parcel 888, Tax Map 38, located on the North side of the Leitersburg Pike containing 3.12 acres. He reviewed the Recitals for the Amendment and informed the Commissioners that the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council had approved it on February 27, 2007. Mr. Murray stated that in previous amendments to the CGSA between the County and the City, both parties agreed to remove the language in Paragraph #6. He also stated that Paragraph #7 should be executed in a separate agreement by the City. Mr. Murray recommended that the amendment be revised by removing paragraphs #6 and #7 and then requesting the City to re-execute the amendment as revised. The meeting was opened for questions. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he does not approve of using the Consolidated General Services Agreement as a method in which to add to sewer service areas.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve Amendment #9 of the Consolidated General Services Agreement with the City of Hagerstown contingent upon the removal of Paragraphs 6 and 7, with the recommendation that Paragraph 7 be executed independently by the City. Unanimously approved.
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2007
Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel, and Lester Guthorn, Financial Advisor, appeared before the Commissioners to review a resolution to issue and sell $16,000,000 in Public Improvement Bonds. Ms. Ruppersberger reviewed the changes made in the bond package and reviewed the projects for which the bond funds would be used. She stated that the Public Improvement Bonds would be used to fund a portion of the projected cost of roads, bridges, communication systems, building improvements, and issuance costs.Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the resolution authorizing and empowering the County Commissioners of Washington County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its General Obligation Serial Maturity Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $16,000,000 to be known as “Washington County, Maryland, Public Improvement Bonds of 2007” pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 205 of the Laws of Maryland of 2004, as amended, for the public purpose of financing the cost of general public improvements in Washington County and provide adequate safety areas at each of the runways at the Hagerstown Regional Airport as mandated by FAA. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Aleshire, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.” (A copy of the approved Resolution RS-07-007 is located in the County Commissioners’ Office.)
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 11:28 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, compensation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and to discuss any other personnel matter that affects 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
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 11:42 a.m. Unanimously approved.
(Commissioner Wivell was excused from the meeting at this time.)
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, compensation or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction and discussed a personnel matter that affects 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 Greg Murray, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Dee Hawbaker, Acting Director of Human Resources.
APPOINTMENT – ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY (ALTERNATE)
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to appoint Jason Haupt as Alternate on the Animal Control Authority, to fill the unexpired term of John Venditta which extends to January 31, 2010. Unanimously approved.
PROJECT MANAGER – WATER QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to employ Kenneth Showe as Project Manger (Grade 13) at the Water Quality Department at a starting salary of $52,000. Motion carried with Commissioners Aleshire, Kercheval, and Barr voting ”AYE,” and Commissioner Baker voting “NO.”
RECESS – LUNCH AND TOUR OF DISCOVERY STATION
The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. to attend a luncheon and tour of the Discovery Station.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:20 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.
FY 2008 GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Kim Edlund, Assistant Director, met with the Commissioners to continue the review of FY 2008 General Fund budget requests. After reviewing the budget requests, the Commissioners agreed to finalize the remaining items next week and schedule the public hearing for the tax rate and FY 2008 budget for May 22.
Ms. Murray informed the Commissioners that she and Lester Guthorn, the County Financial Advisor, met with representatives from Sun Trust last week regarding financing options for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. She indicated that she then met with Chris South, Director of Finance for the Board of Education, and Kevin Quinn, Financial Advisor, to review a tentative proposal. Ms. Murray stated that Sun Trust is proposing 20-year capital lease with no debt service reserve or capitalized interest reserve at a fixed rate of approximately 4.42 or 4.519 percent. This would provide an estimated $3 million savings over the option first presented. She informed the Commissioners that Mr. South and Mr. Quinn felt that this was the best financing option presented and said they would discuss it with the elected Board of
Education. Ms. Murray stated that, if the Commissioners are interested in this option, she would like to let Sun Trust know so that the interest rate can be locked in for two weeks until a decision can be made. The decision would then be in the hands of the Board of Education. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to have Ms. Murray contact Sun Trust to lock in the interest rate for the financing as proposed.ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:05 p.m. Unanimously approved.