December 20 2005
Hagerstown, MarylandThe Commissioners attended an educational forum sponsored by the Greater Hagerstown Committee at 8:00 a.m. at the Robinwood Medical Center.
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 13, 2005
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to approve the minutes of December 13, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved.
CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
There was no one present who wished to comment.
REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY FUNDING – WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Joseph Ruzicka, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, appeared before the Commissioners to request emergency funding in the amount of $12,000. Mr. Ruzicka explained that the Museum requested $16,000 from the Gaming Commission to install twelve cameras in the galleries and two vaults and an additional $12,000 to replace their old tape recording machine with a digital video recorder (DVR) to support the camera system. The Commission only granted funding for the purchase and installation of the cameras but not for the DVR technology needed to fully utilize them. Mr. Ruzicka emphasized the need for additional security to safeguard the art collection. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to grant the request for $12,000 made by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts for purchase of a digital video recorder for the security system, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that when he reported on the Toys for Tots campaign totals last week, he did not mention that the Highway Department had collected an additional $300. He congratulated County employees who donated over $10,000 to various charities in 2005 through the Casual Day Program. Mr. Shoop reminded the Commissioners that the next meeting would be on January 10.
REAPPOINTMENTS- EMERGENCY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Jay Grimes and Mary Kalin to the Emergency Services Advisory Council for three-year terms. Unanimously approved.
RE/APPOINTMENTS – DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to waive the two-term policy limit and reappoint William Beard and Ed Branthaver to the Disabilities Advisory Committee for three-year terms and to appoint Robin Schneider, Barbara Anderson, and N. Linn Hendershot for three-year terms. Unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION OF REQUESTED APPROPRIATION FOR NORTH HAGERSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM PROJECT IN FY 2006
John Williamson and Rick Hill, representing the North High School Boosters Stadium Committee, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the $3.5 million appropriation that the Board of Education requested in support of the stadium project. The agenda report form from William Blum, Chief Operating Officer for the Board of Education, stated that $2.625 million was requested in FY 2006 and $.875 million in FY 2007 on a cash-flow basis. He indicated that the County has appropriated $712,355 to date, of which $625,000 is encumbered for architect fees, construction management fees, and general conditions costs. Mr. Blum explained that the Board cannot sign contracts to complete the project until they have a firm commitment from the County that all funding is in place to cover the entire cost of the project.Commissioner Snook explained that Commissioner Wivell could not be present during the discussion of this item but had left a list of questions concerning the project. Mr. Williamson addressed the questions submitted by Commissioner Wivell. The Commissioners applauded the Committee for their work in fundraising but cautioned them to follow the rules associated with the use of Program Open Space (POS) funds. Mr. Williamson explained that the Committee is tracking the pledges and donations and submitting them to the County on a quarterly basis. Commissioner Snook outlined the current funding, which includes a $150,000 grant from the State of Maryland, $100,000 from the City of Hagerstown, $200,000 from the Board of Education, $150,000 in 2006 POS funds, $300,000 in POS funds for 2007 and 2008, $58,000 in County matching funds for the POS funds, and $2,542,000 in public contributions through the NHHS Booster Club. Commissioner Kercheval congratulated the Committee for raising 90% of the funding prior to breaking ground on the project. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners discussed the request that the County act as financing agent for the $2.5 million project.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Kercheval to approve the request that the County act as the financing agent for the North Hagerstown High School Stadium project as requested. Unanimously approved.
RECESS – WASHINGTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU LUNCHEON
The Commissioners recessed at 11:26 a.m. in order to attend the Washington County Farm Bureau luncheon.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:48 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Commissioners James Kercheval, John Munson, and Doris Nipps.
CONTRACT AWARD – DDA/WCCP FUNDS TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF OUT OF SCHOOL TIME PROVIDERS SERVING AND/OR WILLING TO SERVE YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract to “Build the Capacity of Out of School Time Providers Serving and/or Willing to Serve Youth with Special Needs in Washington County,” to Apples for Children, Inc., in the amount of $30,536. Unanimously approved.
CREATION OF A CONVERGED ULTRA-HIGH CAPACITY DATA COMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK
Ronald Whitt, Director of Information Technologies (IT), and members of the Washington County Public Network (WCPN), met with the Commissioners to request their approval of a budget transfer of $65,000 from the 2006 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Technology Development and Upgrade account to a network infrastructure upgrade project account. Mr. Whitt stated that this transfer would cover both the County’s and Library’s portion of the design. He explained that it would fund the purchase, installation and testing of two high capacity data networking switches. This I-Net would allow WCPN members the opportunity to partner with 18 Maryland state agencies located in the downtown area to facilitate their high-speed connectivity to the local Network Maryland presence. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the budget transfer of $65,000 from the 2006 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Technology Development and Upgrade account to a network infrastructure upgrade project account to fund the County’s and Library’s portion for the purchase, installation and testing of two high capacity data networking switches of the Washington County Public Network project. Unanimously approved.
HEART OF THE CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Stephen Goodrich, Chief Planner, met with the Commissioners to request their approval to submit the draft “Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan” to the Maryland Heritage Area Authority for approval and certification. Mr. Goodrich explained that in order to take advantage of the benefits of becoming a certified Heritage Area, Washington, Frederick, and Carroll Counties and their respective municipalities have prepared the required Management Plan. He stated that when the Management Plan is approved, the jurisdictions must amend their comprehensive plans to include references to the Management Plan.
Mr. Goodrich informed the Commissioners that Maryland’s Heritage Area program is designed to increase heritage tourism by providing financial assistance and marketing expertise. Washington, Frederick, and Carroll Counties have agreed to join together to submit a plan rather than compete against one another to promote their Civil War sites and events. He stated that certification can reduce the need for local funding for applicable projects by 50 percent. Mr. Goodrich also noted that, without certification, financial incentives would not be available to the County, municipalities, and Civil War heritage tourism organizations.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to approve the resolution adopting the “Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan” and approving the submission of the plan to the Maryland Heritage Area Authority for approval and certification. Unanimously approved.
TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/COUNSELING PROGRAM
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to provide an additional $5,000 to the Tri-County Council to fund the County’s portion of the Business Technical Assistance Coordinator to offer technical assistance and counseling to loan fund recipients in Washington, Allegany, and Garrett counties and an additional $2,500 toward the EDA work plan, with funds to be taken from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Munson, and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval “ABSTAINING.”
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Nipps reported on the meetings of the Mental Health Authority and Commission for Women. She stated that she also attended the dance recital at Girls Inc.
Commissioner Kercheval stated that the 2+2 Committee met last week. He urged the Commissioners to attend the meeting scheduled to hear the City’s planned revisions to its Comprehensive Plan. He also suggested that the Commissioners arrange time to talk to the City Council regarding various road projects and the transportation priorities of the two elected bodies as they begin to put together their CIP budgets for the upcoming year.
(Commissioner Wivell arrived at the meeting at 2:43 p.m.)
Commissioner Snook stated that he had received notification from Heritage Land Development that they are withdrawing their rezoning application for the Britner farm. He informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from Hagerstown Trust complimenting the Sheriff’s Department on their work regarding the ATM robberies. Commissioner Snook indicated that he received a letter from the Department of Budget and Management outlining the intent of the Governor’s FY 2007 budget for education. He also provided an update on the closure of the Clearview Nursing Home and placement of residents. Commissioner Snook distributed a letter he received from the IAC regarding the 2007 CIP funds for public school construction. He stated that he received a letter regarding funding for Discovery Station. The Commissioners agreed to place this item on the agenda for discussion in January.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he sent a feasibility study to the Board of Education regarding the extension of public water and sewer to Conococheague Elementary School.
Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, stated that he was contacted by the Wal-Mart Foundation regarding funding they would be distributing specifically for senior citizen and critical issues. He stated that he referred them to the Commission on Aging. Mr. Bassett informed the Commissioners that WICL radio would be carrying the Commissioners’ Comments program the third Sunday of each month.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 2:59 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consider a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, discuss public security because the public body has determined that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to the public security, including the deployment of fire services and staff; and discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct, 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 Munson, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:24 p.m. Unanimously approved.In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, considered a matter that concerns a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State, discussed public security because the public body has determined that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to the public security, including the deployment of fire services and staff; and discussed an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct. Present during closed session were Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Greg Murray, Director of the Water Quality Department; and John Latimer, IV, Director of Emergency Services.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Munson, to adjourn at 4:24 p.m. Unanimously approved.
________________ , County Administrator
_______ _ , County Attorney
___________________________, County Clerk
January 10, 2006
Hagerstown, Maryland
The Commissioners met with Sheriff Charles Mades and his staff at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and to tour the Patrol Facility at the Sheriff’s Department.
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President William J. Wivell and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Munson informed the Commissioners that the State would release the constant yield rate figures on February 14. He stated that the Governor is proposing to reduce the State property tax rate and suggested that the County consider it as well.
Commissioner Nipps stated that she attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference last week and noted that she has requested information from the City of Rockville on its workforce housing program. She informed the Commissioners that she attended the annual awards banquet for the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway and distributed information that she received on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Commissioner Wivell advised the Commissioners that Ocean City has started a drywall waste recycling project and suggested that the County’s landfill staff look into it. He stated that he attended the MACo Conference and the Delegation’s public meeting on January 7. Commissioner Wivell indicated that approximately one-third of the speakers at the meeting expressed concerns regarding increasing assessments and asked for property tax relief. He stated that he feels the Commissioners should address the issue.
Commissioner Kercheval stated that he also attended the MACo Conference and provided information on seminars that he attended. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting and stated that they have scheduled a workshop to discuss Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) on January 18. The Commission’s review of the Maugansville Elementary School site plan revealed that the entrance road would require the demolition of both old school buildings. Kercheval said that the plan should be examined to provide alternative access if the County needs to temporarily keep the old school open to help with capacity issues at area schools until permanent solutions are completed.
Commissioner Snook stated that the home sales for the first two weeks in December totaled $44,785,000. He also noted that the Frederick newspaper listed Washington County as having a 19.5% increase in assessments over a three-year period. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received correspondence from the Department of Business and Economic Development approved the redesignation of the Hancock Enterprise Zone. He also received a letter from the Department of Natural Resources approving the overlay project at Marty Snook Park. Correspondence from the Emergency Numbers System Board stated that they found that Washington County’s operation “met or exceeded all expectations.” Commissioner Snook reported on the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting and stated that a Manpower survey found that 40% of the respondents indicated that they plan on adding employees during the first quarter of the year. Commissioner Snook reported on the MACo conference and stated that they were informed that they expect the State to approve a requirement for early voting that would require that a site be open for seven days prior to an election. He stated that the Commissioners need to budget for the anticipated costs for this program.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, asked for permission to mount a large-scale replica of the County Seal, which was donated to the County, in the Commissioners’ meeting room. After discussion, it was the consensus to approve the request.
Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, asked the Commissioners to approve refilling a position in the Purchasing Department.
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Wivell, to approve advertising to fill the vacant Buyer position in the Purchasing Department. Unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENTS – AREA AGENCY ON AGING ADVISORY COUNCIL
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to appoint Donna Palmer, Delores Harmon, and Jeffrey Long to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council for three-year terms. Unanimously approved.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that the Interagency Committee (IAC) meeting to hear requests for additional funding has been scheduled for January 18. He stated the Board of Education plans to request additional funding for Maugansville Elementary School, and planning and approval funding for Pangborn Elementary School and Westfields Elementary School. Commissioner Snook asked for clarification on the projects that the IAC would consider for funding. Commissioner Wivell volunteered to attend the meeting on behalf of the County Commissioners.
PROPOSED WORKING AGREEMENT WITH MID-MARYLAND LAND TRUST ASSOCIATION
Eric Seifarth, Land Preservation Planner, and Peter Vorac, Executive Director of the Mid-Maryland Land Trust Association (MMLTA), met with the Commissioners to discuss entering into an agreement with the MMLTA- to allow for donated easements in Washington County.
Mr. Seifarth stated that the demand for purchased easements is continuing to be in excess of the funding and that this option would enable the County to stretch the funding that it does have available. He then reviewed the proposed working agreement with the MMLTA. Mr. Seifarth stated that if this is agreeable, he would proceed to have the County Attorney’s office develop an agreement. Mr. Vorac stated that the MMLTA would work cooperatively with the County to acquire donated easements. He stated that they work in conjunction with the Maryland Environmental Trust. Mr. Vorac noted that they have received Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) grants for the purchase of easements and asked that the County provide the 3% match and out-of-pocket costs when easement goes to settlement. Commissioner Wivell asked that this matter be clarified in the memorandum of understanding. Mr. Seifarth recommended that the three percent match be taken from the Agricultural Transfer Tax. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions.
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to approve the working agreement with the Mid-Maryland Land Trust Association, as clarified, for the easements or other acquisitions of property for preservation purposes and to have staff proceed to prepare a formal agreement. Unanimously approved.
ANNUAL REPORT – WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Natalie Rook, President of the Washington County Commission for Women, and Joan Erdesky, member of the Commission, presented a report on the projects that they have completed in 2005. Ms. Rook provided an overview of projects they are currently working on, which include a storybook project with Washington County Detention Center, an essay contest in March to celebrate Women’s History Month, and compiling a book on women in Washington County who were first in their field. She stated that the Commission also prints a semi-annual newsletter; provides legislative briefings; works with Girls Inc. and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club; and is represented on a Health Department committee on teen pregnancy issues. The meeting was opened for questions. Commissioner Snook thanked the Commission for the report and for volunteering to work with citizens of the County.
BID AWARD – DEMOLITION OF FOUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ALONG MAUGANS AVENUE
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Commissioner Munson, to award the contract for the demolition of four residential properties along Maugans Avenue to Callas Contractors, which submitted the lowest responsive responsible bid of $87,100. Unanimously approved.
BID AWARD – EMERGENCY GENERATOR SYSTEM
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to award the contract for one (1) 150kw generator and electrical service upgrades at four (4) Highway Department locations (Option 2) to Ellsworth Electric Company, which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $126,500. Motion did not carry with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “AYE” and Commissioners Kercheval, Nipps, and Snook voting “NO.”
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to award the contract for two (2) 150kw generators and electrical service upgrades at four (4) Highway Department locations (Option 1) to Ellsworth Electric Company, which submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $199,500. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioners Munson and Wivell voting “NO.”
The Commissioners discussed what to do with the current emergency generators and directed Jack Reynard, Highway Fleet Manager, to ask the Board of Education if they could utilize them in the schools.
LAND PRESERVATION STAFFING PROPOSAL
Michael Thompson, Director of Planning, met with the Commissioners to request that they consider his request to hire a planner to assist with the County’s land preservation efforts. Mr. Thompson stated that the County has significantly increased its preservation efforts over the past four years and feels that additional help is needed to administer the programs. He proposed that a Planner (Grade 11) be hired. Funding for the position could be taken from the Agricultural Land Transfer Tax or Rural Legacy Program. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Kercheval asked that the job description for the position be changed to allow other functions in the Planning Department to be absorbed by this individual if necessary.
Motion made by Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the request to hire an additional planner (Grade 11) to assist with the County’s land preservation efforts, with the revisions proposed for the job description. Motion carried with Commissioners Nipps, Kercheval, Munson and Snook voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell voting “NO.”
APPROVAL TO EXTEND APFO DEADLINE FOR MUNICIPALITES
John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that the Board of County Commissioners previously agreed to allow municipalities 60 days from the adoption of the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) to adopt a town APFO ordinance that is compliant with the County APFO as required by the Building Excise Tax Ordinance and Section 2-701 of the Code of Public Local Laws in order to receive the municipal share of the building excise tax. Mr. Martirano stated that the time has run out and, due to the complexity and amendments made to the ordinance, he asked the Commissioners to consider extending the deadline to 120 days to allow them to revise or adopt a compliant ordinance.
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Kercheval, to extend the deadline to Washington County municipalities to 120 days in order to allow additional time for adoption of a town APFO that is in compliance with the County ordinance. Unanimously approved.
BROADFORDING ROAD BRIDGE – CLOSE OUT CHANGE ORDER
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Munson, to approve the final change order with Building Systems, Inc. for a decrease of $32,263.21 to the Broadfording Road Bridge rehabilitation contract. Unanimously approved.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Nipps, to convene in closed session at 3:37 p.m. to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, consult with staff about pending or potential litigation, and discuss an appointment to a board over which the County Commissioners have jurisdiction, 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 Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:32 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on one (1) matter, consulted with staff about pending or potential litigation, and discussed an appointment to a board over which the County Commissioners have jurisdiction. Present during closed session were Commissioners William J. Wivell, James F. Kercheval, Doris J. Nipps, and John C. Munson. Also present at various times were Rodney M. Shoop, County Administrator; John Martirano, County Attorney; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; and Mike Thompson, Director of Planning.
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 4:32 p.m.
TAX SETOFF MEETING – TOWN OF BOONSBORO
The evening session was convened at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Community Center by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: William J. Wivell, Vice President, and Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J. Nipps.
Commissioner Snook offered his condolences on the death of Boonsboro Councilman Gene Smith.
TAX SETOFF PROGRAM
Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax-Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff program. He then reviewed calculations for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that, for Fiscal Year 2006, Boonsboro is estimated to receive $84,715.
Commissioner Snook reminded the Town that their employees are welcome at any County safety courses that are offered by the County. He stated that the State has not disclosed the amount of funding that would be provided through Program Open Space, but they are hopeful that there will be an increase. Commissioner Snook also provided a brief update on the radio communications project.
Commissioner Snook congratulated the Town for taking a pro-active stance with regard to adoption of an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). He stated that the County wants to make sure that the ordinances adopted by the municipalities are consistent with the County’s APFO. Commissioner Snook noted that the County’s Finance Director has developed a uniform reporting process for the towns to report the collection of the building excise tax. Mayor Kauffman stated that he realizes that Boonsboro’s APFO must be as strong as County’s in order to receive 28% of the tax collected in Boonsboro, and provide adequate school facilities. However, he expressed concerns that this would bring development to a halt in the Town and would hinder projects they would like to initiate, such as a by-pass and the water and sewer project. Commissioners Snook and Kercheval outlined the mitigation section, which would allow the development to proceed if an agreement can be negotiated to provide capacity for the additional students the development would generate.
Commissioner Kercheval indicated that they are asking that a permanent solution be instituted within a three-year period, but that temporary solutions, such as portables, may be considered until those permanent solutions are in place. The Council also discussed concerns regarding affordable housing. Commissioner Snook stated that they are considering various programs outlined in the Workforce Housing Task Force’s report to help alleviate the problem.
John Kendle, Town Manager, informed the Commissioners that the Town would be requesting designation of the downtown area as a ”redevelopment area” to qualify for a building excise tax exemption under the Washington County Building Excise Tax Ordinance for both residential and non-residential uses. Commissioner Snook stated that they would put this item on the agenda for discussion.
Rich Hawkins, Town Council member, stated that the Friends of the Boonsboro Library have raised $1,013,117 to date for construction of the new branch library in Boonsboro, which does not include the County’s $200,000 contribution. The branch is estimated to cost $1,352,250. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, stated that the architect is finalizing design documents and that they hope to have the notice to proceed to the contractor by the first part of May, with a spring 2007 opening. Mr. Rohrer stated that the project was delayed due to unanticipated stormwater issues on the site. Councilman Chambers informed the Commissioners that the Library Committee is recommending that the library be called the Boonsboro Free Library – a Branch of the Washington County Free Library.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Nipps, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Unanimously approved.
__________ _ , County Administrator
__________________, County Attorney
______________________, Clerk