Washington County Commissioners Meeting Summary
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2130Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners' Meeting
January 7, 2003
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE
Human Resources Department Benefits Administrator Jodi Ebersole brought Keith Eric Beaver before the Board for introduction. Beaver was hired as a Deputy at the Washington County Detention Center recently.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board at which facility scheduling issues were discussed. Munson told the Board that a letter of thanks should be sent to Highways Department personnel for the excellent snow and ice removal job over the last several weeks. Munson made a formal request to the Board to lift the rural area development moratorium due to effects on the building industry in the county.
Commissioner Dori Nipps told the Board that Program Open Space fund requests made by the towns and the Board of Education to the recent Recreation and Park Board meeting totaled $5.6 million. State budget cuts are likely to affect the funds the County receives for Park acquisition and development, Nipps said. The Airport Commission discussed the Fixed-Base Operation, and received an update on snow removal plans, Nipps reported.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on the recent Williamsport Ambulance Company awards event. The top 5 volunteers of that company were responsible for 6,600 volunteer hours, Kercheval said. The Black Rock Golf Course Board has begun budget meetings for FY ’04, and the Planning Commission approved a cell phone tower at Smithsburg at this week’s meeting, and will hold a joint meeting with the County Commissioners next week, Kercheval said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a tour of Frederick County’s Central Booking facility, and on continuing negotiations with the City of Hagerstown on Water and Sewer issues. Wivell will meet with the Hagerstown Mayor and Council to bring all members of that elected board an update of the County position on legality of proposed annexation plans.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that Independent Cement Corporation has approached the County with a plan for burning scrap tires. ICC has a permit for such burning, and expenses incurred in hauling used tires for disposal could be reduced, Snook said. ICC has also discussed donation of some 90 acres of land for future development of a park in the eastern part of the County, Snook reported. The County has received a grant for improvements to the Fort Ritchie Water System, and the Warm Springs Public Service District in West Virginia has requested approval from the County to draw 1 million gallons of water per day from the Potomac River above Hancock, Snook reported.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Department of Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that dialog continues between the Department and the Washington County Health System on location of a new Hospital and impact on traffic patterns. Meetings have been held with concerned citizens on the Lamb’s Knoll communication tower, and the County’s position explained, Rohrer said. Residents of Washington County may recycle two Christmas Trees per household at the 40-West Landfill or any of the Landfill Convenience Centers free of charge, through January 31st. Approximately $336,000 of the County’s $400,000 snow removal budget has been spent already this winter, Rohrer said. In addition, staff time has accounted for another $36,000. Reserve fund accounts may have to be tapped if the inclement weather continues, Rohrer said.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS
Washington County Sheriff Charles Mades brought several promotions within the Department before the Board, which is the funding authority for that Department. Mades told the Board that due to the size of the current operation, and demand for service calls, there is a need for immediate supervision, especially on the street at all times. Mades said that this is not the case at the present time with the current rank structure. With the increase in supervisory rank, areas of “negligent supervision” will not occur. Mark Faith was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Patrol division were James Cooper, James Grimm, Christopher Howard and Robert Whittington. Paul Boyer was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Judicial Division of the Department. The promotions were requested in the Fiscal Year 2003 budget, but due to County-wide cost cutting measures the promotions were delayed until the beginning of the calendar year. Funds for the promotions were included in the current fiscal year budget.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT PROJECT MANAGER POSITION
Human Resources Director Alan Davis and County Chief Engineer Terry McGee requested immediate recruitment to fill the position of Allan House, an Engineering Project Manager who passed away recently. That position is deemed critical to the operation of the Department by McGee. Grade 11 has a compensation range of $32,391 to $51,825. The previous salary was $36,846. Davis told the Board that every effort will be made to fill the position at that salary level to stay within the FY 2003 budget. McGee told the Board that major bridge and public improvement projects could be at risk if the position were not filled soon. The County receives federal and state public works funds for highway and bridge projects that are time-specific. If not spent in a timely manner, the funds could be withdrawn. Projects would have to be postponed, and repairs could turn into replacement projects at much higher cost, McGee said. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT: CHERRY PIE HIKE
Chief Engineer McGee requested use of two County Commuter buses on February 22nd to transport participants in the Cherry Pie Hike to and from Washington Monument Park and U.S. 40 at the Frederick County Line. The Hike, sponsored by the Friends of the Washington Monument and the Department of Natural Resources, takes place along a 3-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and honors America’s First President, George Washington. The Monument, located above Boonsboro, was the first built to honor Washington. Cost for the buses would not exceed $200.00, and would come from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from the Citizens of Washington County on matters of community interest.
John Himes of Sandy Hook requested assistance of the Sheriff’s Department and the Permits and Inspections Department on trespassing and permitting issues.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported that the County’s Bond Rating has been raised to A1 by Moody’s Company, a primary bond assurance company. The rating has been a sought-after initiative of the Budget and Finance Department, and will assist in securing the lowest interest rate possible in future bond issuance. Moody’s praised the County’s cash reserve program and its all-around positive financial outlook in a press release issued today. Capital Improvement and Operations budget development is underway for the 2004 Fiscal Year. The budget season will officially begin on February 11th, Shoop said. County employees donated $3,581.00 and over 350 pounds of food during 2002 Casual Day events, Shoop reported.
REVIEW: COUNTY VISION, MISSION, GOALS
County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this review of the County Vision and Mission statements and 2002 Goals before the Board for informational purposes. Each year the County staff recommend goals to be accomplished in support of the Board’s Initiatives. The Vision and Mission statements are reviewed annually, and changed to reflect current conditions, if necessary. The entire strategic planning process is reviewed every 5 years, and a new plan developed. Currently, staff is working on the 2003-2008 strategic plan, and a report is scheduled to be made to the Board later in the month. Shoop reviewed progress made on the eight Goals for calendar year 2002. Adoption of the Revised Comprehensive Plan. The revised plan was formally adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in late 2002. The plan is 100% complete, Shoop said. Update the County Employee Classification and Compensation Plan. Human Resource Director Alan Davis told the Board the plan is being updated, is 75% complete, and
should be 100% complete by March 2003. Evaluation of the revised Emergency Operations Plan is underway, Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth said. 70-80% of the basic plan is complete, but due to changes in some federal regulations, full Completion will be delayed. Evaluate County Services in order to Update the Strategic Plan has begun and will be 50-60% completed this month, County Administrator Shoop said. Due to changes in the Board at the last election, additional time will be required to complete this goal. Develop a Plan to Update the Emergency and Local Government Radio Communications Systems, is underway, but will be a continuing Goal due to the complexity of the Project. Public Works Director Gary Rohrer
and Communications Maintenance Manager Pete Lowenheim told the Board that extensive research into other jurisdictions’ communications redevelopment projects has taken place, and that the final cost to the County could be as much as $18 million. A Radio Communications Consultant may be brought in to facilitate the project, which will replace the 40-year old county-wide communications system used to dispatch fire, rescue
and public safety units, and for general government communications. Develop Joint Policies to Increase the Urban Tax Base is ongoing with the City of Hagerstown County Administrator Shoop said that the goal was 10-20% complete, and that issues such as the Water/Sewer interconnector, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and annexation are tied into the goal.
Develop a Business Plan for Pretreatment, has been underway since 1997, Water and Sewer Department Manager Greg Murray said. In the last year, plans have been finalized to sell the Nicodemus treatment plant to an interested party, and for a potential lease-to-own plan that would eventually privatize the Conococheague Industrial Pre-treatment Facility. Changes in federal regulations have made selling the plant preferable to owning. Recommendations will be made to the Board within the next several months, Murray said. In Collaboration with the Board of Education, Develop a Plan for a World Class School System, will be a continued item. Shoop told the Board that in the coming weeks suggestions for upgrade of the Vision and Mission statements, as well as goals for 2003, will be presented, and staff will work with the Commissioners to develop and adopt the goals and initiatives for the next 4 years.
CONTRACT AWARD: STATE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Transportation Department Manager Kevin Cerrone brought this request, to award the contract for assistive transportation services to Turner Van Service. The “Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP)” provides discounts for taxi or van service rides for elderly persons and people who have disabilities. The contract includes a negotiated amendment for Lift-Equipped Vehicle service for wheelchair users. SSTAP issues “voucher” coupon books to consumers, who in turn use them to pay for portions of transportation services. Intent of the service is to provide transportation for those persons who have difficulty using the regular fixed-route bus service, but who do not qualify for paratransit services. The contract calls for provision of services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The contract is for a one-year period beginning this month, with option by the County to renew for up to 4 additional consecutive one-year periods. 18 providers were invited to participate in the bid, but Turner was the sole respondent. There is currently $215,363 in the SSTAP budget for the fiscal year, with the state providing $161,522, and local match of $53,841. That local match is provided through office space charges and a percentage of personnel costs. 24-hour lift-equipped van service was discontinued several years ago, with an impact on the transportation needs in the community. The lift-equipped service will cost $25.00 one-way, but Cerrone told the Board that additional vouchers will be available to help offset the cost to the consumer. The measure was approved by unanimous vote with the amount not to exceed $161,522.
PROPOSED FY ’03 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
County Administrator Rod Shoop brought a continuation of the discussion on alternate revenue sources before the Board. Discussion centered on the definition and permitted uses for impact fees, plus the pros and cons of transfer and excise taxes.
In addition, legislative authority to waive collection of fees charged by the Clerk of Court for Collecting a County Transfer Tax was discussed as part of the transfer tax legislation. The measures could provide revenue streams for the County, offsetting the need to raise property taxes due to state of the current economy. Commissioner Jim Kercheval presented data showing projected revenue from a number of scenarios, and said the latest statistics show that 145 new students were enrolled in Washington County schools this year. Disparity in the Recordation Tax amounts between Washington and Frederick Counties was also discussed, with additional information requested on this item. Commissioner Wivell requested repeal of the Impact Fee legislation, asking the Delegation for authority to impose an excise fee on residential and commercial construction and creation of a technology fund from fees paid when high-tech companies locate in the County. That fund would pay for new computers in the schools and assist technology companies in locating in the County. Commissioner Munson was not in favor of any type of tax or fee, instead citing the need to cut waste in the system. Commissioner Nipps favored reduction of restrictions on use of funds generated by Impact Fees, and look at the possibility of raising the Recordation Tax from its current level of $3.80 per $500.00. Commissioners’ President Snook said reduction or modification of the recordation tax could be implemented, that the current Impact Fee legislation should be left in place and that an Excise Tax should be investigated. Snook asked Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian to prepare an analysis of average residential closing costs in the County, which would include recordation taxes. The Board requested more information on several of the subjects, and requested that time be set aside on next week’s agenda to discuss the matter.
ANNUAL UPDATE: ANIMAL CONTROL: AUTHORITY
Members of the Washington County Animal Control Authority (ACA) presented this annual report to the Commissioners. Hancock Mayor Daniel Murphy, a member of the Authority and a Veterinarian, told the Board that most of the complaints the ACA has heard in the last year are Neighbor-to-Neighbor complaints on issues such as dogs barking excessively or running at large. Several items were brought forth dealing with the Authority’s inability to track citations and their results. Problems with collecting fines have been resolved, Authority member Kelley Boyer said, through interaction with the County Treasurer’s Office. A method to get feedback from the County Permits and Inspections office regarding citation enforcement was also requested. ACA members said they want better public notification of the right to appeal fines and the existence of the Authority. Humane Society Director Maria Procopio told the Board that the information was contained on the citation form. The reporting and feedback process between the ACA, the Humane Society and Permits and Inspections will be strengthened, and the issues will be discussed further at a later date. The issue of dog licensing will be reviewed by the Humane Society and the Treasurer’s Office, Procopio told the Board.