FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
 240-313-2130

Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners  Meeting
January 21, 2003

    
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
    Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting of the Black Rock Golf Course advisory Board. The Golf Course budget was adopted after adjustments were made. Green fees and cart rental fees will be increased slightly to help offset losses from the recent inclement weather. Kercheval also brought figures on the Maryland Lottery to the Board’s attention. Marylanders spend $21 million on lottery tickets annually, creating $7 million for state projects. Scratch off tickets contribute another $2 million to the state Stadium Authority. Kercheval said he intends to ask the delegation how much of that revenue is returned to Washington County at the joint meeting later this week.
    Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on the recent Animal Control public meeting. The Spay/Neuter voucher program needs attention, and animal control documents should be placed on the County website, Wivell said. The Commissioner also reported on the swearing-in ceremony for the Commission on Aging Board, on the Frederick County Adequate Public Facility Ordinance and the coming meeting with the legislative delegation.
    Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Advisory Board. Conference room scheduling issues at the Ag Center have been resolved, Munson said. In the near future, the Ag Center will be expanding with development of a log cabin. Munson requested the delegation be asked to ask for more acreage for the Ag Center in the joint meeting this week.  
    Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on a meeting of the Airport Advisory Board. A meeting between airport staff and the local delegation will take place on January 29th,  and the Local Management Board will bring community grants in for approval later in the meeting, Nipps said.
    
    Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that a letter has been received from the Gaming Commission that requests changing the gaming law to increase the cap on distributions from $50,000 to $100,000.00. A recent meeting of the Traffic Advisory Committee heard a number of state-related issues with traffic signal needs on U.S. 340 to be evaluated, Snook said. Allegheny Energy issued a Press Release on the sale of 55 acres of land at its industrial park on Downsville Pike to Intelsat Corporation. The company is constructing a $50 million state of the art satellite communications facility at this time, but the sale of land has only recently been finalized. Snook congratulated Allegheny and the Hagerstown/Washington County Economic Development Commission for its diligence in pursuing this project over a two and a half year time span.   


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.
    Members of the Cascade Committee requested information on the possible reuse of the Fort Ritchie Gymnasium. Commissioner Wivell told the group that the optimum plan would be for a private non-profit community group to agree to take over the facility, and pay for needed repairs and ADA accessibility renovations, plus long-term operations. The Chewsville/Smithsburg/Leitersburg (CSL) Sports Group may present a business plan for that facility in the near future.
    
OTHER BUSINESS    
    County Attorney Issues: Assistant County Attorney John Martirano requested approval for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development home improvement grant, in the amount of $34,000 over the next two years. The funds help low-income individuals make needed repairs to their homes, including sewer hookups.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
    Appointments to Boards and Commissions:  County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Historic District Commission that Jane Hershey be reappointed for an additional three-year term, reflecting a waiver of the two-term limit. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
    The Disability Advisory Committee requested the reappointments of Bill Beard, Ed Branthaver, Sharon Landis and Sondra Funk for three-year terms. All are eligible to serve and have agreed to do so. In addition the Committee requested Paul L. Swartz of Maugansville be appointed to fill an unexpired term. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
    County Administrator Comments:  County Administrator Rod Shoop brought the issue of funding for the Teacher Externship Program before the Board for review. The issue was brought to the Board’s attention last week, with a request for $15,000.00 in support. The Board agreed to fund $8,000.00 of the request, with a proviso that the Board of Education raise the other half of the needed funds. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
    Division of Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reminded the Board that Christmas Tree recycling is still underway at the County landfill sites, through January 31st. Twelve proposals were received for on-call engineering services. Rohrer explained that a contract is issued each year for Civil Engineering services for unanticipated necessary projects. The Maugans Avenue project is progressing, Rohrer said, and a Public Information meeting is slated for the end of February regarding that project.
    Planning and Community Development Director Bob Arch outlined a presentation to the Recreation and Park Board by DSL Sports regarding the Fort Ritchie gym. Consensus of that Board was for a private non-profit group to take over renovation and operational costs, Arch said. The Ag Center Board is proceeding with plans for a second Museum building, with a consultant providing preliminary plans at no cost, Arch reported.

TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
Land Preservation Coordinator Eric Seifarth brought the issue of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) before the Board. TDR’s are a mechanism, that assist with preservation of agricultural land and help return equity to landowners where a down-zoning has occurred. TDR’s have been considered in the past, but have not been Implemented for a variety of reasons. Seifarth told the Commissioners that considerable staff time would be required to
launch a TDR program, and that after several years the program could be privatized through the Real Estate Community. Ag Preservation Board members David Herbst and Gerald Ditto contributed to the discussion on TDR’s as an alternative to a possible zero-base for farmland preservation. City of Hagerstown annexation policies could have an affect on TDR programs, Seifarth said. Commissioners’ President Snook said that the
issue needs to be formalized by the preservation group and a presentation made to the Board. Snook requested a joint meeting between the Ag Preservation Board and the Planning Commission to discuss the issue.

FINALIZATION OF LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
    County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this matter before the Board. Last week the Board of County Commissioners decided to pursue a county transfer tax in the 2003 Legislative session as an alternate way to raise needed revenue. Other items for the legislative agenda were previously approved, and Douglas requested that a final version be approved. The Board is requesting 8 items be considered for action by the delegation. Modification of Requirement for Advertising of Intent to Lease would have advertising required in those cases in which the lessee pays $2,000.00 per month or more in rent. Prohibition of Massage for Compensation without State Certification. The Sheriff has requested a bill on massage parlors similar to House Bill 230 proposed by Charles County that passed last session. There is now a comprehensive state certification procedure for massage therapists governed by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners so that the County will not be burdened with having to determine the qualifications of an individual therapist, as was previously the case.  Restrictions on Soliciting at Intersections would require permits and the development of regulations. In making the request, Sheriff Mades cited safety issues for motorists and the solicitors themselves. Home Detention for Pretrial Detainees would grant the Sheriff the authority to utilize home detention for pre-trial inmates as is presently being done in Montgomery, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s Counties and the State Central Home Detention Unit. Home detention inmates pay a fee for the service and thus return revenue to the County. Criminal Background Checks would allow the County to run criminal background checks on prospective employees.  Amendments to the Animal Control Enabling Law would allow the Animal Control Authority to function solely as a quasi-judicial body to decide animal control issues brought before it. The Humane Society would continue to function as the Animal Control Agency for the County. This is essentially the way the process is being performed at the present time. Enabling Legislation for a County Transfer Tax would “piggyback” on the State transfer tax and be assessed on the recordation of specified “instruments in writing” transferring property in the land records of the Circuit Court.  An estimated $2 million in revenues could be generated by a tax of one (1%) percent. Those revenues could be used as a dedicated revenue source for school construction, debt reduction, and public safety. A Fee Charged by the Clerk of Court for Collecting a County Transfer Tax would add a subsection to state law to allow the Clerk of the Circuit Court to waive fees for collections, particularly with respect to recordation taxes. Circuit Court Clerk Dennis J. Weaver supports the enactment of such legislation, for without it he cannot negotiate the fees. This would accompany legislation providing for a county transfer tax. The Delegation passed several of the items at its meeting on January 15th, and the remaining items are scheduled for discussion on Wednesday, January 29th.

VISION & MISSION DISCUSSION
    County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this issue before the Board. Last week, the County Vision statement was amended and simplified. Staff felt the existing 2002 Mission statement remains active and effective in support of the amended Vision for Washington County. The new Board of County Commissioners should set four-year initiatives, which Vision, Mission and Goals will support. The proposed 2003 Vision of Washington County Government is “to become the regional leader in providing and coordinating efficient and effective public services in an open, cooperative manner.”
 Staff felt the 2002 Mission statement would not need adjustment. That statement reads, “The Mission of Washington County Government is: Supporting and strengthening individual and community self-reliance and responsibility; Promoting education, economic opportunities, public health, safety, and welfare; Protecting the environment and cultural resources we share; and Planning for future urbanization and a culturally diverse population.” Shoop discussed four preliminary goals developed by staff involving Zoning changes due to the comprehensive plan, development of a County-wide disaster recovery plan, improved Public Information and Marketing Strategies, and development of a plan to adopt the revised Wage and Salary plan. Commissioner Wivell presented a list of possible goals in support of Accountability Standards, Economic Development, Education, Joint Initiatives with the City of Hagerstown, Planning Issues, Water and Sewer and a Miscellaneous topic including E-government, Reverse Auctions, Review of County Policies, and Pay for Performance or Gainsharing. An additional possibility Wivell shared is an “Adopt-a-Park” program in which citizens would volunteer to perform cleanup duties in County parks. Commissioner Jim Kercheval promoted addressing concerns of Fire and Rescue, Electronic Government and Funding for Renovation of county schools. Commissioner John Munson requested Acceleration of Debt Reduction, using more pay-as-you-go funding and paying down debt levels wherever possible. Commissioner Dori Nipps suggested an initiative assessing Public Safety needs and how they could be best met. Commissioners’ President Greg Snook cited Finalization of the Pretreatment Business Plan, Interaction with Independent Cement Corporation to promote donation of land for a new County Park, Upgrading of the County Bond Rating, Replacement of the County Communication System and Addressing University of Maryland Center Operations as possible initiatives. County Administrator Rod Shoop will sort out goals and initiatives and present a list to the Board at next week’s meeting for possible approval.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH
    Commissioner Dori Nipps presented the Youth of the Month honor form December 2002 to Danielle Hose of Williamsport. An 8th grade student Springfield Middle School, Danielle volunteers to work in the office at Hickory Elementary School each summer and throughout the school year. She works to help prepare for the upcoming school years, runs off papers, stuffs student packets and prepares for bus riders. She spends many hours each day assisting for the opening of school. Danielle has been involved with many community and school activities and has been a volunteer at the local soup kitchen. She is active in Girl Scout activities, an honor roll student at Springfield Middle School and plays in the school orchestra. She has also played in the All County Orchestra and is involved in local youth basketball and soccer team play. The award cited Danielle as a superior role model or all youth. The honoree also receives a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond. Youth of the Month is sponsored by the Washington County Community Partnership.

REINVESTMENT INCENTIVE FUNDS FOR CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAM
    Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) Director Stephanie Stone brought this request, to fund several programs using earned reinvestment funds from the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families, before the Board. $506,732.00 in funds are available for Washington County programs, and there is no fiscal impact on the County budget The Child Advocacy Center would receive $135,000.00 for services to physically or sexually abused children. A full-time police officer would be assigned to the program for a two-year period and would receive necessary specialized training. Commissioners’ President Snook requested a detailed breakdown on the expenses of that officer. An Autism Waiver Matching Fund program would assist families of children on the waiting list for Developmental Disabilities Administration services who could not receive the services because matching funds were not available. $100,000.00 would go to that program. The Mental Health Services Flex Fund would supplement mental health services to at-risk families in the County who would not have access to evaluation and support otherwise. $100,000.00 would be provided to that program. $171,732.00 would benefit the Local Management Board Flex Fund as one-time expenditures to augment programs currently operating under the LMB/WCCP umbrella. Those programs include Children Safe in their Families and Communities; Healthy Children; Babies Born Healthy; Children Successful in School; and Communities Which Support Family Life. The WCCP Board of Directors said it understands that the plan contains expenses that may be ongoing in nature, but that the State has no obligation to sustain expenditures once the reinvestment funds have been exhausted. County policy currently does not provide continuation of programs once grants have ended. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

HOTSPOT NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY FUNDS
     WCCP Coordinator Gina Harley brought this issue before the Board. The WCCP, in partnership with the Maryland Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families, requested concept applications for the HotSpot Neighborhoods Opportunity Funds. The WCCP and the state identified that there is a need to work with the community-based organizations in the county to promote Communities Which Support Family Life.  Funds given through the grants must address this priority area in the following ways: 1) create an awareness of and/or reduce the incidence of substance abuse, juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, and/or family violence; 2) encourage community mobilization and/or community enrichment.  $25,000.00 per year is available in portions not to exceed $5,000 for projects to take place in the Hagerstown designated HotSpot area for the HotSpot Neighborhoods Opportunity Fund Projects that promote Communities Which Support Family Life.  This is a five-month grant award to begin February 1, 2003 and end June 30, 2003.  Funding is contingent upon the continued availability of sufficient state funds. Programs recommended for funding include $4,500.00 for Each One Teach One - African American Heritage in Hagerstown to educate those living in and around the Jonathan Street community about Black Heritage. At least 100 people will be anticipated at each session including youth and parents. The focus of these events will be to enhance community enrichment within the designated HotSpot Community and invite local agencies to provide information and resources to address substance abuse, juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, and family violence. Camp Challenge Ministries Summer Camp would provide $5,000.00 for an overnight summer camp at Fairview Outdoor School to benefit 70 youth ages 8-11. Components of the camp address juvenile crime and substance abuse issues. Girls, Inc. would receive $2,631.00 for a program called “Creation Not Destruction” providing creativity and expression through tap dance classes. The Hagerstown Leo Club Community Forum would focus on teens and parents and discuss the issues of teen pregnancy, substance abuse and juvenile crime, and would receive $3,869.00 as partial funding for speaker fees, refreshments and incentives. North Hagerstown High School’s PTSA program Motivating and Enriching Our Youth and Community would receive $5,000.00 partial funding for speaker fees, copying and advertising to present lectures by Reggie Dabbs, nationally recognized motivational speaker to youth and parents over a three-day period. REALITY USA Parent Program would enable low-income parents to enter the Reality Program, which promotes drug denial, education, goal setting and community participation. $4,000.00 would partially fund student/ parent scholarships and training materials. All funding is from state and federal sources, and no County funds are
expended. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION FUNDS
    WCCP Coordinator Paula Fisher requested Board approval of awards of the Community Mobilization Funds in partnership with the Maryland Governor’s Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families. $8,000.00 is available each year for programs outside the HotSpots area. The Boys and Girls Club Cascade Outreach program would provide activities for students at Cascade Elementary School dealing with social recreation, life skills and community service. 75 students would be served monthly, and the program would provide after-school activities in an area that currently has no such programs. $5,000.00 partial funding would be provided by the grant. Girls, Inc. No Horsing Around would provide a Therapeutic Equestrian program for youth with developmental disabilities. 10 girls will participate for 8 weeks, and partial funding of $2,000.00 will be provided. The Parent-Child Center would receive $1,000.00 as partial funding for its Teen Voices/Teen Choices  group of Teen Mothers speaking to peers at youth groups, schools and churches about life choices. Funds are from state and federal sources and do not impact the County General Fund. WCCP Director Stone was directed to work with the Cascade Committee to find possible funding for the Fort Ritchie Gym reuse. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.


The Board attended a Tax-Setoff meeting with then Town of Smithsburg Mayor and Council, at the Town Hall in that community during the evening hours.
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