Washington County Commissioners Meeting Summary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2130
Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
February 4, 2003
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson reported on the departmental meeting held this week with Permits and Inspections. Munson said he learned much about the department’s operations in that meeting.
Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on the Funkstown Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association function last weekend, and the North Hagerstown High School Student Government Association Legislative Assembly.
Commissioner Bill Wivell also commented on the Funkstown and North High events, and on a meeting of the Joint City/County Water and Sewer Committee. A possible compromise on legal issues will be discussed in closed session later in the day, and by the Mayor and Council of Hagerstown in a closed session as part of that body’s meeting today.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on the recent meeting with the Board of Education. Kercheval said he was impressed that the Management Review Team has implemented one-third of the recommendations from last year’s study, with another one-third in progress. Figures presented by the BOE indicate Washington County has the least per-student transportation cost in the state, Kercheval said. The Planning Commission approved site plans for a new Credit Union on Sharpsburg Pike, for a Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robins ice cream store on Dual Highway, and a residential development at Fort Ritchie. The latter plan is contingent on transfer of the land to PenMar Development Corporation by the U.S. Army.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting addressed budget issues, and indicated that the state C of C supports Governor Ehrlich’s Slot Machine proposal. A letter from the Mayor and Council of Hagerstown requests $50,000 matching funds for the Community Rescue Service. Snook requested that the Emergency Services Council and the Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth review the request. A letter from the Board of Education is asking for more meeting time each month with the County Commissioners. Economic Development Commission members will travel to the Port of Baltimore this week to discuss the next phase of the County’s Foreign Trade Zone, Snook said.
NUISANCE ABATEMENT GRANT
States’ Attorney Ken Long brought this request, to continue the Nuisance Abatement Attorney position for the remainder of the year, using $7,500 in currently budgeted funds. The City of Hagerstown has agreed to match the $7,500 figure. A part-time Assistant State’s Attorney position has been funded through a state grant since July, 2002, but grant funds have ended. If the grant is not renewed for Fiscal Year 2004 the position will be abolished or continued with General Fund dollars, Long said. The Attorney works with local police and landlords to handle civil complaints involving tenants who pose a nuisance to the community. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Human Resources Director Alan Davis told the Board that today is the final day of the first round of joint safety trainings between the County, the City of Hagerstown and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ (AFSCME) union. Six training sessions have been held, at union expense, on hazards of working out of doors covering cold weather injury, snake bite, insects and other environmental hazards. County Safety Coordinator Brian Overcash, City Safety Coordinator Kevin DeHaven and AFSCME’s Diane Brown have worked together on the project. This is the first of a number of joint trainings to take place over the next several months, Davis said. The County Employee Handbook is being updated and will be printed in Mid-March. The Employee Wage and Compensation Study will be complete by March 10th. The County is contributing $450,000.00 to the Fire/Rescue Length of Service (LOSAP) retirement program this year, Davis commented, and the first meeting on union negotiations will take place before the end of the month. Preliminary meetings setting up the negotiations have already been held, Davis said.
Planning and Community Development Director Bob Arch told the Board that a new agreement with the Friends of the Agricultural Heritage Museum will be presented to the Board next week. The Recreation and Parks Board meets this Thursday afternoon, Arch said.
PAVEMENT WIDENING DETAIL
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought this report before the Board. The current Road Adequacy Policy includes a pavement widening detail that does not address continuous widening of highways in the County, Rohrer said. Changes requested would place the burden of cost on developers and not the County. Builders and developers have taken issue with the change, but the widening details are not being followed in some instances. Rohrer told the Board that there is a need for enforcement of the requirements. The Engineering Department agrees that a change in the widening detail is needed to reduce long-term impact on the County highway system. The change would result in reduced repairs and long term maintenance that could be valued at $150,000.00 per mile. Rohrer presented slides of several road problems caused by contractors’ non-adherence to standards. Changes in the standard include 4” of surface and 4” of base over 8” of stone, and would be applied to road projects currently under review. Commissioners’ President Snook requested a report on the changes and how they have worked, in 6 months.
SEPTIC SYSTEM APPROVAL & APPLICATION PROCESS
Laurie Bucher, Director of the Health Department’s Environmental Health division presented information on the approval process for individual well and septic systems in Washington County. Bucher explained how an individual goes about obtaining necessary permits and approval from the Health Department for well drilling or installing a septic system. A Percolation Test fee is assessed, septic permits are $100.00 and well permits are $75.00. Samples of permits, approval letters and other pertinent documents were distributed. Bucher told the Board that the applications may be filled out either at the Health Department on Pennsylvania Avenue, or at the County Permits and Inspections Department, at 80 West Baltimore Street. Information is also available on the department’s website at www.washhealth.org, in the environmental health section.
Bucher also presented information on precipitation levels in streams and monitoring wells. Antietam Creek flow rate is above normal, and water levels at three test wells are from 2 to 5 feet above normal. Ground Water recharge was good in 2002 with above average precipitation received, Bucher said.
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.
Jim Laird of the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County (CPWC) commented on the road widening and paving presentation made earlier by Public Works Director Rohrer. CPWC supports that measure, Laird said.
John Himes of Sandy Hook commented on Humane Society policies involving reimbursement of out-of-county veterinarians for adopted pet evaluations. Commissioners’ President Snook said the situation will be investigated. Himes also commented on issues involving construction in the flood plain and unfair treatment. Permits and Inspections Director Paul Prodonovich told the Board that Himes did not make use of the variance option at the time of construction, and that the complaint is invalid.
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR EVENT CENTER
Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB) Director Ben Hart brought this request, for a Commissioners’ resolution endorsing submission of a grant to provide a feasibility study for a potential multi-purpose event center for Washington County. Hart told the Board that up to 70% of needed funds are available from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development for such a study. The CVB has issued a request for proposal to potential vendors, Hart said, telling the Board that County funds would not be used in the study. The Board must approve the application in order for state funding to be granted, and cost of the project would be between $50,000 and $70,000, Hart said. Commissioner Wivell said that he would not support the request, given a lack of information on what other Counties and Municipalities in the state have done. Commissioners’ President Snook requested that part of the evaluation include the potential for use of the ARCC at Hagerstown Community College as an exhibit hall. The measure, to go forward with the application to the state, was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting “no”.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner requested reappointments of Jay Grimes and Mary Kalin to the Emergency Services Council. Both are eligible for reappointments to additional three-year terms. The initial terms of that advisory board were staggered, and both have served only one year. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop announced the planned move by WJAL-TV Channel 68 from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. A letter from the Federal Communications Commission had requested comment by elected officials in the area. The station ceased broadcast of local news over one year ago, and no impact on Washington County government was seen. Shoop said that in listening to the Will Kauffman radio program on WHAG-AM on Monday, a listener inquired if the City of Hagerstown contributed funds to 9-1-1 dispatch activities, including the proposed emergency communications system. 9-1-1 dispatch funds come from the State of Maryland and through charges on telephone bills, Shoop said. The City does not provide funding, but does reimburse the County for repair of City Police radios.
The Board attended the annual League of Women Voters luncheon during the noon hour.
PROPOSED 2003 GOALS AND INITIATIVES
Human Resources Director Alan Davis and County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this discussion before the Board, to finalize Commissioners’ Initiatives for the next 4 years, and Goals in support of those initiatives. Last week 7 possible Initiatives were proposed. Operational Efficiencies includes working with other public entities, assuring that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively. Ideas investigated will include, but not be limited to productivity enhancements, reorganization, benchmarking, and public/private partnership. A Strategic and Financial Planning initiative would assure that best practice financial and strategic planning measures are implemented. Working with the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, and other County funded organizations to develop models for asset optimization, infrastructure funding, and debt reduction would be pursued, as well as investigating joint initiatives with other public entities to include a central booking facility, and possible systems consolidation. Economic Development embraces enhancing infrastructure to support economic development, job retention, target marketing, technical reinvestment; investigating possible EDC privatization to include a dedicated funding source, and promoting the reuse of property acquired by PenMar Development Corporation. The initiative would also foster partnerships with appropriate municipalities to revitalize urban centers, provide support for the Airport runway extension, and assure resources are available to maintain and expand the employment base in Washington County. The Education initiative encourages partnership with the Board of Education, Hagerstown Community College, Frostburg State University and the University Systems of Maryland, development of agreements to fund education, encouragement of private/public partnerships, and Cooperation with development of standards for asset optimization and operational efficiencies. Planning would revise the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), zoning and subdivision ordinances and other regulations to complement and/or support the Comprehensive Plan. It would promote working with the City of Hagerstown and other municipalities in developing a County-wide APFO, investigating the use of cost/benefit models in the development approval process, looking at options to encourage agricultural preservation, and adopting policies for ownership and maintenance of Stormwater Management Ponds. The Water & Sewer initiative would develop formal business plans for the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility and Nicodemus Wastewater Treatment Facility, and resolve City/County water and wastewater issues to the benefit of all citizens of the county. Under Communications and Public Outreach the County would promote development of “interactive” E-government for all citizens of the county, assure that County operations are conducted in an open and accessible manner and become more proactive in public information activities and marketing the strengths of Washington County. The Board added an eighth initiative, Public Safety and Emergency Management to continue development of Emergency Services Plans, including a plan for replacement of the emergency communications system, and continued improvement of Public Safety protection for County citizens.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION UPDATE
Economic Development Commission (EDC) Director Tim Troxell brought another is a series of periodic reports on the County’s economic status before the Board.
In a General Economic Overview, Troxell said that the Unemployment rate for the County in November 2002 was 3.8% and the Annual unemployment rate was 4.6%. These figures are below other area rates; Allegany County had 4.8% in November and a 6.4% annual unemployment rate. The state of Maryland had 3.9 and 4.5% respectively and the National rate for November was 6.0% and 5.8% annually. The latest reading on Maryland Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or the total value of goods and services produced in the US, shows the economy grew at an annual rate of 4.0% in the third quarter of 2002.
In the second quarter, the GDP increased 1.3%. The major contributors to the increase in GDP in the third quarter were personal consumption expenditures, private inventory investment, government spending, equipment and software, and exports. The GDP advance estimate report for the fourth quarter 2002 is 0.7%, Troxell said. This reflects a sharp decrease in personal consumption expenditures, downturns in private inventory investment and in exports that were partly offset by a smaller decrease in nonresidential structures. However, the GDP increased 2.4% in 2002 compared to 2001’s GDP increase of 0.3%. A survey of economists indicated that most forecast a modest 2-3% rise in the GDP in the first half of 2003. The economists expressed that a major business fear is a war between the U.S. and Iraq. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew for the first time in four months in December, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The index of business activity increased from 49.5% in September to 54.7% in December. The Maryland Index of Leading Indicators rose in November after declining for five consecutive months. The index jumped to 104.0 in November from 101.5 in October, and the leading index was also up by 2% from a year ago. Four of the 7 Maryland components posted a positive impact in November.
Unemployment insurance claims fell, BWI airport cargo increased, weekly help wanted counts had a modest increase, and hours and earnings in manufacturing remain strong, Troxell told the Board. During 2002, the EDC reported on a total of 176 new client inquiries that required some type of information exchange and handled 170 client follow-ups. We continue to receive an average of about 15 new prospects each month and expect this to continue, and possibly grow throughout this year, Troxell said. The business activity in Washington County did well in 2002 especially in comparison to the U.S. economy. We announced a total of $149.52 million in project investments, as well as 1,040 new jobs and 1,100 jobs retained. 2003 has already started out strong with the $50 million investment of Intelsat. There were more than 2,000 attendees, plus 160 colleges, universities, local employers and community organizations exhibiting at the Second Annual Choices in Colleges and Careers event held November 11th. Washington County’s business community supported the event, five area high schools were presented with $500 scholarships and three local high school students received cash prizes totaling $1,000 for an essay contest.
A progress report on the Maryland Advantage Program’s final quarter activities for 2002 was presented to the General Assembly in January, Troxell said. 63 companies were visited in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Those companies currently employ 8,667 people, and project an employment of 10,358 in the next 12 months equating to 1,691 new jobs or a 19.5% increase in employment. 87% of companies rate the quality of the workforce as good to excellent. 85% of companies project an increase in their sales. 62% of companies perceive the current local business climate as good to excellent. 56% of companies rate the local tax structure as poor to fair. 58% of companies rate the state tax structure as poor to fair. Troxell told the Board that the Washington County Business Awards ceremony will be held March 5th at 5 p.m. at the Clarion Conference Center, and the annual Celebration of Business is scheduled for April 15th at Fountain Head Country Club. The latter event is paid totally by sponsorships from the business community and recognizes the positive contributions of all companies in Washington County.
The State of Maryland announced on January 10th that the City of Hagerstown/Washington County Enterprise Zone, originally established in 1992, has been redesignated for an additional 10 year-period. The zone includes portions of the City of Hagerstown, the Hagerstown Business Park, the Washington County Business Park and the CSX Valley Business Park. In fiscal year 2001, companies located within the EZ created 117 jobs. Changes have taken place at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, with Aris Melissaratos chosen as the new Secretary, Troxell reported.