Note: This is a SUMMARY of the Commissioners Meeting for the purposes of a Press Release. These are not the actual minutes of the meeting.

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

Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
May 20, 2003

The Board attended a Public Works Division appreciation Breakfast at the Highways Department Central Division, honoring Highways, Buildings, Grounds and Parks, Water & Sewer and Solid Waste employees who worked on snow removal operations during the Winter of 2002-2003.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Interim Human Resources Director Dee Hawbaker introduced two new County employees to the Board. Tammy Hammons has taken the Accounts Receivable Supervisor position in the Budget and Finance Department, and Janet Grimm has been hired as an Office Associate III in the Office of the State's Attorney.

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on an event at PenMar Park designed to raise funds for the fight against Polio and its effects, and the Mental Health Center's open house at its new facility off Eastern Boulevard.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on The Maryland Municipal League meeting recently in Smithsburg, and County response to standing water calls during the recent rains.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on two meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission dealing with funding issues, a meeting of the Commission for Women, the recent EMS Awards Dinner, a dance recital held for students of County Recreation Department programs and the Smithsburg High School STARS program awards event. 100 students received awards for academic achievement at that event, Nipps said.
Commissioner John Munson commented on public input on the moratorium received following the vote on the issue last week.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on a tour of facilities at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and some expansion plans by businesses located there. A meeting with Mayor Breichner of Hagerstown revealed that demolition of the McCrory's building downtown will take place after the Western Maryland Blues Fest. 325 Students graduated Hagerstown Community College at last weekend's Commencement ceremonies. Snook was a featured speaker at those ceremonies. Snook asked about clearing debris from the Funkstown Bridge and was told by Public Works Director Gary Rohrer that the project is getting underway utilizing Highways Department crews.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that this is National Public Works Week in the U.S. 36 County Roads were closed for a time during last weekend's high water period. Flooding was extensive in the Southern portion of the County, Rohrer said. Inspection of Bridges is continuing in the County, and some damage has been noted to the stone arch bridge at Broadfording. Recycling and Bulk Trash Week served 1500 households, with 66 tons of material taken in at the 40-West landfill, an increase of 5 tons over last year, Rohrer said.
County Planning and Community Development Director Bob Arch reported that the Metropolitan Planning Organization meets Thursday in Charlestown, West Virginia. Planning will apply for Community Development Block Grant funds for an updated housing study in the County. This study has not been done for 15 years, and will be useful in implementing the Comprehensive Plan, Arch said.

OTHER BUSINESS:
County Attorney Issues: Assistant County Attorney John Martirano requested approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the County, and the Department of Social Services on the Jobs Program for Fiscal Year '04. Funds for the program, which provides van transportation for welfare-to-work clients is funded by state and federal sources, with local match coming from DSS. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
Betty Meyers and Joni Kline of the Washington County Soil Conservation District brought 10 students before the Board for recognition on behalf of Earth Day 2003. The District sponsors an annual contest for Kindergarten through grade 12, to provide students with the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions on soil, water and related natural resource issues. Theme for this year is "Food for the Future" stressing the idea that each if us has a responsibility in making sure that we have an ample supply of food for now and the future. Such a task involves conservation practices, productive soils, ample water, variety of crops, a stable economy, good transportation, hunger relief and educated citizens. Two winners are chosen in categories from Kindergarten through grade 12. This year's winners included Jonathan Green from Pangborn Elementary and Caitlin Crimmins from Paramount Elementary in grades K-1, Sydney Breidenstein and Ashley Viar, of Paramount, in grades 2-3, Anna Wade of Paramount and Lauren Martin from Northern Middle School in Grades 4-6. Winners in Grades 7-9 were Zack Golden from Clear Spring Middle School and Ashley Taylor of North Hagerstown High, and in Grades 10-12 Corey Broadwater and Heidi Melin, both from Williamsport High School. First place winners in each category received a $75.00 savings bond, and second place winners receive a $50.00 bond courtesy of the Soil Conservation District. First place posters will be forwarded on to the state competition, in July.

INTRODUCTION OF MISS WASHINGTON COUNTY AND MISS WESTERN MARYLAND 2003
Tom Riford of the Board of Directors of the Miss Washington County/Miss Western Maryland Scholarship Program presented the 2003 winners of those titles to the Board. The Program is for young women age 17 to 24 and is the largest single scholarship program in Maryland. Residency requirements apply, and funds are paid directly to contestant's colleges. The program awards more than $10,000.00 locally and is a part of the Miss America Program. The Commissioners presented certificates of Merit to Danielle McGarvey, Miss Western Maryland, and Miss Washington County for 2003, Stacy Miller. Commissioner Kercheval lauded McGarvey was for academics, leadership and helping prevent teen violence, while Commissioner Wivell commended Miller for academics, leadership and involvement in helping children with learning disabilities. The pair will compete in the Miss Maryland pageant, in Hagerstown, in June.

ADOPTION OF FY 2004 BUDGET
The Fiscal Year 2004 Budget was taken to Public Hearing on May 6th. Last week Concerns were raised over adoption of the final budget before the deadline for additional cuts to the Governor's Budget, and the possible impact on education. Changes were made to the Board of Education request, which had pared down One-Time Costs and requested transfer of $124,000.00 to maintenance of effort from the One-Time allocation. That transfer did not increase the total to the School Board. In addition, the Commissioners requested that the BOE average out the number of buses purchased each year, to allow for better long-term Planning. Commissioners were instructed to present any further budget questions to County Administrator Rod Shoop so that adoption of the FY '04 budget could take place in today's meeting. The latest budget summary shows $83.1 million to Public Education, with the total budget balanced at $138.8 million. Changes in income tax and recordation tax collection projections assisted in that budget figure. Discussion took place on the 2% employee wage increase, the proposed wage and salary study implementation, reducing dues and subscriptions to departments, the salary level for the vacant Human Resources Director position, revisiting the vehicle policy, and Cell phone and telephone expenses. A motion was made by Commissioner Kercheval to adopt the budget with revisions lowering the salary range for the HR Director by $16,000.00 and reducing the amount in the Commissioners' Contingency Fund to $50,000.00. The measure was passed on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".

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.
Don Allensworth of Hagerstown commented on Adequate Public Facility Ordinance issues and intergovernmental control over subdivision developer cost contributions.
Paul and Dominic Perini requested Commissioner review of property in the Marsh Pike area partially excluded from the Urban Growth Area, causing development problems. Commissioners' President Snook said the Board would take the request under advisement after conferring with the Planning Commission.

MENTAL HEALTH FLEX FUNDS APPROVAL
Paula Fisher of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) brought this request before the Board. WCCP in partnership with the Maryland Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families, requested concept applications for the Mental Health Services Flex Funds. WCCP and the state identified that there is a need to provide services that promote Healthy Children, Children Safe in the Families and Communities, and Communities Which Support Family Life. All projects funded through the Mental Health Services Flex Funds must be designed to achieve outcomes for children, youth and families for at least one of these results. The Mental Health Services Flex Fund is intended to supplement mental health services to at risk children and families in Washington County who would otherwise not have access to evaluation and ongoing mental health support. The Fund uses part of the earned reinvestment monies. A total of $50,000 was available for second round funding through the fund with no one grant to be funded for more than $24,999.00. Behavioral Health Services Urgent Psychiatric Care for Children requested $24,999.00 to provide a walk-in clinic for children with urgent and emergent psychiatric needs. There is currently a severe shortage in Washington County of board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists resulting in a waiting period for treatment services of nearly three months. This backlog leads to individuals not having access to services. Project goals include rapid access to psychiatry services for children, 48 to 72 hours versus the current three month delay, provide a continuum of care that integrates nursing, psychiatry and educational services in addition to crisis intervention, and provide treatment to all children in need regardless of ability to pay. The program budget requests monies to fund two nursing positions and provide four hours of psychiatry services per week. BHS will in-kind additional mental health and administrative services in the amount of $112,381. Washington County Department of Social Services' Child Protective Services program also requested $24,999.00 to assist families who are experiencing complex and difficult mental health issues that are particularly unique to the public child welfare system, through the provision of specialized mental health assessment and evaluation. Specialized assessments are needed for those individuals and families whose mental health issues go beyond the realm of conventional mental health services. The funds will be used for families who are victims or perpetrators of physical or sexual abuse and/or neglect, have an open CPS case, need a mental health service as outlined in a case plan but lack the financial resources to secure the service, and/or need a highly specialized mental health assessment and evaluation, the provider for which does not participate with the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Both measures were approved by unanimous vote.

AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION FUNDING DISCUSSION
Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian and County Financial Consultant Lester Guthorn brought this discussion before the Board. On May 6th the Airport Runway Extension funding was discussed, with a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the FAA pending. Concerns were expressed over the method of payment of Federal funds to be used for the project. The FAA wanted to repay Washington County over a period of years, but financial advice warned that the method would overextend County finances. Negotiations have continued with the FAA on various scenarios for that funding. Letters of support for the LOI from the Economic Development Commission, the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Hagerstown Committee. The final offer from FAA shows funding to take place through 2013. $5 million in discretionary funding would be made this fiscal year, while Entitlement and Discretionary funds would total $8 million in FY '04. Total funding for the 2006 through 2008 outyears, would be $6 million per year, and $4 million would be forthcoming in FY '09. From 2010 through 2013 the County would receive $1 million per year, for a grand total of $47 million. The State of Maryland and Washington County would each provide about $8 million in matching funds to the project. Financial Advisor Guthorn presented an analysis of the offer, with several fuding mechanisms including Grant Acceptance Notes and additional bond issuance discussed. A measure to support the FAA Letter of Intent and review funding options further was approved by a 3-2 Vote, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".

REQUEST TO FILL VACANCY
Melissa Nearchos, of the Washington County Community Partnership brought a request to fill a vacant position in that department before the Board. The Community Mobilization Liaison is a grade 11 position at $32,391 per year, and is funded by the Governor's Office for Children, Youth and Families. The position provides support to individuals and community agencies for services to children in the County. Nearchos told the Board that the grant funds are provided by the Governor's Office for FY 2004 through 2006. The General fund is not impacted, Nearchos said. Commissioner Kercheval asked if the position could be used to fund HotSpots programs. Additional sources of funding will be examined to assist with that community program. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

CONTRACT RENEWAL: JANITORIAL SERVICES
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling brought this request before the Board. Janitorial services for the Administration Building, the Court House and Annex, County Extension Services Office Building and the County Office Building have been provided by Makro Services of Gaithersburg, Maryland over the last year, at a total amount of $186,338.58 per year. If renewed, a "pilot" program would be undertaken for services to the County Administrative Annex and the Solid Waste Department Office Building. The 2002 contract had provisions for review by the Board after one year based on several issues. Rebid of the existing contract was approved by unanimous vote, with performance bond requirements, building locations, need for an on-site supervisor and number of hours to be reviewed.

SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT: SEWAGE GRINDERS
Luther and Water and Sewer Department Maintenance Supervisor Rocky Bishop requested award of a sole source contract for Sewage Grinder Units to Watermark Environmental Systems of Exxon, Pennsylvania. The 3 "Muffin Monster" units would cost a total of $51,485.00. The Water and Sewer Department said that a sole supplier exists to meet County requirements. Watermark is the exclusive distributor for the state of Maryland. When this is the case, four of the five Commissioners must vote to accept the contract. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

CONTRACT RENEWAL: CONTRACT SERVICES AT TRANSFER STATIONS
Luther and Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport requested renewal of the contra t with Peck's Refuse Disposal, LLC of McConnelsburg, PA in the amount of $255,301.00. The contract is based on the annual estimated number of services from the 5 transfer locations, and consist of vendor-supplied containers and transport to the 40-West Landfill. The vendor is requesting increases of between 4 and 8 percent per site, but is well below the second low bidder quote. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD
The Washington County Historical Advisory Committee presented the Historic Preservation Award for 2003 to John Frye in recognition of efforts to promote preservation in the County. The Committee nominated Frye for being instrumental in its organization in 1967 and acting as its first chairman. Frye told the Board that Washington County was the first in the nation to have such an advisory board. In future years the award will be named the "John Frye Historic Preservation Award."

RESOLUTION EXTENSION
Commissioners' President Greg Snook brought a request for a 30-day extension from the St. James Special Taxing District before the Board. The developer was granted special authorization to issue tax-free bonds on a development in the St. James area, and was to have all bonds sold by 2000. An extension was made from 2000-2001, and again from 2001-2002. The Board voted 3-2 that the extension not be granted.

OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop commented on the recent Department of Emergency Services/Maryland Correctional and Training Centers' joint "Tabletop" exercise. The County's and the Prisons' Emergency Operations Centers were activated, with a mock disaster scenario involving the prisons and a number of sites in the county, combined with a weather emergency. Shoop said a great deal was learned by the exercise, which highlighted the need for additional space for the County Emergency Operations Center. DES Director Joe Kroboth announced that 9-1-1 Dispatch technician Bill King, recently honored for life-saving activities on the job, has been selected for the coveted "Star of Life" Award by the Maryland Emergency Services System.

REQUEST TO FILL VACANCY: PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS DIRECTOR
Bob Arch, Planning and Community Development Director presented this request, to advertise and begin the search for a replacement for Permits and Inspections Director Paul Prodonovich, who is retiring July 1st. The position would be advertised at Grade 16, with a salary range from $47,592 to $76,148 per year. Arch said that the duties of the position may change to focus more on building approval and less on zoning approval. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PROJECT REVIEW
Arch also brought this discussion to the Board. As part of the annual Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding program, the Tri-County Council requests that the County review and prioritize projects for funding consideration. Project funding level is usually in the 30% range. Funding is limited to the three Western Maryland counties. Hagerstown Community College requested $40,000 to support for a Job Training Institute to assist unemployed, underemployed and at-risk individuals by providing job training and retention skills. Washington County applied for funds to support the Newgate Boulevard Extension about 3,517 feet to intersect with US 40, providing an additional entrance into Hopewell Valley Economic Development area. $600,000 was requested for that project. The City of Hagerstown requested $600,000.00 for development of the City Farm Business Park, consisting of 46 acres of industrial land along the proposed Southern Boulevard. The land is contiguous to Hagerstown Industrial Park #1, and would be the City's third industrial/business park. The Board voted to prioritize the projects in the order presented, by unanimous vote.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH
Angie Helfrick of the Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) brought the Youth of the Month Winners for April and May before the Board.
Erin Kittel of Smithsburg, the winner for April, is a 7th grade student at Smithsburg Middle School and was nominated by Dianne Aughinbaugh, Library media Specialist. Ms. Aughinbaugh wrote, "After hearing that I needed help in repairing some of our library books, Erin decided on her own to collect money for this purpose. As her birthday approached she asked people to donate money for this cause in lieu of birthday gifts. In the end, she collected $145.00 and surprised me with the donation during the school day when no one was around. Erin's unselfish concern for our library illustrates what a fine young adult she is."  Erin is described by her teachers as an A/B student and a pleasure to have in class. One teacher commented that Erin "works hard and is always respectful. She definitely deserves to be recognized."
May's winner is Bradley Kretzer of Hagerstown, a 7th grade student at E. Russell Hicks Middle School and nominated by David. Mr. Flowers notes that Bradley displays many characteristics that make him an outstanding student and citizen. He is well known among the faculty because of his willingness to achieve at a high level and for the respect he displays to all the staff members. Bradley leads by example, and is a positive role model for his peers. He is very humble and does not seek recognition or boast about his accomplishments. Bradley has been interested in baseball and has been playing since the age of 5. There have been physical challenges in his life and Bradley had to have total bone reconstruction and metal balls inserted in his feet. He also had his Achilles' Tendon lengthened. Bradley was in a cast from the knee down and was either in a wheelchair or on crutches for three months. After the cast was removed, he began 3-4 months of physical therapy and learned to walk on his new foot. Bradley has been involved in various activities in and out of school including: PeeWee football, Cub Scouts, Tee Ball, Minor League, Little League, Tri-State Tigers Traveling League, Junior League Bowling and YMCA basketball. Bradley also takes time to volunteer at Ravenwood Lutheran Village to help elderly persons with bingo. Bradley has been one of the first students representing the character counts pillar of trustworthiness. Mr. Flowers notes "Bradley is not only an excellent student but also an outstanding citizen. His display of character as well as his determination to overcome obstacles is an inspiration to his fellow students and me".
Youth of the Month honors outstanding students for their academic, leadership and extracurricular activities. Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented Certificates of Merit and a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond from WCCP to the winners.

PROPOSED EXCISE AND TRANSFER TAX DISCUSSION
Planning and Community Development Director Arch brought a discussion of rates for the Transfer and Excise Taxes to the Board. The Fiscal Year '04 budget proposes a transfer and excise tax at a rate consistent with providing $2.4 million in annual revenue. Funds from this revenue source are currently budgeted to support the capital improvement program for FY 2004-2009. Tax rates are required to be set before the beginning of the new Fiscal Year. State law requires $400,000 from the revenue sources to fund Agricultural Preservation. Arch gave the Board a breakdown of building permits over the past 5 year period, with an average of 900 units consisting of single family homes, Townhomes, Semi-detached and Two-Family homes built in the County each year. Data presented also included an average of finished square footage for homes in Washington County, with the Single Family Home at 2466 square feet. Both number of units and square footage would figure into the amount of revenue generated through Transfer and Excise Taxes if implemented. 78% of the units built in the County are Single Family and Townhomes. A multi-year Excise Tax would be imposed on finished and basement square footage at the rate of $0.25 for single family homes and $1.00 for all other residential structures. The rate would escalate for single family homes, to $0.50 in FY 2005, and $0.75 in FY 2006. The rates, which would generate $860,000.00 the first year, were approved to be taken to Public Hearing by a 3-2 Vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no". The Transfer tax rate was proposed at one-half of one percent (.50%) on the selling price of any property in the County, with an exemption of the first $50,000, which would benefit first-time homebuyers. With the average price of a new home measured at $157,000 in Washington Country, approximately $2 million in revenue could be generated in the first year. The measure was approved on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no". A public hearing on these taxes is scheduled for June 10th.

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