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
October 7, 2003.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Assistant Director of Human Resources Dee Hawbaker brought a new employee to the Board for introduction. Timothy Faulder was recently hired as an Operator in the Department of Water Quality at the Smithsburg Plant. Faulder comes to the County after a number of years at the Funkstown Water Department.

PROCLAMATION: JEAN WOODS
Jean Woods, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts since 1982, retired on July 31, 2003. Commissioner's President Greg Snook presented a proclamation to Woods cited her interest in art appreciation, praising her dedication, loyalty and experience in moving the museum to its position as a City of Hagerstown, Washington County and Maryland landmark. Under Woods' direction endowments to the Museum have grown to almost $4 million and the Museum's donor base is nationwide. The Museum of Art was reaccredited twice by the American Association of Museums during Woods' tenure. The focus of the collection of some 7,000 items of art focus on 19th and early 20th century American work and include artworks by old masters as well as contemporary artists. (See Photo)

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson proposed that free mulch be given away by the Solid Waste Department in the spring, to make up for not allowing free tree and brush dumping following Hurricane Isabel. Only Washington County citizens would be served. Commissioner's President Snook asked Munson to have the Solid Waste Advisory Committee give its opinion on the proposal. A spring clean-up day is scheduled, and the mulch giveaway could be part of that event, if approved.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval discussed Monday's meeting of the Planning Commission. Saint James Village North resubmitted a site plan which retains basketball courts and playgrounds, and approval was given. A workshop is scheduled for October 20th at 3:00 p.m. at 80 West Baltimore Street to discuss the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and its impact on the Planning Commission. Several subdivision issues, including the Urban Growth Area boundaries are slated for discussion at that meeting. The final plats for FedEx Ground and Mountainside Teleport were approved at the Planning Commission meeting, Kercheval said, as well as a reforestation mitigation plan for Hagerstown Regional Airport.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a memo from the Health Department concerning groundwater and water quality issues. The memo indicated further discussion should take place on the need for regulations to promote water quality across the County.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that a letter from two public school Principals thanked County Commuter for its assistance in transporting children from Nolan Village to Saturday School. The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee meeting last week discussed County Budget Security, need for restoration of Highway User Funds to Counties and school funding issues. Cuts will come in FY 2005 due to falling revenues and tax collections. Public Information issues and a class action suit by Counties over railroad rights of way were also discussed, Snook said.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Interim Planning and Community Development Department Director Steve Goodrich
Reported on the second Public Hearing regarding the planned Comprehensive Rezoning of Washington County, to be held Wednesday, October 8th at 6 p.m. in the South Hagerstown High School Auditorium. Those who signed up at the previous meeting who did not get a chance to speak will be heard first, followed by those who sign up on Wednesday. Those who spoke at the previous meeting will not be allowed to speak again.
Goodrich and Public Works Director Gary Rohrer were asked about progress on a draft of the portion of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance that needs to be taken to Public Hearing soon. If a draft of the document is available by Friday, advertisement could take place in time for the mandated 14-day grace period to be over by the last week in October.
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth told the Board that on October 1st, the Department of Emergency Services and the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association issued a joint press release regarding a new system of dispatching ambulances in situations where loss of life is not imminent. For minor or non-emergency calls, ambulances will be dispatched which do not run lights and siren. This measure is being taken to help reduce traffic accidents involving ambulances. 18 persons graduated from the first Citizens Emergency Preparedness course, Kroboth said, with a second class to be scheduled soon. November 15th is Citizen Emergency Preparedness Day at Robinwood Medical Center. 1500 persons participated in that event last year, Kroboth said.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer said that a meeting with the Legislative Delegation is being set to report on Highway User Fund cuts and effects on the County highway system. Rohrer said the cuts are beginning to have an economic impact on the County. Rohrer also sought approval to hire a local engineering firm to perform preliminary engineering for a sewer pumping station in the Hopewell Valley area. The station would connect to the Conocoheague plant and allow progress on pending economic development plans in that industrial park. Cost would be passed on to future developers, Rohrer said. The measure was approved on a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Munson voting "no".

PROCLAMATION: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Vicki Sadevandhi of Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused (CASA) and Sheriff's Department Lt. Doug Mullendore received the proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month from Commissioner Jim Kercheval. CASA works with the Washington County Family Violence Council to coordinate community response for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children and adults. Services have been provided since 1977, and last fiscal year served 1,405 citizens of the County. Washington County's Department of Social Services investigated 385 cases of physical abuse, and 1,058 cases of neglect during the same period. Family Violence cuts across cultural and socioeconomic boundaries and has reached epidemic proportions across America. Domestic Awareness Month serves to make citizens aware of these issues, and to foster understanding of family violence victims in the community.

PROCLAMATION: DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
Peggy Martin, Chair of the Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee and Committee members Sondra Funk and Pat McMillan were on hand to receive this proclamation, declaring October as Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington County. Part of a nation-wide commemoration, activities planned during October in Washington County serve to spotlight the abilities of people with disabling conditions, and focus on the continuing need for removal of physical and mental barriers in our community. In presenting the proclamation, Commissioners' President Greg Snook said that Washington County was among the first in Maryland to hold Disability Awareness events, and the Disability Awareness Committee works hand-in-hand with community groups such as Empowerment 2000, MIHI, the STAR Community, and the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities to host a program of activities throughout the month. Elected officials are asked each year to take the "Wheelchair Challenge" using a wheelchair to go about daily activities at work and at home for one day. Public information and education programs are held in the area to help reduce barriers to full accessibility. Martin outlined the schedule of events, including a tour of accessible houses, a presentation to the Western Maryland Architects AIA Group, a Disability Mentoring Day, a proclamation by the City of Hagerstown, STAR Community's Barnyard Jamboree, and Sensitivity Training in the public schools. In addition, WHAG radio has again scheduled a full month of weekly radio programs devoted to disability issues. (See Photo)

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: CITIZEN OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER
Commissioner Bill Wivell presented Attorney Scott Schubel with this Certificate of Merit from the Board. A member of the Washington County Water Quality Advisory Committee, Schubel was commended for his volunteer work in the County and was named Citizen of the Month for September, 2003. By donating pro bono legal services to further the goals of Washington County Government, Schubel has saved taxpayer dollars. He serves on the Red Cross Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as pro bono counsel, and was recently honored with the Beulah T. Myers Humanitarian Award by the Red Cross. He is fluent in Spanish and Russian and is now learning Chinese. (See Photo)

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Richard Willson, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) received this Certificate of Merit from Commissioner John Munson. HAWC was recently designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a HUD-High Performer under the Public Housing Assessment System. That designation is only given to authorities that score 90 or above on the assessment, that is made up of 4 elements. Physical Condition of the 80 low-rent units scored 28 of 30 points. Financial measures that cover all of the agency's programs scored 28 out of a possible 30. Management Quality measures scored 30 of 30 points, and the Resident Satisfaction Survey performed annually by HUD scored 10 out of 10 possible points for an overall score of 96 out of 100 points. The Board called this a notable achievement and praised HAWC employees and staff for a job well done. (See Photo)

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from citizens of Washington County on matters of importance to the community.
Frederick County Attorney Tom Lynch, representing Marsh Run Associates brought an issue regarding the Urban Growth Area boundary to the Board. Commissioner's President Snook said the issue was part of an earlier discussion and a decision would be made prior to the end of the month.
Robin Biser, representing Chewsville, Smithsburg, Leitersburg Soccer League, Inc. (CSL) asked that the proposed lease of the Fort Ritchie Gym be included on the PenMar Board agenda next Monday. County Attorney Richard Douglas said that the matter is on that agenda.

OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney Richard Douglas brought the sublease of the Fort Ritchie Gymnasium and Parade Ground before the Board for Approval. The proposed document would create a sublease from PenMar Development Corporation to the County, then to Chewsville, Smithsburg, Leitersburg Soccer League, Inc. (CSL) for use of the facilities over a 5-year period for $1.00 per year. CSL would be obligated to provide all improvements to Maryland Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act standards, plus maintenance and operations of the facility. If PenMar found a client for redevelopment of the property, the lease could be terminated. The Landlord would have approval rights on modifications to the property. Commissioner Wivell said that the Parade Ground is not a part of PenMar's master lease, is maintained by the Department of the Army, and as such could not be leased. Discussion of ADA improvements took place, with Commissioner Wivell asking that language dealing with those improvements and with Maintenance of the facility be clarified. Commissioner Snook said that the lease should clearly document major improvements made to the building, and possible repayment of improvement costs worked out with CSL should there be early termination of the lease. These issues will be worked out with CSL. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested approval of a change order for closeout of the contract on rehabilitation of Pry's Mill Bridge on Keedysville Road. That contract was completed for $47,000 less than the original bid. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Shoop also requested closure on a property purchase near the Airport as part of the runway expansion project. Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry told the Board that the Bagley property on Pennsylvania Avenue has a selling price of $206,000 for two parcels. The sum includes replacement and closing costs. The purchase has been approved by the Federal and the Maryland Aviation Administrations and the County cost is 5% match and about $200.00 in title insurance, Lowry said. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Plumbing Board for reappointments of Charles Semler, Clair Baker and alternate David Hutzler effective October 31. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
The Chair of the Board of Health requested reappointments of Julie Barr-Strassburg and James Taylor to that group, Bittner said. Those measures were approved by unanimous vote.
The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee requested appointment of Larry Bayer to that Board to fill an existing vacancy. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

UPDATE: PROPOSED COUNTYWIDE EMERGENCY SERVICES FEE
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth and Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) President Jason Baer brought this update to the Board. On September 9th Baer presented a proposal that would request authorizing legislation to create a county-wide Emergency Services Fee. The Board said it would take the matter under advisement and respond at a later date. The WCVFRA suggested creation of a task force to evaluate details of the proposal. Baer asked the Board for endorsement of enabling legislation for such a fee in the coming term of the General Assembly. Commissioners' President Snook said that the County's annual Legislative Request will be submitted in less than 30 days, that the Delegation always wants to see a written plan, such as the one the County presented for the Transfer and Excise taxes, before acting. Creation of a Task Force to study implementation and creation of a plan from that study would not be feasible within that time span, Snook said. Discussion took place on the increase in control and accountability that the County would have to undertake if Fire and Rescue companies were funded under a public tax. Some companies are not in favor of increased accountability, Snook said. Currently, Fire and Rescue companies are independent, non-profit corporations, receiving funding from the County Commissioners, the Gaming Commission, Bingo and other gaming activities and private donations. All parties agreed that cooperation between WCVFRA and County government is better now than ever before. Baer told the Board that the Association would be willing to consider any proposal that would generate increased revenues for the Companies.

TERRORISM RESPONSE EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATION
Kroboth also invited the Board to attend a demonstration of various pieces of equipment purchased with federal anti-terrorism grant funds on the parking lot of the County Administration Building. Personal Protective Clothing and equipment used in response to weapons of mass destruction and terrorism events were featured.

The Board attended the annual Washington County Community Partnership Board Luncheon at the noon hour.

CONTRACT EXTENSION: JUVENILE SERVICES INTAKE/CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES
Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Director James Manuel requested extension of a one-year contract between the Board and DJS to provide night intake services, in the amount of $33,441.00. Funds provide for two part-time counselors on call, to provide emergency intake services to children referred by local police and other agencies. The counselors authorize detention, placement in shelter care, or release from police custody to a parent or guardian of a referred youth. Manuel told the Board that the grant amount is the same as for '03, and requested acceptance of the award for FY '04. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

BID AWARD: AIRPORT SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT
County Buyer Vicky McKenzie and Airport Fire Chief Phil Ridenour brought this request, for award of bids for two pieces of snow removal equipment for Hagerstown Regional Airport before the Board. Standard Equipment Company of Frederick, Maryland was recommended bidder on an Articulating Rubber Tire Loader with diesel engine, four-wheel drive, ramp blade and snow basket in the amount of $210,446.00. Freightliner of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was recommend bidder for a medium-duty Dump Truck with snow plow in the amount of $99,211.00. The equipment replaces units purchased in 1983. Funding is available in the current fiscal year Capital improvement Project budget. The funds are 90% FAA, 5% Maryland Aviation Administration, and 5% local. Administrative costs associated with the purchases are reimbursed at 95%. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

OTHER BUSINESS
County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee before the Board for approval. That Committee requested appointment of John Cohill and reappointment of Ken Conway to three-year terms. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
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LATE BREAKING NEWS: ROAD CLOSURE IN HANCOCK
Due to worsening road conditions on Berm Road in the Hancock area, the Washington County Department of Public Works has elected to close the road between the Pennyslvania Avenue intersection and the Highway 522 bridge beginning on October 8th until further notice.
The closure is due to failing road support associated with excess ground water, most likely from the canal.
Appropriate closing and detour signs will be posted.