Note: This is a SUMMARY of the Commissioners Meeting for the purposes of a Press Release. These are not the official 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
November 18, 2003

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner John Munson commented on the need for a Task Force to discuss Comprehensive Rezoning in Washington County.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on that issue as well, and requested that time be set aside to discuss such a task force. Wivell commented on attending the Planning Commission meeting, the People's Choice Awards ceremony, the Veterans' Day ceremony at Funkstown Legion, a meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation Board of Directors, the Chewsville, Smithsburg, Leitersburg Soccer League open house at the Fort Ritchie Gym, and announced a tour of the Old Stone Mill on December 7 th , which will be a fundraising activity for the Smithsburg Library.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on the People's Choice Awards, A joint meeting of the Board of Education and the Local Delegation to the state legislature, a Veterans' Day ceremony at Clear Spring High School, a joint EDC/Chamber of Commerce meeting on economic issues, a meeting of the Tri-County Council, and a meeting of the Black Rock Golf Course (BRGC) Board of Directors. As a result of the BRGC meeting, the Commissioners voted to allow use of $9,000.00 from the Black Rock Cash Reserves to purchase Tee Markers. Advertising placed on the markers would provide reimbursement to the reserve. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on a recent meeting of the Historic District Commission, the People's Choice Awards, a tour of parks in Hancock, Pectonville and Clear Spring by the Recreation and Parks Board, and the Community Impact Awards, held by the Chamber of Commerce to honor non-profit organizations in Washington County.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on the Maryland's Most Beautiful People Awards ceremony in Annapolis, on the second annual Citizens Emergency Planning Day held last weekend, and on a meeting of the Technology Franchise group. Snook also commented on meetings of the Tri-County Council, the grand opening of Horizon Goodwill's new facility near Hagerstown Regional Airport, and on a meeting of the Foreign Trade Zone advisory committee.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Emergency Services Department Director Joe Kroboth reported that the Washington County Health System has discovered some software problems and has been unable to initiate the program of County payback for medical supplies used by Emergency Services providers. Kroboth asked for direction from the BOCC regarding the 90 day trial period for the County to pay the cost for EMS supplies. The Commissioners endorsed Kroboth's recommendation to begin the 90 day trial period once the Health System corrects their software issues. Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to assist Washington County with the response to Hurricane Isabel total $100,000.00 Kroboth said, and $50,000.00 has been received by the City of Hagerstown.

Department of Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that the Radio Communication team has finalized the Request for Proposal for a consultant, and that document should be issued soon.

Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian commented that the Debt Affordability Report has been completed. Refunding Department of Water Quality bonds using the Maryland Water Quality Loan program will save the County at least $1 million in interest, Bastian said. This is the largest savings of its kind ever reported by a Maryland County, according to the County's financial advisor. A tax differential meeting with the City of Hagerstown has been set, and FY 2005 operational budgets have been sent to County Departments, Bastian said.

APFO REVISIONS: ARTICLE V

Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought this issue before the Board for discussion. On October 27 th a Public Hearing was held regarding changes to one section of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The section deals with School Capacity, and clarifies language dealing with adequate capacity and how it is measured. The provisions also protect the Board's right to limit the number of building permits in school districts, based on recommendations from the Planning Commission. The current APFO does not count students from developments that have been proposed, or those developments for which approval has been granted, but construction has yet to begin. The state rates each school as to the maximum number of students it can serve. The ideal would be for each school to have 85% of listed capacity, to allow for growth and student population turnover throughout the year. Currently, Washington County's Elementary Schools have about 8900 students enrolled, and that figure has increased by about 300 pupils per year over a three year period. Proposed amendments to the APFO would require developers to pay a portion of the cost for classroom space if proposed subdivisions increased the enrollment above the 85% level. If the number of students reached 105% of enrollment, housing permits could be suspended for those areas causing the overages. Rohrer told the Board that a number of written comments were received, and that staff has not been able to adequately review them as yet. Among issues raised were the existing appeal process and what modifications should be made to prevent "waivers" of APFO fees. The process for addressing adequacy should also be discussed, as well as the process for determining a "Cap" on the number of permits issued. Rohrer requested time be allotted for a public work session with the Board and staff on APFO issues. Commissioners' President Snook said that the issue should be resolved before the end of the calendar year, and County Administrator Rod Shoop proposed that three hours be devoted to a workshop on the issue next Tuesday, November 25 th . The Commissioners normally do not meet the week of Thanksgiving.

CONTRACT AWARD: DESIGN OF CELL 3 AT LANDFILL

County Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this request, to award the contract to provide Solid Waste Landfill Services to Design and Prepare Construction Plans for Cell 3 at the Forty West Landfill to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. of Sparks, Maryland, for the total Lump Sum Fee of $73,020.00. Cell 3 has an approximate footprint of 14.5 acres. The schedule for these services includes Notice to Proceed for the Design Contract December 16, 2003; Complete design/obtain necessary approvals, April 16, 2004; Advertise for construction, April 30, 2004; Notice to proceed for the Construction Contract, June 16, 2004 and Complete construction by December 16, 2004. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

VACANT POSITIONS: HIGHWAYS

Highways Department Superintendent Ted Wolford and Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought a request to fill 5 vacant positions before the Board. 1 Group Leader, 1 Motor Equipment Operator II, and 3 Motor Equipment Operator I positions have not been filled at Highways. The positions are critical to efficiency of the snow removal effort and successful implementation of 12- hours on, 12-hours off, shifts. The Group Leader position would be downgraded to MEO III prior to advertisement. Rohrer told the Board that the vacancies have put unusual demands on supervisory personnel, who have had to assist with flagging, equipment operation and labor. Funding for the positions exists within the FY 2004 operating budget. Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian reported that the State Highway Administration has informed Counties that the financial picture is improving, and that the Highway User Revenue, although still receiving state cuts, will be larger in FY '05. Bastian said the revenue projection for next fiscal year is $6.715 million, up from the $5 million figure for FY '04. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

CENTRALIZED BOOKING DISCUSSION

Washington County Sheriff Charles Mades and Captain Doug Mullendore `brought this matter before the Board. A Central Booking Facility (CBF) would serve all law enforcement agencies in Washington County and the courts, and has been a matter of discussion in the County for several years. A proposal to include the issue in the County's legislative agenda for the coming session was made, but additional information was needed. Mades presented revised cost information to the Board that showed a total for construction of $1.5 million. 10 staff and one supervisor would be required to operate such a facility 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. District Court Commissioner offices would be located at the CBF, reducing the amount of transportation police have to provide arrestees. Mades told the Board that the Hagerstown Police Department booked 40% of inmates so far this year, for a total of 1,092. The County followed with 841, then Maryland State Police with 270, District Court at 200, and Circuit Court at 188. All other potential user agencies had figures in the double digits, or less. Mades said that Memorandum of Understanding documents would need to be generated, so that using agencies and municipalities would contribute their fair amount to the operational costs. Centralizing the procedures would return officers to the streets approximately an hour and a half faster than is currently possible. Should the issue go to the legislature, the County could be asked to shoulder 50% of the cost. Mades said his department is working with Delegate Shank and the District Court on the issue. The next step would be to submit the architect's plans and budget documents to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections and ascertain if funding is available for the project.

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.

Laura Parrish, Director of the National Pike Festival, requested annual support from the Board for the Wagon Train event held in May of each year. Parrish said the County typically provides an insurance rider and 2 Sheriff's Deputies for the two-day celebration, which starts in Clear Spring and ends in Boonsboro. The event is also supported by Gaming Commission funds. The Board approved the request, for $3,000.00 from the Commissioners' contingency fund, by unanimous vote.

John Himes, from the Sandy Hook area, requested Commissioners' attention on highway safety issues in South County, and requested a clarification on current density for development in areas zoned Preservation. Fewer than 6 lots can be built, at a 1-3 acre density at the current time.

Taylor Lemkuhl, of Boonsboro, requested County Assistance with highway safety signage at the intersection of Mill Point Road and Maryland Route 68. Commissioners' President Snook said the matter will be presented to the Traffic Advisory Committee.

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

The Board presented a Commissioners' Certificate of Merit to Orlyn C. Oestereich, in recognition of outstanding service on the Washington County Gaming Commission since 1999. Ostereich served as Chair of that Commission since 2002 and under his tenure, a number of significant changes were made to the Commission and the Gaming Office operations, including reduction of the number of distributions from twice to once per year. That move enabled greater efficiency and allowed receiving agencies to be better able to plan for year-round expenses. Commissioner Snook said Oestereich's leadership and dedication as Chair of that Commission helped improve the quality of life for all citizens of Washington County. Since 1996 the members, owners, employees, and customers of clubs, taverns, liquor stores, and restaurants that make up the Washington County Gaming Community have generated over 23 million dollars to help provide programs and services in Washington County. Fire & Rescue companies and over 160 different charitable or non-profit groups have received funding during that period. The Gaming Commission was established to regulate gaming in Washington County, and to ensure that revenue produced from tip jars, bingo and other forms of gaming was equitably distributed to charities and emergency service agencies.

BID AWARD: VEHICLE SHOP VENTILATION SYSTEM

County Buyer Vicky McKenzie and Highways Department Fleet Manager Jack Reynard brought this request to the Board, to award a contract for a Vehicle Exhaust Collection and Shop Ventilation System to M.S. Johnston Company of Hagerstown for a total award of $53,400.00. The purchase includes an Automatic Carbon Monoxide Detection System, a Pressure Controlled Automatic Exhaust System and a Single Exhaust Stack "Cane Adapter". The upgrade is part of the system enhancements and improvements planned for the Shop Work Area at Highways Central facility. Reynard told the Board that the current system cannot provide collection of exhaust gas powerful enough to prevent poisonous carbon monoxide gases from escaping into the employee work area. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

OTHER BUSINESS

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop cited County employees for increasing their United Way/Community Health Charities pledges by 7.5% in this year's campaign. Total pledges for this year were $42,346.00. This is the second year in a row that employee contributions have increased dramatically, last year's giving increased by 16%. Prizes for employee incentives were donated by Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

The Board toured the Highways Department Eastern Section Shop at the noon hour, then toured the Jamison Door Company.

OTHER BUSINESS

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the Wage and Salary Study employee committee has finished its review and will make a presentation on its findings soon.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner relayed a request from Mayor Skip Kauffman of Boonsboro nominating Richard Keesecker as the Boonsboro representative to the Housing Authority of Washington County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

The State Tax Appeals Board has requested the County to provide two names for possible appointment to that body. Richard Grimm and Greg Kramer were put forth as possible nominees, pending state approval. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

County Attorney Issues: Assistant County Attorney John Martirano and Transportation Director Kevin Cerrone brought the Annual Public Transportation Grant Funding Application for FY 2005 before the Board. This is an annual grant application to the Maryland Transit Administration for Federal and State funds for operation of the County Commuter system. Total Grant funding is $1.77 million, with local matching funds of $438,000 plus 10% of approved capital procurements, Cerrone said. An increase of 2.3% is being sought from state funds, with no increase in County match. Cerrone described past promotional measures, including free County Commuter trips for a week, and partnering with the Board of Education to provide transportation for some students. In addition, Transportation staff is always coming up with new ways to promote the bus service, the latest being gift certificates for bus rides. Commissioner John Munson suggested three days of free bus trips during the holiday shopping season. Cerrone said that the cost would be about $2,500 for such a promotion. The Commissioners reached a 3-2 consensus to allow the free transit service, with the funds coming from the existing County Commuter budget. Commissioners Wivell and Nipps did not agree to that consensus. The grant application measure was approved by unanimous vote. The dates of the free bus rides will be advertised.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Economic Development Commission (EDC) Director Tim Troxell brought this report to the Board. Periodically EDC brings the Commissioners up to date on unemployment figures, leading economic indicators, and how the County is fairing in bringing in new business and industry. In September Washington County's Unemployment rate was 3.7%, Compared to Maryland's 4.1% for the same period. Unemployment for the same time one year ago was the same, at 3.7%. Overall, the yearly average for Washington County was 4.6% compared to the State average of 4.4%. the figures are better than Berkeley County, West Virginia, at 4.0% for the September measurement, and slightly higher than Franklin County, Pennsylvania, which was at 3.3%. The unemployment figure for the United States was 6.1% for September, 2003. The Second Quarter Gross Domestic Product grew at an annual rate of 3.3% in 2003. In the first quarter, the GDP increased 1.4%. The major contributors to the increase in GDP in the second quarter were personal consumption expenditures, federal defense spending, and nonresidential fixed investment. The Third Quarter 2003 Gross Domestic Product advance estimates report 7.2% for the third quarter, the best showing since 1984. The major contributor to the increase in GDP in the third quarter is consumer spending. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in October for the fourth consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 24 th consecutive month, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The index of business activity increased from 51.8% in July to 57.0% in October. A reading above 50% indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding. Of the 20 industries in the manufacturing sector, 14 industries reported growth including Leather; instruments and photographic equipment; food; glass; stone and aggregate. The U.S. Commerce Department reported in early November that construction spending is up. From September 2002 to September 2003, construction spending increased 6.5% due to gains in residential housing, lodging, religious structures, power, and sewage and waste disposal projects. The Maryland index of Leading Indicators provides an economic outlook for the coming six to nine months. The latest report for the month of August increased to 103.2 from 102.3 in the previous month. The leading index was also up by 2.4% from a year ago. All three of the national components yielded a positive impact, which includes the leading index, consumer confidence index and the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates. So far this year, the EDC has handled 175 new client inquiries and 147 client follow-ups. EDC has received 21 new prospects in the last 30 days and expect the trend to continue and grow. The business activity in Washington County has done very well in 2003 especially in comparison to the U.S. economy, the report said. The EDC has already announced over $170 million in project investments, and nearly 800 new jobs this year. Troxell said the fact that the labor force has expanded in the County while unemployment rates have fallen is an indicator of the County's healthy economy. "We are very busy and open for business," Commissioners' President Snook said.

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ALL STATIONS PLEASE NOTE: Washington County Engineering has announced that Poffenberger Road has been reopened to thru traffic effective 11/18/03.