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
December 2, 2003

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner John Munson reported on meetings of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which discussed residential permit recommendations. County Commuter's free ride days over Thanksgiving Holidays were successful, Munson said.

Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on a meeting of the Airport Commission. Steve Goodrich will make a presentation on Comprehensive Zoning to the Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues meeting this week, Nipps reported.

Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a meeting of the Water Quality Advisory Commission that discussed well and septic issues. The joint County/Board of Education

Committee on Human Resources issues met last week, and the Junior Football League traveled to Allegany County for the Bi-County Superbowl, Wivell said.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on meetings with City Officials to discuss the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and other issues. The Mental Health Advisory Committee heard presentations from the Health Department and the Mental Health Authority and will make a presentation later in the meeting, Kercheval said. The Planning Commission met Monday evening, and at issue was the definition of Wildlife Preserve as applied to hunting issues, and information on state restrictions on shooting firearms in proximity to housing areas. Kercheval discussed a recent meeting at the Maritime Institute of Training and Technology on Downsizing issues. A recent study by the Maryland Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. has shown that land values are not impacted as severely by downzoning as reports have indicated. Kercheval suggested the lead researcher, Dr. Sarah Rogers, be invited in to discuss results of the study with the Board, in January.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board about a recent Appointment to a committee of the State Communications Task Force, about meetings of the Chamber of Commerce, the Council of Churches and a Hagerstown Community College fund raising event. The Emergency Services Committee recent meeting discussed the 90-day funding of EMS supplies that the County agreed to supply. That time period has yet to begin, Snook said, due to problems with a County Health System software package. The Fire tax was discussed, but a motion to bring further discussion before the Commissioners died for a lack of a Second. Average home prices in Washington County were $173,000.00 in July and $187,000.00 in August, Snook said, according to Realtor Magazine.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian reported that the Cost Allocation Plan for Hagerstown Regional Airport is underway. Budget and Finance staff will attend a revenue estimation meeting in Annapolis this week, to hear state projections for Fiscal Year '05. The Cash Reserve and Capital Improvement Project Policies are being updated, and discussions are continuing with the City of Hagerstown on the Tax Differential or Rebate for the Fiscal Year.

Emergency Services Department Director Joe Kroboth reported that the Emergency Services Committee passed a major milestone in implementation of the Standardized Dispatching Project. That project was finalized after many years, and will equalize the way that fire and ambulance companies are sent on emergency calls. The Department will receive a $56,200.00 grant for personal protective clothing for the Special Operations Team, Kroboth said.

Interim Planning Director Steve Goodrich told the Board that a meeting will be held in Annapolis this week to discuss the boundary of "Fine Particulate Matter" as regards clean air in Maryland.

FOREST CONSERVATION AGREEMENT

Goodrich and Washington County Soil Conservation District (SCD) Manager Elmer Weibley brought this matter before the Board. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and the SCD should be expanded to permit additional responsibilities for administering the Payment in-lieu-of-Fees to secure easements for planting or preserving forest. A formal agreement was undertaken with SCD that delegated certain administrative tasks to the agency. The amendments to the MOU would shift additional duties for administration to the SCD, to achieve greater efficiency. SCD would perform all of the steps necessary for the tree-planting and forest preservation program except collecting the fees, monitoring those collections and preparation of legal documents. The County currently pays SCD $500 per acre for those services and an increase to $700 per acre was requested. SCD would present receipts and be reimbursed for expenses under the amendments. The County will be removed as "middleman" from many of the activities, and save administrative dollars. More Forest Conservation funds will be able to be used in forest protection and planting in this manner, Goodrich said. The amendments were approved by unanimous vote.

WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Water Quality Department Director Greg Murray, Chair of the Employee Wage and Benefits (W&B) Review Committee and Sheriff's Department Captain Doug Mullendore brought that group's report to the Board. The Committee, made up of personnel from the Water Quality, Sheriff, Highways, Engineering and Human Resources Departments, was created last April to provide formal review of the consultant W&B study. The consultant had 100 days in which to prepare final recommendations, which gave rise to the need for the detailed review. The Committee looked at job evaluations and classifications and placement within grades. A detailed financial study was also undertaken to make sure final recommendations were within budgetary constraints. The Committee reported that 116 total positions required further analysis for proper placement within the organizational structure, or change in title. 86 classifications were recommended for a change in title or grade. Of that number 54 were recommended for changes in grade either up or down. 15 job classifications had no change, and an additional 15 positions' point ratings were changed due to incorrect calculation of supervisory duties, but no grade changes occurred. 9 job classifications were eliminated through consolidation of position descriptions. Murray said that the Study accomplished its goal of proper placement of each of the 238 job classifications within the structure, insuring the placement is within a grade range that reflects market compensation for organizations similar to Washington County Government. The County Commissioners' Goal #1 for the year is "Develop a Plan to assist in recruitment and retention of qualified, dedicated employees" Recommendations made by the committee are within budgeted amounts for each fund for mid-year implementation and for full implementation in fiscal year 2005. The Board approved the committee's request for January 1 implementation of the wage and salary recommendations by unanimous vote, but directed that a list of other wage and salary-related recommendations be addressed at a later date.

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.

Thomas Fath of Boonsboro commented on a business along U.S. 40-Alternate that may be exceeding approval granted by the Planning Commission. Assistant County Attorney John Martirano and Permits and Inspections Director Bill Sprague were directed to investigate the matter.

OTHER BUSINESS

Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a recommendation from the Washington County Disability Advisory Committee that Patricia McMillan be reappointed for an additional three-year term. Pat provides expertise to the committee in housing, and is Director of Washington County Community Housing Resources. The measure was approved by unanimous vote

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop brought the annual list of property tax write-off , Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Enterprise Zone credit list to the Board. Write-off's are allowed under Maryland law if the local jurisdiction has taken deed to the property, if the claim for taxes has been barred by the statute of limitations or is otherwise uncollectible, if an administrative determination that the taxes are uncollectible has been made, or if a Payment in Lieu of Taxes exists. Exemptions also apply to Special County credits, Enterprise Zones, certain tax-exempt civic organizations, and some housing projects. Economic Development Commission Fiscal Research Specialist Sonja Hoover and County Treasurer Todd Hershey reported on Enterprise zones and tax-exempt organizations. Hoover told the Board that Enterprise Zones account for just over $1 million in taxes, and that 50% is reimbursed by the state, for a total of $570,000.00. Non-profit organizations account for about $53,000.00, Hershey said. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

BID AWARD: WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS

County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther brought this request, to award the bids for products used in water treatment by several County departments, to listed low bidders. The chemicals are used to treat swimming pools and by the Department of Water Quality. The City of Hagerstown piggy-backed on the County bid, but will make its own awards independently from the County. Luther told the Board that a number of Counties and Cities in Maryland participated in the bid. A total of twenty items in units of measure from pounds and gallons to tons will be purchased from 6 vendors. Total award is based on amounts used. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

GOING FOR THE GOLD CERTIFICATES

Training Administrator Norman Bassett and Jim Cannon, Director of Hagerstown Community College's Division of Continuing Education, brought these certificates before the Board for Award. Over the past four years, the Washington County Training Office and Hagerstown Community College's Division for Continuing Education have been offering employee development courses in government management and support. This series, titled "Going for the Gold" is designed to improve employee skills, knowledge and abilities. Employees completing the coursework are being certified in Government Supervisory Management and Office Support Management. 7 employees were honored, and were presented with plaques by Cannon. In order to qualify, candidates had to take a minimum of 24 course hours in a core curriculum and elective courses. Receiving Government Supervisory Management Certificates were Verna Brown, Emergency Management Agency, Catherine Milburn and Sharon Showe, from the State's Attorney's Alternative Sanctions Office, and Angela Smith, Permits and Inspections Office. Receiving Office Support Management Certifications were Vicki Lumm, County Attorney's Office, Rachel Mobley, Buildings, Grounds and Parks, and Diane Mongan, Highways Department. Completion of the training series is noted in the employee's personnel file, and can be useful in achieving promotion in County government. The courses, taught at HCC's Valley Mall site, are open to employees of all local governments in Washington County. This past year the City of Hagerstown began sending significant numbers of employees to the training sessions. The "Gold" series started a new round this fall, and will continue throughout the year. Over the last several years, employees promoted to higher positions, as supervisors or office managers, have been graduates of the program, or are currently enrolled in the program.

INTERACTIVE VOICE-RESPONSE SYSTEM

Permits and Inspections Department Interim Deputy Director Angela Smith brought this report to the Board. Recently an Interactive Voice-Response (IVR) System was installed, and went "on-line" for contractors and citizens of Washington County, Maryland beginning on Monday, December 1 st . Using a touch-tone telephone, callers will now be able to schedule inspections, cancel inspections, obtain results of inspections, check on the status of building permits and obtain County information by fax, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Department makes customer service its top priority, and is pleased to offer customers these services to help make the process of construction and renovation more convenient and efficient. P&I is sending information to all contractors in the county, enclosing a brochure about the new system, providing a step by step guide through the process. When using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System, callers should know the building permit activity number in order to access information pertaining to building permits. Stand-alone permits for plumbing, mechanical and electrical work must use the permit number assigned to the individual trade permit. Project numbers, numbers beginning with P, should not be used for transactions on the IVR System. Inspections called in prior to 12:00 a.m. will be scheduled for the following business day. Brochures are available at the P&I office, at 80 West Baltimore Street in Hagerstown, and for additional information citizens may call 240-313-2468. Smith told the Board that the County's Permit tracking system is being adopted by the City of Hagerstown, and the service will be made available at no cost to the City.

The Board toured the Department of Social Services at the noon hour.

DEMONSTRATION OF TOUCH SCREEN VOTING MACHINES

Elections Board President Charles Mobley and Chris Hood of the Diebold Company brought this issue to the Board for informational purposes. The state has mandated a change in voting machines, with touch-screen technology (photo), to replace the pencil and paper balloting system in place in across Maryland for the past several years. Voters are issued cards about the size of credit cards. A series of steps appears on the machine, and voters follow the steps. In addition, the machines provide better access for persons with disabilities, especially those who are blind. A touch-pad is connected to a listening device, which offers voice-prompts to facilitate the voting process. Hood told the Board that the machines are so flexible, Washington County voters can cast ballots in any County in the state, and the vote be counted at home. A review of the machines took place at the state level, and some aspects of the operating system were changed. Hackers cannot get into the system, because machines are not connected to phone lines until after ballots have been counted, Hood said. 488 Machines are on hand in Washington County now, 1 machine for every 200 voters. Several of the Commissioners got the chance to try out the new system, expected to come into use in the County in the 2004 elections. A mock election will be held in the county on December 15 th , Mobley told the Board. Further information is available at the Board of Elections office at 35 West Washington Street in Hagerstown.

SALE OF LITTLE ANTIETAM WATERSHED PROPERTY

Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this matter before the Board. 23.1 acres of land along Marble Quarry road in the southern portion of the County was donated some years ago and had been listed on the Parks inventory, but had never been developed due to flood plain and environmental issues. The property was listed for sale on October 3 rd of this year, and the last date to receive offers was November 28 th . Three offers were received, and a sale price was negotiated with the bidders on December 1 st . Robert W. Droneburg was the winning bidder, at a sale price of $79,000.00. The property was appraised at $66,000. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Parks acquisition. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT REQUEST

Chair of the Washington County Mental Health Advisory Committee, Wiley Rutledge, requested that the Board sign a letter requesting sufficient funding for Mental Health services in the County. The letter cited the current fiscal crisis in the state as the reason funding for Mental Health services has experienced a severe cut. Provision of services has been impacted, and consumers receiving assistance through the public Mental Health System and grant funded programs have suffered. Rutledge told the Board that case-management has been reduced, and that the Mental Health program at the County Detention Center has lost a case management worker. Services to elders have been cut 10%, with a loss of funding for one bed in the senior adult foster care program, and one bed in the children's foster care program taking place. A mentoring program for those in need of social interaction took a 40% cut, and the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) has been reduced by 50 to 75 percent. The Office for Consumer Advocacy has taken a 10% reduction, and a 10-15 percent reduction in funds paid to service providers for PRP services has been seen. Further cuts are expected, the letter says, and signers of the letter are urging the General Assembly to maintain current funding levels for community mental health programs. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

Angela Helfrick of the Washington County Community Partnership brought the October Youth of the Month Meritorious Award to the Board, for presentation to Allison Grove of Hagerstown (photo). Daughter of Thomas and Suzanne Grove, Allison is an eight-grade student at E. Russell Hicks Middle School and was nominated by Ms. Kelly Klein. She has been on the academic honor roll every marking period during the past three years. Allison has excelled in her academic classes; she has also excelled in extracurricular activities. For the last three years, Allison has been a key member in the E. Russell Hicks Middle School Chorus and has performed, with her classmates, with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, at the Washington County Chorus Festival and at the Maryland State Chorus Festival. Allison is currently a member of the 2003 Washington County All-County Chorus and is also serving as the Vice-President of the E. Russell Hicks Student Council. Allison also is extremely active outside of school playing volleyball and also soccer at the Williamsport Youth Soccer League. She cheers with the Hagerstown Thunder and takes piano lessons. Allison attends St. John's Lutheran Church with her family. At church Allison serves regularly as an acolyte, volunteers in the church nursery, and participates in her youth group and youth choir. She volunteers at Somerford Assisted Living and participates in a local Girl Scout Troop. She has most recently served as a People to People Ambassador, traveling throughout Europe during the summer of 2003 and is now serving as a People to People Alumni Ambassador. Allison will once again travel abroad during the summer of 2004 to New Zealand and Australia. Ms. Klein has said, "In my seven years as a teacher, I have never met such a talented, intelligent, dedicated, and responsible student". In Presenting the award, Commissioners' President Greg Snook cited Angela's leadership, in school and in the community as an example that all youth should admire.