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
240-313-2077

Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
January 6, 2004

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on a meeting of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, and citizen concerns about trash blowing along the highway near the 40-West landfill. Prison crews will be utilized to help take care of the problem. In Monday night's Planning Commission meeting, the site plan for Whispering Hills controlled hunting facility was approved. The Planning Commission toured the site recently, and was shown that the private hunting area, in operation since 1999, was within state Department of Natural Resources' regulations. No shooting will take place within 150 yards of any structure, in accordance with state law. The site plan for the first section of the Westfield development on Sharpsburg Pike was also approved Kercheval said.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a recent meeting of the Water Quality Advisory Committee, which has drafted a letter to be submitted to the Board regarding water issues in the County. The new state Enhanced Nutrient Removal Program could cost the County $6 million, Wivell said. The PenMar Development Corporation Board met on December 22 nd , and voted to amend its bylaws, giving the County Commissioners the right to remove members for cause, and amending the Director's title from "Executive Director and CEO", to "Executive Director".

Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a meeting of the Airport Advisory Commission and release of a report from consultant firm URS on latest project completions and progress. The roofing project at the T-Hangar has been completed, as has the security fencing project. Groundbreaking for the runway extension is set for April 20th, Nipps said.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that recent Chamber of Commerce meeting discussed the organization's latest financial report. The annual State of the County address is set for Tuesday, February 3 rd at 7:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel. A letter from the State Department of Education indicates that $2.1 million has been earmarked for construction projects at Salem Avenue Elementary School, and that the Maugansvislle Elementary School construction project is in the planning "pipeline". Funds have also been promised for the roof project at Northern Middle School, Snook said.

CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE: 9-1-1 CENTER

Commissioners' President Snook presented Roy Lescaleet and Bardona Woods of the Emergency Services Department's 9-1-1 Center with a Certificate of Excellence from the Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (photo). On October 14 th of last year the Center was visited by the State, and the annual inspection of services took place. In a letter to the Board, Emergency Services Number Board Executive Director J.S. Whitney said equipment, staffing levels, training and readiness for 9-1-1 wireless service met or exceeded expectations. "You are currently being well served by a team of very competent people who take public safety seriously," Whitney said.

CITIZEN OF THE MONTH

Commissioner Bill Wivell presented Citizen of the Month honors for December, 2003 to Brian Heacock of Washington County (photo). In August of last year, Gary Swartz, a member of the Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee, was hit by an automobile and severely injured. Heacock, who lives near the scene of the accident, came to Swartz' aid. Both of Swartz' legs were broken and one was bleeding profusely from arterial damage. Heacock fashioned a tourniquet and was able to stop the bleeding until EMS workers arrived on the scene. Bleeding was so severe that Swartz' life was in imminent danger, and Heacock was praised for his quick thinking and perseverance that saved a life on that day. Swartz lauded Heacock and thanked him for actions taken. "If it hadn't been for Brian, I wouldn't be here today," Swartz said.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Public Works Department Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that staff is developing a policy for implementation of the recently passed Adequate Public Facility Ordinance fees, and the policy will be brought to the Board for approval soon.

Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to advertise a position in the 9-1-1 Center. Jennifer Swisher was recently promoted to Deputy Chief of the 9-1-1 operation, freeing a Dispatcher position. Hankinson asked that the position be advertised in-house for five days. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

APPOINTMENTS TO WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL RECONCILIATION BOARD

Agricultural Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth brought the names of six County citizens before the Board for consideration as members of the Washington County Agricultural Reconciliation Board (WCARB). Seifarth recommended appointment of Donald Harding as County Farm Bureau representative, and Don Schwatrz as Maryland Extension Service representative. In addition, Seifarth recommended that two Citizens-at-Large be appointed from names of four potential members. An attorney will also be appointed to this panel at a later date. The County's Right to Farm Ordinance was adopted on October 28 th with an effective date of January 1 st , 2004. The Reconciliation Board's duties would include reconciling differences between farmers and those who object to some farming activities. Schwartz and Harding were approved, as were Terry Karn of Antietam Furnace and Michael Main of Clear Spring as Citizens-at-Large, by unanimous vote.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS

Sheriff Charles Mades brought these promotions to the rank of Corporal in the Detention Division before the Board. Jonathan Hose, Michael Rafter and Tony Shank (photo) were recently promoted to Corporal in the Department. Hose, a Correctional Deputy since 1997, is promoted to "Administrative Corporal" and will report to the First Sergeant. Rafter, who joined the Department in 1994 after three years as a Correctional Officer in Calvert County, is promoted to "Corporal of Special Operations" will be utilized as assistant to the Administrative Corporal. Shank, Training Coordinator and Recruitment Officer at thbe Detention Center has served the County for 17 years, and is promoted to Corporal to fill an existing vacancy.

OPTION TO PURCHASE RIGHT-OF-WAY

Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this matter before the Board. Lowry requested that the County approve purchase of two options for right-of-way for Ford Drive Access Road construction in Hancock. Lowry told the Board that the proposed road will improve access to the Hancock Industrial area from both I-70 and I-68. Cost of the project is $2.9 million, with Appalachian Regional Commission and State of Maryland funding accounting for a portion of the costs. Impact to Washington County is $267,500.00. The acquisition is programmed into this year's Capital Improvement Project budget, Lowry said. If the measure is not approved, the County would lose $1.07 million in grant funding. The Board wanted better financial information and asked Lowry to return next week with a complete financial breakdown of the project.

CERTIFICATES OF AWARD: CONSERVATION FARMERS OF THE YEAR

Washington County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD) head Elmer Weibley, District Conservationist Jim Schlossnagle and WCSCD Chairperson Betty Myers brought two County farms before the Board for recognition. Outstanding area farmers are honored each year for their contributions to preservation of farmland. This year's honorees are the David Roth Meadowbrook Farm on Cedar Ridge Road in Williamsport and High Point Acres Dairy Farm on Millpoint Road in Boonsboro. The Certificates cite Roth as Outstanding Conservation Farmer of 2003, and Donald and Linda Beard, owners of High Point Acres as Sustaining Farmer of 2003. Commissioner Nipps presented the award to Roth (photo), and Commissioner Kercheval presented the award to Donald Beard (photo). Both farmers commended the Commissioners for their stand on agricultural preservation.

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.

John Himes of Sandy Hook requested a ban on high-powered hunting rifles in populated areas, similar to actions taken by Frederick County. Commissioners' President Greg Snook said information on such an action will be sought from the state Department of Natural Resources.

OTHER BUSINESS

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported that Tax Setoff meetings for each of the County's nine municipalities will begin next week. Employee Casual Days in the month of December raised $350 and numerous toys for the Toys for Tots campaign, and $418 plus a vanload of coats for the Coats for Kids effort. Over the course of 2003, County employees gave $5,730 plus food and merchandise to charitable causes. Casual days seek a $2.00 donation for the privilege of "dressing down" on one Friday per month.

SUPPORT FOR CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

City Finance Director Al Martin and Economic Development Director Debbie Everhart brought this request before the Board. Attending were Mayor Bill Breichner, City Staff and members of the Greater Hagerstown Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the Economic Development Commission. The City is seeking $600,000.00 over a two-year period from the County to support construction of a new parking deck in the Arts and Entertainment District downtown. The 202-space, 5-level deck would be located in the first block of South Potomac Street, at the rear of the Tri-State, Walker and Double T properties. The Board was told that the structure would serve the University System of Maryland Hagerstown Campus as well as A&E activities, would allow the UMH center to serve Day students, and would support overall downtown revitalization. Current parking charges do not adequately support debt service and operating cost for a new deck. Contributions in construction costs would help keep user fees at a manageable level, about $50 per month, Martin said. Senator Don Munson, the Hagerstown Washington County Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Mayor and Council of Hagerstown all support the project. The donation would come in the form of a matching grant, of $300,000.00 over the next two fiscal years, according to information supplied by the City. Discussion centered on ingress and egress from an alleyway running from East Washington Street to East Antietam Street, behind the proposed structure. Developer Don Bowman would build a new building, and rehabilitate several properties as part of the project, creating office space, apartments and shopping areas. That phase of the project could begin by this spring. Questions arose as to the availability of state funds to help develop the deck and surrounding areas. Commissioner's President Greg Snook told the group that the Board is supportive of the concept and wants to work with the City and Developer Bowman, but needs to work out financing and other issues. "Clearly we need to discuss other issues with City Council - joint issues in reference to annexation, water and sewer and roads," Snook said. The County's Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) requires developers to pay a share of infrastructure costs when projects impact roads and streets, or schools.

PHOTOS:

Commissioners' President Snook (L) presents State Award of Excellence to 9-1-1 Dispatch Chiefs Lescalleet (C) and Woods

Commissioner Bill Wivell (R) presents Citizen of the Month Honors to Brian Heacock for his life-saving actions.

Sheriff's Department promotes three to Corporal (L-R) Shank, Rafter, Hose

Commissioner Dori Nipps (L) presents a Certificate Merit to David Roth for recognition as Outstanding Conservation Farmer of 2003. Washington County Soil Conservation District Chair Betty Myers looks on.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval (L) presents a Certificate Merit to Donald Beard for recognition as Sustaining Farmer of 2003. Washington County Soil Conservation District Chair Betty Myers looks on.