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 13, 2004

The Board of County Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Board of Education to discuss Interventions and Additional Assistance for students not meeting standards. Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented a report on various Capital Improvement Project revenues.

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner Dori Nipps reported that the Hagerstown Washington County Convention and Visitors' Bureau CEO search committee is reviewing applications and will conduct interviews soon. The Recreation and Parks Board heard a report from the Facility and Events Coordinator at its recent meeting. Use of the Ag Center is constant, and bookings are set for the entire year.

Commissioner John Munson reported that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee will hold two meetings this month, to discuss the landfill permit structure. Munson also called for a safety policy for County vehicles. No one should leave a vehicle unless properly parked with the ignition off and transmission in Park, Munson said.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting of the Economic Development Commission. That board reviewed its budget recommendation for the coming fiscal year, discussed Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance issues and business incentives, Wivell said. The Water Quality Advisory Board will present seven recommendations for well water safety to the Commissioners in the near future. That Board discussed a proposal by the Governor that could add a $2.50 surcharge to utility bills statewide to help pay for increased nutrient removal from wastewater. The PenMar Development Corporation Board heard recommendations for improvements from groups interested in development of the former Fort Ritchie property. Stormwater management was discussed. The time limit for applications for Public Benefit Conveyance of the property has ended, Wivell reported. The PMDC Board also discussed relocation of unused playground equipment to Cascade Elementary School in response to a community request. The Town of Hancock is requesting assistance from the County to help pay for a tourism brochure. A motion to donate $1,500 from the Commissioners' Contingency Fund to support that printing was approved by unanimous vote.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval also commented on the PMDC meeting, and said that the Lerner Corporation made several suggestions for improvements to infrastructure at the post to benefit future development there. A suggestion for inclusion of voter education information n the County website dealing with elections and candidates, made by Kercheval , was not supported by consensus of the Board.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that a letter from Delegate Chris Shank has indicated that John Doarnberger is the new Delegation appointee to the Gaming Commission. Emergency Medical Service calls are increasing in the County, especially for the Williamsport and Halfway companies, Snook reported. Williamsport is averaging 4 calls per day while Halfway is handling 5 per day. The Chamber of Commerce continues to look for suitable office space, and the State of the County Address is set for Tuesday February 3 rd at the Sheraton Four-Points Hotel, Snook said.

GRANT AWARD: EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH FUNDING

Bardona Woods, Chief of 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch, requested that the Board accept a grant award of $2,245.50 from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services (MIEMMS). The award will assist in training and certification for emergency medical dispatchers and provide a reimbursement for a portion of the costs to obtain initial certification and recertifications for the County's Emergency Communication Specialists. A memorandum of understanding between the BOCC and MIEMMS must be executed. Funds will provide for all anticipated recertifications for the Department's staff for the remainder of the Fiscal Year. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND APPROVAL

Tom Kline of the Community Partnership brought this matter before the Board. $16,250 in Community Development Funds are available for the period from January 15 th through June 30th, 2004. Funding comes from the Governor's Subcabinet on Children, Youth and Families, and is contingent upon continued availability of state funds. Organizations responding to the Call for Concept may request a maximum reward of $5,000.00. A total of 12 organizations applied for funding and presented before the Review Committee. Following these presentations, Boys and Girls Club, the Washington County Health Department (both programs presented) and the Washington County Family Center were selected to be recommended for funding. The Boys and Girls club will receive $3,430.00 for the implementation of a technology program at Cascade Elementary School. This program, "Through Their Eyes", which will meet twice a week for six weeks, will involve photography instruction and the use of technology to produce slides and presentations. The program will conclude with the public presentation of the students' work at the Valley Mall. The instruction will take place during the afterschool program and will serve 20 fourth and fifth graders. The Washington County Family Center receives $3,510.00 for the provision of case management and on-site childcare for participants in the External Diploma Program attending evening classes at the Family Center. The goal is to provide weekly case management to 8 participants who attend these classes. The evening classes will occur one night a week for 20 weeks from 6:00 to 9:00. The Washington County Health Department receives funding for two programs. $4,310.00 was requested for the implementation of the "I Like Me" program at Western Heights Middle School. The program will focus on communication methods, relationships and stress management, and seek to improve participants' self-esteem. This will be achieved through the facilitation of 12 group sessions to discuss issues ranging from stress management to risk behaviors. Following each group session, the group will learn to play Volleyball and the value of good sportsmanship and teamwork. The target population for this program is any 5 th , 6 th , 7 th or 8 th grade student at Western Heights Middle School that is interested in participating. The Health Department requested $5,000 for the expansion of the Healthy Start Social Worker's (LCSW-C) hours by 9.25 hours per week for 20 weeks. This expansion will allow for services to be provided to an additional 6-7 women per week for the 20 weeks. The goal of Healthy Start is to assure that healthy mothers have healthy babies by education, support, and referral to other community services. The LCSW-C provides an internal mental health resource for the Healthy Start participants. The LCSW-C will independently conduct mental health counseling home visits with the participant by discussing with the family any mental health concerns they may currently have and providing them with further information on depression, stress management and other mental health issues. If necessary, the LCSW-C will also be available to diagnose families who may be in need of formalized mental health treatment and other case management services. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

CONVENTION AND VISITORS' BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT

Ron Vitkun, Chair of the Hagerstown/Washington County Convention and Visitors' Bureau presented the 2003 annual report to the Board. The report said that Washington County is 8 th in total number of visitors in 2001, representing over 350,000 person-trips. That figure does not include the millions of retail shoppers visiting Prime Outlets, Valley Mall and the Centre at Hagerstown. 12,000 people signed the Visitors' Center registry in 2003, up from 7,000 in 1997. Hotel tax has increased by 17.8 percent since 1998. 225 local companies are CVB members at the current time and 5 new hotels were built since 1997. Three film crews were assisted by CVB staff in 2003 and staff has been busy with trade shows and sales calls, the report said. Vitkun told the Board that CVB is working hard to attract visitors to Washington County. The search for a new President/CEO is underway and could be concluded in February, Vitkun said. Commissioners' President Snook thanked Vitkun and members of the CVB Board for the manner in which recent events were handled.

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.

No one appeared to comment on this date.

OTHER BUSINESS

Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Gaming Commission for reappointment of Mary Ellen Waltemire to a second two-year term. Waltemire is an appointee of the County Commissioners. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

Reappointments of Leonard Shade, Gerald Anders and Arnold Eby to the Plumbing Board were approved by unanimous vote.

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the public meeting with Dr. Sarah Taylor-Rogers of the University of Maryland Center for Agro-Ecology on downzoning issues has been set for February 3 rd at 7 p.m. at Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus.

CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

Washington County Free Library Director Mary Baykan, and City of Hagerstown Financial Director Al Martin, representing the Washington County Public Network (WCPN) brought this issue to the Board for discussion. WCPN is recommending that the County Commissioners negotiate a cable franchise agreement with local cable companies to set standards for service, provide needed communications infrastructure, and needed revenue to meet government and education technology needs. Baykan told the Board that it is "standard practice" for communities to have franchise agreements with local cable providers for granting of public rights of way, and the agreements can provide benefits to local education and government. Local governments also have the power to set acceptable standards of service for consumer protection. Martin told the Board that Hagerstown receives about $80,000.00 per year in fees. The WCPN requested that the Commissioners conduct a needs assessment study on a possible agreement with the cable systems serving the County, institute a County-wide Technology Plan, network with other Counties in Maryland to get a feel for how the process is conducted elsewhere, and implement a Franchise Agreement with cable providers in the county to include public, educational, governmental and institutional networking services. Commissioners' President Snook told the group that the Board will set aside time to discuss the issue in the near future.

PROCLAMATION: 80 YEARS OF SERVICE BY LIONS CLUBS

Commissioner's President Greg Snook presented this proclamation to Lions International District 22 Governor Carl Welch, in honor of 80 years of Community Service by Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in Washington County (photo). The proclamation cites Lions Clubs as creating and fostering a spirit of understanding among people of the world and promoting friendship, good fellowship and mutual respect. Lions take active interest in civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community, provide a forum for open discussion of matters of public interest. Lions are known for their service to people with visual impairments through their eyeglass recycling and other community programs. All County Lions organizations were recognized. The seventeen Lion, Lioness and Leo Clubs of Washington County in District 22 of Lions International have recorded over one million hours of community service hours over the 80 year period. The week of January 11-17, 2004 was proclaimed Washington Community Lions Clubs Community Service Week. District Governor Welch presented the County with a medallion in honor of the event.

REVIEW OF 2003 GOALS

County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this report to the Board. Each year the Board of County Commissioners sets goals for staff, to further the Board's initiatives in support of the County Vision and Mission. In 2003 nine goals were set, dealing with employee recruitment, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, Public Information and Information Technology, Emergency Services planning, an Organization Study of Government services, business plans for Water Quality facilities, EDC funding and privatization, cost analyses of Solid Waste and Airport operations, and policies to increase urban tax bases in Washington County. Staff were assigned to each of the goals, and reported on progress. The wage and benefit survey was cited as influential in making County jobs more attractive to personnel, and a plan is under implementation to provide for succession of leadership by department. APFO, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances were discussed, with establishment of the task force to study equity issues seen as having an affect on the outcome. Revisions in the way that citizens receive information from the County were highlighted, including major improvements to the County web site, on-line access to documents and data, and implementation of interactive voice recognition system in the Permits and Inspections Department. Development of a County Government Disaster Recovery Plan was outlined. The plan was tested and exercised during the Hurricane Isabel incident in September. An Organizational Study of County Government is pending. Human Resources is concentrating on consolidation of functions performed by that department and the Board of Education HR Department, with a Study Committee established. The remaining 2003 goals will be discussed in next week's meeting.

OPTION TO PURCHASE PROPERTY AT HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT

Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this request to the Board, for acceptance and approval of two option agreements and costs to relocate, for property near the airport. Purchase of the parcels located at 14606 and 14612 Pennsylvania Avenue is necessary for the improvements to Runway 220. The Hagerstown/Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF) owns the properties and has agreed to a settlement cost of $500,000.00. Estimated relocation cost is $60,000.00. County share of the total would be 5% or $28,000.00 with the remainder of the cost borne by Federal and State sources. The requests were approved by unanimous vote.

ABANDONMENT OF RIGHT OF WAY

Lowry also requested abandonment of a portion of a 50 foot right of way on Boat America Way, located off Long Meadow Road. The 1.48 acre parcel sits within the boundary of the proposed Paradise Manor development. Lowry told the Board that the request is for right of way only, that no roadbed exists in the abandonment area, and that any adjacent properties would not be affected. The property will again be placed on the County Tax rolls. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARDS

The Board of County Commissioners and the Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) presented Youth of the Month Meritorious Awards to high school and middle school students for the month of November, 2003.

The High School Award was presented to Kevin Sandell, son of Mark and Annette Sandell of Boonsboro by Commissioner Nipps (photo). A junior at Heritage Academy. Kevin has maintained a 4.0 grade point average in his Freshman and Sophomore years, was nominated for Who's Who and was class president in his freshman and junior years. Kevin has been nominated for National Honor Society and had the highest grades in Bible 9, American History, English 9, 10, Geometry, Spanish 1 and 2, Computer 1 and Biology. Kevin has been nominated for several accomplishments including National Science Merit Award Program and for American Character and Citizenship awards, the United States National Journalism Award, All-American Scholar in Journalism, World History, Physical Science, Speech and Drama. Kevin has also been nominated to the United States National Soccer awards, the International Foreign Language Awards and the National English Merit Award. Kevin's extra curricular activities include participation in a youth group, church softball, playing tone bells, and serving as an usher. At Heritage he played and lettered in varsity baseball (second all county, best defensive player), basketball and soccer. He is also involved in the school's Chess club as well as bowling and has attended basketball camp at Baptist Bible College and won the Jerry West Award. Kevin has performed in several school plays and performed at the Maryland Theatre where he played Hans Christian Anderson in "Tales of Hans Christian Anderson", Jim Hawkins in the play "Treasure Island" and was a knight in the play "Rumpelstiltskin". Kevin has also served his community at a local food kitchen and a homeless shelter. Kevin has been called "very organized, a great leader and role model, sensitive and compassionate, as well as a hard worker".

Middle School honors were presented to Danielle Higgins, daughter of Eric and Jeanette Higgins of Funkstown, by Commissioner Munson (photo). Danielle, an eight-grade student at E. Russell Hicks Middle School has achieved the Distinguished Honor Roll every marking period from the sixth grade through the present time. 2003 winner of the Washington County Free Library Poetry contest held for 6 th , 7 th and 8 th grade students, Danielle also scored a 1000 on the SAT test given to seventh graders through the John Hopkins Talent Search. Danielle is a member of the E. Russell Hicks marching and concert bands and currently holds the first chair position in the clarinet section. Danielle is president of the student council, and is Editor of the school newspaper. After many years of not having a paper, Danielle was actively involved in restarting the paper this year. Outside of school, Danielle participated in both soccer and karate. Danielle has been called a very hard worker who many times goes beyond the required work necessary, and is always prepared for class , is enthusiastic about everything the class does, and shows leadership quality in many ways.

REVISED AGREEMENT WITH RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling brought this measure before the Board. A new agreement has been drafted between the Board of County Commissioners and the Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Inc. The current agreement was approved in 2,000. At that time Friends agreed to assist and support operation of the museum and to assume full responsibility for management, operation and utilization of a gift shop under terms and conditions of the agreement. The Amendments set a two year term for the agreement, make insurance coverage County and Friends' responsibility, and makes other minor changes. Cost to the County for insurance would be $883 per year to cover the cost of contents. $130,000 in fine arts insurance coverage for the museum would include a $500 deductible per incident, to be covered by the Friends. Commissioner Nipps questioned the approval process, and asked that the recreation and Parks Board be re-included in the agreement, as that body oversees all Park and Recreation activities. The measure was approved with the proviso requested.

OPTION TO PURCHASE RIGHT-OF-WAY

Public Works Director Gary Rohrer, Economic Development Commission Director Tim Troxell and Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this matter before the Board. Last week, Lowry requested that the County approve purchase of two options for right-of-way for Ford Drive Access Road construction in Hancock. The Board wanted better financial information and asked for a complete financial breakdown of the project.

This project was requested by the Town of Hancock and Rayloc Industries in the mid-1990's to facilitate access to the town's Industrial area north of I-70. The project was approved by the Board of County Commissioners to address safety concerns. Truck traffic has increased over the years to a point that some 30 tractor-trailers make deliveries to the plant daily. Traffic has exceeded road capabilities, and officials believe the Tollgate Ridge/Ford Drive project is critical to retention of Rayloc in the community. Funding for the entire project is 2.014 million and the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year '04 shows the County portion at $914,000.00. An additional $231,000.00 would be needed in the FY '05 CIP to address increased cost of rights-of-way, work along MD Route 144 to build traffic bearing shoulders, and building a large box culvert on Rayloc Drive. Ted Wolford, speaking as a member of the Hancock Development Corporation, said that the road would open areas to economic development. Troxell told the Board that Rayloc is among the County's top 10 largest, and retention of the industry is an ongoing effort by EDC. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

Lions International District 22 Governor Carl Welch (L) and J. Scott Shipe, Membership Chair for District 22-W (R) receive a Proclamation honoring Lions Clubs in Washington County for 80 years of service to the Community from Board of County Commissioners' President Greg Snook, on January 13th.

Kevin Sandell, A junior at Heritage Academy receives High-School Youth of the Month honors from Commissioner Dori Nipps.

Danielle Higgins, an eighth-grade student at E. Russell Hicks Middle School receives Youth of the Month honors from Commissioner John Munson.