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
February 17th, 2004

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented the State of the County Address, which was postponed from a previous date due to inclement weather. The Address was presented at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, in conjunction with the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce and M&T Bank. (See attached release)

INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES

Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought four new employees before the Board for introductions. Joel Footen was recently hired by the Sheriff's Department Patrol Division as a Police Communications Officer. Michelle Rupp and Cynthia Lanwell have taken Senior Office Associate positions in the State's Attorney's Office. Terri Shoemaker-Kreit is the new Accounting Supervisor in the Department of Budget and Finance.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported that the Planning Commission has finished its review of the 37 rezoning requests that resulted from the Comprehensive Rural Rezoning plan. County staff will set up public hearings on those requests in the next several months. Smithsburg's Volunteer Fire Company held its annual recognition banquet last week, marking that company's 72 nd year of operations. The SVFC ran 447 calls last year, Kercheval noted. The Maryland Junior Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, will hold its winter meeting in Hagerstown this weekend. The Economic Development Commission meeting discussed information on location of wineries in Washington County, and the level of incentives that should be offered to businesses with lower scale wages wishing to move to Washington County. The State of the City address is set for March 2 nd , and the Washington County Business Awards ceremony is set for March 3 rd . The annual EDC Strategic planning session will take place in June, and that Board is requesting that all new members be approved and on board in time to take advantage of that meeting, Kercheval said.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting with the Local Delegation to the General Assembly and the PenMar Development Corporation Board in Annapolis last week. The MACo Legislation and Taxation Committee will support a bill to increase the usable life of School buses to 15 years, but will currently take as "hold" position on the House Bill 555/Senate Bill 320, which would add $2.50 per month to residential water and sewer system users. Additional cuts are expected in state non-education aid, Wivell said. School bus assistance is proposed to be cut, as well as the non-public placement assistance for children with special needs, which is a $125 million issue statewide. State financial officials predict budget shortfalls of $660 million in Fiscal Year 2005 and $1.07 billion in FY '06, Wivell said. A meeting with the State Department of Business and Economic Development discussed loss of "blue collar" jobs in Hagerstown, a proposed parking deck downtown and water and sewer issues. That meeting was held in conjunction with Hagerstown City Councilperson Penny Nigh, Wivell reported. The PenMar Development Corporation held a 6-hour strategic planning session on Monday, Wivell said.

Commissioner John Munson requested that Frank Murray former Chief of Community Rescue Service, be accorded County Citizen of the Month honors for his long service to the community.

Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on the recent meeting of the Commission for Women. The group's Essay Contest winners will be announced soon. Nipps said. This year the contest, open to students in Middle and High Schools, is also open to home-schooled students. The Western Maryland Consortium Board met in Allegany County. The County should be involved in a Board of Education task force on use of facilities and fees, Nipps said, due to the long-standing agreement between the BOE and the County that provides Recreation Department personnel for scheduling after-school events at the schools.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook commented on the state Public Safety Communications Interoperability Committee in Annapolis last week. An inventory of communications assets by the state could lead to greater state/County cooperative operations, Snook reported.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested that a Permits Technician position be advertised. In recent months, staff members have been promoted into vacant positions in the Permits and Inspections Department, leaving the vacancy. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

Interim Planning Director Steve Goodrich commented on the 37 requested for rezoning that were reviewed by the Planning Commission. Commissioners' President Snook told Goodrich about the plan to hold public meetings on those applications, discussed earlier in the meeting.

PROPOSED 2004 GOALS

County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this issue before the Board for adoption. On January 27th Shoop and staff discussed progress made on the 2003 Goals to further Commissioners Initiatives in support of the County Vision and Mission, and proposed new goals for 2004. The goals were revised several times, and put into final form last week. Goal #1, Development and Implementation of a Highway Pavement Management Plan. Proposed Goal #2 calls for Adoption of Rural Area Zoning following consideration of Task Force, and begin implementation of Comprehensive Plan recommendations for Urban and Town Growth Areas. The third Goal says that Enhancement of government services through internet and will be furthered by developing procedures to post appropriate documents and data on the County web site, and developing a Frequently Asked Question system on the web site. Development of an Employee Reward and Recognition program linked to a suggestion program is the fourth Goal proposed for 2004. Goal 5 focuses on working with municipalities to develop policies to increase the urban tax base, a carry-over from FY 2003. Goal 6 calls for development of a program to utilize the runway extension, increase the tax base and promote the advantages of the Foreign Trade Zone at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Goal 7 is to develop a master plan to ensure adequate emergency medical services for the citizens of Washington County. Action plans for all 7 will be developed with staff assigned to ensure that the goals carried out. A function of the action plan for Goal #1 will be a "Pothole and Signage Link" on the County website. Residents will be able to fill out an on-line form detailing location of potholes on County roads, or road signs that are damaged. The action plan for Goal 6 will include business development in the area surrounding the Airport as well as on the airfield proper. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

OTHER BUSINESS

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reminded the Board that due to weather problems, the County is slightly behind in the CsIP budget process, and a workshop may have to be scheduled in the near future.

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.

Raymond Tylicki of Hancock appeared, with comments on uses of alternative fuel sources for County Commuter buses. Commissioners' President Snook said that alternate fuel sources may be discussed for heating county buildings in the future.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION

Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian and Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought further discussion of the expenditure side of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget for Fiscal Year 2005, and the five-year CIP plan for Fiscal Years 2006-2010 before the Board Rohrer explained the Railroad Crossing maintenance program, The County doers not own the crossings, Rohrer said, and right of way is granted by the Railroads to Washington County for crossings. $84,000 is earmarked in Fiscal Year '05 for the second phase of the Wright Road crossing, Rohrer said. Use of federal funds in the bridge repair and rehabilitation program was discussed. The County utilizes federal funding whenever possible. Some $985,000 is budgeted for FY '05, for projects on Marble Quarry Road, Tollgate Ridge Road, Broadfording Road, Indian Springs Road and culverts on Tom's Road and Mills Road. Rohrer cited the continuing need to pursue the County's aggressive program of protecting and preserving its numerous stone arch bridges. Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling brought the Parks CIP before the Board. The Recreation and Park Board approved a number of state-funded Program Open Space (POS) projects county-wide, including $50,000 for Shafer Park in Boonsboro, $63,000 for hockey rink and tennis court lighting in the City of Hagerstown, $38,160 for a Rail-Trail park in Hancock, $20,000 for Taylor Park in Keedysville, $23,400 for a roadway in Smithsburg's Veterans' Park, $45,000 for Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport, and $55,000 for track resurfacing at South Hagerstown High School. Projects in County Parks would include $30,000 for tennis court rehabilitations, $10,800 for Ag Center improvements, $36,000 for Tammany Park Development and $22,500 for Survey and Design of the proposed North County Park. Of the $1.5 million in POS requests, only $393, 860 was recommended for funding. Sterling told the Board that the amount of POS funding has yet to be announced, and could be greater, or less than the recommendations. The Board gave its agreement by consensus for the Department to utilize $40,000 gained in a sale of land to construct restrooms at its maintenance building, freeing up part of the POS request. The Board adopted a wait-and -see position, agreeing to hold off on approval of projects in the parks until the POS funding total is available, and pushing all non-recommended projects out one year. Rohrer requested that funding for engineering for the Devil's Backbone Park Dam be retained in the budget, citing a critical need, and availability of prior funding. Those funds will instead be used for road maintenance, and the dam project will be revisited. Commissioner's review each line item based on need and efficiencies and when possible, budget amounts are reduced. The CIP budget will see several revisions before a final presentation

THE BOARD TOURED THE WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART AT THE NOON HOUR WITH THE MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SUPPORT FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING DECK

Commissioners' President Greg Snook brought this issue before the Board for discussion. The Mayor and Council of Hagerstown have requested that the County provide $600,000.00 in assistance to the City in construction of a new downtown parking deck. A proposal in the Capital Improvement Projects budget would allocate $300,000 per year in Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006. The project would impact on the County's bond borrowing, and Snook suggested looking at alternate methods of financing, such as federal and state grants, or tax credits. Commissioners Wivell and Munson proposed waiting until further along in the CIP budget process. A meeting was scheduled later in the day with Hagerstown officials to discuss the annual tax set-off. A motion, made by Commissioner Kercheval, to fund the project at $300,000 for the next two fiscal years, with financing options to be researched and decided at a later date, was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".

FINANCING OPTIONS FOR RUNWAY EXTENSION

Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian and Financial Advisor Lester Guthorn brought this issue before the Board. Information was presented relative to evaluation of market conditions to determine which financing package is most appropriate meet requirements of the Runway 9-27 extension project at the Airport. Several options are available to the County for construction payments that cover timing differences in cash flows for the project as seen in the 6-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The County would need to issue about $18.8 million in financing to cover construction payments. Funds from the Federal and Maryland Administration Agencies could begin to arrive in late spring. The entire amount of the financing will be repaid by FAA, and does not include the County's local match of $2.6 million, but that amount is included in the CIP over the 6-year period. Guthorn told the Board about 5 possible scenarios. Issuance of 8-Year Bonds provides the lowest cost and pays the maximum principal. 10-Year Bonds provide a small amount of flexibility in that they delay interest payments. 20-Year Bond issuance would provide level debt service and more flexibility. If the County has received all of the repayments, the bonds could be recalled. If the repayments have not been received, the County could continue to make the smaller payment. A Variable Rate Issue would be feasible if the County feels assured that the payback period will be shorter, or if the variable rate financing provides a lower borrowing cost. The option could cost more in issuance and interest fees, however. The final scenario presented dealt with Grant Anticipation Notes. Construction on the runway is scheduled to begin in April . Bastian told the Board that reimbursements should begin about the end of May. Borrowing for the project might not have to occur until November of 2005, Guthorn said.

PROPOSAL FOR ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE TRANSITION POLICY

Interim Planning Director Steve Goodrich brought this issue before the Board for adoption. Goodrich recommended a policy that would limit payment of school APFO contributions at a time other than before subdivision approval. The policy would only apply to minor subdivision applications of 5 lots or fewer that have been submitted to Planning, but not approved before January 1 st of this year. Recommended time for payment would be at the building permit stage. The policy would only apply to a finite group of applicants that were caught in the period when capacity requirements were 105%, but before the 85% capacity was approved. A master list of subdivisions to which the policy applies will be developed. Goodrich said. Notification of the fee would be made through realtors, land brokers, attorneys and bankers, and through the County website. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

EARLY ACTION COMPACT FOR 8 HOUR OZONE STANDARD

Goodrich also brought this progress report on measures being taken in the County measure to obtain new 8-hour Ozone standards, before the Board. Brian Huff of the Maryland Department of the Environment, Howard Simons and Mike Nixon of the Maryland Department of Transportation, and Jim Frazier of Baker Consulting were on hand to make the presentation and answer Commissioners' questions. If approved, the standards would be presented in public information meetings as part of the process to complete the Early Action Compact. Simons told the Board that the action plan was developed from a list of possibilities presented to the Board in December, 2003, with an eye towards those with little or no fiscal impact on Washington County. A contingency plan would also be developed in case the County could not attain the 8-hour status by 2007. The measures were taken to public hearing on January 14 th and will go before the public in another hearing on Wednesday February 25 th at the Planning Office at 80 West Baltimore Street in Hagerstown. The proposed plan and information from public comments will ultimately be incorporated into the Early Action Plan that is due to the federal Environmental Protection Agency by March 31 st . Information was presented on control measures already in place in the County or those that will be placed into effect, along with a list of contingency measures recommended by staff. The 8-hour standard is .085 parts per million and Washington County's measured level is .087 ppm. Possible control measures include public information outreach on ride-sharing and increased use of public transportation, Ozone Action Days, and an Air Quality information link on the County website. The Early Action Compact plan was approved by the Commissioners last year, and several steps have already been taken to attain the 8-hour standard.

CONTRACT AWARD: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Deputy Chief Engineer Rob Slocum brought this request before the Board, to award the contract for Construction and Building Inspection Services to Development Facilitators, Inc. of Saverna Park, MD , based on the lowest responsive, responsible bid, in the amount of $60,750.00 and the hourly unit price for each class of inspector. Services under this contract will consist of providing construction and building inspection services for various projects located throughout the County. The projects may include roads, traffic signals, bridges, drainage structures, waterlines, sewer lines, and any related public improvement projects. The duration of the contract will be for a period of one year tentatively beginning March 1, 2004, with an option by the County to renew for up to four additional one - year periods. Under the terms of the contract, other political jurisdictions within the County may utilize the services provided as a result of this contract. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

State of the County "Solid" Snook Says

Even with tight economic times and cuts in state funding, Washington County is in good shape in terms of business development, low unemployment rates and financial strategies, Board of County Commissioners' President Greg Snook said on Tuesday, February 17th.

In the annual "State of the County" address Snook told those gathered at the Sheraton-Four Points Hotel that Washington County was "solid" in 2003, with a strong, diversified local economy, revenues meeting and exceeding expectations, and a low unemployment rate. The unemployment rate average for 2003 was 4.4%, below state and national levels.

The Commissioners' President cited seven proposed goals for the coming year dealing with Highway Pavement Maintenance , Rural Area Zoning, E-government Services, Employee Recognition , Working with Municipalities to develop policies to increase the urban tax base, Development of a program to utilize the runway extension, increase the tax base and promote the advantages of the Foreign Trade Zone at Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Emergency Medical Services planning.

The County's strong local economy, highlighted by 919 new jobs announced in 2003, new industrial projects accounting for more than $177 million in new private investment in the county, and more than 800,000 square feet of new industrial construction either underway or completed, continues to attract business and industry.

Significant economic development projects for the year included the $26 million, 150 job project at Mack Trucks, a $60 million project at Intelsat's Mountainside Teleport Corporation, and Engineered Polymer Solutions (EPS) $10 million project at its Williamsport site. The new $53.5 million FedEx Ground facility that will create 400 new jobs, the Home Depot regional distribution facility employing 230, and a $17.8, million flatbed facility for Lowe's are good indicators of the County's ability to weather national and state fiscal storms. Snook called the Lowe's project, located in the CSX Valley Business Park off Wesel Boulevard, an outstanding example of City, County and State cooperation.

Strong leadership, fiscal prudence and responsible management of taxpayer resources helped the County end Fiscal Year 2003 with a $2.8 million surplus while many Maryland jurisdictions struggled to meet their financial responsibilities. The County's General Fund Cash Reserve policy has helped meet anticipated shortfalls in state funding, and been a positive indicator for financial rating agencies such as Moody's, which gave the County a "positive outlook" in FY 2003. Washington County was the only County in the state to receive such an endorsement from the agency.

Fiscal responsibility and proper management means that Washington County is able to pursue its utility debt reduction plan. Between Fiscal Year 2000 and 2007, the debt level will have been reduced by $24.3 million. Working with Maryland Water Quality, refinancing of loans will save $2.5 to $3 million in interest costs over the next several years.

Funding for Kindergarten through 12 th grade education has shown a steady increase over the past 5 years, from $57 million in 1999, to $76.6 million in 2004, or 34%. During that same period, the number of students in County schools has increased by about 400, or the population of one elementary school.

Washington County is pursuing strategies to cope with residential and educational growth such as the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance requiring developers to contribute to the cost of new schools and roads based on the impact the development has on the county infrastructure. An example is the new Maugansville Elementary School, which will have a significant portion of construction costs coming directly from new residential growth occurring in the north end of the County. A goal for 2004 will be to work with the 9 municipalities to adopt APFO policies and fees, increasing infrastructure funding through government cooperation.

The Excise/Transfer Tax is developing revenue for education, for public safety initiatives, for agricultural preservation and for, "PAYGO" funding to pay for projects without incurring additional debt.

Snook cited the Comprehensive Land Use Plan adopted in 2002 as a tool to help regulate growth in the rural areas of the County. The recently appointed Task Force will provide citizen input on equity issues and programs, including transferable development rights, installment purchase agreements, and other bonus-type programs. That group will make recommendations on permitted uses, small parcels and lot exemptions as well.

Groundbreaking for the Hagerstown Regional Airport runway extension project is set for April 20 th . Bids for construction of the project are out and the bid should be awarded by March. The extension is important in bringing regional jet service to the area and for economic development. The project will use County-owned resources such as excess fill dirt to reduce costs and produce revenue for the Landfill.

Challenges lie ahead, and the County will be guarding against impact on its citizens in terms of educational funding or reductions in highway user revenue as the State struggles to balance its budget. Close working ties with the Washington County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly will help make sure that the County receives its full fair share in state funding, Snook said.

The State of the County Address is hosted annually by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and was sponsored this year by M & T Bank.