FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2077
Review of Actions Taken
in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
February 24th, 2004
ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE TRANSPORTATION FEES Economic
Development Director Tim Troxell and Peggy Bushey, Chair of the
Economic Development Commission (EDC), brought this issue before
the Board.
Modifications in the Adequate Public Facilities
Ordinance (APFO) Transportation Fees are being proposed, to create
a varying fee schedule based on the type of employment available
at new business development in the County. A recently proposed
office building project in the Maugans Avenue area helped reveal
that the current APFO Transportation Fees may be detrimental
to economic development projects important to the County. The
EDC and the Division of Public Works reviewed the Tischler and
Associates Fiscal Impact Analysis for Washington County and worked
to develop "decimal multipliers" for four basic industry
types to be applied to the current fees. Discussion centered
on whether the industry types and "decimal multipliers" are
appropriate: Residential & Retail (1.0); Warehouse/Distribution
Centers (.75); Industrial/Manufacturing (.5); Office (.25). A
potential reduction in APFO fees collected could be seen, however,
many economic development projects would never occur in these
areas because of the significant fees.
Discussion ranged from the amount APFO fees would cost developers,
to methods used in developing the multipliers. Public Works Director
Gary Rohrer told the Board that the formulas were developed using
Institute of Transportation Engineers standards, and that County
Chief Engineer Terry McGee could provide further explanation.
Commissioner Snook requested the Board to draw up a list of questions
for McGee, so that more information on the issue will be forthcoming
at next week's meeting.
BID AWARD: ONE TON DUMP TRUCK
County Buyer Vicky McKenzie and Buildings, Grounds and Parks
(BG&P) Director Jim Sterling brought this request, for award
of the contract for a One-Ton Dump Truck with 4 Wheel Drive,
Snow V-Plow and Extended Warranty to the lowest responsive, responsible
bidder , Hagerstown Ford, for the total award
of $43,235.00. The dump truck is used seven (7) days a week through
the summer months for trash pickup and is also used to pull the
trailer with the ballfield-groomer. During the winter months
the dump truck is used to haul snow, pull chippers, trailers
and deliver fire wood. The new dump truck would replace a 1992
Ford Super Duty One-Ton Dump Truck with 177,255 miles. The 1992
dump truck will transfer to the Black Rock Golf Course. The measure
was approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Munson and Wivell
voting "no".
WATER QUALITY ISSUES AT COUNTY PARKS
BG&P Director Sterling also requested a budget transfer
of $18,000.00 to fund water system improvements at Devil's Backbone
Park, recently ordered by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
MDE says that a ground water survey has shown that surface water
is getting into the well at the park. A plan had been drafted
that would have cost $2,500.00, but was rejected by MDE. The
state-backed plan would cost between $15,000 and $18,000. An
alternative discussed was closing the restroom facilities and
other sources of running water, and use portable sanitation devices.
A motion to use Sani-pots at the park was approved by unanimous
vote.
APPOINTMENT TO THE AGRICULTURE RECONCILIATION BOARD
Agland Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth brought this
issue before the Board, requesting approval of an attorney representative
to the Washington County Agricultural Reconciliation Board (WCARB).
The Board was established as part of the Right To Farm Ordinance,
passed last fall, to mitigate conflicts that might arise. Three
candidates were named, all landowners in the County, and the
Board approved Marcia Watters of Hagerstown, owner of an organic
chicken and beef farm in the County. The measure was approved
on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Kercheval voting "no".
EARLY INTERVENTION PROJECTS VENDOR AWARD
Melissa Nearchos of the Washington County Community Partnership
brought this grant award recommendation to the Board for approval.
$3,765.00 in Early Intervention Project funding was available
to the County. Projects receiving funds must improve the well
being of children age birth to five who are at risk of developmental
delay. The project must fall within either the result area called
Children Entering School Ready to Learn, or Children Safe in
their Communities. Applicants proposed a short-term project that
bridged a known gap in services. Recommended vendor is the Washington
County Early Intervention Program for its project titled "Closing
an Early Intervention Speech/Language Gap for Infants and Toddlers".
This project would provide speech and language services to children
from birth to age three who have been referred due to suspected
developmental delays or disabilities affecting communications.
Services would include speech and language evaluation and assessments,
provision of speech therapy and development of home-based programs.
A subcontracted speech therapist would be utilized to provide
72 hours of speech/language services. The measure was approved
by unanimous vote.
REPORT ON INCOME TAX RECEIPTS
Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian told the Board that
the most recent Income Tax quarterly receipt was within $60,000
of projections. The estimate for the tax collection was $12.82
million and the actual receipt of funding was $12.766 million.
The figure indicates an actual growth rate of 5.65%, Bastian
said. Year-to-date collections are $334,000 less than expectations,
a shortfall of approximately 1.5%.
BUSINESS EXPENSE POLICY REVISION
Earlier this month, Budget and Finance Director Bastian brought
financial policy revisions before the Board. In a continuing
effort to improve department efficiencies and operations, the
Department performs annual review and update of fiscal policies
and procedures. The three updated policies included Petty Cash,
Business Expense, and Investment Policies. Questions arose about
insurance for employees while using personal vehicles on County
business. A policy revision would provide for the cost of a rider
on personal car insurance policies that allows for use of a personal
vehicle for business purposes. Employees would be reimbursed
for any rider they might have to purchase, if it was determined
that personal vehicles need to be used to conduct government
business. Discussion centered on mileage reimbursements, which
contain amounts for insurance expenses. Portions of the policy
dealing with reimbursement for medical expenses when an employee
is out of town on business and away from the primary care physician,
and implementation of a reimbursement time limit of 14 days on
travel expenses were proposed. A measure, to approve the medical
reimbursement and reimbursement time limit, with the proviso
that an umbrella policy to cover employees using personal vehicles
for business be investigated, was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT RENEWAL: DETENTION CENTER FOOD SERVICES
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Detention Center Warden
Van Evans brought this request, to renew the contract with Aramark
Correctional Services, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. The
renewal includes a Producer Price Index (PPI) increase of 4.87%
to inmate and staff meals and an additional 2 cents per inmate
meal for changes requested by the Warden. Inmate meal costs would
increase 6.6 cents, while staff meal costs would rise 4.6 cents.
The contract is for a one-year period with up to four additional
consecutive one-year periods. Based on the annual estimate of
meal quantities, 373,935 inmate meals and 31,200 staff meals,
the total annual contract amount would be $416,676,68. The County
only pays for actual meals served. The contracted food service
saves the County tax dollars in not having to maintain an inventory,
guaranteed meal prices, not having to recruit and retain employees
and in other services. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
PUBLIC HEARING; ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY NEAR HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL
AIRPORT
Assistant County Attorney John Martirano and Real Property Administrator
Dean Lowry brought this issue to Public Hearing. Two parcels
of land on Pennsylvania Avenue must be purchased for the Runway
220 Land Acquisition Project at the Hagerstown Regional Airport.
The consideration for the property is $500,000 with the County's
share five percent of the purchase price or $25,000.00. The remaining
ninety-five 95% of the cost will be reimbursed by the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Maryland Aviation Administration.
In addition to the purchase of the property, Federal Aviation
Administration regulations require that relocation costs be paid
to the property owner. The relocation costs associated with this
purchase total $60,000.00, of which $3,000.00 will be paid by
the County from the General Fund. The remainder of the relocation
costs will be reimbursed by the Federal Aviation Administration
and the Maryland Aviation Administration. The two
parcels total 7.35 acres of land, more or less, with improvements,
and are owned by Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation,
Inc. (CHIEF). The Board approved the purchase in its meeting
on January 13 th , and recommended a Public Hearing be held.
James Devine of Hagerstown commented on the cost of the properties.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION
Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian brought further discussion
of the expenditure side of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
budget for Fiscal Year 2005, and the six-year CIP plan for Fiscal
Years 2006-2010 before the Board. Hagerstown Community College
is requesting $1.65 million in FY '05, to be used for the Career
Programs Building renovation. HCC President Guy Altieri said
plans call for gutting the interior of the 80,000 square foot
building, and creating classroom space. The Board of Education's
CIP calls for $10 million, with the majority of funds, $5.58
million earmarked for the new Maugansville Elementary School.
$2.56 million would go to additions and renovations at Salem
Avenue Elementary, with the remainder being used for ADA projects,
technology wiring, maintenance projects, relocatable classrooms,
athletic projects, and systemic projects. Several changes were
made to the request by the BOE, and additional information will
be provided to the Commissioners. The 6-year Water and Sewer
Plan calls for $5.7 million in projects, driven largely by Enhanced
Nutrient Removal (ENR), mandated by the state. In the coming
Fiscal Year, Water Quality Department Director Greg Murray said
$4.035 million in the CIP budget will be made up of $50,000 in
General Services Contingency funds, $685,000 in Wastewater projects,
and $3.3 million in Water Utility projects. Wastewater projects
include upgrades to the Antietam Waste Water Treatment Plant
(WWTP), to the Keedysville Pump Station, to the Sandy Hook WWTP,
ENR upgrades at the Conococheague WWTP and modifications to the
Wright Road Pump Station. Water projects include upgrades to
the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant, to the Mount Aetna Water
System, and to the Pen Mar Water Project. Department of Public
Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that the Solid Waste
CIP budget includes Restoration at Black Rock Creek driven by
the 40-West Landfill, and Closeout costs for the Rubblefill.
Total FY '05 CIP for Solid Waste is $257,000 Rohrer said. The
Transportation Budget shows $452,000 to be expended on new buses
in FY '05, with 10% of that amount, or $45,200.00 in County funds.
Although the Airport CIP budget is $68.772 million over the six
year period, the amount requested in the FY '05 Capital budget
is $419,924.00. Just over $412,000 would go for Terminal and
Apron modifications, and would come from Passenger boarding fees,
while $7,700 would be used for development of a federally mandated
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise plan. 95% of that sum would
be from Federal and State sources, with the County contribution
$385.00. Commissioners 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
Once each month, the Board holds an evening meeting in one of
the 9 County municipalities in order to give citizens increased
opportunity to interact with local government. This month, the
meeting was held at the Keedysville Town Hall for the Tax Setoff
for Keedysville and Sharpsburg.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting with the Maryland
Association of Counties (MACo) Taxation and Legislative Committee.
MACo is opposing bills that would impact state aid to Counties.
A Bill that would restrict non-public placements of students
with disabilities would cost Counties 50 to 60 million dollars,
Wivell said. House Speaker Mike Busch told the committee that
there is no comprehensive solution to the state's budget problems.
Acting Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Philbrick
told the MACo group that the state would fund 100% of mandated
Enhanced Nutrient Removal projects. Wivell said the bill authorizing
those funds reads "up to 100%. ENR requirements would impact
the Winebrenner and Conococheague wastewater treatment plants
immediately, and other treatment facilities in time.
Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural
Education Center Advisory Board. A report by that committee suggests
that federal restrictions on the Ag Center property will expire
in 2008. A request to the state to advertise the Ag Center on
Interstate highway signs was not approved due to limitations
on hours of operation and number of visitors.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval told the Board that he will work
with the Mental Health Advisory Committee to help that group
focus on issues. Black Rock Golf Course is continuing to have
trouble with insurance reimbursements for damage to barn roofs
as a result of last fall's hurricane. Golf Course staff may do
some of the repairs in-house, Kercheval said. The Golf Course
Board is also seeking to have location signs posted on state,
federal and County roads. A citizens' group in Dargan is seeking
to further renovate the County-owned school building, and is
seeking information regarding the reverter clause on the lease,
Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on a meeting of
the Transportation Advisory Committee. The state will resume
overlay work on the project on U.S. 40 at Huyett's crossroads
soon. Traffic control measures are being considered for the intersection
of 40 and Earth Care Road at the 40-West landfill. The City of
Hagerstown has announced plans to widen Eastern Boulevard from
Route 40 to Jefferson Street, Snook reported. The Metropolitan
Planning Organization will perform an analysis on development
in counties bordering I-70 and I-81 and impact on traffic patterns
on those highways. Public meetings will be held in the spring
by the MPO to look at improvements for roads, rail and airports
in the area.
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.
Ken Grove, Attorney for developer Paul Crampton requested a
review of section 5 of the Adequate Public Facilities ordinance.
Tom Clemens of Keedysville questioned the Commissioners' lack
of support for the Washington County Higher Education Association
last year in that group's collective bargaining effort.
Sharpsburg Councilman Ralph Hyman asked about capacity of the
Sharpsburg wastewater treatment facility. Commissioners' President
Snook explained some of the issues discussed earlier regarding
Enhanced Nutrient Removal mandates from the state.
Jackie Stranahan of the Keedysville Council asked about plans
for the Keedysville Library. Commissioners Wivell and Snook commented
that there are no plans for improvement but that the library
will remain in Keedysville. Larry Levy of the Keedysville Council
expressed concerns over the Animal Control Ordinance (ACO) and
requested the Commissioners' review an amendment to the ACO written
by the Town.
Pat Hammond of the Sharpsburg Council asked about reports of
possible Cable Franchise costs countywide. Commissioner Snook
said that a study to determine feasibility of a franchise for
cable subscribers outside municipal boundaries is being undertaken,
but that report will take several months to complete. There is
no current plan for implementation of any such fee, Snook said.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop
asked if the Board is willing to submit a letter of support to
the Williamsport Mayor and Council form Spirit Services, Inc.
That firm is negotiating to purchase the Nicodemus wastewater
treatment plant. That outmoded facility was mothballed last year.
Purchase of then plant is part of then Department of Water Quality
business plan. The letter will be written.
Appointments to County Boards and Commissions: County Clerk
Joni Bittner brought a request for appointment of Dr. Virginia
Scrivener to the Animal Control Authority. The Animal Control
Ordinance requires that a Veterinarian serve on that Board. The
measure was approved by unanimous vote.
TAX SETOFF FOR SHARPSBURG AND KEEDYSVILLE
Commissioners' President Snook brought the annual property tax
setoff for the towns of Sharpsburg and Keedysville before the Board
and the Mayors and Councils of those municipalities. Sharpsburg's
allocation for the year is $3,976.00, which is applied toward police
protection costs. The allocation was up from last year's level
of $3,683.00, an increase of 7.95%. The Town of Keedysville received
$2,772.00, an increase of 7.95% over last year's allocation of
$2,569.00. That amount will also be applied to police protection
costs. Sharpsburg's population was listed at 691, while the population
of Keedysville was measured at 482. Snook reminded the Mayors and
Council members that towns may join the County overlay bid, to
receive group pricing on that item.
