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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
March 9th, 2004

THE COMMISSIONERS HELD THEIR MONTHLY JOINT MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. AN OVERVIEW OF THE HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY PROGRAM, SECOND QUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND FACILITIES USE FEES WERE AMONG TOPICS DISCUSSED.

CERTIFICATE OF AWARD: DIETER H.B. PROTSCH

Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented this Certificate of Merit to Dieter H.B. Protsch (Photo) of Hagerstown, in recognition of outstanding service to the Washington County Gaming Commission for the past 5 years. The Board commended Protsch for the leadership and dedication that he has shown as a member of the Commission. Protsch's second and final term expired February 28 th .

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. That organization is suggesting the County employ an Agriculture Specialist to be part of the Economic Development Commission staff. Munson commented on attending the PenMar Development Corporation Board of Directors Meeting. That group is functioning well, Munson said. The Washington County Health Department will request an additional $100,000.00 in its budget to cover the cost of School Health Nurses, Munson reported.

Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on attending the Business Awards event held by the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. The Recreation and Parks Board is continuing to gather information on the legality of operating games of chance at the Agricultural Education Center Park. A carnival has been scheduled there this spring, with the usual fund-raising games. Because the land is owned by the University of Maryland and leased to the County, legal issues could hamper those plans. Recreation staff is talking with UMD about the issue. The Clear Spring Little League will build and maintain covers for the bleachers at ballfields in Clear Spring Park, at its cost, to prevent injury to spectators, Nipps said. The Commission for Women meets this Thursday at 7 p.m. and will make awards to winners of its essay contest, Nipps reported.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval also reported on the Business Awards and commended the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce for a job well done. Kercheval commented on a meeting with development interests in the Maugansville Road corridor on the manner in which Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance fees must be paid. The Planning Commission will hold a workshop at 1 p.m. on March 29 th at the 80-West Baltimore Annex, to discuss Water and Sewer issues in rural areas, Kercheval said.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on several bills under review by the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) legislation and taxation committee. MACo will support the Flush Tax bill with amendments, holding Counties harmless, imposing no fees on County Governments and requiring fees to be collected by the state. The issue of charges to septic tank users is being discussed as part of that legislation. Other bills with MACo support would allow the Department of Social Services Director to be chosen by local governments rather than appointed by the state, create a Biological Agent Registry program in Maryland and increase revenue to the Transportation trust fund. Wivell also brought a request from the Board of education, for a letter of support for the bond bill for the Charter School for the Arts to the Board. The bill would provide $500,000 for initial planning. A motion to draft and send a letter of support was approved by unanimous vote.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that the County may be able to recover up to $1.4 million of the current Highway User Fund through a series of driving fees proposed in Maryland. The County is losing $1.8 million in FY'04 and FY '05 at the present time. After FY '05, increases in that revenue could be seen. The Traffic Advisory Committee discussed a left turn arrow on a traffic signal in the Town of Funkstown at its recent meeting. The state is studying Dual Highway's intersections and ways to increase traffic flow on U.S. 40, Snook said. The County/State mosquito control effort will continue this year with the 50/50 fund match in place. Snook said the County spends about $4,000 as its portion of that project each year. A letter from Governor Ehrlich has named John Martin, Jr. of Smithsburg and Bill Feurstein of Hagerstown to the state Property Tax Assessment Board, Snook reported.

BUDGET PRESENTATION: BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE

The Board got its first look at Operating Budgets for the coming Fiscal Year, with the 2005 Enterprise Funds initial presentation. Black Rock Golf Course (BRGC) Pro Shop Manager Dirk Schultz, Board Chair Richard Roulette and Golf Course Maintenance Manager John Kain detailed the revenues and expenses for the Golf Course.

The Course operating budget has been essentially flat from Fiscal Year 2000 through 2005, Roulette said, although costs have increased for insurance and maintenance. This year's increase is $1.249 million, which is a $33,000 increase over last year. Changes at BRGC including operating from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. to add tee times. 2 new tournaments have been added, and all tournaments from last year will return. In addition, public tee times will be allowed during tournaments to increase play at the facility. Advertising signs will be placed on tee markers, to raise additional revenue. Enterprise Funds are self-sufficient operations with little or no impact on the General Fund.

BUDGET PRESENTATION: HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT

Hagerstown Regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz brought the FY '05 operating budget for the airport to the Board for review. The airport is a self-sustaining Enterprise Fund. Motz told the Board that the total operating revenue for the facility will be $1.48 million with the budget balanced. T-hangar revenue increases by $10,800.00, the fuel farm is expected to generate about $28,000.00 and Airfield Operations revenues should increase by about $30,000.00. Motz told the Board that the only major increase in operating costs will come from the Fuel Farm, which the County took over this year, and has not shown up in a previous budget. Motz said that the terrorism insurance level is $5 million, and requested review of the adequacy of that amount. Commissioners' President Snook said the Insurance Administrator will be asked to prepare a report on coverages for several departments. Operational budgets will be reviewed a number of times before the budget presentation at the annual public hearing in May.

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.

Robert Schwartz of Hagerstown commented on the Airport Budget presentation and about added costs for local aviation.

Teresa Spruill of Cascade commented on legislation affecting the PenMar Development Corporation being proposed by the local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly.

CELL TOWER LEASE

Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this lease proposal, by T-Mobile communications company, to place an 80-foot mono-pole tower on the Sandy Hook water tank property, before the Board. The lease would generate $1,200 per year, and would run for 5 years with 5 options to renew. An escalator of 4 to 5% would be built into the lease, Lowry said. The Zoning Commission approved the proposal last week. Income generated from the lease will go to Department of Water Quality, and can be used to maintain the water tank and surrounding property. The tower will also improve the cellular telephone service in South County, and benefit the County communications system at no cost to the taxpayer. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

BUDGET PRESENTATION: HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Highways Department Director Ted Wolford and members of the department staff brought the Fiscal Year 2005 Highway Department operating budget before the Board for initial review. Overall revenues will increase to $6.78 million, up by $393,000 or about 6%, Wolford said. 67% of that increase is due to an increase in the Operational Reserve Funds requested by the Budget and Finance Department as part of the County's overall financial strategy. The budget could be modified if state Highway User Funds come in higher than anticipated. Discussion included operational aspects of heavy equipment, line items for fuel, sales of fuel to other agencies and repair costs for vehicles. All budgests will be reviewed several times before final adoption.

BUDGET PRESENTATION: TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

Transportation Department Manager Kevin Cerrone presented the preliminary operating budget for the Highway Department County Commuter bus system to the Board for review. The County Commuter operating budget for its fixed-route, paratransit, taxi ride-assist and Department of Social Services Jobs Van is requested to be $1.78 million, up $44,715 due to increases in state and federal grants. The transportation budget is funded 37% by federal funds, 28% by state funds, 21% by County funds and 14% through ridership fares. Cerrone told the Board that recent information indicates that federal and state grants may cover increased operating costs when County matching funds do not decrease. Increases in the paratransit budget are due to mandated compliance with operating times. Preliminary talks have been undertaken with the City on the possibility of moving the transfer point and downtown bus stop to a City-owned parking lot on East Washington Street, at City request, Cerrone said. Discussion included costs for the Ride-Assist taxi program, and the possibility of shifting routes to serve outlying areas. The Board's initial look at departmental Operations Budgets for Fiscal Year 2005 will continue next week.

THE BOARD ATTENDED A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW BOOKMOBILE AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY AT THE NOON HOUR.

OTHER BUSINESS

Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for the appointment of Dave McMullen to serve a second term, to the Commissioners. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop announced a Commissioners budget workshop has been set for Monday, March 15 th , to begin at 9 a.m.

REQUEST TO FILL VACANCIES

Buildings, Grounds and Parks (BG&P) Director Jim Sterling brought this request before the Board. BG&P has three vacant full-time maintenance worker positions budgeted. The positions came about due to 2 employee transfers and a resignation. The request was to fill one of the full-time workers and four seasonals maintenance worker positions. The seasonal positions would be employed from April through October. Sterling told the Board that the rationale is to be able to perform routine maintenance during the peak months, instead of delaying until winter, as is the current practice. The method is more cost-effective in maintaining levels of service. The strategy would be reviewed after 6 months with an update to the Board at that time. Sterling said that as much as $37,000 could be saved by utilizing the proposed method. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

POLICY REVISION: USE OF COUNTY CARS

Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought this revised policy dealing with Official Use of County Cars and Equipment before the Board. The old policy contained a distinction between "essential" and "non-essential" personnel, and the impact of their being assigned County vehicles for use in business and commuting from home to work. IRS regulations do not allow for such a distinction. The revised policy states employees will be charged a uniform amount for the added benefit by IRS guideline. Discussion centered on requirements that would have required County employees to put vehicles in "park" and set the emergency brake on exiting the vehicle. Commissioner Munson stressed the need to shut down the vehicle completely when not occupied. A number of staff commented that use of emergency lights by road crews and other emergency vehicles require that engines run. The same is true of defrosting and scraping windshields in winter, and other problems experienced when plowing snow. Use of tobacco products in a County vehicle would also have been forbidden under the revised policy. The policy was amended, removing the section on parked vehicles, and citing use of common sense in emergency situations. Department heads were given the ability to allow the use of tobacco products. The measure, with amendments was approved by unanimous vote with a provision for review after one year.

SOLID WASTE PERMIT SYSTEM-BUDGET COST CENTER

Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Chair Kenneth Conway brought this report to the Board for consideration. The Full Cost Accounting Report for the landfill system was presented by the Budget and Finance Director and the Public Works Director to the SWAC in August. The Board requested that the Committee draft a plan to fully fund the cost center for the permit program and 6 workshops were held prior to reaching a recommendation. 8 options were developed. The short-range recommendation is to increase the permit fee from $105 for regular and $75 for Senior Citizen permits to $130.00 per year for all permits. The long-range recommendation is for the County to develop a county-side system of waste collection and disposal. Options included increasing satellite collection fees, a sticker system, a weight-based sticker program at the landfill only, elimination of the satellite locations and keeping the landfill permit, and elimination of the permit program. The Disposal Program, Recycling and Composting Program generate sufficient funds to be self-supporting. Further review and discussion of the proposals will be necessary, and the measure will be brought back to the Board for a decision.

County Commissioners' President Greg Snook (l), presents a Certificate of Merit award to Dieter H.B. Protsch for his years of service to the community.

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 March 9th, 2004 THE COMMISSIONERS HELD THEIR MONTHLY JOINT MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. AN OVERVIEW OF THE HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY PROGRAM, SECOND QUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND FACILITIES USE FEES WERE AMONG TOPICS DISCUSSED. CERTIFICATE OF AWARD: DIETER H.B. PROTSCH Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented this Certificate of Merit to Dieter H.B. Protsch (Photo) of Hagerstown, in recognition of outstanding service to the Washington County Gaming Commission for the past 5 years. The Board commended Protsch for the leadership and dedication that he has shown as a member of the Commission. Protsch's second and final term expired February 28 th . COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. That organization is suggesting the County employ an Agriculture Specialist to be part of the Economic Development Commission staff. Munson commented on attending the PenMar Development Corporation Board of Directors Meeting. That group is functioning well, Munson said. The Washington County Health Department will request an additional $100,000.00 in its budget to cover the cost of School Health Nurses, Munson reported. Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on attending the Business Awards event held by the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. The Recreation and Parks Board is continuing to gather information on the legality of operating games of chance at the Agricultural Education Center Park. A carnival has been scheduled there this spring, with the usual fund-raising games. Because the land is owned by the University of Maryland and leased to the County, legal issues could hamper those plans. Recreation staff is talking with UMD about the issue. The Clear Spring Little League will build and maintain covers for the bleachers at ballfields in Clear Spring Park, at its cost, to prevent injury to spectators, Nipps said. The Commission for Women meets this Thursday at 7 p.m. and will make awards to winners of its essay contest, Nipps reported. Commissioner Jim Kercheval also reported on the Business Awards and commended the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce for a job well done. Kercheval commented on a meeting with development interests in the Maugansville Road corridor on the manner in which Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance fees must be paid. The Planning Commission will hold a workshop at 1 p.m. on March 29 th at the 80-West Baltimore Annex, to discuss Water and Sewer issues in rural areas, Kercheval said. Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on several bills under review by the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) legislation and taxation committee. MACo will support the Flush Tax bill with amendments, holding Counties harmless, imposing no fees on County Governments and requiring fees to be collected by the state. The issue of charges to septic tank users is being discussed as part of that legislation. Other bills with MACo support would allow the Department of Social Services Director to be chosen by local governments rather than appointed by the state, create a Biological Agent Registry program in Maryland and increase revenue to the Transportation trust fund. Wivell also brought a request from the Board of education, for a letter of support for the bond bill for the Charter School for the Arts to the Board. The bill would provide $500,000 for initial planning. A motion to draft and send a letter of support was approved by unanimous vote. Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that the County may be able to recover up to $1.4 million of the current Highway User Fund through a series of driving fees proposed in Maryland. The County is losing $1.8 million in FY'04 and FY '05 at the present time. After FY '05, increases in that revenue could be seen. The Traffic Advisory Committee discussed a left turn arrow on a traffic signal in the Town of Funkstown at its recent meeting. The state is studying Dual Highway's intersections and ways to increase traffic flow on U.S. 40, Snook said. The County/State mosquito control effort will continue this year with the 50/50 fund match in place. Snook said the County spends about $4,000 as its portion of that project each year. A letter from Governor Ehrlich has named John Martin, Jr. of Smithsburg and Bill Feurstein of Hagerstown to the state Property Tax Assessment Board, Snook reported. BUDGET PRESENTATION: BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE The Board got its first look at Operating Budgets for the coming Fiscal Year, with the 2005 Enterprise Funds initial presentation. Black Rock Golf Course (BRGC) Pro Shop Manager Dirk Schultz, Board Chair Richard Roulette and Golf Course Maintenance Manager John Kain detailed the revenues and expenses for the Golf Course. The Course operating budget has been essentially flat from Fiscal Year 2000 through 2005, Roulette said, although costs have increased for insurance and maintenance. This year's increase is $1.249 million, which is a $33,000 increase over last year. Changes at BRGC including operating from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. to add tee times. 2 new tournaments have been added, and all tournaments from last year will return. In addition, public tee times will be allowed during tournaments to increase play at the facility. Advertising signs will be placed on tee markers, to raise additional revenue. Enterprise Funds are self-sufficient operations with little or no impact on the General Fund. BUDGET PRESENTATION: HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Hagerstown Regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz brought the FY '05 operating budget for the airport to the Board for review. The airport is a self-sustaining Enterprise Fund. Motz told the Board that the total operating revenue for the facility will be $1.48 million with the budget balanced. T-hangar revenue increases by $10,800.00, the fuel farm is expected to generate about $28,000.00 and Airfield Operations revenues should increase by about $30,000.00. Motz told the Board that the only major increase in operating costs will come from the Fuel Farm, which the County took over this year, and has not shown up in a previous budget. Motz said that the terrorism insurance level is $5 million, and requested review of the adequacy of that amount. Commissioners' President Snook said the Insurance Administrator will be asked to prepare a report on coverages for several departments. Operational budgets will be reviewed a number of times before the budget presentation at the annual public hearing in May. 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. Robert Schwartz of Hagerstown commented on the Airport Budget presentation and about added costs for local aviation. Teresa Spruill of Cascade commented on legislation affecting the PenMar Development Corporation being proposed by the local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly. CELL TOWER LEASE Real Property Administrator Dean Lowry brought this lease proposal, by T-Mobile communications company, to place an 80-foot mono-pole tower on the Sandy Hook water tank property, before the Board. The lease would generate $1,200 per year, and would run for 5 years with 5 options to renew. An escalator of 4 to 5% would be built into the lease, Lowry said. The Zoning Commission approved the proposal last week. Income generated from the lease will go to Department of Water Quality, and can be used to maintain the water tank and surrounding property. The tower will also improve the cellular telephone service in South County, and benefit the County communications system at no cost to the taxpayer. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. BUDGET PRESENTATION: HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Highways Department Director Ted Wolford and members of the department staff brought the Fiscal Year 2005 Highway Department operating budget before the Board for initial review. Overall revenues will increase to $6.78 million, up by $393,000 or about 6%, Wolford said. 67% of that increase is due to an increase in the Operational Reserve Funds requested by the Budget and Finance Department as part of the County's overall financial strategy. The budget could be modified if state Highway User Funds come in higher than anticipated. Discussion included operational aspects of heavy equipment, line items for fuel, sales of fuel to other agencies and repair costs for vehicles. All budgests will be reviewed several times before final adoption. BUDGET PRESENTATION: TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Transportation Department Manager Kevin Cerrone presented the preliminary operating budget for the Highway Department County Commuter bus system to the Board for review. The County Commuter operating budget for its fixed-route, paratransit, taxi ride-assist and Department of Social Services Jobs Van is requested to be $1.78 million, up $44,715 due to increases in state and federal grants. The transportation budget is funded 37% by federal funds, 28% by state funds, 21% by County funds and 14% through ridership fares. Cerrone told the Board that recent information indicates that federal and state grants may cover increased operating costs when County matching funds do not decrease. Increases in the paratransit budget are due to mandated compliance with operating times. Preliminary talks have been undertaken with the City on the possibility of moving the transfer point and downtown bus stop to a City-owned parking lot on East Washington Street, at City request, Cerrone said. Discussion included costs for the Ride-Assist taxi program, and the possibility of shifting routes to serve outlying areas. The Board's initial look at departmental Operations Budgets for Fiscal Year 2005 will continue next week. THE BOARD ATTENDED A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW BOOKMOBILE AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY AT THE NOON HOUR. OTHER BUSINESS Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for the appointment of Dave McMullen to serve a second term, to the Commissioners. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop announced a Commissioners budget workshop has been set for Monday, March 15 th , to begin at 9 a.m. REQUEST TO FILL VACANCIES Buildings, Grounds and Parks (BG&P) Director Jim Sterling brought this request before the Board. BG&P has three vacant full-time maintenance worker positions budgeted. The positions came about due to 2 employee transfers and a resignation. The request was to fill one of the full-time workers and four seasonals maintenance worker positions. The seasonal positions would be employed from April through October. Sterling told the Board that the rationale is to be able to perform routine maintenance during the peak months, instead of delaying until winter, as is the current practice. The method is more cost-effective in maintaining levels of service. The strategy would be reviewed after 6 months with an update to the Board at that time. Sterling said that as much as $37,000 could be saved by utilizing the proposed method. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. POLICY REVISION: USE OF COUNTY CARS Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought this revised policy dealing with Official Use of County Cars and Equipment before the Board. The old policy contained a distinction between "essential" and "non-essential" personnel, and the impact of their being assigned County vehicles for use in business and commuting from home to work. IRS regulations do not allow for such a distinction. The revised policy states employees will be charged a uniform amount for the added benefit by IRS guideline. Discussion centered on requirements that would have required County employees to put vehicles in "park" and set the emergency brake on exiting the vehicle. Commissioner Munson stressed the need to shut down the vehicle completely when not occupied. A number of staff commented that use of emergency lights by road crews and other emergency vehicles require that engines run. The same is true of defrosting and scraping windshields in winter, and other problems experienced when plowing snow. Use of tobacco products in a County vehicle would also have been forbidden under the revised policy. The policy was amended, removing the section on parked vehicles, and citing use of common sense in emergency situations. Department heads were given the ability to allow the use of tobacco products. The measure, with amendments was approved by unanimous vote with a provision for review after one year. SOLID WASTE PERMIT SYSTEM-BUDGET COST CENTER Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Chair Kenneth Conway brought this report to the Board for consideration. The Full Cost Accounting Report for the landfill system was presented by the Budget and Finance Director and the Public Works Director to the SWAC in August. The Board requested that the Committee draft a plan to fully fund the cost center for the permit program and 6 workshops were held prior to reaching a recommendation. 8 options were developed. The short-range recommendation is to increase the permit fee from $105 for regular and $75 for Senior Citizen permits to $130.00 per year for all permits. The long-range recommendation is for the County to develop a county-side system of waste collection and disposal. Options included increasing satellite collection fees, a sticker system, a weight-based sticker program at the landfill only, elimination of the satellite locations and keeping the landfill permit, and elimination of the permit program. The Disposal Program, Recycling and Composting Program generate sufficient funds to be self-supporting. Further review and discussion of the proposals will be necessary, and the measure will be brought back to the Board for a decision. County Commissioners' President Greg Snook (l), presents a Certificate of Merit award to Dieter H.B. Protsch for his years of service to the community.

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