FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2077
Review of Actions Taken in the Washington
County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
April 13th, 2004
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a meeting with representatives
of the building industry and Permits and Inspections staff regarding
allowing use of 3 rd party inspectors on some projects when certain
conditions exist. Some large commercial projects supply their
own inspectors. Commissioners President Greg Snook suggested
discussion of the commercial side, but starting the residential
program right away. Permits and Inspections Director Bill Sprague
has endorsed the plan. The Economic Development Commission discussed
the need for a new commercial park for the City of Hagerstown
within the City limits. The Chamber of Commerce will hold a farewell
for Fred Teeter, outgoing C of C President on April 28 th, Wivell
said. EDC has recently been reaccredited, and has been hailed
as the number three such agency in the nation by a national trade
magazine. The Playing Fields at Pen-Mar may not be usable because
of deterioration due to the search for unexploded ordinance.
Many of the fields were excavated during that search, and the
cost of repair would be in excess of $20,000.00. Wivell suggested
that the Recreation and Parks Board set a policy for reuse of
recreational facilities at the former Army post.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on the Economic Development
Commission Teacher Externship program. That program will be funded
and will not require subsidy by the County this year, Kercheval
said. The Black Rock Golf Course Board of Directors is looking
into high costs for telephone usage as part of its regular budget
review. The Citizens for Protection of Washington County has
revised its previous stance regarding the Hagerstown Regional
Airport runway extension following meetings with the Airport
Commission and HGR staff, Kercheval said. The Planning Commission
has recommended that the County Commissioners place a moratorium
on billboards until the Sign Ordinance can be updated. The Commissioners
will discuss the matter at a future date.
Commissioner
Dori Nipps reported on the recent meeting of the Comprehensive
Zoning task force that is looking at land equities. The Rural
Heritage Museum Spring Open House is set for this Saturday
and Sunday at the Ag Center Park located on Sharpsburg Pike
near Fairplay. Some 500 people attended opening of the Girl’s
Softball League at Kemp’s Mill park last weekend, Nipps
reported.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook told the Board that
Washington County will be the site for the Winter meetings of
the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) annual Winter meetings,
in December. A letter from Senator Don Munson has indicated that
a blinking traffic signal will be installed at Courtland Park
and Leitersburg Pike by the State Highway Administration. As
that project develops, a permanent full signal may be installed,
the letter said. The Board of County Commissioners meeting will
begin at 8:00 a.m. next week with a joint meeting with the Board
of Education, and conclude in Hancock for the annual tax setoff
meeting, around 8:00 p.m., Snook reported. A recent meeting with
the Maugansville Ruritan and Little League discussed reuse of
the ball fields at Maugansville. National Pike Days begin May
15 th, with the annual wagon train running from Clear Spring
to Boonsboro. Blue Ridge Summit library has requested funding
from the Board again this year, last year’s contribution
was $1,500.00 from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund.
Snook also reported on the opening of the softball fields at
Kemp’s Mill. The concession stand at that facility was
built with 95% of funds donated by private citizens. A public
meeting for citizens living in the Robinwood Drive Corridor will
take place on April 21 st at Hagerstown Community College, in
the ARCC, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that currently,
Adequate Public Facility Ordinance agreements require the signature
of Board President Greg Snook. Rohrer requested that duty be
transferred to his signature, to save time. The Board reached
a consensus to continue with the current policy.
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth told
the Board that Maryland Homeland Security Secretary Schrader
will meet with staff to discuss funding requests for the coming
year, on Friday, April 16 th.
PROCLAMATION: FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS MONTH
Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB) Director Patricia McMillan
received the proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Awareness
Month from Commissioner Jim Kercheval. The annual proclamation
lauded CHRB's mission of promoting fair and equal housing opportunities
in Washington County, stressing the County's provision of happiness
and well-being for its Citizens by protecting and preserving
human rights of all people. The proclamation repeated the County's
commitment to uphold Fair Housing practices in the community
and proclaimed April 2004 as Fair Housing Month in Washington
County.
PROCLAMATION: CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
Cheryl
Eversole of the Family Violence Council and Sheriff’s
Department Captain Doug Mullendore received a proclamation designating
April, 2004 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. The
Council is made up of the Washington County Sheriff's Department.
Hagerstown Police Department, the Department of Social Services,
CASA, the Girl and Boy Scout Councils, Bester Elementary School
an d the Washington County Health Department. Events are sponsored
throughout the month and include a Children's Memorial Flag Raising
at Bester, a Candlelight Vigil Walk to City Park and Tree Lighting
Ceremony. The Proclamation, presented by Commissioner Dori Nipps,
reminded citizens that abuse of children is a community problem
depending on involvement of citizens to find solutions. 3,912
children and their families were assisted by the local child
protective system over the last year, and Cassia's children's
program provided 2,851 Counseling sessions to children during
that period. Prevention programs succeed because of partnerships
between local service agencies the Council, law enforcement agencies,
local government and the business community. The Board reminded
all citizens to become mire aware of prevention programs in the
community and support parents in raising their children in a
safe and nurturing environment.
PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK
Representatives
of all County departments involved in providing transportation
or support for transportation infrastructure received the proclamation
fort National County Government Week for 2004, which has the
theme "Transportation: Counties Move America's
People and Products". The week will be celebrated in Washington
County from April 16 th through the 23 rd, and is held in cooperation
with events nationwide sponsored by the National Association
of Counties. Washington County provides transportation services
to its citizens through the Hagerstown Regional Airport, the
County Commuter Mass Transit system, and through construction
and maintenance of over 800 miles of roadways. Representatives
of the Division of Public Works' Departments of Highways, Engineering
and Transportation, along with staff of Hagerstown Regional Airport
received the proclamation from Commissioner John Munson. The
Proclamation reminded citizens that Washington County has a long
and varied history as a transportation "hub" for rail,
highway and air, that Washington County has 832 miles of maintained
highways, with 89 Bridges longer than 20 feet and 171 bridges
between 6 and 20 feet in length including 12 historic Stone Arch
bridges.
Washington
County's County Commuter transit system logged 513,641 miles
in Fiscal Year 2003, hauled 309,398 passengers in its fixed-route,
paratransit and ride-assist programs. Washington County's Airport,
Hagerstown Regional Airport-Richard A. Henson Field holds a place
in the nation's aviation history as the birthplace of the regional
airline concept, is a viable business park for local and national
aviation interests and will soon undergo a major renovation project.
Washington County employs over two hundred dedicated people who
keep the County transportation infrastructure moving ever forward,
the proclamation read. A Highlight of the week will be the ground-breaking
activities for the Airport's main runway expansion project, set
for Friday, April 16 th from 3-5 p.m. at the airfield. Maryland
Governor Robert Ehrlich will be the keynote speaker, and will
turn the first spade of earth. The proclamation was accepted
by Hagerstown regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz, County Commuter
Manager Kevin Cerrone, Chief County Engineer Terry McGee, and
Highways Department Superintendent Ted Wolford. (Photo)
GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP
Budget
and Finance Director Debra Bastian and Human Resources Director
Dave Hankinson brought a continuation of personnel position
and reclassification requ3ests before the Board for Fiscal Year
2005. Discussion took place on positions requested by the Board
of Elections. Although the Elections office is governed by the
state, the County funds its activities. An Information Technologies
position had been requested for that agency. IT Director Ron
Whitt was asked about support that Elections receives from the
County. Whitt said that general computing activities are supported,
but that there is equipment that the County is not allowed to
service. Whitt was requested to ask if the position could be
shared by other Western Maryland Counties. Increases in the salary
for the Elections Board’s Attorney, plus increases and
additional hours for part-time workers were approved. An Economic
Development Coordinator to support retention of existing businesses
was debated, with three Commissioners coming to consensus to
leave the position in the budget, but review options for funding.
Reclassification requests included increases for the Sheriff’s
department Judicial, Patrol and Detention positions that were
not properly addressed during the wage and salary study. Consensus
was reached on increases for those positions. Increased overtime
for the three Sheriff’s department divisions was approved,
as well as reduction of overtime while increasing part-time hours
for 9-1-1 Communications Dispatchers. Park and R4ecreation seasonal
employees were granted 50cent per hour increases, the first such
increases in two years. Snook pool employees would receive 25
cent per hour increases.
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.
George Knight and Blaine Weaver of the Greenhill area expressed
concerns about the Robinwood Drive project. Commissioners President
Greg Snook told the pair that the issue had been discussed earlier
and the public meeting for the 21 st was anno7unced.
OTHER BUSINESS:
County Attorney Issues: Assistant County Attorney John Martirano
told the Board that in answer to an earlier question, the Department
of Water Quality Advisory Commission may have as many as 7 voting
members, according to its bylaws.
Appointments to County Boards and Commissions: County Clerk
Joni Bittner brought a request from the Advisory Commission to
the Board of Health for reappointment of Dr. Edward Ditto for
a second term. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
A request was made by the Adult Public Guardianship Review
Board for reappointments of Charles Breakall, An Kendall, Dr.
Matthew Wagner and Sandra Weaver to the Board. Breakall has served
two terms, but there are no applicants on the waiting list. In
addition, Sally Clopper was recommended to fill a term on the
Board that expires on June 30, 2006. The measures were approved
by unanimous vote.
County
Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told
the Board that budget workshops will be scheduled on Monday
and Thursday of next week if needed. Last month’s employee
casual day raised $345.00 for Multiple Sclerosis programs. A
decision was requested on the tax rate, to be advertised and
taken to public hearing. The current rate is .945. The Board
approved no increase in the property tax rate and that the current
rate of .945 be taken to public hearing.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP-CONTINUED
Wage
and Salary adjustments for County employees were discussed.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson told the Board that employers
in the region are giving raises averaging 3%, and requested a
like amount be the base for County increases. With the current
Pay for Performance system, employees could receive greater than
the average of less than the average, depending on evaluation
results. The evaluation system is under review, and may be modified
next year, Hankinson said. The Commissioners approved a 3% average
increase by 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson opposed.
Cost of Living increases for retirees was also discussed, with
expenses coming from retirement reserve funds. Total cost would
be about $91,000. Commissioners President Snook requested additional
information be provided for a review at next week’s meeting.
ADOPTION OF COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director Joe Kroboth
brought this request, to adopt the County's Basic Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP), before the Board. Kroboth presented the plan to the
Board on March 23 rd for review. The plan provides the framework
for county government and non-government entities to respond
and recover from public emergencies. The EOP reflects a broad
organizational approach for all hazards that affect the County
and for most response scenarios. The EOP had not been revised
since 1991. DES worked in collaboration with more than 90 agencies
and organizations in development of the plan. The three- week
period was allowed for public comment. A provision in the latest
draft would have the Board of County Commissioners called into
session in emergency situations. The ,measure was approved by
unanimous vote.
CONTRACT AWARDS: GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther, Benefits Consultant Mike
Martini and Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought this
request before the Board, to award county employee health insurance
coverage contracts to three low bidders. CareFirst BlueCross,
BlueShield of Owings Mills, Maryland was recommended as the vendor
for Medical, Prescription Drug and Stop-Loss coverages. MetLife
of Columbia, Maryland would be awarded the Dental Care bid, and
VSP of Rancho Cordova, California would be the vendor for the
Vision care Coverage. The coordinating committee consisted of
County Administrator Rod Shoop, Luther, Hankinson, Pete Madeo
of the Human Resources Department of Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream,
Donna Messina, the HR Director for the City of Hagerstown, Debbie
Peyton, County Benefits Coordinator, Marchini and two other consultants
from CBIZ, who were non-voting members. The plan would increase
medical copays to $15 for POS and increase copays by $5 for HMO
plans and change both plans' prescription drug formularies to
a $10/$15/$30 scale. The plan would add Inpatient Rehabilitation
as a benefit and still save the County about $43,000 per year.
Through the series of changes including the Dental and Vision
plans, there would not be a projected increase in costs, even
though the annual premium would rise 1.3% in July. Dollar increase
to the County would be just over $6,000.00. The Board of Education
has decided to use BlueCross/BlueShield for its medical, drug
and stop loss carrier, leading to an additional annual savings
of $22,000.00. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT RENEWAL: TRASH HAULING AT COUNTY FACILITIES
Luther brought this request, to renew the trash hauling contract
at 20 County facilities to the original sole bidder, BFI Waste
Services of Hagerstown at 8% above the original contract price,
for a total of $37, 804.32. The original bid was accepted in
June of 2002, and BFI had asked for an increase in October of
that year, which was denied, but did not request an increase
in the FY '04 renewal. The contract calls for a total minimum
amount of tonnage the Contractor must deliver to Washington County's
landfill to be 777 tons per year or 65 tons per month. Luther
told the Board that the vendor might be willing to negotiate
on the contract price. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote, with the ability for negotiation by County Purchasing staff.
CONTRACT RENEWAL: PLUMBING AND HEATING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Purchasing Agent Luther also requested renewal of the current
contract with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Hagerstown
at the contractor's requested 2% increase in the hourly rate
for the Plumber's Routine Regular Working Hours from $28.69 per
hour to $29.26 per hour. The total base bid was $29,699.50. The
contract is for a one-year period, and covers 20 sites. In addition
to County buildings, the Free Library, Health Department and
the County Housing Authority are covered under the contract.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT AWARD; CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR COUNTY-WIDE COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM
DES
Director Joe Kroboth, Communications Maintenance Manager Pete
Lowenheim, and Captain Doug Mullendore of the Sheriff's brought
this request before the Board, to award the contract for the
subject services to L. Robert Kimball & Associates,
Inc. of Glen Allen, Virginia for the total lump sum amount of
$128,000.00and approve pre-funding of $28,000
from the current FY’05 Capital improvement Projects Draft
Budget. The contract will consist of a number of consulting services
to develop specifications and provide technical assistance for
a County-wide Local Government/Public Safety Radio System. Services
include evaluation of the existing system, assessing current
and future needs of system users, developing performance specifications
and providing technical assistance for replacement of the radio
communications system. The new system will use the latest standards
and technology and allow operations between agencies. All County
government, fire and emergency services will use the system.
The City of Hagerstown uses a separate communications system
but an alternate is included in the contract to allow the Coty
to participate if it should wish to do so. Funding for the project
will come from the COPS Technology Grant, and the pre-funding
from the FY '05 budget. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT
Permits
and Inspections (P&I) Director Bill Sprague brought
this request, to approve filing of an application with the Planning
Commission for text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for code
enforcement. The proposed amendments would allow use of civil
monetary penalties in connection with zoning violations, in addition
to other remedies. The Commissioners have statutory authority
under existing law to adopt these amendments without the necessity
of seeking further legislation. The amendments would streamline
the process of enforcing the Zoning Ordinance and allow the Department
of Permits and Inspections to issue citations that would be payable
or triable in the District Court. Revenues received from penalties
would be paid to the County. These could defray the cost of the
newly-authorized code enforcement officer. This officer could
also police accumulations of junk and abandoned motor vehicles.
The County would provide for a schedule of fines up to a maximum
of $500 and the procedures for collection. The person charged
may request a trial up to five days before the date the fine
is due. If not paid within 15 days of the due date, the person
would be subject to an additional fine not exceeding twice the
amount of the original fine, up to a maximum of $1000. If the
person who receives the citation does not pay the citation by
the 36th day after the formal notice of violation is mailed,
the zoning official may request the District Court to adjudicate
the violation. If the person charged neither requests a trial
date nor pays the fine, the zoning official may request that
the court adjudicate the fine and reduce it to judgment. These
cases may be prosecuted by the County Attorney, the State’s
Attorney, or an attorney on behalf of the County. Three examples
were cited of cases heard in District Court. In one, a homeowner's
association filed a “junk” complaint in June of 2003,
the inspections were performed, the owner was issued a correction
notice, follow-up inspections took place, charges filed and the
property must be in compliance by June 1 of this year. The process
would have taken less time had the recommended enforcement structure
been in place. In 2003, P&I had 106 complaints for junk,
67 for weeds, 76 for improper zoning issues, 62 unlicensed daycare
complaints 46 livability complaints, 155 unsafe building complaints
and 8 electrical complaints, for a total of 520 requests for
service. The measure, top begin the text amendment process, was
approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT; WATER AND SEWERAGE PLAN
Interim
Planning Director Steve Goodrich and Senior Planner Tim Lung
brought this request for an amendment to the Water and Sewer
plan before the Board. Applicants John and Cindy Burtner have
requested the amendment in order to be able to provide services
to 14.95 acres of land along Dogstreet Road at the Red Hill Road
intersection in Keedysville. The amendment would show a Rural
Village Water and Sewer service area. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the amendment. Comment centered on the
lack of an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance in place by the
Town of Keedysville to help pay for needed school capacity resulting
from such developments. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote,
with Commissioners President Snook voting "no".
BUDGET REQUEST: HUMANE SOCIETY
Washington County Humane Society Director Paul Miller and Society
Board President Dana Moylan brought a request for increased funding
before the Board. Moylan told the Commissioners that a substantial
increase in expenses have occurred since moving into the new
facility on Salem Avenue. The current budget for the Society
is $510,620. The request is for an additional $789,380 over two
years, with an increase I the current budget of $362,538, and
in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget of $462,842. The County's share
of expenses has decreased from 30% to 16% since the move to the
new facility occurred, Miller said. Questions regarding staffing,
salaries and possible cuts to services were raised. Moylan and
Miller told the Board that it has been the practice of the Society
not to turn any animals away. The suggestion that only animals
from Washington County be accepted was made. Further discussion
will be necessary before any decision will be made. Moylan and
Miller were requested to develop impact figures on cuts to services
and caps on services.
PERSONNEL REQUEST: PLANNING DIRECTOR
A
recommendation that Michael C. Thompson be hired as Director
of Planning and Community Development was approved by the
Board by unanimous vote. Thompson is employed as Chief of
Planning for the Division of Permitting and Development Review
for Frederick County. He holds the Masters of Public Administration
degree from The University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of
Arts in Political Science from Eisenhower College at Seneca
Falls, New York. Thompson was employed by Frederick County
as Chief of Development Review and Zoning Administrator in
1985, prior his promotion to the currently held position.
Prior to that date, he worked with the City of Casper, Wyoming
as Assistant Director of Planning, and in a variety of planning
positions. A resident of Hagerstown, Thompson has been working
with planning and zoning situations in Frederick that Washington
County is beginning to face, and brings a lifetime of experience
to the Washington County workforce. County Administrator
Rod Shoop said, "We welcome Mike to the County, and think that his experience
in local government with the strategics of planning and zoning
will be an excellent "fit" to our current endeavors."
National
County Government Week Proclamation Honors Transportation.
L-R-Commissioner John Munson, County Engineer Terry McGee,
Highways Superintendent Ted Wolford, County Commuter Manager
Kevin Cerrone and Airport Manager Carolyn Motz.
