FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2130
Review of Actions Taken in the Washington
County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
April 20, 2004
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
Dori Nipps commented on last week’s Celebration
of Business event. The Airport Commission met last week, and
a new progress report was released by consulting engineers URS.
Piedmont Airlines will begin providing service to Hagerstown
on May 1, Nipps said. The Airport groundbreaking was an event
of significance, with Governor Ehrlich’s appearance a highlight.
Nipps conveyed appreciation for a change in the State’s
funding for the project, going from $1 million over 8 years,
to $2 million over 4 years. The Local Delegation should be given
credit for that assistance, Nipps said. The Museum of Art named
Joseph Ruzicka as Director, he comes from the Association of
Art Museum Curators in New York City.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting of the Golf
Course Board, which discussed equipment replacement and cost
reductions. Members of the Mental Health Advisory Committee will
meet with the Board of Education to discuss mental health issues
in the schools, Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that letters
had been received from the Maryland Department of the Environment
regarding requests in water allocation increases from the Town
of Boonsboro and Beaver Creek Country Club. The Smithsburg Library
project will receive $298,230 in grant funds from the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, Snook said.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop
reminded the Board that appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals
and the Planning Commission will be necessary soon, and that
candidates names should be provided. May 24 is the start date
for the new Director of Planning and Community Development, Mike
Thompson, Shoop reported.
REVENUE ADJUSTMENTS FOR LANDFILL
Budget
and Finance Director Debra Bastian and Solid Waste Department
Director Bob Davenport brought this issue before the Board.
Tipping Fees at the 40-West Landfill were requested at $38
per ton in the recent budget presentation. As presented, the
amount would represent a flat fee for all tonnage with exception
of some miscellaneous items. Under the proposed fee for the
permit program, a shortfall of $169,022 remained. Adjusting
the tipping fee would allow for a phased-in Cost Allocation
Plan that would take approximately 3-5 years to implement.
The shortfall could be eliminated by reduction of principal
payments for landfill cell #3 and allocation change in Landfilling
for future construction costs. Discussion centered on reduction
in principal and interest payments on loans using Maryland
Water Quality bonds for refinancing. The proposed changes would
reduce the general refuse tip fee from $45.00 to $38.00 per
ton. Rubble and Building debris would go from $35 to $38 per
ton, and the discounted fee for over 4,000 tons per year would
be discontinued. Auto and truck tires less than 22” would
increase from $130.00 to $140.00 per ton. Sludge disposal would
fall from $60.00 for domestic and $80.00 for industrial to $38.00
per ton. The Management and Inspection fee for Asbestos would
rise from $25 to $50 per load. A solid waste collection licensing
fee would increase from $50.00 to $100.00 per year, with the
small business fee remaining at $10.00 per year. Fees for fill
dirt would increase to $2.00 per ton, retail mulch fees would
rise from $12 to $15 per ton, with the $5.00 per cubic yard wholesale
price remaining. Permit fees for residential drop-off, as previously
approved, would be $90 for Senior Citizens over age 62, and $120.00
for all others. A proposal to adopt General Refuse fees, Rubble
fees and Large Volume Hauler fees at $39.00, and all other changes
as presented, was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners
Nipps and Kercheval voting "no".
PROCLAMATION: FRED TEETER
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook presented a proclamation
to Fred Teeter, outgoing President of the Hagerstown-Washington
County Chamber of Commerce. The proclamation lauded Teeter for
his leadership and vision in heading the Chamber for the past
5 years. Teeter served as Executive Vice-President for 9 years
prior to accepting the Presidency in 1999. Teeter’s professional
associations were cited, as was his presentation with the inaugural
Maryland Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award. Teeter
worked to establish many high profile, community related events
and opportunities that have improved the quality of County Citizens’ lives,
the proclamation read.
PROCLAMATION: VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK
State’s Attorney’s Office Victims’ Rights Coordinator Jill
Ritter accepted this proclamation, designating the week of April 18-24, 2004
as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Washington County from Commissioner
Bill Wivell. The proclamation said that crime victims' suffering, struggles
and losses should be recognized. The assistance and services that provide for
crime victims needs, such as fair treatment, dignity, respect, safe housing,
food, support for children, transportation, counseling and medical services
should be recognized as well. The rights of people to be free from violence,
to be safer in their homes, and to live in peace in their communities are worthy
of recognition, and efforts to protect, enhance and expand crime victims’ rights
and services should be recognized and embraced, the proclamation said.
PROCLAMATION: FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES 100 th ANNIVERSARY
Paul
Armstrong of Fraternal Order of Eagles’ Aerie #
694 in Hagerstown accepted the proclamation from Commissioner
Jim Kercheval. The Aerie was founded 100 years ago as a local
chapter of the international non-profit service organization.
The proclamation praised the organization for its service to
the community and encouraged all citizens to join with the Aerie
in celebration of the milestone, to salute their advocacy and
efforts to improve the lives of all people. The Aerie assists
such organizations as Children’s Village, Hospice of Washington
County and the March of Dimes, and sponsors teams in Little League,
Pony and Colt youth baseball organizations.
PUBLIC HEARING; NON-PROFIT BUDGET REQUEST
County attorney Richard Douglas brought this request to Public
Hearing before the Board, to add one organization to the list
of non-profits to which the Board may contribute funds directly.
Greenberry Hills Residents Crime Watch made the request. Ben
Chlebnikow, the organization's Treasurer told the Board that
the major need the group has is street lights in the neighborhood,
located between Virginia Avenue and Halfway Boulevard. Commissioners
Snook and Wivell commented on the Special Lighting District program.
If 60% of residents in a neighborhood petition for street lighting,
Allegheny Power will install the lights on power poles, with
costs borne by all who live in the neighborhood. The costs are
included in property tax bills. Other funding requests, such
as operating costs, should be submitted to the gaming Commission
if the organization is a 501c3 non-profit under IRS rules. Adding
the organization to the Commissioners' list does not automatically
guarantee that funds will be received. No one appeared either
in favor of, or against the measure. Commissioners' President
Snook said the measure will be taken under advisement and a decision
rendered in 30-45 days.
CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD: GREENSBURG ROAD BRIDGE REPAIRS
Chief
County Engineer Terry McGee brought this measure, to awarded
the low bid for the bridge repair and reconstruction project
to Building Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown in the amount of $143,760.00,
with a budget transfer of $73,655.00. The project includes
rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge slab and strengthening
the pier. Recent inspection revealed significant structural
deficiencies with the bridge. The award is for “Alternate
B” which includes removal and disposal of the existing
bridge slab and replacement with a new reinforced concrete slab.
The bridge should have a 70-year life expectancy. A 45-day contract,
anticipated notice to proceed would be May 10, with completion
expected by June 23. The road would be closed for the project
duration and detour notices posted. The measures were approved
by unanimous vote.
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.
John Himes of Pleasant Valley Road appeared and questioned
the increase in Landfill fees for Senior Citizens by $55, as
reported in the Frederick News-Post. Commissioner Snook explained
that the increase in the Senior fees for landfill services have
increased by $15 per year, from $75 to $90.00. Himes also commented
on traffic and road conditions in South County.
David Shaool of Hagerstown asked if the County could allow
private inspections for construction. Commissioner Snook explained
that this practice is being explored in the County, in an effort
to relieve backlog in Permits and Inspections.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION
Budget and Finance Director Deb Bastian brought recommendations
for General Fund Expenditures before the Board, for discussion
and possible approval. At the end of a recent budget workshop,
a shortfall of about $450.000 existed due to personnel requests.
Bastian proposed several changes to the budget to make up for
the shortfall. State Prisoner per diem revenue will not be reduced
in FY '05 as had been previously thought. Senate Bill 508 provides
one-time funding of unclaimed state tax refunds to the Counties,
which can be used. Discussion centered on School Bus replacement
numbers for the coming fiscal year, which could also use one-time
state funding for one of the buses. A $50,000.00 dump truck for
Buildings, Grounds and Parks would also be funded from the one-time
windfall, and due to increases in the assessable base for the
County, Real Estate tax collection estimations could be seen
as coming in $221,000 higher than previous estimates. A motion,
to take a balanced General Fund budget of $ 147.5 million to
public hearing was approved by unanimous vote.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET DISCUSSION
Bastian also brought the amended Capital Improvement projects
(CIP) budget before then Board. Bastian told the Board that the
Pavement Maintenance line item would be increased by $500,000,
to $1 million for the coming fiscal year, due to revenue increases
in the General Fund. Changes in the Adequate Public Facility
Ordinance for School collections, using excise and transfer tax
to pay for Public Safety Infrastructure, moving expenditures
for radios out one year due to construction timelines, increasing
renovation expenses for Emergency Services, and changes to the
Maugans Avenue Project were some of the items discussed. Commissioners
President Snook requested time be set aside for further discussion
of the topic.
PUBLIC HEARING: COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT
Community development Coordinator Joe Kuhna brought this issue
to Public Hearing. Requests for submittal of applications to
the State Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
for Community Development Block Grants were made by Community
Housing Resources and the Community Action Council. The County
is the unit of general government responsible for submitting
such applications for community groups and non-profit agencies.
Community Housing would receive $60,000 over a two-year period,
and CAC would receive $30,000 over a two-year period. DHCD funds
the grants 100%. The Public Hearing is a component of that process.
No one appeared either in favor of or in opposition to the proposals
and the measures were approved by unanimous vote.
2005 INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR JOBS PROGRAM
Transportation Department Manager Kevin Cerrone brought this
request, for the Fiscal Year 2005 Intergovernmental Agreement
between agencies that support the JOBS Program, before the Board.
The agreement is between the Maryland Department of Human Resources,
the Washington County Department of Social Services and the County
Commissioners. JOBS is subscription Employment Transportation
and serves to provide needed service to job sites for low-income
citizens who are in transitional employment programs, and serves
citizens in all parts of the County. County Commuter has partnered
with DSS and the State for several years to take people to work
and provide transportation to daycare providers for those with
dependent children. Federal, State and DSS funding of $107,875.00
is requested, there is no burden on the County General Find.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
FY 2005 JOBS PROGRAM VEHICLE LEASES
Transportation Manager Cerrone also requested approval of receipt
of lease documents for two 7-passenger accessible vans for the
JOBS program. The vehicles provide for the continued transportation
services under the JOBS program in partnership with the State
Department of Human Resources and the Washington County Department
of Social Services. The program is funded by Federal and State
sources and DSS. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION: HUMANE SOCIETY
Washington County Humane Society Director Paul Miller and Society
Board President Dana Moylan brought this request for increased
funding before the Board again. On April 13 th, Moylan told the
Commissioners that a substantial increase in expenses has 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 in the current budget
of $362,538, and in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget of $462,842.
The number of employees has been reduced from 51 to the current
31, made up of 20 Full-time and 11 part-time, Miller said. The
Society, which contracts with the County to provide Animal Control
services, is proposing adding 6 new employees-2 field officers,
and 4 support staff. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday,
and employees work four 10-hour days per week. Under discussion
were the number of calls made each year, numbers of animals accepted,
out-of-county admissions and costs per animal. Moylan told the
Board that out of 6,000 animals admitted to the shelter in the
last year, only 129 were out-of-county animals. Commissioners
requested additional data on the current fiscal year activities,
possibilities of purchasing food and medications in bulk, a list
of salaries by position, and per diem costs. Commissioner's President
Snook requested that time be set aside again next week for further
discussion.
WASHINGTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CONSTABLE POSITIONS
Coiunty
Sheriff Charles Mades and Chief Judge of the District, Judge
Milner Roberts brought this issue before the Board . Maryland
District Court will no longer perform the duties of Constable
for the Court effective July 1 st, and have requested that
the Sheriff take over those duties. Constables serve all Court
executions, hold the same powers, responsibilities and liabilities
as a Sheriff’s
Deputy, have the power to hold sales or execute a deed passing
title to property, act as process servers and execute warrants
for the Court. Only Washington and Baltimore Counties continue
to use the Constable system, the other Counties use Sheriff’s
Departments. Mades said that three positions would be required,
but would be funded by the District Court. One position would
be support staff for the Judicial Division, and the other two
positions would be part-time contractual slots. Total funding
would be $95,762.55, with potential revenue of $117,030.00. $21,267.45
in revenue could be generated for the County, Mades said. Discussion
centered on the legality of the state's mandate, and control
over setting of fees. Additional information was requested from
the County Attorney's Office. Action on the measure was postponed
for two weeks.
THE COMMISSIONERS VISITED A SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROJECT
FOR STREAM RESTORATION AT HANCOCK POND, TOURED KIRKWOOD PARK IN
HANCOCK TO ASSESS POSSIBILITY OF ACCEPTING THAT PARK INTO THE COUNTY-MAINTAINED
SYSTEM DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS, THEN MET WITH THE HANCOCK MAYOR
AND COUNCIL FOR THE ANNUAL TAX SETOFF MEETING DURING THE EVENING.
