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
May 18th, 2004

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on the Fire and Rescue Association's Heroes awards event last week. A meeting will discuss the possibility of a study on the Beaver Creek Watershed, to evaluate quality of area streams, Nipps said.

Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Emergency Services Advisory Committee last week. 9-1-1 dispatch will ask more in-depth questions of callers in an attempt to dispatch only those units needed at an emergency, Munson said.

Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting with the Humane Society Director to get further details on expenses of that organization. The Economic Development Commission heard a City of Hagerstown report that the transfer of the Armory building to the Association of Builders and Contractors is proceeding. The 2005 date for opening of the University of Maryland Hagerstown facility is still viable, and the fiber-optic backbone in the county will be in place to support the classes, Wivell said. Additional meetings are being held with Robinwood area citizens concerned about the new roadway. The Board of Education is supplying per-pupil costs to assist in the APFO process, Wivell reported.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on a Planning Commission workshop on the billboard issue. That Board reached consensus that no new billboards be permitted, and those already installed on "historic" roadways should be removed. Reduction in billboard size, height, and setbacks were items of discussion. Planning staff will develop a draft report for review by that Commission, and recommendations made to the County Commissioners in the near future, Kercheval said. An issue involving inaccuracies in the state tax guide for small business was discussed, with that publication citing Washington County's income tax rate as 3.0%, not the actual rate of 2.8%. Budget and Finance Director Deb Bastian was asked to contact the state to have that inaccuracy corrected.

Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Kendl Philbrick will be at Frostburg State University soon to hold a regional round-table discussion on environmental issues. The Department of Natural Resources has released $30,000 for bleachers and walkways at Kemp's Mill softball complex, Snook said. The Quad-State Business Journal reports that Washington County's population has grown by 5,000 since the year 2000 census. That equates to a growth rate of 1.2% over the span of years. Permits and Inspections will have a live voice answering phone requests soon. Some complaints had been received that calls to that department went into an automatic answering device, Snook said.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Division of Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the board that the State Highway Administration has sent letters to residents of the U.S. 40 and Edgewood Drive intersection area describing work to be done there soon. The Town of Keedysville has stated it will model its Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance on the county's ordinance. The Broadfording Road Bridge project is being re-advertised, with the projected notice to proceed in June. The Engineering Department will have two summer interns that will help with the Pavement Management study. The speed humps on High Rock Road have been completed, Rohrer said.

Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director Joe Kroboth reported that about $17,000 remains in a grant to fund an Emergency Planner position, and the funds are use or lose. A request was made to use $5,000 of those funds for a summer intern to assist with GIS mapping of the County. The request has been approved by the funding agency. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

RESOLUTION: REFINANCING LOANS WITH WATER QUALITY BONDS

Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian, Bond Counsel Timmy Ruppersberger and Financial Advisor Lester Guthorn brought the Authorizing Resolutions for refinancing water quality bonds to the Board. The resolutions authorize and empower the County Commissioners to refinance $10,410,000 of the Refunding Bonds of 1993, Series F for the Conococheague Wastewater Systems Plant and the remaining balance of $6,925,000 of the Taxable Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds of 1999 for the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Plant with loans from the State of Maryland through the Financing Administration. The refinancing is being done to take advantage of lower interest rates that will reduce debt service cost for the related projects. The interest rate for the loans is .4%, plus an administration charge of 5% of total debt service, bringing the rate to 0.85%. The loans had been at rates of 5.3% and 7% respectively. Guthorn told the Board that County Taxpayers stand to save about $7 million in interest over the lives of the loans. The savings is the largest ever recorded by the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration, and will reduce the cost of the Wastewater plant bonds by 20% and the cost of the Pretreatment Facility bonds by 30%. Guthorn said that the funding is a one-time opportunity, and that lives of the loans would not be extended. Commissioners' President Greg Snook remarked that the PeopleSoft software package enabled the proper record keeping to allow such a transaction to take place, and praised Budget and Finance staff, Department of Water Quality staff and the Water Quality Advisory Board for the teamwork involved in securing the low-cost bonds. The measures were approved by unanimous vote. A press conference was held following the announcement. (Photo)

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.

No one appeared to make comment on this day.

BONUS FUNDING FOR RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM

Sherry Neil of the Community Action Council requested approval of an application for Bonus Funding in the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) for the current fiscal year in the amount of $23,346 from the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The RAP program assists in meeting the needs of some 60 low-income families in the County with a monthly subsidy of $150 to $250 depending on family size. The initial subsidy is available to a family for 6 months and may be extended a like period of time if need continues to exist. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Disability Advisory Committee for the appointment of Joe Kuhna to serve the remainder of the term made vacant by a resignation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

Bittner also brought a request from the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors that Joanna Staub and Ronald Webb be appointed to fill vacancies on that Board, and that the two-term service rule be lifted so that William Poffenberger could be re-appointed to that Board. The term would be the fourth for Poffenberger. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

PUBLIC HEARING--PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO LANDFILL FEES

County Attorney Richard Douglas and Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport brought this matter to Public Hearing. Two weeks ago, increases in certain fees for landfill activities and services were proposed. In April, the Board adopted General Refuse fees, Rubble fees and Large Volume Hauler fees at $39.00 per ton. 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 $39.00 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. No one testified either in favor of or in opposition to the recommendations. The measures were approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Nipps and Kercheval voting "no".

NONPROFIT ELIGIBILITY LIST REQUEST

The Board of County Commissioners maintains a listing of nonprofit civic agencies that may receive funding directly from County Government. Greenberry Hills Residents Crime Watch applied for that status, and a Public Hearing was held on the matter on April 20. At that time, several options were given to the group, which had requested funding for streetlights. The approval of the Board of County Commissioners of the request of a nonprofit organization to be added to the list does not assure that the organization will receive funding from the Board. That decision is made separately as a part of the budgetary process. As a non-home rule county, the Board of County Commissioners cannot simply contribute funds to an organization without specific authority. Discussion took place on the recommendations given the group for alternative funding, and a motion to table the measure until results of the Gaming Commission fundings are known later this summer, died for lack of a second. Motion to deny the addition was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".

CSAFE AFTER SCHOOL PROJECTS UPDATE

Carolyn Brooks, Director of CSAFE brought this informational presentation to the Board. CSAFE was formerly known as the HotSpots program. Brooks told the Board that CSAFE has been able to continue programs at Bester, Winter Street, Fountaindale and Eastern Elementary Schools, and about 125 students are enrolled in the programs. Many of the students would not have parents at home following school hours, Brooks said. Funding for the programs has been received from the Community Partnership and from the Commissioners. Winter Street School Principal Kathy Kelsey called the program "a Godsend for our students," citing support for homework and socialization skills that might not be available otherwise. Brooks told the Board that the programs are helping to bridge educational gaps in the community. The program needs $90,000.00 for the coming fiscal year. Brooks said she is looking for funding sources within the community.

DOWNTOWN LEGACY AND VISION

City of Hagerstown Administrator Bruce Zimmerman and City Planning Director Kathy Maher brought this update to the Board. The City has placed a top priority on development of downtown and many activities are planned for the community. Zimmerman presented information on the City's current and future projects including the University System of Maryland complex, which includes a park on the site of the old McRory's building. The major projects include the Bowman development of shops and apartments, plus the planned parking deck on South Potomac Street. The proposed School for the Arts, a performing and visual arts center and the Tusing Warehouse project would all be in the same two-block area of downtown. The City is also pursuing development initiatives, incentive programs and business recruitment projects to revitalize the downtown area, and hosts special events like the Western Maryland Blues Fest, Night Out on the Town, Augustoberfest and the Mummers parade to draw consumers downtown. Commissioners' President Snook said that the County wants to help the city with its revitalization plans, and is looking for ways it can assist.

2005 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PROJECTS

Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling brought this matter before the board. The State of Maryland grants Program Open Space (POS) funds for parkland acquisition and parks development annually. Projects are submitted by the various municipalities, the school board, the County and the City of Hagerstown for inclusion in the program. Projects are ranked, and the Recreation and Parks Board recommends projects for adoption. Sterling told the Board that the total POS allocation is $320,000 down from the usual total of $1 million plus. Projects recommended for approval are $50,000.00 to Boonsboro for the latest payment to the total $582,794 cost for Shafer Park acquisition. The City of Hagerstown would get $34,140 for lighting for the Fairgrounds Hockey Rink and $22,500 for Tennis Court lighting at Pangborn Park. Hancock’s Rail Trail Park would receive $38,160. The Town of Keedysville would receive $20,000 for Playground Equipment at Taylor Park. Smithsburg would receive $23,400.00 for development of a gravel road and parking lot at Veteran’s Park. The Board of Education would receive $55,000 for track resurfacing at South Hagerstown High School. The County would receive $30,000 for Tennis Court Rehabilitation at Clear Spring, Woodland Way, Hancock High School and Doubs Woods Park. $10,800 would go to improvements at the Agricultural education Center Park. $36,000 would go to fund further development of Tammany Park. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

CONTRACT AWARD: COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR DETENTION CENTER

County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and County Sheriff Charles Mades brought this request before the board, to award the contract to PrimeCare Medical, Inc., of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the total proposal based on a monthly average inmate population of 425 in the amount of $866,640.00. The contract term is for 1 year beginning July 1, 2004, with an option by the County to renew for up to four 4 additional consecutive one-year periods. Advantages of contracted health care include: liability and risk transference, cost savings in services, improved quality of services and provision for court mandates, recruitment and retention of health care staff, control and accountability and centralization of services, provision of necessary supplies and equipment, fewer time demands and less personal involvement required of the Warden, Sheriff, Deputies, and support staff. Through the current health services provider, PrimeCare Medical, the Center achieved National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation in June 1997 and received re-accreditation in 2004. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

BID AWARD: MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Deputy Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks Bob Graff brought this request to the Board, to award the low bid for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls to Miller & Anderson, Inc of Hagerstown (formerly Zeigler Mechanical/Electrical Contractors) in the amount of $150,700.00. The contract serves all County owned buildings, the Martin Luther King Center, Memorial Recreation, The Washington County Free Library and Clear Spring Library, Sheriff’s Department buildings, the Washington County Health Department, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dwyer Center. A one-year contract, the County has option to renew for up to 4 one-year periods. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Kercheval voting "no".

EXEMPTION FROM THE MORATORIUM FOR CERTAIN SUBDIVISIONS

Interim Planning Director Steve Goodrich brought this matter before the Board for review and approval. The moratorium on major new residential subdivisions outside the Growth Areas provided for an exemption for subdivisions greater than 5 lots that are consistent with the density guidelines of the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Monroe Manor Estates, Lots 6 through 23 met the 1 dwelling unit per 5 acre density requirement of the Comprehensive Plan and were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Lots 1-5 were approved at the current Agricultural density of 1 dwelling unit per acre. Commissioner Kercheval made a motion that the Planning Staff be allowed to sign off on such items, which died for lack of a second. A motion to allow the exemption was approved by unanimous vote.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS

The Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) presented Youth Meritorious Awards to three young people, Heidi Stamper, High School Youth Meritorious Award (YMA) for the month of March 2004, Laura Canfiled, Middle School Youth Meritorious Award for March 2004 and Morgan Smith, the Youth Meritorious Award for April 2004. (Photo)

Commissioner Dori Nipps presented the award to Heidi Stamper, of Heritage Academy, daughter of Milton and Karen Stamper of Hagerstown. A senior at Heritage, Heidi excels in art, is very active in softball, soccer, volleyball and basketball, where she has broken school records for rebounds in a single game. She has served as co-captain of the Basketball and Volleyball teams in her senior year. Outside of school Heidi enjoys her Family Devotions, bike riding, and going to sports events. She has assisted with Good News Camp and the After School Girls’ Bible Study. Heidi has traveled on several mission trips including a trip to Haiti in the summer of 2002.

Commissioner Bill Wivell presented the Middle School YMA for March to Laura Canfield, daughter of Scott & Theresa Canfield of Clear Spring. An eighth-grade student at Clear Spring Middle School Laura has been on the distinguished honor roll many times since elementary school, and is president of the Fellowship for Christian Athletes. Laura has received numerous Spelling, Reading, Math and Attendance Awards and was first place winner in the Washington County/Dairy Queen “Waste Not: Make Washington County’s Landfill Last Longer”. She was participated in the Destination Imagination Team for 2 years and went the Global Competition in Tennessee where they placed 8 th in the “Tripicity” problem. Laura has performed in the Escapade’s Theater production of the “Wizard of Oz”, has played soccer for several years and also enjoys skiing and swimming. Laura is also a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Spring and a member of the children’s choir. She has assisted with the rose sale for Muscular Dystrophy at the Tall Cedars of Lebanon annual Spaghetti Supper since the age of 4.

Commissioner John Munson presented the YMA for the month of April to Morgan Smith, an eighth-grade student at Clear Spring Middle School, daughter of Donald and Debbie Smith. Morgan has demonstrated to her teachers, counselor and administrators a very hard working and learning attitude. She has been on the honor roll and is currently taking several merit classes. A member of the All County Chorus for the past two school years, Morgan has served her community by assisting the 4H in many projects. She is also involved on the Year Book Staff and a member of the Huyett’s 4-H Club. As part of the 4-H program Morgan gives demonstrations about animals and milking demonstrations. Morgan enjoys her horses and horseback riding, she attends Two Top Fellowship Church in Mercersburg and is active in the teen classes there.

YMA winners receive a Commissioners' Proclamation and a savings bond from WCCP.

County Commissioners' President Greg Snook announces $7 million savings to taxpayers through bond refinancing.

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Youth of the Month winners for March and April 2004. L-R Heidi Stamper, Laura Canfield, Morgan Smith.

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