FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2077
Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
August 10, 2004
COURTHOUSE RENOVATION COMMENTS
Administrative Judge Fred Wright of Washington County Circuit Court brought information on the renovation project at the Courthouse and Annex before the Board. Wright thanked the Commissioners for recently approving the contract award for the project, which will add a courtroom for a Fifth Circuit Judge for the County. Wright thanked the Commissioners for their support of the judicial system by funding the project. The renovation was cited as part of a 1999 letter from County Administrator Rod Shoop on the Long-Range Strategic Plan for the County which noted certifications by the state of the need for additional support for the judicial system. Wright told the Board that public safety will be improved through several design factors included in the renovation plans. Commissioners’ President Greg Snook thanked Wright for his understanding of the time factor for the renovation project. In addition to space to accommodate a new courtroom, the project will also improve accessibility between the Annex and the Courthouse. Currently, there is a small elevator car between the two structures with stairs leading to several levels. A new elevator is planned that will connect the levels, allowing people with disabilities and elderly persons access to the older structure. Such activities as Orphans’ Court, Wills and Trusts, and Land Records will benefit from the improved accessibility.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on last week’s Board meeting of the Community Action Council and a visit to the Agricultural Exposition.
Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Ag Center Board. New outdoor lighting will be in place soon, and footers for the Log Cabin exhibit have been completed, Munson said. The Rural Heritage Museum is planning to enter a float in this year’s Mummers’ Parade. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee will submit bylaws for revision soon, Munson said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a recent meeting of the PenMar Board of Directors. That office’s recent financial audit showed positive figures, Wivell said.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on milking goats at the Ag Expo. The Planning Commission approved 4 billboards at Monday night’s meeting, Kercheval said. Originally denied, the Board of Zoning Appeals overturned the original Planning Commission decision regarding those billboards. Senator Munson recently held an event to promote economic development of wineries and vineyards in the County, Kercheval said. The Hagerstown Suns’ recent event with baseball great Willie Mays was very well attended, and Mays could return to Hagerstown as Grand Marshall for the Mummers’ Parade, Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that a letter from the State has announced that there will not be any funding available for the Scrap Tire event held in recent years in cooperation with 40-West landfill.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth told the Board that the Maugansville Fire Company’s 30-year-old pumper truck has severe rusting damage and ,must be replaced. Money is available from the state for purchase of a new $275,000 vehicle, providing the County donate up to $5,000 towards the Cost. A measure to donate $5,000 towards purchase of that replacement vehicle from the Commissioners' Contingency fund was approved by unanimous vote.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval of three positions in the Highways Department, one Motorized Equipment Operator I position in the central division, one Motorized Equipment Operator I in the southern section, and the part-time office associate in the central section. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Gaming Office Director Daniel DiVito introduced James Hovis as the part-time Gaming Inspector, the newest employee in that department. Hovis is retired from Maryland State Police after 15 years, and is a native of Smithsburg.
GOING FOR THE GOLD CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION
Commissioners' President Greg Snook and Hagerstown Community College Director of Continuing Education Jim Cannon presented certificates and plaques to thirteen employees who have completed the "Going for the Gold" series of management courses offered by the Training Office and HCC (photo).Over the past six years, the Washington County Training Office and HCC's Division for Continuing Education have been offering employee development courses in government management and support. This series is designed to improve employee skills, knowledge and abilities. Employees completing the coursework are being certified in Government Supervisory Management or Office Support Management. In order to qualify, candidates had to take a minimum of 24 course hours in a core curriculum and elective courses. Receiving Government Supervisory Management Certificates are Kenny Carrier, John Mellott, Earle Pereschuk and Kenny Rickett, of Buildings Grounds and Parks; Jennifer Swisher of the Emergency Services Department; Phil Ridenour, Hagerstown Regional Airport; Bill Dean, Water Quality Department; Kevin Knight, Ricky Martz, Dave Ebersole and Homer Spradlin, Highways; and Vicky McKenzie, Engineering. Receiving the Office Support Management Certification is Linda Spence, Economic Development Commission. Completion of the training series is noted in the employee’s personnel file, and can be useful in achieving promotion in County government. The courses, taught at HCC’s Valley Mall site, are open to employees of all local governments in Washington County. Over the last several years, many employees promoted to higher positions, as supervisors or office managers, have been graduates of the program.
AIRPORT LAND ACQUISITION
URS Consultant engineer Mahehsh Kukata, Airport Fire Chief Phil Ridenour and Bill La Tulip of subconsultant O.R. Colan, Inc. brought this issue before the Board. The latest in the series of land acquisitions is recommended to take place at the Airport. Fee-simple acquisitions of two properties in the Runway2-20 Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) and one property to accommodate the Runway 9-27 extension project. Two parcels owned by Conrad Martin would be purchased for $339,000.00, including 0.93 acres with a 2-story brick house at 14578 Pennsylvania Avenue and an adjacent vacant lot containing 0.45 acres. Vacant property owned by Richard Byers containing 0.45 acres would be purchased for $25,000.00. Both acquisitions would be funded 90% by FAA, 5% by the Maryland Aviation Administration, and 5% by Washington County. The County's share would total $18,200. The measure was approved, with Commissioner Munson abstaining for business reasons.
WEED CONTROL GRANT AGREEMENT
Lane Heimer of the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Herb Baker of the Washington County Weed Control Program brought this request, to enter into the annual grant agreement for control and eradication of noxious weeds, with the State of Maryland. Weeds controlled include Johnson grass, shattercane, thistles and multiflora rose. The grant is for up to $6,000.00. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC
Robin Roberson of the Community Free Clinic alerted the Board that the organization is planning to move its operation from its current Franklin Street location to offices at 249 Mill Street. The owner of the Clinic’s current location has sold the property, and the medical facility is being forced to move. An anonymous foundation has offered the clinic the ability to ultimately own the new building, known as the Hagerstown Heart Building, which now houses doctors' offices. Roberson said that the move will allow the clinic to offer better services to low-income citizens, and those citizens who do not have health care coverage, in a downtown location. A Capital campaign will be started in October. In later activity, the Gaming Commission distributed funding that will assist kick-off of that Capital Campaign (See attached story).
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.
27 citizens from the Broadfording area appeared before the Commissioners requesting a speedy resolution to the problem of the bridge over the Conococheague Creek, which has been closed for more than a calendar year. Concerns ranged from sub-contractors not being paid by the original contractor, roads and intersections in the area, weight restriction enforcement once the bridge has been repaired and historic issues. The bridge was closed over a year ago for repairs, and the County issued a withdrawal of the contract last spring because agreements could not be reached with the contractor on how to handle additional damage done by Hurricane Isabel. Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the group that negotiations are underway between the County and interested contractors to find a quick and cost-effective solution. More information on this issue is at http://www.washco-md.net/public_info/broad.htm.
Rick Hockensmith of Wagaman Road complained about recent pollution of Antietam Creek caused by an electrical problem at the City of Hagerstown Water Treatment Plant.
Several residents from the Wagaman Road area lodged complaints about a dirt bike track on private property in the neighborhood, from noise, public safety and negative impact on farming perspectives. Assistant County Attorney Duane Gigeous told the gathering that the Maryland Department of the Environment will investigate the noise problems, and that the County Attorney's Office is developing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that would prohibit such activity in residential areas.
Laura Bowman, coordinator for the National Pike Festival requested continued Commissioners' support for that annual event. The County has supplied Sheriff's Deputies and inclusion on events insurance policies for the two-day covered wagon parade from Clear Spring to Boonsboro. Commissioners President Snook requested Bowman return to the Board nearer the next event date, May of 2005.
APPLICATION FOR ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Mike Thompson, Director of Planning and Community Development, and County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this measure before the Board. The amendment would improve code enforcement with regard to junk and junk vehicles, allow the use of monetary penalties in connection to zoning violations, allow issuance of citations payable or triable in District Court in the same manner as municipal infractions, update verbiage to reflect the current "Planning Commission", and delegate zoning functions to the Zoning Administrator while retaining planning functions in the Planning Commission. Staff will develop a schedule of proposed monetary penalties or fines to be reviewed by the Commissioners, as well as policies and procedures for implementation of code enforcement. Discussion centered on time limits for enforcement, and how code violators are notified prior to citations being issued. Code enforcement inspector Chris Nicholson was introduced to the Board. Commissioners' President Snook asked that a report be given in 6 months time on effectiveness of the regulations. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
PROPOSED ANNEXATION BY CITY
City of Hagerstown Planning Director Katherine Maher also brought this matter before the Board. The City of Hagerstown has proposed annexation of a 2.08 parcel known as Gateway Crossing, located on the West Washington Street at Park Avenue.. Currently vacant, the property is slated for 13 house lots to be developed. Services from the city would be extended to the property, with cost to be borne by the developer. Planning staff has found the request to be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the County, but recommended that it be placed in a zoning classification that allows granting of "express approval" of that request, because use as a residential area would be consistent with the adjoining development after annexation by Hagerstown. The County must approve such a transaction. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
WORK SESSION: COMPREHENSIVE RURAL AREA REZONING
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson and Chief Senior Planner Stave Goodrich brought this discussion of the Rural Zoning Task Force before the Board. The Task Force was appointed in January in response to citizen concerns regarding proposed changes in the zoning in rural areas of the County expressed in public hearings in the fall of 2003s. Rezoning is proposed to implement recommended density reductions and land use limitations contained in the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Four specific items were addressed by the task force: Effects on land equity and programs to complement the plan; Lot exemptions; Lessening impact on small parcels; and Permitted uses in rural areas. The task force completed its assignment and presented the report to the Board in a public forum on June 22 nd. Today's discussion included density bonuses, rates of growth that differ from information used for the Task Force study, clustering of developments near the Urban/Town growth areas, the need for Planned Urban Development overlay in rural areas, rural preservation program funding, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR's), land cost issues, loss of development rights, treatment of family members different than other land buyers, and use of "transition zones" between the Urban Growth Area and areas zoned Rural. Using the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to guide growth was addressed, as were definitions used in the current Ordinance. Monitoring of underground aquifers to ensure public health and safety, setbacks, number of maximum lots exempted, and need for a master plan for utilities relocation were also under discussion. The first of several discussions on land use planning and rural zoning, recommendations by the Planning Commission are set to be reviewed in the Commissioners' meeting on August 24 th. More information on the workshops and future public meetings is available at www.washco-md.net on the main page.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner requested approval of several appointments to the Commission for Women. Claire Mumma of and Ida Taylor of Hagerstown would serve three-year terms, Maria Figueroa of Knoxville would serve for two years, Vikki Nelson and Kate Thompson of Hagerstown would each serve one-year terms, to coincide with the staggered-term policy of that Commission. In addition, Vijay Kumar-Solanki of Hagerstown would serve as the only male member of the Commission, for a three-year term. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
The Housing Authority of Washington County is requesting appointment of Margaret "Jimmy" Fahrney of Boonsboro to serve a five-year term on that Board. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANTS
Director of Emergency Services Joe Kroboth brought this request, to execute memoranda of agreement associated with the annual and one-time Emergency Services Grants, before the Board. The presentation covered 11 grants totaling $1.142 million from various sources. The largest grant is from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency fort Weapons of Mass Destruction Equipment, in the amount of $668,038.00. A major portion of that amount would assist development of the emergency communications project. Grants would fund Nerve Agent Antidotes, medical supplies for law enforcement special response team paramedics, Local Emergency Planning Committee public education, Terrorism Training equipment, Hazardous Materials training, Weapons of Mass Destruction equipment, a second Emergency Planner position for the department, law enforcement terrorism prevention training, Microwave communications upgrade from analog to digital between Fairview Mountain and Sideling Hill, Citizens Emergency Training educational programs for people with disabilities, and the President's Citizen Corps program promoting volunteerism, citizenship and community awareness. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR
Kroboth also requested creation of a position within the department to support the day-to-day operations of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the County and coordinate with the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA). In June the WCVFRA placed its EMS Management Specialist on administrative leave, leaving the position vacant for 8 weeks. During that period, the EMS system was negatively impacted, Kroboth said. The recommendation proposes a solution to prevent future similar impacts on the system. The $31,581.00 salary would be funded from Department of Emergency Services funds, and not from Volunteer Association funds. Tom Altman, President of the WCVFRA commented on the issue, taking an alternate viewpoint. All EMS companies have paid employees, and competition from adjoining counties, states and other EMS companies is heavy. Two EMS company representatives told the Board that operations were not affected during the period the Coordinator's position was not filled. The WCVFRA will meet on August 19 th, and the issue will be put to a vote of the membership. Details will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners in its August 24 th meeting.
County Employees Receive "Going for the Gold" Certifications from Hagerstown Community College.
Back to Story
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THE WASHINGTON COUNTY GAMING COMMISSION HELD ITS ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION IN A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 4:00 P.M.
WASHINGTON COUNTY GAMING COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RECORD DISTRIBUTION
The Washington County Gaming Commission today announced a record distribution to the county's fire and rescue companies as well as 101 local charitable organizations.
The Gaming Fund total of $2,832,143.66 for fiscal year 2004, which ended June 30th, represents an almost 5% increase over last year and the largest amount since the fund's inception nine years ago. State law provides for funds to be split equally between The Washington County Fire and Rescue Association and local charities.
In January, the Washington County Fire & Rescue Association received $630,817.67. With today’s announcement, an additional $785,254.16 will be distributed bringing the yearly total for Fire & Rescue to $1,416,071.83. The Association then distributes the funds equally to the fire & rescue companies throughout the county.
In May, the Washington County Gaming Commission received 127 separate applications from charitable organizations requesting a total of $3,351,859.24.
“Obviously with more than $2 of requests for every $1 of available funds, some tough decisions had to be made,” said Terry Reiber, Gaming Commission Chairman. “After three days of workshops in June, three days of public hearings in July, and a lot of homework, the Commission was able to either partially or fully fund 101 of the 127 requests. 24 of the 127 applications received full funding and 13 received grants of $30,000.00 or more,” said Reiber.
Among those receiving $30,000.00 or more where the American Red Cross, CASA, Girls Inc., Boy Scouts, Reach, Regional Community Health Care Center, Washington County Agricultural Education Center, Food Resources, Salvation Army, and Senior Living Alternatives.
The Regional Community Health Center is better known as the Community Free Clinic, and received the largest amount, $165,000.00, of which $50,000.00 will be used for capital projects. Reach Caregivers received $75,000.00 for shelter operations, the Mental Health Center received $40,000 as did Senior Living Alternatives and the American Red Cross. Girls, Inc. was just under that level, at $39,846.81. The Washington County Agricultural Education Center was also among the top recipients, at $38,000.00.
The Washington County Gaming Commission is a volunteer 7-member board appointed by the County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly and Board of County Commissioners. Established by the State Legislature in 1995, the Commission is responsible to ensure the revenue produced by Tip Jars played in the counties clubs, taverns, liquor stores, and restaurants is equitably distributed. Since its beginning, the Commission has provided almost $25 million dollars to charities and fire and rescue companies in Washington County.
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ORGANIZATION |
APPROVED |
|
FUNDING |
Alzheimer's Association |
$17,000.00 |
American Cancer Society |
$10,000.00 |
American Little League |
$5,300.00 |
American Lung Association of Maryland |
$4,000.00 |
American Red Cross |
$40,000.00 |
Apples for Children |
$6,000.00 |
Arc of Washington County (Sensory Lab) |
$3,000.00 |
Arc of Washington County (Packaging Equipment) |
$9,994.00 |
Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation |
$2,000.00 |
Big Brothers Big Sisters |
$10,000.00 |
Boonsboro Area Soccer Club |
$2,500.00 |
Boys & Girls Club |
$25,000.00 |
Breast Cancer Awareness (Y-Me) |
$7,000.00 |
Brothers United Who Dare to Care |
$3,400.00 |
CASA |
$30,000.00 |
Catholic Charities |
$8,100.00 |
Children In Need Inc. |
$25,000.00 |
Children's Village |
$15,000.00 |
Clear Spring Little League |
$1,504.00 |
CSL Youth Organization |
$2,000.00 |
Conococheague Little League |
$2,500.00 |
Corporation for Assistive Technology |
$1,493.12 |
Deafnet Association Incorporated |
$19,642.00 |
Easter Seal Society |
$5,000.00 |
Fast Forward Speed Skating |
$1,500.00 |
Federal Little League |
$5,000.00 |
Flights End Rapture Center |
$2,000.00 |
Food Resources Inc.(Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Program) |
$20,000.00 |
Food Resources Inc.(Pantry on Wheels) |
$28,450.00 |
Friends of Safe Place, Child Advocacy |
$16,000.00 |
Girls Inc. |
$39,846.81 |
Girls Scouts of Shawnee Council |
$4,800.00 |
Habitat for Humanity |
$25,000.00 |
Hagerstown Charity School Inc. |
$9,159.00 |
Hagerstown Choral Arts Inc. |
$2,205.00 |
Hagerstown Civil Air Patrol |
$9,000.00 |
Hagerstown Colt League |
$3,500.00 |
Hagerstown Community College Fund |
$5,128.00 |
Hagerstown Junior Basketball League |
$2,500.00 |
Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum |
$7,500.00 |
Hagerstown Police Dare Program |
$6,500.00 |
Hagerstown Pony League |
$3,500.00 |
Hagerstown Youth Soccer |
$1,725.00 |
Hagerstown Youth Hockey |
$5,000.00 |
Halfway Little League |
$4,300.00 |
Interfaith Service Coalition |
$15,700.00 |
James Shaull Wagon Train Foundation |
$2,500.00 |
Literacy Council of Wash. Co. |
$6,500.00 |
Main Street Housing |
$4,788.00 |
Mason-Dixon Boy Scouts |
$30,000.00 |
Maugansville Little League |
$5,000.00 |
Memorial Recreation Center |
$22,000.00 |
MIHI Inc. |
$12,312.00 |
National Little League |
$4,260.00 |
Potomac Classic Youth Ballet |
$3,225.00 |
REACH Caregivers (Capital) |
$50,000.00 |
REACH Caregivers (Operating) |
$25,000.00 |
Reeders Memorial Home |
$5,000.00 |
Regional Community Health Care Center (Operating) |
$100,000.00 |
Regional Community Health Care Center (Capital Project) |
$50,000.00 |
Regional Community Health Care Center (Prescription) |
$15,000.00 |
Resources for Independence |
$5,000.00 |
San Mar |
$8,648.90 |
Senior Living Alternatives |
$40,000.00 |
Sharpsburg Historical Society |
$2,014.00 |
South Mountain Little League |
$3,000.00 |
St. Johns Shelter |
$7,131.00 |
St. Patrick's Chorale |
$1,200.00 |
The Center for Business Training |
$3,500.00 |
The Maryland Symphony (4th of July Program) |
$7,870.00 |
The Maryland Symphony (Music Education Program) |
$22,790.00 |
The Maryland Theatre |
$20,000.00 |
The Mental Health Center |
$40,000.00 |
The Parent/Child Center (Mortgage reduction) |
$15,000.00 |
The Parent/Child Center (Right from Start Program) |
$20,000.00 |
The Salvation Army |
$30,000.00 |
The W House of Hagerstown |
$28,670.00 |
Triad of Washco/ Salt Council |
$2,080.00 |
Turning Point of Washington County |
$15,000.00 |
United Way |
$10,000.00 |
Valley Little League |
$3,500.00 |
Volunteer Assoc. for Potomac Center |
$5,000.00 |
Walnut Street Community Health Center |
$30,203.00 |
Wash. Co. Ag Center |
$38,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Arts Council |
$2,764.00 |
Wash. Co. Commission on Aging |
$28,569.00 |
Wash. Co. Community Action Council |
$32,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Community Housing Resource |
$1,500.00 |
Wash. Co. Free Library (BOONSBORO) |
$25,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Free Library (SMITHSBURG) |
$25,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Human Development Council |
$15,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Junior Football League |
$7,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Juniors Volleyball |
$4,000.00 |
Wash.Co. League of Women Voters |
$2,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Museum of Fine Arts |
$5,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Show Kids |
$3,000.00 |
Wash.Co. Community Mediation |
$5,000.00 |
Washington County Historical Society |
$15,000.00 |
Wells House (Capital) |
$20,000.00 |
Wells House (Operating) |
$15,000.00 |
West End Little League |
$3,500.00 |
Western Maryland Center Aux. |
$11,300.00 |
Western Maryland Interpretive Association |
$2,500.00 |
YMCA |
$25,000.00 |
Total Charitable Organizations |
$1,416,071.83 |
| |
|
Washington County Fire & Rescue Association (January) |
$630,817.67 |
Washington County Fire & Rescue Association (August) |
$785,254.16 |
| |
|
Total FY2004 Distribution |
$2,832,143.66 |
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