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
August 24, 2004
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on last week’s Maryland Association of Counties’ (MACo) meeting. Major issues under discussion included analysis of Counties’ capacity for future residential and business development. The City of Hagerstown received a grant from the state to study this issue, Kercheval said. Staff was asked to look into the County’s involvement in State and Federal Corrections programs, especially as regards the number of inmates released into the local jurisdiction. Funding for local government programs is available from several state and federal corrections sources, Kercheval said. Augustoberfest will be held this weekend in Downtown Hagerstown. Black Rock Golf Course reports revenue $13,000 over August of last year, due to recent good weather, Kercheval reported.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting of the Water Quality Advisory Commission. That body wants to know about progress on County appointments to the state Water Quality Task Force. Erosion in Smithsburg is causing flow of sediment into the City water plant, and the issue should be investigated, Wivell said. The WQAC also has concerns that water and sewer issues were not properly addressed in the possible sale of the Fort Ritchie property. The Economic Development Commission will present its strategic priorities later in the meeting, and recent reports show that 99% of the EDC budget was expended during the last fiscal year, Wivell said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on growth issues under discussion at last week’s MACo meeting. All Counties are experiencing the types of growth issues being seen in Washington County, Nipps said. County school enrollments will be up this year, Nipps said. Latest pre-enrollment figures for Eastern Elementary show 625 students registered for the year, in a school with capacity for 585 students. More on enrollments system wide will be known after Wednesday’s opening day, Nipps said. State projections for student population show lower figures for the coming year than actual figures for 2002. The figures should be monitored closely, Nipps said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that Frederick County has nearly 40,000 students compared with Washington County’s 20,000. 250 additional teachers have been hired in Frederick County for the coming school year, Snook said. Washington County will he hosting the winter MACo conference in December, and the theme will be “Best Practices in County Government”. A major topic for discussion will be understanding testing in school systems. The MACo legislative committee set four initiatives in the summer meeting. They were County Budget Security, School Construction, Public Safety Communications, and Transfer of Controlling Interest. Hagerstown Regional Airport now has a “hotspot” for wireless connectivity that will allow travelers to use their laptop computers for internet services while at the airport. The Sheriff’s department is being asked to look into the possibility of weighing trucks on rural roads. The department currently has no equipment or certification to perform this function, which is a state responsibility. The state currently will not conduct weight measurement on rural roads, Snook said. Electric supplier de-regulation goes into effect this fall, and the State of Maryland is setting up a procurement process that will be available to all local jurisdictions. Community Development Block Grant funds of $90,000 have been received from the state for Community Action Council and Housing Authority projects, Snook said. A meeting with the Governor and State Comptroller at MACo showed revenue projections looking up. The Convention and Visitors’ Bureau will request that a loan made by the Commissioners be forgiven, Snook reported.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented Citizen of the Month honors for August 2004 to Walter Williams of Williamsport (Photo). The recent State Little League Championship Tournament in Williamsport brought players, their families and friends to Washington County from across Maryland. As President of the Conococheague Little League, Walter Williams helped host this year's event. Walter was commended for his work in maintaining the Little League fields in Byron Park in a news article earlier this year, and is known for his dedication and devotion to his Town, and youth sports programs in the County. In addition, Mr. Williams had shown his devotion to the people of Williamsport in a manner above and beyond the regular activities of Citizenship. Last November, Mr. Williams saved the life of a Williamsport citizen in Byron Park. For these positive actions and others in the Town and County, Walter Williams is honored as Citizen of the Month for August, 2004. Citizen of the Month honors are presented to individuals in Washington County who, through their actions, make a positive impact on the lives of our citizens.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested advertisement of a Weigh Clerk position at the Landfill due to a resignation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth told the Board that the State Numbers Board is holding a seminar on consolidation of public safety communication centers on September 16 th in Baltimore, and the Commissioners are invited to attend. The state Emergency Management Assistance Compact is assessing need for sending emergency service resources to Florida to assist with the Hurricane Charley clean-up effort. If requested, staff would be deployed for two-week periods.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that the Engineering Department is proceeding with negotiations with contractors on the Broadfording Bridge project, with a target date for presentation of a proposal to the Board at the next Commissioners' meeting. Trimming trees and bushes in the Gossard Mill Road area has been completed, and traffic signs have been replaced in the area. County Highways Department crews are “saw cutting” pavement sections today, prior to patching and repair of that road, Rohrer said. (See press release dated 8/17/04)
BID AWARD: COPY AND CUSTODIAL PAPER GOODS
County purchasing Agent Karen Luther brought this request, to award bids or Copy Paper and Custodial Paper Goods for fiscal Year 2005 to the low responsible, responsive bidders. Copy Paper was awarded to Office Max, a Boise Company in the amounts of $21.23 per case for 8 and a half by 11 inch plain paper, $26.71 per case for 8 and a half by 14 inch plain copy paper, and $22.57 per case for 8 and a half by 11 inch three-hole punched paper. The bid for toilet tissue was awarded to Calico Industries of Annapolis, Maryland at $22.25 per case. The bid for hand towels was awarded to Weiss Brothers of Hagerstown in the amount of $10.20 per case. The bid for roll towels was awarded to Daycon Products Company, Inc. of Hagerstown, at $17.00 per case. Frederick County also participated in the bid. The bids were approved, with Commissioner Kercheval abstaining on the Weiss Brothers bid for business reasons.
GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT LEASE
John Kain, Black Rock Golf Course Superintendent and Richard Roulette, Chair of the Golf Course Board brought this request before the Board. That Board is requesting the Commissioners provide financing for purchase of new maintenance equipment in lieu of a lease. BRGC wants to buy replacement mowers and other equipment from state contracts, and no lease options are offered. Kain told the Board that about $75,000 in maintenance costs would be saved by replacement of the older equipment. The Course would repay the County over a five-year period, and requested a loan in the amount of $250,000. Funding would come from Cash Reserves and about $15,000.00 in trade-in value for the used equipment would be realized. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
SENIOR LIVING ALTERNATIVES REQUEST
Doug Wright, representing Holly Place and North Holly Place Senior Living Alternative Centers brought a request for $25,000 before the Board for operational costs. Holly Place provides 24-hour care to 30 low-income residents who cannot live alone, but do not require nursing care, and needs about $100,000 per year to operate effectively. The County Gaming Commission recently appropriated $40,000 to the organization, which also receives state and City funding. Changes in State Medicaid waiver regulations was given as the reason for the shortfall. Funding would come from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund. Commissioners Wivell and Snook requested development of long-range funding plans to address future funding problems. The request was approved by unanimous vote.
ON-BEHALF-OF (OBO) LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HOUSING BOND
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson and Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this request before the Board, to approve transfer of the annual OBO allocation to the state Community Development Administration for issuance of housing bonds for first-time home buyers in Washington County. The state gives funding to the Counties each year, and allows local governments to participate in the state-wide bond pool. This year's allocation is $269,800 for the County. In past years, the County has used the funding to participate in the Maryland Mortgage Program. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission Chair Doug Wright and EDC Director Tim Troxell presented the EDC's 2005 Strategic Priorities to the Board of County Commissioners for informational purposes. A retreat held June 21 st looked at Vision, Mission and the Priorities for the coming year. 5 priority areas were approved by the EDC Board on August 12 th, including Assisting and Retaining Existing Businesses, Facilitating Workforce Development Partnerships, Identifying Infrastructure Needs and Opportunities for Economic Development, Supporting Continued Multi-lateral Government Cooperation Towards Achieving Economic Development Objectives, and Attracting New Businesses to Washington County With an Emphasis on the Target Industry List. Wright said that 75-80% of new jobs come from existing businesses. The Celebration of Business event will continue, as will staff cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioners’ President Snook asked the group to address availability of high-speed internet capability for business in County locations that may not be able to connect to local systems.
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.
Chuck McCann of the Broadfording Road area commented favorably on the efforts of the County to assist citizens of the area with the detour they must take due to the bridge closure on that road. Commissioners' President Snook said that earlier reports from Public Works have indicated progress on citizen concerns on the area in terms of roadway sight line improvements, traffic signage, and patching of Gossard Mill Road.
Hagerstown resident James Devine commented on tax support for economic development issues, regulation of storage bins, damage caused by developers and infrastructure fees.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney Richard Douglas requested advertisement of the part-time Assistant County Attorney position in his office. Current Assistant Dwayne Gigeous has announced his resignation, pending relocation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner requested reappointments of Thomas Henderson and Harry Reynolds to the Airport Advisory Commission for a second three-year term. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
The Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors requested reappointment of James Reeder to a second three-year term. That measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop asked Hagerstown Regional Airport Marketing Specialist Greg Larsen to explain the new "Go Fare" structure. Larsen told the Board that negotiations with U.S. Airways have allowed the County to tag onto the airline's Go Fare promotion, offering reduced one-way fares to numerous destinations. Larsen said the County version of the offering is called "LowFares" And is being aggressively advertised in media and on the internet. Less than one month old, the fare structure is less costly and less restrictive than previous rates, Larsen said.
Shoop also requested that the Board approve application for a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Project grant of $950,000.00. The funds would pay for realignment of the apron at the airport terminal, Shoop said, to meet federal requirements. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
WORK SESSION: RURAL AREA REZONING
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson and Chief Senior Planner Steve Goodrich brought a discussion of the Rural Zoning Task Force and Planning Commission rezoning recommendations 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 discussion focussed on recommendations of the Washington County Planning Commission (WCPC), and similarities or differences to those made by the Task Force. Goodrich told the Board that additional uses for land may be granted through amendments to the Zoning regulations, or through the Special Exception process. On numbers of lots allowed to be exempted in rural areas, the Planning Commission recommended 2 lots, while the Task Force recommended 5 lots. A compromise of 3 lots on parcels less than 50 acres, and additional exempted lots per 50 acre additions, up to a total of 5 lots, was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no". Sideyard setbacks recommended by the WCPC, modifying 50 foot setback requirements in Agricultural, Environmental Conservation and Preservation zones with certain reservations was approved. Clarification of the Rural Business Schedule to include a clear definition of Rural Business was approved as recommended by the WCPC. A recommendation to amend language in the definitions of truck stop or motor freight terminal in the amendments was already in place. Return of the phrase "functionally similar" to the section on special exceptions, as recommended by the WCPC was also approved. The Task Force and the Planning Commission had requested revisions to the Table of Land Use Regulations. The table contains 18 multi-part categories of land use in the Agricultural, Environmental Conservation, Preservation, Rural Village, Rural Business and Industrial-Mineral zones. Commissioners discussed several of the areas proposed for change by both groups, and will make final decisions on proposed changes at the next meeting.
RESOLUTION APPROVING TRUST AGREEMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST
Insurance and Risk Management Administrator AnnaJean McKnight brought this issue before the Board. Washington County is a member of the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) and the Board of that organization has approved an amended Local Government Insurance Agreement. The agreement is not effective until two-thirds of the membership gives its approval. Changes to the agreement included removal of limits of the amount of funds that can be loaned from Pool to Pool. Short-term borrowing would be added to a list of mechanisms available to the Board of Trustees to address deficits in a particular Pool. That Board of Trustees would be authorized to transfer funds from Pool to Pool in order to address closure of a Pool or a major component of a Pool. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
GOSSARD MILL ROAD DISCUSSION
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought a recommendation for full-depth pavement repair and overlay on Gossard Mill Road, before the Board. Gossard Mill Road is a primary detour route for citizens in the Broadfording Road area, due to closure of the bridge there. At the August 10 th meeting, a group of citizens requested repairs to road surfaces, trimming of bushes and tress to improve sight lines on roadways, and rehabilitation of approaches to Gossard Mill Bridge. Rohrer told the Board that cost for the project would be $195,000.00, including traffic signage and striping paint. The roadway would not need further repairs for 15-20 years after the repaving project, Rohrer said. County Administrator Rod Shoop said the cost would come from anticipated surpluses from FY '04 and from Excise Taxes. Rohrer said the repairs would be conducted in a manner that would not tie up both lanes of traffic. Highway crews are already doing patching work in the area, and would be used to make repairs to Gossard Mill Road bridge approaches. Commissioner Wivell requested a week's delay until members of the Board could make first-hand inspections of the situation. The issue will be placed on the next Commissioners' Agenda.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook presents Citizen of the Month honors for August 2004 to Walter Williams of Williamsport
