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
September 14th, 2004
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
The Board attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Phase two of the Francis Murphy Apartments, on Robinwood Drive, at 10:00 a.m. Interfaith Housing, Inc. developed the complex, for low-income seniors, in partnership with the State of Maryland, Low Income Tax Credits through Wachovia Investment, PNC Bank of New York, Citigroup Foundation through Citicorp Credit Services, and the County Commissioners. This phase of the complex added 56 units, to bring the total number of housing units to 120. Commissioner's President Greg Snook commended Interfaith and partners for their commitment to provision of quality housing for elders. Washington County allowed a Payment In Lieu of Taxes for both phases of the development.
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 comment on this date.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a meeting of the Historic District Commission that discussed development of historical development guidelines for the County. The Recreation/Parks Board addressed shortage of softball and soccer fields in the County and how to combat this problem. Recreation Department Summer Play Camps had 359 children enrolled this summer, and the Department generated $106,000 in revenue during the Spring and Summer sessions, Nipps reported. The Commission for Women heard a representative of Habitat for Humanity speak at its recent meeting on a proposed “Womenbuild” project in which a house would be funded and built entirely by women. Nipps also reported on the Association of Builders and Contractors legislative breakfast, the Greater Hagerstown meeting last week and the recent meeting of the Historic Advisory Committee. The annual Historic Preservation Award winner will be announced soon, Nipps said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation Board last week. At the Greater Hagerstown meeting, representatives of the University System of Maryland commented on Universities that will offer classes at the Hagerstown Center. Frostburg State University, the University of Maryland-Baltimore, Towson State University and University of Maryland-University College will be represented. Classes will initially be held at night, but ultimately the facility will go full-time, and will offer Master’s level courses as well as 4-year degrees. The Governor’s Office has earmarked $1 million in operating costs for the center in FY ’05 and $1.9 million in FY ’06, and the school will open in January of 2005, Wivell reported. A request from owners of the Shank Farm property off Leitersburg Pike to be included in the Public Hearing to be held tonight was discussed. Planning Director Mike Thompson said that the owners did not submit a form to the Planning Office in time to be included. The property owners are seeking to add 200 plus acres to the Urban Growth Area. That request could be presented to the Planning Commission as an individual request, Thompson said.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commended staff for coordination of Citizens Emergency Preparedness Day events held on September 11 th at Valley Mall and Hagerstown City Park, and also commended County employees’ participation in the United Way Day of Caring last week. The Planning Commission heard requests from developers Monday night that would add several hundred building lots to those already approved. Kercheval said that impact on the school system must be considered in requests for large subdivisions, with developers ready to donate open space for school sites. Zoning ordinances dealing with Planned Urban Development overlay should be amended to include land for schools and parks as part of the developers’ contribution, Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board the Tri-County Council meeting in Oakland last week discussed priority projects for Washington County. The Newgate Pumping Station is high on the priority list as is the Newgate Boulevard Extension project. Some funding from prior years could be used to enhance projects in the county such as the Aspiring to Serve Shoe Factory renovation in downtown Hagerstown, Snook said. The Maryland Insurance Commission will hold public meetings on September 28 th and 29 th from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel so that residents may discuss insurance-related problems. Permits and Inspections staff will ask for names of persons calling in complaints, in order to do follow-up on problems reported, but will not divulge the names to persons outside the department, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested permission to advertise an Auto Mechanic vacancy in the Highways Department, due to an internal transfer. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department Director Jim Sterling requested advertisement of a Building Maintenance position recently vacated. Discussion took place on the work hours of each shift, number of personnel assigned, and duties of the night crew. The measure was approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Kercheval voting “no”.
Emergency Management Administrator Verna Brown reported on the Citizen’s Emergency Preparedness Day events on September 11 th. There were 22 exhibitors inside Valley Mall, 25 pieces of Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and Military apparatus on display, demonstrations of preparedness activities, a wreath-laying ceremony and tree-planting at City Park. 12 neighborhood groups signed up for further preparedness training, Brown reported.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney Richard Douglas requested formal approval to advertise the Deputy County Attorney position. John Martirano is taking the post of Human Resources Director with the School Board. The measure was approved
by unanimous vote.
Deputy Attorney Martirano requested approval of three grant agreements involving airport expenditures before the Board. Federal government regulations recently reduced matching funds that states and counties pay on grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Grant Agreement MAA-GR-05-014 will provide for safety area construction as part of the Runway 09-27 enhancement. Under the new rules, the FAA will pay 95% of the $8.4 million cost, the state will pay 2.5% or $210,526 and the County will pay a like sum.
Grant Agreement MAA-GR-05-015 provides that the state of Maryland pay 50% of a grant for improvement costs not covered in the FAA letter of intent for off-site borrow materials. Project cost is $467,836. The state would pay $233,918, or 50 % of the total cost and the County will pay a like sum.
Grant Agreement MAA-GR-05-016 provides for $8 million in state funds for earthwork and Route 11 bridge and roadwork associated with the runway project. The funds would be available in $2 million increments in FY '05, '06, '07, and '08.
The measures were approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no"
A new agency agreement between FAA, MAA and Washington County was included with the grant agreements, allowing the state to act as pass-through agent for FAA funding to the County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported that the recent employee fund raising event for Red Cross aid to Florida hurricane victims took in $1004.00.
Shoop requested two change orders regarding the fencing project at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Change #1 reduced the budget amount by $25,000 due to excess purchase of supplies. Change order #2 increased that same project's budget by $32,000 to cover weather-related costs. Both measures were approved by unanimous vote.
APPOINTMENTS TO LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
Local Management Board Chair Carolyn Brooks brought a request for several new appointments to that Board for approval by the Commissioners. Appointments of William Mason, Paul Pittman, Melicent Malchenson, Vivan Miller, Melissa Siblery, Donna Rudy, Sherry Talbert and James Wilhide to membership on the LMB were recommended. Appointees serve staggered three-year terms. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING EXCISE TAX ORDINANCE
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this matter before the Board. House Bill 1049, enacted by the 2004 General Assembly, amended Section 2-701 of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County by expanding the uses for which revenues from the Washington County building excise tax may be expended. The revised Ordinance reflects the changes made by the General Assembly during the last session. In addition to the existing permissible uses for revenues, the amendments have added “primary, secondary, or higher education capital expenditures.” A proposed amendment to Section 8(c) of the Ordinance would allow the municipalities that collect the tax on behalf of the County to withhold an administrative fee of two 2% per cent to offset the cost of collection. This would implement one of the measures contained in the recently announced set of agreements between the County and the City of Hagerstown. The changes in state law became effective July 1, 2004, so that the amendments to the Ordinance should be effective as of that date as well. Since the amendments affect only the expenditure of proceeds and not collections, no vested rights are implicated. Discussion took place relative to the percentage allowed for administrative costs, with recommendations that actual cost figures be determined before action is taken. The measure was tabled pending further information.
AMENDMENTS TO THE TRANSFER TAX ORDINANCE
Douglas also requested passage of a companion amendment affecting the Transfer Tax. House Bill 1049s amended Section 2-702 of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County by expanding the uses for which revenues from the Washington County transfer tax may be expended. The revised Ordinance reflects the changes made by the General Assembly during the last session. In addition to the existing permissible uses for revenues set forth in Section 4 of the Ordinance, the amendments have added “primary, secondary, or higher education capital expenditures.” Section 2-702(d)(3) of the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County already provided that “For each fiscal year, at least $400,000 of the revenues from the transfer tax shall be used for agricultural land preservation and other measures to enhance the viability of agriculture in Washington County.” Consistent with other legislation sponsored by members of the County Delegation during the last session in support of agricultural preservation, language was added to that subsection, providing for “the purchase of easements and transferable development rights using installment purchase agreements.” Since Chapter 398 was a revenue measure, it became effective July 1, 2004, so that the amendments to the Ordinance should be effective as of that date as well. Since the amendments affect only the expenditure of proceeds and not collections, no vested rights are implicated. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
SOLE SOURCE BID: WIRELESS TRACKING SYSTEM
Permits and Inspections Deputy Director Angela Smith brought this request, to award a sole source procurement for a Wireless Inspection Tracking system and a future On-line Permitting System to the Board. The Accella Wireless software for the tracking system is $41,720.00, with a total implementation cost of $112,770.00 including equipment. Funding of $43,530.00 for a Velocity Hall on-line permitting system was requested to be included in the FY 2006 budget. Implementation of field technology and the on-line systems were approved by the Board on July 13 th, following a report from the Kaizen study team. A Kaizen event is a short-term intense effort with a bias for action, performed by a multi-functional or multi-level team, designed to help achieve organizational goals. The report concluded that P&I had experienced a large increase in workload, had problems involving workload assignments, number of employees versus number of permits processed, lack of public knowledge of the permitting process, and delays caused by the number of outside agencies that review permits. Technology upgrades were seen as a method to improve services to the public both in terms of numbers of field inspections conducted, and also in the increase of workflow through issuing of permits over the internet. Cost for the wireless system would come from the Capital Improvement Project Fund, revenue from P&I fee increases, and unused wages from the P&I and Planning Departments. The Cost for the Velocity Hall system would come from revenue generated by restructuring of the permit fees, and would be deferred until the 2006 fiscal year. A sole-source request requires approval of four of the five County Commissioners. The measures, including budget transfers were approved by unanimous vote.
BID AWARD: AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING MODIFICATIONS
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther, Hagerstown Regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz and Mahesh Kukata of the URS consultant firm brought this request, to award the low responsive, responsible bidder, Excel Contractors of Hagerstown for a total sum, base bid of $891,870.00 for airport passenger terminal improvements, contingent on Federal Aviation Administration approval. URS Corporation recommended award of the contract which includes a 1,500 square foot addition to the existing passenger hold room, new rest rooms in the hold room, renovation of existing restrooms in the main terminal, administrative office modifications, and installation of a covered passenger walkway. The hold room is a waiting area separate from the main terminal, designed to house passengers who have passed through security checkpoints, prior to boarding aircraft. The original bid included modifications to the Apron adjacent to the terminal, but those bids exceeded the budgeted funding. The Apron bid will be a separate award. The project is funded through 90% FAA funding, 2.5% State funding and a 2.5% County match. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ENGINEERING PERSONNEL AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought these issues before the Board. Due to the rapid turnover at the Engineering Department as a result of salary disparities, hiring procedures have been modified. Hankinson requested employing Dave Mason as Civil Engineer for the County at a salary of $59,988.00. The slot has been open for several months, Hankinson said, and Mason is the only qualified candidate for the post. Mason is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Hankinson also told the Board that a larger than average wage disparity exists between the public and private sectors, and asked that a comparable wage structure be implemented in the department. Discussion took place regarding comparable rates of pay between public and private employers. A provision to make engineers' pay increases, retroactive, was not supported. The measures were split, with the Civil Engineer hiring approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no". Salary increases for the department were approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".
WATER AND SEWER MAP AMENDMENT
Senior Planner Tim Lung brought this request before the Board. Applicants the Kettler Brothers, on behalf of the property owners, Ronald H. and Patsy L. Milburn, have requested an amendment to the Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan for the purpose of providing public water and sewerage service to 30.04 acres of land located west of Maryland Route 34, located 1000 feet north of Coffman Road, in Keedysville, Maryland. Map number 72 would be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Water Service Area with a Water Service Priority Classification of Planned Service, and would also be amended to show the Property as being included in a Rural Village Sewerage Service Area with a Sewerage Service Priority Classification of Planned Service. A motion was made by Commissioner Jim Kercheval, that the measure become effective one day after the Town of Keedysville adopts its Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
PROPOSED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COORDINATOR
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth brought this recommendation before the Board. Kroboth recommended that the vote on creation of an EMS Coordinator position within the County be postponed, that the vote of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) to keep the position under Association supervision be supported, with the Association asked to report back to the Commissioners on the status of EMS six months from the date of the presentation. Kroboth presented a proposal to create the position in August, which would work with WCVFRA to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. The Board asked the Association to discuss the proposal and bring the matter to a vote. The Association met in August and voted 13-12 to keep the position under the auspices of WCVFRA. Kroboth added his support saying that the integrity of the system needs to be preserved. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS TO SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) Budget and Finance Director Chris South brought this series of budget requests before the Board. The BOE requests budget adjustments at the end of each fiscal year, as allowed by state law, aligning the budget with actual performance. South told the Board that several of the requested adjustments cross major categories and the Commissioners must approve those changes, which would result in an additional $55,300 in the BOE's general fund balance. Reductions came in Administration, Salaries, Textbooks and Supplies, Student Personnel Services, Transportation, Maintenance and Operation costs, and Fixed charges. Adjustments would pay for increased revenue need for non-public student placements, instructional equipment costs, special education, student health services and capital outlay. South told the Board that a positive balance of $2.6 million in the insurance fund will assist the Board in keeping costs down. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ADJUSTMENT TO BOARD OF EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET
BOE Budget and Finance Director South also requested approval of several category changes to cover a shortfall in the Williamsport Elementary project. That $12,159 shortfall came as the result of change orders late in the project that lacked state participation. Funds would come from 4 line items that had surplus amounts. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Board attended a joint Public Hearing with the Planning Commission to hear comment on requested rezonings in the rural areas of the County, at 7:00 p.m. in Courtroom #1 of the Washington County Courthouse.