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.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought 6 new employees before the Board for introductions. Ronald Hardy was recently hired by the Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Deputy. Michael Haifley is the new Buyer in the Purchasing Department. Robin Feree recently joined the Economic Development Commission Office as the Business Development Specialist. David Mason is the new Civil Engineer in the Engineering Department. Terry Patton was recently employed as a Combination Inspector III in Permits and Inspections. Ronald Laughman moved into the Full Time Weigh Clerk Position from a similar part-time position at the Landfill.
PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED INCREASE IN CERTAIN FEES
Deputy County Attorney John Martirano and Permits and Inspections Deputy Director Angela Smith brought the issue of increased fees in that department to Public Hearing. Some of the fees relating to the 1997 International Plumbing Code with Local Amendments for Washington County, the 1996 International Mechanical Code, First Printing, with Local Amendments for Washington County, the 1995 First Printing of the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, with Local Amendments for Washington County, the 1996 BOCA National Building Code, Thirteenth Edition, with Local Amendments for Washington County, the Washington County Floodplain Management Ordinance, the Electrical Fee Schedule Governing Electrical Work Performed in Washington County and administrative fees relating to the Washington County Department of Permits and Inspections would increase as a result of a continuous improvement Kaizen Event, held to examine the work processes and flow in the Washington County Department of Permits and Inspections. Funds generated by the fee increases would provide funding for an additional Permits Technician and Electrical Inspector and field technology for inspectors. The Residential Application for the Mechanical Code would have a fee of $30.00. The Commercial Mechanical application fee would go to $60.00, a $10.00 increase. Residential Plumbing Code permits application fees would be $30.00, and the Commercial application fee I that category would also increase to $60.00. A Commercial/Industrial plumbing inspection fee of $50 for the first 10 fixtures or appliances, with a$2.00 added for each fixture over 10. A $30 application fee would be assessed for CABO I and 2 family home applications, and inspection of Family Day Care facilities would be $60.00 BOCA National Building Code\inspection fees for finished living space area would be $30.00 plus 7 cents per square foot (psf). Garage, carports, porches, decks, pools, chimneys and other accessory features would be $30.00 plus 6 cents psf. Interior or exterior alterations, repairs and remodeling would be $30.00 plus 7 cents psf. Mobile Home Inspections would be $30.00 plus 7 cents psf. Inspection of Family Day C are would go up $10.00 from $50 to $60. New Construction and Additions for Commercial, Institutional and Industrial inspection fees would be $85.00 plus 7 cents psf, as would all Interior Alterations under that classification. Demolition permits would have a $30 fee, Reinspection fees would go to $25.00 Residential Electrical Permits would rise to $30.00 and Commercial to $60.00. Administrative Fees for Chimneys would go to $30.00. An Expedited Certificate of Occupancy would increase to $75.00. Signs on Buildings would go to $30.00 plus 7 cents psf. And Free Standing Signs would be $85.00 plus 7 cents psf. Floodplain application fees would be $35.00 and all fees would become non-refundable. Smith told the Board that the fee structure has been posted to the P&I webpage, and that there has been no comment from the public. The Hearing was opened to public comment and Debbie Turpin, Washington County Homebuilders' Association told the Board that the membership of that organization was not opposed to the fees, as they allowed builders to get faster inspection services. The record will remain open for 10 days to allow for written public comment.
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 date.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: Deputy County Attorney Martirano brought this issue, amendments to the bylaws of thee Solid Waste Advisory Committee before the Board. The Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) was created for the purpose of advising the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, on policy issues associated with the County’s integrated management of solid waste reduction, recycling, and waste disposal. The SWAC Bylaws were amended to include the SWAC mission statement and duties, number of members, diversity of membership, terms for chair and co-chair, and other clarifications and simplifications. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Water Quality Advisory Commission for the reappointment of Scott Schubel to a second three-year term. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator’s Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the employee United Way Campaign is underway. The Permits and Inspections Director position has been advertised twice and no qualified candidates have been found who would take the job at the salary listed. Shoop reminded the Board that a measure to increase the position from a grade 16 to grade 17 in the county salary structure was defeated in May of this year. Shoop asked if the Board would reconsider the upgrade for that position.
DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Commissioner Jim Kercheval presented this proclamation to Members of the Washington County Disability Advisory Committee. October is Disabilities Awareness Month across the United States, a time when government and the private sector take time to recognize the abilities of all people, regardless of physical or mental limitations. In Washington County, the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) to the Board of County Commissioners works to keep the Board aware of issues facing people with disabilities that need county support, and both physical and attitudinal barriers that we can eliminate by working together. Over the past year, the DAC has taken a lead in emergency planning, to provide evacuation options for people with disabilities, in concert with the Washington County Department of Emergency Services, and through membership on state emergency services committees. Washington County has representation on the Governor's Transportation Consolidation Committee through the DAC and its work with the Maryland Alliance of Disability Commissions. The County Office on Disability Issues has also been active in reviewing accessibility of Washington County Circuit Court at its request, to ensure that our judiciary system is open to, and usable by, all people. The County Commissioners take this opportunity each year to reflect on the contributions people with disabilities make to the community and to renew its pledge to eliminate barriers to full accessibility in programs and activities sponsored by Washington County. DAC Chair Peggy Martin told the Board that the Governor's Department of Disabilities (DOD) emergency planning director Joanne Knapp will be featured speaker at the DAC meeting on October 13 th at 2:00 p.m. at 80 West Baltimore Street, and that on the 21 st a regional meeting on disaster planning for people with disabilities will be held at Robinwood Medical Center by the DOD.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a tour of the REACH cold weather shelter in the former Cannon Shoe Factory building on Franklin Street. Additional funding is needed to complete that facility, Nipps said. The retirement ceremony for Commission on Aging Director Dr. Fred Otto was well attended. The Gala in the Stacks fundraiser for the Washington County Free Library will be held this weekend, and the "State of Education" event will take place on October 13 th at the Clarion Hotel, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner John Munson commented on a meeting with Landfill staff, and raised a question about advertising to promote an airline in the local newspaper. Commissioner Nipps said that the ads are paid by federal terminal user fees and engender revenue for the airport.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting with Solid Waste Department staff on landfill issues. Discussed were diverting waste from active "cells" through recycling and other means, to prolong landfill life, research into baling technology, and expedition of paperwork to allow for removal of trees from the proposed site of cell #4.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on the community needs assessment review by the Mental Health Authority and the Mental Health Advisory Committee held last week. A number of gaps in services were identified through that survey, and will be addressed in the strategic Mental Health plan for the County. City Police Chief Art Smith reported that his department took 500 calls last year for mental health related incidents, and suggested a Crisis Intervention Team be established in the County. Kercheval also commented on state budget cuts for Mental Health services and changes in regulations that prohibit some people from qualifying for assistance with mental illness needs. Discussion with developers along the Sharpsburg Pike corridor are continuing, to talk about school site availability, Kercheval reported.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook told the Board that the recent Chamber of Commerce meeting focused on the hospital relocation plan and legislative priorities of the Chamber. Wednesday at 7 p.m. at North Hagerstown High School the Maryland Highway Department will hold a public meeting on improvements to I-81, Snook said. The Committee for Street Acceptance met recently and approved 31 streets, about 4 miles of roadway, for inclusion into the County highways system.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson commented on the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Final Plat approval for the next phase 0f the Westfield development on Sharpsburg Pike has not been given. Water and sewer amendments to allow for expansion of municipal systems were approved by the Planning Commission, Thompson said. Meetings with the engineering community have been held recently, and will continue on a quarterly basis at the engineers' request. Monthly meetings will be held by Permits and Inspections to educate the public and contractors on the County P&I system, Thompson reported.
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth commented on Governor Ehrlich's inclusion of Washington County in those counties eligible for state disaster aid in the wake of the recent hurricanes. The State Numbers Board has released funding for the first phase of the County's Communications system replacement project, some $217,000.00, Kroboth said.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer said that State Transportation Secretary Flanagan will meet with officials on Thursday morning for the annual Transportation Tour. The County is working closely with the State Highway Department on the proposed closing of the bridge over Licking Creek on U.S. 40. That closing would last for approximately one year, and detour local traffic onto I-70. Alternatives to complete closure are being discussed, Rohrer said. Tollgate Ridge Road bridge at Hancock remains closed, and will be expensive to repair. The structure is being reviewed by the County and the State Highway Department. The Contract for the repair of Broadfording Road Bridge has been signed and is proceeding on schedule, and the Document of Agreement between the City, County and State on the Edgewood Drive upgrade is ready for signature, Rohrer said.
Community Partnership Director Stephanie Stone reported receipt of $50,000.00 in funds for a needs assessment on Teen Pregnancy in Washington County. The WCCP is hosting a workshop for families of children with mental health needs, on October 23 rd from 8:30 until Noon at Elgin Station Community Center. Interested families should contact the Community Partnership at 240-313-2092 for details by October 15 th.
CONTRACT AWARD: FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian brought this contract award before the Board for approval. The contract for Financial Advisor services was recommended for award to Public Advisory Consultants, Incorporated of Owings Mills, Maryland, for the total proposal value of $50,000.00. The contract is for one year with option to renew for up to 4 additional years at an annual cost of $10,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses related to bond issues; and the hourly rates for each employee classification to be used for any required Extra Work. The hourly rates would include: Managing Director at $170.00 per hour; Senior Consultant at $160.00 per hour; Consultant at $140.00 per hour; Associate at $125.00 per hour; and Analyst at $95.00 per hour. The Financial Advisor assists in preparing bond issues, in preparation of certain legal documents and development of rating agency strategies. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PROCLAMATION: MARYLAND CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE
The Board proclaimed the week of October 3-9 as "Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week" in the County, and Commissioner Dori Nipps presented a Proclamation to Vikki Nelson, representing Maryland Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (MDCALA) (Photo). The group will hold its annual “Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week” to raise public awareness about the effects of lawsuit abuse. This year, MDCALA plans a strong push to bring the issues associated with lawsuit abuse to the attention of Marylanders during this week. The theme for this year is “personal responsibility”. During the seven days of that week the group will hold seven events throughout the State highlighting seven examples of losses to lawsuits in Maryland.. MDCALA is a non-partisan, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the negative impact lawsuit abuse has on Maryland consumers and businesses. The group's goal is to show how lawsuit abuse, such as frivolous lawsuits and excessive damage awards, lead to higher consumer costs, higher taxes, and lost jobs. The Commissioners proclaimed the week of October 3 - October 9, 2004, as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week in Washington County and asked citizens to recognize the work of the Maryland Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.
Commissioner Dori Nipps (L) presents Vikki Nelson with a proclamation designating October 3-9 as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week in Washington County.
