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.
The Board held a joint meeting with the Board of Education to discuss first quarter udget adjustments, hear a PRESENTATION on the public schools' capital improvement program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2006-2011, and hear a request for adjustment of the current CIP.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought two new employees before the Commissioners for introductions. Lisa Enderline was recently employed as a Senior Office Association with the State's Attorney's Office and George Palmer has taken a Plant Operator Trainee position with the Department of Water Quality.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting of the Economic Development Commission last week. EDC submitted a letter of support for expansion of Yogi Bear Campground. Kercheval commented on attending Veterans' Day ceremonies at Snook Park and at the Courthouse. Buildings, Grounds and Parks personnel should be commended for the labor expended in erecting the statue to the Medal of Honor winners, Kercheval said. Scott Fessler of Washington County was installed as President of the Maryland Junior Chamber of Commerce in a ceremony last week, Kercheval reported. A joint meeting of the American Pain Foundation and local residents advocated raising awareness of persons who live with chronic pain and ways to manage that pain, Kercheval reported.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on The Maryland You Are Beautiful ceremony held last week in Annapolis. Washington County's Winner was Buddy Barton. The Veterans' Day ceremony in Smithsburg was well-attended, Wivell said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a meetijhg of the Historic District Commission that discussed the Mellott Quarry rezoning request. There is a house on the property that could have historic significance but is in disrepair. The Committee stated it had no opposition to demolition of that structure. A tour of Hub Labels was informative, Nipps said, 1.5 million labels are produced by the firm each day. The Recreation/ Parks Board continues to work on schedules for the Ag Center facilities for 2005-2006. 23 events have already been scheduled for the facility. The same type events will continue to be scheduled as have been in the past, Nipps said. The historic Advisory Committee raised issues about the Barnes Road Bridge, and discussed the plans for stabilizing the French Lane property, Nipps said.
Commissioner John Munson commented on The Veterans' Day ceremonies held in the County. Munson commented on the need for adequate road maintenance and improvement funding in the Fiscal Year 2006 budget.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that speaking to scout groups has brought the issue of educating youth on voting back to the forefront. The Kids Voting program should be reestablished in the County, Snook said. A visit to the Hancock Toll Gate Ridge Road project was made. Public Works Director Gary Rohrer said that the project is still on track for a December 1 st completion. A letter from the Maryland State Highway Administration has announced resurfacing of U.S. Route 40 from Maryland Route 63 to Spickler Road. That project should get underway soon, and will run through the spring. The first meeting of the Advisory Board to the University System of Maryland Hagerstown campus discussed funding for operations. $1.6 to 2 million is needed for a full year. The center will have an enrollment of 450, Snook reported.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to advertise three positions, one Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) I at the Highways Department Eastern Section, one MEO III at the Southern Section and One Permits Technician at the Permits and Inspections Department. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reported that McFarland Road is open. That roadway was damaged by one of the fall's tropical storms. A recent conference in Minnesota dealt with newel technology relating to driving safety for elders, Rohrer said.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioners' President Snook discussed the Public Hearing on the Mellott Quarry rezoning request held on Monday evening. A date for the next hearing is set for 7:00 p.m. on December 13 th , and due to the large number of citizens attending, the location has been changed to Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theater.
RESOLUTION: MARYLAND WATER QUALITY BONDS
Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian and County Bond Counsel Timmy Ruppersberger brought this Authorizing Resolution for the Washington County, Maryland Water Quality Bond, Series 2004 for Cell Three at 40-West Landfill. The measure would empower the County Commissioners to execute, issue, sell and deliver a general obligation installment bond in a principal amount not to exceed $2,549,969 pursuant to the authority of the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration Act. The net proceeds of the sale of the bond to be used for financing the cost of acquiring, constructing and equipping certain solid waste facilities, specifically Cell Three of the Forty West Landfill, the development of property, the acquisition and installation of equipment and furnishings and any related architectural, financial, legal, planning and engineering expenses. The resolution also authorizes the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between the County Commissioners of Washington County and the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration, providing for the prompt payment of the maturing principal and interest on the bond. The Bonds have an interest rate of 1.1% plus administrative fee, and closing is scheduled to tale place next week. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported that the Employee Casual Day to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness contributed $376.00. There will be three casual day events during the holiday season. Employees contribute cash or food items to benefit charitable causes for the ability to dress down at work.
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.
Joe Ruzicki, new Director of the Washington County Museum of Art presented information about the facility to the Commissioners. There has never been an admission fee in the 75-year history of the Museum, and free Saturday Art Classes continue to serve the community. 75,000 people pass through the museum doors each year, Ruzicki said.
John Himes of Sandy Hook commented on continuing traffic problems on U.S. 340 at the southern end of the County.
FEDERAL FUNCTION HIGHWAY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Planning Director Mike Thompson and Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this request, to authorize the President of the Board to sign a letter approving changes in the highway map, before the Board. Thompson said that every 10 years the Federal Function Classification of highways is updated following each census and updating of Urban Boundaries. The Maryland Highway Administration is the lead agency in the effort. Planning and Engineering staff as well as City of Hagerstown employees have met with the state, reviewed the previous map and made suggestions for changes. Roads are classified as principal arterials, minor arterials, collector and local roadways Several roads were downgraded in classification, especially in the City. Most notable among County roadways was upgrading of Rench/Poffenberger Road from local to collector designation. Inclusion of state routes on the maps makes state projects eligible for receipt of federal highway funds. Commissioner Kercheval said that the information was not complete and that additional time should be given to discussion of the issues. Commissioners' President Snook agreed, asking that the presentation be rescheduled with additional agenda time, and to address road classifications in the Comprehensive Plan at that time.
STATE OF THE COUNTY 2005 PRESENTATION WORKSHOP
Economic Development Commission Marketing Specialist Cassandra Latimer brought this matter before the Board. A work session was needed to formulate ideas for the annual State of the County address. The address is a formal presentation to business and community leaders and is an opportunity to communicate the Commissioners' Goals for the year as well as to report on progress on County government objectives. Format changes were discussed that could allow for more time for questions from the audience. Discussion centered on highlighting issues and solutions, dispelling misconceptions regarding debt reduction, level of wages in the county, growth management, economic development successes, permits and inspections problems and solutions, extension of Runway 9-27 at Hagerstown Regional Airport, e-government and website marketing, and contributions to City of Hagerstown development. This is the first round of discussions on the presentation, to be held in early February.
ANNUAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT APPLICATION, FISCAL YEAR 2006
Transportation Director Kevin Cerrone brought the Annual Public Transportation Grant Funding Application for FY 2006 before the Board. This is an annual grant application to the Maryland Transit Administration for Federal and State funds for operation of the County Commuter system and for capital funding . Total Grant funding is just over $1.8 million, with County matching funds of $438,000 plus 10% of approved capital procurements, Cerrone said. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT: OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS
Planner Jill Baker and Planning and Community Development Director <ike Thompson brought these text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to the Board for approval. Adoption of the amendments as proposed on November 9 th, would bring the moratorium on outdoor advertising to a close. The amendments reflect public testimony given on September 20, 2004, and input received in writing since that date. The Planning Commission considered the amendments at their regular meeting on November 1st and discussed with staff the proposal as changed in response to the testimony and comments. The proposed amendments prohibit the erection of a new billboard sign unless an already lawfully existing sign is removed. The method is more commonly known as “cap and replace.” Essentially the new ordinance would put a ‘cap’ on the number of billboard signs in the county, but still allow for some new signs to be erected by ‘replacing’ or relocating existing signs to either more appropriate or more productive locations. Signs in existence at the time of adoption will be considered non-conforming uses and allowed to continue as such a use. Limits were added to existing signs that are to be replaced and/or rehabilitated. Language was added limiting the size, height, dimension, number of signs per lot, number of faces per sign, and proximity to residential and historically significant structures. The text also prohibits Outdoor Advertising Signs from being attached to anything not considered, by definition, as a structure, and prohibits movement of Outdoor Advertising Signs. It further restricts the zoning districts where the signs will be allowed. In addition to the requirement of removing one sign, new text has been added in respect to the design requirements and location of the new sign. Language was added to protect specific corridors that are scenic and/or historically significant. It also limits new signs to be located within the designated Urban and Town Growth Areas in an effort to protect the rural viewsheds in the County. The full ordinance with approved changes will be available at www.washco-md.net under the County Attorney menu. A motion, to adopt the ordinance as amended, with changes incorporated, and subject to a review after 6 months was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Munson voting "no". A second motion, to terminate the moratorium on new outdoor advertising was proposed, to take effect on finalization of all aspects of the text amendments to the ordinance, and was approved by unanimous vote.
BID AWARD: WATER AND SEWER CHEMICALS
County Buyer Michael Haifley brought this request, to approve purchase of various chemicals used in treatment of swimming pools, water and wastewater from the low responsive, responsible bidders, before the Board. Low bids for 20 items were recommended to be awarded to 6 bidders, with units ranging from pounds to tons. The contract is for one calendar year, to begin on December 1 st 2004, with no option for renewal, Chemicals are used by the Department of Water Quality and Buildings, Grounds and Parks. The City of Hagerstown piggy-backed on the bid process, and will make its own award. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
PENMAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND CORPORATE OFFICE PROPERTIES TRUST PRESENTATION
George Griffin, Chair of the PenMar Development Corporation (PMDC) Board of Directors, and officers of Corporate Office Development Trust (COPT) Dwight Keller and Peter Garver brought this report to the Board for informational purposes. PMDC presented an update on the proposed contract for sale of the former Fort Ritchie to COPT, pending resolution of a court injunction and the Army mitigating unexploded ordinance on one area of the former post. Griffin told the Board that any proceeds from the sale must be spent on the property. Keller and Garver provided an updated development plan by the prospective purchaser. COPT is the largest office owner in the state, with over 200 employees, and over $1.3 Billion in equity. Tenants in COPT properties include Health Care and Pharmaceutical companies, Consulting and Professional Services, Information Communications companies, Computer Communications companies, Government and Defense Contractors. COPT would bring a mix of General Business, Restricted Business, Residential, Historic and Community use to the property, and would continue to preserve forestland. The development firm says it supports the concept of expanding the existing gymnasium, and its use, along with playing fields in the parade ground, as a community center, but sources of operational funding have yet to be identified. Following property transfer, redevelopment would occur in three phases over a twenty-year period, First priority projects in Phase One, over the first five years, would be sanitary sewer projects, storm drainage, spruce-up of lakes, electric and communications upgrades, water distribution, roads, building demolition and renovations. The last category would include creation of soccer, and soft ball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts. COPT projects the total number of permanent jobs created over all three phases to be around 4,500. The company expects to expend about 255.7 million on the property over the 20-year project span, and will strive to accomplish all of the objectives that PMDC must achieve under federal law.
BID AWARD: MEDICAID TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Board of County Commissioners sat as the Washington County Board of Health to consider this bid award. County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Washington County Health Department (WCHD) representatives Brenda Coles and Connie Talbert brought the Contract Award of Bid for Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi Services issued on behalf of the Washington County Health Department to the Board for approval. The group recommended terminating for cause the Memorandum of Understanding between the Washington County Health Department and Mid-Maryland Medical Transport dated June 15, 2004 and to award a contract to the responsive, responsible bidder, Mid-Maryland Medical Transport, LLC, of Hagerstown, Maryland based on unit costs and estimated quantities for each trip type for a 19-month period for the lowest Total Bid in the amount of $367,537.64. The service provider would provide and/or sub-contract for ambulance/wheelchair/taxi drivers, equipment, supplies, liability insurance, and reasonable incidentals necessary to transport Medicaid eligible clients to and from destinations scheduled by the WCHD, with a start date of December 1, 2004, with an option by the WCHD to renew for up to 2 additional consecutive 1-year periods. The funds for this contract are 50% State of Maryland funds and 50% Federal funds. The Maryland Medical Assistance Program of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene administers Medicaid within the state. The funds are allocated to the local health department through the Medicaid Transportation Grants Program. FY ’05 funding for Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi services is $492,613. Total FY ’05 funding for the program, including administrative expenses, is $652,420 . Luther told the Board that the contract would save about $300,000 over previous yearly expenses. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.