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
Washington County Government has three new employees. Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought the new employees to the Board for introductions. Patrick Kemmerer is the newest Patrol Deputy at the Sheriff's Department . Jason Eckstine was recently hired as Airport Maintenance crew member and Firefighter. Anthony Mace has taken the position of Engineering Technician II in the Engineering Department.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on attending the Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) Winter meeting in Hagerstown last week, and commended all involved in planning and implementing the conference. The Geographic Information System (GIS) presentation in last week's Commissioners' meeting helped in understanding presentations at MACo, Nipps said. Nipps also said the presence of County Staff at those meetings will make issues at the state level easier to deal with locally.
Commissioner John Munson told the Board that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting last week discussed an influx of tonnage to the Landfill by Waste Management, Inc. There were fewer landfill permits issued this year than last year, but revenue is up over last year's level, Munson said. Tonnage at the facility off U.S. 40 near Huyett's Crossroads is up 25% above projections and revenues are up 23% above projections. There has been some discussion on re-opening the Rubble landfill, Munson said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell discussed last week's MACo meetings and attend ance at last week's Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board meeting. Comprehensive rezoning was discussed at that meeting, Wivell said. The Antietam Luminary presentation last weekend was inspiring Wivell said. A letter from a user of a T-hangar at Hagerstown Regional Airport prompted a discussion of security measures at the facility, and increases necessary to meet FAA and Homeland Security requirements. Commissioner Nipps commented that the Airport Advisory Board has heard the complaint and agrees with the increased security measures necessary for proper operation of a passenger-serving airfield. Wivell commented on the need for a business-friendly atmosphere as security is stepped-up.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on information gained from the MACo meetings such as a text-messaging process for inspections, from field to data base to developer, "Green Building" concepts, and increased need for land for ATV tracks. Kercheval reported that 100,000 ATV riders in Maryland have about 86 miles of suitable trail for recreational purposes. Discussions will be held with the Department of Buildings, Grounds and Parks on this issue. Kercheval reported that the City of Hagerstown will discuss Adequate Public Facility Ordinance fees or impact fees at itss meeting tonight. The Planning Commission took positive action on Phase II of the Rosewood development, Yogi Bear Campground, and a Keedysville Water and Sewer Map Amendment.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook commented on a recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, and said 10 businesses have signed up for the Chamber's proposed electric co-op. Medical Malpractice was also discussed by that body, Snook said. The Convention and Visitors' Bureau held its annual meeting last week, reporting sound financial health. Snook commended Department of Emergency Services personnel for quick and timely response to last week's water crisis in the City of Hagerstown. A date needs to be set for the annual pre-session meeting with the Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson reported on plans for a joint public hearing in March between the County Commissioners and the Planning Commission to deal with regulations involving length of cul-de-sacs in developments and public safety issues, and amendments to the Urban Growth Area for the Town of Boonsboro.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that all of the County's salt somes are fully stocked, and that salt prices increased $6.34 per ton over last year. The Department of Water Quality also assisted in the recent water crisis in the City by offering use of its personnel and other resources, Rohrer said.
Recreation Department Director Jaime Dick and Program Administrator John Whitman gave the Board an update on activities in that department. Summer programs brought in a 6-figure revenue stream, Dick said, with Fall revenues also above those of last year. 12 new programs and activities have been introduced this Winter, with 5 winter sports leagues already filled. Out-of County residents had to be turned away this winter, Dick reported, with 5,000 County residents signed up in those programs. 1,100 new names were added to the department's mailing list this year due to growth in the County, Dick reported. The County's greatest recreational need is an indoor swimming pool for use fall through spring, Dick said.
FOREST GLEN COMMONWEALTH HISTORY HERITAGE GROUP
The County Commissioners heard a request for support for a health-related Civil War museum. Rick Lank and Rebecca Rush of Forest Glen Commonwealth (FGC), a non-profit organization brought this report before the Board for informational purposes.. FGC, a History –heritage group is proposing new museum in Cearfoss. The group's goals include energizing history, making it relevant, sharing it broadly for public benefit. In August 2004 FGC produced hands-on learning programs for the public with the Pathways to Preparedness event at Western Maryland Hospital Center. In 2003 it worked on the Gapland Legacy Project with North Hagerstown High Schools AP History class. FGC has two projects in early planning stages. One of these is the Heritage Education Center project at Cearfoss, which would serve multi-state heritage tourism routes and compiling data and stories linking battlefields with hospital facilities nationwide. This includes Union care facilities authorized by President Lincoln's 1865 legislation and State care centers for Confederate survivors. The mass evacuation from Gettysburg will be featured because of its poignancy, dramatic size and route through Washington County. In order to create interest in the Heritage Education Center, FGC plans a variety of programs including workshops, virtual driving tours, a sutlery, student service learning and community education programs, oral histories, summer history day-camps for children and Civil War teacher institutes. The request was for a low-interest loan in the amount of $60,000 to assist in purchase of a building. Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the pair that organizations must be on the official list of groups to which the Board may donate directly, in order to receive funding as requested. The organization was asked to submit a business plan to the County if it wished to become involved in the Commissioners' list application process.
PROPOSED ADDRESS CHANGE FOR PRIVATE DRIVE
The Commissioners moved forward on address changes for a private drive off Maryland Route 67 near Brownsville. Mike Thompson, Director of Planning and Community Development brought this request, to p roceed with address changes on a private lane off Rohrersville Road. This decision was made due to a determination that up to ten lots would be utilizing the lane. It has been the policy of the County since Countywide addressing was undertaken in the late 1980s and early 1990s to name lanes that serve over 3 lots, for public safety purposes. The residents of the area do not want to change their addresses but staff feels it is necessary to ensure emergency services to the area in the future. Last spring a building permit was issued for a new home on the lane in question. At that time, it was learned that there were more than three lots that could be developed in the future, and that the appropriate time to make the change had arrived. The Department of Emergency Services concurred with the decision. The home builder was instructed to contact the neighbors to seek consensus on a name for the lane, but did not have much success. In October, staff wrote a letter to all of the residents utilizing the lane and advised them of the situation, suggesting a road name, with historical connections to the area. Other suggestions made by residents would be acceptable. A number of the residents contacted staff clearly expressing their desire not to name the road, but to address the lots off of Rohrersville Road with numbers that would be out of sequence. The residents provided the Board a copy of their proposal and a statement that if they did not hear anything within two weeks they would consider the matter closed. On November, 12, 2004, within the time limit the residents had set, a letter was sent advising the residents that the County was proceeding with the new address assignments as set forth in the letter of October 21. Thompson told the Board that any changes would be phased in over a one-year period so that residents will have time to make necessary changes to legal and other documents, and that the department would work with the residents to enable a smooth transition. Those living in the area would be able to pick the name of the road. A letter will be sent to the 7 residents advising of the changes, and requesting that they provide a name for the lane within 60 days.
FEDERAL FUNCTION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Board of County Commissioners supported changes in the way certain streets and highways in the county are classified by the State. Planning Director Thompson and Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this request, to authorize the President of the Board to sign a letter supporting changes to the Federal Functional Classification system (FFC) for highways in Washington County. After each census, the State Highway Administration (SHA) works with the local jurisdictions to update the function classification system for the County. County staff and the City of Hagerstown met with SHA in late spring and again last fall in an effort to revise the map, taking into account changes to the urban boundaries as determined by the Census Bureau, new roadways and any past errors. The map that was distributed at the meeting on November 16, 2004 reflects changes resulting from those discussions. Roads are classified as Principal arterials, minor arterials, major and minor collector and local roadways. Land use, densities and destinations are some of the criteria used in determining the classifications. The guidelines that determine the functional classification are: percent of miles of each type within a system; spacing of roads with the same classification; location of major traffic generators (towns); location of intersecting roads; and road lengths. In the review of the proposed classifications, a number of streets or roadways' classifications changed, particularly in the urban area. Many of the changes are located within the City of Hagerstown and City staff either initiated or concurred with the changes.. The most notable change in the County was upgrading the classification of Rench/Poffenberger Road from a local to a collector road/ major collector classification. Pending approval of the recommendations, the State Highway Administration will submit this information to the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization and subsequently to the Federal Highway Administration. The Functional Highway Classification System does not set the design standards, and will not affect new standards that the Engineering Department is developing. The measure will assist SHA in obtaining funds from the Federal Highway Administration, but any funding would probably assist the interstate highway program.
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 day.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: The Commissioners approved appointments to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (AAAAC). County Clerk Joni Bittner told the Board that the Commission on Aging requested the reappointments of Emma Lou Comstock and Carl Kirk to the AAAAC for a second three-year term, and that Mary Alice Schaeffer be appointed for a three-year term. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested approval of a change order to reduce the final contract cost for Road Reclamation and Recycling from $1.188 million, to $1.138 million. The approximate $500,000 savings will go into the Capital Improvement project contingency fund, Shoop said. Commissioners' President Snook requested that Public Works investigate the intersection of Oak Ridge Drive and Maryland Route 65 due to rutted conditions there, and Commissioner Kercheval suggested that the left turning lane from Longmeadow Road onto Northern Avenue be extended to reduce traffic problems at peak periods.
Shoop reported on the Greater Hagerstown Committee's requests to the Local Delegation and said they were very similar to the County's. One different request would ask the delegation to support programs to assist the minority workforce in the County
PUBLIC HEARING: AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Agricultural Preservation Tax Credits were approved on two parcels of land in Washington County. Agricultural Land Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth brought those two requests for Ag Preservation Districts before the Board. Applicants Phyllis Barr and Karl Werder have applied for ten year easements on properties totaling 214 acres. The Barr farm is located on Lappans Road and the Werder farm is located on Spielman Road. Landowners who have 50 or more contiguous acres and meet other criteria may establish 10-year agricultural land preservation districts. Property tax credits in exchange for the easements include no county tax on the land or farm buildings, and up to 50% reduction on a house. Tax credits average about $10.00 per acre per year and would total approximately $21,400 for 10 years for these two 2 applications. Tabitha Gargano, Bonnie Welty and Shelly Smith, all of Jordan Road addresses appeared to support the Barr request. That property abuts Jordan Road. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
FOREST CONSERVATION ACT PROGRAM CANDIDATE SITE
The Commissioners approved Forest Conservation action on 5.5 acres of land near Keedysville. Elmer Weibley, District Manager of the Washington County Soil Conservation District brought this request before the Board, to create permanent easement on approximately 3.3 acres of existing forest and planting 2.2 acres of new forest at the property of Frank and Joan Taylor. The property is located at 18939 Geeting Road near Keedysville and has been approved for forest conservation by the Planning Commission. The project would return cleared ground to forest and preserve existing forest on the Western slope of Red Hill. Weibley told the Board that all costs for the project would be drawn from the Forest Conservation Fund and would total $ 12,000. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) Director Richard Willson was presented with a Commissioners' Certificate of Merit for the 100% score on management of the Section 8 Voucher program in Fiscal Year 2004 by Commissioner John Munson. The federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) scoring system looks at key statutory requirements and high scores have become the norm in the industry. High scores in HUD's Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) show that waiting lists are being properly maintained, rents are being tested to make sure they are reasonable, income is being verified, rents are being correctly calculated and the housing stock qualifying families occupy continue to pass a basic standard for health and safety. Willson said that looking to the immediate future, federal financial resources that help low income families are shrinking, home prices are rapidly rising and rents are going up in response to market demand. Staff is being challenged to serve the same number of renters with less appropriations. While local government can create housing funds that can provide some limited gap-filling dollars to critical projects, fair assessment of development fees and use of zoning regulations to insure that people who work in Washington County can afford to live here remain critical. Willson requested that the County adopt and implement an inclusionary zoning program and promote "workforce housing" with fees based on square footage that are progressive and fair. Commissioners' President Snook thanked Willson for the report and commended HAWC's staff for their continued diligent efforts on behalf of County citizens.
The Board attended the Department of Social Services annual luncheon at the noon hour.
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX CREDITS
A variety of real estate property tax credits were approved by the Commissioners. County Treasurer Todd Hershey brought this report on the annual list of property tax write-off , Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Enterprise Zone credits to the Board. Write-off's are allowed under Maryland law if the local jurisdiction has taken deed to the property, if the claim for taxes has been barred by the statute of limitations or is otherwise uncollectible, if an administrative determination that the taxes are uncollectible has been made, or if a Payment in Lieu of Taxes exists. Exemptions also apply to Special County credits, Enterprise Zones, certain tax-exempt civic organizations, and some housing projects. Hershey presented the state OC-034 form for Board approval, and said all credits are issued in accordance with the Laws of Maryland. The form is titled “Authorization to Write-Off Uncollectible Taxes” is submitted annually to the State Department of Assessments & Taxation in accordance with state law. Hershey told the Board that the approval is a four-step process beginning with the Assessment Office review, then the Enterprise Zone Administrator within the Economic Development Commission office reviews the document, then a County Budget and Finance Department review, then back to the Treasurer's Office for final review and submission to the County Commissioners for approval. Payment in-lieu-of taxes i ncludes parcels owned by the Washington County Commissioners and leased to various entities. The Treasurer's office issues a “Payment in-lieu-of tax” invoice to the lessee equal to the total real property tax. The Fiscal Impact this year is $36,592.64, Hershey said. Government Subsidized Housing Payment in-lieu-of Tax i ncludes housing properties that are rehabilitated or newly constructed under federal, State, or local government programs. Fiscal Impact for these programs is $48,900.68. Ruritan Clubs and Civic Organizations do not qualify for real property tax exempt status from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. A request is made annually for relief from the county portion of the real property tax. These organizations sign an annual commitment to maintain their properties for community activities. Fiscal Impact for this category is $19,636.64. Special Credits include Payment in-Lieu-of -Tax accounts also located in the Airport Enterprise Zone, and the Fiscal Impact is $2,711.75. There are several entries in the Enterprise Zone Tax (EZ) Credit Category. The Airport has a Fiscal Impact of $28,813.99, the I-81 EZ Fiscal Impact is $668,532.17, The Hancock EZ Fiscal Impact is $1,490.07, The City of Hagerstown EZ Fiscal Impact is $102,504.77 . The report was accepted and will be sent to the state.
REVISIONS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGHWAY ADEQUACY POLICY
The Commissioners heard a report on proposed revisions to a policy covering Highway Adequacy in the county. Public Works Director Gary Rohrer and Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought proposed revisions to the Highway Adequacy Policy before the Board. The revisions would place more responsibility on development projects for impacts on the highway infrastructure in the County. The policy was originally adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 1992 to “establish the criteria for assessing the adequacy of existing roads” and pre-dates the formation of the Division of Public Works (DPW). It contains minimal and in some instances sub-standard requirements that further burden our existing highway system. The cumulative affect of these burdens has begun to translate to significant costs to the County in terms of major road improvement projects, Rohrer said. The changes would move the County more in line with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards. Many of the proposed modifications are administrative, to coincide with current agency functions and to provide a more structured format. DPW provided an earlier draft of the principle changes to the Home Builders Association (HBA) and have had informal discussion regarding the changes. As of this report, the only significant objections from the HBA involve recommendations in the Roadway Elements-Minimum Requirements section, to increase minimum pavement width from 18 feet to 20 feet with the exception of “agricultural parcels conveyed to immediate family members.” McGee told the Board that significant changes include the pavement width, stopping sight distance, clear width for bridges and culverts, and bridge weight limits. DPW will review these changes over the next two weeks with interested parties and return to the Board with the final document for adoption at that time
UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN RESULTS
County employees' giving to two charitable campaigns increased by 19% this year. Angie Helfrick, Office Manager for the Community Partnership and the 2005 Chair of the County's United Way and Community Health Charities Annual Campaign brought this report to the Board. County employees contributed over $50,549 to the combined charitable campaigns this year, up from $39,342. The total includes $30,964 for the United Way and $8,378 for Community Health Charities. This amount beat the 2005 Goal of $45,000 by 12%. One highlight of the campaign was the participation by employees of the Detention Center. 99 of 102 Sheriff's Deputies and employees at Detention made contributions. Commissioners Bill Wivell presented Sheriff's Department Corporal Billy Nutter with a Certificate of Merit for his efforts as Detention Center chair for the campaign. In September, the United Way held a Fund Drive kick-off breakfast and the annual “Day of Caring” in which 43 employees spent the day volunteering at four 4 United Way agencies. Washington County had one of the largest teams of volunteers participating. (See attached News Release).
YOUTH OF THE MONTH PRESENTATIONS
The Commissioners honored two outstanding public school students for their academic and civic achievements. The Washington County Community Partnership, introduced Youth Meritorious Award Recommendations for October, 2004. Dereck Hewitt of Williamsport High School was nominated in the High School category. Dereck, whose Guardians are Michael and Amy Schrock, is a Senior at Williamsport High School. In presenting the award, Commissioner Jim Kercheval said that academically, Dereck has a cumulative grade point average of 2.97. Active in student government, the Homecoming and Prom Committees, Dereck received an Outstanding School Leadership Award, is a member of the Band Council, and serves as Drum Major. After school, Dereck is employed by Byers Rivercity Market and is part of the Fusion Youth Group at Bethel Assembly of God. He has been called an organized; dependable; honest; trustworthy; caring; and assertive student, who will go out of his way to help others. He is polite, puts other's needs ahead of his own, listens to others, and takes advantage of all opportunities that are given to him. Dereck would like to join the Gettysburg Masters Commission after graduation. Kelsey Hovermale was nominated to receive the Middle School Award for October 2004. Daughter of Douglas and Janelle Hovermale, Kelsey is an eighth grade student at Clear Spring Middle School. Commissioner Dori Nipps, presenting the award, said that Kelsey has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll her entire school career, has participated in many of the school sponsored extra curricular activities, and is a member of the school band and chorus. She has received a number of awards including; Character Counts “Fairness” Award, the Merit Math Award, the Writers Award in language arts, the Borders “Harry Potter Reader” award and “Uno's Honor Roll” award. Kelsey has volunteered at Conococoheague Elementary After School Center and also helps her mother with housecleaning. Kelsey is said to be a kind person to everyone she knows, her leadership, work habits and accomplishments are truly outstanding. She is a model citizen and a credit to her school. Youth Meritorious awards are given to students that exhibit leadership in school, community and home activities and serve as positive role models for others. Dereck and Kelsy will receive a savings bond and a Certificate of Merit Award.