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 ATTENDED THE HAGERSTOWN StAte of the city address at the breakfast hour
PURCHASING MONTH CONTEST
C ounty Purchasing Agent Karen Luther brought this award ceremony before the Board. March is recognized as National Purchasing Month across the state and nation. Dave Blubaugh of the Highways Department received the Purchasing Month award for 2005. The department has celebrated with a contest open to County employees for the past several years, testing knowledge of County purchasing regulations. Questions asked included " What was the fist and last name of the County’s first Purchasing Agent?" "What year did the Board of County Commissioners create a central purchasing department and policies?" "True or False. A contract of sale shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder." "What was the name of the project and the dollar amount of the largest monetary contract award made by the Board of County Commissioners in calendar year 2004?" "Washington County requires a Bid Bond on bids of $100,000 or more for construction contracts. The Bid Bond is what percentage of the total bid amount?" The employee submitting the most correct answers of the ten questions relating to purchasing receivesa cash prize of $50.00 compliments of the Purchasing Agent. Blubaugh was correct on 9 of 10 answers.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting with the Local Delegation to the Maryland GeneralsAssembly last week, to discuss the County's Excise Tax proposal. The delegation agreed to present the County proposal #2 as amended. The amount proposed for annual Agricultural Preservation was lowered to $1 million. A 6-year sunset clause was added to the School Construction Committee proposal. Municipal Governments would be allowed to retain 28% of the non-residential excise tax collected inside town boundaries. Large developments of 25 lots or greater could be subject to increased excise fees up to $26,000. Kercheval commended County staff for exhibits at the annual Home Show, held last weekend at Hagerstown Community College. Citizen Action Councils from several schools saw a presentation on the impact of growth on schools presented by the Commissioner, and concerns were raised regarding location of a proposed firearms shop near an elementary school. The Black Rock Golf Course Board meeting on Monday focused on continued budget discussions and rate setting for tournaments, Kercheval said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on the Economic Development Commission meeting last week. The Skills USA Competition at the Technical High School, University System of Maryland marketing plans, and formation of a committee to make recommendations on an Agriculture Marketing Specialist position were items discussed. The annual Celebration of Business will be held on April 12 th, and the EDC Intergovernmental Subcommittee is working on Property Tax Credits, Wivell reported. PenMar Development Corporation's Board discussed the appraisal of the property seven years ago, versus current property values. The Water system and concerns about its conveyance to Washington County were also discussed s. Options include work ing out an agreement with the buyer, or PMDC adding an addendum to the sales agreement, Wivell said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on the recent meeting of the Historic District Advisory Committee, which discussed a report on the Barnes Road Bridge given by Public Works Director Gary Rohrer. Winners will be announced soon in the Commission for Women annual essay contest, Nipps said. There were three winners, one from North Hagerstown High School, one from Clear Spring High School and one from South Hagerstown High School. The Habitat for Humanity fund-raising event took in $41,000 to assist in building homes for low-income families, Nipps said.
Commissioner John Munson also commended County staff for participation in the Home Show. Munson suggested that the Capital Improvement Program for Highway Repair and Overlay be approved now, and spending be allowed to take place from that budget this spring. Commissioners' President Snook said that time will be allotted on next week's agenda to discuss the issue.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook also had praise for the County departments that took part in last weekend's Home Show. That event had an attendance of 5,500 people, Snook said. Budget and Finance staff accompanied Snook to Baltimore last week for refinancing of General Obligation bonds for Solid Waste projects through Maryland Water Quality loans . The action will mean savings for the County, Snook said. A letter from Hagerstown Business College President Chris Motz outlines a proposal to the Maryland Higher Education Council that would give HBC the ability to offer 4-year degrees in Business and Information Technology, Snook reported. Hagerstown Regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz reports that hauling of fill dirt for the Runway 9-27 expansion project has resumed, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Washington County Community Partnership/Local Management Board (WCCP) Director Stephanie Stone urged Commissioners' support of House Bill 293/Senate Bill 222 for reauthorization of the Governor's Office of Children, Youth and Families. Governor Ehrlich wants to make that subcommittee a State Department. The office is the conduit for much of the funds administered by WCCP to local organizations benefiting children and youth and their families. If the Bill is not passed, Local Management Boards could cease to exist, and funding streams could be interrupted, Stone said.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reported on a meeting with property owners in the Maugans Ave. in the vicinity of the Creighton Blvd. intersection regarding the need for realignment of that intersection. A review of a damaged culvert in a Hancock town park has shown that cost for replacement at that site would be in excess of $300,000. Rohrer suggested looking at alternate sites for a less costly bridge or culvert project.
Hagerstown Regional Airport Fire Chief Phil Ridenour requested approval of a change order on the Runway 9-27 project at the facility. Ridenour said that 7 items are involved, some giving back credit and some increasing the project budget. The change would add $44,449.00 to the project budget. Funds are budgeted for these costs, and the FAA has given verbal approval for 90% reimbursement. The change would take the total project budget to $17,471,104.25. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
BUDGET PRESENTATION: UTILITIES
Greg Murray, Department of Water Quality (DWQ) Director brought this operating budget proposal before the Board. Murray told the Commissioners that the DWQ budget for FY 2006 is requested to be $14,112,378. Four funds make up that departmental budget, Murray said. Less cash appropriations for capital programs included in the total budgeted amount, the Utilities Administration Fund budget request shows an overall increase of 12.57% with the majority of the increase due to insurance adjustments and contract inspection services which are reimbursed to the Department. Operations appear to be increasing because some Capital Improvement items under $10,000 are now budgeted as maintenance items under new regulations. The Water Fund is increasing by 4.58% with the majority of the increases due to an increased appropriation to fund the Utility Administration Fund, and the Sewer Fund would increase by .25%. The fourth fund, the Pretreatment Fund would increase by 1.37% leading into the planned privatization of the facility. Murray requested implementation of an Infrastructure Management Program which, he said, would offset operational costs through a $400 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) charge to be included with water and sewer allocation fees. Murray also requested a $1,000 per EDU Infrastructure Development Plan fee that would be used to ensure that adequate pumping and transmission infrastructure is available based on projected service area needs. Revenues and Expenditures are balanced for the coming fiscal year, Murray said. Several factors have impacted long range financial planning for the Funds including changes in State and Federal water quality regulations.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from citizens of Washington County on matters of importance to the community.
John Himes of Knoxville commented on a road access issue on Chestnut Grove Road, on traffic issues and on bridge repair issues on U.S. Highway 340 in the southern part of the County.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: PROPOSED UTILITY RATE SETTING
Water Quality Director Greg Murray presented proposed water and sewer rates to the Board for Fiscal Year 2006. A 2% revenue increase per year for both the Water and Sewer funds is projected through Fiscal Year 2006 with the Sewer Fund increasing to 4% in Fiscal Year 2007 and beyond due to increased costs associated with new State requirements for Enhanced Nutrient Removal. An increase in the average Sewer revenue requirement of 2% would see the average 12,000-gallon per quarter residential user's bill increase by $2.75 per quarter. An increase in the Water revenue requirement of 2% was recommended, costing the average 12,000 gallon per quarter residential customer $2.22 per quarter. There is no new borrowing required for either the Water or Sewer Funds, Murray said, and requested endorsement by the Board to take the proposed rates to Public Hearing. A motion was made to allow DWQ staff to advertise the proposed rates prior to that hearing. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: SOLID WASTE
Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport brought the FY 2006 operating budget for that department before the Board for review. A balanced operational budget of $8,121,405 was presented, up $1,921,370 from FY '05. The proposed fee for disposal of municipal solid waste is $43 per ton, and construction waste is $48 per ton. Residential permits would be $100 for Seniors and $135 for other persons, an increase of $10 for Seniors and $15 for all others. Cost of services and full cost accounting with updated figures were discussed. Other items discussed were the lack of revenue streams from closed site operations, set-aside funds for future site closures and post-closure costs, future reserves to cover construction costs, volume increases for leacheate treatment and hauling, as well as increases in electric and fuel costs. All budgets will be reviewed and refined prior to the Public Hearing on the County budget set for May 10 th.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MET WITH THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT THE NOON HOUR.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown Community College (HCC) President Guy Altieri and staff presented the College's operating budget for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Commissioners at the noon meeting. A list of Institutional Priorities would drive the budget request in the coming academic year. The priorities would include implementation of the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan, support and promotion of new and existing courses of study, start of renovations to the Career Programs Building and updating the Facilities Master Plan, enrollment management and marketing strategies, improvement of master class schedules, Staff planning, development and evaluation, technology improvements, implementation of the 2012 strategic plan, implementing shared governance, marketing all aspects of the HCC mission, pursuit of partnerships with USM-Hagerstown, other area universities, public schools and health systems, and increasing public and private funds to support costs. HCC's projected general fund revenue for FY '06 is $21,981,531, about 10% above FY '05 funding. Washington County's contribution is requested to increase about $780,000. In FY '05 the County contribution was $5,222,377. In the Coming Fiscal Year, HCC's total County request is $6,005,734. HCC receives funding from Credit Tuition, Non-Credit Tuition, Student Fees, the State of Maryland, Interest Income, and Miscellaneous sources as well as Washington County's General Fund. The state's contribution would increase about $400,000.00. Earlier the Commissioners heard a request for $3.3 million from the College for Capital Improvement Projects. All budgets are subject to review prior to the Public Hearing on May 10 th.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
The Washington County Department of Social Services Board of Directors and staff presented the annual request for budget support to the Board. DSS asked for an increase of $32,000.00 in its annual appropriation from the Commissioners. Rent for the Family Support Center is increasing by $3,000.00, and staff of that center say another Childcare position is needed at $29,000, due to the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the County. The Family Center provides day care so that parents can continue education, and also provides parenting classes for disadvantaged families. DSS staff also asked for continued support for the Family-School Liaison position at the same dollar amount as FY 2005, and for the Adult Foster Care program, also at FY '05 levels. Adult Foster Care provides services to elderly who cannot afford nursing home or assisted living costs. All budgets will be reviewed prior to the Public Hearing in May.
Certificate of Excellence: Washington County 9-1-1 Center
Department of Emergency Services (DES) 9-1-1 Fire and Rescue Communications Center Chief Bardonna Woods, Deputy Chief Roy Lescaleet and Dispatch Supervisor Jennifer Swisher accepted a Commissioners' Certificate of Excellence for the 9-1-1 Fire and Rescue Communications Center from Commissioners' President Snook. That Certificate was presented on behalf of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. As part of an annually required inspection, Gordon Deans, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Number Systems Board toured the 9-1-1 center in Washington County. The center met or exceeded expectations in all respects. In a letter to DES Dean stated “your citizens are currently being well served by a team of very competent people who take public safety seriously”.
REZONING MAP AMENDMENT
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this measure, an application for rezoning Case # RZ-04-009 before the Board for approval. The applicants, Ronald and Connie McAllister and John and Tracy Doub have requested that the property, 3 parcels of land consisting in total of approximately 6.96 acres located at 10604 and 10600 Will Rich Drive, Williamsport, Maryland, be rezoned from HI-1 – Highway Interchange 1 to RR – Rural Residential. The Planning Commission recommended granting the rezoning based upon its determination that there had been a mistake in the last comprehensive zoning of the properties, and that granting the request was logical, appropriate and would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the County. Discussion centered on a driveway that would intersect with Governor Lane Boulevard in an industrial park. The Board instructed Douglas to proceed with the rezoning process. The case will be on the Commissioners' Agenda on March 29 th.
EXCISE TAX DISCUSSION
The Board discussed the latest language from the Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly in House Bill 1272 enabling collection of a County Excise Tax. At issue was wording regarding an assessment and report on impact of population growth on property tax assessments, workforce housing, and options to decrease the property tax burden on taxpayers . The delegation wants a report issued before the County could begin to collect the excise tax. Commissioners want that date to be July 1 st. The Board agreed with language on implementation of a School Construction Review Committee. The language in the most recent version of the bill would have limited amounts collected for large subdivisions when schools in the area were not at 100% of state rated school capacity. The Commissioners requested 85% of the state measurement, to allow for future school capacity-building.