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.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson Commented on a recent meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Board. Discussion took place on allowing people with disabilities on fixed incomes under the age of 62 being allowed the same discounts on permit fees as Senior Citizens. The measure was not approved Munson reported. A Tire Amnesty Day will be held this fall, Munson said. That event allows households to recycle auto, truck and heavy equipment tires for free. 2589 cubic yards of mulch were sold by the landfill in fiscal year 2004 and the total sales are expected to increase during this year, Munson said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on the updated report by airport consultant firm U.R.S., Inc, which reports that movement of fill dirt has resumed for the Regional Airport runway improvement program. The Mental Health Authority met last week Nipps reported, and there are two open spaces on that board. One space is citizen-at-large and one is for a consumer of Mental Health services. Interested citizens are invited to visit the County website, www.washco-md.net click on Citizen Info and follow the links to apply to serve on that board.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a citizen meeting to be held on April 4 th at Walnut Towers, to discuss elimination of the Shoppers Weekly bus route with County officials. Discussions have taken place between the Agricultural Expo Committee and the Agricultural Education Center Advisory Board on charges the Expo pays to rent the facility. An agreement is being worked on that would allow a base fee plus a sharing of profits from the Ag Expo event, Wivell said.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting with Mayor Bill Breichner and Delegate Chris Shank on the excise tax and Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance fees. The excise tax is moving through the legislative system without problem, Kercheval said. Staff will begin working on a report on impact of excise fees on Senior citizens soon, Kercheval said. County Administrator Rod Shoop suggested a workshop be scheduled on next week’s agenda to look at the issues of Tax Assessment caps for Seniors, alternate tax measures for persons on fixed incomes and possible expansion of the Homestead Exemption. The Local Management Board’s recent meeting was held at the new gymnasium at Girls’ Inc. That facility was a bargain at $1.2 million, Kercheval said. With recent changes in local elected bodies, an orientation session should be held regarding County interaction with the municipalities, policies affecting the towns and County resources available to them Kercheval suggested.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on a letter from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that announced $20 million in cuts to funds for first-time homebuyers and low-income homebuyers in Maryland. Snook said the Commissioners should be aware of the legislative actions in light of questions regarding affordable housing posed by the Washington County Delegation. Tim O’Rourke, of the State Assessments Office will brief the Commissioners on assessment programs and procedures soon, Snook said. University System of Maryland-Hagerstown has $150,000 in its marketing budget for next year, and will be opening a new website soon. The Grand Opening of the Baldwin House USM-H facility will be held April 27 th. The Commissioners should come to closure on Rural Area Rezoning soon, Snook said. The current moratorium on large subdivisions will expire on April 18 th.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer said that there were 13 roads closed in the county due to high water and another 16 that are passable but water logged this morning. The situation is expected to improve through the day as the weather improves.
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth told the Board that Fire and Rescue Companies answered 40 calls on flooding overnight and performed several water rescues.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested advertisement of a Senior Plant Operator in the Department of Water Quality due to a resignation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION
Director of Emergency Services Joe Kroboth and Chair of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) Budget Committee Jay Grimes brought the group's budget request for fiscal year 2006 before the Board. Grimes outlined the WCVFRA operational needs for the coming fiscal year. The County is one of several funding agencies for the non-profit organization. The Association requested a total budget of $3.02 million, an increase of about $346.263 or about 13% above the budget for FY 2005. Grimes told the Board that increases to the core allocation would total 8%, which would include an increase for each station. The Base allocation amount has not risen for 10 years, Grimes said. Inflation, the cost of fuel and vehicles are also contributing factors to the increased request. Grimes told the Board that the majority of a company’s time is spent in fund raising, which amount to 40% of companies’ funding base. Only 33% of citizens donate annually to Fire or Rescue companies, and only 1% of County businesses donate. The WCVFRA supports the County’s efforts in creating the new county-wide public safety and governmental communications system. Training needs including classroom space for accreditation purposes should be addresseds, Grimes said. Part of that training would include financial management for Fire/Rescue personnel. Additional budget discussions will be held by the Commissioners prior to approval of funding for the coming fiscal year, which will take place in May. WCVFRA represents 27 volunteer companies in the County.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Charles Mades, Captain Doug Mullendore, Warden Van Evans, and Lieutenant Randy Wilkerson presented the FY 2006 Budget request for the Sheriff Department’s four divisions. The total department budget would be about $15.2 million.s The Patrol Division requested an increase of $489,265.00 or 9.2%, bringing its total budget to about $5.8 million. Major expenses would include new police cruisers. The Detention Center is requesting $479,939.00 in additional funds, a 6.3% increase, bringing the total budget figure to $8.04 million. A 40% increase in utility costs are a driving force in the request. The Narcotics Task Force requested an increase of $21,833 or 5.3% over FY ’05. The total NTF budget request is $434,410. Budgeting for Process servers fell by 34% to 109,070, a decrease of $56,172 over last fiscal year. The Judicial Division's request is for $1.06 million, up $98,510 over FY '05, a change of 10.2%. Increases in utilities, office equipment costs and a request to add the Child Advocacy Center director position, presently grant funded, to the personnel roster are part of that increase. In addition, the department wants to provide Judicial Officers with TASER weapons. Those weapons deliver an incapacitating electric shock and would be safer than traditional firearms in controlling prisoners in the Courthouse environment. The Sheriff also wants to initiate a false-alarm reduction program, to save manpower and tax dollars. Legislation is likely to pass the General Assembly on that issue, Mades said. Commissioners’ President Snook said that the legislation would be discussed at a future date. All departmental budgets will be discussed several times before final approval is given following the Public Hearing in May.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Washington County Health Officer Bill Christoffel and members of the staff presented the Department's Fiscal Year 2006 budget request to the Commissioners. The total budget for FY '06 is set at $6.98 million, of which $4,562,606 would be in the form of County support, Christoffel said. The figure includes both the Health Department and School Health Nurse programs. Total increase would be $1.76 million or 21.86%. The Health Department wants to add two Mental Health Social Workers, and one clerk to its personnel roster, replace a van and expand programs for prevention of Teen pregnancy. The State of Maryland share of funding is at $2.43 million, which is flat budgeting from last fiscal year. The state has said it will give employees raises of 2% plus increases in benefits, but has not provided the funds for those raises, Christoffel said. All budgets are subject to review prior to the Public Hearing in May.
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.
Tom Berry of Rohrersville commented on down zoning inequities and development versus preservation of family farms.
Gene Hager, representing Antietam Cable Company, asked the County not to approve a community cable needs assessment. That move would likely add additional fees to cable customers, Hager said.
Hannah Varguson of Sharpsburg, representing the Boonsboro High School Student Council commented on the deteriorated conditions of that school, and asked the Commissioners to include an upgrade in the coming fiscal year School Board budget. Commissioner Nipps said the issue was addressed during the last joint meeting of the Boards, and that the repairs have been included in the school system budget for FY ’06.
Jerry Ditto of Ditto Road commented on the down zoning issue and requested information on the moratorium. Commissioners’ President Snook stated that the Board should come to a decision by the moratorium deadline, April 18 th.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported on Employee Casual Day donations to the Transplant Resources Center. County employees raised $412.00 for research at that Center, Shoop said.
QUOTATION AWARD: CABLE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Information Technologies Director Ron Whitt and members of the Washington County Public Network (WCPN) brought this request before the Board. The WCPN is a public cooperative of the Washington County Free Library, the City of Hagerstown, the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners. The request was to grant a Quotation award for a Cable Consultant to Perform a cable-related community needs assessment to the sole bidder, CBG Communications of Paoli, Pennsylvania, in the amount of $25,000. Whitt told the Board that quotation notices were sent to four firms. CBG Communications was the sole bidder at $43,240 - $49,312. The vendor’s response initially included technical assessment work that was not requested nor specified and was subsequently scaled back to perform the original scope of work to include conducting surveys of interested parties, including but not limited to, subscribers and non-subscribers and institutions and organizations within Washington County, to assess the potential future uses of a cable communications system, conduct a study of consumer satisfaction and future response to general consumer requests for information, installation, and service assistance, programming interests, rates and other issues of a consumer nature, conduct a study of government, education and public access channel requirements and determine future needs of these types of programming services. Commissioners Wivell and Munson disagreed with the need for the study, citing a possible rise in cable fees. The needs assessment is required by the Federal Communication Commission if the County is to pursue a cable franchise agreement. The measure was approved on a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “no”.
REZONING CASE RZ-04-009
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this request for rezoning from applicants Ronald & Connie McAllister & John and Tracy Doub before the Commissioners. The applicants have requested that the property, three (3) parcels of land consisting in total of approximately 6.96 acres located at 10604 and 10600 Will Rich Drive in Williamsport, be rezoned from HI-1 – Highway Interchange 1 to RR – Rural Residential. This matter is now on the agenda for final decision in the form of findings of fact and articulation of reasons for the decision as prepared by the County Attorney’s Office for review and approval by the Commissioners. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY BUDGET PRESENTATION AT THE NOON HOUR AT THE LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH ON SOUTH POTOMAC STREET IN HAGERSTOWN
BUDGET REVIEW: FREE LIBRARY
Washington County Free Library Director Mary Baykan and members of the Library Board presented the Fiscal Year 2006 budget request to the Commissioners. The Library requested at increase of $472,226 over FY '05, a 27% change, bringing the total request for the year to $2.25 million. The budget includes projected 6-month operation costs for the Smithsburg library to cover January through June 2006, the first operational period for that branch, as well as the annual $1,500 request for operation support for Blue Ridge Library to serve the Cascade area. Personnel costs, utility charges and needed upgrades to two elevators were given as reasons for the increased request.
SERVICE-LINKED HOUSING PROGRAM
Sherry Neil, Director of Case Management Services for Community Action Council (CAC) brought the Service-Linked Housing Program (SLH) funding applications for Fiscal Years 2006 through 2008 before the Board for approval. This program provides linkages for low-income persons living in permanent housing to supportive services within the community such as mental health services, job training, health care, budget counseling, parenting skills, and substance abuse treatment. Funding is utilized to help pay the salary and benefits costs of two case managers. The Supportive Housing Specialist provides case management services to individuals residing in the Single Room Occupancies (SROs) at the Dagmar Hotel. The SLH Case Manager works with other households residing in permanent housing and working toward self-sufficiency. The proposed funding would cover the cost of salaries, fringe benefits and a percentage of administrative costs associated with the provision of services. The total amount being requested for this application is funding cycle is $214,917, which is $71,639 per year for three years, for the two positions. Funding is leveraged with Rental Allowance Program funding, Gaming Commission funding, Freeman Trust funding, HUD Supportive Housing Program funding and local government funding to serve the low-income population. No additional local government funding will be required. Due to the limited number of financial resources for case management services, loss of Service-Linked Housing funding would have a detrimental effect of the continuum of services in the County, Neil said. Loss of funding for these two positions could increase the number of homeless or at risk of homelessness in the County, thus increasing the need for additional emergency shelter services or motel/hotel placement. It would also decrease case management services to a population that benefits from linkage to supportive services in our community. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Department of Human Resources Housing Counseling Program
CAC Housing Director Kathy Saxman brought this request, for approval of submission of a Housing Counselor Program Application by CAC to the Maryland Department of Human Resources for FY 2006-2008. Purpose of the Housing Counselor Program is to assist households that are experiencing a housing crisis such as being homeless or in imminent danger of becoming homeless, to obtain and maintain permanent housing. The proposed funding would provide for the salary and fringe benefit costs of the Placement Housing Counselor and provide limited customer assistance dollars. The Placement Housing Counselor is able to positively affect the lives of approximately 100 households each year.Total funding available for the Program for FY '06-'08 is $110,748 or $36,916 per year. The funds would be leveraged with the Rental Allowance Program funding and local government funding and no new local government funds would be required. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
SPECIAL TASK FORCE APPOINTMENT: FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FEE STRUCTURE
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association President Tom Altman and WCVFRA Budget Committee Chair Jay Grimes brought this request, to establish a sub-committee of the Emergency Services Advisory Council to evaluate the request for a fire and emergency services fee and make specific recommendations regarding that fee, before the Commissioners.
In October of 2003 the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA) and Joe Kroboth, Director of Emergency Services (DES) met with the Commissioners and requested support of a proposal to the State Delegation for enabling legislation for a countywide emergency services fee structure. The Commissioners do not at this time have the specific authority to implement such a fee. Specific enabling legislation would be needed from the Legislature in order to institute such a fee. The WCVFRA asked the Commissioners to appoint a task force to evaluate the details and make a report, and the Commissioners agreed to this request.
Discussion took place on the makeup of a list of citizens to serve on that subcommittee, with Commissioner Munson suggesting citizens-at-large be added. Commissioners suggested Kroboth's group craft several goals and objectives, supply the Board with a list of recommendations for appointments, and return the first week in May with a report. Citizens wishing to serve on such a committee may apply on the County website at www.washco-md.net/commissioners/boards.htm, or call Kroboth at 240-313-2900.
Report on Planning Department Kaizen Event
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson and Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought this report and request before the Commissioners. A second Kaizen continuous improvement event was recently held, to examine work processes and the flow of work through the Planning Department. Team members included Dan Divito, Director of Permits and Inspections, Steve Goodrich, Chief Planner, Kathy Maher, Planning Director, City of Hagerstown, Steve Zortich, Frederick Seibert & Associates, Mike Thompson, Director, Division of Planning and Community Development, Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources, and Paula Lampton. As seen when examining the Permits and Inspections Department, the Planning Department has also been impacted by a dramatic increase in workload as the result of the growth that the County has experienced, without the benefit of increased staff. Planning Department staff are responsible for providing support to various groups affiliated with their organization. Chief among these is the Planning Commission that requires support from the professional staff for a wide variety of tasks, and also the departmental Administrative Assistant for their monthly meetings. The professional staff is responsible for preparing the agenda for the meetings, preparing reports for the agenda items, which can be of various degrees of complication and length depending on the issue involved and attending the monthly evening meetings. Rezoning or ordinance changes, which can sometimes involve legal research, are much more complicated and require more preparation time than a report involving a plat review for a subdivision. The length of time required for the completion of plan reviews is due in large part to the number of reviewing agencies that must have the opportunity to have their say, along with increased citizen activism, and the increasing complexity of regulations that must be complied with as part of the review process. These are typically agencies that are outside of the control of the planning department. Three major areas of concern the team felt very strongly about were the need for additional staffing, more opportunities for staff training and development, and a redesign of the organization when additional staff have been recruited and are in place. Professional development has been stifled in the department due in large part because staff are reluctant to leave for a day because they know the list of tasks to be done will have grown in their absence. The report states that the work flow Impact would be for an additional two 2 Planner positions that are recommended in the study, at an initial cost of $64,782. The addition of two planners to the staff would provide a manpower level sufficient to split the department into short term and long-term sections, allowing staff to be dedicated to specific areas of responsibility. Currently employees continually juggle priorities from both the short term and long-term functions of the department, the report stated. Additional on-line capabilities were requested, and a review of existing fee structures was recommended. Commissioners' President Snook thanked Thompson and Hankinson for the report and said the additional personnel will be considered during the FY 2006 budget review.
SOLID WASTE FEE PROPOSALS
Last week the Commissioners heard a presentation by staff on proposed fees at County Landfills, to be taken to public hearing. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee also submitted fee proposals. Copies of both sets of figures are available on the County website at www.washco-md.net or may be picked up at the County Commissioners' office at 100 West Washington Street, room 226. That public hearing is scheduled for April 12 th at 1:00 p.m.