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 two new employees before the Board for introduction. Becky Jo Maginnis was recently hired as Risk Management Administrator in the Human Resources Department. Stephen Teagarden is the Emergency Management Project Aware Field Associate in the Department of Emergency Services.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on a meeting last week with the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Study consultant. The study will reflect $1 million in County highway revenues for new projects rather than the $6 million proposed by the consultant. The remaining $5 million would be used to upgrade and improve existing roads. The Highway revenue picture remains bleak, Kercheval said. The Washington County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial for expanded quarrying activities by the Mellott Estate citing incompatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. Mount Aetna Farms development presented a preliminary consultation to the Planning Commission. That Board also approved amendments to the Water and Sewer Plan on expansion of the Boonsboro utility. Kercheval raised a question concerning Adequate Public Facility Ordinance Fees for small developments. Applicants were given the option to pay the fees at the time of plat submittal or waiting until the permit stage. Some applicants objected to a rise in the fee between plat and permit stages. The Board voted 3-2 that the APFO fee in effect at the time of payment would be the fee that was collected. Kercheval also expressed gratitude to the Hagerstown City Council for voting to keep developer fees in place for school construction and improvement.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a meeting of a neighborhood watch organization from Greenberry Hills. Greenberry residents plan to move forward with a street lighting district. A petition, signed by 60% of the residents is the next step in that process, Wivell said. Wivell also reported on the meeting of the Planning Commission in regards to the quarry expansion.
Commissioner John Munson announced a letter of thanks received from the Victory Junction Gang camp, recent beneficiary of donations from an Employee Casual Day event.
Commissioner Dori Nipps discussed the possible cuts in state and federal funds to the Community Action Council that were discussed at last week’s meeting of that organization's Board of Directors. Dedication of the Universal Design Habitat House last weekend means that the occupant, Shannon Monninger will be able to live independently for the first time. Monninger uses a three-wheel electric scooter for mobility.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on a fax from Senator Don Munson concerning school construction funding legislation. A House Bill would add $150 million to that budget. A Senate Bill would add $100 million. The funding strategy in the Senate version would preclude Washington County from receiving any funds over the $5.4 million that has been confirmed in the current budget for that purpose. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomed new members and issued a positive financial report at its meeting last week. The Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee met for the final time during this legislative term. Under discussion were lawsuits stemming from Gasoline spills in Harford County, a bill that would make annual state property payments to Counties a law, the State Utility Grant, and Program Open Space funds. The POS cuts remain in the current budget, and cuts remain in the Highway User revenue, Snook said. A sidewalk right of way in South Pointe subdivision has been a question. Snook requested the Board take a position on the matter. By a 3-2 vote, the Board voted not to request further action by the Planning Commission, citing the right of way appearing on the original property plat and a lack of consensus among the entire development to support the move.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna requested permission to advertise a property off Church Street for sale. That structure was used to house youthful offenders before the State constructed the new detention facility at Roxbury. The Board approved the request by unanimous vote.
Department of Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth made a presentation to the State Numbers Board along with representatives of Emergency Services of Allegheny and Garrett Counties for flyover mapping of the area for 9-1-1 emergency communications use. That $2.1 million project will only cost the County staff time as match, and will aid in tracking of 9-1-1 calls made by cell phones.
Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray advised the Board that Water and Sewer utility customers may now pay their bills on-line. Terri Kreit, Accounting Supervisor in charge of the project told the Board that utility customers will find information printed on their bills about how to sign up for the service, offered through VeriSign ™, and a phone number to call with questions. Access the County webpage, www.washco-md.net <http://www.washco-md.net> from any computer and click on the "Pay Your Water and Sewer Bills ON-LINE" link on the home page. Bills could be paid from the public computers located at any library branch. The service is the first of its kind to be offered by County government and is an enhancement to Washington County's e-government services. Currently, utility bills may be mailed in, or paid in person at the County Treasurer's Office or at the Department of Water Quality. Those methods will remain in effect. The system has been tested and found to be very user-friendly. The on-line system will only allow full payments to be made, and no partial payments or pay-ahead will be accepted.
EXTENSION OF MOPRATORIUM ORDINANCE
County Attorney John Martirano brought this issue before the Board. On January 18th the Commissioners extended the Ordinance to Provide for a Moratorium on Major New Residential Developments Outside the Growth Areas for a period of 90 days or until April 18 th. The Board has reviewed the status of the moratorium and the progress toward adopting amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance text and map since the extension. Planning Department staff and the Planning Commission have completed that review, action has been taken on the individual requests for changes to the proposed amendments, and the principal task remaining is the formulation of some mechanism to compensate property owners for possible losses of property value due to downzoning. Discussions have been held and progress has been made toward finalizing the amendments, and additional time could be needed. Planning Director Mike Thompson said that the major issue remaining is development of a mechanism to compensate landowners as a result of downzoning. The County would have the ability to limit the number of building permits or limit recordation of lots through the Adequate Public Facility Ordinance. Consensus of the Commissioners was to have the Legal Department get a clarification of the APFO language and make recommendations to the Board at next week’s meeting.
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP
County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this discussion before the Board, with a recommendation to analyze and study how the population growth rate in Washington County is impacting property assessments on the taxpayers. The Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly has required the County to develop such a plan in accordance with House Bill 1272, the Growth Management Act for Washington County. The requirement also calls for the Board to analyze and study the impact of the Washington County property tax on the availability of workforce housing, senior citizens and urban revitalization; analyze and study the anticipated impact of the proposed building excise tax on workforce housing, consider various means of encouraging the development of workforce housing in Washington County, including the use of tax credits, in-fill development, inclusionary zoning, moderately priced dwelling units, bonus densities for workforce housing, tiered tax rates, tax rebates; and a “fair share” excise tax and review various options to decrease the property tax burden on the citizens of Washington County. The study is to include maintaining the constant yield rate, placing a cap on property assessments, expanding the Washington County homestead tax credit; and providing a tax credit program for senior citizens. The Commissioners had planned to address a portion of those issues in its Goal #3 of the 2005 County Goals, “Appoint a task force to develop recommendations to address affordable housing”. The proposed Bill requires “at least one public hearing, and a final report to be submitted to the local delegation on or before November 1, 2005”. Commissioners’ President Snook asked for further information on state assessment procedures and asked that the State Assessments Office, the Property Tax Appeals Board and the County Treasurer provide information at the next Commissioners’ meeting.
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 downzoning and impact it may have on devaluing rural land values.
Jerry Ditto of Clear Spring gave an opinion on the use of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to control growth.
Priscilla Harsh of the Farm Bureau and David Herbst of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board requested that the Commissioners establish a plan to preserve agricultural land and not allow downzoning to have a negative impact on preservation.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought three requests for Board, Commission and Committee appointments before the County Commissioners.
The Antietam Battlefield Advisory Committee is requesting that Louis Clark be appointed to fill a vacant position. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Board of Health is recommending the appointment of Dale Bannon, to that Advisory Commission. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Mental Health Authority Boards recommended the appointment of Tony Reeder to fill a consumer advocate vacancy on that Board. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported on the second quarterly intergovernmental meeting with Antrim Township, Pennsylvania representatives. A study on a traffic light needed at Route 11 and State Line Road has been completed, Shoop said. The Committee is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on cross-jurisdictional issues, and construction is expected to proceed within 60 days. Citicorp is providing funding for the project. Antrim Township has 3700 lots of record that could be developed soon, Shoop said, and is looking at the Washington County Comprehensive Plan and Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for guidance. Other discussion items included water and sewer issues, emergency services, and landfill concerns.
COMMISSIONERS ORDER: THOMPSON DISTRIBUTING, INC. AND WESTFIELDS SUBDIVISION
Assistant County AttorneyKirk Downey, requested that the Boardapprove its proposed Order allowingThompson Distribution, Inc. of Boonsboro to construct a propane distribution system in the Westfields Subdivision. The proposed Order allows the company to proceed but requires approval of its plans by the Division of Public Works and also requires that Thompson restore any affected County right-of-way to a condition substantially similar to its condition prior to installation activities. Discussion centered on use of County right-of-way by the company, and impact of future usage fees on the system. The Legal Department was asked to gather information and return at the next Commissioners meeting and the issue was tabled until that time.
GRANT APPLICATION: ALTERNATIVE SANCTIONS
Alternative Sanctions Office Director Terry Masters brought a request for approval to submit a grant application in the amount of $50,500.00 to Governor’s office of crime control and prevention before the Board. The funds would be used for the salary of the work crew supervisor and the purchase of a crew cab pick-up. The Work Crew Supervisor oversees persons who have received community service through the court system. He is responsible for arranging the work, monitoring the hours worked, maintaining equipment and serving as a liaison to various agencies and organizations. Beginning on July 1, 2004 this position became full time and as a result the crew has expanded its program and been able to supply labor to the County and non-profit organizations. Masters told the Board that movement of clients and equipment has increasingly become a problem, and funds are being requested for a crew cab pick-up. Any grant monies received would go to the Work Crew Supervisor position thus reducing the amount needed from the State's Attorney's budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PURCHASE RECOMMENDATION: BUOLDINGS, GROUNDS AND PARKS DUMP TRUCK
Buildings, grounds and Parks (BG&P) Director Jim, Sterling and Purchasing Agent Michael Haifley brought this recommendation, to purchase a 19,000 lb. Dump Truck via piggybacking the Montgomery County, Maryland Off-the-Lot Contract.
The Awards would go to Norris Ford of Baltimore, Maryland in the amount of $38,906.00. If the Board of County Commissioners determines that participation by Washington County would result in cost benefits or administrative efficiencies, it could approve the purchase of this equipment in accordance with the Public Local Laws. Benefit would be seen through direct cost savings in the purchase because of the economies of scale this contract has leveraged. Additionally, the County will realize savings through administrative efficiencies as a result of not preparing, soliciting and evaluating a bid. Cost of the vehicle from this contract was compared to the cost of purchasing an identical vehicle via the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s contract, Pennsylvania Auto Car Contract (PACC). The recommended contract represents a savings of $752.16 over the PACC contract. On March 8 th the Board rejected the single responsive bid for a 26,000 pound Dump Truck and instructed staff to purchase a 19,000 pound Dump Truck. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Emergency Management Coordinator Verna Brown and Joe Kroboth, Director of the Department of Emergency Services brought this proclamation and awards ceremony before the board. Co-Chairs of the Local Emergency Planning Committee received a proclamation designating the week of April 3 rd through the 9 th as Home Chemical Safety Week. The Home Chemical Safety Program is taught in partnership with the Washington County Public Schools. The Washington County LEPC developed a two lesson program to teach 4 th grade students home chemical safety, involving teaching the students the definition of a chemical, teaching students to read labels and develop safety rules in the safe storage and handling of chemicals. The children then illustrate a chemical safety tip in a poster contest. The Washington County Commissioners announced the top three winners and presented gold medals to Clay Thomas of Maugansville Elementary, the 3 rd Place winner, to Sarah Elwood of Clear Spring Elementary for 2 nd Place, and to Emily Harvey of Hancock Elementary School, the 1st Place winner (see photo). Winning posters will be on display in the County Commissioners hallway for a week and displayed at the Washington County Board of Education’s Auditorium the following week. This program brings together the Public Schools, government and businesses as well as the fire and emergency medical companies. The Washington County Special Operations Team provides transportation to the top three winners and lunch to all semi-finalists. Sponsors include Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, On-Site/Allegis Group, Ewing Oil, Shawley’s LP Gas, Phillips Drisco-Pipe, the Washington County LEPC, Emergency Management Administration, Department of Emergency Services, Special Operations, Leitersburg Ladies Auxiliary, the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, the Antietam Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and the Fairplay Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.
Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality brought this matter to Public Hearing. Any resident of Washington County was allowed to appear and testify concerning the proposed modification and establishment of water and sewer rates and certain miscellaneous fees. Murray told the Board that Water and Sewer revenue requirements show that a 2% increase in revenues is necessary in both Funds to facilitate long range financial plans. The required increase has been reduced from a 3% requirement that was originally projected last year, to the current 2% requirement. A rate schedule presented for FY 2006 was based on this requirement. In addition, an Infrastructure Management Program Fee (IMPF) and Infrastructure Development Plan Fee (IDPF) were being recommended. Murray cited over 5,000 Equivalent Domestic Units currently in queue, 4% average service area growth, and capacity concerns driven by growth management issues as reasons for the requested increases. The fees will be used to offset infrastructure development and improvement costs required to insure available capacity, and to offset the administrative personnel costs associated with operating the program. 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. No one appeared to testify either for or against the measure and a motion to set the rates as proposed including IMPF and IDPF fees were approved by unanimous vote.
BUDGET PRESENTATION: HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson and Mike Marchini of CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services brought personnel salary and benefits requests for Fiscal Year 2006 before the Board. Hankinson requested salary increases of 4% based on the inflation rate during FY 2005 at a total cost of $1.1 million. Information was presented on public and private entities' average salary increases for the coming year, including Frederick County Government. Employees for that jurisdiction stand to receive a 3.5% merit raise, a 2.5% Cost of Living Increase, plus $500-1,200 performance bonus. Health Insurance for employees will rise by 4.2%, with employees paying 7-10% of total cost depending on coverage. Hankinson requested a 2% Cost of Living Allowance for the County's 162 eligible retirees at a cost of $30,481.00. Proposed changes in County personnel policies include an increase from $1,000 to $2,500 as the amount an employee can be reimbursed for tuition, changing the short-term disability policy to increase the maximum weekly compensation from $400 to $500, changing the wage and salary classification program to start a formal job review process, and making changes to the job posting policy and procedure. The measures were discussed and will be subject to further review by the Board prior to the public hearing on the budget on May 10 th.
Contract Renewal: Trash Removal Services at County Facilities
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Bob Graff, Deputy Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks brought this request, to renew the contract for trash removal services at 20 County facilities, of the original sole bidder, BFI Waste Services LLC, Of Hagerstown based on its letter dated March 21, 2005 requesting a price adjustment of 2% above current pricing. The Board awarded the contract on June 11, 2002 for the annual amount of $35,004.00. Because of the County’s 2002 revision to the disposal discount at the Washington County Landfill from $12 per ton to $9 per ton, BFI requested an increase of $196.40 per month in October of 2002 and the Board denied the increase. The contract does not provide for any revisions to the bid prices during any contract term. BFI did not request any increase for the contract when it was renewed for FY 2004, but requested an 8% percent increase for FY 2005 and received a negotiated 5% percent increase. The contract is a 1 year contract with an option by the County to renew for 4 additional consecutive 1 year periods. Based on the estimate of the net weight of County dumpsters, the total minimum amount of tonnage that the Contractor must deliver to the County landfill is 777 tons per year or 65 tons per month. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Contract Renewal: PLUMBING AND HEATING MAINMTENANCE SERVICES
Purchasing Agent Luther and Graff brought this request, to renew the contract for Plumbing and Heating Maintenance for 16 locations with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Hagerstown, before the Board. The Contract was originally awarded in 2003 with a total base bid of $29,699.50 per year, and there would be no change in that amount. Rates for routine maintenance, evening and Saturday emergencies and Sunday and Holidays emergency services for plumbers and helpers would increase by 2% over current levels. There would be no change in the Consulting and Design Hourly Rate. Discussion centered on an apparent inaccuracy in the letter from the bidder, and further clarification of the bid was requested.
Contract Renewal: ELECTRICIAN SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES
Luther and Graff brought this request, to renew the contract for electrician services with Kube Electric Company, Inc.(KECI), of Williamsport, MD. KECI is requesting approximate increases of 7.5% for FY’06. The County sets the percentage markup for billed repair parts and materials at cost plus a percentage of 25%. The contract was originally awarded to KECI in 2004. The term of the contract is for an initial 1 year period that ends June 30, 2005, with an option by the County to renew for up to 4 additional consecutive 1 year periods. The rates proposed for FY’06 are significantly less than the only other bidder’s rates. In addition to the County facilities, the Washington County Health Department, Children’s Village, Museum of Fine Arts, County Housing buildings, and Washington County Free Library are also included in this contract. Kube is requesting that the rates for Regular working hours-routine for Electricians increase from $19.50 to $21.00, and for Helpers from $12.40 to $13.30 per hour. For all other hours, including nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies, the request is for Electrician's rates to increase from $30.00 to $32.25 per hour, and the Helper Rates increase from $19.00 to $21.00 per hour. Discussion centered on the 7.5% increase and the measure was tabled pending further information.
The Board traveled to Boonsboro during the evening to discuss the Tax Set-Off with the Mayor and Council oF that municipality. Tax setoffs provide reimbursement to the towns for police, parks and roads, and is based on population rates, taxable income and the assessable tax base. Boonsboro will receive $77,810 or $688 above the amount the town received last Fiscal Year.
Local Emergency Planning Committee Poster Contest Winners! (R-L) Clay Thomas of Maugansville Elementary, the 3rd Place winner, Sarah Elwood of Clear Spring Elementary for 2nd Place, and Emily Harvey of Hancock Elementary School, the 1st Place winner.