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.
PROCLAMATION: VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK
States' Attorneys Office Victims' Rights Administrator Jill Ritter received a proclamation from Commissioner Dori Nipps designating the week of April 10 th through 16th, 2005 as Washington County Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This annual commemorative week, first marked in 1981, allows Washington County to demonstrate its support for crime victims and those who serve them. It also educates our citizens about violence, victimization and the importance of support for victims’ rights and services. The proclamation lends official recognition to the important work of helping crime victims and serving their needs.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on attending an Eagle Scout Ceremony for three Smithsburg High School students, and a Ribbon-cutting event for the Alzheimer’s unit at Loyalton, Inc. The Historic District Commission discussed 2 historic properties saved by the developer in the Mount Aetna Farms subdivision. That Commission will recommend denial of a demolition permit at Twinsprings Drive and Whitehall Road in Chewsville. Part of the structure scheduled to be demolished could prove to be the oldest structure in Chewsville, Nipps said. The Habitat for Humanity house dedicated last Sunday was the 20th built in the community, Nipps reported.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation Finance Committee. Among other issues, the Water system was a topic of discussion, Wivell said. The AFL/CIO annual Workers Memorial Day will be held on April 28 th at 10 a.m., Wivell reported.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook reported on Maryland Agricultural Statistics reported recently by the State. The number of Farms in Washington County decreased from 2002 to 2004, but the average yield increased and number of livestock increased. Cropland Cash Rent per acre was $54 in 2004. There are 4,400 horses on farms in Washington County, with a value of $12 million, and $59.5 million in product sales attributed to farms was recorded in 2004. Snook told the Board that the Excise Tax Bill passed late Monday evening in Annapolis and commended Herald-Mail reporter Tamela Baker for the quality of reporting during the Legislative Session. A letter from the Homeland Security Department at the State has encouraged the County to apply for new grant funding, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that bids on the Pavement Maintenance contract are projected to go out in early May.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested advertisement of a Senior Plant Operator position in the Department of Water Quality, and a Shift Supervisor position at Fire and Rescue Communications, both due to resignations. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop brought two measures before the Board for approval, held over from last week's meeting. A Contract Renewal, for Plumbing and Heating Maintenance for 16 locations with Beaver Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Hagerstown, was delayed for clarification of language.The Base bid would continue at $29,699.50. 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. The contract is a 1 year contract with an option by the County to renew for up to 4 additional 1 year periods. In addition to County facilities, the Washington County Health Department, County Housing buildings, and Washington County Free Library are also included in this contract. The recommended bidder also noted on the Provisions for Other Agencies listing that they would extend the contract pricing to other Washington County Municipalities. Last year the Board approved a two (2%) percent increase to the hourly rate for the Plumber’s Routine Regular Working Hours from $28.69/hour to $29.26/hour for the FY’05 contract term. The request was approved by unanimous vote.
Shoop also requested renewal of 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. This recommendation was originally presented to the Board on April 5, 2005. The Board requested that an attempt be made to negotiate a decrease in the contractor’s request. After two conversations with KECI's owner, the statement was made that the companycould not decrease the request, due to significant increases in diesel costs and health insurance for employees this past year. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Shoop also commented on the City of Hagerstown’s revision of its Comprehensive Plan that is currently underway. The County is in close contact with the City as this process progresses. The recent presentation by Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth to the State Numbers Board on the proposed flyover-mapping plan drew praise from state officials for its regional approach, Shoop said.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions : County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request for Clint Wiley’s reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) for a one-year term. His second term on the BZA will expire on April 30 th. It has been suggested that he be reappointed for one year in order to resolve issues that are currently before the BZA. The measure was approved by unanimous vote
BUDGET REVENUE
Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray brought this projection of revenue income for Fiscal Year 2006 before the Board. In a summary report, Murray told the Board that 53% of the increase in revenues for the coming fiscal year is from Property Tax, 27% is from Income Tax, 12% is from the Recordation Tax and 8% is from other tax sources. The property tax will be up by $6.6 million or an 8.26% increase at the state yield rate of $0.948 per $100.00. The County proposes that the property tax rate remain at current levels. Income tax revenue is expected to be $56.4 million for the coming year, while revenues from Recordation taxes should be about $8 million. Murray told the Board that the recordation tax is running well ahead of expectations for this fiscal year, and could produce as much as $4 million above ’05 budget projections. The 77 other revenue accounts amount for about 8% of the total revenues, Murray said. Interest income is project at $1.6 million in Fiscal Year ’06, up 109.57% from FY ’05. Reimbursed expenses from a number of County departments will increase, driven by increased development in the County. Total projected revenue from all sources for FY '06 is $160,869,866, Murray said.
National County Government Week: Proclamation & Certificates
Each year the National Association of Counties sponsors National County Government Week (NCGW), celebrated this year from April 10-16. The Theme this year is "Honoring County Heroes", the perfect time to honor and recognize county employees who serve America. Whether it is policing streets, fighting fires, performing life-saving actions, saving taxpayer dollars, repairing bridges, plowing snow, managing the highways system, or the countless other jobs county employees partake in, these men and women deserve to be recognized for the work they do every day. Today we honor a group of County Employees for actions above and beyond the call of normal duties, who do not in the least consider themselves as "heroes:
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PATROL DIVISION
Deputy Benjamin Cooper Jones:
On Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at approximately 2:42 A.M., Deputy Ben Jones was on routine patrol in the Town of Williamsport when he noticed a fire on the front porch of 42 West Potomac Street, a double-wide duplex. Deputy Jones immediately advised the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center of the situation and requested fire department response. Deputy Jones turned his vehicle siren on in an attempt to wake up the residents of the building, grabbed his fire extinguisher and ran toward the burning building, where he began to pound on the door to wake up the residents. He also attempted to control the fire with the fire extinguisher until the residents could evacuate the building and until the fire department arrived on the scene. Deputy Jones was successful in awakening the seven occupants, a mother and six children, from the side of the duplex where the fire had started. Deputy Jones was able to slow the progress of the fire by using his fire extinguisher, but because of the age of the structure and the fact that the fire was already spreading through the walls of the residence he was unable to put the fire out. There were no working smoke detectors in this building and the State Fire Marshall’s Office subsequently ruled this fire to be arson. Deputy Ben Jones is credited with preventing loss of life and reducing the amount of damage this fire caused to this building.
Deputy First Class David Ronald Norford :
DFC David Norford was on his way to serve a criminal summons south of Hagerstown about 1:15 P.M. on Friday, February 25, 2005 when he noticed heavy smoke blowing over a building on East Washington Street, DFC Norford pulled into a parking lot adjacent to the burning building, called for assistance on the radio, and jumped the fence and ran up the stairs to the burning apartment. DFC Norford forced the door to the apartment that was on fire and went inside to search for occupants. DFC Norford located three children, ages 15, 9, and 6, sleeping in one of the bedrooms, led the children to safety and placed them into his cruiser for warmth and safety. The children’s mother, who was at work in Frederick, Maryland, was contacted and responded to the scene.
Deputy First Class Scott Wayne Buskirk:
On Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 9:45 A.M., Deputy First Class Scott Buskirk was off-duty in his marked police cruiser driving home from District Court when he came upon a personal injury vehicle accident on Westbound Interstate 70 just west of MD. Route 40. DFC Buskirk notified the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center that the vehicle was on fire and there were still occupants inside. DFC Buskirk, along with a passing truck driver, pried the vehicle door open and removed a one-year old infant who was hanging upside down in the overturned vehicle from a child safety seat. DFC Buskirk moved the child to safety and returned to the vehicle where he found the driver unconscious and trapped inside. DFC Buskirk rendered aid to the driver until Fire & Rescue units arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire and extricate the driver from the vehicle.
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DETENTION CENTER
On Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at approximately 8:15 A.M., employees of the Washington County Detention Center and Prime Care, Inc., the Detention Center’s contractual medical service provider, responded to a medical emergency involving a young woman, Mary Williams, who has sustained a gun shot wound to the chest. The woman was shot in front of her home on Alpine Drive in Maugansville as she was leaving for work. She was in the car of a co-worker when she was shot and the co-worker drove to the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office because he believed the assailant to be following him. Mrs. Williams was removed from the vehicle and placed on the pavement to facilitate rescue breathing while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance.
Nurse Madonna Kelly , Medical Assistant Shannon Rasy, and DFC Brian Merck promptly arrived on the scene and assisted Patrol Division Deputy Jason Willison, who was performing rescue breathing on Mrs. Williams. She was checked for a pulse by Nurse Kelly and Shannon Rasy and was determined to have none. Nurse Kelly began chest compressions while DFC Brian Merck applied direct pressure over the wound with a bandage. Shannon Rasy applied Automated External Defibrillator (AED) pads to the victim’s chest, but the instrument would not function due to the patients heart rhythm. When the ambulance arrived, DFC Mary Jane Blickenstaff assisted by directing emergency medical personnel to the victim and assisting with the preparation of the victim for transport to the hospital. While they were unable to save Mary Williams from death because the aorta had been severed, the group's valiant efforts did not go unrecognized by the Command Staff of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.--Nominated by Sheriff Charles Mades
HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT
Diane Mongan has a complete knowledge and understanding of the position she fills, she has the ability and the fortitude to continually seek more efficient ways to accomplish each task as assigned. She has a thorough knowledge of PeopleSoft and is a willing resource to assist other County employees in solving operational issues. Diane's outstanding work ethics are exemplary and she serves as an excellent role model for other employees. She maintains a close vigil on office supply inventory, thereby minimizing waste while maintaining adequate levels for efficient operation of the office staff. Diane's ability to review purchase orders for accuracy as to quantity and vendor listed has saved County procurement many dollars over the years. Diane's vast knowledge of our road system is a great asset to the County in performing her duties, and working with other employees, citizens and agencies. "An aura that the office is under control exists at the Highway Department if Diane is at her desk. Hats off to Diane!" --Ted Wolford, Highways Department Director
Engineering DEPARTMENT
"I would like to think that many of my staff go the extra mile. Nonetheless, I would suggest Scott Hobbs be the nominee from Engineering. He almost always is in the office late, 5:30 to 6:00 or so. He has been this way since he joined the County staff in June 2000. He is responsible for the County's bridge program and does an exceptional job wading through the State and Federal regulations that affect much of it. He has received high praise from the State Highway Administration that oversees much of our program. He has taken a personal interest in our bridges, almost treating them as his children. He has been called out after normal working hours and does so with excitement and genuine interest. He doesn't assume he is entitled to anything from the County and really enjoys working for Washington County. Even while doing all this, he has found the time to study for and successfully pass the professional engineer's exam, build a new house and start his family with a new baby girl a little over a month ago".-- Terry McGee, Chief County Engineer
HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
"I realized that there are a couple of airport employees that I would not want to work without. The rest of the employees are terrific too, but the following are at the top of the heap:
Janet Moats: Meticulously tracks all administrative and paperwork tasks associated with operating the airport. Seldom, if ever, makes a mistake and often times is used by many others to unravel administrative puzzles. The bottom line is that she "knows what is going on." As a result, she orchestrates the administrative office as it deals with the complexities of airfield management.
Phillip Ridenour: Arrives anytime of the day or night to assist in any way needed. Is a self-starter extraordinaire and is congenial. Has taken on the Airfield Rescue Firefighting Division single-handedly, has assumed great responsibilities with the airport's 4 budgets and is left in charge of the airport in the airport manager's absence." --Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager
DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS
"I'd like to recommend Tina Rupert for consideration for the following reasons. As short-handed as we are to deal with a myriad of growth related issues, Tina has stepped up and is processing documents that normally originate on my desk She aggressively pursues ways to expedite documents flowing between the Director's office and those of other agencies, elected officials and developers She freely takes on additional responsibility for "Casual Day" fund-raising projects and often initiates ideas for worthy recipients. She's a strong "team player" that often assists other administrative offices and is the "lynch pin" of my front office." -- Gary Rohrer, Public Works Director
Budget and Finance Division
"T he Entire Team: In thinking about my staff, I cannot just nominate one individual, as our office works as team. They all play a key role in this office and have individual functions that are important to the success of this office. This office could not work without payroll, nor could it work without debt management, not could it work without customer service to mention a few. This office needs everyone to function and everyone contributes to the operation. I nominate everyone in my department (except the director of course).-- Debra Murray, Division Director. The Certificate was accepted for the Department by Karen Frisby.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Annajean Bitner McKnight: Everyone in County Government knows Annajean (and some have feared her wrath)! Over the 16 years she worked for Washington County, there has been no one more upright, trustworthy and forthcoming than AJ. As Risk Management Administrator, she fought to give Washington County excellent insurance coverage while saving tax dollars by keeping premiums as low as possible. Claims were handled quickly and fairly, but woe be unto the employee not wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding in a County vehicle.-- Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources and Norman Bassett, PIO
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.
Bill Pennington of Hagerstown, representing the Manufactured Housing industry, commented on affordable and workforce housing issues.
Tom Berry of Rohrersville commented on downzoning issues as not preventing suburban sprawl.
Jim Devine of Hagerstown asked about City-County cooperation on issues. The City and County are working together well, Devine was told. Infrastructure and development questions were also raised by Devine.
John Himes of Valley Road reiterated the need for a stoplight at the intersection of Valley Road and U.S. Route 34 and commented on other issues.
HUMAN RESOURCES PERSONNEL BUDGET DISCUSSION
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought FY 2006 Personnel Requests before the Board for review and approval. $694,534 would be needed to fund all requested new positions, reclassifications and other personnel costs, Hankinson said. Growth in the County is attributing to many of the personnel requests. A fifth Circuit Judge position for Washington County was approved by the State. Circuit Court requested a Legal Secretary, Court Reporter, and Bailiff to support that Judge's Court. Those positions are slated to be filled next January, along with a Termination of Parental Rights coordinator, which would be entirely state-funded. Planning and Community Development requested two additional Planners to assist with increased workload, as proposed by the Kaizen event. Public Works is requesting an Deputy Director position to manage and coordinate special projects. Engineering is requesting a Storm Water Management Technician and an Engineering Technician III due to increased workload. The States Attorney requested an additional Investigator and the County Attorney requested a part-time Assistant County Attorney be moved to full-time. The Sheriff's Department said it needs 1 Patrol Deputy, a Public Safety Systems Manager and Three detention division Deputies. The Sheriff recommended hiring the detention Deputies on a staggered basis, one in July, one in November and one in March of 2006. Only requests for new positions were reviewed on this date. Reclassifications and other personnel issues will be reviewed next week. All budget requests will be reviewed prior to the Public Hearing on May 10 th.
Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chair Ken Conway brought this issue to public hearing to permit any resident of Washington County to appear and testify concerning the proposed modification to certain landfill user fees. On March 15 th, Davenport presented a proposed fee for disposal of municipal solid waste of $43 per ton, and construction waste of $48 per ton. Sludge disposal would increase from $39 per ton to $48 per ton. Under the FY '06 proposal from department staff, residential permits would be $100 for Seniors and $135 for other persons, an increase of $10 for Seniors and $15 for all others. The SWAC made its proposal after that date, requesting increases for General refuse to $45 per ton, construction waste to $50 per ton and Sludge to $50 per ton. That committee's recommendations included increasing the Scale charge to $8, charging $5 per appliance with refrigeration, and $4 per ton for fill dirt. Under the SWAC proposal, permit fees would increase to $ 110.00 per year for Senior Citizens and $150.00 per year for all others. Conway said the SWAC wanted to make greater increases now, then hold the line in future years. Linda Talton of a Knoxville address in the County presented a petition containing 35 names against raising the permit feess for Senior Citizens. Orville Lane of Clear Spring testified against the Senior Citizen increase. 2,780 Senior Citizens are current permit holders. There are 4,839 permits in the "all other" category. A vote on the issue was tabled for one week to allow written responses or emails from citizens. Emails may be addressed to gsnook@washco-md.net.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS GARDEN PROJECT
Dr. Joseph Ruzicka, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts presented an update to the Commissioners on the work that will be occurring this summer in the lake front garden of the Museum. Ruzicka thanked the County for its support for the project that includes drainage work performed by the Highways Department. The City of Hagerstown will also provide some assistance in the project, Ruzicka said. The garden is being made possible through a private donation from Howard and Anne Kaylor. Landscape Architect Donna Brightman provided design work pro bono. The garden is designed to be multifunctional, allowing for areas for public viewing of statuary and special events.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING: COMMISSION ON AGING
Susan MacDonald, Executive Director of the Washington County Commission on Aging (COA), Bill Beard, Jr., President of the COA Board, and Mike Manspeaker, CPA with Smith, Elliott, Kearns, Inc. brought a request for supplemental funding before the Board. COAneeds $80,000 in one-time supplemental funding to bridge FY 04 funding gaps and those projected for FY 05 due to state budget cuts. State funding in FY 03-04 was 7 percent less than that received in FY 02-03. This decrease coupled with a similar reduction in FY 04-05 contributed to an agency shortfall in FY 04 in the amount of $103,000, and subsequently, a projected shortfall for FY 05. Cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of 2 full-time administrative positions in March 2005, have been implemented. This cost savings, combined with requested funding increases, will enable a balanced budget in ’06. The supplemental funding would enable the COA to continue to provide critical programs and services to several thousand elderly clients. COA served over 5,500 senior citizens last year through more than thirty different programs. Assistance is also being sought from the Maryland Department of Aging in the form of administrative relief. COA is requesting combined local and State relief in the form of the requested supplemental or gap-bridge funding. That measure coupled with the administrative cuts already put into place, funds already requested for FY 06 should restore the COA to a viable financial position, McDonald said. Commissioners' President Snook proposed making contact with the State to find out more about the possibility of additional funding from that source. Meanwhile, the Commissioners approved giving a one-time $40,000 addition to current funding from surplus Recordation Tax by unanimous vote. COA will report to the Commissioners following the pending visit by State Aging Office officials.
CONTRACT AWARD : Consultant for Land Development Assessment of Property Owned by Mack Trucks
Purchasing Agent Karen Luther, Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission (EDC) Director Tim Troxell, and Bob Mandley, EDC Project Coordinator brought this request before the Board. The request would award the contract for a Consultant for Land Development Assessment of Property Owned by Mack Trucks that is in the best interest of the County and Mack Trucks, Inc. to Keller Engineers of Hagerstown, Maryland, for the lowest responsive, responsible quotation in the total amount of $36,100.00, contingent upon Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) approval and funding. The group also requested the Board to approve County funds in the amount of $7,500.00 from the Commissioners’ Contingency fund that are in addition to the $7,500.00 approved by the Board on February 15, 2005. EDC, in cooperation with DBED and Volvo/Mack Trucks is interested in exploring the development potential of approximately 80 acres of property owned by Mack. The assessment will develop costs associated with the site planning and site development process, including traffic impact analysis; analysis of development opportunities and constraints; development/land use trends analysis; zoning regulation review; subdivisions ordinance analysis; site plan application review for land use, traffic, and environmental impacts; and environmental and traffic-related permitting. On February 15th the Board approved proceeding with the procurement process and funding based on an estimated not to exceed cost for the services in the amount of $25,000. All bids received exceeded that amount, and only the Keller bid was deemed responsive. The measure was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Munson voting "no".
Task Force To Develop Affordable Housing Recommendations
County Administrator Rod Shoop brought this issue before the Board, requesting the Commissioners todecide the make-up of the Task Force To Develop Affordable Housing Recommendations, per House Bill 1272 and Commissioners Goal #3 for 2005, “Appoint a Task Force to develop recommendations to address affordable housing”. At last Tuesday’s meeting, the Commissioners proposed several ideas for the make-up of the Task Force. In addition, they asked the staff to review the proposed members and recommend additional groups to be included. The list is included the City of Hagerstown, the Washington County and Hagerstown Housing Authorities, the Development Community and Home Builders Association, the Association of Realtors, the Economic Development Commission, the Maryland Municipal League, the Community Action Council, Habitat for Humanity, REACH, the Washington County Planning Commission, Residential Financial Services and Banks, the Hagerstown Home Store and Other Stakeholders. The goals of the Task Force would include: 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 Washington County 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 density for workforce housing, tiered tax rates, tax rebates; and a “fair share” excise tax as developed in Charles County by Chapter 586 of the Acts of 2002. After review, REACH was eliminated from the group because it does not construct low-income homes. An additional community stakeholder will be added to the group, which, by Board consensus will have 15 members and have a 6-month timeline. In addition to the appointment of the Task Force, Todd Hershey, County Treasurer, Tim O’Rourke, Director of Assessments and Ron Bowers, Director of the Appeals Tax Board, will meet with the Commissioners at a future date to review various options to decrease the property tax burden on the taxpayers of Washington Countys. Those options could 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 .
APFO and Rural Area Moratorium
Mike Thompson, Director of Planning and Community Development brought this report to the Board. The County Commissioners adopted a moratorium for development in excess of five lots within the Rural Areas of the County in 2003 following the adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan. The moratorium has been in place since that time and the Board has found it appropriate to extend the initial one year time frame because development of changes to the Zoning Ordinance have taken longer than originally planned. The current extension will expire on April 18th. Various proposals dealing with changes needed to the Zoning Ordinance have been explored by the Board, Planning Commission, and the Rural Area Zoning Task Force as well as other interested and involved groups. A Planning Department Staff recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners cap the number of new residential lots given final approval within the County at zero for a period of one year, effective Tuesday, April 12 th, was not pursued. Thompson said that an alternative would be to continue the moratorium on subdivisions greater than 5 lots in the rural areas. 20 small subdivision plans were submitted within the past 24 hours, Thompson said. Commissioners discussed several strategies involving Adequate Public Facility Ordinance limits, the ability to stop building permits in areas where schools are at capacity, adopting the Rural Zoning Ordinance immediately, or allowing the moratorium to expire on the 18 th. A motion, to extend the moratorium 6 months, unless ended earlier by the Board, was approved on a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION'S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BUSINESS EVENT DURING the EVENING.