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 County Employees
Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought one new employee before the Board for introductions. Stephanie Snow is the new Office Associate in the Department of Planning and Community Development.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a meeting with the Agricultural Exposition Board dealing with agreements for usage and fee structure. A ten-year agreement with a 5-year reopener between that Board and the Agricultural Education Center Board is being proposed, Wivell said.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on a meeting of the Economic Development Commission. A subcommittee will discuss the assessment of the non-residential excise tax. The Local Management Board met last week and heard that a bill designed to create a cabinet level Department of Children, Youth and Families at state level did not pass, and the bill authorizing LMB’s will reach its sunset. However, Washington County Community Partnership programs benefiting children and youth will continue without interruption, Kercheval said. The Department of Social Services Child Welfare positions are fully funded and staffed for the coming Fiscal Year. The 2+2 committee discussed the City consultant’s water and sewer study last week. That committee meets each Wednesday, Kercheval said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on the Crystal Ball fundraiser for the Washington County Hospital’s neonatal unit. The Recreation and Parks Board heard a report that the County’s Program Open Space (POS) fund allocation will be greater than anticipated. About $360,000 had been expected, but the State POS allocation, used to build and improve parks, will receive $940,000.00. Commissioners’ President Greg Snook requested consideration be given to acquisition of land for development of future County Parks. Many requests by municipalities were partially funded or rejected this year due to the projected funding shortage. Those requests are being reviewed and most will be able to be funded, Nipps said. The Recreation and Parks Board is also looking into future plans for a recreation facility built and owned by the County. The Athletic and Recreational Community Center (ARCC) at Hagerstown Community College is getting too busy with both County and College recreation programs, Nipps said.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook discussed projected development of a new facility at the San-Mar children’s home in Boonsboro. The State has given that organization $400,000 and is working to develop a program for out-of-school placements for younger children at that location. The State Highway Administration will begin resurfacing of a portion of Maryland Route 77 soon. A $1.9 million project, the completion date is this fall. Robert Fisher has been named District Engineer for SHA District 6, Snook reported.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Hagerstown Regional Airport Marketing Manager Greg Larsen told the Board that the U.S. Department of Transportation gave the airport Essential Air Service status last Friday, ensuring passenger service to Hagerstown over the next two-year period. HGR staff is putting together the Request for Proposal, and air carriers will have 30 days to respond to the proposal. Meanwhile, Air Midwest will continue to provide flights to and from the Pittsburgh hub with federal assistance through June 21 st. If no airline has been selected by that date, the service would continue until a replacement airline is in place, under federal agreement. The runway improvement is on schedule, and would be completed prior to the end of the two-year period, Larsen said. That improvement will allow for jet service to Hagerstown, which was one reason for airline service problems, Larsen said. Commissioners’ President Snook said that feedback from travelers and local businesses should be gathered prior to acceptance of a new airline.
Washington County Community Partnership/Local Management Board (WCCP) Director Stephanie Stone told the Board about a recent workshop on child abuse and neglect sponsored by WCCP that drew 400 participants. A number of state agencies also participated in the event. Article 49b is the legislation that will; go into sunset on June 30 th, Stone said, and the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families will no longer exist in the same way that it has been operating. Funding is intact for current programs, but administration over Local Management Boards is not certain. The Legislature strongly supported maintaining LMB’s, Stone said.
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that the Boonsboro Library Board saw architect’s concepts for the facility at a recent meeting. The branch will be between 9 and 10,000 square feet. The Smithsburg Library is moving along well, Rohrer said, and a construction bid will be put out in about 2 weeks time. Staff is making sure all compliance issues are met for the federal grant. Tollgate Bridge Road progress is being made. The intersection will be completed in mid to late May. The entire project could be complete by the end of September. A informal information meeting on the federal aid project on Marble Quarry Road will, be held for citizens of the area on May 4 th at 7:00 p.m. at the Boonsboro Community Center, Rohrer said. That project will repair one of the bridges on Marble Quarry Road.
Planning And Community Development Director Mike Thompson reported that the Planning Commission has more than 20 items on its agenda for the month of May and that there will be two meetings that month to handle the workload.
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION FUNDING APPLICATIONS
Chief Senior Planner Steve Goodrich requested approval of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Funding Application from Hagerstown Community College.
As part of the annual ARC funding process, Tri-County Council, the local administrator of certain federal funds, requested that the County review and prioritize the projects to be submitted to them for funding consideration. ARC program goals and objectives and requests to submit project applications were distributed to municipalities, the Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College. Only 1 request was received. Hagerstown Community College (HCC) submitted the only request in the amount of $40,000 for a project known as "Expanding the Internet Communication Capacity of Local Governments, Business and Non-profit Organizations." The funds represent about 30% of the project cost. The measure, to submit the application to the Tri-County Council, was approved by unanimous vote with a request that details of state and federal funding be emailed to the Commissioners.
REPORT ON NUMBERS BOARD MAPPING PROJECT
Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director Joe Kroboth reported on the $2.7 million recently received from the State 9-1-1 Numbers Board, for flyover mapping of the three western Maryland Counties. The funds come from the fees the state charges on phone bills for 9-1-1 services. The proposed project will help identify locations of cell phone users when they call 9-1-1, using aerial photography. Resolution of those pictures will be to 6 inches, Kroboth said. County Administrator Rod Shoop called the project’s funding very significant to County government.
Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase of Communications Equipment Shelters
DES Director Joe Kroboth and Communications Maintenance Manager Pete Loewenheim requested approval of an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase, under the State of Maryland Contract, of Communications Equipment Shelters for use with the proposed Public Safety UHF Trunked Radio System. The award wouldauthorize purchase, delivery and temporary installation of 4 shelters from Wolf Contractorsof Marriottsville, MD, for the total sum of $533,866.40. The Communications System committee estimates that the proposed radio communications system will require 10 tower sites, each requiring an equipment shelter. These shelters are intended for use at either new tower sites, replacement of inadequate existing shelters or additional shelter space at existing sites. The shelters will be delivered and temporarily installed on a site at the Hagerstown-Washington County Regional Airport for later use at the tower sites. There are three 12’ x 38’ x 10’ concrete equipment shelters, each with 75 kW standby generator on foundations and one 12’ x 28’ x 10’ equipment shelter on a foundation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PROPOSED Modification of LANDFILL fees for FY 2006
Solid Waste Department Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch brought this issue before the Board for a final decision. A public hearing was held last week, and the record was left open to allow for written comment from citizens. In a compromise move, the Commissioners approved no raises in residential permit fees, leaving them at the current rates of $120, and $90 for Senior Citizens, but adopting the Solid Waste Advisory Committee’s (SWAC) proposed fee structure for all other services. The
SWAC’s proposal grants increases for General refuse to $45 per ton from $39.00, construction waste to $50 per ton and Sludge to $50 per ton from $39.00. The Scale charge increases to $8 for 320 pounds, $5 per appliance with refrigeration, and for fill dirt would rise from $2 per ton to $4 per ton. SWAC said it wanted to make greater increases now, then hold the line in future years. The measures were approved by unanimous vote, effective May 1 st.
PURCHASE OF SEWER LINE FLUSHING AND VACUUM TRUCK
Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality (DWQ).
Rocky Bishop, Superintendent of Maintenance, and Brian Brandt, Superintendent of Collection and Distribution Systems, brought this request before the Board. The group requested piggyback on an existing bid approved by the Monroe Township Municipal Utilities Authority to purchase a Vac-Con sewer flush and vacuum truck from Pierce Equipment Company, of Somerville, N.J in the amount of $249,551, and to retain the existing 1989 unit as a secondary backup piece of equipment to assist with light duty and emergency work. A transfer of $49,551 from DWQ operating reserve would be needed to accommodate this goal. Murray told the Board that a number of manufacturer models were researched and demonstrated. Pierce Equipment Company represents Vac-Con equipment and has an open purchase order with the Township, based on the referenced bid. In addition, due to the condition of the equipment at the time of submission for the FY 2005 budget, it was anticipated that a $50,000 allowance for trade-in value would be used to complete the necessary funding package totaling $250,000. The older vehicle developed problems that prevented the trade-in, and about $14,000 was spent keeping the 1989 truck operating. The truck services thousands of miles of sewer lines annually, and is vital to the operation of the department. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PROCLAMATION: WASHINGTON COUNTY READING DAY
Washington County Free Library Reading Day event chairperson Brenda Bush and Kathleen O'connel of the library staff accepted a proclamation from Commissioner Dori Nipps designating May 14th as Washington County Reading Day. The Partners in Literacy, a subcommittee of the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce, is holding a Washington County Reading Day Fair called “Stop, Drop and Read” on that day at the Robinwood Medical Center. The Daily Mail newspaper, the Washington County Free Library and the Washington County Hospital are working together to provide an event for the whole community. Award winning author Avi will be in attendance, local authors, food, a book give away and lot of fun are the order of the day. The event is projected to draw 2,000 participants. The Library requested a $1,000 contribution to assist with the event and the measure was approved by unanimous vote.
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.
Lloyd Hamilton of Hagerstown brought a complaint about a walkway through his property in the South Pointe subdivision. In order for the Planning Commission to hear that complaint, the homeowners’ association in the neighborhood would have to be in agreement. Commissioners’ President Snook directed Planning Director Mike Thompson to send a letter to that homeowners association requesting a yes or no position on the issue.
George Knight of Hagerstown commented on Homeland Security issues and funding for Law Enforcement.
Peter Bernier of Cearfoss brought to the Board's attention the fact that there are 120 registered sex offenders living in the 21740s and 21742 zip codes.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING BUDGET
Susan MacDonald, Director of the Washington County Commission on Aging (COA) and President of that organization's Board of Directors Bill Beard, brought the budget request for Fiscal Year 2006 before the Board for review. On April 12 th COA requested $80,000 to help cover a shortfall in the current fiscal year budget. The Commissioners voted a one-time assistance grant of $40,000 at that time. COA is requesting an additional $77,000 over and above the amount in its previously submitted budget request for the year. The COA receives support from the State Department of Aging, various federal grant programs and local funding from the United Way, the Gaming Commission, donations and the Senior Fair. Total Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year running from October 1, 2005 through September 30 , 2006 was $1.942,206 including the $77, 292 increase. MacDonald also told the Board that news from the State is that additional supplemental funding for this fiscal year would probably not be forthcoming, and requested the remainder of last week’s one-time request, an additional $40,000.00. Commissioner Snook stated the Board wants to try to get the COA’s operations back on track, and that budgets submitted should reflect a reserve to offset end of the year surprises. The Board voted 3-2 to approve the conditional funding for the current fiscal year, with admonitions that stricter fiscal responsibility be observed.
Luncheon and Update on Permits and Inspections Department
The Board of County commissioners traveled to 80 West Baltimore Street to honor the staff of the Permits and Inspections Department for many recent accomplishments. County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that following a "Kaizen" self-improvement event held last fall within the department, many changes have occurred. Development of departmental goals and a new vision statement occurred. A departmental-wide contest was held for the best vision statement. Permit Technician, Katie Saufley, won the contest with the vision statement " To confidently approach everyday with an award-winning attitude dedicated to discovering new worlds of service". The vision statement has been placed on a poster and displayed in the department’s front office. The Department has received approval as an International Code Council (ICC) “paper & pencil” testing site. Approval for a computerized testing site has also been received and will be implemented soon. ICC is the major certification organization for codes inspectors. Inspectors have received or updated 26 separate ICC certifications in the past two months. Eight of the ten inspectors took eleven certification exams this on Saturday, April 9th. Members of similar Western Maryland departments, Allegany and Garrett, also participated in the testing with three more inspectors seeking certifications. Department staff members Dan DiVito, Angela Smith, Rob Smith, Gary Austin, Jesse Burker, Kathy Kroboth, Heather Detrick, Kris DeVault, and George Miller represented Washington County at the Home Builders Association Home Show held at Hagerstown Community College. The Code Update Committee meets weekly and will complete recommendations by the end of April and expects to make a presentation before the Commissioners in May. A Committee has been established to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure manual. This is a permanent committee that represents all sections within the department and will continue to meet regularly to implement and update the manual. The Acella wireless project is progressing. The program has been installed and is in the process of implementation. A 3 rd Party Inspection program has also been developed and implemented.
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.
New positions were discussed last week. The Child Advocacy Center Director position received support from the Director of the Community Partnership, the Sheriff, the State's Attorney and the Health Department. That position would go from grant-funded to a full-time County employee. A number of departments recommended that personnel be reclassified due to increased workload. Under the General Fund, the State's Attorney's Office requested 12 reclassifications. 9 of those positions were not recommended for reclassification, but would receive salary adjustments if the requests were approved. Information Technologies requested 3 positions be reclassified, the Narcotics Task Force, Planning Department and Economic Development asked for two reclassifications each. Budget and Finance, Fire and Rescue Communications, Engineering, Buildings, Grounds and Parks and Emergency Services all asked for one reclassification for a total of 26. In the Enterprise Funds, the Department of Water Quality asked for three reclassifications. Those reclassification actions would cost an additional $130,000.00. Other personnel requests cover overtime costs, increases in hourly wages, contractual rates, requests for part-time positions, salary adjustments due to advanced certifications, and reflections of external market value on salaried positions. The total requested increase under "other" would be $111,000. All budget categories are undergoing review prior to the Public Hearing in May.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET WORKSHOP
The Commissioners got a first look at proposed operation expenses for Fiscal Year 2006, and saw a request from the Board of Education that would be fully funded for a second year. Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray brought this first line by line review of proposed departmental expenditures before the Board, and told the Board that the total General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2006 is projected to be $160,869,866, a change of $12.65 million over last fiscal year, which is an increase of 8.54%. The budget is balanced, Bastian said, and features almost $93 million in operating revenues for education, representing an increase of 5.69% or about $5 million over last year's allocation. Public Education is the largest piece of the budget "pie" and includes K-12 education, School Health Nurses, Hagerstown Community College, the Maryland School for the Blind allotment and the Free Libraries. The Board of Education's operating budget would increase by 4% and account for half of the total County operating budget. Schools' maintenance of effort, one-time costs for school buses, crossing guard expenses and the Judith Center would total $82 million. Adding in costs for the School Health program, the HCC $6 million request, Libraries at $2.2 million and the School for the Blind expense, the total education budget total is $92,752,440. Public Safety, made up of the Sheriff's Department three divisions and all expenditures for Fire and Rescue accounts for $20.7 million. Discussion of the remaining operational expenses will take place during the coming weeks. Operating/Capital transfer accounts for $11.45 million in the coming budget. All other government programs, including debt service, amounts paid to operate Circuit Court, Orphan's Court and the State's Attorney, the Health Department, Department of Social Services, Extension Service, the Election Board, all non-profit agencies and organizations, general operations, Planning and Permits, building maintenance and operations, medical examiner and contracted medical transportation, Public Works, Recreation and Parks and Economic Development account for just under $36 million. All budgets will be discussed and reviewed prior to the Public Hearing set for May 10 th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College Campus.