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.
JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education to discuss a supplemental Capital Improvement Projects request of $2.765 million. BOE Chief Operating Officer Bill Blum, Rodney Turnbough, Director of Facilities Management, and Michael Peplinski, Supervisor of Operations and Facilities brought the request, that would make renovations and perform maintenance on 14 of the 45 County schools. Those repairs and renovations were deemed critical by Blum and include Asbestos abatement, replacement of bleachers and reworking of parking at Williamsport High School, oil tank inspections at all 14, water tank installations at Fountain Rock and Conococheague Elementary Schools, replacement of lighting systems at Boonsboro High School and Hancock Elementary School, parking lot paving at Fountain Rock, Funkstown and Greenbrier Elementary schools, replace the emergency generator at Sharpsburg Elementary, convert a locker area into classrooms at Boonsboro High, replace a cooling tower and chiller at Northern Middle School, replace carpet at Old Forge Elementary and replace part of the roof at the administrative offices. The Commissioners reviewed the request later in the day.
BUDGET WORKSHOP: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray brought this line by line review of Capital Improvement Projects from Fiscal Years 2006 through 2011 before the Board. The total proposed CIP budget for FY ’06 is $52.07 million, and includes $12.7 million in capital project funds for the Board of Education. CIP projects are infrastructure items such as schools, roads, bridges, buildings, parks, the landfill, water and sewer lines, airport renovations and other transportation needs. Murray took the Commissioners through the proposed CIP line by line, and highlighted changes made since the first review, based on several factors, including approval of the excise tax, the amount of state funds the schools will receive, and additional Program Open Space (POS) funds from the state. General Government Contingency funds would see an increase of $25,500 to use as match for additional POS funds. Allocations from the Excise Tax earmarked for libraries would add an additional $230,000 to both the Boonsboro and Smithsburg budgets in FY ’06 and again in FY ’07. Public Works Director Gary Rohrer detailed reasons for a $750,000 increase in the budget for Courthouse renovations. $300,000 of that increase would be used to pay for a secure elevator for prisoner transfer. Security measures, expenses for Master's Court and movement of offices while renovations take place, roof replacement on the Annex, and mechanical equipment issues were included in the figure. Rohrer said. Discussion took place over additional costs for relocation of the 9-1-1 Center. The Board wanted greater detail of expenses involved in that project, and cost estimates for renovation of a portion of the Water Quality building. Increases in Pay-As-You-Go funds would enable reduction of bond borrowing to $10.5 million from the projected ceiling of $14 million, Murray said. Additional Program Open Space (POS) money from the state will allow greater development of parks by the County and the Municipalities, with near full funding of requests, and an additional $254,000.00. Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling told the Board that additional funding will be added to the Tennis Court rehabilitation project. The Recreation and Parks Board will meet this week, to review and approve the requests, and a report made to the Commissioners next week.
PUBLIC HEARING: ADDITION TO LIST OF NONPROFITS
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson brought this measure to Public Hearing. Two organizations applied to be added to the list of nonprofit organizations to which the Board of County Commissioners may contribute funds, pursuant to the Code of the Public Local Laws. Forest Glen Commonwealth, Inc. and Religious Effort to Assist and Care for the Homeless, Inc. (REACH) made the applications. The decision of the Board on the requests did not need to be delayed for 10 days. Richard Lang, owner of Forest Glen of Kensington, Maryland testified for inclusion of that organization, which works with the School Board to present heritage-based events. A motion not to accept the organization was approved by unanimous vote. Terry Baker of REACH, Hagerstown, testified in favor of that organization’s inclusion. REACH provides a cold-weather shelter for homeless persons, assists displaced persons with temporary lodging, helps elderly persons remain independent in their homes for as long as is feasible, and conducts other humanitarian programs. A motion to add REACH to the list was approved by unanimous vote. The approval of the Board of County Commissioners of the request of a nonprofit organization to be added to the list does not assure that the organization will receive funding from the Board. That decision is made separately as a part of the budgetary process.
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
TomS Berry of Rohrersville appeared to make comment on downzoning of land in the rural areas of the County.
John Himes of an in-County Knoxville mailing address commented on traffic control and permitting issues.
OTHER BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought requests for several appointments and reappointments to Boards and Commissions to the Board for approval.
PenMar Development Corporation requested that George Stone be reappointed to serve a full four-year term on the PMDC Board of Directors. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee requested reappointment of Michael Hehn to a new three-year term with waiver of the two-term limit. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Adult Public Guardianship Review Board (APGRB), requested the reappointment of Dr. Allen Ditto, Catherine Drummond, Peggy Martin, Mary Jane Sharer, and Pauline Welsh. All of the individuals have served two terms or more on the APGRB and the two-term limit policy would have to be waived. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
The Social Services Board requested appointment of Jim Blanks and David Yeoman to fill vacant positions. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested advertisement of a Motor Equipment Operator II position at County Highways. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. The Budget and Finance Office Accounts Receivable Supervisor position was recently filled from within, and a request to advertise the Accounts Receivable Technician positions was approved by unanimous vote.
City of Hagerstown Annexation Requests
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson and City of Hagerstown planner Stuart Bass brought this request before the Board, fora finding of consistency or granting an “express approval” to a proposal inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Two properties have been presented to the City of Hagerstown for annexation. Maryland Code states that a municipality may not place a property into a zoning classification that permits a land use substantially different from the use permitted under the adopted comprehensive plan. The requests for annexation are for two different properties adjacent to the City of Hagerstown. The Haven Road Annexation is comprised of approximately 52 acres, located west of Pennsylvania Avenue and is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The property is zoned Residential-Multifamily (RM), in an area designated by the Comprehensive Plan as High Density Residential. The applicant proposes 450 single-family, detached, two-family dwellings or townhouses. The property adjoins the City limits, and the schools impacted, Fountaindale, Northern Middle and North High Schools all exceed the 85% capacity limit. Commissioner Kercheval requested that the City provide greater detail than was furnished in annexation matters, due to concerns with School capacity, impact on roads and other issues. Haven Road lies both in the City and in the County. The development project adjoins I-81, and there is the possibility that the highway could be widened in future years. Consensus of the Board was to support that annexation. The Light Annexation is located off Eastern Boulevard and is not consistent with the adopted plan and an “express approval” is required from the Board. The Light Annexation is composed of approximately 30 acres located on the east of the intersection of Eastern Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard. The property is zoned Residential Urban (RU) and is designated Low Density Residential. The applicant is proposing the property be rezoned to General Commercial (C2). The municipal boundary adjoins the property. Adjacent property is zoned Residential Suburban (RS), Industrial General (IG) and Business General (BG). Access to the property would be from Jefferson Boulevard and the City would provide utilities after annexation. The Request was found to be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan as the land use would be substantially different from the adopted plan of the county or agency having planning jurisdiction. Commissioner Kercheval again asked for additional information from the City and the developer. Adjoining properties on Jefferson Boulevard are in the County, and impact on those citizens was not addressed in the available information. Commissioners’ President Greg Snook asked Bass to provide the Board with additional information from the developer, and the issue was tabled pending further review.
BUDGET WORKSHOP: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Budget and Finance Director Murray resumed discussion of the CIP budget with the Board. The Board of Education’s original CIP request of $12,656,041 was fully funded, Murray said. Changes include moving initial phases of Westfields Elementary into the FY ’06 CIP. The current budget fully funds Maugansville Elementary, Pangborn Elementary’s renovation and additions, and adds an Eastern City High School and an Eastern City Elementary School in the out years prior to 2011. The $2.7 million supplemental request presented in the earlier joint meeting was discussed, with consensus of the Board that more information on the requested projects was needed, how those projects were prioritized, how they interact with systemic projects as previously presented by the Board of Education, and where the state Aging Schools funds will be used. Commissioners’ President Snook requested staff to get a listing of those priorities and other items from the School Board. County Administrator Rod Shoop requested the budgets be taken to Public Hearing as set and address supplemental budget requests at a later date. The Solid Waste fund moved Maryland Water Quality loan funds into the current year’s CIP budget, and recordation tax funds were moved into the FY ’05 CIP to assist with the capping project at Resh landfill. No other changes were included in the CIP, Murray said. All budgets are subject to further review prior to the Public Hearing set for May 10 th.
BUDGET WORKSHOP: OPERATIONS
Budget and Finance Director Murray brought a further review of proposed departmental expenditures before the Board. The total General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2006 is projected to be $160,869,866. 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.. Discussion of the remaining operational expenses took place and some reductions in expenditures were made. Reviewed were 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 . Circuit Court expenses increased by 11% due to support for the fifth Courtroom and Judge. Commissioner John Munson proposed increasing retiree Cost of Living Adjustment to 3%. Consensus of the Board was to leave the COLA amount at 2% as proposed by staff. The Health Department was funded at expected levels with the exception of one new position. Two Mental Health Counselor positions at $58,000 each were requested; only one was supported. The Board agreed to a request from the Department of Social Services for support for a grant-funded position when grant funds for that position are no longer available. The Board of Election's request would be reduced by $90,000.00 because expenses for voter registration hardware and software would be able to be spread over two years. Under Non-Profit agency requests, the Board asked for justification of a request of 51% in operating expenses from the Humane Society. A cost of living allowance for CASA employees was supported. The Commission on Aging's request for an additional $77,000 per year in operating costs was supported. A 25% increase in operating expenses for the County portion of the Fine Arts Museum budget was supported. The arts Council was granted an increase of $1,500, Memorial Recreation was allocated an additional $2,250.00 and the Maryland Symphony was given an increase of $1,250. Among General Government departmental operations, Planning and Community Development had requested an increase of $174,400 in operating expenses to update the Tischler Financial Impact analysis. The study and its cost of $150,000 was moved out to Fiscal Year 2007. Permits and Inspections requested $355,231 for vehicle replacements and wage enhancements for a certification program. The Martin Luther King Center's budget was reduced by $23,520 in one-time costs. The Administration Building operations increased by $106,500 due to mandated elevator maintenance and improvements. Engineering's request of $377,410.00 to support a new position and large document scanning hardware was supported. The Board discussed Property tax rates, including the Homestead Exemption and Home Owner's Tax Credit. A request from Commissioner Munson that the tax rate of .948 be lowered to the Constant Yield rate of .89 was not supported. Budget and Finance Director Murray told the Board that if the rate were taken to Constant Yield, the revenue projection would fall by $4,325,774. A motion, to take the budget as amended to Public Hearing on May 10 th, at the current property tax rate of $0.948 per hundred dollars of assessed value, was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Munson voting "no". That hearing will be held at Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and will be cablecast by Antietam Cable TV on channel 19.