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.
THE BOARD HONORED RETIREES AND EMPLOYEES FOR LENGTH OF SERVICE AT THE 7 th Annual Service and Retirement Awards Breakfast AT THE FOUR POINTS HOTEL (see attached news release)
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson reported on a meeting of the Agricultural Education Center Board. A memorial fund in honor of late Extension Agent Don Schwartz has been created, Munson said. That meeting also discussed plans to request funds from the Gaming Commission to enclose a pole barn, and plans to request purchase of additional land adjacent to the park. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee heard about the Citizens’ Scrap Tire Drop-Off event to be held in September at its recent meeting. That event was formerly known as Tire Amnesty Day. March Landfill revenue was up 25.1 percent over planned budget figures and solid waste tonnage was up 23.6 percent over planned figures. Year-to-date tonnage is 31% ahead of expectations, Munson said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported a meeting of the Airport Commission that heard an update from Consultant U.R.S. on the Runway 9-27 improvement project. The Recreation and Parks Board held a special meeting to discuss revised Program Open Space allocations. That revision will be presented later in the day’s meeting, Nipps said. The Pry House dedication last week opened the County’s 35 th museum. Community Action Council’s Board heard a presentation on the United Way at its recent meeting. A focus group has been started by the Health Department on the problem of Teen Pregnancy in the County and what can be done to stem the increasing number of school age parents. The meeting discussed the fact that Middle school teenagers are becoming pregnant, Nipps said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a Board of Education budget workshop sponsored by the Boonsboro High School CAC at Boonsboro High last week, and the Educator of the Year awards presentation. The Water-Sewer infrastructure committee issued its interim report last week, Wivell said. The Pry House dedication last week was well attended, and that museum features a number of interesting exhibits on Civil War medicine. A proclamation was presented to the AFL-CIO as part of the union’s Workers Memorial Day ceremony. Wivell also mention that Allegheny County’s energy conservation program in its schools that has saved $750,000 in one year.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval also reported on the Educator of the Year banquet, and said the University of Maryland fund-raiser gathered $30,000 for scholarships, contrary to published reports. The Economic Development Commission strategic planning meeting set goals and objectives for the coming year and will incorporate new information from the Water-Sewer infrastructure report on sewer allocation and business development. The County/City 2+2 committee discussed the City of Hagerstown’s Cost of Services study. The City’s consultant will; make a presentation to the Commissioners on those findings, Kercheval said. The Planning Commission meeting this week approved the plat for Westfields Elementary School. Developer Lee Downey will donate just over 1 acre of land to the County for additional parkland in the Tammany Heights neighborhood. Kercheval met with Humane Society representatives to discuss their budget request and a break down of the 84% of expenditures the agency is requesting that the County fund. Further review of that budget will take place with a look at costs for animal control versus other activities. The Humane Society will not make a presentation to the Board later in the day as had been listed in the agenda, Kercheval said, but will make a presentation at a later date following compilation of that information.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook reported on a letter from the Historic Advisory Committee regarding the French Lane Property. That organization is requesting sale of the property and about 4 acres of land with easements, so that the buildings on the property can be restored. Letters from the Maryland Department of the Environment requested Commissioners’ input on a permit to construct two boilers at Mack Truck, and announced export of Sludge from the DanDee Inn in Frederick County. Maryland Realtor Magazine reported 144 residential units sold in Washington County in March, at an average of $206,000. That sum is still below the statewide average, Snook said, citing the $600,000 plus average cost of a new home in Talbot County. Washington County had 2% of all home sales in the state for that Month. The Appalachian Regional Commission has requested the Commissioners prioritize requests for funding to the Tri-County Council. Two applications have been proposed, the Newgate Sewer Pumping Station and development of Newgate Boulevard. The Board reached consensus to give priority to the pumping station project.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that a Public Information meeting is being held tonight at Boonsboro on the Marble Quarry Road bridge replacement project. A question was received regarding a Public Information meeting on the PenMar water system. That question will be addressed soon. The list of overlay projects has been finalized and request for bids will be advertised soon, Rohrer said.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested advertisement of a Motor Equipment Operator I position at Highways. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
RUNWAY 9/27 LAND ACQUISITION
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Manager Carolyn Motz and Mahesh Kukata of URS Consultants brought these measures before the Board. Requested was approval of an administrative settlement of $ 2,500 to Richard and Joanne Byers for partial takeover of 178 square feet as fee-simple purchase for Byers Road right-of-way and 3,798 square feet as temporary construction easement to accommodate Byers Road construction. The Byers property is required to prepare for the realignment and reconstruction of Byers Road during Package 3 of the runway improvement program. Kukata told the Board that realignment of an intersection at that location has required the purchase of the additional land. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Bill Wivell voting “no”.
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
John Himes of an in-County Knoxville address discussed road issues in the southern end of the county.
Tom Berry of Rohrersville discussed Comprehensive Rezoning of the rural areas.
Charlayne Jones of Boonsboro discussed downzoning and the impact on land values.
MENNONITE SCHOOL ANNUAL VISIT
Students and Teachers from Paradise Mennonite School paid their annual visit to the Board to observe the working of County Government. Commissioners’ President Snook discussed progress on the Airport project, Agriculture Preservation programs and described the typical Board meeting as dealing with different subjects each week.
PROCLAMATION: WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM ASSOCIATION
Bill Knode, President of the Washington County Museum Association accepted a proclamation designating May 7 th and 8 th as Museum Ramble Days in the County fro Commissioner Jim Kercheval. The annual event is a tour of Museums and Historic Sitesand the proclamation is inRecognition of the importance of museums in Washington County. With 35 museums, Washington County has more than 10-percent of the state’s total. The second annual Museum Ramble is scheduled for Saturday May 7 th and Sunday May 8th from 1pm to 5pm. This special event is a self-guided tour of many of the museums throughout the county. Larger than last year's event, more than a dozen museums will be participating in this year's "Ramble." The Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites (WCAMHS) and the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau are sponsoring the Museum Ramble to provide a sample of some of the more than thirty museums in the county. Maps and directions to all the sites will be available at the Visitor Welcome Center at 16 Public Square in Hagerstown.
PROCLAMATION: TOURISM WEEK AND ANNUAL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU UPDATE
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) President Tom Riford accepted a proclamation from Commissioner Bill Wivell designating the week of May 7 through 15 as Tourism Week in Washington County in concert with Maryland and National Tourism Week. Tourism Week kicks off with the Museum Ramble, and includes open houses at the local Visitor Welcome Centers on the interstates. Riford told the Board that the annual financial audit of the organization has been completed, and that the tourism industry has recovered in Washington County with local hotel occupancies up significantly in 2004. Visitation to local attractions also increased. More than 5,300 county citizens are employed in tourism, Washington County’s 4 th largest industry. According to the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, last year 1.2 million visitors spent over $176 million in Washington County. That figure does not include visits to the local retail malls, Riford said. The CVB’s financial situation has improved during the last fourteen months, and new events, attractions, and museums are working closely with the organization. The Bureau has taken an active role in assisting local groups and their tourism marketing efforts. Public relations efforts have brought positive attention to Washington county Riford said. Riford thanked the Commissioners for forgiveness of a $20,000 loan that helped erase a $180,000 deficit the bureau faced at the time he became CEO. Revenue for 2004 was about $770,000; expenses were lower but advertising increased. Loans have been repaid and the Bureau’s line of credit balance was cut by two-thirds in 2004. Commissioners’ President Snook said some tough decisions had been made in the financial, turnaround and commended the bureau for setting aside cash reserves to offset any future crises.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASE: SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Karen Luther, County Purchasing Agent, Detention Center Warden Lieutenant Van Evans and Captain Doug Mullendore of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department brought a request, to authorize the intergovernmental cooperative purchase and installation of video conferencing equipment from Wire One Communications, Inc. of Miamisburg, OH for the total sum of $30,529.40. The equipment replaces a systemused by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and court system. The purchase is based on a Virginia State Contract. The original video conferencing system for bail reviews was purchased and installed in 1998. The current software is no longer being supported. In the event that the software would become inoperable, it would not be repairable nor could it be reprogrammed. In addition, some equipment is inoperable, not repairable, and must be replaced. The system has been in operation at a reduced level of functionality. The court system has been tolerant of the reduced functionality while Sheriff’s Department personnel have been pursuing this procurement effort to resolve the issues. The Public Local Laws of Washington County grant authorization for the County to procure goods or services under contracts entered into by other government entities. Lt. Evans told the Board that the equipment saves long-term costs by reducing the number of trips the Department makes each day to ferry inmates from the Detention Center into Hagerstown for Bond Hearings. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Order of the Board of County Commissioners: Thompson Distribution, Inc. & Westfields Subdivision
Assistant County AttorneyKirk Downey brought this matter before the Board.
Thompson Distribution, Inc. has requested permission to construct a propane distribution system in the Westfields Subdivision. The proposed Order allows them 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. The Board of County Commissioners discussed this matter in open session on April 5 th, suggested minor revisions to the Order and asked for additional information before making a decision. Downey and County Attorney John Martirano told the Board that the County cannot charge a utility fees for the use of rights of way. Commissioners’ President Snook said agreements of this nature should come before the Board prior to plats being submitted to the Planning Commission for approval. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
FY 2006 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE REQUESTS
Buildings, Grounds and Parks (BG&P) Director Jim Sterling presented the Recreation and Parks Board's revised recommendations for state Program open Space (POS) fund distributions to the municipalities, and for County projects. POS funds are used to develop Parks and acquire land for new parks. Projects are submitted for consideration by the various municipalities, the School Board, and the County. Based upon the anticipated funds available, a program is developed giving consideration to the priority ranking of the project given by its sponsor. The Recreation and Parks Board then recommends to the Board of County Commissioners a program for adoption. After adoption by the County Commissioners, notification is provided to the sponsors as to which projects have been included in the program along with approval letters. The original recommendations were amended due to an increase of about $600,000 in the total POS allocation. That total is now $950,000. Under the revisions as approved by the Recreation and Parks Board, the municipalities of Boonsboro would receive $75,000 for Shafer Park land acquisition, Funkstown would receive $54,000 for a new pavilion, Hagerstown would receive $67,200 for improvements to 5 parks, Hancock would receive $44,807 for improvements and maintenance projects, Smithsburg would receive $13,500 to enlarge restrooms at Veterans' Park, Williamsport would receive $55,800 for an access road to Byron Park, for a total of $310,307.00. The Board of Education would receive $150,000 for the North Hagerstown High School stadium track. County requests included $42,750 for paving roads in Snook Park, $33,300 for paving a stone parking lot at Kemp's Mill Park, and $53,100 for paving of the Clear Spring Park parking lot. A lighting project at Regional Park would be funded at $36,000, and $70,000 in new funding would go towards Tennis Court rehabilitation countywide. In addition, $254,000 would be held in reserve for future land acquisition. Sterling told the Board that currently the County does not have a requirement for land acquisition, but would have to devote a portion of its funding to purchase of land in 2012 and beyond. The possibility of purchasing additional land is being discussed, and a playing field could be constructed on the parcel in Tammany Heights neighborhood park being donated to the County. The recommendations were approved by unanimous vote.
BID AWARD: TENNIS COURT REPAIR PROJECT
County Deputy Chief Engineer Robert Slocum, and BG&P Director Sterling
brought a Bid Award Recommendation for Tennis Court Repairs to the Board for approval. The recommendation is to award the contract to the lowest, responsible, responsive bidder, Craig Paving, Inc., Hagerstown, Maryland, in the amount of $197,937.00. The recommendation was contingent on the approval to include $70,000.00 of new Project Open Space (POS) money to cover the budget shortfall. The project would include courts at Clear Spring Park, Doub's Woods Park, Snook Park, Regional Park, Woodland Way and Hancock High School. The work is generally described as playing surface repair to include: repair of cracks, asphalt resurfacing, acrylic color finish, line striping and hardware replacement. There are a total of 12 courts to be resurfaced. This project concludes the repair program to Washington County courts, which began two years ago when South, North, Smithsburg and Williamsport High School courts were repaired. The contact is for 67 consecutive calendar days. Assuming prompt bid award, the anticipated Notice-To-Proceed will be on or about May 31, 2005, with a completion date of August 5 th. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Washington County Community Partnership staff member Angie Helfrick brought the Youth Meritorious Awards for February and March to the Board. Commissioner Dori Nipps presented the award to February's Middle School Student nominee, Karlie Hose, daughter of Charles and Kimberly Hose. Karlie is an 8 th grade student at Clear Spring Middle School and has been on the Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll all through school. She was a member of the Student Senate and the Yearbook Committee in the 8 th grade. Karlie has participated in the Washington County Livestock Club, Lamb Club, Poultry Club, Rabbit Club and has served as secretary for 4-H Livestock. She has participated in St. Andrews Christmas play and Friday night youth group. She also works at Hagerstown Speedway. Clear Spring Middle Counselor Earl Meagher notes, “Karlie is a very highly motivated young lady that puts forth hard work and determination in her school work.
Commissioner Dori Nipps presented the award to February’s High School nominee Christopher Martin, the son of Les and Lori Martin of Williamsport. A senior at Williamsport High School, Christopher has a cumulative grade point average of 3.24 and is ranked 51 of a class of 175 students. He participates on the baseball team, golf team and is Student Body President. Christopher works for Beaver Creek Country Club and Nick’s Airport Inn. He also volunteers at Williamsport Ambulance Station. Teachers say that “Christopher is always willing to lend a hand; friendly; actively involved in school and community; he has a great relationship with Williamsport High School faculty.
Commissioner John Munson presented the award to the March 2005 Middle School nominee, Carrie Richell, daughter of Daniel and Donna Richell of Smithsburg. Carrie is a sixth grade student at Smithsburg Middle School, and is a student in the Merit Social Studies class. Carrie has been on the Honor Roll and the Distinguished Honor Roll. She also attends the Rocket Club After School Program. Carrie has been a member of the softball, soccer and basketball teams. She has also taken piano, swimming, ballet, jazz and acrobatic lessons in the community. Carrie helps at her church, and the local homeless shelter. For the past several years, Carrie has chosen to have her birthday party at the Hagerstown YMCA. She invites 75 children for swimming and a party in the Activity Room. This year, approximately 60 children attended. Rather than accepting gifts, Carrie requests that her friends bring either a number of dollars or non-perishable cans of food equivalent to her age. This year she collected $284.00 and 303 cans that were donated to the food bank at her church.
Commissioner John Munson presented the award to the High School Nominee for March, Amber Moats, daughter of Paul and Jeanette Moats of Hancock. Amber attends Hancock High School and was the 2003 HOBY Ambassador with a Maryland Distinguished Scholar Honorable mention. She plays volleyball, basketball and runs track and field. She is a member of the National Honor Society, is Class Secretary, a D.A.R.E. Role Model and was in the marching and concert band. Amber attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and helps her grandfather raise calves. Amber has car detailing skills and does some car maintenance.
This award presentation is to honor the Youth Meritorious Award winners for the months of February and March. The students will receive savings bonds and a Certificate of Merit Award.
PROCLAMATION: COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK
Commissioner presented a proclamation designating May 1-8, 2005 as "Cover the Uninsured Week" to Martha Middleton of the Western Maryland Area Health Education Center (WMAHEC). The proclamation said that 44 million Americans do not have health care coverage, and that 8 out of ten uninsured people are from working families. Uninsured people live with more sickness, and die younger than those with coverage. People suffer needlessly because they go without the health care they need. With costs climbing rapidly, employees and working families in the community find it harder to afford coverage. The proclamation recognized the urgency of seeking solutions to the problem and called on all citizens to observe "Cover the Uninsured Week".
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
Kathy C. Saxman, Director of Housing of the Washington County Community Action Council brought the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MDHCD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) to Public Hearing. Saxman recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve the submission of: a CDBG Application for $400,000 to provide a Two-Year County Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program. Activities would focus on correction of Health and Safety Issues in order to bring the house up to local Building Codes. CDBG funding would be blended with MDHCD Special Loan Programs. Funding through the Federal and State Lead Paint Abatement Programs would also be used to meet household needs. Saxman also requested a CDBG Application for $400,000 to provide assistance to property owners for costs required to hook-up to the Pen Mar Water System. Assistance will be provided to cover the hook-up fee and service line installation to the house. The MDHCD Indoor Plumbing Program is available to eligible low-income households, if any additional funding is needed. Eligible applicants must meet the low-moderate income guidelines of the CDBG Program. Discussion took place on the need for proper notification of individuals in the PenMar area, and conducting an informational meeting in that area in the evening. A second Public Hearing could be held if need be. No one appeared to testify either for or against the measure. A motion to go forward with the applications and schedule additional an additional; public information meeting to get feedback from citizens of the PenMar area was approved by unanimous vote.
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Commissioners Honor Employees, Retirees for Service
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners honored 133 employees for their length of service to the County on Tuesday, May 3 rd, the 7 th Annual Employee Service Awards Breakfast at the Four Points Hotel in Hagerstown.
The event, hosted by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, is held in honor of employees celebrating service milestones. Collectively the group reflects 1,957 years of dedicated service for Washington County and its citizens.
Ten retirees received plaques for periods of service ranging from 33 years to 13 years. Calvin E. Turner of Highways served 33 Years 7 Months, Dean L. Lowry served Public Works for 30 Years, G. Gregory Stotler of Highways served 29 Years 9 Months, Robert S. Kefauver served Emergency Services 29 Years 1 Month, Forrest O. Sprecher of the Sheriff's Patrol Division served 27 Years 7 Months, William Morgan served in Highways for 26 Years 7 Months, Manford L. Hart was a Highways employee for 26 Years, William A. Malott, Jr. served in the Sheriff's Patrol for 22 Years 5 Months, Richard H. Mason of Highways served 19 Years 4 Months, and Robert C. Arch of Planning served for 13 Years 3 Months.
Ted Wolford, Highways Director was honored for having the longest time in service, at 35 years, and Janis K. Ridenour of the Purchasing Department was commended for 30 years service to the County.
Those serving for 25 years included Richard W. Blair of the Sheriff's Detention Center, Angela M. Lowenheim of the Budget & Finance Department, Four employees from the Highways Department - Ronald L. Ridenour, Robert L. Smith, Jr., Jackie L. Reynard, Jr., and Thomas J. Keefer. Stephen T. Goodrich serves in the Planning Department, Ernest J. Bishop, Jr. is a Department of Water Quality employee, Michael A. Shifler works for the Department of Emergency Services and Denzil E. Viands, Jr. serves in the Solid Waste Department.
Those passing the 20-year milestone included Victoria L. McKenzie of Engineering, Roy L. Harsh, Thomas L. Newton, Mark S. Faith and Thomas F. Routzahn of the Sheriff's Patrol Division. From the Sheriff's Detention Division, Steven E. McCoy, George E. Buckheit, Timothy White, James L. Powell, Doreen K. Burcker , Douglas E. Moore, Michael F. Borsos and Linda J. Weicht all passed the 20-year mark. Bardona J. Woods of Emergency Services, Phillip G. Ridenour of Hagerstown Regional Airport, James C. Blevins from Emergency Services, Timothy A. Lung of the Planning Department, Tony V. Davis of the Department of Water Quality, Frederick C. Armstrong of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, Robert A. Hershman, Edward P. Robinson and Rodney L. Bowers of the Highways Department, E. Irene Rosenberry of Central Services and Lillian J. Bloyer of the Treasurer's Office.
Serving the citizens of Washington County for 15 years are Vicki L. Grimm of the County Attorney's Office, Zane L. Rowe of Highways, Kimberly A. Artz,
Douglas Oliver and Angela Poffenberger of the Information Technologies Department, Tracey A. Peyton of Sheriff's Patrol, Douglas R. Long, Brenda K. Wright and Thomas S. VanMetre of the Sheriff's Detention Division. Michelle L. Martin of the Treasurer's Office, David E. Davis of the Black Rock Public Golf Course, Annajean B. McKnight of Human Resources, Gary W. Rohrer Director of Public Works, David E. Seifarth of the Planning Department, Jeffrey L. Gardiner of Transportation and Guy J. Sentz of Highways passed the fifteen year mark. From the Department of Water Quality,
Timothy H. Dorsey, Ronald E. Baer, Brian S. Brandt, Benjamin F. Myers, Julie A. Pippel, Karen L. Flook, Jamie L. Calandrelle, and Rodney E. Snyder have all served 15 years. George R. Miller, Jr. and Richard W. Eichelberger of the Department of Permits and Inspections, David B. Miller, and Robert P. Graff of Buildings, Grounds and Parks,
Paul Hahn, Karen S. H. Rohm, and Donna M. Fuss of the Solid Waste Department all were honored for 15 years' service.
Those serving for 10 years include Michael Gladhill, Mark Keys and Charles M. Enders of the Sheriff's Judicial Division; James D. Holsinger, John C. Martin, James R. Grimm, Jr. Todd L. Kerns, Robert W. Whittington, Gregory S. Alton, all from the Sheriff's Patrol Division; Joseph L. Keller, Ricky L. Ebersole, Kimberlie A. Crumbacker, Michael T. Rafter and Mary Jane Blickenstaff from the Sheriff's Detention Division. From the Highways Department David A. Spessard III, Edwin L. Plank Wayne R. Topper, Daniel P. Jones, Terrence M. Golden and Ricky L. Martz have all served for 10 years. Regina M. Cirincion, Arthur S. Rozes, and Sharon Showe of the State's Attorney's Office passed the decade mark. Jerry L. Ward of the Department of Water Quality, Kenneth M. Carrier of Buildings, Grounds and Parks, Kimberly Kepler-Thomas of the Transportation Department, Joseph F. Kuhna of Public Works, Gregory J. Larsen of Hagerstown Regional Airport and Norman H. Bassett of the Public Information Office received 10-year service pins.
Celebrating 5 years of service are Brian E. Burke, David T. Izat, Shelly I. Dick and James M. Sword of the Sheriff’s Patrol Division, Douglas L. Murray, David W. Ebersole, Bernard E. Canfield and Earl R. Baker of the Highways Department. From the Department of Water Quality Robert E. Igou, Jeffrey L. Trite, Marc A. Albowicz and Mark D. Bradshaw have served 5 years. Kimberly A. Miller, and Frank Quillen, Jr. of Permits and Inspections, Vicki M. Stinebaugh and Melissa D. Yates of the Engineering Department, County Attorney John M. Martirano, Angela M. Helfrick of the Community Partnership, Jennifer L. Swisher of the Department of Emergency Services, Dee A. Barnhart of Circuit Court, Kathy E. Flood of Black Rock Public Golf Course, Karen Frisby of Budget and Finance, Ernest W. Shoemaker of the Solid Waste Department , Debra I. Peyton of the Human Resources Department, Jill L. Baker of the Planning Department, and Peggy Russ of the Narcotics Task Force all were recipients of 5-year service pins.
County Commissioners' President Greg Snook paid tribute to the group, saying the business of Washington County Government would not be possible without the dedication of those who devote their lives to public service.