Note: This is a SUMMARY of the Commissioners Meeting for the purposes of a Press Release. These are not the official minutes of the meeting.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought one new employe4e before the Board for introductions. Richard Grove was recently hired as a Utility Worker II in the Department of Water Quality.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner John Munson commented on last weekend's National Pike festival, and reminder the Board that Thursday the annual Senior Fair will be held starting at 10 a.m. at the Clarion. Munson asked again that the Commissioners consider returning the property tax rate to the constant yield, a reduction of about 6 cents per $100 of the full value of a home. Munson said there are areas in the current budget that could be explored for reduction, citing the current vehicle policy, the request for additional employees, lowering the requested 4.5% average employee raise to 2%, scrutinizing requests for budget transfers for cost overruns, and looking into the amount employees pay into the health insurance system.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on speaking to the Hagerstown Community College graduating class of 2005, and said that event was a very positive one. The Commissioners played host to the Leadership Maryland program last week, with programs held Wednesday through Friday. Nipps told the Board the event helped improve perceptions held by leaders from other areas of Maryland about Washington County, Hagerstown and all of Western Maryland.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on the Economic Development Commission meeting last week. The Budget is on track, Kercheval said, and the feasibility study for Mack Truck will get underway soon. The County is looking into developing an Arts and Entertainment incentive program similar to the City of Hagerstown’s. The City is updating its Comprehensive Plan with the EDC Board and a discussion took place on rezoning of vacant land within Hagerstown for economic development purposes. The Tri-County Council is looking for a candidate to fill a Small Business Development position, and seeking $40,000.00 in grant funds, plus $5,000 from each of the three Western Maryland counties to fund that position. EDC has nominated Jim Mobley to serve on the Affordable Housing Task Force. Black Rock Golf Course is slightly ahead of budget projections for the fiscal year in terms of sales. The budget should be near the break-even point at the end of the current budget period. Kercheval asked staff for an update on his request for an orientation for newly elected municipal officials, to introduce them to the County and issues of mutual concern. Kercheval also thanked the current Hagerstown Mayor and Council for their community service over the past 4 years.
Commissioners’ President Greg Snook reported on a letter from Public School Superintendent Betty Morgan on the Governor’s Committee on Quality Education meeting scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Kepler Theater on the HCC campus. A group of Counties along the Mason-Dixon line in Maryland and Pennsylvania called the Assembly of Counties is holding a “summit” in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to discuss growth issues on May 23 rd, Snook said. The Emergency Services Council has requested an increase in the number of that group from 7 members to 9. This would add another Citizen at Large position and an additional Emergency Services representative. The problem lies in having enough members for a quorum at meetings, Snook reported. Southern Living Magazine has an article on the Rohrersville Band in its current issue, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that at a meeting of the Public Safety Radio Communications System committee, Hagerstown Police Chief Captain Charles Summers said that there is as much as $900 million in homeland security grant money available to law enforcement agencies for radio communications upgrades. Summers told the group that the City will apply for as much of the system cost as is possible. Total cost for the system, that will serve the County, City, and State Police, Fire and Rescue and all other government communications needs is $21 million. The Smithsburg Library bids will be opened June 8 th, with a pre-bid conference scheduled at the end of May, Rohrer said. A new artist's rendition of the Boonsboro Library has been posted in the Commissioners’ Office. That project is on track, Rohrer said. Discussions continue ion the proposed Central Booking facility. A meeting was held with Delegate Leroy Myers and staff last week, and funding applications for that project are due in by the end of June. The regional meeting of the American Public Works Association discussed “new urbanism” and growth issues. Broadfording Road will close on or about June 1 st for final repairs and will reopen in September, Rohrer said. Discussion took place on closing of that road after the current school year. The new official closing date will be June 8 th. A public information meeting on the Pen Mar Water Project Community Development Block Grant has been set for May 25 th at 7:00 p.m. at Lakeside Hall on the old Fort Ritchie grounds. The funding request will be explained to residents and other information will be available.
Washington County Community Partnership Director Stephanie Stone gave an update on a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grant activity last weekend at Valley mall that distributed surveys. 350 surveys were completed and returned, Stone said. Purpose of the survey is to identify social norms in order to reduce the frequency of pregnancy among teens. The prevention activities should be conducted in the school system in order to reach the greatest number of teens, Stone said.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested that a vacant Emergency Services Technician position be advertised. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson told the Board that the public comment period for the Solid Waste plan has expired, and that the Parks Plan is available for public comment for 60 days, at the Planning Department at 80 West Baltimore Street.
HIGHWAY ADEQUACY POLICY UPDATE
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer and County Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this matter before the Board. In February, the Commissioners adopted recommendations for revisions to the Highway Adequacy Policy with exception to provisions concerned with Pavement Condition. The staff was instructed to meet with stakeholders to resolve technical issues and refine the process by which various developments would be expected to address deficiencies with existing pavement conditions. Adoption of the amended text is recommended to be effective immediately for all subdivision plats that have not been submitted to the County for final approval. Adoption of this section would bring closure to the policy and sets minimum requirements to be consistent with national standards while providing appropriate exemptions. Amended text concerns construction necessary to correct all inadequacies to result in uniform looking pavement caused by hot mix asphalt overlays with minimal paving joints. Numerous small isolated repairs will require a single overlay extending at a minimum 25 ’ beyond the outermost repair for the full width of pavement as directed in the field by the Division. For those road segments that have only a se ction considered inadequate, only that section needs to be rep a ired, complete with overlay, as opposed to the entire s e gment. The amendments also deal with p avement cores, field tests and other pavement engineering standards that must be met. Developments would have to contribute at least 25 peak hour trips to any one segment of roadway for the requirements to be triggered, McGee said. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PENMAR WATER PROJECT UPDATE
Community Action Council Director Dave Jordan and Kathy Saxman, Director of Housing brought an update on the PenMar Water System Grant Application before the Board. Two weeks ago the Commissioners requested that a public meeting be scheduled to give the residents of the area information on the Water system, expense involved and payment methods. As part of the County’s Community Development Block Grant program, water hookups costing approximately $9,000 per home would be paid in full for income-eligible residents. A survey of 40 eligible homeowners resulted in 27 forms filled out and returned. The Public Meeting has been set for May 25 th at Lakeside Hall on the former Fort Ritchie grounds.. Grant application deadline is May 23 rd. A resolution would be needed in order to make the application. Department of Water Quality Director Greg Murray said the entire cost of the project will be $2.6 million and will be fully funded by federal and state sources. The resolution to submit a CDBG grant in the amount of $400,000.00 was approved by unanimous vote.
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM
Agricultural Preservation Administrator Eric Seifarth brought this report to the Board. A request was made that the County Commissioners continue to exhaust 60/40 match easement expenditures for FY ‘05, and then to implement an Installment Payment Program (IPP) using the Real Estate transfer tax. Washington County annually commits funds to the 60/40 match program through the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program. This year, however, the County is preparing to implement an IPP to be able to purchase as many as 12 additional easements. Annual payments equal to 10% of the easement value will be made over a 10-year period. Seifarth presented a list of 15 properties ranked by priority, that would be preserved through the program. Funds would come from the mentioned Real Estate Transfer Tax in the amount of $400,000 per year and other funding sources. Seifarth said about $241,000 has been received from the Mid-Maryland Land Trust on a 50% match basis. An additional $293,000 is expected from federal and state funds. These funds would be used to pay for the purchase of easements on 1,300 acres over 10 years. Seifarth said the program would see an the number of acres preserved increase from 400 in Fiscal Year 2005 to 2,000 acres in FY '06. Commissioners President Greg Snook thanked Seifarth for the update and requested further reports as the program moves forward.
JOINT PUBLIC GHEARING: MODIFICATION OF CHARGES, RENTALS AND FEES AT HAGERSTOW REGIONAL AIRPORT
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Manager Carolyn Motz and members of the Airport Advisory Commission brought a request for rate increases to a joint Public Hearing with the Commissioners. Motz told the Board that certain fees, rents and other charges are being modified at HGR. Small, Single Engine Hangar rentals would rise by $4 to $8 per month. Hangar rents for Large Multi-Engine Aircraft would increase $10 to $30 per month. Hangar Office rents would see a range of increases from $4 to $15 per month. Combination Office and Hangar space would increase by about $20.00. Commercial Hangar 1-B's rent would go up by $9 per month, while the Corporate Hangar Complex would increase by $48 per month. Monthly tie-down charges for single engine aircraft would go up by $13 per month, and twin-engine by $11. All other charges and rents would stay the same. No comments were received either in favor of or against the proposed increases. The record was not required to remain open and the measures were approved by unanimous vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reminded the Board that the cable-related community needs assessment meeting for consumers is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 th at Kepler Theater on the HCC campus. In addition
at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 18, a Public, Educational and Governmental programming access workshop has been scheduled, also at Kepler Theater. The public is invited to both meetings.
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
Priscilla Harsh of the Washington County Farm Bureau, Henrietta Livelsberger of Citizens to Protect Washington County, David Herbst of the Washington County Ag Land Preservation Advisory Board and Tom Berry, of Citizens for Protections of Rights brought a letter to the Board announcing a unification of those groups in regards to the Comprehensive Rezoning of Rural Areas of the county. The groups oppose the rezoning saying that the process will not preserve agricultural use of rural land and cause a loss of equity for farmers. The groups requested that the current plan be delayed and modified to address and correct their concerns.
Martin Brewbaker of Hagerstown commented regarding downzoning, compensation for farmers and agricultural preservation, requesting that preserved farmland be congruent.
Steve Elders of Williamsport commented in support of removal of APFO restrictions in favor of excise tax implementation6629.
Debi Turpin of the Washington County Home Builders Association asked for exemptions on advance payment of excise taxes on privately owned single dwelling lots, citing bank and mortgage companies' reluctance to provide up-front money for loans. The matter will be taken into consideration, Commissioners' President Snook said.
BUILDING EXCISE TAX TRANSITION POLICY
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this matter before the Board for Adoption. The Policy will determine the application of the Tax, particularly to those who have made payments or posted security under the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). Revisions have been made to the Policy presented last week in accordance with the discussions held by the Commissioners. The Policy applies the Tax to applications for permits filed after July 1, 2005, but exempts those applications filed in acceptable form and accepted for filing prior to July 1 in accordance with the policies of the County. Those who have paid fees or posted acceptable security under the APFO would be granted a credit in the amount paid or secured toward the amount of the Tax that would otherwise be due. The Policy further continues the current limitation of six applications for permits in one week from any person and provides that permits are valid for a period of six months from the date of issuance. Disc used was an item relating to abandonment of permits in 6 months if no action was taken by the developer. The policy was approved by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC HEARING: ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna and County Attorney John Martirano brought this public hearing, regarding acquisition of real property, before the Board. The County intends to purchase an improved parcel of land, containing 37,897 square feet or 0.87 acres of land, owned by Thomas Brewer, and located at 11804 Partridge Trail. The Property is zoned Rural Residential and is improved with a brick ranch-type dwelling with an attached two-car garage. The Property is needed for public use relating to the Washington County Engineering Department Project known as “Robinwood Drive Realignment.” The consideration to be paid for this parcel is $280,000,00, all or a portion of which may be expended from the General Fund. Property Owner Tom Brewer testified that circumstances have dictated the property be sold, The measure was approved by 3-1 vote with Commissioner Munson voting "no".
PROPOSED TAX MATRIX FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Economic Development Commission Director Tim Troxell and EDC Chair Doug Wright brought this issue to the Board for discussion. A sub-committee of the EDC has been deliberating best practices in applying the revised Excise Tax to non-residential construction. The Committee proposes a matrix based on square footage of business and industrial projects., and would exempt the first 5,000 square feet of a project to prevent adverse impacts on small businesses. The tax should apply to all new construction including additions to buildings. Projects could also be subject to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Projects constructed outside the Urban Growth area should be changed a flat $5 per square foot tax regardless of use. The County Commissioners would have the right to reduce or waive excise tax based on wages and employee benefits associated with a project. The County Planning Department could decide which category is applicable, to each project. The Committee did not address an excise tax rate for Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Places of Worship Agriculture or Private Schools, and said other entities should make those determinations. The matrix contained recommended tax rates for Retail, Industrial, Warehouse-Distribution, Office and Hotel-Motel categories, with a high rate of $5 per square foot and a low rate of $.20 per square foot. A retail establishment under 25,000 square feet would be assessed the highest while an Industrial operation of greater than 500,000 square feet would get the lowest rate. The measure will be subject to further discussion.
WASTEWATER infrastructure capacity MANAGEMENT plans
Department of Water Quality (DWQ) Director Greg Murray brought this report to the Board with a request to review the presented long-term capacity availability by service area and potential use of available capacity, and allocate capacity requests according to established Capacity Management Plans. Murray told the Board that due to regulatory constraints and infrastructure management needs, it is vital that the ultimate realistic available capacity is identified for each treatment facility. In addition, service area needs must be identified to determine the use of available long-term capacity. A capacity management plan must be developed that allows for orderly long-term growth based on total infrastructure availability, allowing for maximum flexibility between service areas , Murray said. Long-term capacity limitations in the Hagerstown Urban Growth Area (UGA) were evaluated and projected based on the 4-year average daily flow of facilities serving this area verses their ultimate realistic expected capacity. Information was then compiled to identify the amount of vacant developable acreage that may need to use the calculated capacities. Added to this was known existing areas that will need served at some point in the future. This includes currently developed areas, not on public sewer, as well as known approved developments that are not yet constructed. This information was then mapped using definitive areas of the UGA to graphically illustrate development potential vs. capacity availability. This overview will help guide long-term planning for residential/commercial development in the UGA. In addition, several plans have been proposed to manage the capacity that is available in this area. Murray requested the Board approve allowing allocation of 28 Equivalent Development Units (EDU) to planned commercial development in accordance with the DWQ Interim Capacity Management Plan in accordance with the City of Hagerstown's Application Policy. The allocation would require an additional 17 EDU's during the 6 months following July 1 st. Motions to allow the allocations were approved by unanimous vote.
BID RECOMMENDATION: NEWGATE INDUSTRIAL PARK INTERCEPTOR SEWER, PHASE II
Water Quality Director Murray and County Buyer Michael Haifley brought this request, to award the Newgate contract Alternative B to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive bid, Gabe’s Services, Incorporated of Frederick, Maryland in the amount of $1,731,100.00 contingent on concurrence of the Maryland Department of the Environment and the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Agency. The project primarily consists of installing approximately 6,500 linear feet of PVC sewer pipe with construction occurring in streambeds and wetland areas, which may require stream diversions and wetland dewatering. Project construction also involves a jack and bore under Interstate 81 and flow diversion appurtenances for interconnection with the City of Hagerstown Collection System. Bid alternate “B” also includes an increase in pipe size from the 15” SDR PVC pipe in Alternate “A” to an 18” SDR PVC pipe and is identified as Bid Item 806. The 18” pipe size increases the capacity of the interceptor by a factor of 1.6. The actual costs difference between the alternatives for increase in capacity is $14,260. The lowest bid for Alternative B is approximately $390,000.00 above the existing budget.. The jack and bore operation of Interstate 81 is a critical and costly operation due to the bore distance required and the State Highway’s Maintenance of Traffic Plan. This plan is very comprehensive in order to ensure contractor safety during construction. There is also the anticipated but unknown Karst topography and related sinkholes or voids that would have to be mitigated if encountered in the project area. A budget transfer of $400,000 from cash reserve was requested to meet budget shortfall. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ADOPTION OF DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN
Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director Joe Kroboth brought this request, to adopt, without modification, the Draft Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as the final adopted plan. On February 15th DES presented the draft of this Plan to the Commissioners and opened the public review and comment period. The Federal Government requires the assessment of vulnerable hazards for each political jurisdiction across America in order to qualify for disaster assistance. The County plan was prepared as a partnership with all municipalities to address those planning requirements. All municipalities in Washington County have formally adopted the plan without modification. No comments were received from the public. DES secured a grant from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to complete the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan was submitted to all municipalities in Washington County, MEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and comments, and was made available at various County offices and the Public Library for citizen review and comment. MEMA and FEMA are satisfied with the plan and await the Commissioners approval. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
HOMELAND SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TERRORISM PREVENTION GRANTS
DES Director Kroboth requested that the Board accept the Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grantsaward totaling $552,464 from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). In addition, Kroboth asked that the grant distribute $500,000 of the grant award for the Countywide Public Safety Radio Project, $12,464 miscellaneous emergency response equipment and to the $40,000 to the General Fund for reimbursement of the Emergency Planner position costs. Each year the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) distributes various grant funds to local jurisdictions to assist in building the nation’s capabilities for emergency response to weapons of mass destruction and terrorism events. In Federal Fiscal Year 2005, DHS proposes to distribute two 2 grants to Washington County. Homeland Security would provide $ 427,781, and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention would contribute $124,683. Grant funds used to provide the Emergency Planner position have been combined into the homeland security funds by the DHS. Enhancement of the public safety radio communication system has been identified as the greatest priority amongst all emergency responding agencies. A token amount of funds are recommended for miscellaneous needs that may develop during the upcoming fiscal year. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
RADIO EQUIPMENT REIMBURSEMENT TO LOCAL FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANIES
Kroboth also requested approval of a Radio Equipment Reimbursement to Local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Companies that are awarded a grant for radio equipment through the federal assistance to firefighters grant program.During a previous presentation to the Board on the countywide public safety radio system, the Commissioners asked staff to explore other avenues for grant funding to assist with the cost of the radio project. The Department of Emergency Services proposed to all fire and rescue companies, that they include costs for their radio equipment needs with their FY ’05 FIRE Grant application. Several companies did in fact include the equipment in their application to the federal government. The grant provides 90 % of the equipment cost, with the remaining funds provided at the local level. It will not be determined for several months how many grants will be awarded to Washington County companies. The Department of Emergency Services is requesting that the Commissioners authorize funds from the Countywide Public Safety Radio System Project to be used as a direct reimbursement to local fire and rescue companies for the 10% matching funds, required as a condition of the grant; provided they are successful in being awarded the grant from the federal government. The award would be validated by the local company providing proof of the award. All radio equipment would be purchased through our Communication Maintenance Department to ensure proper compatibility with the new system. This authorization reduces the use of local funding by 90% by using federal grant funds to purchase equipment that would otherwise be provided by the County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
MIEMSS REGION II BIO-TERRORISM GRANT ACCEPTANCE
DES Director Kroboth also requested Board acceptance of $270,000 from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) for Region II, which includes Washington and Frederick Counties. The funds would be used to purchase of a climate controlled mobile hospital-style tent, 2 mass casualty trailers and 200 military style stretchers. Washington County would receive the tent, and one mass casualty trailer total value $180,000.00. . Frederick County would receive a trailer and stretchers valued at $45,000.00. Frederick County funds would pass through Washington County and all Frederick County would make reports to Washington County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Angie Helfrick of the Washington County Community Partnership brought the Middle and high School Youth meritorious Awards for April and May before the Board.
Adeline Cumpata, daughter of Dan and Ana Cumpata of Hagerstown is the Middle School Youth of the Month (YOM) for April. Adeline is a student at E. Russell Hicks Middle School and was nominated by Mrs. Kathy Kaper. In presenting the award, Commissioner Jim Kercheval said that Adeline has achieved the Distinguished Honor Roll each marking period. She is a very hard worker and goes beyond the work necessary. She is always prepared and enthusiastic about everything. Adeline plays the clarinet in the 8 th Grade Concert And Marching Band, has been selected for the solo and ensemble competition, the All County Band and the District Band Festival. She is a recipient of the Character Counts Award in each of her three years for the categories of respect, trustworthiness, and responsibility. Adeline enjoys ice skating, gymnastics, soccer, and tennis, and fishing and hiking with her family. Within the community, Adeline has participated in a canned food drive, Christmas caroling, neighborhood garbage clean up and planting flowers.
High School YOM for April is Bryant Wallizer of Hancock High. Son of Patrick and Donna Wallizer, Bryant was nominated by Renee Christensen. Commissioner John Munson presented the award and said that Bryant has achieved a 3.53 GPA, serves as Senior Class President, is a member of the Honor Club, the United States Achievement Academy, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Bryant participates in the Cross-county Team, Outdoor Track, Envirothon Team, All-County Chorus, Antietam Junior Rifle Club, National Junior Olympic All-Star Team in air rifle in 2004, and was a gold medallist at the USA National Championships in J2 class in air and smallbore rifle in 2004 in Atlanta. Bryant’s leadership activities include serving as a Drug Abuse and Resistance Education role model, and Peer Counselor. Bryant attends Sunday School at Peter and Paul Church. He is a volunteer intern with Needmore Veterinary Clinic, and a youth volunteer with Maryland Hunter Safety Education classes at Little Orleans Campground. It is noted that “Bryant demonstrates a sincere love and respect for nature and the outdoors. He has genuine regard for animals and their circumstances.”
Thomas Willoughby is the High School YOM for May, and is the son of Dennis and Marcella Willoughby of Hancock. Commissioner Dori Nipps, presented the award noted that at Hancock High School, Thomas has achieved the Honorable Mention in Maryland Distinguished Scholar Program, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Society, All-American Scholar Honor and the United States Achievement Academy. He participates in the Drama Club, Police Explorers, FBLA, All County Choir Swing Choir and the Academic Team. Outside of school, Thomas enjoys bowling, watching movies, taking college campus tours and vacations. Thomas’s positive characteristics include “friendly, well-liked, smart, caring and good leadership skills”.
Middle School Youth of the Month (YOM) for May , Robert “Bobby” Brooks is the son of Dr. Robert Brooks and Karen Midthun, is a student at Boonsboro Middle School and was nominated by Mrs. Amanda Kline and the Boonsboro Middle School Band. Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented the award and reported that Bobby has been on the distinguished honor roll every marking period throughout his 6 th grade year. During this time, he has earned many awards including music awards and the Fairness award pillar for Character Counts. Bobby is a percussionist and performs in the Marching Band during the parade season. He is also in the Game Club at Boonsboro Middle School, and outside of school, takes weekly piano and private percussion lessons. Bobby shows a lot of leadership qualities throughout his classes. He is currently first chair in the 7 th grade percussion class. He describes himself as a positive person who thinks things through before acting. Bobby enjoys playing board games and watching movies with his dad. Bobby describes his family as the ones that are always there pushing him to succeed and celebrating the positive outcomes. He has assisted in various service projects including cleaning up litter from various parks, working on different projects at the Antietam Battlefield, and working with different senior citizen organizations. Mrs. Kline notes “Bobby is wonderful to have in class because of his talent and hard work ethics. He often tries to help his other classmates through peer coaching as well as showing responsibility by practicing his instrument every night and being prepared for class”.
Amendments to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance: Article V, Schools
County Attorney Richard Douglas and Planning Director Mike Thompson brought this request, to schedule proposed amendments for public hearing, before the Board. County staff, with the assistance of Board of Education staff, has revised the provisions of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) with regard to schools. At a recent joint meeting, it was suggested that the language for schools set forth in the Frederick County APFO be examined for applicability in Washington County.
The amendments proposed are primarily to Article V, however, two changes to other sections are proposed. Section 2.3.12.1 is proposed to add a definition for minor subdivisions, while a change was made to Section 4.1.1 to increase the number of lots from four to five for consistency throughout the ordinance. Numerous changes are proposed to Article V beginning with 5.1 under adequacy to add language to allow for a determination of adequacy if there are funds for the construction of additional school capacity, or if the Board of Education has approved a redistricting plan based on a school being constructed within the same school attendance area. Other changes would exempt minor subdivisions and public and private schools. In addition, Section 5.3 is proposed to be added, to obtain enrollment data on a quarterly basis in lieu of the current annual reporting. Sections 5.4 and 5.5 deal with the determination of adequacy and are the sections to which additional items have been added. First, the Planning Commission, on receiving enrollment information from the Board of Education, makes the determination of adequacy. This determination is proposed to be at the time of final plat approval. The process for measuring available capacity is outlined in Section 5.5. Other changes delete language made irrelevant by approval of the excise tax, such as eliminating the existing APFO school fee of $8,500.00. That fee would be replaced by the proposed excise tax. Discussion centered on clarification of language in some of the proposed changes, and need for feedback on proposed changes from the elected School Board. The amendments will be reworked and the proposal resubmitted at a later date.