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.
ACCEPTANCE OF MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (MAA) SPECIAL GRANT
Hagerstown Regional Airport Fire Chief Phil Ridenour and URS Consulting Engineer Mahesh Kukata brought this request, for Acceptance of a Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) Special Grant in the amount of $233,918 to the Commissioners. This is the second in a series of annual grants provided for the Runway 9-27 project to maintain the original MAA commitment of 5% of the eligible project costs. Since the Federal Aviation Administration changed the funding format to 95% FAA, 2.5% MAA and 2.5% County, MAA has been providing 2.5% as matching grant and the remaining 2.5% as a special grant. The total cost of this portion of the project is $467,836. Under the agreement, the MAA will pay $233,918 or fifty percent of the total project cost. The Board approved the first special grant on September 14, 2004. The overall funding from the FAA and MAA remains at $47 million and $2.6 million respectively. The County’s share for the overall project remains at $2.6 million and any applicable financing costs. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ACCEPTANCE OF AIP PROJECT 3-24-0019-034-2005 FROM FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Ridenour and Kukata also brought this request, to accept a Grant offer from FAA in the amount of $ 575,000 to assist in the design of the project for Rehabilitation of the East and West Apron at the airport. The grant will allow the Engineering Firm URS to proceed with Design of the Rehabilitation of the East and West Aprons, and Design of the Taxiway A/G Modifications. Kukata told the Board that the East/West Aprons have deteriorating conditions of the surface of the two ramps. Taxiway G's grade currently does not meet FAA criteria for corporate and larger jets. In addition to correcting the non-standard conditions, the taxiway will be relocated to the proposed Runway 9 location. This will optimize the development potential for the northwest quadrant for proposed and future corporate hangars. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT AWARD: WASHINGTON COUNTY DIVERSION PROGRAM
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Gina Taffe, Project Coordinator for the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) brought this request before the Commissioners, to award a contract for performing Diversion services to Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. (PCMS) in the amount of $123,930.00, as approved by the WCCP Board. PCMS will provide 2 full-time Case Managers, supported by a part-time clerical position, to implement case management and diversion services focusing on two core components: diverting juvenile offenders from the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and redirecting alleged Children In Need of Supervision (CINS) youth away from DJS to community-based services. The positions will be housed in office space in the Professional Arts Building, provided by DJS. Funds come from the Governor’s Office for Children, and Families (GOCF). The contract period would tentatively begin on September 1st, 2005 and end June 30th, 2006 with an option by the County to renew for 1 consecutive one-year period. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
2005 "ON BEHALF OF" LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING BOND ALLOCATION
County Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this request before the Board for approval. Each year the state allows the local governments to partner in a statewide bond pool for first time homebuyers. The pool allows the counties to transfer their allocation to the state to issue bonds to fund housing programs. Washington County has historically used this allocation to participate in the Maryland Mortgage program, which makes available lower interest mortgage funds for families to purchase their first home. A family of two could earn a maximum of $86,000 and be eligible for a home loan up to $319,000 in the County and $390,000 within the City of Hagerstown. This year's allocation is $ 3,873,651.00, Kuhna said. Questions were raised about the way the program is conducted at the state level. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
AWARD OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
Washington County Community Partnership Project Coordinator Tom Kline requested approval of funding of several programs Countywide. $25,000 is available for projects in Washington County in Partnership with the Maryland subcabinet for Children. Projects should address juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, family violence and/or substance abuse while encouraging community development and/or community enrichment. Kline told the Commissioners that the WCCP Board has approved a number of proposed awards. The Boys and Girls Club would receive $4,557.00 for the provision of the “Video Club” program at the Pennsylvania Avenue, Frederick Manor, Noland Village, Elgin Station and Cascade activity sites during afterschool hours. The program would provide 50 children and youth with 565 hours of instruction and practice in the skills necessary to plan, write, direct and perform in their own short Video programs. In addition, participants will be taught the skills necessary to conduct interviews, to listen and respond to media influences. Girls, Inc. would receive $6,800.00 for the “Parents Nights” program, which consists of 7 parent nights offered to approximately 100 Girls Incorporated of Washington County members and their parents. All of the installments of the “Parent Nights” program will provide participants with instruction directed toward youth and life skills development in a fun atmosphere. The Hancock Police Department requested $1,600.00 for the provision of two community events designed to convey anti-drug, anti-alcohol and anti-tobacco messages to elementary, middle and high school-aged students. The messages will be conveyed in the form of music, videos, trivia contests and other games. The proposed events are a dance for middle and high school-aged students and a pool party for elementary, middle and high school-aged students. It is estimated that each event should attract 250-400 participants. The Interfaith Housing Coalition, Inc. requested $2,000.00 to support the 5-day “Adventures in Friendships” summer day-camp offered free of charge to Hancock middle school-aged persons. The purpose of the camp is to teach a broad array of simple, basic life and safety skills to participants who are often home alone and frequently caring for younger siblings. The Commission on Aging would receive $1,987.00 for the expansion of the “Kids and Grands” program, seven monthly programs to educate and offer support to grandparents who are primary caregivers of children in the community. There are currently eight members of the program and the goal is to increase the membership to 25-30 grandparents. Community Action Council would receive $4,556.00 for the provision of the Financial Literacy & Investment Training and Education Program (FLITE). The goal of the program is to assist customers who are homeless, or experiencing a difficult housing situation that may lead to homelessness, in obtaining skills required to gain and maintain self-sufficiency. Washington County Public Schools would receive $3,500.00 for the provision of a youth development program for teenage young women. This program, “Girl Power III”, will provide 48 teenage young women from county middle schools with the opportunity of participating in a 2-day, overnight conference at Fairview Outdoor School. The conference will consist of workshops facilitated by community agencies whose missions are to build strong young women. Kline told the Board that in most cases the requests were greater than the WCCP could fund, and that some modification in the program activities could occur. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
EMINENT DOMAIN USE RESOLUTION
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this matter before the Board for discussion and approval. Last week, Commissioner John Munson requested such a resolution be approved, affirming the Board of County Commissioners' long-standing view against use of Eminent Domain to acquire property. Douglas said that the case of Kelo v. City of New London, recently decided by the Supreme Court, held that it is permissible for a political subdivision to use the power of eminent domain to condemn private property for the use of a private entity, if doing so would advance the cause of economic development. The decision left it open for individual jurisdictions to place legislative limits on the use of the power of eminent domain, and many jurisdictions, including the federal government, have reacted to the decision by proposing legislation that would place limits on use of the power. This resolution would state the position of the Commissioners on use of the power and would encourage the county delegation to the General Assembly to support such legislation. The resolution reads, in part, "This Supreme Court decision put at risk the very right of private individuals to be free from government interference in their right to keep and enjoy their private property. This action by the Supreme Court is contrary to and contravenes the aforementioned constitutional protections against such capricious and willful attacks by any governmental body upon the rights of the citizens. We, the County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, recognize and support the original concept of the framers of the federal and Maryland Constitutions wherein the power of eminent domain shall be used only as a last resort to acquire private property for a public project, and that any such public project can be demonstrated to be necessary for the general welfare of the citizens of that jurisdiction. This Board deems any departure from the original principles of eminent domain to be an assault on our basic foundations of liberty and a threat to the rights of private property ownership; and strongly urge all jurisdictions within the State of Maryland to encourage the General Assembly to use all means necessary to strengthen the original purpose of the rights of eminent domain in the Constitution. Discussion centered on some of the language in the resolution, and the possibility of the state taking action on this subject in the next legislative session. The resolution was amended striking the words "capricious and willful attacks…" with that section to be reworded. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REZONING CASE RZ-05-006: Maryland Homes
Planning Director Mike Thompson and Senior Planner Lisa Pietro brought this rezoning request from Maryland Homes before the Board. The applicant has requested that the property, 7.46 acres located on the west side of Massey Boulevard, northwest of Virginia Avenue, be rezoned from BG – Business General to RM – Residential Multi-Family. The Planning Commission recommended granting the rezoning based upon its determination that there has been a mistake in the current zoning of the property, and that granting the request is logical and appropriate and that it would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the County. Under discussion were access points into the property. Access from Beckley Avenue and Hickory School Road were originally proposed. The Engineering Department has commented that any problems can be addressed at site plan review. Findings of fact will be presented at the next Commissioners' meeting. Consensus was reached to accept the zoning, with the provision that the access road issues be addressed. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
MAJOR URBAN DEVELOPMENTS
Planning and Community Development Director Mike Thompson brought this report to the Board. Thompson said that several months ago, staff presented the Board with a map showing the major developments in and around the City of Hagerstown. The updated map, as of August 15, 2005, has the location of these developments both in the county as well as within the City of Hagerstown. Some projects were removed from the previous map because all the units within the development had been completed, and new projects that have been added reflect new proposals. Thompson also presented a chart for both the City and County projects outlining the number of lots that have been proposed for development, beginning with those in the concept stage. There are 9,121 units in this category, Thompson said. Many of the projects in this category have been discussed only in the preliminary consultation stage and have not proceeded further in the development process due to issues with schools and-or water and sewer. There are 1,538 approved lots having final plat approval that have not obtained permits. This number reflects only the lots within these major developments within the City of Hagerstown and surrounding areas. Planning staff continues to work with the City staff and the Maryland Department of Planning to more accurately define the total development potential within the county. Elections Board President Jim Mobley commented that major subdivisions not building an elementary school should allow for construction of common areas such as community centers to be used as polling places.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney Richard Douglas informed the Board that the parent company of Lenox Corporation is conducting certain stock transactions, and Lenox needs consensus of the Commissioners for a record deed of encumbrance on its property. Lenox is party to grant agreements from both the County and the State of Maryland through the State Department of Business and Economic Development. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Douglas also reminded the Board that the deadline for municipalities to enact Adequate Public Facility Ordinances in order to receive excise taxes is September 1 st. The Coty of Hagerstown has been holding off approval of such ordinances, until the County's \APFO was formally approved. The APFO has been revised and will go to public hearing soon. Douglas requested that the deadline date for municipalities be extended to 60 days following the date of final adoption of the APFO amendments by the County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
ONCE EACH MONTH THE COMMISSIONERS HOLD AN EVENING MEETING DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CITIZENS WITH A GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. THIS MONTH THE MEETING WAS HELD AT THE COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM AT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT 100 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, IN HAGERSTOWN.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on last week's visit to Hagerstown by Governor Bob Ehrlich. Nipps said the state grant funds distributed help community programs provide needed services.
Commissioner John Munson commented on a meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Munson said preliminary discussions have begun on feasibility of countywide trash pickup. Such a service would be contracted with private haulers. Munson said the discussions are to continue at future SWAC meetings. Commissioners' President Greg Snook said that at the recent Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) meetings, discussions on solid waste disclosed that Frederick County is hauling trash to the Upton, Pennsylvania landfill, while St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert Counties are hauling solid waste to a Virginia site.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported that Frederick County has joined the "Northeast Waste Authority" consortium. Wivell asked Public Works Director Gary Rohrer to look into that organization and report on possible cost-saving benefits of membership.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval requested staff to stay on top of rising gasoline prices, and to take advantage of lower priced fuel before the costs are affected by the recent hurricane. Kercheval gave a Labor Day "thanks" to County Employees for a job well done in keeping costs for services to citizens low. Kercheval reported that information given at the recent MACo meetings showed that while Washington County is the 10 th largest County in Maryland, with 137,000 population, the annual per-capita cost for provision of government services is among the lowest in the state. The average cost per person in the County is $2,263.00, well below the State average of $3,331, and far below the highest per capita cost of $4,520 in Baltimore City. Among counties similar in size, Charles County is closest, at $3,397 per individual. The cost to the taxpayer for General Government Services, excluding Education, Public safety and Transportation, is $104.00 per capita, compared with the state average of $206.00 and the highest cost, which is also Charles County at $406.00 per individual. The General Government costs are the 5 th lowest in Maryland. Kercheval called the data as an indicator of good stewardship of taxpayer dollars and gave credit to County Employees for work to keep costs at a rock bottom level.
. Commissioners' President Greg Snook reported on speaking to a Realtor's group on zoning issues and the excise tax. Barclay's Bank has proposed several financial alternatives that could be of interest to the County, including alternate financing for school construction, Snook said. Public Works Director Gary Rohrer was asked to report on the status of the Tollgate Road Bridge in Hancock. Rohrer said that the project has encountered some delays, and may not be completed until spring. Snook asked Rohrer to make sure Hancock officials are aware of the setback.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought forth possible names for the Advisory School Design Review Committee and told the Board that only one citizen-at-large position remains uncommitted. That committee would consist of Rohrer or his designee, George Stone as a Citizen-at-Large plus the uncommitted citizen, Rod Turnbough, Board of Education Director of Facilities, Mechanical Contractor Jim Bryan, Electrical Contractor Ron Kinsey, General Contractor Harry Reynolds, Educator Patricia Abernethy, and Phil Snodderly, retired HCC Facilities Manager, to bring the total on the committee to 9. Commissioners' President Snook asked Rohrer to draft a letter to the candidates about the appointments. The Committee would serve three-year terms, and the names were approved by unanimous vote. Rohrer told the Board that the pavement management projects are on schedule, with Eliott Parkway at the finishing stages, and Maugansville Road next on the schedule.
Director of Emergency Services Joe Kroboth told the Board that requests are coming into agencies across the nation for assistance following Hurricane Katrina. Washington County will set up teams as it has done in the past, for possible deployment to the affected area, if requests are received by the Department. That process was first undertaken following Hurricane Isabel, in 2004. Additional pumps and generators were purchased after Isabel, to assist County residents in the event of another disaster of that type, Kroboth said. Lightning strikes during a storm several weeks ago severely damaged the 9-1-1 dispatch phone system. Kroboth told the board that the Maryland 9-1-1 Emergency Numbers Board has responded to the County's request for assistance in replacing the system, with $803,000.00. Commissioner Snook requested Kroboth draft a letter of appreciation to the Numbers Board.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to advertise three positions, a Motor Equipment Operator 1 and an Auto Service Technician at Highways, and an Equipment Operator 3 position at the Solid Waste Department. The requests were approved by unanimous vote. County Administrator Rod Shoop announced that three new hires were approved by the Commissioners earlier in the day. The new employees are Doug McKay, Plumbing Inspector in Permits and Inspections, Ramiro Ramos-Izquierdo, Zoning/Building Inspector in Permits and Inspections, and John Swauger, Storm Water Management Coordinator in the Engineering Department.
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.
Developer Manny Shaool requested that the Board drop the APFO agreement and replace it with the excise tax as soon as possible. Commissioners' President Snook said that the Board has not yet had the opportunity to discuss that matter, but will do so in the very near future.
Ed Davis, representing area Veterans, presented the Board with a 400-name petition, requesting that the County take a position on the controversy surrounding interment of a convicted murderer at Arlington National Cemetery. Commissioner Snook said that a letter to that effect will be drafted and sent to the appropriate federal officials.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested approval of a Change Order for the Courthouse Annex renovation in the amount of $26,708.00 for asbestos abatement in areas of the building not previously known to contain the substance. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. The Public Works Director is reviewing design plans for an elevator in the Annex, and the City of Hagerstown is working closely with the County regarding closing of the alley adjacent to the Court House and Annex that will be necessary during elevator construction. Internal Applications are under review and interviews underway for the Emergency Services Director position. The search Committee is made up of Volunteer Fire and rescue Association President Tom Altman, Shoop, Deputy Director of Public Works/Emergency Services Director Joe Kroboth and Dave Hankinson, Director of Human Resources. The Workforce Housing Committee has requested a two-week extension in filing its report with the County. A Public Hearing on the committee's findings would be scheduled for October 5 th, Shoop said. An organizational meeting of the Code Home Rule study committee will take place this week, and a special Employee Casual Day for victims of Hurricane Katrina will take place on Thursday, Shoop said.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS' FORGET-ME-NOT MONTH
Todd Cordell, Commander of the Washington County Disabled American Veterans' Chapter 14, and Alan Shane, Company Chaplain, accepted a proclamation declaring September, 2004 as Disabled American Veterans' Forget-Me-Not month from the Board. In presenting the proclamation, Commissioner Snook said the DAV offers free services to disabled veterans and their families in filing claims for government benefits as well as resolution of problems regarding employment, health care and counseling. The DAV responds to emergency needs of families of any disabled veteran. The proclamation cites the need for a continuing sense of gratitude to those veterans who have given so much to protect and preserve the American way of life. September 2005 will see the annual Forget-Me-Not drive in Washington County. All contributions will be utilized for disabled veterans and families in the community. The fund drive will take place at several shopping centers in the County during the month.
UNITED WAY AWARENESS MONTH
Noel Williams, President, United Way of Washington County Board of Directors, Dale Bannon, United Way Executive Director, and Shaun Butcher, Campaign Director presented a banner to the Commissioners on behalf of that community agency. The United Way thanked County government as a major supporter of the annual campaign on behalf of its 20 member agencies, and especially those whose lives that are improved on a daily basis due to the generosity of the county staff and officials. Last year, over 50,000 individuals were impacted through United Way and member agencies. The campaign goal for this year is $1.7 million, up from the $1.63 million raised last year. The county government’s encouragement for all businesses and citizens to support the annual campaign will improve lives and our quality of life in Washington County. In turn Commissioner Dori Nipps presented a proclamation designating September 2005 as United Way Awareness Month in Washington County, citing the agency's good works in the community. The County Employee United Way Drive is nearing an end, and the goal is $55,000.00 this year.
REPORT OF ANIMAL CONTROL RELATED STATISTICS AND EVENTS
Washington County Human Society (WCHS) Director Paul Miller brought this bi-monthly report to the Commissioners. The Board had requested regular reports from the WCHS regarding number of animals dealt with, and other activities. Miller told the Board that in Fiscal Year 2005, that ended in July, the WCHS took in 5,196 animals in all categories including strays, found on property, returned from adoption owner surrender, protective custody custodian surrender, born in-house and safe haven. Fees charged were reviewed. For Sick or Injured Animals , the Emergency Owned Animal Response fee is $50 , Veterinarian expenses are actual cost , and Owned Domestic Animal Transport to Veterinarian is $25 For Impoundment and Redemption of Impounded Animals, Regular Daily board is $10 per day , Quarantine Daily Board is $20 per day . Impound –Domestic is $25 each , Impound with Litter is $30. The fee for Impound of Livestock is $50 each, Owned Domestic Animal Transport to Shelter is $25 . The fee for Field Return is $15 plus a written warning, issued one time per animal per 12-month period. The fees for Disposition Of Animals and those for Adoptions are the same: Dog - $100 , Cat - $75 , Small Birds - $20 , Large Birds require a check of market value. Reptiles - $50 , Small Companions - $10 and Rescue - $15. Miller requested changes in wording in the Animal Control Ordinance that deals with Dangerous and Vicious Animals. Commissioners' President Snook asked Miller to put together a series of proposed changes to the ordinance and return with a report in two months time.