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 two new employees before the Board for introductions. Joe Charles is the new Buyer, in the Purchasing Department. Charles, a former Highways Department employee, has lived in Costa Rica for several years. John Swauger was recently hired as the Stormwater Management/Utility Coordinator by the Engineering Department
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on presenting a proclamation to the Business and Professional Women's club in honor of National Business Women's Week. Nipps was a groundbreaker for the Newgate Interceptor Sewer at a ceremony on October 3 rd. The Commissioner commented on the letters that citizens have recently received from Washington County regarding the Bay Restoration Fund septic fee collection. The so-called "flush fee" was imposed by the state, and Counties were designated to collect the funds for the state. Nipps commented that the Bay Restoration Fund fee was not imposed by Washington County.
Commissioner John Munson also commented on the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Newgate Sewer Interceptor line that will connect the City of Hagerstown's Sewer line with the County's Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant creating added sewer capacity in the City. Munson also commented on the road reclamation taking place on Maugansville Road. The County is getting its money's worth from the project, Munson said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on attending the Maryland Association of Social Services Advisory Boards meeting last week on the Eastern Shore. A new innovation on the Shore is a mobile Job Service van, designed to take job placement services to people who lack transportation.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on the Greater Hagerstown Committee forum on Education, held last week. Project Worm Burner was held by the Economic Development Commission last week. The national property broker CoStar is featuring Washington County on its website. That firm offers virtual tours of business and industrial properties nationwide. The Local Management Board Task Force on Teen Pregnancy reviewed work done by a consultant developing a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Needs assessment on Monday. A final report will come before the Commissioners soon, Kercheval said. The Planning Commission meeting Monday evening discussed the final plat for Freedom Hills subdivision on Maugansville, the proposed Massey Collision Center building in Hunter's Green, and held a preliminary consultation on a planned development on Klick Way off Eastern Boulevard. A joint County/City Planning Commission meeting will be held later in the month, Kercheval reported.
Commissioners President Greg Snook reminded the Board about the Workforce Housing Task Force Public Hearing set for Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in Courtroom #1 of the Courthouse. On Thursday, Maryland Transportation Secretary Robert Flanagan will be in Hagerstown to discuss transportation priorities in the County. A letter from the State Department of Natural Resources has informed the Board that the three-year study of recharge of the State Fish Hatchery on Beaver Creek has begun. As a result, there will be a ban on well drilling for new construction in the watershed area from November 2005 through February 2006. Snook asked County Administrator Rod Shoop to make sure that information regarding the Bay Restoration Fund letter is posted on the website to provide information on that state program to the public. Last week's Chamber of Commerce Board meeting welcomed 15 new members from local business, and discussed timelines for proposed state legislation, Snook said.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval of a Motor Equipment Operator I position at Highways, and two Part-Time Bus Operator positions at County Commuter. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Economic Development Commission Marketing Specialist Cassandra Latimer brought the Board up to speed on last week's "Project Worm Burner" event, in which commercial real estate professionals from around the state and State Economic Development Officials are invited to the County for an all-day tour of the available properties for business and industry. The tour is sponsored by a number of partners, including the City of Hagerstown, the Tri-County Council and CoStar property brokers. The tour had 60 participants and about 75% of those had not been aware of the scope of available properties in this county.
PROCLAMATION: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
The Commissioners proclaimed October 2005 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Cheryl Morgan of the Washington County Family Violence Council (WCFVC), Vicky Sadevandhi of CASA and Sheriff's Department Captain Doug Mullendore accepted the honor from Commissioner Dori Nipps. The WCFVC mission is to coordinate the community response to address the safety and well being of abused and neglected adults and children and to hold perpetrators accountable. CASA (Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused, Inc.), a participating agency with the Family Violence Council, has provided comprehensive services to individuals experiencing family violence since 1977; and provided services to 1,994 individuals and responded to 17,003 hotline calls in Washington County from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005. The Family Violence Council, in its endeavor to educate the community on family violence, documented 1,632 incidents of domestic violence in Washington County. These incidents were referred by local law enforcement agencies, who also support the mission of the Family Violence Council. The proclamation said that Family Violence respects no racial, religious class or geographic boundaries and, has reached epidemic proportion in nearly all regions of our nation. The Commissioners urged all citizens to strive to recognize, understand and respond to the needs of family violence victims within our community.
CITICORP TRAFFIC SIGNAL AGREEMENT
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer brought this request, to accept the conditions of the proposed agreement and authorize staff to proceed with a traffic signal installation project, immediately, in the interest of public safety. Rohrer told the Board that those safety concerns for citizens of the County and the State Line, Pennsylvania area, employees and management of CitiCorp and County officials are being resolved. The need for a traffic signal at U.S. 11 and State Line Road has been under discussion for several years The County Administrator and Public Works Director have met with the Antrim Township Manager and his staff over the past year to discuss inter-jurisdictional issues including the Citicorp signal. Rohrer told the Board that there is a great deal of history with the situation, much of it involving red tape that goes back to the last Citicorp expansion and the County’s APFO requirements to address the impact of that expansion on surrounding infrastructure. Discussions with Antrim Township have been successful, and arrangements have been made with the Hagerstown/Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) to construct the signal. Cost for the signal could be as much as $110,000 with 90% of that cost paid by Citicorp and the balance by Washington County. The County would cover the monthly operating costs of about $150.00 and would be responsible for any future upgrades.A number of alternatives have been discussed with Antrim Township. Rohrer said staff believes that the proposed solution will benefit all concerned. Commissioners' President Snook cited the fact that CitiCorp is one of the County's largest employers, with 2,600 employees, and pays $587,000 in real estate tax each year, plus $160,000 in personal property tax. Snook said public safety concerns need to be considered in the area. The measure was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Munson voting "no".
LETTER OF INTENT: PARTICIPATION N IN MARYLAND HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Cathy Saxman, Director of Housing for the Community Action Council brought this request before the Board, to approve the submission of a Letter of Intent to MD Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) indicating that Washington County will participate in the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) Program.
Washington County would be a Level I Administrator of MD DHCD Special Loan Programs.
The measure also requested that the Board appoint the Washington County Community Action Council (CAC) as the Local Administrator of the MHRP Program, as well as the other Special Loan Programs provided through DHCD such as the Indoor Plumbing Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Loan Program and others. Further, the County would enter into a Sub-contractor Agreement with CAC for the Administration of DHCD Special Loan Programs. The programs assisthouseholds to obtain financial assistance in the form of grants and loans required to address health and safety issues to meet local building codes. The Administration of the Special Loan Programs will compliment the existing CAC Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program and related funding sources $53,112 in MHRP funds would be allocated to Washington County.In addition, $2,000,000 in Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Loan Program and $125,000 in Indoor Plumbing Program Funds will be available statewide for FY 2006. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
PROCLAMATION: DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
Office on Disability Issues Administrator Norman Bassett, Washington County Disability Advisory Committee Chair Peggy Martin and DAC member Joe Kuhna received a proclamation from the Board designating October 2005 as Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington County. In presenting the proclamation Commissioner Jiom Kercheval said that October is Disabilities Awareness Month across the United States, a time when government and the private sector take time to recognize the abilities of all people, regardless of physical or mental limitations. In Washington County, the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) to the Board of County Commissioners works to keep the Board aware of issues facing people with disabilities that need county support, and both physical and attitudinal barriers that we can eliminate by working together. Over the past several years, the DAC has taken a leading role in emergency management training for people with disabilities, in concert with the Washington County Department of Emergency Services, and through membership on state emergency services committees. Washington County has representation on the Governor's Transportation Consolidation Committee through the DAC and its work with the Maryland Alliance of Disability Commissions. The County Commissioners take this opportunity each year to reflect on the contributions people with disabilities make to the community and to renew its pledge to eliminate barriers to full accessibility in programs and activities sponsored by Washington County.
URBAN GROWTH IMPACT ON VOTER REGISTRATION
Washington County Board of Elections President Jim Mobley and Elections Office Director Dorothy Kaetzel brought this report ton the Commissioners. The Election Board has become aware of the magnitude of the housing growth occurring in Washington County and the potential impact it would have on voter registrations. Information on planned housing construction was gathered and a plan developed to handle the expected voter registration growth over the next 3 election cycles. The Elections Board estimates that there will have been a 12% increase in the number of registered voters, almost 10,000, by election time in 2006. About 3,700 new voters by 2008, and about 19,000 by 2010. Additional voting equipment and Election Judges will be needed. With 98 Chief Judges and 341 Election Judges needed in 2006. The growth will impact future budgets. The Elections Board projects that in fiscal year 2006-2007 cost increases will include $81,000 for voting equipment over the planned county share, and, $39,000 for Election Judges, including the enacted rate increase. Voting Districts in Boonsboro, Smithsburg, Maugansville and the City of Hagerstown will have to be subdivided. Mobley told the Board that only 3,000 voters can effectively be served in any one polling place on a given election day. There have also been requests from the Board of Education to relocate several polling places due to lack of adequate space. The Elections Board is looking for alternatives for the current voting locations at Clear Spring Elementary School, Funkstown Elementary, and Hickory Elementary. Funkstown Fire Hall, Halfway Fire Company's Bingo Hall and Clear Spring Middle School are likely candidates for those site relocations. The polling place at Leitersburg's old Grange Hall might be moved to an annex building. The site at Fairplay Ruritan has difficulties, and South High's polling place could move to the Vocational-Technical High School. The old school house at Big Pool has been used as a voting site, but accessibility issues have meant the Election Board is looking for a suitable site in that community. Site surveys will be conducted on 12 new polling places as well. Mobley told the Board that as much as $120,000 could be needed for the election expansion and relocations, but that funds would not be spent until increases in the number of voters is verified. Suggestions of ways the County could help election planning could include allowing County employees 8-hours free paid leave to serve as election judges, requiring developers of 300 or more housing units to have a common area suitable for holding elections, and making suggestions for new locations for polls. The report was made for informational purposes only and no action was necessary on the part of the Commissioners.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT: RETIRING GAMING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Outgoing Washington County Gaming Commission members Terry Reiber, John Doarnberger and Kim Kidd received Certificates of Merit from the Board. Terry Reiber served on the Gaming Commission since September 2001 and was Chair from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005; John Doarnberger has served on the Gaming Commission since September 2003; and Kim Kidd served from March 2001 to February 2005. The Certificate of Merit recognizes the contribution of each of these individuals and their committed service to the Washington County Gaming Commission.
REZONING: MACKLEY PROPERTY
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this rezoning case before the Commissioners. The property was approved for rezoning at last week's meeting, but the decision and findings of fact were not able to be presented. The applicant had requested that the property that is the subject of this rezoning request be rezoned from RU – Residential Urban to BG – Business General, but the Board asked for and the applicant agreed to, an amendment of the application to BL - Business Local. The consensus of the Commissioners was to grant the application as amended. The subject property consists of 1.31 acres located on the southeast corner of the intersection of MD Route 40 and Mt. Aetna Road. This matter was on the agenda for final decision in the form of findings of fact and decision as prepared by the County Attorney's Office for review and approval by the Commissioners. The measure, to approve the findings of fact and the decision, was approved by unanimous vote.
REZONING: TRIBBLE PROPERTY
Douglas also brought this case, Jim and Beth Tribble owners. David Lyles, applicant, before the Board. The applicant has requested that the property, approximately 3.12 acres located at 19638 Leitersburg Pike, on the north side of Leitersburg Pike across from the Northbrook Subdivision , be rezoned from RS – Residential Suburban to BL – Business Local.
This matter was on the agenda for discussion by the Commissioners on the issue of whether to grant or deny the rezoning requested. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the rezoning based upon its determination that this request would create “spot” zoning of a commercial property within a residential area and that the request is not logical or appropriate and is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners discussed the nature of the area in question, and commented that the BL zoning category is defined as allowing commercial development in residential areas. The corridor has mixed uses at the present time, and is conducive to business applications, the Commissioners said. It was the consensus of the Board that the case for change in the zoning designation has been made, and the Legal Department will, move forward with the next phase of the rezoning 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.
No one appeared on this date to make comment.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Gaming Commission William Cowden as a County Commissioner appointment, replacing Terry Reiber. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that reviews of potential bidders for the County's Emergency Communications System have been concluded. The bid should be brought to the Board for acceptance in about two weeks, Shoop said. The first round of interviews for the Emergency Services Division Director position have been finished. 39 applications were received, with a number of applicants possessing Ph.D. or Masters' degrees, and up to 35 years Fire and Emergency Services experience.
TOUR: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND WESTERN MARYLAND RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER
University of Maryland Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC) Faculty made presentations and the Commissioners toured the research farm on Keedysville Road during the mid day hours. WMREC is a key component in providing cutting-edge service to the agricultural community providing innovative research and extension programs conducted to improve production, sustainability, and profitability. Agriculture is the largest land use in number of acres in the county. While Farm gate receipts for Washington County exceed $60 million per year, the ripple effect on the local economy exceeds $250 million per year.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT: DEPARTMENT OF WATER QUALITY
Commissioners ' President Snook presented Certificates of Merit to Mike Marker, Shane French, Denny Engle and Bill Blair, Department of Water Quality employees who provided volunteer assistance to remove an abandoned 3,000-gallon fuel tank from the Antietam Creek. The problem came to light as the result of a canoeist's complaint to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). A letter from Dr. Robert Summers, Director of the MDE Water Management Administration thanked the employees and supervisor Engle, stating, "Your assistance in providing a sludge pump and your help in floating the tank was invaluable. Removal of the tank eliminates an eyesore, and the potential for damages to downstream structures. We continue to improve water quality for all Marylanders, as you do, and appreciate your help in this endeavor." The certificates cited the volunteerism of the four in eliminating a potential environmental hazard. The Board said that efforts like this contribute to the water quality in the County and to the aesthetics of the creek area.
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Commissioners' President Snook presented a Certificate of Achievement to Greg Murray, Department of Water Quality Director, for completion of the Bachelor of Administrative Management degree. Snook said that in continuing his education, Murray worked long hours to fulfill a lifelong quest, and encouraged all County employees to continue their professional development whenever possible.
RUNWAY 2/20 EASEMENT
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Manager Carolyn Motz brought this request, for approval of an administrative settlement of $30,000 to Dim’ A-Game LLC for the acquisition of a 2.5 acre Avigation Easement over their property located at 14563 Industry Drive, in Hagerstown, also known as the Mayflower Building. The easement is required to allow the County to control obstructions in the airspace above that property, and is the final acquisition required for the Runway 2/20 Obstruction Removal Project. The settlement is recommended by O.R. Colan Associates the real estate sub-consultant for URS. Settlement will be contingent on FAA approval. This project is funded 90% FAA at $27,000, 5% State at $1,500 and 5% County at $1,500. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR 2006 SESSION
County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this request, to review legislative requests to submit to the Delegation for the 2006 session, before the Commissioners. Ideas for legislation were proposed by various Commissioners and County staff, and 7 proposals were formed. The Board discussed a partial list of the proposals. Changes to the Excise Tax law requested would allow the Commissioners to grant individual exemptions from the tax, report receipts to the Delegation in some manner other than by school district, and eliminate "income" from the definition of workforce housing. Consensus to support the measure was reached adding the words "non-residential". A Jobs Creation Tax Credit Ordinance amendment would allow credits to be granted for certain contractual employees. The enabling statute now permits credits only for permanent full-time jobs. Consensus to support following clarification of language. Regarding Civil Citations, a number of the items concern the use of civil citations in connection with weeds and junk control, violations of the Electrical Code, and enforcement of laws regarding nuisances by the Health Department. This is the same legal mechanism that was authorized last year for the Animal Control Ordinance and has also been authorized in connection with violations of the Zoning Ordinance. It is more efficient as it allows for charges to be filed on a uniform citation similar to a speeding ticket, which is later filed in the District Court to be heard along with other cases involving municipal infractions. Consensus to support all three civil citation proposals. Regarding the appointments of Fire Police, to allow the Sheriff to appoint more than three members of fire companies as deputy sheriffs, also known as fire police. The measure would provide for additional fire police, who are considered special Sheriff's Deputies, for areas like the Rohrersville Fire Station, a sub district of Boonsboro. Consensus to support the proposal. A Probationary period for deputies amendment would remove the one-year period of probation for new deputies from the Washington County statute and allow the Sheriff to set the appropriate period of time. Consensus to support the proposal. An amendment dealing with County Attorneys would update the Code of Public Local Laws, providing that the County Commissioners may hire more than one County attorney, as the current statute allows only one. Consensus to support the proposal. A proposed amendment would provide Exemption from the motor fuel tax for Washington County government. Present exemptions from the state motor fuel tax include agricultural use, aircraft, volunteer fire and rescue apparatus, municipal transportation system buses, the federal government, and nonprofit organizations, among others, but do not include the state or County government. This would be statewide legislation. Consensus not to support the proposal. The Board decided to send a letter of support for a statewide bill banning Cell phone use while driving, as it is thought the matter will come before the General Assembly again this year. Local Management Board reauthorization: legislation providing for the Local Management Board (LMB), known locally as the Washington County Partnership for Children and Families “sunsetted” as of July 1, 2005. LMBs were part of Maryland’s System Reform initiative that sought to place the decision-making process for service delivery to children, youth and families with local jurisdictions. New legislation is sorely needed in order to assure its survival. LMBs statewide have secured sponsors for the needed legislation, but are in need of support from local jurisdictions and additional cosponsors in the Senate and the House of Delegates. Consensus to support the proposal. Child abuse and fourth degree sex offense. Assistant State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion has made two proposals for statewide amendments to the criminal laws. One add the crime of child abuse to the list of crimes designated as “crimes of violence” for which enhanced penalties may be assessed The second proposal would increase the penalty for the crime of sexual offense in the fourth degree from the present maximum penalty of one year or a fine not exceeding $1000, or both. Both of these would be statewide legislation. Consensus to seek information from the State before granting support, as to the possibility of statewide legislation filing by other jurisdictions. The proposals would be taken to Public Hearing in the next several weeks, and the annual meeting between the Commissioners and the Delegation will take place in November.
REQUEST FOR SECOND RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling, John Barr, Chairman of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum Board, and Gerald Poffenberger, President of the Washington County Agricultural Education Center Board brought this request, to approve construction of a second museum building at the Agricultural Education Center, to the Board. Barr told the Board that both the Ag Board and the Museum Committee feel that the time has come to expand the Museum Complex to include a second Museum Building. That plan would enable the public an opportunity to experience the progression of how earlier generations lived, worked and prospered. In 2000 the Maryland General Assembly awarded a $75,000 matching grant to the Board of Directors of the Washington County Agricultural Education Center for the construction and capital equipping of the Agricultural Education Center. The original intent of the Grant was to fund the construction of the Rural Heritage Village. After discussions between the various committees it was decided that the best use of these funds was to construct a second Museum Building to house the growing collection of larger equipment and machinery that has been donated. The Recreation and Parks Board has concurred with the request. Funding in place includes the $75,000.00 matching State Grant and $125,000.00 in donations collected. A $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 yearly operational cost was estimated, which would be covered by revenues generated by the Park. Sterling said that an additional $100,000 could be needed for parking facilities and lighting, and that site work would be donated. Commissioners' President Greg Snook said that the recommendation had merit, but that the group should keep an eye on operating costs. A motion, to move forward with putting together a bid package, was approved by unanimous vote.