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.
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Joseph Ruzicka, Director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts introduced Ms. Ineke Middag, Director of the Singer Museum of Laren, Holland and 7 members of the Board of Trustees of that museum to the Commissioners. The two directors offered brief histories of their institutions, both founded by William Singer and Anna Singer, who was a Hagerstown native. Because of their common bonds, the two museums are embarking on several collaborative projects, beginning in 2006. The breakfast hour meeting was held at the Museum of Fine Arts, in Hagerstown City Park.
COMMISSIONERS' VICE-PRESIDENT WILLIAM WIVELL CHAIRED THE MEETING IN THE ABSENCE OF PRESIDENT GREG SNOOK.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on last week's Planning Commission meeting. That Commission adopted an internal policy regarding the length of cul-de-sacs due to fire protection issues. At a meeting with members from Greater Hagerstown Committee and Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hagerstown mentioned that they will be adding the issue of nutrient loading caps and the subsequent limit on Countywide sewer capacity as part of the legislative agenda to be put before the Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly. Commissioner Kercheval repeated his request to modify the rezoning process and have any information that is to be presented by the applicant at a rezoning hearing submitted to the Commissioners beforehand so that there is adequate time for review. The Commissioner also reported that the Water Quality Department was needed to report on questions relating to the rezoning case presented on Monday and asked to have that added to a future agenda. The Economic Development Commission met recently and discussed the Todd Snook annexation proposal. EDC stated it would not change its position of non-support for a requested change from industrial zoning to a residential zoning. Kercheval reported on laying a wreath at the courthouse on behalf of the Commissioners on Veterans' Day.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on a presentation to the Smithsburg Lions club made by Joe Kroboth regarding County preparation for emergency situations. Wivell worked with Kroboth on that presentation. Last Week's Family Center open house was informative, Wivell said. A meeting was held with Delegate Leroy Myers, Commissioner Greg Snook, Members of the Board of Education and builders groups on the need for trades programs at the Technical High School. The Commissioner attended several Veterans' Day ceremonies including those at Clear Spring High School and Smithsburg's Veterans Park. The PenMar Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting on Monday discussed Hurricane Katrina relief. That Board received one inquiry on housing of evacuees, but no follow up requests. The housing units were released for rental. PMDC also reviewed phase 4 of the unexploded ordinance project. In that phase, over 13,000 anomalies were found, but only 6 actual detonations were necessary. The year ended on a positive note financially for PMDC, reporting $159,000 net income for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. Control of waterfowl at the former Fort Ritchie was discussed, and a contract of up to $5,000 was approved for measures to control the Goose population there.
RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION: MAUGANS AVENUE
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this request before the Board, for purchase of fee simple Right-of-Way (ROW) and easements needed for the Maugans Avenue realignment project. Two properties and a stormwater pond were included in the request
The ROW and easement acquisition would include: MEM properties 9,720 sq.ft. fee simple, a 2,237 square foot slope/grading easement, and a 6,771 sq.ft. temporary construction easement. for a total acquisition cost of $60,259. MEM properties stormwater area 47,309 sq.ft. fee simple, a 5,536 sq.ft. revertible slope easement, and a 3,466 sq.ft. temporary construction easement for a total acquisition cost of $367,796. Lorraine Amos fee simple area 964 sq.ft., revertible slope easement 771 sq. ft., temporary construction easement 1,299 sq.ft. for a total acquisition cost of $ 5,250.00. The grand total would be just over $433,000.00. A number of other rights of way will be purchased before the project ends, Kuhna said. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
BID AWARD: WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS
Purchasing Department Buyer Rick Curry, brought the bid award for Swimming Pool and Water/Waste Water Treatment Chemicals before the Board., Each year there are a number of recommended vendors for each of a number of specified products, sold by the pound, gallon, drum or ton. A total of 22 items appeared on the bid, with 6 low bidders for the supplies. On November 1, 2005, the County accepted bids for swimming pool and water/wastewater treatment chemical requirements for County using departments as well as for the City of Hagerstown. The contract is for a one-year period that begins immediately upon award with no options for renewal. The awards were approved by unanimous vote.
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 the Sandy Hook area commented on traffic problems on U.S. Route 340, and in the Valley Road area of South County. The Health Department Flu clinic at the Elks Club was well organized, Himes said. A direct dial number to County offices is being initiated as the result of Himes' requests to the Board. Residents of the County south of Boonsboro have had to pay toll charges on calls to the County in the past.
The Board joined County Staff for the annual Flu Shot clinic held for employees at the Administration Building at 100 West Washington Street that corresponded with the Health Department's inoculation clinic day. The Commissioners urge all persons to protect themselves during the coming influenza season by attending one of the Health Department clinics that are being held around the county. The employee flu shot clinic is a function of the County's Wellness program administered by the Human Resources Department.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested approval to advertise the Department of Water Quality Office Associate position responsible for front desk activities, due to the proposed retirement of the incumbent. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Shoop requested a change order in the amount of $43,000 for changes to the contract for Terminal Modifications at Hagerstown Regional Airport. The measure died due to lack of a second and will be brought before the Board at a later date.
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney John Martirano told the Board that the next Code Home Rule Task Force Meeting will take place on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Administration Building, at 100 West Washington Street.
RESOLUTION: MODIFICATIONS TO A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND, MARYLAND WATER QUALITY FINANCING ADMINISTRATION
Director of Budget & Finance Debra Murray and Timmy Ruppersberger, Bond Counsel for Washington County brought this request, to reauthorize certain bonds, before the Board. The Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration has completed the refunding for a portion of its outstanding revenue bonds and as a result, is passing a portion of the savings on to Washington County. The request was for an Authorizing Resolution for the Modifications to a General Obligation Installment Bond of the County from Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration for the Conococheague Treatment Plant, dated 1990, accomplished by an Amended and Restated Bond and a First Amendment to the Loan Agreement. A loan dated January 1990 would be being modified to reduce the interest rate from 4.894% to 3.4%. The change will result in a savings of $101,936 over the remaining six-year life of the loan. Murray told the Board that since May of 2004 it has refinanced or saved a total of $13,011,689 in interest expense. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
THE COMMISSIONERS ATTENDED THE ANNUAL HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT THE NOON HOUR AT THE EASTERN SECTION SHOP
BID AWARD; PENMAR WATER FACILITIES
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Water Quality Department Director Greg Murray brought this bid award for PenMar Water Facilities to the Board for approval. The recommendation was to award the bid to the lowest responsible, responsive bidder, Mid-Atlantic Utilities, Inc. of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania for the Base Bid amount of $3,015,868.60 and Total Contingent Items of $19,000.00 for a Total of $3,034,868.60 and a Budget Transfer Request of $250,000 Water Department line accounts. The project includes clearing, grubbing, excavation, backfill, surface restoration, furnishing and installing 4”, 6”, and 8” PVC water main, furnishing and installing 20 fire hydrants and a 132,000 gallon water storage tank with all appurtenances, removal and resetting of existing fence, seeding disturbed areas and placing salvaged topsoil to provide a complete and useable facility for the conveyance of water. This recommendation has met with approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Funding for the project comes from federal USDA grants and loans totaling $1.14 million, a MDE grant of $1.46 million and $450,000.00 from the Water Fund. Discussion centered on some residents of the area having opposition to the water system. The measure to approve the bid award died for lack of a second. Later in the meeting, with Commissioner Munson acting as Chair, the measure was approved on a 2-0 vote.
BID AWARD: MOTOR AND INDUSTRIAL OILS
Luther and Jack Reynard, County Fleet Manager requested award of the bid for
Motor & Industrial Oils to Tri-County Petroleum, Inc. of Defiance, Pennsylvania based on unit costs and estimated annual quantities for the total bid amount of $72,200.56, which is a corrected bid total based on unit prices. The contract is for the period December 1, 2005 through November 30, 2006 with an option for the County to renew for up to 2 additional consecutive 1-year periods. The contract is no longer a firm fixed-price contract. Prices will remain firm from December 1, 2005 through February 28, 2006. At that time, a request to adjust prices, either upward or downward, will be made by the contractor to the County by providing documented evidence from the awarded contractor’s suppliers of any pricing fluctuations. The awarded contractor agrees to provide the documented pricing information to the County Purchasing Agent. Prices would not be adjusted without notifying, discussing, and receiving approval from the County of any proposed changes. Proposed increases from the awarded contractor exceeding the actual increases from the awarded contractor’s supplier(s) would not be allowed. The same method of handling pricing fluctuations would be performed at the end of every 3 calendar-month interval, on May 31, August 31, and November 30 throughout the duration of the contract, to include any extension periods. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC. GRANT
Economic Development Commission Director Tim Troxell brought this item before the Board for approval. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, under the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority, has agreed to conditionally grant Americom Government Services, Inc. up to $10,000 from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Fund (MEDAF). Proceeds from the MEDAF Grant would be used by Americom to expand its operations currently located in Washington County. The project plans call for Americom to lease a new building approximately 30,000 square feet in size, consisting of combined office, production, and warehouse space on a 7.29-acre parcel located at Insurance Way in Hagerstown. That facility would be part of the Hunt Ridge Business Park.
By state law, the County is required to endorse the making of the MEDAF Grant for the Project and approve the required local incentive. The County intends to contribute up to $40,000 for the Project in the form of a conditional grant on the same terms and conditions as the MEDAF Grant. Troxell told the Board that Americom has been housed at Hagerstown Community College but is in need of additional space. The average wage of this high-tech firm is $80,000.00 or more annually, Troxell said. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PROCLAMATION: HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK
Community Action Council (CAC) Director Dave Jordan received a Commissioners' proclamation designating the week of November 13-19, 2005 as Homeless Awareness Week in Washington County. In presenting the proclamation Commissioners' Vice-President Bill Wivell said the Board recognizes the homeless problem in Washington County and efforts to educate the public about homelessness and the lack of Affordable housing in the County. Organizations assisting homeless persons and families are to be commended, the Commissioners said. Those organizations include CAC, CASA, the Community Free Clinic, the Department of Social Services, the County Health Department, the Mental Health Authority, the Mental Health Center, REACH Cold Weather Shelter, St. Johns Shelter, the Salvation Army, Turning Point, the Union Rescue Mission, the Walnut Street Clinic, and the Community Partnership for Children and Families. 159 families were found to be homeless in a recent Washington County survey, and agencies are working to enable families and individuals to attain better living conditions. The week was proclaimed Homeless Awareness Week for 2005.
RURAL HERITAGE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling, Jerry Poffenberger, Chairman of the Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors and Ag Center Board member John Barr brought a request for approval of the concept of a Rural Heritage Transportation Museum, and pursuit of a state Matching Grant. Senator Don Munson has approached the Ag Center Board of Directors with the concept of building a Transportation related museum at that park . Poffenberger told the Board that Senator Munson has offered to propose legislation this session to provide a $100,000 matching State grant to “Build and Equip the Transportation Museum”. The Museum would provide an opportunity for the public to view the progression of Transportation that was used to make Rural Life easier and more productive prior to 1940. The Washington County Rural Heritage Museum Committee, the Washington County Agricultural Education Center Board of Directors, and the Washington County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board have concurred with the request. Sterling told the Board that the process of funding and building the facility would take from 3 to 5 years to complete. Consensus was given to move forward with the plan.