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.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on participation at a PTA forum with local and state officials, parents and teachers and a tour of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The Commissioner attended the City of Hagerstown's "thank you" luncheon for members of advisory boards and commissions and suggested the County consider recognizing their many volunteer Board members in some fashion. The NAACP annual banquet, which the Commissioner attended on November 19th heard from Jet Reed of the Board of Education. The Black Rock Golf Course Board met on the 21st and discussed utilization of part-time employees. Black Rock's Gross revenues are up this year, but so are expenses, Kercheval reported. The Local Management Board held its annual strategic planning meeting last week. Commissioner Kercheval expressed the County's condolences to the family of the late Bill Mason, an LMB member who passed away recently. Four Commissioners participated in the Salvation Army's Bell Ringing at Valley Mall Monday night, Kercheval said. The Agricultural Preservation Board met and discussed transfer of development rights issues. Kercheval expressed his concern that staff was not being aggressive enough in moving this issue along and wanted to get a list of qualified consultants to establish the framework of a TDR program as quickly as possible.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on the Maugans Avenue Realignment meeting held at Maugansville Elementary School last week. Wivell commended Public Works Director Gary Rohrer on the way that meeting was conducted. Wivell commented on attending the Department of Social Services Board of Directors meeting Monday evening, and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board meeting.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on the Family Center anniversary event. The Commission for Women will hold another fun raising event for Girls, Inc. this year, Nipps said. The Recreation and Parks Board met and heard the Agricultural Heritage Museum announce December 12 th as the date of its annual Holiday Open House. A group of local business and government officials met with Maryland Comptroller William Donald Shaffer last week. Business and transportation issues were discussed as well as the need for School construction. Nipps said the meeting was time well spent. The Airport Commission heard consultant URS, Inc. report that "package 1" of the airport runway project is 90% complete. "Package 3" is underway with beams being cast for the U.S. 11 bridge construction phase. The relocation of Route 11 will be monitored closely to keep costs in line. The annual Strategic Planning session at HGR looked at the direction the facility will go after the runway project is complete, and what the facility will look like in the future in terms of airfield tenants and passenger service.
Commissioner John Munson told the Board that the Maugans Avenue realignment meeting, held on November 17 th was productive and informative.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook reminded the Board that the University System of Maryland-Hagerstown will hold an open house on Thursday at 2 p.m. EDC Director Tim Troxell and USMH Director David Warner will talk about the positive impact that the newest course of study, Engineering, will, have on the community. The State Highway Administration sent a letter to the Board giving data on truck weigh stations. The State is continuing to look at the possibility of such a facility on I-81 in Washington County, Snook said. The Public School Construction program in Maryland will provide about $2.7 million for the Maugansville Elementary project. The Maryland Department of the Environment has notified the Board that an amendment to the Water and Sewer Plan for the Town of Keedysville has been approved. A letter from a local constituent regarding the State Flush Tax has requested the County allow exemptions for hardship cases, as has been the case in other counties in the state. The Boonsboro Town Council has gone on record to support the Friends of the Boonsboro Library in naming the facility the "Boonsboro Free Library Branch of Washington County". The County has provided 5 computers to the Literacy Council for use in providing English language instruction to Meskhetian Turkish immigrants. The group requested a donation of $1,500 for support costs for printers and software. The Board approved that donation, from the Commissioners Contingency fund, by unanimous vote.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reported that the $4 million Pavement Management Project is about 70% complete. In all about 48.5 miles of roads in the county have been repaired to some extent, and there are 16.2 miles of road yet to be done. Pavement markings must be completed before winter weather sets in, Rohrer said.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to fill a full-time bus operator position at County Commuter. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
HISTORIC SITE/STRUCTURE PRESERVATION
Preston Law, Chairman and Patricia Schooley, Secretary of the Washington County Historical Advisory Committee made several recommendations to the Board. The group requested that it be given power to deny demolition permits for historic structures in Washington County, that the historic site survey be updated, that a planner responsible for historic preservation be hired, that the French Lane stone house be sold, and that financial support be provided for the 250 th Anniversary of Fort Frederick. Planning Director Mike Thompson said that a plat is currently being developed for the French Lane House, and the Board supports selling that property, provided access issues can be resolved. Part of the duties of one new position in the Planning Department will be devoted to historic issues. Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the group that the demolition issue is one of a number of enforcement related measures being taken to the legislature this year, with a request that the County have additional enforcement authority. Snook told the group that the Board supports efforts to renovate and preserve Fort Frederick, and that a specific request for funding for that project should be submitted prior to development of the Capital Improvement Budget for the coming fiscal year. Snook said the Board supports the preservation efforts.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH TRAINING GRANT
Bardonna Woods, Chief of Communications Brought this request, that the Board enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services for an Emergency Medical Dispatch Training Grant. Woods told the Board that Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services (MIEMSS) will provide $3,205 in grant funding to give training needed for new certification and re-certification of emergency medical dispatchers, which is required under Title 30 of the Code of Maryland Regulations. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
J.D. Rinehart, Chair, Agricultural Marketing Taskforce of the Economic Development Commission brought this report to the Board for discussion. The Task Force requests that the Commissioners approve the creation of an Agricultural Marketing Specialist for FY ‘07. The Board created this Taskforce in February after hearing a presentation from the Washington County Farm Bureau. Taskforce members included Priscilla Harsh, Suzanne Hayes, Brien Poffenberger, Tom Riford, J.D. Rinehart, Jeff Semler, Chris Shank, and Tim Troxell. After reviewing initiatives undertaken in other jurisdictions, the Taskforce said it believes the creation of an Agricultural Marketing Specialist will help promote, develop, and further preserve the agricultural industry and character of Washington County. Under discussion were duties and responsibilities, office location, reporting structure, and funding requirements of the position. The Agricultural Extension Office, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Farm Bureau, and Economic Development Commission are all in concurrence with the Task Force recommendations. Total cost for the first year for the position was proposed at $95,000, to include $25,000 for marketing expenses. Discussion took place on where the employee would be housed, how the employee would be supervised, and possible funding of the position in whole or in part by the Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Commissioner Snook said that he was not 100% sold on the position yet, but that something should be done to improve marketing of Agribusiness in Washington County. Commissioner Munson requested letters of support from the farming community. Snook told the group that the Commissioners will consider the position in the next fiscal year's budget.
ANNUAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION
County Transportation Department Director Kevin Cerrone brought this measure before the Board for approval. Cerrone requested approval of the Annual Public Transportation Grant Funding Application for fiscal year 2007 under the Federal Transit Act. The Public Transportation Department annually applies to the Maryland Transit Administration for Federal and State grant funding to operate authorized transportation programs within Washington County, Maryland. The application is for fiscal year 2007 and is being made for both operational and capital funding. Local match from the General Fund is required to secure Federal and State grant funds. Local match for the Urban Transportation Program fell from $417,000 in FY '06 to $391,059.00 for FY '07 and from FY 2005 to FY 2007 fell from 44% to 31%, Cerrone said. ADA Paratransit local match is $21,500.00, and match for Capital procurements is at 10% of approved items. The measure was 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.
Dan Moller of Rohrersville commented on expenses for education and SAT scores.
Taylor Oliver of Taylor Homes requested clarification on "livable space" in a new home and how that space is taxed.
Diane Eaves of the Alliance for Reasonable Taxation commented on a need for property tax reform in Maryland.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney Richard Douglas presented an amended legislative proposal to the Board for approval. Douglas said that in last week's meeting with the Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, the proposed legislation to give the County greater enforcement authority over three specific jurisdictional areas was expanded. The Delegates recommended amending the measure to give the County expanded enforcement power for all Ordinances and regulations, and those regulations under COMAR that come under Health Department authority. The Board reached consensus to suppport the amended proposal.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Agricultural Education Center Board to fill a vacancy created by a resignation. The appointment of Galen Long was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the Red Cross in Hagerstown reported that County citizens have donated over a million dollars in cash for victims of the recent hurricanes.
Shoop requested a budget transfer for the Weed Control Department in the amount of $76,000.00. Shoop said that Weed Control bills the State Highway Administration and other jurisdictions for services it performs. The measure allowed funds to be moved from a revenue account to the department's operating expense budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CHANGE ORDER APPROVAL: HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING MODIFICATIONS
Hagerstown Regional Airport Manager Carolyn Motz and Mahesh Kukata, consultant for URS engineering consultant firm brought this request, Change Order No. 1 approval for the Terminal Building Modifications Project, before the Board. Change Order No. 1 includes miscellaneous design and field changes made to the contract. The original contract was for $891,870. The changes equal $43,895. Terminal Building Modifications design and field changes included: additional support for interior glass wall partitions, security access control changes, rock excavation, minor restroom and kitchen changes, emergency repairs to the existing non-insulated sprinkler system, tile and carpeting revisions, a new circuit breaker for an automatic transfer switch, calibration for screening equipment, and an exterior glass door at the boarding room corridor area. Except for Change Order Item No. 6, all other items receive 90% FAA and 5% MAA funding. Payment for Item 6 would be FAA $1,835; MAA $9,175.05; and Airport/County $9,175.05. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
A change order would increase the contract for Dirt Express, Inc. to address obstructions on properties in the Runway Protection Zone, and to level areas prone to flooding near the airport. The $126,345.50 change would bring the total for the project to $356,780.50. The County's share of the change order amount would be about $6,000. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
AIRPORT PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS
Motz and Kukata brought a request for an increase in the administrative settlement from $169,800 to $220,000 for Donald Foster, 14229 Maugansville Road and Acquire Property from Nelson Turner at 14216 Maugansville Road. The administrative settlement with Turner would be in the amount of $320,000. Portions of these properties are in the Runway Protection Zone for Runway 9. The Fosters requested an adjustment to their settlement based on increased property values. The Turners will be allowed 6 months free rent from the time of closing. This is a 95% Federal Aviation Administration funded project with 2.5% local match and 2.5% state match and is funded in the airport Capital Improvement Project budget. The measures were approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".
BID AWARD: SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM VEHICLE
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Sergeant Mark Holtzman, Director of the Narcotics Task Force (NTF), brought this request before the Board, to award the purchase of a Special Response Team (SRT) Vehicle to the responsive, responsible bidder with the lowest bid, Krammes Kustom Body of St. Clair, Pennsylvania for Option 3 in the amount of $110,895.00. The proposed vehicle would be used as a multi-purpose vehicle to transport equipment, communications, and the SWAT members. The recommended vehicle replaces a used 1986 ambulance utilized for the operation. The recommended replacement vehicle is designed to haul a total of 12 SWAT members. It would be used for storing life saving medical equipment, including on-the-scene medical supplies that require refrigeration. 3 volunteer SWAT paramedics are assigned to the team. These members carry everything that is carried by a military field medic. One hundred percent of this vehicle’s costs are being paid using Grant 905 - a DAG Account fund that presently has a balance of over $300,000. These funds are seized drug funds to be used only for law enforcement. The measure was
Approved by unanimous vote.
Airport terminal apron project revealing: The Board toured IMPROVEMENTS at Hagerstown Regional Airport during the noon hour.
As part of the Terminal Improvement Program at Hagerstown Regional Airport the Terminal Apron has been completely revamped to provide a stronger and safer medium for commercial aircraft staging. Airport Manager Carolyn Motz told the Board that a major portion of the apron improvement was to meet compliance standards of the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA). That regulatory body requires fueling ramps to drain away from terminals, for passenger safety purposes. The reconstruction includes a 12-inch thick concrete pavement to support heavier aircraft and minimize maintenance. Larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737/757, Airbus 319 and most corporate and regional jets will be able to be supported by the new pavement. The project also eliminated an existing ADA accessibility problem involving cross-slopes at the passenger boarding area. Following the presentation, the Commissioners and members of the Airport Advisory Commission were able to inspect a new Cessna Caravan aircraft that will be part of a new air charter service based at HGR.
NEW EMPLOYEE NAMED
The Board named Brennan Garrett of Smithsburg Chief Plans Examiner in the Department of Permits and Inspections, effective January 1 st. A Commercial Plan Reviewer for Frederick County, Garrett has considerable experience in all phases of plans review, as well as Computer-aided design, and general contracting. While with Frederick County Garrett reviewed commercial and residential plans for compliance with the County's adopted codes, and provided supervision for departmental employees. He holds the Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland, College Park.
TOUR OF DISCOVERY STATION: THE BOARD TOURED DISCOVERY STATION, INC. SCIENCE MUSEUM DURING THE AFTERNOON, AT THE REQUEST OF THAT AGENCY'S BOARD CHAIR MARIE BYERS. DISCOVERY IS ATTEMPTING TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE OF COMMISSIONERS' DIRECT DONATIONS LIST.