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 5 newly hired employees before the Board
for introductions. Mary Nelson is a new Bus Operator at County Commuter. Kristin DeBold
was recently hired as Stormwater Management Technician in the Engineering Department.
Robert Long and Brandon K. Physioc are new Detention Officers and Robert Harris
was hired as a Detention Deputy at the Detention Center.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
John Munson requested that the County consider lowering the cap on State property
assessments to 5% from the current 10%, to include renters, and reduce the
property tax by the amount of the Constant Yield. Munson also reported on investigating
a property tax exemption on the first $25,000 of a home’s value, as is
granted in other states. The state of Maryland Constitution would have to be
modified for that change to take place, Munson reported.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a Planning Commission workshop dealing with Planned Unit Development overlays. New officers were installed by the Commission on Aging last week, Nipps said. The City’s presentation on its Comprehensive Plan showed promise, Nipps reported. The Airport Commission meeting last week heard a report from consultant URS on the status of the runway improvement project. Phase I of the project is 93% complete and will be completed by May. Phase three, dealing with rerouting of U.S. 11 and construction of a bridge over that highway, has been started. Fuel sales are going well at the airfield, and HGR met its cash reserve requirements this year, Nipps said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on meeting with the state Board of Public Works in Annapolis, to request additional State funding for the Maugansville Elementary and planning and funding approval for Pangborn Elementary School. A Planning Commission presentation reviewed the City of Hagerstown's Comprehensive Plan last week. The Commissioner attended the ribbon cutting of the new Sheetz store on Pennsylvania Avenue. That store is an example of new architecture to be adopted by the chain, Wivell said. At the Williamsport Fire Company banquet, the company reported that their number of calls had increased to 617 for 2005, from 594 for the prior year. The company also reported that they plan to be debt - free by April, 2006. That Fire Company will open an ice - cream stand in Byron Park to aid it s fundraising. The Williamsport Emergency Medical Services company and that Fire Company signed a formal consolidation agreement and plan to house the ambulance by the end of January. Wivell applauded both companies for their willingness to work together to provide improved service to the community in a cost-efficient manner. While at the Sheriff's Department last week, Wivell discussed the Central Booking project. Wivell will work with Legal staff and Councilwoman Penny Nigh in developing a cooperative operating agreement for that project. The Department of Social Services Board of Directors discussed the Federal Uniform Interstate Family Support Agreement. A significant number of child services caseload spans state lines. The Governor's proposed budget would add 100 child welfare workers statewide, and the County might get 2 additional caseworkers. A $25 per month increase for foster parents has been proposed, the first such increase for those services since 1990, Wivell said. Wivell also asked for a MACo/State-wide initiative to press the State for funding of salary and benefits for Health Department employees when the State approves such increases in their budget. The current estimated shortfall in funding versus salary and benefits is projected at $480,000 for FY 2007.
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval reported on a Planning Commission workshop dealing with Planned
Unit Development overlays. The Local Management Board meeting last week reported
the annual audit was conducted without problems. Safe Place, Inc., a vendor
of services funded by the LMB, was one of four similar agencies in the
State to receive accreditation. The local private non-profit agency served
600 abused children last year, Kercheval said. Safe place will also
be awarded a Governor's grant for additional funding that is to be presented
on September 30th. The 18th annual child abuse conference will be held
by the Department of Social Services this spring. The meeting on the City
of Hagerstown's Comprehensive Plan discussed short and long range planning
initiatives. It's estimated that the Hagerstown's 20-year
growth area could accommodate 18,000 new housing units. That number
of units could translate into the need for 3-4 new elementary
schools and one new high school and 1-1/2 new middle schools to serve that
area depending on student generation rates. Planners should keep these future
needs in mind to reserve adequate land, Kercheval said. The Metropolitan
Planning Organization looked at the findings of a recent federal audit
calling for the reorganization of the committee that would require a full-time
Director and an Assistant’s position to serve the needs of the multi-state transportation
planning organization. The EPA non-attainment area for particulate matter
includes Jefferson and Berkeley Counties as well as Washington County. The
non-attainment designation will require our County to review all major road
projects for compliance to established air quality standards. A meeting
with Boonsboro Town staff discussed water issues, and a planned development proposed
for annexation that includes a 15-acre school site. Kercheval called for
action on the need expressed by three community groups for a greater lobbying
presence in Annapolis. The Greater Hagerstown Committee, CHIEF and the Hagerstown-Washington
County Chamber of Commerce have requested that the County join in hiring
a lobbyist in order to have a full-time presence in the state capitol. The
request is for $3,000 in funding, to be matched by a like amount from
each agency. Kercheval said that the major issues this legislative session
are Water and Sewer issues regarding money in the Governor’s budget
to upgrade several minor treatment plants in the County; keeping the County
Gaming revenues and process out of state hands; funding for the upgrade of
the Edgewood Drive/U.S. 40 intersection; and lobbying for Homeland Security
funds to insure adequate funding for the Public Safety Communications system.
If Homeland Security funds were granted to the state for a Western MD project,
there is currently no guarantee that money would stay for that
project and could be disbursed to other Maryland jurisdictions, Kercheval
said. The community used a lobbyist successfully in the past to help
secure operational funding for the University system, but the move would
be the first time that Washington County has hired a lobbyist. Lobbying
initiatives are a common practice for several other Maryland Counties with
some like Anne Arundel and Montgomery Counties having full time lobbyists
as county employees. The move would complement our Delegations
current efforts to lobby for Community projects. Commissioners’ President
Greg Snook commented that changes in the way government functions at the
state level means it is not always possible to meet with influential legislators,
and gave support to the proposal. The measure was approved by a 3-2 vote
with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no".
Commissioners'
President Greg Snook told the Board that the Air Conformity issue discussed
by the Metropolitan Planning Organization at last week's meeting constitutes
a serious problem for the County because each time as major, transportation-related
project is begun, an Air Conformity Analysis will have to be completed and
filed with the EPA. Any additions or corrections to existing plans would also
trigger the Air Conformity requirement. Jefferson and Berkeley Counties are
faced with then same issues, Snook said. The Federal Emergency Management Administration
Hazardous Materials Mitigation Plan for all unincorporated areas of the County
was approved recently, with all criteria successfully met, Snook reported.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works
Director Gary Rohrer reported on the School Construction Advisory Committee
meeting last week that approved the plans for the North High School stadium.
Rohrer and Assistant Public Works Director Joe Kroboth will gravel to Annapolis
to brief the Budget and Taxation Committee on the impact state withholding
of Highway User Revenues on Counties. Rohrer said that a transition plan is
being worked out for the interim period following the retirement of Highways
Department Director Ted Wolford.
Emergency
Services Director John Latimer told the Board that the ESD became involved
with the consolidation of the Williamsport Fire and Emergency Medical Services
companies into one building. Latimer called the move the beginning of a cultural
change within the Fire/Rescue community that will impact on staffing and funding
issues. Former ESD Director Joe Kroboth was instrumental in that merger, Latimer
said.
Planning
and Community Development Director Mike Thompson reported that the next joint
meeting with the Planning Commission is set for March 13th and will probably
require two or three meetings to handle all the rezoning issues on tap.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION (See
Photo)
The Board
of County Commissioners recognized Highways Department Director Ted Wolford
for a job well done over the 34 years as a department head with the County.
Wolford, who will retire next month said, "If I have been successful,
it is because of the support from the Highways Department employees and the
Board of County Commissioners over the years."
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Members
of the County's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee gave the Commissioners
a first look at the proposed CIP budget for Fiscal Year 2007. Budget and Finance
Director Debra Bastian, Public Works Director Gary Rohrer and Planning and
Community Development Director Mike Thompson brought the first of many discussions
on the CIP before the Board. Bastian gave an overview of projected revenues,
and talked impact on the CIP from a number of new revenue sources. Three major
areas for funding within the CIP would again be the Highway Improvement program,
the Emergency Communication system and School Construction. Bastian said that
the various drafts of the CIP would be included on the County’s Website www.washco-md.net in
Excel format for public review. Capital Improvements include all facility
construction and renovations, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, as
well as water and sewer lines. The Commissioners review each line item expenditure
prior to budget approval. Areas reviewed included drainage projects amounting
to $472,000 and nine bridge improvement projects totaling $1.9 million. Public
Works Director Gary Rohrer cited the preservation of Stone Arch bridges that
are included in the budget, including the bridges over Antietam Creek at Funkstown,
and Harper's Ferry Road. Water and Sewer projects slated for the coming fiscal
year would total $1.04 million. The presentation looked at long-term trends
for revenue through FY 2010. Amounts did not include grants and other sources
of revenue. All phases of the FY '06 Capital budget will be reviewed and amended
many times before final adoption, in May.
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.
Ron Mayers
of Hagerstown commented on using local contractors in County projects. Commissioners'
President Greg Snook explained that it is the practice of the County to accept
the lowest responsible, responsive bid for any project and that companies in
Washington County were always included in the list of bidders.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested a change order for the PenMar
Water Contract of $246 thousand dollars less that originally contracted, due
to a change in the manner that the water line will be installed. Water Quality
Department Director Greg Murray told the Board that the Maryland Department
of the Environment had allowed DWQ to install the water line at a depth of
3 feet instead of 4.5 feet, due to location of the sewer lines in the area.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS STATUS REPORT
Public Works
Director Gary Rohrer and David McCobin, of L. Robert Kimball & Associates
consulting firm brought this report to the Board. Information and status of
work accomplished by the consultant and the Public Safety Radio Communications
Steering Committee to dater was presented. The steering committee
worked through a systematic and comprehensive approach to dealing with the
issues for nearly 5 years. McCobin reported on the status of the program. Since
gaining the board’s approval last February to publicly advertise for
proposals for the new system, the committee has invested thousands of man-hours
developing the request, reviewing submittals, interviewing proposers and discussing
possible alternatives, Rohrer said. McCobin told the Board that the first three
phases of the project have been completed, and that assessment of the system
showed aging, obsolete equipment that has reached the end of its usable life.
The study cited improvement of radio communications coverage and performance
through a fully digital network integrating voice, paging and data communications.
Police, Fire, Ambulance and local government operations will all be able to
communicate with one another, and to agencies in surrounding states through
the use of the 450 Mega Hertz system. Over 1250 mobile and portable radios
will replace the like number of aging units now in service, and remote tower
sites will be upgraded. Preliminary design of the system has been accomplished,
the Request for Proposal issued, proposals accepted and the review process
is underway. The next steps are choosing a vendor, completing the contract
and starting construction. The project should be underway by late summer or
early fall of 2006. Numbers of users on the system will be unlimited, and the
system would integrate with the wireless systems in use by the Department of
Water Quality and the Permits and Inspections department. Individual Fire and
Rescue companies would be eligible for federal grants to help pay for equipment.
Recommendations for a vendor will be brought before the Board for approval
soon, Rohrer said.
WATER & SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION UPDATE
Merle Elliott,
Chairman of the Washington County Water and Sewer Infrastructure Commission
brought an update on that group's activities to the Board. The Commission was
established by the Local Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly Responsibilities
of the Commission include assessing the existing capacity and deficiencies
of the water and sewer service in Washington County; Reviewing the State and
Federal regulatory requirements with regard to providing water and sewer service;
Reviewing and analyzing the future growth projections for Washington County,
and the impact that growth will have on water and sewer services throughout
Washington County; Examining the water and sewer services provided by neighboring
regions and other counties and municipalities throughout the State; Considering
various options as to how future water and sewer services can be achieved in
an efficient and cost effective manner, while ensuring that the system will
continue to service public health needs of the residents of Washington County;
Considering how to balance the current and future economic development objectives
of Washington County with issues arising from water and sewer services in Washington
County; Considering the readiness with which the municipalities located within
Washington County are equipped to handle the water and sewer needs of these
areas in conjunction with the future growth of Washington County; Considering
an efficiency and cost savings analysis of creating a regional authority that
would consolidate the City of Hagerstown and Washington County water and sewer
departments; Considering the feasibility of expanding the a regional authority
beyond consolidating the City of Hagerstown and Washington County water and
sewer departments. Elliott told the Board that the committee found that regulations
are being followed, and that consolidation of agencies might not bring about
a large savings. Changes in state and federal regulations were seen as placing
limitations on capacity. Lack of capacity could have a limiting effect on growth
in the County, Elliott said. Closer coordination of resources is needed, with
a realization that just because the Potomac River flows alongside the County,
there may not always be an inexhaustible supply of water. More "teeth":
should be put into the County's Water and Sewer plan to allow for enforcement.
Greater planning is needed now if compliance is wanted in the latter half of
this century, he said. One key to greater efficiency would be better cooperation
between government agencies on a more formalized basis. Cooperation between
entities is good, but additional coordination and the notion that "we're
all in the same boat" regarding water resources will be needed, Elliott
said. Water Quality Director Greg Murray stated that the 34,000 water/sewer
EDU's potentially available in the City and County would accommodate an increase
of 100,000 in County population over a 20-year period. The committee's final
report is due in June.
2005 GOAL REVIEW
County Administrator
Rod Shoop and staff presented this update to the 2005 Goals. On February 8th
of last year the Commissioners adopted 7 goals, which were reviewed at mid-year
review. Various staff members reviewed and discussed the status of each goal.
Goal 1 was
to Adopt the Rural Area Zoning, after consideration of equity and land preservation;
Begin implementation of the Urban and Town Growth Area Zoning. Planning
Director Mike Thompson said that following adoption of Rural Area Rezoning
last July, attention turned to Urban and Town Growth areas. A Citizen Committee
was appointed to review the Zoning categories, staff has analyzed the categories,
Public meetings have been planned, as have meetings with municipal governments,
and preliminary findings should be presented this spring. Land Equity Programs
have been discussed, and should be implemented by August, 2006.
Goal 2,
Work with municipalities to develop residential and business tax incentive
programs in designated areas, was assigned to the Economic Development Commission.
EDC Director Tim Troxell said that meetings with City of Hagerstown and County
finance directors were held, a specific area for redevelopment was designated,
the percentage and length of the tax credit program was established, a criteria
for residential housing stock was determined, discussions were held with the
City of Hagerstown and a resolution was adopted by the County to exempt excise
tax for demolition turned into construction, all by August of 2005.
Goal 3, Appoint a task force to develop recommendations to address affordable housing. An action plan was developed by the County Administrator and County Commissioners, the Task Force appointed, a report developed and presented to the Board, in the fall. The report recommended development of a new definition of manufactures housing and design standards fir inclusion in predetermined developments; consideration of a County Homeowner's tax credit program to piggyback on a similar state program; make specific recommendations on lower closing costs for workforce housing; and recommendations from Planning staff on inclusionary zoning for workforce housing.
Goal 4. Improve the planning process for construction and renovation of school facilities. Develop policies to manage growth as it relates to school capacity. An advisory committee of professionals was established to report to the Commissioners on any school construction project over $2 million. The process is ongoing, and the Board of Education has a facilities planner on board that will be able to assist with the process, Planning Director Mike Thompson said.
Goal 5. Develop a long-range plan for the future use of the Forty West Landfill. Solid Waste Department staff and the Engineering Department surveyed Landfill designs for maximum capacity, staff developed and prioritized waste reduction and recycling strategies, and the Public Works Director and staff developed a flower chart for capacity efficiency by November of 2005. Latest landfill designs and techniques are the targets if ongoing research and operational strategies are reviewed and adjusted on a monthly basis. In addition a strategy was developed for reopening the Rubble Landfill.
Goal 6. Develop policies and procedures to initiate the implementation of the Emergency Medical Services Master Plan. Components of the plan were completed in 2005, and the Emergency Services Department will present recommendations to the Commissioners later in the spring.
Goal 7.
Initiate an evaluation of all plans, policies, procedures and ordinances that
relate to growth management. He Divisions of Public Works and Planning & Community
Development worked jointly to establish priorities, set up a subcommittee of
members from various departments, and assign tasks. Actions to complete this
goal are continuing.
PURCHASE OF RIGHT OF WAY AND EASEMENTS: MAUGANS AVENUE
Joe Kuhna,
Real Property Administrator brought this Purchase of Right of Way (ROW) fee
simple and easements for the Maugans Avenue project for Approval.
The ROW fee simple is 1,223 sq. ft.; there is 1,200 sq. ft. slope/grading
easement, and 1,200 sq. ft., temporary construction easement. The property
at 18545 Maugans Avenue is owned by Charles E. & Fern Weaver. Total
acquisition cost is $11,260.00, which would come from the project right of
way budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
BID AWARD: SANDY HOOK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS
County Purchasing
agent Karen Luther and Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality
brought this request to the Board, to award the bid to the lowest responsible,
responsive bidder, Callas Contractors, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD for the Base
Bid amount of $494,000.00 and Bid Alternate A in the amount of $44,900.00 for
a Total of $538,900.00, contingent upon Maryland Department of the Environment
approval. The Sandy Hook WWTP Improvements project includes demolition
of an existing rotating biological contactor, a sand filter, clarifier/digester
interior, and an odor control system; construction of activated sludge aeration
tanks, an aerobic digester, process air blowers, and a new odor control system;
miscellaneous piping revisions; and modifications to an existing ultra-violet
disinfection system control panel. The project is to be completed in
a 270 consecutive calendar day period. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
SEWER CONNECTION FEE PLAN: YOGI BEAR'S JELLYSTONE
Last week
Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic
Development Commission and brought the issue of establishing a 5-Year payment
plan for sewer connection fees and benefit charges for Yogi Bear's Jellystone
Campground, Inc. before the Board. During the planning stage for a campground
expansion that includes a water park, discussions were held with the Department
of Water Quality (DWQ) on connecting to the County’s sewer system. During
the design process, Rehoboth United Methodist Church petitioned the Commissioners
to allow their future property development the ability to connect to the County’s
sewer system. That request was approved by the BOCC on August 9th, 2005.
The additional expense created by the upgraded design of a sewage pump station
and force main has added significant costs to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone
expansion project. Extending the sewer connection fee and benefit charges would
provide some relief to the strained budget. The EDC is asking the Commissioners
to reconsider approving a 5-Year Payment Plan. Such a plan was discussed by
the Board in April of last year. If the plan was approved, the Budget and Finance
Department suggested that the project could be funded with Economic Development
Promotions funds and unused capital outlay funds. A 5-Year
Interest Free Loan Amortization Schedule was presented for review. Troxell
told the Board that 11 full-time and 20 part-time jobs would be created due
to the expansion, and 68,000 visitors were projected for FY 2006. $20,000 additional
annual lodging taxes would be created, resulting in $100,000 in taxes over
the five-year payment period. Commissioner Bill Wivell told the Board that
last week a request was made to develop policies for this sort of request,
and that process should still be put into effect. A motion to approve the plan
was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Munson and Wivell voting "no".
REQUEST FOR EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION/REDUCTION: LANDMARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
Economic
Development Director Troxell also brought new information regarding last
week's request for exemption or reduction of Excise Taxes
associated with proposed Expansion/Relocation of Landmark Equipment Company
before the Board. Landmark wants to expand and relocate their business
into a new multi-building facility to be constructed on Route 58 just west
of the Centre of Hagerstown shopping area. As an existing business dealing
in Agricultural Machinery, the company requested that the Commissioners
consider an exemption or reduction in $148,650 of Excise Tax, based in
part on agricultural zoning of the land, and wording in the excise tax
ordinance that would allow such breaks for agribusinesses. Not all of the
proposed building should be strictly for agricultural sales. A request
for information on how much of the company's business was devoted to agricultural
equipment showed that 84.35% of all sales were Ag related. A motion to
exempt 85% of the excise tax on the buildings associated with Agricultural
equipment sales was approved by unanimous vote.
UNITED WAY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CHARITIES UPDATE (See
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Angela Helfrick
of the Community Partnership staff brought the United Way and Community Health
Charities Update to the Board. The County goal for the United Way and Community
Health Charities was $50,000. County employees donated a total of $59,759.00,
with $49,657.00 going to United Way and $10,102.00 to Community Health Charities.
Awards from the campaigns were presented to departmental coordinators and facilitators.
Receiving honors were Sergeant Daryl Long of the Washington County Detention
Center, Bob Jones, Paula Fisher and Angie Helfrick of the Community Partnership
and Bardonna Woods of the Division of Emergency Services. John Pennessi of
Buildings, Grounds and Parks and volunteer Henry Renner were also honored for
contributions to the Day of Caring events.
EARLY INTERVENTION FUNDING VENDOR AWARDS
Community
Partnership Director Stephanie Stone brought this recommendation, that the Commissioners
approve the award of vendors for the Early Intervention Projects Funding for
FY '06. A total of $5391.00 for Early Intervention Projects is available for
fiscal year 2006. These projects must improve the well being of children
from birth to age five and their families in either of the result areas: Children
Entering School Ready to Learn or Children Safe in their Families and Communities. Applicants
must propose a short-term project or a short series of events/services, which
meet a “gap” or short term “need” locally in the field
of early intervention, for children at risk age birth to five. The Maryland
Symphony Orchestra Guild would receive $2,000 for the program “Using
Music As An Early Intervention Tool”. This project would provide the
Kindermusik curriculum and interactive activities to 25 Family Center families
through a certified instructor for two days a week for a total of eight weeks.
The goal of the project is to nurture infants’ (birth to 18 months) cognitive,
social, emotional, and language development. New and young parents will learn
how music enhances language development, preparation for reading, inhibitory
control, attention to task, and phonological awareness. In addition,
families will gain from activities that promote positive parent/child interaction
and attachment. Although numerous positive parent and infant outcomes are expected,
the Guild will assess infants for improved concentration and the ability to
recognize the sequencing of events. The Guild anticipates that this initial
implementation of this Kindermusik program with families will enable the Guild
to train additional volunteers to replicate the program at a greatly reduced
cost or no cost in the future. APPLES for Children, Inc. would receive $3,991
to implement