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
John Munson discussed the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting last week.
Landfill Permit sales are near last year’s numbers, and are about 70
below the number sold last year. Reopening of the Rubble Landfill will provide
soil to be used in the capping project at the Resh Landfill, and will save
taxpayer dollars, Munson said. Revenues and tonnage are both above projections,
and the Solid Waste Department will print a brochure soon that lists available
services. The SWAC discussed countywide trash collection as a possibility in
the future, resulting in savings in personnel costs, Munson said. The proposed
tax credit or rebate approved by the Commissioners should be revisited and
issued as a credit on tax bills rather than a check, Munson said, due to the
cost of postage. County Administrator Rod Shoop remarked that he and Budget
and Finance Director Deb Murray had been reviewing the rebate plan since
the first of the Year. If projections of revenue and expenditures remain stable,
the County could see an additional rebate at the end of the current fiscal
year. Shoop said that the projected $40 refund was not large enough to be cost
effectively mailed to all citizens. Murray told the Board that fiscal projections
are showing that full funding of the cash reserves at 17% may be possible,
additional funding could be made to the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget,
and additional tax rebates given to all owners of improved residential properties.
That rebate, combined with the $40 from Fiscal Year ’05, could amount
to $100.00 and would be distributed by checks after the accounting processes
for Fiscal Year 2006 were concluded, probably in late August. The concept of
a tax rebate to residential property owners was approved by consensus of the
Board.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on a meeting of the Home Builders Association
and swearing-in of new officers. Nipps addressed HBA members on the Excise
Tax and bid processes in use by the Public School system. The Maugansville
Fire Company reported answering 1,718 calls last year at a recent event,
Nipps said. A Maryland Association of Counties’ Education Subcommittee
meeting last week discussed Senate Bill 4, the Geographic Cost of Education
bill. That legislation would give additional funds to counties were cost
of education is high. Washington County would not be in the mix for additional
funding under that plan, Nipps said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell discussed a presentation by Ed McMahon at last week’s Urban Planning Institute held at St. James’ School. Examples of use of responsible development techniques in that presentation included greenways and setbacks of commercial developments. The presentation concluded that well planned and landscaped shopping areas were preferred by consumers. The question, “What are we building today that we would want to preserve in 100 years?” was a theme of the presentation. Wivell said.
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval responded to Commissioner Munson's comments on the idea of
countywide trash pickup, asking that small trash haulers currently in operation
be given consideration and adequate notice should the County implement any
such plan in the future. On the subject of the tax rebate, Kercheval commented
that when this rebate is considered in with FY '06 budget, the effective
amount of the County's tax rate above the Constant Yield (CY) would be reduced
significantly. Kercheval said that the County is currently 5.5 cents above
the CY rate for FY '06 and ranks 12 out of 24. When you consider the
additional $3M rebate from the FY '06 budget, equivalent to a 3.75 cent reduction,
the amount that the County tax rate is in excess of the CY rate would fall
to .018 cents and would be tied with Talbot County which has the lowest amount
over CY in Maryland.
Commissioners'
President Greg Snook reported on a letter received from the Community Free
Clinic requesting use of some airport property near Citicorp for its annual
Mud Volleyball Tournament. The Board gave an OK to that request. A meeting
with the consultant for the Library renovation project provided input on long-term
assessment needs. Snook said. The MACo meeting last week discussed cuts to
the Governor’s proposed budget projected at $100 million to bring the
budget within Spending Affordability Limits. Testimony to the Budget and Taxation
Committee in Annapolis focused on the overall position of Counties on budget
issues, Snook said. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) has
added jobs to Fort Meade Maryland. BRAC’s area of proposed impact has
a 90-mile radius. Additional jobs coming to that Fort could have an impact
on Washington County, Snook said, regarding highway users and school
construction.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works
Director Gary Rohrer reported on testifying before the House Ways and Means
committee in Annapolis last week regarding impact of loss of Highway User Revenue
funds on County governments.
Budget and
Finance Director Deb Murray told the Board that the Division is working on
reconciliation of collection of Excise Tax with the City of Hagerstown and
wrapping up the Capital Improvement Budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
Community
Partnership for Children and Families Director Stephanie Stone reported on
Maryland First Lady Kendall Ehrlich presenting the Child Advocacy Center with
a grant for $110,000.00 over a two-year period. That check will be presented
again in Annapolis on Thursday, Stone said.
Buildings
Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling commented on the Friends of the Ag
Center Museum recent seminar on local heritage issues. The event drew 100 persons
and focused on Native Americans in Washington County.
PUBLIC HEARING: LAND PRESERVATION, PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN
Bill Stachoviak,
Park and Environmental Planner brought this Public Hearing on the County Land
Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan 2006 update before the Board,
and recommended that it be adopted following a comment period . Stachoviak
told the Board that the Plan was updated in 2005 according to State guidelines.
The Draft was advertised for a 60 day public review and comment beginning May
11, 2005. The Draft was sent to the City and town mayors, each library, Board
of Education, the Dept.of State Planning, and other interested agencies and
associations. It was also posted on the County web site. 3 evening
public comment meetings were held on June 7, 15, 22 in Boonsboro, at
Hagerstown Community College and Clear Spring. Two citizens attended those
meetings, Stachoviak said. Revisions to the plan were made based on comments
received from Dept. of State Planing, and various citizens. Citizen comments
included: "environmental nature park" needed, public transportation
be available to parks; and Plan should be balanced and oriented more to nature
rather than only group sports. The Plan summarizes policies, goals and recommendations
for land protection and conservation from the Comprehensive Plan, inventories
agricultural easements, park sites and projects needs in relation to goals
for easements and parkland.. Stachoviak said that the County exceeds the state
mandated 15 acres per thousand residents with 15.9 acres per thousand. By 2010,
additional acreage will be needed to maintain the state level, due to growth
in the county. The Parks plan is consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan
and was approved by the Recreation and Parks Board. The Public Hearing drew
no participants.
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT AWARD: 2-1-1 INITIATIVE
County Buyer
Karen Luther and Community Partnership (WCCP) Program Coordinator Tom Kline
brought this issue before the Board. The WCCP recently mistakenly contracted
with the Mental Health Association of Frederick County for services, due to
the vendor being a sole source supplier for the 2-1-1 Initiative. 2-1-1 is
an easily remembered telephone number that connects people with an information
and referral source for important community resources and volunteer opportunities.
An easily remembered number for this purpose will ease citizen’s frustration
with trying to locate the appropriate service(s) without calling several numbers
and will likely reduce the number of inappropriate calls to 9-1-1. During a
natural or man-made disaster, 2-1-1 will assist in keeping 9-1-1 phone lines
open for emergencies only This project, specifically, is to build the Mental
Health Association of Frederick (MHAF) County’s infrastructure for the
successful participation of Washington County in the 2-1-1 pilot and for eventual
full-fledged implementation. The MHAF hotline has been selected as one of four
regional call centers for 2-1-1. This project will prepare the MHAF to serve
as the primary information and referral component of Washington County’s
Local Access Mechanism (LAM) in response to House Bill 1386. The
WCCP Full Board approved the 2-1-1 Initiative partnership concept on April
15, 2005. The Governor’s Office for Children approved the 2-1-1 Initiative
partnership concept on May 27, 2005. Thomas Kline, met with the Frederick County
Mental Health Association, Inc. (MHA) on June 22, 2005 to begin development
on a work plan. On July 18, 2005, the WCCP hosted a 2-1-1 Initiative Community
Meeting to allow interested WCCP board members and community partners to learn
more about the past, present and future of the 2-1-1 Initiative. On August
29, 2005, Thomas Kline, and Stephanie Stone, WCCP Director, met with Ms. Borg,
MHA Hotline Director, and Ms. Hanberry, MHA Chief Executive Officer, to further
develop the work plan. A sole source procurement requires approval of 4 of
the 5 County Commissioners. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX CREDITS
County Treasurer
Todd Hershey brought this report on the annual list of property tax write-off,
Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Enterprise Zone credits to the Board. Write-offs
are allowed under Maryland law if the local jurisdiction has taken deed to
the property, if the claim for taxes has been barred by the statute of limitations
or is otherwise uncollectable, if an administrative determination that the
taxes are uncollectable has been made, or if a Payment in Lieu of Taxes exists.
Exemptions also apply to Special County credits, Enterprise Zones, certain
tax-exempt civic organizations, and some housing projects. Hershey presented
the state OC-034 form for Board approval, and said all credits are issued in
accordance with the Laws of Maryland. The form is titled “Authorization
to Write-Off Uncollectible Taxes” and is submitted annually to the State
Department of Assessments & Taxation in accordance with state law. Hershey
told the Board that the approval is a four-step process beginning with the
Assessment Office review, the Enterprise Zone Administrator within the Economic
Development Commission office reviews the document, then a County Budget and
Finance Department review, then the request goes back to the Treasurer's Office
for final review and submission to the County Commissioners for approval. Payment
in-lieu-of taxes includes parcels owned by the Washington County Commissioners
and leased to various entities. The Treasurer’s office issues a “Payment
in-lieu-of tax” invoice to the lessee equal to the total real property
tax. The Fiscal Impact this year is $62,189.22, Hershey said. Ruritan Clubs
and Civic Organizations do not qualify for real property tax
exempt status from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. A
request is made annually for relief from the county portion of the real property
tax. These organizations sign an annual commitment to maintain their
properties for community activities. Fiscal Impact for this category is $20,062.86.
New Job Credit amounts to $28,907.74, and the total for the Airport Enterprise
Zone Credit 24,971.17. Special County Credits total $2,070.24, while
the Hancock Enterprise Zone (EZ) totals $1,212.31. The Interstate 81 EZ Credit
amounts to $708,044.62, and the County EZ Credits total $179,989.95. The report
was accepted by unanimous vote and will be sent to the state
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIANS AND MECHANICS
Highways
Department Fleet Manager Jack Reynard and Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson
brought this measure before the Board for approval. Reynard told the Board
that the current salaries for Highways employees in the Auto Technician, Mechanic,
and Welder classifications are not great enough to allow for recruitment and
retention of qualified employees needed to properly maintain the fleet. A proposal
was made to offer 20 cents per hour increases to personnel based on certifications
earned through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Reynard cited opportunities in Highways for progression through Motor Equipment
Operator grades that are not open to the Technicians and Mechanics. The maximum
anticpated liability, if all of the employees in each of the classes listed
above would receive all of the certifications available in their area of expertise,
would be less than $70,000. An alternative would be to outsource mechancial
work at a rate that would be in the range of 2 and 1/2 to 3 times the current
cost. Highways Director Ted Wolford reported that Washington County has an
above average number of its mechanics that have numbers of certifications placing
them in the top echelons of ASE nationwide, including Reynard. ASE recognizes
27 certifications as the most attained by certified mechanics in the U.S. Reynard
holds 28 ASE certifications. Commissioners' President Greg Snook requested
that a countywide program be developed to provide financial incentives for
professional certifications in all disciplines, and make recommendations
in the FY '07 budget. The measure, to approve increases for Mechanics
and Automotiver Technicians for all certifications in the Highways, Transportation
and Water Quality Departments, relevant to current job descriptions, be granted
immediately, with an overall incentive policy to be developed, 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.
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 Planning Commission for reappointment of George Anikis to a second five-year
term. His first term will expire on March 1st, 2006. The measure
was approved by unanimous vote.
Bittner
told the Board that Patricia Wolford has resigned as an alternate to the Property
Tax Appeals Board. The County supplies names to the Governor for appointment
to that Board. Those wishing to volunteer can call the Clerk's Office at 240-313-2204,
or go online at www.washo-md.net to
apply.
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reported that Hagerstown Regional
Airport Manager Carolyn Motz gas been appointed to the Federal Airport Cooperative
Research Program by Transportation Secretary Norman Manetta. That Board makes
recommendations about airport designs across the U.S. A special Employee Casual
Day has been set for Thursday, February 2nd to benefit the family of state
Corrections Officer Jeffery Wroten. The Casual Day for January benefited REACH
and took in $394.00, Shoop said.
PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO PROJECT PREFERRED VENDOR RECOMMENDATION
Public Works
Director Gary Rohrer and David McCobin, of Robert Kimball & Associates,
Inc consulting firm brought this request before the Board, to accept the recommended
preferred vendor, that will supply a replacement UHF public safety radio and
mobile data system, and authorize the Public Safety Radio Communications Steering
Committee (PSRSC) to begin negotiations with the preferred vendor to finalize
the system design, contractual terms and conditions and the pricing. The
PSRSC summarized its five-year process for seeking and obtaining proposals
to replace the public safety radio system to the Commissioners on January 24,
2006. After receiving the proposals, the Consultant and the Committee
conducted comprehensive and systematic reviews of the proposals. The
Consultant prepared a report titled: Proposal Review Report – Final outlining
the Vendor selection process, performance characteristics of each proposal
and a recommendation for a preferred Vendor. McCobin summarized the Proposal
Review Report and responded to questions regarding the overall process. Once
the final system design, terms and conditions and pricing are negotiated, the
Steering Committee will return for a final presentation and request authorization
to purchase the system. Commissioner Bill Wivell cited the report for use of
jargon, and what he called conflicting data. Commissioner Kercheval questioned
measurement of effectiveness of hand held radios in the report. The measure
was approve by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Members
of the County's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee and the Commissioners
looked at the proposed CIP budget for fiscal year 2007 for a second week. Budget
and Finance Director Debra Bastian, Public Works Director Gary Rohrer and Planning
and Community Development Director Mike Thompson brought this discussion on
the CIP before the Board. Capital Improvements include all facility construction
and renovations, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, as well as water
and sewer lines. This week the Board reviewed proposed capital expenditures
for the Airport, which would continue the expansion of Runway 9-27 at a cost
of $10.6 million, construct a building for fire and security services at $1.42
million, and modify Taxiway A/G at a cost of $3.26 million. Two runway
snowplows would be purchased for $340,000.00 and an environmental study would
be funded for $500,000.00. Total for Airport expenditures would be $16.3
million, with impact to the County of $138,000.00. The Transportation Department
budget would total $778,000.00 with $600,000 for replacement of mid-size buses.
County match for Transportation would be 10% or $78,000.00. Renovation of Railroad
Crossings at 6 locations was reviewed. Of the six, only one, on Trovinger Mill
Road would receive FY 2007 funding, at $45,000.00. The remaining crossings
would be completed in 2008 through 2010. The Recreation and Parks CIP Development
budget was cited as estimates only, subject to expected cuts by the state.
Under the planned budget, Springfield Middle School Park Site would receive
$20,000.00. Black Rock Golf Course would see roadwork and parking lot paving
at a cost of $45,250.00. New playground equipment would be installed at Kemp's
Mill Park for $20,000. Doub's Woods Park's walkway light replacement project
would cost $17,000.00. Paving the parking lot at Kemp's Mill Park would add
$50,000 to that portion of the Recreation and Park budget. In Other Projects
in that budget, the Agricultural Education Center Park would receive $200,000
for construction of Museum Building #2. Total CIP Parks expenses for the fiscal
year would be $352,250, with funding coming from the State's Program Open Space,
about $4,500 from bond proceeds and the remainder from Excise Taxes. Hagerstown
Community College is looking to renovate the Career Programs Building at a
cost of $8,970,901. That cost would be borne by State funding and Transfer
taxes. The proposed state contribution of $6.87 million could be increased
as a result of stat5e funding changes, and Commissioners' President Snook requested
Budget and Finance Director Deb Murray to verify construction fund requests
by the College. The Commissioners review each line item expenditure prior to
budget approval.
BID AWARD: ELEVATOR UPGRADE
County Buyer
Rick Curry brought this bid award for an Elevator Upgrade in the Administration
Building, 100 West Washington Street, before the Board for approval. The
recommendation was to award the contract for the elevator upgrade project to
the responsive, responsible bidder with the lowest bid, Thyssen Elevator of
Hagerstown, Maryland in the amount of $41,750. The vendor would replace the
main hydraulic piston and cylinders in the two 2 elevators located in the Administration
Building. The estimated time for completion of the work is four 4 to five 5
weeks once the project is started. Commissioners' meetings would have to be
relocated during the period, to meet requirements of the Americans with Disability
Act. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
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.
Kuhna told the Board that additional ROW and supporting easements are needed
for the construction of the Maugans Avenue project. Purchases include
the Thomas Moonigham property at 18541 Maugans Avenue with a
fee simple ROW of 884 sq.ft., 1,157 sq.ft. slope/grading easement, and 1,157
sq.ft. of temporary construction easement for a total acquisition cost of
$17,536.00. The Richard McBee acquisition at 18508 Maugans Avenue would consist
of 1,253 sq.ft. fee simple ROW, 905 sq. ft. revertible slope/grade easement
and 1,499 sq.ft. of temporary construction easement for a total cost of $
10,000.00. The property at 18549 Maugans Avenue owned by Michael Alderton
would have a 1,096 sq.ft fee simple ROW, a 1,077 sq.ft. revertible slope
easement, and a 1,199 sq.ft. temporary construction easement for a total
acquisition cost of $ 10,450.00. Grand total would be $37,986.00.
The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
The Board
of County Commissioners recognized Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS)
Warren Royce for his actions in the line of duty on January 20th, 2006 with
a Certificate of Merit. Commissioner Jim Kercheval said that ECS Royce was
on duty on the 20th when Fire and Rescue Communications received a 911 call
reporting a woman in labor and in need of an ambulance. While processing
the telephone call and following emergency medical dispatch protocols, Royce
guided the patient’s family members in the delivery of the child. The
ambulance company responded and transported the patient and child to the hospital.
Kercheval called the action a demonstration of the teamwork within the Fire
and Rescue Communications center and with EMS field personnel. All members
of the teams should be commended for their actions, the certificate read.
2006 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GRANT
Fire and
Emergency Services Division Director John Latimer brought a request before
the Board to authorize the Division of Fire and Emergency Services to accept
the 2006 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant Award for emergency
planning and training for a hazardous materials emergency in the amount of $15,480. The
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), offers federal grant funds to
local jurisdictions to improve its effectiveness and efficiency to handling
hazardous materials emergencies. Additionally, the grant provides for
improvements to the Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 and emergency planning.
The project has a 20% match, or $3,096 from the County. The County’s
obligation would be satisfied using funds from the Emergency Management Department
budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
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TAX SET-OFF MEETING WITH KEEDYSVILLE AND SHARPSBURG
The Board held its annual joint meeting with the Mayors and Councils of Keedysville and Sharpsburg, at 7:00 p.m. in Keedysville Town Hall, to discuss the tax set-off for the current fiscal year. The nine municipalities will receive $1.38 million in tax setoff from the County, $112,627 more than 2005. The Town of Keedysville will receive $2,970, a 10.04% increase over last year. The Town of Sharpsburg will receive $4,258, which is an increase of 10% over the previous allocation. Tax setoffs reimburse the towns for services such as roads, parks and police, and are based on assessable tax base, taxable income and population.