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.
COMMISSISONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
John Munson Commented on an upcoming Board of Education awards ceremony. A
letter requested a donation to support that program, and Munson requested $500
from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund go towards that program. Other
Commissioners commented that the letter was requesting private donations, and
consensus was reached that Commissioners wishing to participate would make
private donations.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a discussion with Delegate Chris Shank in reference to House Bill 1065, that would reduce the Property Tax assessment cap to 5% in the County. Discussion centered on whether the bill should affect only Washington County or be statewide in application. Commissioner Munson said that the start date of June 2007 was not acceptable. The Board supported the bill with amendments to ask that the 5% cap apply to both the State and County assessment, and to request a June 30, 2006 effective date. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported that Don Ardinger has resigned as a member of the Planning Commission and thanked him for his years of dedicated service. The Local Management Board meeting last week discussed different approaches to monitoring grants that staff learned about during a recent two-day workshop. The Mental Health Advisory Committee meeting last week discussed concerns with the amount of
services available for indigent persons with mental health issues. The Health Department currently has a waiting list and a record number of persons with mental health problems served at the Hospital had no source of income in December, Kercheval said. Landmark Equipment held an open house on Monday inviting a variety of guest speakers to discuss
Agricultural issues with farmers. Kercheval spoke on the increased initiatives the County has undertaken to preserve Agriculture as well as the increased funding to purchase easements. A Washington County group made up of members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Hagerstown Committee, CHIEF, County Staff and the Commissioner traveled to Annapolis last week to talk with key legislators about County needs. At the head of the list was acquiring funding from the State for upgrades
at the U.S. 40 and Edgewood Drive intersection. Protection of the County's gaming operations, Biological Nutrient Removal projects at smaller water treatment plants, and the Public Safety Emergency Radio System were also items of discussion. Kercheval commended Joe Kroboth, Greg Murray and Jim Hovis for their contributions to the effort. A joint meeting will be held on Wednesday between the City of Hagerstown and the
County's Planning Commissions as part of a series of quarterly meetings of the two bodies to provide better regional planning in our area, Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that the State of the City address would be held on March 7th. Last week’s Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) meeting in Annapolis heard that 471 bills were filed just before the filing deadline, brining the total filed this session to over 2,400. Snook said that 43 separate bills dealing with Eminent Domain had been filed in the House and Senate. House and Senate minority leaders spoke to the MACo meeting and reported that pension reform is high on the legislative agenda. Cuts of $100 to $200 million to the Governor’s Budget are being projected, and a deficit of $600-$700 million will exist next fiscal year at the state level. Also under discussion were proposed changes in Agricultural Land Preservation easement periods, from 5 years to 3 years or less. Proposed legislation would require Counties to submit Emergency Management Plans for nursing homes and other elder care facilities. That bill is opposed by MACo. Snook told the Board that a Public Hearing has been set for March 2nd at Kepler Theater at HCC dealing with wetlands issues regarding a proposed road construction on that college campus. A University System of Maryland-Hagerstown class on Public Finance heard Snook speak last week. A letter from a state corrections officer has requested that a portion of Roxbury Road be renamed for Corrections Officer Jeff Wroten, who was killed in the line of duty. Snook asked that County staff research the effects of renaming that road on residents of the area. The passing of Community leader Ruth Monroe and her contributions to Washington County will be commemorated in the near future, Snook said, with a possible tree planting and memorial dedication at the Recreation Center or the Martin Luther King Center. Staff will work out those details.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Public Works
Director Gary Rohrer reported that Maryland Environmental Service (MES) has
submitted the final design for the capping lf the Resh Landfill to the Maryland
Department of the Environment (MDE). Approval to front-fund 6 culvert projects
in this Fiscal Year was requested. The culverts, on Harpers’ Ferry Road,
Tom’s Road, Nick Road, Lane’s Run Road, Catholic Church Road and
Indian Springs Road would be bid this spring, and could save CIP budget funds.
The Board reached consensus to move ahead with the projects and approved the
measure by unanimous vote. A Change Order of $42,840 to Bushey, Feight, Morin
Architects was requested, due to the length of time that the Court House project
has taken. Rohrer told the Board that the firms may request increases in hourly
rates after a certain length of time on a contract has elapsed, and request
additional hours to cover time overruns. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
Budget and
Finance Director Debra Murray reported that late notices for the Bay Restoration
Fund fees will be sent out soon. 85% of persons receiving the state mandated
fee notices have paid. Notices were sent out in November, with recipients given
1 month to respond. 5 months have elapsed, and 15% of those notified have not
paid the fee. Murray said that the County is working with the City of Hagerstown
and Community Action Council (CAC) on an exemption program for that fee. Homeowners
qualifying for Energy Assistance would be eligible to apply for an exemption.
That proposed plan would have to be approved by the state, Murray said, before
it would go into effect.
Human Resources
Director Dave Hankinson requested approval of a Part-Time Bus Operator position
at County Commuter. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION
Washington
County Sheriff Charles Mades, Colonel Doug Mullendore and Major Randy Wilkinson
presented that Department's proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2007
to the Board. Mullendore said the Judicial Division is seeking just over $1.3
million for its operations at Circuit Court. The increase is 21.93% over FY
'06 and reflects the need for two additional deputies as a result of the court's
growth by one additional courtroom. In addition, Judge Fred Wright requested
an X-ray machine be purchased to scan all packages coming into the Court House.
The budget for Process Servers would decrease by 14.48%, from $158,710 to $135,730
or $22,980 from operating costs. That budget does request purchase of two hybrid
automobiles to replace the aging vehicles now in use by process servers. Wilkinson
told the Board that the proposed budget for the Patrol Division is $6.35 million,
which includes $303,260 for new cruisers. That figure represents an overall
increase of 7.65% from FY '06 and includes mandated training for deputies and
gasoline price increases. Mades said the Detention Center's budget is proposed
at $8.54 million, up about 5% from last year. Replacement fencing and vehicle
expenses were seen as driving the increase. Mades said that The Narcotics Task
Force proposed budget of $449,510 is an overall change of 3.8% over FY 2006.
Total budget for the Department is approximately $15.5 million. Wilkinson reported
on the County's False Alarm policy, which is under development. 99.4 percent
of all alarms answered are false, Wilkinson said. The proposed policy will
follow a national standard. The County’s Legal Department has the document,
and a Public Hearing will be held once the document is finalized. There were
3,583 alarms answered by the County and 602 answered by State Police last year,
and about 30% of those were residential. The policy will set annual permit
fees for the alarms, and revenue from that fee will offset the cost of program
implementation, Wilkinson said.
BUDGET CONSIDERATION FOR DEPUTIES
Mades and
Mullendore requested that the Board develop a new pay scale for Sheriff's Department
Patrol and Detention Center Deputies in order to compete with surrounding areas
for personnel. Recruitment and retention of Deputies has become increasingly
difficult given recent salary structures implemented in surrounding Counties
and States. Washington County’s starting salary for a Patrol Deputy is
$29,990 and $27,770 for a Detention Deputy, whereas Frederick County's starting
salary is 25-30% higher. Jefferson County, West Virginia starts Deputies at
$38,000, the City of Hagerstown starting salary for Police personnel is $32,600.
Berkeley County, WV and Winchester, Virginia also have salary ranges above
those of Washington County. A possible solution is in the works, through cooperation
between the Sheriff's Department, the County Administrator and the Human Resources
Department. Commissioners’ President Snook said that the issue will receive
further review and discussion during the wage and salary sections of the operating
budget for the coming fiscal year.
RIGHT OF WAY PURCHASE: MAUGANS AVENUE
Real Property
Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this matter to the Board for approval. The
request was for purchase of Right of Way (ROW) fee simple and easements for
continuation of the Maugans Avenue improvement project. Pennsylvania Avenue
2003 LLC, would sell the County a 7,883 sq. ft. area fee simple, and a 4,920
sq. ft. temporary construction easement at the new Sheetz store corner, for
a total of $125,625.00. Funding would come from the project right of way budget.
The measure was approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson
voting “no”.
LAND TRANSFER: WHITEHALL ROAD
Real Property
Administrator Kuhna also brought a request to accept .06 miles of Whitehall
Road from the Maryland State Highway Administration. The SHA previously realigned
a portion of Whitehall Road and Maryland Rt. 64. The County wants to take the
old portion for right-of-way and future pavement management area and convey
the surplus area to the adjoining property owner. 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.
Daniel Moller
of Rohrersville commented on the proposed property tax rebate, in opposition
to that plan.
Greater
Hagerstown Committee (GHC) members Tom Newcomer and Ron Vitkin reported on
the trip to Annapolis by members of the GHC, CHIEF, the Chamber of Commerce,
Commissioner Jim Kercheval and County Staff. Vitkin commended County staff
for its level of expertise in transportation, public safety, water quality
and gaming issues. A follow-up meeting is set for February 23rd at Hagerstown
Community College to discuss the issues. Commissioners’ President Snook
said that he may get to meet with Governor Ehrlich on Wednesday and asked which
two issues were at the top of the group’s list. The Edgewood Drive/U.S.
40 intersection and the Public Safety Communications System were the two hottest
topics, the group said.
Animal Control
Authority Attorney Brian Kane requested an extension of the term of Board member
Rollin Myers by 120 days, so that the Authority can maintain a quorum until
a new member can be found. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the Revenue portion
of the 2007 operating budgets will be presented in two weeks, and that the
assessment cap will be reviewed during that presentation.
PROPOSED 2006 GOALS
County Administrator
Rod Shoop brought this discussion before the Board. During a Senior Staff meeting
on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 staff discussed and offered ideas for the 2006
goals. Suggested goals and the assigned staff or group responsible to carry
out the goal were presented, and in some instances changed.
1. Present recommendations for equity and land preservation in the rural
areas by August by the Department of Planning and Community Development. 2.
Develop a plan and begin implementation of the 2002 Comprehensive Rezoning
within the Urban Growth Areas, by the Department of Planning and Community
Development. 3. Analyze recommendations of the Washington County Workforce
Housing Task Force and determine which ones will be considered for implementation,
the County Commissioners and County Administrator. 4. Develop a Long-Range
Plan for the use of 40-West Landfill. A Continuation of the 2005 Goal. 5. Develop
policies and procedures to initiate the implementation of the Emergency Medical
Services Master Plan, by the Department of Emergency Services. A continuation
of the 2005 Goal. 6. Identify areas within the Subdivision Ordinance
requiring revision, a function of the Department of Planning and Community
Development. This Goal is a revision of a similar goal for 2005, with a narrower
focus. 7. Implement enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS), would be
the responsibility of the Departments of Information Technologies and Planning
and Community Development. 8. Resolve intergovernmental operational and funding
issues for a Central Booking facility. 9. Evaluate prospective properties in
the Hopewell Valley area and northward for future economic development, by
the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Wivell requested a "cleaned
up" version of the Goals be brought back to the Board for review next
week. Once adopted and approved the 2006 Goals will be posted in each County
department and appropriate action plans to initiate these goals will be developed.
The Commissioners will be briefed on a regular basis regarding the progress
of the goals.
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON AT THE NOON HOUR
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AND RUNWAY EXTENSION PROJECT BONDS OF 2006
County Financial
Advisor Lester Guthorn and Bond Counsel Timmie Ruppersberger brought this request
for a Resolution authorizing sale of Public Improvement and Airport Improvement
bonds before the Board. Maryland law authorizes and empowers the County to
issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, its Public Improvement
Bonds in the principal amount of $10,500,000, and its Runway Extension Project
Bonds in the principal amount of $15,000,000. The Public Improvement
Bonds will be used to fund a portion of the project cost of roads, bridges,
communication system, building improvements and issuance cost. The Runway
Extension Project Bonds will provide adequate safety areas at each end of the
runway as mandated by FAA. Annual bond issuance has been included
in the County’s Annual Debt Affordability Analysis. The measure was approved
by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no":
JFK 50-MILE RUN AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR MD ROUTE 63
The
Commissioners presented Mike Spinnler of the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club
with a proclamation for his coordination of the annual JFK 50-mile run, which
is one of the premier sporting events held in the County and is nationally
recognized. The proclamation commended the event for its positive reflection
on the County. The 44th Annual event is set for Saturday, November 18, 2006.
The Board of County Commissioners heard from Spinnler on proposed safety improvements
for the run along a 2.8-mile section of Maryland Route 63, Spielman Road, between
Route 68 and Dam #4 Road. Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Tom Riford told
the Board that participants come from all over the world for this event, and
positive publicity is generated annually, which brings international attention
to Washington County. Spinnler said that participant safety is a concern along
the section of the course between the 4-way stop in Downsville and the Rt.
63/Rt. 68 juncture outside of Williamsport. There is no shoulder, and motor
vehicle traffic routinely proceeds at 50-60 mph. An increase in number of participants
and traffic along Rt. 63 presents a potential problem. After speaking with
local sheriff’s deputies, a proposed traffic plan would close the southbound
lane of Rt. 63 between Rt. 68 and Dam #4 Road from 12:00 noon until 7pm. A
detour would take southbound traffic on Rt. 68 West to Rt. 632. That
detour would bring motorists to the four-way stop in Downsville. At this point
motorists could regain access with the southbound lane of MD Rt. 63 or proceed
North on MD Rt. 63 in the open northbound lane. Over the years, a number of "close
calls" between participants and vehicles have happened along this 2.8-mile
section of the JFK 50 Mile's route. With the size of the participant
field growing to more than 1,000 and traffic volume increasing, the potential
foir accidents have increased... The Club is requesting the services of 9 deputies
or fire police to coordinate traffic control along the section between 12:00
noon and 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2006. The State Highway Administration
asked for Commissioners' approval before agreeing to close the road on that
date. Commissioners' President Snook said that the Commissioners support the
road closing, and the request will be made to the Traffic Advisory Committee
at its next meeting.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET PRESENTATION
Department
of Social Services (DSS) Director Dave Engel, members of the DSS Board of Directors
and DSS staff brought the annual operating budget presentation before the Board.
Although primarily funded by the State of Maryland, DSS receives a portion
of its funding from the County. The request is for $273,033, up $78,964 from
FY '06, a change of 40.69%. DSS is asking for a $7,209 increase in Adult Foster
Care funds, $6,600 increase in rent for the Family Center including $3,600
in rent for new space, and $1,450 for a 5% cost-of-living increase for a Childcare
Worker at the Family Center. An additional $63,705 is being requested for salary
and benefits for the Director's Position in the Safe Place Child Advocacy Center.
That position has been grant funded, but the funding is scheduled to expire
this year. Funding is available in a Sheriff's Department budget to cover the
position and would be transferred to DSS. Community Partnership Director Stephanie
Stone was asked to look for additional funds ton assist the Child Advocacy
Program. Commissioners' President Snook said that the position would be continued.
The School Family Liaison program is not asking for additional funds. $7,500
is being requested for continuation of the DSS Director's Salary Supplement,
also with no increase. All budgets will be reviewed in detail prior to the
Public Hearing set for April.
CASA BUDGET PRESENTATION
Vicki Sadehvandi
and CASA Board member Carl Galligan and Christa Shoemaker of the of the Center
for Assistance and Shelter of the Abused (CASA) staff brought the Fiscal Year
2007 operating budget for that organization before the Board. CASA requested
$226,952 for the coming year, an increase of $72,622 or 47.06%. Sadehvandi
told the Board that the increase is needed to continuation of direct service
to its clients, women and children who are victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault. The organization would have the ability to be competitive in
hiring and retaining employees. Over the past 5 years, CASA has lost 43 employees
to better paying jobs. Sadehvandi has been working with Human Resources Director
Dave Hankinson on a possible incentive program based on certifications and
licensure. All operating budgets will receive Commissioners' scrutiny prior
to the Public Hearing set for April.
ENTERPRISE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM UPDATE
Bud Gudmundson,
Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator and Ron Whitt, IT Director
brought this update on the work of the GIS Subcommittee of the IT Steering
Committee, and request for funding to the Board. The Enterprise GIS Office
would be established as part of the Information Technology Department. Committees
would be set up for executive oversight, user group, and a community GIS group
to coordinate between other government and non-governmental entities. An internal
needs analysis was completed last year and presented to the Board. Funding
was approved for the Implementation Plan. KCI Technologies has been retained
and the Plan is due in April. An Interim Plan and Budget have been prepared
for a three-year phase-in. The GIS Office would manage the central database
and intra-net GIS, coordinate GIS development in user departments and enforce
standards. Several departments are cooperating closely in the implementation
of this plan, and will become vested with GIS expertise to manage their own
data layers. The system would minimize inconsistent and incompatible systems,
and allow wider access to business critical data with fewer copies of the software,
requiring less maintenance costs. $329,829 would be included as part of Information
Technology Budget. The request was for support of the projected budget and
move ahead with program plans. All budgets are subject to final review prior
to the Public Hearing set for April.
RENTAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM FOR 2006
Sherry L.
Neil, Director of Case Management Services and David G. Jordan, Executive Director
Washington County Community Action Council (CAC) brought the
Rental Allowance Program (RAP) Fiscal Year 2006 Application to the Board
for approval. Washington County’s RAP allocation for FY 2006 is $57,630.
The RAP Program plays an essential role in helping meet the housing needs
of low-income households in Washington County. 117 households applied for
the program and 55 households benefited from this resource during the 2005
program year. The Rental Allowance Program offers a monthly subsidy of $150
to $250 depending on household size. The initial RAP subsidy is available
to the eligible household for 6 months. During this period, the recipient
completes a needs assessment with a case manager and attends monthly case
management meetings. Information on housing, continuing education, job training
and employability, transportation and other referrals are provided at these
meetings. In addition to the $57,630 in Rental Allowance Program funding,
CAC receives $6,100 through County Grant-in aid to assist with the administration
costs of this Program. The total cost of administration is $19,175 based
upon previous cost analysis completed by CAC staff. The measure was approved
by unanimous vote.
THE BOARD CONVENED AS THE BOARD OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RENEWAL OF CONTRACT FOR AMBULANCE/WHEELCHAIR/TAXI SERVICES FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Sitting
As the Washington County Board of Health, the Board of County Commissioners
heard County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Health Department Deputy Director
for Health Services Earl Stoner request renewal of the contract with Mid-Maryland
Medical Transport, LLC, (MMMT) of Hagerstown, for Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi
Services based on its letter of request dated February 8th,
2006. The contractor provides and/or sub-contracts ambulance/wheelchair/taxi
drivers, equipment, i.e. over-sized power wheelchairs, supplies, liability
insurance, and reasonable incidentals necessary to transport Medicaid eligible
clients to and from destinations scheduled by the WCHD. The bid document issued
October 5, 2004 was prepared by the Washington County Purchasing Department
with the assistance of the WCHD staff in consultation with and approval by
the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene—Office of Contract
Policy, Management and Procurement. In response to the solicitation,
2 companies submitted bids as indicated on the attached original Bid Tabulation
Sheet. The Commissioners sitting as the Board of Health originally awarded
the contract on November 16, 2004. The contract commenced December 1,
2004 and ends June 30, 2006 with an option by the WCHD to renew for up to two
2 additional consecutive 1-year periods. The WCHD does not guarantee
a minimum or maximum quantity of any of the different types of transport during
any term of the contract.
MMMT originally submitted correspondence dated January 26, 2006 requesting
an average increase of 5.8%. A request was made to MMMT for reconsideration
to below 5%, hence the revised request of 4.9%. It is felt that MMMT’s
request and justification contained in its correspondence is a reasonable
request. The funds for this contract are 50% State of Maryland funds and
50% percent Federal funds. The Maryland Medical Assistance Program
within the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene administers Medicaid
within the state. The funds are allocated to the local health department
through the Medicaid Transportation Grants Program. FY’07 funding
for Ambulance/Wheelchair/Taxi services is $430,797. Total FY’07
funding for the program including administrative expenses is $652,420. Transportation
staff said that the program was working well and doing the job it was contracted
to provide. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.