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.
Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
March 14, 2006
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on the Historical Advisory Committee that requested a review of bylaws regarding number of members on that committee. An Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 1st at the Ag Heritage Museum, Nipps said. The Women's Commission chose winners in its annual essay contest at its most recent meeting. That Commission is looking for prospective members, Nipps reported. The Commissioner reported on serving as a panelist along with Commissioner Jim Kercheval at a recent Leadership Hagerstown event.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on attending the Home Builders Association Home Show over the weekend, and commended County staff on its information booth at the event. The Commissioner was also a part of the Leadership Hagerstown panel at that recent function and attended the Economic Development Commission Board meeting last week.
Commissioner Bill Wivell commented on last week’s Economic Development Board meeting. A City of Hagerstown seat on the EDC will become vacant in June. On April 5th, a Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Economic Development update will be held. EDC staff reported on marketing studies that will focus on out-commuters and underemployment. The EDC website has a link to the COSTAR site that assists in marketing available commercial properties on the Internet. The Hopewell Valley transportation study is continuing, Wivell said. A presentation will be made to the Commissioners in the next several weeks regarding this issue. Wivell commented that the study on the feasibility of Wet Labs at Hagerstown Community College justified demand for the facilities. The Agricultural Education Specialist position recommended by the ag community was discussed, as was the most appropriate location for that position, Wivell said. The EDC Strategic Planning session for the year will take place on April 26th at the Four Points Hotel. The PenMar Development Corporation meeting on Monday discussed the possibility of the Victor Cullen Center being reopened by the State and impact of that move on the area. Several cases of vandalism have been reported on the Fort Ritchie property recently, Wivell said. Commissioner Wivell spoke with Delegate Shank regarding several issues: The cost per capita of government services chart that depicted Washington County as lowest in the State contains the prison populations. Delegate Shank indicated that he has requested the Department of Legislative Services to revise the chart to exclude those prison populations. The State action to take the property tax assessment cap from 10% to 5% in the County is moving ahead in the State legislature, Wivell reported, and the delegates want to hear the County’s position on taking action locally. Delegate Shank offered to amend the bill to allow for credits, but to remove the mandatory Homestead Credit reduction of 10% to 5% if the Commissioners agree to act locally. The majority of the Board indicated that they would consider the issue as part of the budget process when FY ‘07 revenues come before the Board for review. That presentation is scheduled to be made in two weeks. The 5% reduction would not be effective until FY '08. Wivell also shared a Wall Street Journal article regarding Health Savings
Accounts (HSA) with the Commissioners.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook commented on 6 streets taken into the County inventory recently. A meeting with new Hagerstown Mayor Bob Bruchey discussed issues of mutual concern, Snook said. Realtor numbers for November, 2005 showed 150 closings for the month, with the average new home cost at $256,000 versus $346,000 in Frederick County and the state average at $350,000. Allegany County continues to average around $100,000 for a new home, Snook said. Letters from the Maryland Department of the Environment discussed an upgrade at Fil-Tech in Smithsburg and renewal of an operating permit at Xerxes Company in Williamsport. The University System of Maryland Hagerstown will offer a seminar on Protecting the American Competitive Edge in April, Snook reported.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION
Washington County Health Officer Bill Christoffel and Health Department (WCHD) staff brought the operating budget for fiscal year 2007 to the Commissioners for review. WCHD receives the majority of its funding from the State, and the County's portion of that budget was requested to be $2,381,056 an increase of 16% or $334,684 over last year's funding levels. Christoffel told the Board that $20,241 would be used for the transfer of the Office Service Clerk for the Child Advocacy Center to Merit pay including benefits. $134,097 would be used to expand the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program. Christoffel commented on the need for improvements in the Public Schools' Family Life Curriculum. $33,354 would be used to cover a Prevention Specialist position. $36,992 would be used for replacement of two aging vehicles. $121,000 of the request would go towards Building and Grounds Maintenance to replace a boiler and ceiling tiles.
The School Health Nurse Budget was also reviewed. The program provides for all nurses in County Schools but is administered by the WCHD. For the coming fiscal year, the request was $3,283,134, an increase of 33.57% or $825,142 over last year's request. Christoffel said the increase would be used to move 4 nurses from the Special Pay category to the Merit system and hire an additional 6 nurses in then Special Pay category. All budgets will be reviewed by line item prior to the Public Hearing set for April 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theater.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook presented a proclamation designating the week as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Washington County. Debbie Godlove of the Washington County MS Support Group, and Sondra Funk of the Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee received the proclamation. March 13-17 is the first ever Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week across America. A number of Washington County Citizens have MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. It usually strikes adults in the prime of life, between the ages of 20 and 50. Approximately 400,000 Americans are currently living with the devastating effects of MS, and one new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. While significant advances in research have led to several promising treatments that may alter the underlying disease course of MS, there is still no cure. The Maryland Chapter of the MS Society provides information and referral, medical transportation, support for caregivers and family members, recreational activities, and many other vital programs and services to the more than 5,000 Marylander’s living with MS. In Washington County the local MS Support group sponsors a number of activities that raise funds to promote research into the disease, including the MS Walk, which will be held Saturday, April 22nd at the Antietam Battlefield. The proclamation commended the MS Society for serving people for 60 years, and urged all citizens to be aware of MS and the people who have MS.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop brought two items before the Board for approval. Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to advertise a Senior Plant Operator position in the Department of Water Quality. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Deputy Public Works Director Joe Kroboth reported that a portion of guardrail collapsed along Roxbury Road near U.S. Alternate 40 at Beaver Creek. Kroboth requested permission to award a contract for the repair under the emergency provisions of the purchasing regulations, and a transfer of funds from the Capital Improvement Project contingency fund. The request was approved by unanimous vote.
WATER QUALITY OPERATIONAL BUDGET AND SERVICE RATES
Department of Water Quality Director Greg Murray brought these budget items before the Board. The Utility Administration Fund shows a total of $3.64 million in revenue from such items as fees from development, planning, drawings and blue prints, contract operations, inspections, utility administration charges and lab testing. A large portion of the increase in revenue is due to the lease of the Pretreatment Plant to the private sector, Murray said. The proposed budget is balanced, with expenditures equal to revenues. The funding is an increase of $631,019 or 20.98% over last year's request. The Water Fund would see total revenues of $1.68 million balanced with expenses. Total revenue would increase by $646,870.00 an increase of 62.73%. The Sewer Fund would see a total projected revenue of $9.95 million, a reduction $954,96, including a reduction of $500,000 in the general fund appropriation, a decrease of 8.76%. The budget would be balanced with expenses. The Pretreatment Fund would show total revenues of $695,600, a decrease of $784,000 or 53%. Murray brought the proposed water and sewer rates to the Board in preparation for taking the rates to Public Hearing. The proposed residential sewer rates would go to $107.70 for 12,000 gallons per quarter, an increase of $2.15. The residential water rates were requested at $118.60 per 12,000-gallon average quarterly flow, an increase of $3.50. Overall increases are 3% for water service and 2% for sewer service. Murray requested approval to advertise a Public Hearing on the proposed rates. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Commissioners' President Greg Snook said that the rates are well within normal adjustment levels, and commended the DWQ staff for reducing debt over the years.
SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT: GRINDER PUMPS
County Buyer Rick Curry, and Greg Murray, Director of the Department of Water Quality brought a Sole source Award for Grinder Pumps for use by the Department of Water Quality (DWQ) before the Board for approval. The request was to award a sole source contract for the procurement of 13 Myers residential simplex grinder pump units at $3,745.00 each to Shafer, Troxell & Howe (STH) of Gaithersburg, MD for a total cost of $48,685.00. The Purchasing Department received a request from the DWQ regarding procurement of simplex grinder pumps. The Code of Local Public Laws of Washington County, states that a sole source procurement is authorized and permissible when only one source exists that meets the County’s requirements and when the compatibility of equipment, accessories, or replacement parts is the paramount consideration. 4 of the 5 Commissioners must approve a sole source request. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
2006 SCRAP TIRE DROP-OFF DAY INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch brought this request, to approve the 2006 Citizen Scrap Tire Drop-Off Day Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), before the Board. Citizen Scrap Tire Drop-Off Day is a program funded by the State Used Tire Clean-up and Recycling Fund and is administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The Maryland Environmental Service and Washington County will sponsor the event as set forth in the Scope of Work referenced in the Intergovernmental Agreement. Washington County has participated in this program numerous times over the years. Risk that the event would exceed funding as described in the agreement is minimal. Rules for the event are the same as for the 2005 event. Washington County Residents may bring in up to five auto/light truck scrap tires free of charge on the event day, and may include one agriculture tire in the total of five. The IGA limits the State’s funding for the event to a maximum of 72 tons of scrap tires, six 90 cubic yard trailers for transport, and $1250 for event advertisements. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
TOWN OF SMITHSBURG ANNEXATION REQUEST: #2 FLEMING
Director of Planning and Community Development (PCD) Mike Thompson brought this Annexation Request, from the Town of Smithsburg, known as #2 Fleming Annexation, before the Board. Thompson asked the Board to concur with the staff determination that the proposed annexation and zoning is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The Fleming property, a 4.5-acre tract of land on the north side of Cave Hill Road, has been presented to the Town for annexation. Maryland Code states that a municipality may not place a property into a zoning classification that permits a land use substantially different from the use permitted under the adopted comprehensive plan. The application proposes SR-Suburban Residential zoning, which is consistent with the existing RR (Rural Residential district) zoning in the County. The property is designated as low density on the 2002 adopted Comprehensive Plan. Both the County Attorney and the Planning Commission have concurred with PCD staff on this request. The property is proposed to be subdivided into single-family home lots following annexation. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
TOWN OF SMITHSBURG ANNEXATION REQUEST: #1 FREY
Planning and Community Development Mike Thompson brought this annexation request from the Town of Smithsburg known as the #1 Frey Annexation, before the Board, asking for concurrence with the staff determination that the proposed annexation and zoning is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The Frey property, a 3.04-acre tract of land on the north side of Crystal Falls Drive, has been presented to the Town for annexation. Maryland Code states that a municipality may not place a property into a zoning classification that permits a land use substantially different from the use permitted under the adopted comprehensive plan. The application proposes SR-Suburban Residential, which is consistent with the existing RR (Rural Residential district) zoning in the County. The property is designated as low density on the 2002 adopted Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning is SR-Suburban Residential is consistent with the RR zoning and the LDR Comprehensive Plan and it is staff’s opinion that no further action is required by the Board. The property consists of two parcels and the larger parcel is proposed to be subdivided into two lots following annexation for lots for the owner’s grandchildren. Both the County Attorney and Planning Commission agree with the staff position. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
TOWN OF BOONSBORO ANNEXATION REQUEST
Planning and Community Development Mike Thompson brought this annexation request from the Town of Boonsboro before the Board, asking for concurrence with the staff determination that a portion of the proposed annexation and zoning is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan, while approximately 9 acres is inconsistent with the plan. Staff would recommend that the Board grant “express approval” for the area inconsistent in order that the property could develop without the five-year waiting period. The Town has obtained the consent of not less than 25% of the property owners that reside in the area for annexation as outlined in the Annotated Code of Maryland. The code also states that a municipality may not place a property into a zoning classification that permits a land use substantially different from the use permitted under the adopted comprehensive plan. The application proposes SR-Suburban Residential and GC-General Commercial. The request before the Town of Boonsboro is for the annexation of a 32.49-acre tract along South Main Street. The property is designated as Commercial on the 2002 adopted Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning is GC-General Commercial, is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan and would require no further action of the Board. The area proposed for SR zoning, approximately 9 acres, is inconsistent with the adopted plan and the Board must grant “express approval” or this portion of the annexation will have to wait for a period of five years prior to development in a manner other than commercial. The purpose of the annexation is to provide municipal water and sewer service to existing commercial properties. The commercial properties are located on both the north and south sides of South Main Street, while the proposed SR is located to the south of South Main Street behind the commercial area. Staff would note that the area south of the proposed annexation is designated on the adopted Comprehensive Plan as LDR-Low Density Residential. The SR area would be surrounded on three sides by commercially zoned property, and is adjacent to additional acreage designated for residential development. Boonsboro Town Manager John Kendall advised staff that the property owner has no plans for the development of the property at this time, except to build a house for his daughter with the remainder to remain in pasture. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
BOONSBORO WATER PROJECT UPDATE
Boonsboro Town Manager John Kendall brought an update on the current Water and Annexation project to the Board. A health emergency was declared in an area north of the Town due to contaminated ground water. The town has pursued state assistance for the project. The area, from Lappans Road to Mill Point Road would need to be annexed into the town in order for water service to be supplied. Kendall said that a survey of 71 property owners was taken and 34% consented to the annexation, with 16 non-responses. There is no sewer funding available from the state, Kendall said, but the water assistance is a one-time offer from the state. The Mayor and Council want to move the project forward to public hearing. The town has agreed to lower its normal hookup fees from $5,000 per unit to $1,000 per unit. The $1.3 million project would be complete in 3-4 months, Kendall said. The public hearing will be held on April 6th at the Boonsboro High School Auditorium, Kendall said.
JOINT MEETING WITH HAGERSTOWN MAYOR AND COUNCIL AND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Public Works Director Gary Rohrer and representatives of the State Highway Administration (SHA) Design Team presented proposals for Intersection Improvements at U.S. Route 40 and Edgewood Drive to the governing bodies' joint meeting. The designers were seeking approval of release of Letter of Intent for County’s participation in the project including funding of up to one-third of the project funding. Dennis German, Chief of the SHA Community Design Division and District 6 Engineer Bob Fisher represented SHA, and the design team gave a brief presentation on the proposed project, to advise elected officials on its status. The proposed project that has been jointly developed by representatives of SHA, the County and the City. SHA has completed a preliminary estimate for land acquisition including easements & Rights-of-Way, utility relocations, and construction. SHA has committed and will “absorb” the $217,000 spent to date on preliminary engineering. Projected completion date would be late 2008 or early 2009. In order for design to continue, SHA requires receipt of a Letter of Intent (LOI) by end of April 2006 and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to advertisement next spring. The current project cost estimate is $11.7 million with proposed funding of $3.9 million each from the state, County, and City. Discussion will continue at a later date.
THE COMMISSIONERS ATTENDED THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET PRESENTATION AT KEPLER THEATER ON THE CAMPUS OF HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT 7:00 PM.