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
August 8, 2006
Due to Elevator Maintenance at the County Administration Building, the meeting was held in the Public Meeting Room of the Department of Water Quality Building, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: DEPUTY BEN JONES
The Board of County Commissioners presented a Certificate of Merit to Deputy First Class Ben Jones for his role in the apprehension of the suspect who shot RCI Corrections Officer Jeffrey Wroten on January 26th, 2006, and in honor of his award as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the 40 and 8 organization of the Maryland American Legion for those actions. That award was presented on Saturday, August 5th, at the Thurmont American Legion hall. The Commissioners Certificate cited Jones for bravery and extreme talent in the presence of an armed suspect, and expressed the appreciation of the citizens of Washington County and the Board of County Commissioners.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on attending the New Educator's Reception at Hagerstown Community College last week. The Historic District Commission meeting last week reviewed building permits for two homes that were burned in the Cascade Rural Village. Permits for two of those homes were approved, Nipps said.
Commissioner John Munson called for follow-up on building permits by staff and better explanation of permitting regulations for consumers. The Commissioner also suggested purchase of the Phoenix Color buildings on Western Maryland Parkway for use by the Sheriff's Department and for other County use.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on attending the New Educator's reception at Hagerstown Community College, and on attending the CSAFE Night Out event. A meeting with Public School System representatives discussed possible changes to the Board of Education's developer mitigation policy, Kercheval said. Kercheval also attended a meeting to put together a Downtown Summit on the revitalization of Hagerstown. The agenda will include the issues of marketing, increasing market rate housing, and establishing a core draw or amenity for the downtown as well as a key note speaker. In addition this special event would highlight downtown improvements. The Planning Commission recommended conveyance of additional acreage for the Tammany Heights North subdivision park. That issue will be discussed with the Buildings, Grounds and Parks department. A property owner on the Western Maryland Parkway has requested removal of the Industrial Mineral (IM) overlay on a parcel. In the past, IM overlays have been removed and the zoning reverting to the original status. For unknown reasons, the parcel in question has no underlying zoning designation. Industrial General (IG) is the zoning designation on land surrounding the parcel, and the category preferred by the landowners. The issue will be brought to Public Hearing by the Planning Commission in September, Kercheval said.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board Senator Barbara Mikulski will submit a bill for a $200,000 grant to assist the Boonsboro Library branch project. The Department of Transportation has announced that 113 Washington County school bus drivers have yet to pass a knowledge test mandated by the federal government. This group is part of some 4,200 bus drivers statewide that have yet to pass the test. The State Highway Department has announced resurfacing of 5 miles of roadway on Maryland Route 67 that may cause lane closures and delays. Work is scheduled to be complete by late fall, SHA said. The insurance ISO rating for the Fairplay area has been lowered, and could cause homeowners to pay increased fire insurance premiums, Snook said. County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that the Division of Fire and Emergency Services is working with the Fire Company there to correct discrepancies, and bring that code back up to previous levels. Snook commented on attending the press conference for the Hagerstown Community College wetlab projects. The labs would be on a par with other colleges and Universities, but would not house any projects involving hazardous materials. The Chamber of Commerce will hold candidates forums, times and locations to be announced, Snook said.
MAUGANS AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this request before the Board, for approval of Right of Way (ROW) acquisition for Maugans Avenue improvements. Kuhna told the Board that the ROW and supporting easements made up of 833 square feet fee simple and 922 square feet of revertible construction easement along the northern side of Maugans Avenue near Taco Bell. Total acquisition cost would be $30,000.00. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
EMERGENCY SHELTER APPLICATION
Community Action Council (CAC) Director of Case Management Services Sherry. Neil, requested approval of the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Application for Fiscal Year 2006 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development. The ESG Program provides funds to prevent homelessness and to help improve the quality of existing emergency and transitional shelters for the homeless in Washington County. It is also designed to help meet the shelter’s maintenance and operating costs and providing essential supportive services to those homeless individuals.. Community Action Council would receive $25,000, CASA would receive $10,000, St. John’s Shelter would receive $10,000 and REACH, Inc. would receive $5,000 from the grant, for a total of $50,000. The measure, to accept the grant agreement and four sub-recipient agreements was approved by unanimous vote.
DISTRIBUTION OF GAMING FUNDS
Washington County Gaming Commission Chair Bill McKinley and Gaming Office Director Jim Hovis brought the FY 2007 fund distribution before the Board for approval. This year the Gaming Commission allocated $2,884,489.46 from funds collected from regulation of gaming in Washington County during the fiscal year that ended on June 30th, 2006. In accordance with State Law, 50% of the funds collected or $1,442,244.73 would be distributed to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. In January the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association received $627,493.41. With today’s announcement, an additional $814,751.32 would be distributed to the local fire and rescue companies throughout the County. The remaining $1,442,244.73 was distributed among 83 charitable non-profit agencies in Washington County. In May the Gaming Commission received 121 separate applications from 98 organizations, requesting a total of $2,996,851.81. After workshops in June, and two days of public hearings in July, the Commission was able to either partially or fully fund 102 of the 121 requests. 41 of the 121 applications received full funding, with 15 organizations receiving grants of $30,000.00 or more. The Regional Community Health Center, received the largest award, of $175,000.00. The Washington County Gaming Commission is a volunteer 7-member board appointed by the County Delegation and Board of County Commissioners. Established by the State Legislature in 1995, the Commission is responsible to ensure the revenue produced by Tip Jars played in the counties clubs, taverns, liquor stores, and restaurants is equitably distributed. Over $31.5 million dollars to charities and fire & rescue companies in Washington County since the fund's inception in 1995. Awards will be listed on the County website, www.washco-md.net.
PRESENTATION OF GAMING CERTIFICATES OF MERIT
The Board of County Commissioners presented Certificates of Merit to members of the Gaming Commission whop have fulfilled their terms of services on that board. Honored were Mary Ellen Waltemire and Bob Schleigh for their 4 years service as well as Ralph Wachter for serving two years on that Commission.
BID AWARD: HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT APRON AND TAXIWAY
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Fire Chief Phil Ridenour and Airport Consultant Mahesh Kukata, of Airport Design Consultants, Inc. requested approval of a Bid Award for Phase I of the East and West Apron Rehabilitations and Taxiway A/G Modifications to the low bidder C. William Hetzer, Inc., of Hagerstown, Maryland with the lowest bid for the Total Sum Base Bid - $2,066,728.25 with Alternate No. 1 - $55,800.00 and Alternate No. 2 - $242,900.00 for a total of $2,365,428.25, contingent upon FAA approval and approval of a budget transfer request for Alternate No. 1. The Base Bid work includes excavation and embankment construction, rehabilitation/reconstruction of Portland Cement Concrete pavements, minor airfield electrical work, relocation of sanitary sewer line, erosion and sediment control, topsoiling, seeding, and mulching. The work areas for the Base Bid work include the future site of Taxiway G and the borrow site just south of the Air Traffic Control Tower. All work is to be completed within 120 consecutive calendar days. Alternate No. 1 work is to install additional alignment of west sanitary sewer line of approximately 1,000 linear feet. Alternate No. 2 work is hauling and breakup of approximately 20,000 cubic yards of rock material from the Package 3 stockpile area adjacent to the existing sewage pumping station along US Route 11 to the stockpile at the project site near the future location of Taxiway G. The project is funded by a grant from the FAA. Funding is 95% FAA, 2.5% State and 2.5% Local share. This project is included in the airport CIP, with a balance for Phase I and II of $6,478,735.32. Alternate No. 1 is not eligible for FAA/State funding and requires approval of a budget transfer in the amount of $55,800.00. Kukata told the Board that the engineer's estimate exceeded the project cost by over $1 million. The measure was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no". An FAA Grant in amount of $4 million was phased down to $2.5 million by the FAA, due to cost savings. A grant agreement for the new amount was approved by unanimous vote. 2 new grants from the MAA for matching funds totaling $333,333 were approved by unanimous vote. A renewal of the state fund pass-through agreement for airport grant funds was approved by unanimous vote.
AIRPORT PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) Fire Chief Phil Ridenour and Airport Consultant Mahesh Kukata, of Airport Design Consultants, Inc. requested approval of acquisition of 25.20 acres of land owned by Anna Martin. The parcels are located at 19125 Reidstown Road east of the runway extension project and are needed for the federally mandated for the runway protection zone. An Administrative Settlement of $646,120 was recommended, with $613,814 of the total from FAA. The settlement would include a lease back of land to Anna Martin for up to ten years. FAA has approved the acquisition. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT RENEWAL: COMMUNITY SERVICE AND NIGHT INTAKE
James Manuel of the Department of Juvenile Services (DOJS) requested approval of the extension of two, 1-year contracts between the County and DOJS to provide community service/informal supervision and night intake services in the amounts of: $77,000 and $34,779 respectively for Fiscal Year 2007. The awards represent an increase of $5,000 and $1,338 respectively, over those for FY 2006. The programs, serve approximately 600 youths per year, who come under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court in Washington County. Under Community Service/Informal Supervision juvenile offenders are placed at one of nearly 70 non-profit organizations to perform a specified number of hours of community service in lieu of other sentencing. Staff provides informal supervision and makes referrals for support services. Night Intake funds provide for 2 part-time after-hours counselors who are on call to provide emergency services to children referred by local police and other agencies. The counselors authorize detention, placement in shelter care, or release from police custody to a parent or guardian of the referred youth. The grants area awarded to the County on an annual basis, and the County is reimbursed for expenses incurred by both programs on a quarterly basis by invoice. The County is not responsible for any matching funds. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from citizens of Washington County on matters of importance to the community.
Jeff Kline, a member of the Williamsport Town Council, commended the Board for its assistance to that community over the last four years. A request for additional assistance was made, due to cost increases in playground equipment from one fiscal year to the next. The town received $60,000 in state Program Open Space (POS) money to replace equipment at Byron Park, but found that actual costs, including removal of old equipment and installation of new equipment, exceeded $74,000.00. Commissioner Nipps commented that all POS funds had been allocated for the fiscal year and asked if other POS projects could be delayed. The town received $22,000 for a new pavilion and restrooms. Kline said that project could be put on hold as a temporary solution, if POS funds could be moved into the needy project. Fund transfers of that type have occurred before, Nipps said, and the remaining funds could be held over for use in projects for FY 2008. Kline was requested to contact Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling to find out if the redirection of funds would be approved by the state.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS
Washington County Community Partnership (WCCP) Director Stephanie Stone requested acceptance and approval of the Governor’s Office for Children (GOC) Community Partnership Agreement (CPA) and Contracts for services with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). In July 2001, Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) entered into an agreement with the Governor’s Office for Children for the provision of services as specified. The original agreement was for five (5) years and contracts were executed based on the original agreement. The Governor’s Office for Children has requested that we continue these contracts in what they are calling a “bridge year”, FY 2007. Consequently we are asking that the Board of County Commissioners accept this agreement for FY 2007 with a year’s extension of contracts for currently funded programs in FY 2007. In addition, we request the acceptance of currently running programs that have been transferred from Governor’s Office for Children to the Maryland State Department of Education. It is imperative that we do not have a break in services for the children and families involved. Staff will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance as we have over the original agreement. We will be renegotiating with GOC for FY 2008. Programs sponsored by the GOC include the Interagency Family Preservation of the Department of Social Services, CSAFE After School Programs of the City of Hagerstown, the Cascade Outreach After School Program sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club, the Community Care Coordination Center of Potomac Case Management, Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs provided by Girls, Inc., Hagerstown Community College, and the Family Center. MSDE- sponsored programs include School Based Health Centers operated by the Health Department, and the Healthy Families program, also sponsored by the Health Department. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from citizens of Washington County on matters of importance to the community.
James Devine of Hagerstown raised questions on BioDiesel fuel production
and byproduct usage.
Jerry Ditto of Clear Spring presented questions on the status of the proposed
TDR program for agricultural easements. County Administrator Rod Shoop replied
that the Board approved hiring a consultant to work on a plan and that final
development was yet to take place.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reminded the Board that the August 22nd meeting will be geld at the Airport and will include updates of all the current expansion projects and a tour of the project sites. The elevator in the Administration Building is still under repair and will probably be out through the end of August. The location of the August 29th Commissioners meeting will be announced at a later date.
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney John Martirano asked for approval of a confirmatory ordinance regarding property conveyed in October of last year, at the request of a Title company. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner requested approval of the Town of Williamsport's recommendation that James Black be appointed to the Housing Authority of Washington County to fill an unexpired term as the Town’s representative to the board. The measure was approved by a 4-0-1 vote with Commissioner Munson abstaining.
The Civil War Roundtable requested reappointments of John Powell and Ed Itnyre to the Antietam Battlefield Committee. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
The Mental Health Advisory Committee requested appointments of Juanita Faisenbaker and William Kidwdell. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Staff Comments: Public Works Director Gary Rohrer told the Board that the construction bid for the Boonsboro Library will be opened on August 22nd. Reclamation work on Kaetzel Road has begun. A meeting will be held on August 24th with representatives of Motorola to officially start the Radio Communications project. Rohrer requested change orders to the project budget to allow consultation and inspection activities for project to proceed. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Budget transfers for several small bridge and culvert projects were requested, with a total of $76,000. Funds would benefit the Toms Road and Lane's Run culvert projects. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested advertising three positions. A Motor Equipment Operator I is open in the Highways Department. Advertising that positron was approved by unanimous vote. A Permits Processor is open in the Planning Department due to a retirement. That position was approved by unanimous vote. Advertising an Engineering Department Project Manager position was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
PROCEDURES TO ADOPT HOME RULE
County Administrator Rod Shoop and Home Rule Task Force Chair Joe Kroboth brought this follow-up discussion on the Procedures to Adopt Home Rule before the Board. The Task Force on Home Rule has presented to the Commissioners on several occasions. This is a follow-up presentation to obtain direction from the board for establishment of a schedule for nominating the Charter Board members. Earliest date of appointment would August 19th, and the latest date of appointment would be October 19th. The number of members to be nominated for service on the Charter Board also needs to be established. The membership must be an odd number between 5 and 9. Composition of the Charter Board must also be determined. It is recommended that 1 attorney, 1 representative from the Chamber of Commerce, 1 representative from the Greater Hagerstown Committee, 1 representative from the League of Women Voters and 3 citizens-at-large be appointed, for a total of 7 members. The Commissioners were also requested to convey any special instructions to the Charter Board members relating to the Charter Document. Consensus was reached to go forth with 9 members, 5 would be direct Commissioners' appointees, and 4 would be chosen by consensus to represent geographical jurisdictions, or community groups. Anyone interested would be urged to apply by calling Joni Bittner, County Clerk at 240-313-2204, or by accessing an application form on line at www.washco-md.net <http://www.washco-md.net>. Recommendations for nominees would be made in September.
CONTRACT AWARD: ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PUBLIC WORKS ANNEX
Joe Kroboth, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works and John Latimer, Director of the Division of Fire and Emergency Services brought this Contract Award for Architectural and Engineering Services for Renovations to the Public Works Annex for Fire & Emergency Services Administration and Communications Center to the Board. Recommended vendor is Betzwood Associates of Phoenixville Pennsylvania. The $60,000 contract would retain the services of an architectural firm to provide consultant services for the project. Washington County owns and operates a two-story building located at 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland designated as the Washington County Public Works Annex. The building has two distinct wings and a link joining the wings. The front wing and the link are occupied by the Department of Water Quality (DWQ). The rear or north wing is two story and is currently unoccupied except for some storage and training activities. The County would renovate the unoccupied area to house the administrative offices for the Division of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES), including Fire & Emergency Services Administration, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services including Operations and Medical Director, countywide emergency communications and dispatch center including administrative offices, a disaster management emergency operations center, and classrooms for fire and emergency services related training programs. The proposal would include an additional $1,380 in protective engineering services for a fire protection system. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASE: PAVEMENT MARKING SERVICES
Highways Department Director Ed Plank and Traffic Control Supervisor Dave Shrader brought this recommendation, to authorize the Highway Department to purchase services from the City of Hagerstown’s Painted Pavement Marking contract with Alpha Space Control, Inc. of Fayetteville, Pennsylvania to line stripe 2.14 million linear feet of roadway at a total cost of $90,000. The project would be split over the remaining summer and fall month of 2006, and the spring of 2007. The government of the City of Hagerstown, Maryland solicited the agreement. If the Board of County Commissioners determines that participation by Washington County would result in cost benefits or administrative efficiencies, it could approve the purchase of this service in accordance with the Public Local Laws referenced above by resolving that participation would result in cost benefits or in administrative efficiencies. The County would benefit with the direct cost savings in the purchase of this service because of economies of scale this contract has leveraged. Additionally, the County will realize savings through administrative efficiencies as a result of not preparing, soliciting and evaluating a bid. Acquisition of this service by utilizing the City of Hagerstown’s contract and eliminating our County’s bid process would result in administrative efficiencies and cost savings for the Highway Department and the Purchasing Department. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
DEERFIELD KNOLLS MITIGATION PROPOSAL
Kathleen Maher, Planning Director for the City of Hagerstown and Bruce Pitts of Revere Development Company brought a request for Approval of Mitigation under the City’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for Deerfield Knolls. Maher told the Board that on May 23rd, the Mayor and Council of Hagerstown adopted an ordinance to create a Planned Unit Development overlay on property on the west side of North Burhans Boulevard for an 82 unit townhouse development known as Deerfield Knolls. Subsequent to the approval of that development, Mayor and Council met on July 11th and voted to move forward with the development following a mitigation plan in conjunction with the City’s APFO. The project was cited as an example of smart-growth and quality in-fill development. Deerfield Knolls is completely surrounded by existing development with public utilities and services already available to the property, which is located in the heart of Hagerstown. The significant public benefits (which are endorsed by the various departments of the City), the applicants desire to incorporate the goals of workforce housing (as discussed during the public testimony associated with the City’s approval of the development), and the Mayor & Council’s desire to implement this neighborhood revitalization project offer a compelling argument for approval of this application. The BOE review of this application noted that there is adequate capacity in the Middle and High schools serving the development and has further noted with the City’s concurrence that there are no other developments currently planned in this school district which would further impact the capacity of the schools into which this development feeds. The mitigation program associated with this development proposes a reasonable limitation of 35 building permits per year starting in 2007. This limitation of building permits prolongs the build-out of the community until 2010, which coincides with Winter Elementary's planned capacity upgrade, providing greater than the 20 seats required for the development. The measure was tabled pending a meeting between the Commissioners, City Council and Board of Education on issues such as redistricting of the development into the North High area due to its proximity to that school. The issue will come back before the Board in September.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASE: COURTHOUSE OFFICE FURNISHINGS
Circuit Court Administrator Eunice Plank brought this request, to authorize the Circuit Court Administration to purchase office furnishings from Office Suppliers, Inc., of Hagerstown, MD through the U.S. Communities contract for the total amount of $53,068.30. U.S. Communities is a nationwide program designed by public purchasing professionals for use by government agencies and public-benefit non-profits throughout the country. The County is purchasing the furnishings for the additional offices, courtroom, jury deliberation room and conference room in the annex resulting from the court house renovation project. Discounts range from 46.5% to 53% off list price for the furnishings with delivery and installation included. The moving date is tentatively scheduled for September 5, 2006. A resolution is needed on items over $25,000 to allow or participate in an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing. On June 9th, the Circuit Court Administration requested a transfer of $46,000 from its FY’06 operating budget to the court house renovation project account and the request was approved by the Board. Circuit Court has also requested approval of a budget transfer in the amount of $7,100 from its FY’07 operating budget to the court house renovation project account for the remaining balance required for the procurement. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
Merle Elliott, Chair of the Water and Sewer Infrastructure Committee, and Department of Water Quality Director Greg Murray brought the committee's Final Report to the Board. The report cited the need to increase overall cooperation among all county jurisdictions. Better planning related to ultimate limitations on water sources and regulatory restrictions on allowable nutrient discharges into Chesapeake Bay tributaries was recommended. Update of the Comprehensive Plans for the County and each of its municipalities and provision of coordination of those plans with water and sewer availability and limitations was highlighted, as was a comprehensive review and revision of the County’s Water and Sewer Plan and provision for continuing updating and reporting of changes to that Plan. The committee also recommended considering a study and evaluation of merger or consolidation of all water and sewer operations in the county. At current development levels, water usage limits could be reached in 25-30 years, Elliott said. Nutrient loading limits could see buildout within 20 years without proper planning and control of growth. The complete report is available at www.washco-md.net <http://www.washco-md.net>.
URBAN AREA GROWTH IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND SCHEDULE
Chief Planner Steve Goodrich brought this plan to the Board for infiormational purposes. The County Commissioners Goal #2 for 2006 is to “Develop a plan and begin implementation of the comprehensive rezoning of the Urban Growth Area.” Staff has completed an Action Planning Worksheet for the goal and presented a summary of the proposal. During preparation of the worksheet, the concept of an advisory committee was developed. It was the result of lessons learned during the rural area rezoning and an attempt to get focused community input in the beginning of the project instead of at the end. Such a group would not be a substitute for citizen input. An advisory committee would be assigned specific issues that might include expansion or contraction of the UGA, densities, density bonuses and other broad topics. If appointed, its assignment should be specific and membership should cover a broad spectrum of community interests and concerns. Specific membership guidelines and goals for an advisory committee would be developed after the Board decides if one is needed and desirable. The additional time, effort and the potential to deviate from current Comprehensive Plan goals are disadvantages. “Task force like” input in the beginning of the process instead of at the end would be beneficial. If an advisory committee is appointed there would be additional fiscal impact in the form of planner and clerical staff time to attend meetings beyond the normal workday. There is also likely to be additional cost for printed materials and mailings. Staff will provide additional information at a later date.
REZONING APPLICATION RZ-06-002, HASHEMPOUR CONSULTING AND MANAGEMENT
Senior Planner Misty Wagner-Grillo, and Assistant County Attorney Kirk Downey, brought this Application for Rezoning before the Board for discussion. The applicant, Hashempour Consulting and Management, LLC, has requested that the subject property, three parcels of land consisting of 178.8 acres, located on the west side of Maryland Route 65, north of its intersection with Route 68, be rezoned from A(R)-Agricultural to RV - Rural Village. This matter was on the agenda for discussion by the Commissioners on the issue of whether to grant or deny the rezoning requested. The Planning Commission recommended denial of this map amendment. Consensus was not to approve the rezoning, and the County Attorney will bring findings of fact back to the next Commissioners meeting for a vote.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ANNEXATION REQUEST: SHAOOL ANNEXATION
Mike Thompson, Director of Planning and Community Development brought the City of Hagerstown Annexation Request, A06-03 Shaool Annexation before the Board, requesting concurrence with the finding of consistency with the adopted County Comprehensive Plan by staff and the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission supports the need for the developer to participate in the upgrade of Eastern Boulevard as well as the need to address safety concerns regarding access onto Eastern Boulevard and a bus stop along Eastern Boulevard for the development. The property under consideration consists of 5.948 acres and has been presented to the City of Hagerstown for annexation. The property is located on the east side of Eastern Boulevard between Security Road and the YMCA across from Hillside Manor, within the corporate limits of the city. The site is shown as Low Density Residential with a Rural Village (Urban) overlay on the Comprehensive Plan and currently has RS-Residential Suburban zoning. The applicant is requesting R-1 (residential) zoning upon annexation into the City and is proposing 26 semi-detached residential units on the site. The applicant previously presented a plan to the County for the project and a preliminary consultation was held. Comments were heard by the County Planning Commission. The plan reviewed by the Planning Commission consisted of 30 semi-detached units. The Planning Commission previously expressed concern that there was only one access and recommended a second entrance be provided and provisions for school bus access be addressed. The developer is requesting annexation in order to obtain public water and sewer from the City of Hagerstown. Staff finds the request consistent with the adopted 2002 Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends that the developer be required to provide any additional right-of-way necessary for the widening of Eastern Boulevard and make a financial commitment in an amount agreed upon by the City and County towards the construction of the improvements along the frontage of the development. Also, as mentioned, the Planning Commission expressed safety concerns with the access and the ability to provide a safe location for a school bus stop for children in the development and recommends these be forwarded to the City. Discussion centered on an additional entrance onto Eastern Boulevard. Developer conditions would include density issues, traffic issues, and access onto Antietam Drive as well as Eastern Boulevard. A motion to support staff findings that the R-1 zoning is consistent with the County comprehensive plan, with conditions as described was approved by unanimous vote..
ON BEHALF OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING BOND FOR 2006
Planning Director Mike Thompson brought this request, to approve transfer of the 2006 On Behalf Of (OBO) local government housing bond allocation of $3,943,196.00 to the Maryland Community Development Administration for issuance of housing bonds for first time homebuyers in the County. Each year the State allows the local government to partner in a statewide bond pool for first time homebuyers. The pool allows the counties to transfer their allocation to the State to issue bonds to fund housing programs. Washington County has historically used this allocation to participate in the Maryland Mortgage program. The estimated median priced home in 2005 was $228,700 and the median household income in 2005 was $57,700. Hagerstown had one of the highest appreciation rates in the State, at 24 percent, for the first quarter of 2006. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
LOCAL FUNDING MATCH FOR BIO-DIESEL FEASIBILITY STUDY
Economic Development Commission Director Tim Troxell and EDC Business Development Specialist Rob Ferree brought this request for approval of an Independent Feasibility Study of a Proposed Bio-diesel Facility, before the Board. The request was to approve a Resolution to Endorse the Grant of an Amount not to exceed $42,000 from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) to Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CHIEF) for that Feasibility Study and for approval of local marching funds. EDC has been working with a start-up client proposing to construct a 30 million gallon bio-diesel facility in Washington County. Estimated capital investment would be $90 to $100 million with the creation of approximately 35 new jobs. Chesapeake Bio-Energy, LLC intends to construct a large integrated soybean extraction and bio-diesel facility in Western Maryland that would crush over 21 million bushels of soybeans and produce 30 million gallons of fuel-grade bio-diesel, in addition to associated co-products, soybean meal, soy hulls and glycerin. Several 60-acre, rail served sites in Washington County are under consideration. Representatives of the company have met with the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), and financing for the $100 million project is well advanced. DBED, as well as the private financing community, is requiring an independent feasibility study be conducted before funding is finalized. DBED has agreed to fund 70% of the cost of the study with Washington County’s concurrence to fund the remaining 30%. A cost not to exceed $60,000 has been estimated for the study. The operation would not impact the landfill, Ferree said. The study would consider if the County could support such an operation, if there is a market for the product, and other economic factors. Local farmer investment would be encouraged. The project would be the first major Bio-diesel plant in the northeast. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
Julie Pippel, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator for the Department of Water Quality received a Commissioners' Certificate of Merit for completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Commissioners' President Greg Snook cited the amount of effort that Pippel put into the educational achievement, conducted on off-hours.
AIRPORT GRANT
Commissioners' President Snook requested acceptance of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $304,300 that includes $289,085 federal funds with the state share of $7,607 and the local share of $7,608 to assist in design of an aircraft rescue and firefighting building at Hagerstown Regional Airport. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.