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
September 19, 2006
THE COMMISSIONERS HELD A JOINT MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT 7 A.M. TO HEAR INFORMATION REGARDING FOURTH QUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND 2006 SUMMER MAINTENANCE AND FACILITIES PROJECTS.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on a recent meeting of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Several items were discussed including recently-adopted tax credit programs, and Project Wormburner, an event designed to raise awareness about the County and site availability. This event is scheduled to be held on September 29th. The EDC is also looking to change criteria for the new jobs tax credit in terms of number of new jobs that must be created, square footage requirements, and percent of the average weekly wage. The PenMar Development Corporation Board met recently and reported a theft of gutters and downspouts from buildings at the former Fort Ritchie. That case is being investigated, Wivell said and PMDC is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspects. Budget and environmental issues were also discussed by PMDC. A subcommittee was established to study the issue of environmental insurance and PMDC liability in regards to environmental issues.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on the 75th Anniversary celebration at the Hagerstown/Washington County Art Museum. The Mack Truck/Volvo event showed a great level of community support for the industry, Kercheval said. The Volvo Engine Laboratory facility is the top such facility in the world, Kercheval said. Last week's Chamber of Commerce luncheon with Governor Ehrlich was successful for the business community, he said. At the recent Planning Commission meeting, a 10 single-family lot subdivision sponsored by Interfaith Housing was approved, in the Cascade community. The Sheetz construction project at Huyett's Crossroads was approved, as was Hagerstown Community College site plan for the Career Studies Building. The use of propane "tank farms" in developments was discussed by the Planning Commission, Kercheval said. The Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues meeting last week heard from the lobbyist that represents local interests in Annapolis. The University of Maryland 150th Anniversary celebration held last week at the Agricultural Research Station on Keedysville Road was impressive, Kercheval reported.
Commissioner John Munson also commented on the Mack Truck/Volvo event. Munson also discussed the elevator problem at the County Administration Building and called for the Board to approve staff to move forward with the project and authorize funds necessary to complete the project. Director of Public Works Gary Rohrer explained the latest barriers the project has faced, and said the final cost of the project is not known at this time. The Board reached consensus to move forward as quickly as possible.
Commissioner Dori Nipps told the Board that the Area Agency on Aging planning Board needs 3 new members. The Historic District Commission needs one member as well, Nipps said, and is looking for someone within the construction community with an interest in historical preservation. The HDC endorsed three projects in Cascade to replace burned-out homes. Nipps also reported on Governor Ehrlich's appearance in the County last week and the Volvo ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Commissioners' President Greg Snook announced receipt of a letter from the Maryland Department of the Environment asking if the Commissioners had any comments regarding Maryland Paper Company replacing one of its boilers at its Elliot Parkway location. The Maryland Daily Record has reported that Garrett College will be offering joint bachelor degrees with the University System of Maryland. Governor Ehrlich announced today that Washington County will receive $1.8 million in Rural Legacy funding for Fiscal Year 2007. This is one of the highest levels of funding in the state for farmland preservation, and is a reflection on planning and zoning policies in the County, Snook said. The Volvo-Mack renovation and addition project added $170 million to the local economy, Snook reported.
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND AT HAGERSTOWN UPDATE
University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USM-H) Executive Director Dr. Dave Warner and Dr. Gaye McGovern of the Magnolia Foundation Scholarship Fund brought an update on programs at USM-H to the Board. Warner presented information to the Commissioners on programs and enrollments and other progress at USMH and discussed key areas to the future success of USMH. By Fall of 2007 the Center may have 8 Universities and Colleges represented with 18-20 program disciplines. There were 80 applicants for the new Nursing program, only 16 can be accepted each quarter The Masters Degree will be offered in Nursing in 2007. A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education will be offered in 2007, and HCC students will be able to go forward in Education degrees in Hagerstown for the first time. Masters of Social Work and Doctorate in Education courses should be available in 2008, Warner said. Enrollment is steady at 350 students per term, and community agencies continue to utilize the USM-H testing center for certifications and accreditations. Dr. Gaye McGovern, Chair of the Magnolia Foundation Scholarship Fund told the Board that fund- raising for the Commissioner-endowed scholarship has been very successful. The Board of County Commissioners made a contribution in FY 2006 of $25,000, and McGovern requested a like amount for FY 2007. The Community Foundation of Washington County is handling the administration of the scholarship fund. Goal for the fund is $212,500 and to date $180,00 has been pledged. Long-Range Goal is for any HCC student to be able to attend USM-H without financial barriers, McGovern said. Commissioners' President Greg Snook said that the County may be in a position to make a donation to the fund for 2007 after its annual audit is finished.
PET OVERPOPULATION REPORT
County Administrator Rod. Shoop and Paul Miller, Director of the Washington County Humane Society brought a recommendation., for appointment of a Pet Overpopulation Reduction Task Force before the Board. On July 18th, Miller recommended establishment of a task force in order to develop a county wide domestic dog and cat overpopulation reduction plan, develop a plan to ensure all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age or older have current rabies vaccinations, and to develop a financial plan and possible funding sources to implement these plans. The task force would define the homeless animals problem in Washington County and identify solutions to reduce the euthanization of healthy and temperament sound homeless animals and limit future animal control costs. Task force goals would include identification of the actual number per domestic species in the County; review of current Washington County animal control laws and programs; identifying solutions to reduce the number of homeless animals; providing an estimated financial impact of proposed solutions; and setting a timetable to make the most efficient and effective impact. The task force would provide a report to the Commissioners no later than April 1, 2007. Miller has agreed to chair the task force and would serve as the Humane Society representative. Makeup of the task force could include a City of Hagerstown representative, a Washington County
Veterinarian, a Washington County Sheriff’s Department representative, a Washington County Permits and Inspections Dept. representative, a Washington County Environmental Health representative, two citizens at large, a member of the Mason Dixon Kennel Club and an Agricultural community representative. Shoop said names for the task force will be put forward over the next several weeks. Volunteers are being sought for this task force, and interested persons should call County Clerk Joni Bittner at 240-313-2204 or jbittner@washco-md.net.
.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 commented on property tax and energy issues.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney John Martirano told the Board that agenda items for the coning Legislative session should be submitted soon.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop requested approval of a change order for the Newgate Interceptor Sewer project that reduced the project budget by $42,000.00. Shoop also recommended acceptance of a State Bond issue grant of $250,000 for the North High Stadium project. Both measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner requested approval of the appointment to Peter Kurz to the PenMar Development Commission Board. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Bittner also reminded the Board that there are two vacancies on the Water Quality Advisory Commission. Jeff Kline, a member of the Williamsport Town Council was recommended and approved by unanimous vote.
Staff Comments: Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reminded the Board that there is a vacancy on the Facilities Review Advisory Committee that should be filled. Rohrer provided an overview of that committee's recent activities, and stated that the Pavement Management Project is progressing well.
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson requested approval to advertise 9 jobs. Two Motor Equipment Operator II and one MEO equipment I positions are open in Highways. A Senior Plant Operator and a Systems Mechanic I position are vacant at Water Quality. One Emergency Communications Specialist is open, as is a Planner Position. A Senior Office Associate in the Gaming Office and a similar position in Human Resources were requested for advertisement, as was a Part-time Bus Attendant at County Commuter. 8 of the measures were approved by unanimous vote. The Planner position was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling brought a request for amendments to the County's Program Open Space allotments for the Fiscal Year. $8,000 was requested to be added to the Marty Snook Park overlay paving project due to the price of asphalt. Replacement of ground fault equipment in the electrical system at the football field in Snook park was recommended, at $12.000.00. Leaks in a drainage trough at Snook Park Pool would require a new drain system, at an increase in cost of $100,000.00. Sterling told the Board that $299,000 remains in the POS fund reserve, and that $170,000 would remain in that budget following the POS amendments. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna requested approval to pursue a process that would provide land in the Cascade area for sale to property owners whose homes were burned out last spring. Plots are too small for modern home construction and the County owns land near PenMar Park that abuts the homeowners' properties. Several Commissioners requested further information on the issue.
PUBLIC HEARING: MARYLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT- HOUSING REHABILITATION
Sonja Hoover, Fiscal and Research Specialist for the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission and Dave Jordan, Executive Director of the Washington County Community Action Council (CAC) brought this matter to Public Hearing. In accordance with state law Washington County must hold a public hearing to update the citizens on the Maryland Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the two-year Community Development Block Grant to Washington County on August 5th, 2005 in the amount of $200,000. Washington County Community Action Council, Inc. serves as the sub-recipient of the grant. The grant funds are being used to provide funding to create a countywide housing rehabilitation program for low and moderate-income homeowners. No one appeared to testify either in favor of or against the grant.
PUBLIC HEARING: MARYLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT- HMIS HOMEBUYERS PROGRAM
Sonja Hoover, Fiscal and Research Specialist for the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission and Dave Jordan, Executive Director of the Washington County Community Action Council (CAC) brought this matter to Public Hearing. In accordance with state law, Washington County must hold a public hearing to update the citizens on the matter of Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)– HMIS/Homebuyers Program. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the two-year CDBG to Washington County on July 26th, 2004 in the amount of $30,000. Washington County Community Action Council, Inc. served as the sub-recipient of the grant. The grant funds were used to implement the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) by purchasing equipment and other start up costs in the amount of $15,000, and to pay staff for a first time homebuyers program in the amount of $15,000. No one appeared to testify either in favor of or against the grant.
PUBLIC HEARING: MARYLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT- FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES
Sonja Hoover, Fiscal and Research Specialist for the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission and Sharon Disque of the Community Housing Resource Board brought this matter to Public Hearing. In accordance with state law, Washington County must hold a public hearing to update the citizens on the matter of Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)–Fair Housing Activities. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the two-year CDBG to Washington County on July 26, 2004 for the amount of $60,000. Washington County Community Housing Resource Board, Inc. served as the sub-recipient of the grant. The grant funds were used to conduct fair housing education and activities, as well as housing counseling services to low and moderate-income persons. No one appeared to testify either in favor of or against the grant.
PUBLIC HEARING: MARYLAND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT- FED EX GROUND PACKAGE DISTRIBUTION
Sonja Hoover, Fiscal and Research Specialist for the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission brought this matter to Public Hearing. In accordance with state law, Washington County must hold a public hearing to update the citizens on the matter of Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)–FedEx Ground Package Distribution. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the six-year CDBG to Washington County on July 11, 2003 for the amount of $1,220,000. Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, Inc. served as the sub-recipient of the grant. The grant funds were used to assist with the purchase of approximately 114 acres of land, which was conveyed to FedEx Corporation. FedEx Ground Package Distribution and Delivery Center, a 335,000 square foot building, was built in the Hopewell Valley Economic Development Area to benefit low and moderate-income individuals via job creation. James Devine of Hagerstown appeared to testify against the grant.
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE MARYLAND'S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIZEN AWARD EVENT AT THE NOON HOUR. CONGRATULATIONS TO ANN HINKLE, HONORED FOR HER VOLUNTEERISM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The program is sponsored annually by the County Commissioners, the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
WORKERS COMPENSATION EXCESS INSURANCE COVERAGE
Becky Maginnis, County Risk Management Administrator brought this request, for an Increase in Workers' Compensation self-insured retention from $400,000 to $500,000, before the Board. Renewal options from the present carrier, Midwest Employers Casualty Company offer current $400,000 retention amount at an annual premium of $168,854, an additional $3,909 over last year’s premium, or $500,000 retention amount at an annual premium of $137,944, a reduction of $27,001 over last year’s premium and $30,910 over the renewal amount for the $400,000 retention. The recommendation is for the increase of the retention amount and increased risk balanced by performance of a new third party administrator, The Schaffer Companies, and past history. In the last 10 years there has only been one claim that has reached the retention limit, a 2000 claim that is $42,000 over the $300,000 retention. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REVIEW OF PENSION AND LOSAP FUNDS AND RETIREMENT ACTUARIAL REPORT
Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought this report, on the state of the County's Pension and Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) Fund investment portfolios before the Board. Howard Schwartz of Mercantile Institutional Services reported that the $42 million pension fund earned $1.2 million in revenue in FY 2006. The pension plan outperformed the blended index. Residential housing trends should not have a major effect on the portfolio due to the diversification of the holdings, Schwartz said. The $3.1 million LOSAP portfolio performed well, also outperforming the blended index. Jon Ketzner of Century Business Services, Inc (CBIZ) provided the annual Actuarial report. Gross plan cost for FY 2006 was $4.23 million, up from $4.06 million in FY 2005. Employees pay 5.5% of wages and salaries into the plan. Recommended County contribution as a percentage of payroll was shown at near 11.5% over the last three years.
Ketzner said that the Plan remains in acceptable financial condition and is responsibly administered, that the benefit structure remains competitive, and that the plan is compliant with state regulations. The recommended contribution for the coming year is not to increase benefits and return the County funding level to 10 to 12% of payroll target.
REZONING REQUEST: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 2003 LLC
Planner Sara Henke, Planning Director Mike Thompson and Assistant County Attorney Kirk Downey brought this case, RZ-06-009 before the Board for discussion. The applicant, Pennsylvania Avenue 2003 LLC, has requested that the property, 0.47 acres located approximately 1,000 feet east of the intersection of U. S. Route 11 and North Pointe Drive be rezoned from RS – Residential, Suburban to BG – Business General. This matter is on the agenda for discussion by the Commissioners on the issue of whether to grant or deny the rezoning. The applicant has stated that there was a mistake in the original zoning designation and that the parcel is surrounded by business zoning classifications. Discussion centered on an opinion that a change in the character of the neighborhood took place rather than a mistake having been made in the original zoning. Consensus was reached that Staff will draft a letter of support for change in character of the neighborhood. A vote would be taken at the next Commissioners' meeting.
TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
Senior Planner Jill Baker brought this request, RZ-06-007 - Application for Text Amendment to the Washington County Zoning Ordinance consisting of proposed revisions to Rural Area Rezoning before the Board. The Washington County Planning Commission recommended adoption of the amendments. The proposed amendments focus on clarifying language related to the adoption of the Rural Area Rezoning. On June 20th, 2006 the BOCC tabled action on the amendments pending clarification of amendments regarding In-Home Day Care. Subsequent to the writing of the initial Staff Report and Analysis by Planning Staff and before the public hearing, a few minor changes were found., including deleting setbacks for In-Home Daycare, clarification of different setback modifications for the RU district, and improving the definition of "Yard Measurements". Other amendments proposed center on the administrative articles of the Ordinance proposed to incorporate the new zoning designations adopted as part of the Rural Area Rezoning. References to the new zoning districts were inadvertently omitted from the administrative sections during the rezoning case and are now being incorporated back into the document to ensure continuity. Another minor change included removal of "R district" references and replacing them with the appropriate residential zoning designations, removing redundant and/or contradictory language in various sections, and clarifying definitions. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT: PURCHASE OF NATURAL GAS
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Leslie Lewis, of Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. (WGESI) brought this measure, review of the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase of Natural Gas Supply Services at County Facilities through the contract between the Howard County Public School System and WGESI before the Board. The recommendation was to authorize the purchase of natural gas supply services from WGESI of Timonium, Maryland, through a contract between the Howard County Public School System based upon the NYMEX settlement price for the month plus fixed basis of $0.1930/therm ($1.9300/decatherm) to the “Delivery Point”; with an option to be converted to a fixed price at a future date, for the remaining term. The contract term would be July 1st, 2006 through June 30th, 2007. On December 5th, 2000, the Board voted to piggy-back the State of Maryland contract for natural gas with WGES. It was anticipated that a contract with WGESI for natural gas service in 2001 would result in net savings of a minimum of 10%-12%. The contract began in April 2001. Each year since then, the Board has renewed its contract with WGESI based on the State of Maryland contract with WGESI for natural gas. This year the State relinquished the bid process to the University of Maryland. The HCPSS’s contract also includes the requirements of the Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County school systems. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner John Munson voting "no".
CONTRACT RENEWAL: LANDFILL INSPECTION SERVICES
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Deputy Chief Engineer Rob Slocum brought this request, to renew the contract with Cumberland Geotechnical Consultants, Inc. (CGCI), of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for Contract Year 4 based on its letter of request dated August 24th, 2006. Rates for Year 4 of the contract for Construction Inspection would be $38.60 Hourly Rate for Straight Time, and $40.45 Hourly Rate for Overtime. For the Senior Construction Inspector the Hourly Rate for Straight Time would increase to $43.05 from $41.00 and the Hourly Rate for Overtime would increase from $41.00 to $45.10. Services under the contract consist of providing specialized inspection services for landfill related construction projects located throughout the County involving the construction of sanitary landfill cell floor construction, landfill capping, leacheate collection systems, leacheate storage tanks, sediment basins, leacheate collection pump station and transfer facility; landscaping, construction of scale house, electrical utility services and distribution, office building and installation of groundwater monitoring wells/probes, roads, drainage structures, and related tasks. Both full time and part time oversight may be needed. This is a requirements contract; inspectors will be utilized on an as-needed basis with no guarantee of minimum or maximum number of hours. The contract was originally awarded by the Board on August 26th, 2003 and renewed for Contract Year 2 by the County without any increase to the original hourly rates for each inspector classification. The contract was renewed in 2005 based on a 5% increase that was a reduction from an original request of 10%. To date this firm has performed exceptionally well including making various cost saving suggestions that have been incorporated into several projects. The contract was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT AWARD: REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION SERVICES REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT
County Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought this request, to award To award a primary requirements contract to Diversified Property Services, Inc. (DPSI) of Timonium, Maryland, in the amount of $326,650.00; and, as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a secondary requirements contract to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) of Sparks, Maryland in the amount of $352,810.00. The contracts’ term is for a 1 year period with an option by the County to renew for up to three 3 additional consecutive one-year periods. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any request for renewal. These are requirements contracts; therefore, services will be utilized on an as-needed basis at the respective unit costs as specified on the attachment with no guarantee of a maximum or minimum amount of services to be provided. After discussion, a motion was made to approve the primary contract and delay decision on the secondary contract. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wivell voting "no".
MAUGANS AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY PURCHASE
Real Property Administrator Joe Kuhna brought two purchases of Right of Way (ROW) fee simple and easements for the Maugans Avenue project, before the Board. Kuhna requested the Board approve ROW and easement acquisition of 4,849sq.ft. fee simple, behind the Playland building and 1,132 sq.ft. temporary construction easement along Maugans Avenue, needed for the construction of the project in the total amount of $49,624.00. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Kuhna also requested Right of Way (ROW) fee simple and easements for the Maugans Avenue project , 1,370sq.ft. fee simple, and 2,132 sq.ft. temporary construction easement. for a total acquisition cost of $10,850.00. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
DISCUSSION ON 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 to the Board. The Task Force on Home Rule made presentations to the Commissioners on several prior occasions. Today's discussion reviewed the schedule for nominating the Charter Board members. Earliest date of appointment being today, August 19th, 2006, and the latest date for appointment October 19th, 2006. The discussion of the number of members to be nominated for service on the Charter Board was continued as was establishment of the composition of the Charter Board. The Commissioners had considered appointment of 9 members, one by each Commissioner and 4 at-large members and moved ahead with the nominations. Commissioner Munson nominated Ron Bowers. Commissioner Nipps nominated Sharon Leatherman. Commissioner Kercheval nominated Brien Poffenberger. Commissioner Bill Wivell nominated Tom Berry. Commissioner Greg Snook nominated Lee Downey. 9 Additional names were chosen from the list of applicants and nominees decided by draw of lot. Mary Ellen Waltemire, Jeanie Singer, Dave Hanlin and Spence Perry were the at-large appointees. The public would have 60 days from this date to address the issue of alternate names for membership on the Charter Board by petition of 2,000 signatures of registered voters. If no petitions are filed, the nominees would become the Charter Board. Kroboth told the Commissioners that about $10,000 would be needed for costs associated with establishment and facilitation of the Charter Board. Organizational meetings will be set within the next 60 days. A motion to formally support the slate of nominees was approved by unanimous vote.
DEERFIELD KNOLLS MITIGATION REQUEST
Kathleen A. Maher, Planning Director for the City of Hagerstown and Bruce Pitts of Revere Development Company brought this Request for Approval of Mitigation Proposal under the City’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for Deerfield Knolls subdivision, before the Board On May 23rd, the Mayor and City Council of Hagerstown adopted an ordinance to create a Planned Unit Development overlay on property on the west side of North Burhans Boulevard in the City of Hagerstown for an 82 unit townhouse development known as Deerfield Knolls. Subsequent to the approval of this development, the Mayor and City Council met on July 11th and voted to move forward with the development per a mitigation plan in conjunction with the City’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). The developer proposed $50,000.00 in mitigation costs for Winter Street Elementary School. The County Commissioners discussed the City’s and the developer’s request for approval of a mitigation program at its August 10th meeting and subsequently recommended that the development be discussed at a joint work session of the BOE, the County, and the City. The subdivision proposes 82 townhouse condominiums in downtown Hagerstown in a State and City endorsed revitalization area. All public comment at the hearings was in favor of the project and the revitalization of this site known for derelict activity. This smart-growth in-fill development has community resources and public utilities immediately available to it and the development will provide significant on-site and offsite public improvements and community recreation facilities. A motion not to support the measure died by a 2-3 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "aye". A measure to support the request was approved by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting "no"
WET LAB SPACE AT HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Economic Development Commission Deputy Director Cassandra Latimer brought this request, for finalization of funding for the construction of 4,000 square feet of Wet Lab space at the Technical Innovation Center at Hagerstown Community College before the Board for approval. The Resolution to would endorse a grant of $400,000 from the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund ("MEDAAF") to Hagerstown Community College to partially finance the addition of wet labs at the Technical Innovation Center and to approve Washington County’s contribution to the project of $450,000. Funding for this $1.3 million project has been solicited from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, through the MEDAAF program, Washington County Government, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). Washington County's contribution of $200,000 for FY 2007 was initially approved on May 23rd, 2006. TEDCO’s contribution will equal $450,000. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.