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
October 10, 2006
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval attended the ribbon cutting for the expansion of the Hagerstown
Community College Transportation program located at the Mack Truck/Volvo facility
off Pennsylvania Avenue. The new program will be able to train 180
new Tractor Trailer drivers per year and received Federal grant money and in-kind
contributions from Mack/Volvo. The Commissioner volunteered at the "Light
the Night Walk" which raises awareness and money for the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society. The Commissioner thanked the County staff for participating
in a casual day that will support this cause. Commissioner Kercheval
also commented on two forums held by the Greater Hagerstown Committee
to discuss educational and other local issues of concern.
Commissioner
Bill Wivell reported to the Commissioners that the PenMar Development Corporation
Board is working through transition issues pertaining to the sale of the Fort
Ritchie property to Corporate Office Properties Trust. Questions as to
the future role of the PMDC Board and reporting requirements were discussed.
Some acreage remains to be conveyed due to various unresolved issues, Wivell
said.
Commissioner John Munson commented on calls received regarding the errors
to the state Flush Fee bills. Those bills are being reprinted and will be
mailed out this week, Munson said.
Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on last week’s meeting of the Recreation
and Parks Board. Hagerstown Community College has requested a change in its
Program Open Space funding. Rather than asking for funds to replace the entire
basketball court floor at the Athletic and Recreation Community Center (ARCC),
the surface will be replaced in those areas with greatest need. Funding would
then be reallocated to benefit other HCC recreational projects. That request
has been forwarded to the state for review, Nipps said. Discussions continue
between the County Recreation Department and HCC on creation of a new community
center for recreation programs. A joint use agreement is being developed to
create new athletic fields at Springfield Middle School. Summer Camps served
426 children in 2006, and took in $114,000. The camps paid for themselves
this summer Nipps said. The Historic District Commission requested the appointment
of Robert Bowman to that board. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
HDC reviewed several design plans for development in Rural Villages. New construction
in the Rural Villages must meet certain criteria to blend in with the historic
nature of those communities, Nipps said.
Commissioners President Greg Snook told the Board that a request for a waiver
of building permits has been received from Hancock Emergency Medical Services.
Fire and EMS companies have received waivers in the past, and Snook asked
if the Board would consider such a waiver. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote. A meeting of the Task Force on Homelessness will be held on October
25th, the Salvation Army's Kettle Kickoff is set for November 22nd, and the
annual Mummer’s Parade will be held in Hagerstown on October
28th, Snook reported. A letter from the Maryland Department of the Environment asked
if the Board wanted a public hearing to be held on Maryland Paper Company’s
request to replace a boiler at its Elliott Parkway location. The Boonsboro
Town Attorney sent a letter to the Board announcing a public hearing on a
proposed 35 acre annexation to the Town. An FDIC report indicates that 16,000
new jobs were created in the state during the first 6 months of 2006,
Snook said. Per Square Foot costs for School Construction have escalated 46%
over the past three-year period. Truck Driver training programs at the Volvo
plant can be adapted to Fire and Emergency Services vehicles, Snook said.
Character Counts Week proclaimed. L-R: Commissioner Bill Wivell, Carolyn Brooks, Patsy Campbell, Kim Buchanan
PROCLAMATION: CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK
Carolyn Brooks,
Kim Buchanan and Patsy Campbell representing “Character Counts” of
Washington County received a proclamation from Commissioners’ Vice President
Bill Wivell designating October 15-21, 2006 as Character Counts Week in Washington
County. The proclamation stated that young people are the stewards of the community
and concerns about the character training of our youth have taken on a new sense
of urgency in light of recent events. Children need strong and constructive
guidance from families and communities. The “Six Pillars of Character” were
cited as character development tools, and strong character benefits the public
good. The Board recognized Character Counts Week and urged all citizens to support
these important community goals.
RECOGNITION LETTERS FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Human Resources
Director Dave Hankinson and Susan Mosher of Hagerstown Community College's Continuing
Education Division brought Letters of Recognition for Leadership Development
Program Participants for presentation by the Board. The Leadeship
Development Program was put together in conjunction with HCC to prepare current
and or future managers for expanded roles. Participants in the first group
are Kathy Kroboth and Angela Smith of Permits and Inspections; Ricky Martz and
Ed Plank of the Highways Department, Steve Goodrich of Planning and Community
Development; John Pennesi of Buildiungs, Grounds and Parks; Rocky Bishop, Kim
Bowers, Brian Brandt and Mike Rohrer of the Department of Water Quality; Rob
Slocum from Engineering, and Phil Ridenour of the Hagerstown Regional Airport
staff. HCC awards the Letter of Recognition when a student has completed 12
credit hours in a field of study, which in this case is Management. To
date the managers have taken Principles of Management, Finance, Business Communications,
and Human Resources Management. Remaining classes are State and Local Government,
and the Legal Environment of Business. Mosher said the program has been so successful
that 1st Data Services has initiated a program modeled on the County’s.
Commissioners’ President Snook commended the students, saying “You
are the future of our Departments.”
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop
commented on a letter from Children's Village commending John Pennisi and
Buildings, Grounds and Parks staff for outdoor maintenance efforts at that
agency.
Reports from
County Staff: Deputy Director of Public Works Joe Kroboth reported that the
Pavement Management program is underway in the Cascade area, and that the Chestnut
Grove project will be completed soon. The project will stop in early November
for the winter shut-down period, Kroboth reported. Groundbreaking for the Boonsboro
Library branch has been set for October 24th. Plans for Landfill Cell #4 design will
modify the drainage system to reduce cost and increase the amount of waste flow
to the Cell, Kroboth said. The June Flooding seriously damaged the footbridge
over the Antietam Creek in Devil's Backbone Park, and that structure has been closed
to the public since that time. The bridge must be replaced, and will cost $100,000
-$125,000. A disaster declaration to secure reimbursement for storm costs from
FEMA and MEMA is in the works, Kroboth said. The project is eligible for Program
Open Space funding, and a report was given to the Recreation and Parks Board
at its last meeting by Buildings, Grounds and Parks Director Jim Sterling.
Human Resources
Director Dave Hankinson requested permission to advertise
An Office Associate position in Permits and Inspections and a Motor Equipment
Operator I position in the Highways Southern Section. 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.
Harry Powers
of Roberts Road commented on road maintenance issues.
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTIONS: MARYLAND WATER QUALITY LOANS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
Deputy Director
of Budget and Finance Dawn Barnes and Timmy Ruppersberger,
Bond Counsel for Washington County, brought this request, that the Board approve
Authorizing Resolutions for loans from Maryland Water Quality Administration
for the Resh Road Landfill Capping Phase 1 Project, and the Halfway I & I
Rehabilitation Project. The resolutions authorize the issuance
of General Obligation Installment bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,500,000
for the Capping Project and in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for the Halfway
I & I Project. The interest rate for October is 1%, plus an administration
charge of 5% of total debt service. Interest cost for the 20 year period
for the maximum loan amount is $ 595,685 for the Resh Road Landfill Project and
$108,306 for the Halfway I & I Project. The
measures were approved by unanimous vote.
RELINQUISH RIGHT-OF-WAY: GOVERNOR LANE BOULEVARD
Deputy Director
of Public Works Joe Kroboth brought this request, to relinquish a portion of
existing Right-of-Way for Governor Lane Boulevard to Homewood Retirement Center
(HRC), before the Board. HRC has mowed and maintained a significant portion
of the existing right-of-way on the North West side of Governor Lane Boulevard. HRC
is in the planning and implementation phase of a major redevelopment of
its facilities and is in need of the area in question for parking and to otherwise
facilitate their plan. They have requested that the County grant this
portion to them in fee simple to them. In 1968, the State Highway Administration
acquired rights-of-way for Governor Lane Boulevard from U.S. Route 11 to Maryland
Route 68 and turned them over to Washington County. For no known reason
the width of the right-of-way widens progressively beginning at Edward Doub
Road from 100 feet to 200 feet within a length of about 500 feet The County
does have clear title to the subject area. HRC has a section mowed as wide as
80 feet and more than 1,000 feet in length. Staff finds that the properties
on both sides of Governor Lane Boulevard are fully developed and the existing
roadway and shoulders are more than adequate for current and future traffic
patterns. Any possible future widening would not require 200 feet of
right-of-way even for drainage and a minimum width of 80 feet is sufficient
for such purposes. In addition any decision by the Board to convey the portion
requested by Homewood Retirement Center would not adversely affect the safety
of public transportation on Governor Lane Boulevard. Consensus was reached to
develop a 5-year lease on the property at $1.00 per year to Homewood, and consult
with other property owners in the area to evaluate possible uses for the 200
foot right of way along the length of Governor Lane Boulevard that is owned
by the County.
BID AWARD: SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FIREARMS
County Buyer
Rick Curry and Sheriff Charles Mades brought this request, to award the contract
for the purchase of 110 units of 40 Caliber Beretta handguns to the responsive,
responsible, bidder with the lowest bid - Lawmen Supply Company, Inc., of Clinton,
Maryland, in the amount of $50,692.40. On September 12th the County accepted
bids for the handguns that consist of a handgun, gunlock, night site, carrying
case, holster, and three ammunition magazines. Funds seized from criminal activities
would be used to purchase the firearms. Mades told the Board that this is the
4th time in 20 years that new firearms have been purchased. The measure was
approved by unanimous vote.
ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE MITIGATION REQUEST: CLAGGETT'S MILL
Planning
Director Mike Thompson and Jason Wiley, Project Manager for Elm Street Development
brought this request, for Approval of a School Mitigation Proposal under
the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) for Phase 1 of the Clagett’s
Mill Development. The developer submitted a mitigation proposal
for the entire Clagett’s Mill development, which was presented to the
Board on August 29th, 2006. The Commissioners stated they could not support
the mitigation plan for the entire development, but requested the developer
prepare a plan for Phase I of the project. The information presented today pertains
to Phase I only, a total of 87 lots. The preliminary plat for the Clagett’s
Mill development was granted approval by the Planning Commission on September
13th, 2004 for a total of 238 single-family lots. In addition, final plat approval
was granted for the first 87 lots and it was noted that there were a number
of APFO including roads and schools remaining to be addressed. The developer
has been working with the Board of Education (BOE) and staff on ways to address
the school issue keeping in mind the other development in the area, in particular
the Westfields Development. In September, 2006 the developer submitted a revised
APFO Draft Agreement for consideration by the Board for Phase I and was referred
to the Board of Education for comment. The developer proposes to pay $1,131,000
of excise tax due on the project for the first 87 lots at $13,000.00
per unit by December 31, 2006, which would allow for the developer to obtain
building permits for the 87 lots and be given credit for this amount towards
the excise tax due. The project would be allowed to proceed based on a phasing
schedule set forth in the agreement calling for 37 building permits to be issued
in 2007, with the remaining 50 units to be permitted in 2008. . The remaining
151 lots would not be recorded until such time as they comply with the
provisions of the APFO. Westfields Elementary School is anticipated to serve
this development upon its completion in 2008. Presently, Emma K. Doub and Funkstown
Elementary Schools, E. Russell Hicks Middle School and South Hagerstown High
School serve the area. Washington County Public Schools' Assistant Superintendent
for School Operations Boyd Michael told the Board that cost
to "create a seat" in County schools is between $35,000 and $40,000.
Final enrollment numbers for Fall were not available, and Commissioners' President
Snook said a delay in making a decision on the mitigation would be needed while
more information on school capacities is gathered.
ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE MITIGATION REQUEST: SUNSET MEADOWS
Paul Prodonovich and Brian Kurtyka, Attorney-at-Law, representing Washco Developments, Inc. brought this request for Approval of a Mitigation Proposal under Section 9.3A of the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Sunset Meadows, near Clear Spring, a 53-unit single family residential subdivision, received preliminary plat approval in June 2005. 5 lots have already been approved and recorded and the Developer is seeking approval for the next phase of 11 lots, to be built over a three to five year period. In November 2005, a request was made by the developer to have an APFO Test performed on the 11 lots. On December 19, 2005, the Board of Education informed the developer that the subdivision did not pass the County APFO Test at the elementary and high-school levels. Total projected student yield from the 11 lots are 4 elementary, two 2 middle, and 2 high school. The developer met with representatives of the Board of Education to discuss alternatives for mitigation, including portable classrooms, monetary payment to offset the impact of the potential students, and dedication of a 13-acre parcel of land located on Jefferson Boulevard to the BOE as a future school site. Following meetings and discussions between the developer and the BOE, all of the alternatives were rejected. The BOE formally evaluated the land dedication mitigation proposal, and on July 6th a recommendation to deny the mitigation proposal was issued. The developer requested that the County Commissioners consider the low number of students projected to be generated by the 11-lot phase and the fact that the build-out of the phase will occur over several years. The remaining property, 48 lots, currently is assessed at a value of $247,270. The projected value when improvements are complete is $4,400,000. The development will provide significant additional tax revenue from increased real property taxes, as well as additional new income tax base and sales tax revenue from the subdivision residents. The 11-unit phase will contribute $143,000 in excise tax revenues, of which $100,100 would be for school purposes. The developer asked that the County give an up or down vote on the 13-acre site, on Jefferson Boulevard near Smithsburg, as the mitigation solution. The site does not lie within the Urban Growth area for Smithsburg, and has no sewer service. The developer could make a financial mitigation proposal in the future. A motion to deny approval of the mitigation request was approved by unanimous vote.