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
January 9, 2007
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on last week's Winter meeting of the
Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). Economic forecasts were presented,
members of the new state administration were introduced, and a number of
issues discussed, among them affordable housing, and how aging of the "Baby
Boomer" generation will affect Counties' resources. The Planning Commission
met Monday and discussed several projects including the site plan for an
Olive Garden Restaurant and a "Senior Restricted" development,
Kercheval said. Several members of the County Commission toured Frederick
County's Central Booking facility last week. Washington County Free Library
Director Mary Baykan's award drew national press in USA Today, Kercheval
reported. A meeting with property owners in the Massey Boulevard area discussed
changes to business entrances necessary with revitalization of the intersection
at Halfway Boulevard. Staff will work with business owners on that issue,
Kercheval reported.
Commissioner Terry Baker commented on last week's meeting of the Recreation
and Parks Board (WCRPB). Program Open Space requests were reviewed from several
communities, and that board is reviewing plans for recreation centers as part
of new school construction. Baker told the Board that a request from the International
Association of Fire Fighters' local foundation for an amendment to the Recreation
and Parks policies, that would allow alcohol to be served at the Agricultural
Education Center Park as part of a Fireman's Bonanza, was discussed and approved
by the WCRPB. The amendment would be a one-time exclusion to current rules,
which prohibit use of alcohol in any of the County park facilities. The IAFF
would rent the Center, and those fees would nearly double the Ag Center revenues
for the year. There would be no guns allowed as prizes at the event, and liability
insurance would be required in the $5 to $10 million range. The Ag Center
Board of Directors approved the measure by a majority vote. Any future request
for such an activity would be judged on an individual basis, and come before
the County Commissioners for final approval. The Bonanza is scheduled to take
place in 2008. The amendment was approved by unanimous vote.
Commissioner Kristin Aleshire commented on efforts to hold meetings in the
municipalities. A communication sent to the local Maryland Municipal League
was misleading, and led the Towns to believe that the County wanted to hold
one meeting to discuss all Communities' tax set-offs, and eliminate any other
meetings in the localities. This was not the intent of the letter, Aleshire
said. Further communication with the towns and the City of Hagerstown is needed.
The Commissioner attended the Board of Health meeting last week and a presentation
by the Division of Fire and Emergency Services. Boonsboro moved ahead with
its plan to annex additional acreage, and a discussion is needed with that
town on the availability of public services, Aleshire said.
Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on the Library awards presentation as well
as a recent meeting of the PenMar Development Corporation Board. PenMar is
in a period of transition, and a review of finances indicates assets of about
$7.5 million. Discussion took place at the PMDC meeting in regards to building
a Community Center for about $4.4 million, of which PMDC would provide 50%
of the funding. Also, an existing building may be used for development of
a museum highlighting the former Fort's history. Operating funds for that
museum would have to be discussed, Wivell said. After having been contacted
regarding sky-rocketing assessments, Commissioner Wivell requested that the
BOCC address the issue of tax assessments in regards to both owner-occupied
properties, but more importantly, non-owner occupied residences and the negative
impact on renters. He cited the need for further discussion of reduction in
tax assessments, citing the Smithsburg area as being hit hard this year.
Commissioners President John Barr told the Board that the Airport Commission
meeting last week heard reports indicating that the runway improvement project
is on time and on budget. The relocation of U.S. 11 has been completed and
the bridge is open. The Airport is looking toward acquiring several additional
contiguous properties for security purposes, Barr reported.
2006 GOAL #2: URBAN GROWTH AREA ZONING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND SCHEDULE
Planning and Community Development (PCD) Department Chief Planner, Steve
Goodrich, and PCD Director Mike Thompson brought a report on the plan to
update zoning in the urban growth area (UGA) of the County before the Board.
This issue is Commissioners' Goal #2 for 2006, “Develop a plan and
begin implementation of the comprehensive rezoning of the Urban Growth Area.” Goodrich
asked the Board to provide staff direction on the concept of a Citizen Advisory
Committee; to outline Commissioners' expectations for the process and results
of Urban Growth Area rezoning, and to concur with revised proposed plan and
schedule to implement Urban Growth Area rezoning. Staff originally requested
direction on this item in August 2006. Staff has updated the Action Planning
Worksheet for the goal. During preparation of the worksheet, the concept
of an advisory committee was developed, the result of lessons learned during
the rural area rezoning and an attempt to obtain focused community input
in the beginning of the project rather than at the end. The committee would
not be a substitute for citizen input, Goodrich said, and public meetings
would be held similar to those held prior to rural rezoning. An advisory
committee could be assigned specific issues that might include expansion
or contraction of the UGA, densities, density bonuses and other broad topics.
The committee assignment should be specific and membership should cover a
broad spectrum of community interests and concerns. There are both benefits
and disadvantages to an advisory committee. The additional time, effort and
the potential to stray from current Comprehensive Plan goals are disadvantages.
Goodrich told the Board that “task force like” input in the beginning
of the process, instead of at the end, could be beneficial. Discussion centered
on a need for resource capacity assessment and its use as a driving force
in the rezoning plan. Size of the urban growth area would be an area for
discussion as well. The Board reached consensus for the Department to move
ahead with the plan process and set appointment of an advisory committee
in motion.
PROCLAMATION: CERVICAL HEALTH MONTH
Kim Rasch, Director of the Health Services Division of the Washington County
Health Department and Earl Stoner, Deputy Health Officer, received this proclamation,
designating January as Cervical Health Month in Washington County from Commissioners'
President John Barr. The proclamation cited the need for regular screening
for cervical cancer in women, because 12,000 to 14,000 new cases are diagnosed
each year. In Maryland over 200 women will be diagnosed with the disease and
if detected early the survival rate in near 100%. Women should take regular
Pap tests. The Commissioners encouraged all women in Washington County to
become aware of the risks and the preventative measures a regular screening
program can provide.
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.
Hagerstown City Councilperson Penny Nigh distributed a CD containing an anti-drug
program to the Board and asked for support on anti-drug legislation at the
state level. All City Council members should be made privy to information
from "2+2" Committee meetings, and a second hospital should be brought
to the County to offset current Trauma Center limitations, Nigh said.
Jerry Ditto of Clear Spring commented against the need for Civil Citations
being issued by Codes Inspectors, questioned the use of alcohol at the Ag
Center event described earlier and commented on parking issues regarding large
events held at the Ag Center Park.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought
recommendations for appointments and reappointments before the Board.
Donald Harding’s first term on the Agricultural Reconciliation Board
will expire on January 31, 2007. Harding has agreed to serve a second three-year
term. Also, Terry Karn, Marcia Watters, and Jeff Semler have agreed to serve
a second term. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.
Terry Reiber’s first term on the Planning Commission is due to expire
on February 1, 2007 and he has indicated that he is interested in reappointment
for a second term. Planning Commission terms are for five years. The measure
was approved by unanimous vote.
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the
Board that Employees donated $9,393.00 to Casual Days for charitable causes
in 2006. A Change order for the Pen Mar Water System project in the amount
of $44,160.00 was approved by unanimous vote. Those funds came from previous
project savings, Shoop said. An appointment to the Western Maryland Consortium
Board is needed, Shoop said, and Commissioner Jim Kercheval was nominated
to serve. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. The Commissioners will
send a letter of congratulations to Governor-elect Martin O'Malley, and will
meet with the Local Delegation to the General Assembly on January 24th, Shoop
said.
Reports from County Staff: Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker requested
approval of advertisement of a Motor Equipment Operator III position at the
Eastern Highways Department shop. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CHANGE ORDER: RESH ROAD LANDFILL II: CLOSURE PHASE I
Public Works Deputy Director Joe Kroboth and Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought
this request, to approve Change Order No. 2, giving conditional approval
for the purpose of inclusion as an eligible loan expense, in the amount of
$135,980.00 before the Board. The Commissioners awarded the contract for
this project to Pavex, Inc. on June 13, 2006 and construction began on August
21, 2006. Although the contract allowed for a contract time of 435 calendar
days, Pavex, Inc. proposed a 140 calendar day schedule intending to be complete
before winter weather would shut down the project. Due to project delays
and weather conditions, project completion is now scheduled for the third
week of January, an approximately 160 calendar day contract time. Unknown
conditions at the site forced the need to deviate from some of the details
on the approved plans for Cell N-1. The revised details included the use
of short sections of gabion retaining walls, perforated underdrains and additional
slope grading. Significant quantity overruns of several pay items contained
in the contract documents are anticipated. In accordance with state and federal
regulations, the County is required to cap the closed Resh Road Landfill.
The project has been broken down into two distinct phases. The contract is
for Phase I and consists of the north or N Cells located on the north side
of Resh Road. The area to be capped consists of approximately 24 acres. The
project includes the placing of a geosynthetic and soil cap over approximately
24 acres of former landfill cells; modification of an existing stormwater
management pond; installation of a landfill gas flaring system; and upgrades
of various drainage systems and structures. Phase II, consists of those landfill
cells located on the south side of Resh Road, Cells 1 - 5. Phase II will
be completed at a later date. McGee told the Board that an original engineer's
estimate was not accurate on the project, and that the resulting overruns
are the result of that consultant's error. The total cost for the project
is expected to reach $4.88 million, and could have a shortfall of about $131,000.
Funds allocated to Phase II of the project would be used to cover any shortfall.
Discussion took place regarding alternate technologies for landfill procedures.
The measure, to approve the change order, was approved by unanimous vote.
COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-GANG ACTIVITY GRANT
Sheriff Doug Mullendore and Sergeant Daryl Sanders brought this request,
to accept a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention
for the period from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. The request was to
award the funds in the amount of $109,318.00 in order that Budget and Finance
can continue and/or add the line item for disbursement purposes. The grant
would address the need for a cohesive strategy for the investigation of criminal
gang activities, sharing of information and development of strategies for
the enforcement and suppression of criminal gang activity in Washington County.
A Hagerstown City Officer would be assigned to the Gang Task Force and future
funding would be sought to fund a Sheriff's Deputy in a like position. A
coalition of community groups banded together to apply for the 18-month grant.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote. The grant will be taken before
the Mayor and Council of Hagerstown in its afternoon meeting for approval,
Mullendore said.
THE BOARD ATTENDED A LUNCHEON WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU AT THE NOON HOUR
BRIEFING FROM LOBBYIST
Brien Poffenberger, President of the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber
of Commerce and Lobbyist Michael Johansen, an Attorney with Rifkin, Livingston,
Levitan & Silver brought this report to the Board. The County has joined
with the Chamber, CHIEF, The Greater Hagerstown Committee, and the City of
Hagerstown to hire a lobbyist to represent Washington County's interest in
Annapolis. Representatives from the five partners agreed on four issues for
the 2007 lobbying program including Securing State Funding for Library Expansion,
Protecting State Funding for Central Booking, Reform of the Prisoner Release
Program, and Funding the Agricultural Commercialization Program. Johansen
told the Board that the lobbying effort was successful in the 2006 legislative
session. Discussion centered on Library Funding. The County has not seen
a proposal from the Library for the FY '08 Capital Improvement Project budget
as yet. On the issue of Prisoner release, Commissioner Aleshire asked if
the project is "doable" or if there are federal or state regulations
that prohibit change in the corrections process. Johansen told the Board
that the list is preliminary and may be modified. Johansen said a meeting
between the Commissioners and state legislative leaders would probably take
place on the 21st or 28th of February.