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
February 27, 2007
APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
The Washington
County Board of County Commissioners officially appointed Gregory B. Murray
as County Administrator. Murray, 46, has been the Director of the Department
of Water Quality for ten years and brings 24 years of public administration
and leadership to his new role as County Administrator. His Management and Public
Administration experience includes budgeting, personnel, facility management,
design and design review, regulatory compliance, project management, system
evaluation, training, computer system and technology implementation, governmental
operations including prior service with municipal government as Public Works
Director and interaction with the public. He graduated from Heritage Academy,
Hagerstown Junior College and also graduated with Summa cum laude honors from
American Intercontinental University with a Bachelor of Business Administration
degree. He is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration program
of the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the American Society of Public
Administration, the American Public Works Association, the County Engineers
Association of Maryland, the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment
Federation and the Maryland Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies. He
serves on numerous boards and commissions at the state and local kevel. He holds
a number of environmental licenses including Class 2,4, and 5 Wastewater Treatment
and Superintendent licenses. In 2006 he was selected by the Ministry of Personnel
of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), along with State Administration Foreign
Affairs Experts to represent Washington County and the environmental community
as an international expert for exchange of technologies and ideas with the public
and private sectors in Shandiong Province, PRC. A native of Washington County,
Greg currently resides with his family in the Smithsburg area. Murray thanked
the County for affording him educational opportunities and said he pledged to "work
hard to make Washington County a better place to live, work and play."
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval reported on last week's lobbying effort, "Day in Annapolis",
with the Local Delegation and other members of the General Assembly. The meeting
was a joint effort of the County, the City of Hagerstown, Greater Hagerstown
Committee, CHIEF, and the Chamber of Commerce. Kercheval said the joint effort
was aimed at gaining support for local projects supported by the community.
School construction costs, Central Booking, Library Expansion, and prisoner
release policies were among items discussed. During the Delegation's meeting,
David Lever, representing the Board of Public Works, discussed school funding
issues across the State. This year there were $891 million requested statewide,
and only $242 million funded in the first round. Washington County received
about a third of its school construction request in the first funding
round, Kercheval said. The Commissioner and former Commissioner Greg Snook presented
information on County government to a Public Administration class at the University
System of Maryland-Hagerstown Center last week. Kercheval also commented on
meetings with the Teenage Pregnancy Task Force to discuss allocation of funds
for those prevention initiatives
Commissioner
Terry Baker commented on a meeting of the Community Action Council last week,
and on attending the Sheriff's Department New Commissioner Orientation on Monday.
Commissioners'
President John Barr commented on the joint meeting in Annapolis last week. The
Agricultural Education Center Board and the Rural Heritage Museum Board meeting
last week discussed a conflict with a local business over the use of the term "Ag
Center". Bids will come in soon for the second building at the Rural Heritage
Museum. A review of rental changes for the Ag Center has been tabled for the
time being, Barr said. The two County slots on the proposed 2+2 Education Committee
will be filled by Commissioners Kercheval and Aleshire. Hagerstown Mayor Bob
Bruchey and Commissioner Barr cut the ribbon for the new Hospice facility in
downtown Hagerstown last week, the Commissioner reported.
Commissioner
Terry Baker commented on setting up too many "2+2" committees.
STAFF APPOINTMENTS
County Administrator
Greg Murray brought a recommendation to the Board to officially appoint Gary
Rohrer as Director of Special Projects, and move Joe Kroboth to the Director
of Public Works position from Deputy Director of that Division. The measures
were approved by unanimous vote. Rohrer commented on the big challenges ahead
for the County. Kroboth said he looks forward to meeting the challenges in the
Public Works arena.
REVIEW OF FEASIBILITY STUDY: SOYBEAN EXTRACTION AND BIODIESEL REFINING FACILITY
Robin Ferree,
Economic Development Commission (EDC) Business Development Specialist and Mark
Soutter, Technical Analyst with BBI International brought this information item
before the Board. In August 2006, Chesapeake Bio-Energy, LLC expressed interest
with the state Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) in locating
a 30 million gallon biodiesel production facility in Washington County. The
company made a presentation to the Commissioners describing the project and
requesting support to help fund an independent study to help organize its investment
group. DBED, the Commissioners and the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial
Foundation (CHIEF) agreed to fund the study to substantiate if the County was
a suitable location. The consultant’s report recommends that the company
proceed with the development of a facility in Washington County. There
are adequate sources for the soybeans and available markets for the biodiesel,
soy meal and other by-products. Based on current federal subsidies, the
plant would be profitable. Capital investment is estimated at $87 million. Chesapeake
Bio-Energy is using the report to finish their detailed business plan and line
up their investment group. The company will be working with a local realtor
and the EDC to locate suitable sites for the production facility. Members of
the client company, DBED, the Economic Development Commission, and representatives
of the local agricultural community were in attendance.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REVIEW
Budget and
Finance Director Debra Murray, Director of Special Projects Gary Rohrer and
Planning Director Mike Thompson brought this review of portions of the proposed
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2008 before the Board. The General
Government portion of that budget calls for $70.5 million in revenue and expenditures
for the 6 years through FY 2013. The Fiscal '08 request is $1.5 million,
including $138,000 in renovation and expansion of the Central Library, $400,000
in Agricultural Land Preservation funds from the Transfer Tax, and $700.000
for the Central Booking Facility from state allocations. The Central Library
facility would double in size to approximately 91,000 square feet. The City
of Hagerstown has agreed to help with land acquisition for that project. Murray
discussed items that have been removed from the '08 CIP. Several items
that had been requested for funding in '08 were moved ahead to the FY '07 CIP
through use of surplus funds. Those items included technology upgrades, The
Detention Center expansion, Renovations to Fire and Emergency Services offices,
and the Public Safety CAD system. Removed as no longer needed were a proposed
addition to the 80 West Baltimore Administrative Annex, A new building for Fire
and Emergency Services and an Automatic Vehicle Location system. The Fire/Rescue
complex under development at Elliott Parkway would preclude need for an additional
building.
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.
Williamsport
Town Councilman Jeff Cline offered the Town's congratulations to Greg Murray,
Gary Rohrer and Joe Kroboth in their new appointments. Cline said the County
has been of great benefit to the Town over the years and stated that the County
and Williamsport are "perfect partners." Cline presented Williamsport
pins to the three appointees.
Hagerstown
Mayor Bob Bruchey expressed appreciation for the Commissioners' participation
in the joint visit to the Legislature last week. The City is planning a Downtown
Summit, designed to present Hagerstown and Washington County to future developers.
Mayor Bruchey asked the County do agree to donate $5,000 to match a like sum
from the City for support of that economic development event. The Commissioners
requested more information on the program. Bruchey will supply information packets
to the Board.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REVIEW
The CIP Committee
continued its review of the Capital Improvement Project budget for FY
2008. In the Drainage category, $106,000 would be earmarked for improvement
of drainage system improvement at the intersection of San Mar Road and Mountain
Laurel Road needed to reduce private property damage, protect the public from
road flooding and reduce highway maintenance. The 6-year total for the category
would be 1.4 million with major projects seen in the out years.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney
Issues: County Attorney Kirk Downey brought a request from Delegate Leroy Myers
for a letter from the Board stating its position on House Bill 1148, which would
preclude Counties or Cities from imposing rent control. The County already has
that right, but has not exercised it. No position on the bill was taken pending
further study by the Commissioners.
County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Greg Murray reminded
the Board of the annual business awards dinner on Wednesday evening, and that
next Tuesday, the annual State lf the City address will be held at Duffy's
restaurant downtown. The Board should begin thinking about strategic planning
workshops for setting 2007 goals, Murray said, and a date for the workshop
will be set next week.
Staff Reports: Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker requested advertising
three vacant positions, a Skilled Trades Worker and Utility Worker III at
Water Quality and a Motor Equipment Operation III at Highways. The requests
were approved by unanimous vote.
Director of Public Works Joe Kroboth reported that flaring of natural gas
at Resh Road Landfill may begin as early as Wednesday afternoon. Tests are
scheduled to take place and if successful that flaring will begin as part
of the capping of that landfill site. (see attached release). Kroboth also
gave details on the recent news story concerning a house fire that occurred
during Sunday's snow storm. The County Highways snowplow plowed the road in
question twice prior to a fire call being submitted. Two other attempts to
plow at the scene were unsuccessful due to fire apparatus blocking the road.
The highways plow responded within 10 minutes of receiving the call, Kroboth
said.
AIRPORT BUDGET PRESENTATION
Hagerstown
Regional Airport (HGR) Manager Carolyn Motz and HGR Fire Chief Phil Ridenour
brought this review of the operating budget for fiscal year 2008 before the
Board. Total revenue for this self-supporting enterprise fund would be $2.78
million, with expenses equal to those revenues. The proposed revenues would
see a $1.24 million increase due to a transfer of operating funds from the Capital
Improvement Project budget and a $507,210 Capital Grant reimbursement from the
Federal Aviation Administration. Airfield Operations would see the largest increase
on the expenditure side, with an increase of $1.15 million in airfield operation
expenses due to changes in budgeting procedures. Landing fees and T-Hangar rents
are subject to slight increases, Motz said. Additions to expenses include $36,000
in electricity costs relating to lighting of the highway 11 bridges.
An increase in advertising is necessary to attract a second air carrier to the
facility, Motz said. All budgets are subject to line-item review prior to the
Public Hearing set for May.
THE BOARD ATTENDED A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE SPRINGHILL SUITES HOTEL
AT VALLEY MALL AT THE NOON HOUR.
Marriott
International, Inc. opened the 104-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott on December
19. Located at 17280 Valley Mall Road, the SpringHill Suites Hagerstown operates
as a Marriott franchise, owned by Cole Road Holdings, LLC and managed by Plamondon
Hospitality Partners of Frederick, Maryland. Commissioners' President John
Barr presented a proclamation lauding the owners and management for bringing
the first Marriott franchised hotel to Western Maryland.
DONATED CONSERVATION EASEMENT; ALAN STONEBRAKER PROPERTY
Eric Seifarth, Holly
Thibault, and Peter Vorac of Mid-Maryland Land Trust (MMLT) brought this Donated
Conservation Easement by Alan Stonebraker and family before the Board. The request
was that the Commissioners approve the use of local Agricultural
Transfer Tax funds in the amount of $14,500 for administrative and settlement
costs for a donated conservation easement on the 98.58 acre Stonebraker property,
near Hancock. Washington County entered into an agreement with MMLT to cooperatively
acquire donated conservation easements, with the County agreeing to pay up to
3% of administrative costs, plus usual out-of-pocket settlement fees. This
easement will extinguish seven development rights, and will help protect the
woodland, stream, and viewshed integrity of property on the north side of Hancock. This
easement is consistent with the Washington County Comprehensive Plan and the
preservation of open space.
Maryland Environmental Trust will be a co-grantee with MMLT on the Stonebraker
easement. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
IMPACT OF HOUSE BILLS 125 AND 260 ON CHARITABLE GAMING
Washington
County Gaming Office Director Jim Hovis brought this information before the
Board. Hovis recommended that the Commissioners take a position in opposition
to House Bill 125 and House Bill 260. The bills have been introduced in the
House of Delegates and could have an adverse impact on Washington County Gaming
operations regarding donations to charities and Fire/Rescue funding. House Bill
125 calls for the formation of a task force to study charitable gaming and make
recommendations to the Governor. In 2003, a task force was formed for this same
purpose and a report filed by the task force in January 2004 called for State
control of all charitable gaming activities. It is anticipated that if a new
task force is formed the same recommendations may be made. Should those recommendations
be acted upon Washington County charitable gaming would be adversely impacted.
House Bill 260 calls for the formation of the Maryland Gaming Commission. The
provisions of this proposed legislation would place regulation of all charitable
gaming activities under the control of the Maryland Gaming Commission. This
Bill would preempt the current gaming legislation and Washington County Gaming
would cease to exist. The bill would have a negative impact on small business,
clubs, charitable organizations, and County Government. Hovis told the Board
that the local Delegation believes that if a task force was formed to study
charitable gaming, it would be the first step towards the State acquiring total
control of charitable gaming. It is the Delegation's opinion that we should
oppose any legislation that could lead to State control. The Board stated its
intent to continue to voice concerns through legislative channels and
to continue to work closely with the Office of Delegate Sheila Hixson, who has
stated that HB 125, is not intended to affect Gaming in Washington County.
The Gaming Commission operation has been used as a model for other state jurisdictions.
SCHOOL MITIGATION PROPOSAL: CLAGETT'S MILL
Planning
Director Mike Thompson and Jason Wiley, Project Manager for Elm Street Development
brought this request to the Board, to approve a mitigation agreement with the
developer for Phase I of the Claggett's Mill development project as it relates
to school capacity under the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The developer
originally submitted a mitigation proposal for the entire development, located
on Poffenberger Road, which the Board considered at its meeting on August 29,
2006, and has submitted several versions of that plan, all of which have been
deemed unsuitable. The developer has submitted a new mitigation plan for consideration
and has been working with the Board of Education (BOE) and staff on ways to
address the school issue while keeping in mind the other development in the
area, particularly the Westfields Development. The new Westfields Elementary
School is anticipated to serve this development upon its completion in the fall
of 2008. A new mitigation plan was submitted on December 27, 2006. The
new plan involves the entire subdivision of 238 units. The developer proposes
to pay the current $13,000 excise tax and $9,000 mitigation amount per unit. The
phasing schedule would be: 20 in 2007 , 50 in 2008, 17 in 2009, and 50 in 2010,
with 50 each year thereafter until buildout. As part of this proposal,
there would be no doubling of the excise tax in a year if more than 25 building
permits were obtained in 2008 and beyond. The proposal for the entire
development would produce a total of $5,236,000 of excise tax and mitigation
funds. Under the current excise tax ordinance, with no mitigation fee
but with doubling, and assuming that 50 units were built each year from 2008
and beyond causing a doubled excise tax above 25 units per year, the excise
tax would generate $4,394,000. Planning staff recommended that as part
of the mitigation agreement, a payment schedule be established for the payment
of the $9,000.00 per dwelling mitigation amount, for example at the time of
plat recordation, with the excise tax in effect at the time being collected
for each dwelling at the time of building permit. The developer stated intent
to pay any overage should the excise tax be raised over $22,000. The payment
plan would include the $9,000 mitigation fee for the first phase, 87 units through
2009. The second phase would include a negotiated contribution for realignment
of the intersection of Poffenberger Road and U.S. Alternate 40. The measure
was approved by 4-1 vote with Commissioner Aleshire voting "no".
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REVIEW
The Board
continued the earlier review of the Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year
2008. The Road Improvement budget category for FY 2008 would be $7.71 million and
include $3 million for Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation. The category
would include projects on Robinwood Drive, Halfway and Massey Boulevards, Edgewood
Drive at U.S. 40, Mount Aetna Road at U.S. 40, Eastern Boulevard, Knpper Road
at Maryland Route 57 and Longmeadow Road. Director of Special Projects Gary
Rohrer told the Board that the bids for phase I of Maugans Avenue came in higher
than expected and that a full report will be presented to the Board at next
week's meeting. Additional road improvements will be discussed at a later date.
The total 6-year Road Improvement program is projected at $80.69 million, and
will be reviewed in depth prior to the public hearing set for May 8th.
YOUTH MERITORIOUS AWARD
Commissioners'
President John Barr presented the Middle School Youth Meritorious Award
for February 2007 to Evan Hardy, an 8th grade student at Springfield Middle
School. Son of David and Mary Hardy, Evan is currently enrolled
in all Merit level classes, has been on the distinguished honor roll many times
in 6th and 7th grades, has scored at the advanced level for both Reading and
Math on the Middle School Achievement test, and is working toward high school
credit in French this school year. He has been involved in the Boy Scouts for
the past eight years, and has assisted his troop in making luminaries for the
Antietam Battlefield. His teachers have said that Evan is a very good
student and a role model at Springfield Middle School. The Washington County
Community Partnership for Children and Families Community Outreach Committee
selects students to receive the Commissioner’s Youth Meritorious Award
based on academic, leadership and community involvement criteria.
###
County to Conduct Tests, Flare Landfill Gases
Washington
County's Division of Public Works will conduct tests of landfill gas flares
at the Resh Road Landfill beginning on Wednesday, February 28th at 2 p.m.
If the tests are successful, flaring of landfill gases will begin immediately.
Director
of Public Works Joe Kroboth advises residents may see small flame emissions
at night if the flares were to operate, but pose no public safety hazard.
The flaring
is part of Maryland Department of the Environment regulatory compliance to eliminate
landfill gas emissions that are part of the natural decomposition of wastes
buried at the Resh Landfill.
For further
information, citizens may call, the Division, at 240-313-2257, or the Solid
Waste Department at 240-313-2790.