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
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval reported on the Local Management Board meeting last Friday.
Hagerstown Housing Authority gave a presentation to the LMB on its programs
and activities, Kercheval said. The Black Rock Golf Course Board of Directors
met recently and discussed the annual budget request. That request will be presented
to the Commissioners on April 3rd, Kercheval said. The Commissioners/Board
of Education 2+2 committee held a preliminary meeting last week, Kercheval reported. The
Commissioner also asked on the status of prioritizing new County road projects
as a result of the Transportation Forum discussion last month. Director
of Special Projects Gary Rohrer informed the Commissioners that he would be
bringing that issue to the Board in the coming weeks, and would be attending
the City Council Meeting later in the day to hear the City's discussion on their
road projects.
Commissioner
Terry Baker commented on the recent Commissioners' orientation session held
by the Purchasing Department. The Maugans Avenue public information meeting
held last week at the Maugansville Ruritan Club was a good overview of the project
scope and purpose. Explanation of safety issues, funding streams, the contract
process and project timeline were presented well by County staff, Baker said.
Temporary signage placement in the Orchard Hills subdivision to control
increased traffic was one of the ideas discussed at that meeting, Baker said.
The Commissioner also discussed the possibility of televising meetings, using
Cable channel 6 or 99.
Commissioners'
President John Barr commented on the City of Hagerstown's public awareness meeting
on roads. The Leitersburg Pike/Marsh Pike intersection and the Eastern Boulevard
bypass were two of the topics under discussion, Barr said. The Commissioner
commended City Engineer Rodney Tissue for that presentation. The celebration
in honor of the C-82 "Flying Boxcar" return to Hagerstown at last
weekend's Aviation Museum event is the beginning of additional donations to
the facility, with three other aircraft coming to the museum. The Commissioner
commended Zenith Aviation of Fredericksburg, Virginia for donation of one of
the aircraft.
HUMAN RESOURCES BUDGET DISCUSSION
Acting Human
Resources Director Dee Hawbaker brought this review of proposed wage, salary
and benefits changes for Fiscal Year 2008 before the Board. The review
committee suggested a 2% cost of living (COLA) increase for retirees. The limit
for Short Term Disability would increase from the current maximum
of $500 per week to a maximum of $800 per week, but would remain at 70% of an
individual's weekly salary. Health Insurance overages would see minimal increases
in both EPO and POS plans, averaging 2.1%. Employees will continue to pay 10.2%
of health coverage in FY '08 and the County's contribution would remain at 89.8%.
Dental and Vision benefits would increase by less than one dollar per month
for family coverage for the coming fiscal year. Wage and Salary was recommended
to increase by 3.5% with merit salary increase averaging a half-percent, for
non-uniformed employees, with a $1,000 cost of living adjustment for most of
the County's personnel. Uniformed personnel in the Sheriff's Department would
see the previously approved 3.5% step increase plus a $1,000 across the Board
COLA. Reclassification requests were tabled pending study by the Salary Review
Committee. The total number of new employees requested was reduced from
45 to 36. Requests for new positions, individual salary increases and further
review of the recommendations will take place at a later date. All budget items
will be subject to review prior to the public hearing set for May 8th at Hagerstown
Community College's Kepler Theater.
PROCLAMATION: AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
Julie Barr-Strasburg,
Executive Director of the Hagerstown Chapter of the American Red Cross, received
a proclamation designating March as American Red Cross month, and Tuesday March
20th as "Hometown Heroes Day". In presenting the proclamation, Commissioners'
President John Barr said that Washington County supports the efforts of the
Red Cross in saving lives through provision of blood and in providing services
in times of disaster. Barr cited the role of the organization in the community
for responding to emergencies, aiding 81 military families and teaching over
8,000 people life saving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Over 750 volunteers and
donors are the hometown heroes assisting the Washington County Chapter with
its many activities. Citizens were urged to give of their time, blood and money
to make a difference in the humanitarian fabric of the community.
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.
Jerry Ditto
of Clear Spring commented on structure of the Commissioners' meeting agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator
Greg Murray told the Board that Williamsport Mayor James McLeaf requested
a letter of support for an application for a Maryland Historic Trust grant to
restore the town's Civil War cannons. The request was approved by consensus.
A regular report on permit issue activity will be submitted to the Commissioners,
Murray said. The Washington County Health Department has announced a press
conference to be held at the Sheriff's Department on April 20th on a campaign
to curb underage drinking during Prom season. Today marks the start of the new
Commissioners' Agenda Policy. The agenda for next week's meeting has been set
and approved and will be available to the Board for review later in the day,
Murray said. The policy change was in response to a request from Commissioner
Baker.
Reports from
County Staff: Director of Public Works Joe Kroboth told the Board that Chief
Engineer Terry McGee is testifying in Annapolis today regarding the Stormwater
Management Act. Transportation Department Director Kevin Cerrone was honored
by the Department of Social Services with a Community Partnership Award for
his administration of the JOBS Program employment shuttle service. The cost
for Snow removal for last week's event was $158,000, Kroboth reported, and the
total expended to date on snow removal is $537,000. The budget line item for
that activity is almost exhausted, Kroboth said.
Public Information
Officer Norman Bassett informed the Commissioners that this week is the last
that Herald-Mail Newspapers reporter Tara Reilly will cover the Board meeting.
Commissioner Barr thanked Reilly for her fair reporting on County Government
issues.
PUBLIC HEARING: AGLAND PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Eric Seifarth and Holly Thibault, Land Preservation Specialists in the Department of Planning and Community Development brought 4 requests for Agricultural land preservation districts to Public hearing. Washington County provides property tax credits to landowners who commit to a 10-year agricultural land preservation district, whereby development is not permitted during the 10-year period. The program piggybacks onto the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Recommended were tracts of 268.4 acres at the Kriner Farm LLC on Dam Number 5 Road near Clear Spring; 104.52 acres belonging to Theodore Rosenberry on Indian Springs Road near Clear Spring; 88.87 acres of the Robert Martz on White Hall Road near Smithsburg; and 168.03 acres belonging to Rodney E. Dill on Mill Point Road, near Boonsboro. Approximately $60,000 in tax credits would be used for the 10-year period for these 4 properties, Seifarth said. Jerry Ditto of Clear Spring commented on the process but the comment was neither positive nor negative. The recommendation by staff was approved by unanimous vote.
COMPREHENSIVE TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Washington
County Community Partnership/Local Management Board (WCCP) Director Stephanie
Stone brought this request before the Board, that the original Sole Source
award for the public awareness and resource development services for Comprehensive
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Strategies in Washington County be transferred to
Community Action Council as fiscal agent, and to work in conjunction with
recommendations from the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition. Due to
recent issues in procurement processes at the Washington County Health Department,
WCCP is making the request in concurrence with the Health Department. Purpose
of the service is to fulfill requirements contained in the WCCP’s Summary
of Concept Ideas for the use of carry- forward funds dated April 15, 2005,
and to be entered into by and between the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County and the State of Maryland acting through the Governor’s
Office for Children (GOC). Total funding originally allocated was $108,897.00
in carry-forward funds which originated from the Washington County Community
Partnership for Children & Families’ 5-year Full Community Partnership
Agreement with the Governor’s Office for Children. In FY 2007 approximately
10% of the funding was spent with $97,841.81 remaining to be transferred to
Community Action Council. No county funds are requested. The measure
was approved by unanimous vote.
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL BUDGET PRESENTATION AND LUNCHEON BY THE HAGERSTOWN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT THE NOON HOUR.
The Community College is funded by the State
and County , with the County portion averaging 30%. Tuition and fees generate
44% of the budget and State aid amounts to about 26%. Total budget request
for the coming fiscal year is $27 million, an increase of 14% over Fiscal
Year 2007. The County portion of that total would be just under $8 million,
including an increase of $1.04 million, or 15% All budgets will be reviewed
prior to the Public Hearing set for May 8th.
HUMANE SOCIETY BUDGET PRESENTATION
Paul Miller, Humane Society of Washington County
Executive Director brought this discussion before the Board. State law mandates
that the County provide animal control services, and the Humane Society has
a contract with the County for provision of those services. The operational
budget for FY '08 was recommended at $1.25 million a $113,347.00
increase over FY 2007. Miller told the Board that the increase is due to cost
of fuel and utilities, insurance, and veterinary expenditures. Injured animals
requiring care after normal business hours must be taken to a clinic in Frederick,
Miller said. The request would include an additional Animal Control Officer
and a vehicle. Budgets will receive further review prior to the Public Hearing
set for May.
PROCLAMATION; COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Acting Health Officer Earl Stoner and Kimberly
Rasch, Health Services Division Director, accepted a proclamation from Commissioner
John Barr, designating March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in
Washington County. The Commissioner cited the need for early detection of
the disease, second leading cause of cancer deaths in Maryland. In 2006
the American Cancer Society projected 2,750 new cases in Maryland and over
1,000 deaths due to the cancer. State health officials urge all Marylanders
to be screened for Colorectal cancer. The Commissioners agree with the recommendation
and urge all citizens of the County to be aware of the risk of this form of
cancer.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET DISCUSSION
Acting Washington County Health Officer Earl
Stoner and Health Department (WCHD) staff brought the operating budget for
fiscal year 2008 to the Commissioners for review. Total operating budget
from all sources is just over $20 million. WCHD receives the majority of its
funding from the State, and the County's portion of that budget was requested
to be $2.66 million, an increase of about 12 % or $330,961 over last
year's funding levels. The bulk of that increase would go for state-mandated
raises for Health Department personnel, without state funding to pay for those
increases. The School Health Nurse budget request is $3.05 million, up by
$47,803 from FY 2007 or 1.59%. School Health Nurse funds are included in the
Health Department's budget total.
All budgets will be reviewed prior to the public hearing at Kepler
Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus in May.
CONTRACT AWARD: HEALTH DEPARTMENT BOILER REPLACEMENT
Washington County Health
Department (WCHD) Purchasing Agent Brenda Cole, and Earl Stoner, Acting Health
Officer brought this request to the Board, for approval of a Contract award
for Boiler Replacement at the Washington County Health Department, to T.A.
Gorman, Inc., of Baltimore, with the lowest bid amount of Base Bid
at $60,500.00. The contract includes a new low pressure, wet base,
cast iron sectional boiler with power burner. Gipe Associates, Inc., Engineering
Contractors for the Washington County Government designed the plans and specifications
of the project in coordination with the Health Department at a total of $19,000,
making the total budget cost $79,000. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
CONTRACT AWARD: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION FUNDS TO ENHANCE
CHILDCARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
County
Purchasing Agent Karen Luther and Community Partnership Project Coordinator
Melissa Nearchos brought this request before the Board, to award a contract
for services, contingent upon approval by the Washington County Community
Partnership (WCCP) Board to the sole proposer, Apples for
Children, Inc., of Hagerstown, in the amount of $30,536 from
a grant from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) through
the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Purpose of the service is to
fulfill requirements contained in the DHMH Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
dated July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 to provide training to day care providers
that would improve services offered to children with disabilities. Services
would take place in after school program sites being operated by the YMCA
at 11 elementary schools. The Vendor would provide such services as Individual assessments,
On-site observations; Behavioral supports; Referrals for financial support;
Development of individual service plans; Linkages to resources and Other technical
assistance. The contract term for the services is for a period to begin
April 1, 2007 and end December 31, 2007. The services would build daycare
providers' capacity to provide quality services to children with developmental
disabilities in Washington County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
CONTRACT AWARD: INSURANCE BROKERAGE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Purchasing
Agent Karen Luther and Becky Maginnis, County Risk Management Administrator
brought a request to award a contract for Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management
Services to Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs of Baltimore, Inc., of Hunt Valley, Maryland
with the lowest proposal cost of $75,000.00 per year for each of 3 contract
years, for a total of $225,000.00. The County was seeking a team of industry
professionals to assist and guide it in identifying and managing the unique
public sector risks and exposures encountered in its daily operations. The
County accepted proposals from firms interested in providing a redesign of its
risk financing program, including brokerage services, to include, but not be
limited to, design of a property and casualty risk financing program that would
streamline risk financing applications, utilizing cost-effective self-insured
retentions, insurance deductibles, and other risk financing techniques. Services
would also extend to preparation of specifications for the insurance market,
marketing and solicitation of insurance quotations, placement of insurance policies
at the request of the County and other broker services as delineated in the
Scope of Services. The contract is for a 1- year period, to commence April 1,
2007, with an option by the County to renew for up to 2 additional consecutive
1- year periods. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
REJECTION OF BIDS: AGRICULTURE MUSEUM
Purchasing
Agent Karen Luther and Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks
brought this request, to reject all bids for the construction of the new Agriculture
Museum due to budgetary constraints, revise the bid specifications, and to re-bid
to trhe Board. The new building is a pole barn with wood posts, primary
and secondary wood framing, wood trusses, concrete slab, metal siding and roofing
panels. There was to be a non-accessible mezzanine along both sides of
the building. Electrical and ventilation work was included and no plumbing
work was anticipated. The construction period was scheduled to
be one hundred-eighty calendar days. Funding in the total amount of $200,000
in state and donated funds is provided in the County’s Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) for FY '07. Three bids were received, and one was rejected as
non-responsive. The remaining two bids were more than $150,000 over the amount
budgeted. Modifications to the design would lower the cost, and the contract
could be re-bid. A report will be given to the Ag Center Board at its meeting
this week. The measure, to reject the bid and bring the matter back to the Commissioners
when a funding source for the additional funds is secured, to include a 5% contingency,
was approved by unanimous vote.
THE COMMISSIONERS HELD A PRELIMINARY STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING
SESSION IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.
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