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
July 10, 2007
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL PRESENTATION FOR OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION
FARMER AWARD RECIPIENTS HOSTED BY THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT NEXT DIMENSIONS
DINING AND CATERING NEAR FUNKSTOWN
The Washington
County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD) presented award plaques and
the Board of County Commissioners presented award certificates for Outstanding
Conservation Farmer to Samuel Hunter, for Sustaining Conservation to Price and
Price Farms and for Conservation Stewardship to David and Patricia Schooley. Award
winners are selected for their commitment to soil and water conservation through
installation and maintenance of best management practices on their farm operations. District
Chair Betty Meyers, and Elmer Weibley, District Manager highlighted the
role of the WCSCD in Washington County in carrying out soil and water conservation
efforts.
INTERNET AUDIO STREAMING
County Administrator
Greg Murray brought this item before the Board for approval. Murray said that
the Commissioners will be able to be heard via live internet stream, pending
approval of the project. The measure was instituted to help citizens access
information as it happens as well as to promote greater public understanding
of County government and how it operates. Presenting live information via internet
and other sources has been discussed as a Commissioners' goal for 2007. Murray
called the webcasts a first step in improving the public information flow, and
said the project was possible now because streamed audio requires less bandwidth
than a video stream. Interested persons may listen to the meeting in progress,
or tune in to the previous meeting. To access the live stream, go to the County
website at www.washco-md.net and click
the link under "Latest County Government News". On the next page,
there are links to the live web cast and to the previous week's program. A link
to the current week's agenda is available, so that listeners can follow the
Board's progress through the listed agenda items. Listeners will not be able
to access closed session agenda items, and live webcasts will not be available
for portions of the meetings held off-site. The service was made available using
in-house technical expertise and available equipment. Total cost was less than
$1,500.00 for software and cabling. Once Commissioners goals are formally set
for the coming year, staff will look into the most cost-effective way to provide
video as well. The stream via internet will enable persons across the County
to be able to access the meeting audio, and add to the County's web-based and
broadcast audio public information programming. Washington County began broadcasts
of the information program "Commissioners' Comments" on WJEJ 1240
AM Hagerstown, and WICL 95.9 FM Martinsburg/Williamsport in the fall of 2005.
Podcasting of the program began in 2006 via Blogger.com and iTunes. The Board
approved the measure by unanimous vote and live internet streaming began at
11:11 a.m. Murray cited the day as one of "two firsts" with the implementation
of the internet stream, and the first evening Board meeting in a municipality.
The evening meeting is set for Clear Spring Library at 7:00 p.m.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT CHANGE ORDER
Director
of Public Works Joe Kroboth, and Pete Loewenheim, Communications Maintenance
Manager brought this request to approve a Change Order for Consulting Services
to the Radio Communications Project, to L. Robert Kimball & Associates in
an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, for consulting services, as needed, under
the terms of the contract, through the project build-out and implementation
phase. The request was to approve funding for the continued services of the
communications consultant during the final phases of the project now estimated
to be complete by the first quarter of 2009. The amount requested is a “not
to exceed” figure for varying services which, as in the past, are at
the direction of the county on an “as-needed” basis. The amount
is based on a conservative projected hourly requirement, but could be considerably
less as the county becomes more self-reliant in the site building and implementation
processes. Kimball will, in this phase, be providing technical advice,
consulting and assistance in design, regulatory compliance, installation, programming
and testing of the state-of-the-art radio and mobile data systems. The measure
was approved by unanimous vote.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN FY 2008 BUDGET FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Washington
County Community Partnership for Children and Families (WCCP) Director Stephanie
Stone and WCCP Fiscal Specialist Bob Jones brought the FY 2008 budget from
the Governor's Office for Children (GOC) to the Commissioners for acceptance.
Funded programs include Early Intervention and Prevention Funding, awarded June
19, 2007 to the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Inc. in the amount
of $92,150; The contract for the Diversion Program, $137,700
to support two full-time Case Managers will be brought before the Board for
approval on July 24th. The Child and Family Team Facilitator program, in
the amount of $60,000 to be a Sole Source to the Hagerstown Police Department.
The program would develop and coordinate family-driven teams to meet the individualized
needs of targeted children and families; The Washington County Teen Pregnancy
Prevention Coalition (WCTPPC) program would receive $98,941 for Coordination
and Prevention Education; The Hagerstown Community College Teen Parent Program
would receive $42,000 to provide outreach and educational support services
to teen parents in order to increase the number of parenting teens completing
their GED/External Diploma Program or advancing their education beyond high
; Family Center Support Services would receive $30,000 to prepare, equip
and set up additional classroom, childcare and office space to serve an additional
10 to 15 parents. The Infants and Toddlers Program would receive $17,000
for services to children (ages Birth to 3) who have been identified with developmental
delays and their families. The Transitional Youth Work Experience Program
would provide work experience to at-risk Youth, age 19-21 through public/private
partnerships, earning minimum wage. A Summer Youth First Time Work Experience
Program would provide a summer work experience to at-risk youth age 14-18
through public/private partnerships. These programs would respond to Calls for
Concepts in amounts of less than $25,000 each. The Substance Abuse Prevention
program, through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention
(GOCCP), has funded a program at Antietam Academy (AA) since 2003 for Middle
and High School youth ages 11-17 at-risk of school dropout, substance abuse,
juvenile crime, or recidivism. Continuation of the grant would fund a full-time
Bachelor’s level social worker or counselor with experience working in
the drug and alcohol field. A Request for Proposal would be issued to the
community for the funding, at $70,000.00. Total for all programs would be $1,166,720.
The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Several of the Commissioners had ideas about the Excise Tax Ordinance and which amendments to that document would be needed. ETTF Chair John Schnebly commented on last week's meeting with staff to discuss general guidance on goals and objectives. Several of the Commissioners had requested the ability to provide input to that discussion. Under discussion were the so-called "Safe Haven" for affordable and senior housing provided by the original legislation. Single-family homes built at 1500 square feet and below were excluded from the $13,000 and allowed a per-square-foot rate. Housing built for target populations 55 years and older were granted tax breaks. The Task Force would need to provide recommendations on per-unit or per-square-foot tax rates. Commissioners called for establishment of a model for school construction costs using current and projected cost figures. Contributions of unit taxes to debt service was discussed. Structural deficits for housing types and tax burden over time, graduated excise scales should be explored with a minimum amount units must pay. A graduated scale for more than 25 units constructed in a development in a year was recommended. Non-profit housing needs should be addressed as should additions to existing housing. A ceiling on maximum construction was put forth and a review of current revenue sharing practices with municipalities was requested. Commercial excise taxes would also need consideration as to flexibility and types of commercial use should be a factor. Adequate Public Facility Ordinance fees, exemptions granted by the Commissioners, input to the Task Force regarding attempts to circumvent portions of the tax were also discussed. Elimination of negotiation of mitigation fees by developers was suggested. A need for fair and equitable administration of taxes on residential development was discussed. ETTF Chair Schnebly said that the suggestions would assist in guiding the Task Force to its conclusions, which must be presented to the Commissioners by September 30th.
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HELD A MEETING IN THE TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING WITH ITS MAYOR, COUNCIL AND CITIZENS, AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE TOWN LIBRARY
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Kristin Aleshire commented on attending the Wet Lab groundbreaking
at Hagerstown Community College, and on the Miss Maryland luncheon. Calls
from citizens regarding the current lack of mulch at the County Landfill
were answered by Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch, Aleshire said. This year’s lack
of severe storms has meant fewer downed trees to bolster the mulch supply. Meetings
have been set weekly with County Health Officer Earl Stoner to discuss health
issues. Comments from citizens of the Beaver Creek area regarding rezoning in
the area have been misleading, Aleshire said. Approximately 100 acres in the
area of the intersection of I-70 and U.S. 40 are now zoned for commercial development.
Commissioner Jim Kercheval reported on attending the HCC groundbreaking,
Fireworks displays at Hagerstown Fairgrounds on the 4th of July. The Planning
Commission meeting this week recommended approval of a rezoning for a campground
near Hancock, and reviewed a site plan for a proposed truck plaza at the
intersection of Hopewell Road and Halfway Boulevard. Fiber Optic cable is being
laid from the Sheriff’s Department top the Department of Water Quality. Kercheval
suggested that the County investigate working with the developers in the area
to facilitate laying of those lines. The Maryland Association of Counties Legislative
Committee will meet with the State Department of Legislative Services on possible
state budget cuts on Wednesday, Kercheval said. County Government should be
aware of the pending electric power transmission line project that will have
an impact on the Southern portion of the County. The project is designed to
improve supply of electric power up the east coast and is backed by federal
legislation. The County will be monitoring that plan, Kercheval said.
Commissioner Terry Baker thanked citizens of Clear Spring for attending the
meeting and said the Commissioners have been working to include all of the
municipalities in the evening meetings. The Commissioner reported on attending
the reopening of Berm Road at Hancock last week, and rewatering of a portion
of the C&O
canal. Wheelchair accessibility for part of the towpath is among the new features
being provided by the U.S. Park Service, Baker said. The July 4th annual
5K road race sponsored by the Town of Williamsport and County Recreation raised
$13,000 for scholarships Baker reported.
Commissioners'
President John Barr commented on meeting with Senator Don Munson and CVB Director
Tom Riford to welcome some of the 500 bicyclists that passed through Williamsport
last week on their trek from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh along the C&O
canal route. A meeting with Delegate Leroy Myers and Hagerstown Mayor Bob Bruchey
helped orient new business CEO’s to the Community. A County proclamation
designating July 6th as Nora Roberts Day was presented to the Author by Barr
at a recent Hagerstown Suns baseball game. Preliminary meetings have been held
with new owners of land adjacent to the Agricultural Education Center Park,
A possibility exists that additional land will be donated to the County as a
part of the Ag Center Park, Barr said.
WELCOME TO CLEAR SPRING
Clear Spring Mayor Paul Hose welcomed the Commissioners to the Town and thanked
the Board for resuming evening meetings.
CONVEYANCE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY TO THE TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING
Real Property
Administrator Joe Kuhna brought a request to approve conveyance of surplus property
to Town of Clear Spring before the Board. Two parcels were
conveyed to the County in 1974 to address drainage issues off North Martin
Street and surrounding parcels. The Town has paved a portion of one parcel and
currently maintains that parcel as overflow parking for area businesses. The
second parcel also controls the drainage from North Martin Street. Both parcels
are within the 100-year flood plain and have no development potential. In April
2006, the Town requested the County convey the parcels to them so they may continue
to use them for town patron parking. The County is proposing to retain a perpetual
drainage easement on both parcels. Kuhna said the move would benefit the
County by reducing the maintenance costs associated with the properties. The
measure was approved by unanimous vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Greg Murray told the
Board that the first meeting of the Urban Growth Area Committee has been set
for July 26th at 80 West Baltimore Street. Murray requested advertisement of
two vacant Motor Equipment Operator positions at the Highways Department. The
request was approved by unanimous vote. Murray also requested approval of the
promotion of Julie Pippel, acting Director of the Department of Water Quality
to the position of Director of the Division of Environmental Management as
recommended by the search committee for that position. The measure was approved
by unanimous vote. Murray said that Pippel has been employed by the County
for 18 years, and worked her way up the ladder from Operator Trainee to Division
Director. The appointment will be effective on Wednesday, July 11th. Commissioner
Kercheval said Pippel’s connections with state and federal environmental
officials will benefit the County.
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets
aside time to hear from citizens of Washington County on matters of interest
to the Community.
Williamsport Councilman Jeff Cline, speaking
as Vice-President of the Maryland Municipal League County Chapter commented
on the meetings in the municipalities as examples of good communications between
governments and their citizens.
Former Clear Spring Mayor Betty Shank requested
updating of the historic site survey, originally done in the 1970's, commented
on Urban Growth issues, and requested mandatory recycling in the County. County
Administrator Greg Murray said that recycling is on the Commissioners’ agenda
and that the new Division of Environmental Management will move the recycling
effort to a new level.
Jerry Ditto of Clear Spring stated that the Maryland Department of Agriculture
has a program for Agricultural Pesticide containers, and suggested that programs
be expanded for other Agricultural chemicals. Ditto commented on need for
additional parking at the Ag Center, and on Historic Site Survey results in
the Clear Spring area.
Jack Grier of the Beaver Creek area commented
against high density development in that area.
Tom Grosh of Clear Spring commented on the need
for directional signage on U.S. 40 and Maryland Route 68 for Clear Spring Park
and the C&O Canal Park, and suggested additional land be added to the County
park in the Town.