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
August 7, 2007
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTENDED EVENTS SURROUNDING A VISIT BY
U.S. SENATOR BEN CARDIN TO HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT DURING THE MORNING.
In a morning press conference, U.S. Senator Ben
Cardin announced a new $2.9 million Department of Transportation grant to Hagerstown
Regional Airport (HGR) that will realign and move one of the airport's major
taxiways. Cardin met with Commissioners and Airport Commission members, then
with representatives of businesses located on the airfield. The Senator called
HGR, "an important economic engine for Washington County and for the entire
Western Maryland region." He cited the $70 million annual contribution
to the local economy and the more than 1,000 jobs at businesses at the airport.
Cardin stated his commitment to ensuring that the airport received funding it
needs to be in compliance with FAA standards. Cardin also discussed the recently
announced bill that would ensure continuance of commercial air service at the
facility through January of 2008. Completion of the runway enhancement project
will occur in late November. Senators Cardin and Mikulski have been pivotal
in supporting HGR. In a prepared statement, Mikulski said, "Our regional
airports play a key role in maintaining Maryland's robust economy. The Hagerstown
Regional Airport is critical to keeping Western Maryland's economy moving." The
Senator vowed to continue support for federal investment in the western counties.
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett also stated support for HGR, and commended his colleagues
for non-partisan commitment to the facility and a willingness to work together.
Representatives of three airfield businesses, Northrop-Grumman, Sierra Nevada
and Earth Data commended Washington County for providing a choice locality for
highly technical businesses in the aviation industry. Bill Shaver of Sierra
Nevada said that the company has grown from 35 employees in 2004 to over 200
employees today, and looks to add another 100 jobs this year. Airport Manager
Carolyn Motz said the ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the
runway project is set for November 30th.
THE COMMISSIONERS ATTENDED A LUNCHEON FOR NEW EDUCATORS HOSTED BY THE GREATER
HAGERSTOWN COMMITTEE AT THE NOON HOUR.
GAMING COMMISSION 2007 FUND DISTRIBUTION
Gaming Commission Chair Penny Pittman and Gaming
Office Director Jim Hovis brought this report, on the 2007 Gaming Fund distribution
and recipients, before the Board. The Washington County Gaming Fund received
revenues in the amount of $2,935,931.90 in fiscal year 2007, an increase of
1.75% over fiscal year 2006 revenues. During this years funding cycle the Gaming
Commission received 128 requests totaling $3,021,432.69, from 99 separate charitable
organizations. 89 of those requests, from 74 agencies, received funds. In accordance
with State law the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association received
50% of the gaming fund revenues totaling $1,467,965.95. The remaining $1,467,965.95
was disbursed to the organizations listed on the attached news release. Hovis
and Pittman reported on the history of the distribution program and procedures
used for application, review and approval of requests. Organizations are requested
to show evidence of fund-raising activities on their own, and accounting for
use of Gaming funds they have received in the past. Representatives of 17 organizations
offered positive comments about the Gaming Commission and its revenue distribution
process.
SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTERS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Commission
on Aging (COA) Board member Linn Hendershot, Ed Branthaver, Advisory Council
Chair, and Susan MacDonald, Commission on Aging Executive Director, brought
this request before the Board. The group asked for a motion to guarantee that
the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 include
a minimum reserved amount of $800,000 to provide required cash match for State
of Maryland Senior Center Capital Improvement funds and to leverage other governmental
and private funding. Washington County continues to be the only county in the
state without even one multipurpose senior community center. Such centers serve
as a single point of entry for multiple community-based services and programs
and are focal points for education, co-location of other human and social services,
socialization, recreation, wellness programs and offer multiple opportunities
for older citizens to provide community service and remain engaged in civic
activities. Increasingly, shared usage by other community groups is incorporated
into the planning and design. As of 2010, approximately 20% or 29,478 county
residents will be aged 60 and over. In 2015 more than 33,000 or 21% of the population
will be aged 60 and over. The Commission on Aging has been working with interested
community and service providers over the past 2 years to explore the creation
of the first of several such centers in the County. The initial center will
be located in downtown Hagerstown to serve the over 6000 persons aged 60+. A
county-wide comprehensive aging services planning process in underway and is
expected to produce recommendations for additional locations as part of the
overall plan. As the designated Area Agency on Aging, COA will attempt to pull
together a funding package for the first center to include: Community Development
Block Grant funding from both County and City of Hagerstown sources, partnerships
with other agencies, other state-based funding, foundations, donations/fundraising
in addition to County and City funds. Discussion centered on a need for a survey
of Seniors as to what types of services they would like and where they would
like them provided. A more detailed plan was requested. County Administrator
Greg Murray told the group that County staff could offer assistance in that
strategic planning process.
SCHOOL MITIGATION PROPOSAL: SUNSET MEADOWS DEVELOPMENT
Director
of the Department of Planning and Community Development, Mike Thompson and Brain
Kurtyka, Attorney for the applicant, brought this item before the Board. The
Request was for approval of a School Mitigation Proposal under Section 9.1 of
the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for Sunset Meadows Development.
The developer has submitted a proposed mitigation plan for the remaining
48 lots within the development, which consists of 53 single-family dwelling
units. This project is located at the intersection of Hicksville Road and
St. Paul Road in the Clear Spring area. .
The developer’s representative has crafted a mitigation proposal based
on input from the Board in the fall of 2006. At that time, it was suggested
that the applicant should consider the possibility of a monetary contribution
in addition to the required excise tax.
The applicant’s representative has prepared and presented a mitigation
proposal for the remaining 48 lots. This proposal calls for the payment of
$5,000.00 per dwelling above the existing excise tax or a total of $18,000.00
per dwelling. In addition, the developer is agreeing to phase the build-out
of the remaining 48 lots over a six to eight year period, which would mean
between six and eight units per year. The proposal notes that the $5,000.00
mitigation fee is consistent with other mitigation amounts previously approved
by the Board. Staff would point out that the most recent mitigation plan approved
for the Claggetts Mill development calls for a mitigation fee of $9,000.00
per unit. The applicant’s proposal notes the change in the assessed
value of the property from its current status to one consisting of 48 developed
lots will be significant in regard to revenue for the county. Staff
would again recommend that if the Board approves the mitigation proposal that
the $5,000.00 mitigation fee be paid at the time the lots are recorded and
the normal excise tax is collected at the time of building permit. This ensures
the full mitigation amount goes to education. If collected as part of
the excise tax, then only 70% of the mitigation fee collected would go towards
schools. In keeping with the APFO mitigation procedures, the request was forwarded
to the Board of Education for comment. A copy of their response is attached
for your information. The letter indicates Clear Spring Elementary, Clear
Spring Middle and Clear Spring High Schools will serve the development. Using
the June 2007 school enrollment numbers, the schools have the following status:
Clear Spring Elementary (104%, 103%), Clear Spring Middle (77%, 80%), and
Clear Spring High School (95%, 96%) The second number is the projected enrollment
for September 2007. Therefore, the Washington County Public Schools
have stated that the elementary school is over capacity now and the high school
is project to go over capacity by 2010 and based on this information cannot
recommend further residential growth in this feeder pattern. The Commissioners
took no action, and the developers requested the ability to return with a
new plan at a later date.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PURCHASE: SMALL TRANSIT BUS
Transportation
Department Director Kevin Cerrone brought this request before the Board, to
authorize by resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase of a Type
I Small Transit Bus for use by the County Transportation Department in the amount
of $57,438.00 from Shepard Bros., Inc. of Canandaigua, NY by utilizing a State
of New York Executive Department Office of General Services Procurement Services
Group Contract Award. The Bus would be used for provision of Paratransit services
and contains four passenger and three wheelchair positions, to replace a vehicle
that is ten (10) years old with 197,000 miles, which exceeds the Federal Transit
Administration’s (FTA) standard useful life criteria of five years and
150,000 miles. Acquisition of the bus through intergovernmental cooperative
purchase eliminates the administrative time and costs associated with the County
bid process for both the Transportation and Purchasing Departments. The
County would also benefit with cost savings resulting from the purchase of this
vehicle because of the economies of scale this contract has leveraged. Funds
in the amount of $65,000.00 are contained in the approved CIP budget. Funding
for this purchase is 80% Federal or $45,950.40; 10 % State or $5,743.80; and
10% Local (General Fund CIP) of $5,743.80 for a total of $57,438.00. The measure
was approved by unanimous vote.
CHANGE ORDER: ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS AT COURTHOUSE
Sheriff's
Department Chief Deputy Randy Wilkinson and Public Works Director Joe Kroboth
brought this request to the Commissioners, to approve a change order with Bushey
Feight and Morin Architects in the amount of $50,342, to perform architectural
and Engineering Services to enhance security at the Washington County Courthouse.
A security assessment for the Washington County Circuit Court was completed
in October 2006 by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The assessment
focused on the courthouse complex with a particular emphasis on court occupied
areas. The NCSC team also addressed physical and administrative security
issues associated with the operation of the circuit court. The services provided
in this design contract would include: Site survey, a site plan development,
security consultant services, development of plans and specifications, and construction
administration support. Work would begin in August and be completed in October
of 2008. All work associated with this project is estimated to cost $492,000.00.
The Sheriff's Department Operating Budgets for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 would
provide the majority of the funding, with an additional $110,000 available from
the State of Maryland Circuit Court's FY 2008 budget. The Circuit Court contribution
has been verified and the County possesses documentation that the funds are
available and ready for distribution. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
APPOINTMENT TO EXCISE TAX COMMITTEE
County Clerk
Joni Bittner brought a request for the appointment of Matt Donnegan, an alternate
to the Excise Tax Committee to full membership on that board to fill an unexpired
term. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
AN EVENING MEETING WAS HELD IN THE TOWN OF SHARPSBURG, AT 7:00 P.M. AT TOWN HALL IN THAT COMMUNITY.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner
Bill Wivell commended citizens of Sharpsburg for attending the evening meeting,
and talked about the Town's history and tradition. Events held throughout the
year include the longest continuous Memorial Day parade in the U.S., Wivell
said.
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval also commended the Town on its historic and cultural events, and
described presenting a print of Antietam Battlefield to the Prince Hall Masonry
convention held in Hagerstown last week 600 people attended that event, Kercheval
said. The Board of Education 2+2 Committee met last week and discussed enrollment
projection concerns. Staff will work with then School Board on those issues,
the Commissioner said. At the Planning Commission meeting Monday evening, a
site plan was approved for the Rehoboth United Methodist Church project at Downsville
Pike and Maryland Route 68. Discussion on the Forest Conservation Plan took
place regarding payments in lieu of taxes.
Commissioner’s
President John Barr Thanked Mayor Hal Spielman and the Sharpsburg Town
Council for inviting the Commissioners to hold the meeting there.
Commissioner
Terry Baker thanked the Mayor and Council for hosting the Board and the citizens
of the town for attending. The Commissioner reported on presenting awards to
the North High Girls' Recreation Basketball league champions and on attending
the regular Mayor-Council meeting in Sharpsburg on Monday evening.
Commissioner
Kristin Aleshire commented in attending the Airport visit by Senator Ben Cardin
and attending an orientation as a new member of the PenMar Corporation Board.
The 350 million dollar project proposed by Corporate Office Properties Trust
at the former Fort Ritchie promises to bring many new jobs to the community.
Two goals Aleshire said he wants to see included in the Commissioners list for
2007 are ongoing relationships with the municipalities like then Council of
Governments in place ion Frederick County, and a schedule of Commissioners'
attending the municipalities regularly scheduled meetings. Aleshire also asked
for information on a Forest Conservation waiver request by Rehoboth United Methodist
Church as Part of its site plan. Developers are being fined for not following
Forest Conservation plans, The Commissioner also cited a recent article in the
National Association of Counties newsletter on two County governments in Virginia
enacting strong anti-illegal immigration measures within weeks of Congress’ failure
to pass immigration reforms. Neighboring Loudoun County passed such a resolution,
and Aleshire urged the other Commissioners to read the article.
OTHER BUSINESS:
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Greg Murray told the Board that a recording of
the Board of Education meeting concerning the School for the Arts funding is
available for review. The Rehoboth project will. have water and sewer service
from the Yogi Bear Campground system, Murray said. An email from the U.S. Geological
Survey asked if the Commissioners had comments on the proposed name for a stream
running through the park in Williamsport. Springfield Run is the name put forth
by that Town's Mayor and Council. The Commissioners had no objections to that
name. The Governor's Office announced the appointment of Bill Feuerstein to
the Property Tax Appeals Board, Murray said. Advertisement of a Senior
Plant Operator position at the Department of Water Quality was requested, and
approved by unanimous vote. Murray also asked the Board to approve a State grant
of $209,375.00 for rehabilitation of the water storage tanks at Sharpsburg and
Highfield. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Murray reminded the Bard
that the summer meeting of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) will
take place next week, and there will not be a Commissioners meeting. Murray
told those gathered that two of then Board's initiatives have been fulfilled.
The initiative to hold meetings in the municipalities is underway, and streaming
live audio of regular sessions over the internet has also begun. Citizens may
gain insight into the Board meetings by connecting to the County webpage, www.washco-md.net and
following the links to the live audio feed.
MAYOR-COUNCIL COMMENTS
Sharpsburg
Mayor Hal Spielman requested information on snow removal billing. Spielman said
that the own had received a bill for $2,480.00 from the County Highways Department
for that service, but that County plows had to open city streets in order to
reach County-maintained roads such as Harper's Ferry Road. County Administrator
Greg Murray said a review of that billing will be undertaken.
Councilman
Jeff Saylor requested information on lack of response by the Animal Control
Authority to complaints by residents of the town. Murray said the Humane Society
will be contacted about those complaints.
Councilman
Russ Weaver asked about funding options to help support the Memorial; Day parade,
and about the possibility of a major power line running through the southern
portion of the County. Commissioners' President John Barr stated that
he is in contact with Allegheny Power on the issue, and that the very southern
portion of the County may be affected by the power line, which has U.S Government
backing. The line is intended to help alleviate power outages along then East
coast of then U.S.
Councilman Gary Hull thanked the Commissioners
for holding the meeting in Sharpsburg.
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
Approximately
35 citizens gathered at the Town Hall commented on a variety of subjects. Commissioners
provided information on developer issues, the Excise Tax process, impact of
new schools and need for High School capacity, water and sewer issues, and the
Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Crime was a major issue for the residents,
with complaints regarding Sheriff's Department response to crimes ranging from
vandalism to assault to drug dealing. Citizens stated that greater police service
was needed in the Town. Commissioners' President John Barr told the citizens
that a meeting will be set up with Sheriff Doug Mullendore, Mayor Spielman and
Council members, and County Commissioners to discuss that situation. County
Administrator Greg Murray was asked to coordinate that meeting.
###
WASHINGTON COUNTY GAMING COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 2007 DISTRIBUTION
The Washington
County Gaming Commission has announced its 2007 Gaming Fund distribution to
the county's fire and rescue companies as well as 74 local charitable organizations.
The Gaming Fund total of $2,935,931.90 for fiscal year 2007, which ended
June 30, represents a 1.75% increase over fiscal year 2006. State law provides
for funds to be split equally between the Washington County Volunteer Fire
and Rescue Association (WCVFRA) and local charities.
In January the Fire and Rescue Association received $664,790.05. With this
announcement, an additional $803,175.90 will be distributed, bringing the
yearly total for Fire and Rescue to $1,467,965.95. The Association then distributes
the funds equally to the fire and rescue companies throughout the county.
In May the Washington County Gaming Commission received 128 separate applications
from 99 charitable organizations requesting a total of $3,021,432.69. After
one day of workshops in June and two days of public hearings in July, the
Commission was able to either partially or fully fund 89 of the 128 requests,
with 32 of those applications receiving full funding. A total of $1,467,965.95
was distributed to the charities.
The Regional Community Health Center (Community Free Clinic) received the
largest award of $175,000. Girls Inc. received $76,500.00, Reach Caregivers
received $75,000.00, and the Washington County Free Library received $50,000.00.
The Washington County Gaming Commission is a
volunteer 7-member board appointed by the County Delegation and County Commissioners.
Established by the State Legislature in 1995, the Commission is responsible
to ensure the revenue produced by Tip Jars played in the counties clubs, taverns,
liquor stores, and restaurants is equitably distributed. Since its beginning,
the Commission has provided over 34 million dollars to charities and fire and
rescue companies in Washington County.
Organization |
AWARD |
|
|
Alzheimer's Association |
$16,000.00 |
American Cancer Society |
$10,000.00 |
American Red Cross of Washington County |
$2,941.90 |
Arc of Washington County, Inc. |
$35,000.00 |
Aspiring To Serve |
$22,000.00 |
Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation |
$1,000.00 |
Authentic Community Theatre Inc |
$10,000.00 |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wash. Co. MD, Inc. |
$46,000.00 |
Boonsboro Area Soccer Club |
$3,000.00 |
Boys & Girls Club of Washington County |
$40,000.00 |
Breast Cancer Awareness Cumberland Valley Inc |
$7,700.00 |
CASA, Inc. |
$33,803.00 |
Catholic Charities / Villa Maria of Wash. Co. |
$5,000.00 |
Children In Need, Inc. |
$40,000.00 |
Children's Village of Washington County, Inc. |
$30,000.00 |
Conococheague Little League |
$6,000.00 |
Deafnet Association Inc. |
$4,350.00 |
Discovery Station at Hagerstown Inc. |
$20,800.00 |
Federal Little League of Hagerstown |
$5,159.55 |
Food Resources Inc. |
$45,336.00 |
Foundation for Girls Inc. |
$10,000.00 |
Friends of Safe Place, Child Advocacy Center |
$26,600.00 |
Girls Inc. of Washington County |
$66,500.00 |
Habitat for Humanity of Washington County |
$20,000.00 |
Hagerstown Aviation Museum |
$8,000.00 |
Hagerstown Civil Air Patrol |
$12,520.00 |
Hagerstown Colt League & Pal. League, Inc. |
$10,000.00 |
Hagerstown Junior Basketball League, Inc. |
$4,000.00 |
Hagerstown Neighborhood Center |
$2,000.00 |
Hagerstown Youth Hockey Association |
$3,000.00 |
Hancock Little League |
$10,000.00 |
Interfaith Service Coalition |
$25,518.00 |
Leadership Washington County |
$4,000.00 |
Little League of Halfway, Inc. |
$2,514.00 |
Marine Corp League Bulldog Detachment |
$10,000.00 |
Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Inc. |
$10,000.00 |
Maryland Theatre Association, Inc. |
$25,099.46 |
Mason-Dixon Council, Inc. Boy Scouts |
$40,000.00 |
Maugansville Little League |
$3,984.48 |
Mental Health Center of Western Maryland, Inc |
$15,000.00 |
National Little League |
$3,000.00 |
North High Band Boosters |
$1,560.67 |
Parent/Child Center |
$20,000.00 |
Potomac Classical Youth Ballet |
$1,941.44 |
REACH Caregivers |
$75,000.00 |
Community Free Clinic |
$175,000.00 |
Salvation Army |
$47,228.00 |
San Mar Children's Home, Inc. |
$10,000.00 |
Senior Living Alternatives, Inc. |
$15,000.00 |
Sharpsburg Little League, Inc. |
$5,000.00 |
Smithsburg Youth Athletics Inc. |
$10,104.51 |
South Mountain Little League, Inc. |
$4,000.00 |
Southeastern Wash. Co. Health & Comm. Ser. |
$11,600.00 |
St. Johns Homeless Shelter, Inc. |
$20,000.00 |
Turning Point/Way Station, Inc. |
$10,000.00 |
United Cerebral Palsy of Western MD |
$4,118.00 |
Volunteer Assoc. for the Potomac Center |
$5,000.00 |
W House, The |
$23,315.00 |
Walnut St. Community Health Center |
$43,345.65 |
Wash. Co. Ag Education Center |
$65,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Commission on Aging |
$31,128.99 |
Wash. Co. Community Action Council, Inc. |
$30,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Community Mediation Center |
$10,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Free Library |
$50,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Historical Society |
$22,932.30 |
Wash. Co. Jr. Girls Volley Ball |
$5,000.00 |
Wash. Co. Show Kids |
$6,115.00 |
Wells House, Inc. |
$18,000.00 |
West End Little League |
$3,000.00 |
Western Maryland Hospital Aux., Inc. |
$30,000.00 |
Western Maryland Interpretive Association |
$5,000.00 |
Williamsport Band Boosters, Inc. |
$2,250.00 |
Williamsport Community Band |
$1,500.00 |
YMCA |
$10,000.00 |
|
|
Wash. Co. Vol. Fire & Rescue Assoc. |
$1,467,965.95 |
Total |
$2,935,931.90 |