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
December 11th, 2007
THE BOARD ATTENDED A JOINT MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT THE BOE AUDITORIUM TO HEAR REPORTS ON FIRST QUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, PROJECTED STUDENT ENROLLMENT, PROPOSED PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR FY 2009 AND A DISCUSSION ON SCHOOL POLICY ON THE USE OF GYM FACILITIES.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Terry Baker reported on attending
the Community Action Council's recent board meeting. CAC thanked the Commissioners
for supporting its Workforce Housing project in Hagerstown. The Recreation-Parks
Board meeting last week focused on issues at the Maugansville Ruritan ball
field and on a proposal to revitalize the Weaverton to Roxbury rail-trail. The
17-mile long trail is owned by the Department of Natural Resources, and Baker
will inspect the route of the trail soon, he said. The Commissioner also attended
holiday gatherings sponsored by Citizens to Protect Washington County (CPWC)
and by Homebuilders
Association. Clear Spring's Municipal League group elected new officers at
its recent meeting and indoor track and field events will be held this weekend
at Hagerstown Community College, Baker reported.
Commissioner
Jim Kercheval discussed attending a legislative breakfast in Annapolis on
Monday. Guest Speakers included Del. Michael Bush, Senate President Mike Miller,
Senator Currie, and Delegate Sheila Hickson. Speaker of the House Michael
Busch warned of an additional $500 Million in budget cuts during the coming
legislative session. Those attending from Washington Co. thanked Delegate Sheila
Hixon , Chair of the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee , for protecting
the current Gaming structure in Washington County and invited the Delegate to
visit the County in the future. The City/County 2+2 Committee discussed use
of County Commuter buses for events held by the City as well as several other
issues. Kevin Cerone was asked to look into the matter and corresponded that
the County Commuter buses may not be used off of the Federally approved fixed
routes. As
these buses are largely funded by Federal monies, any use for unapproved
routes jeopardizes future Federal funding, the Commissioner reported. The Board
of education 2+2 Committee met and further discussed school mitigation issues,
Kercheval said. Commissioner Kristin Aleshire also commented
on attending the CPWC gathering, on attending the Clear Spring Mayor and
Council meeting, on attending the PenMar Development Corporation board meeting,
on attending the 2+2 Board of Education meeting, and on attending the CSAFE
holiday gathering. A meeting with the City and County law enforcement departments
focused on the emergency communications system and opposition to location of
a communications tower in a South County location. Inclusion of State Police
in the communications dispatch center is also a focus, Aleshire said, as is
need for development of a "chain of command" for that interagency
operation. The South County Democratic Club holiday event was well-attended,
Aleshire said. The Commissioner cited an article in "County News" about
mandatory collective bargaining for public safety personnel that will affect
state and local governments. Aleshire requested that the Commissioners
schedule a discussion on Animal Control issues in the near future.
Commissioners' President John Barr reported on
attending the Museum of Fine Arts Board meeting. A national search for a
new museum curator is underway. The Western Maryland Consortium Executive Council
meeting was held at Deep Creek Lake last week. Employee health insurance
is an issue with that group, Barr said.
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.
No one appeared to make comment on this date.
OTHER BUSINESS
County Attorney Issues: County Attorney
John Martirano told the Board that an additional closed session item would deal
with acquisition of land.
Reports from County Staff: Public Works Director
Joe Kroboth reported that the recent snow event impacted the Highway Department's
budget. Cost for the event was $133,000, Kroboth said. Sinkhole remediation
at the Maugans Avenue project cost $268,000, Kroboth said, and requested a budget
transfer in that amount be approved from the Capital Improvement Projects' contingency
to cover those costs. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Gang Intelligence
Strategy Grant-- Major Van Evans, Detention Center Warden and Sgt. Craig Rowe
brought this request, to accept a grant in amount of $39,600
from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for Gang Intelligence
Strategy before the Board. The program is a collaborative effort with other
criminal justice entities to improve gang intelligence gathering and sharing. A
newly formed Gang Intelligence Unit gathers gang-related information through
surveillance, photographs, and monitoring behaviors. This information
helps staff members identify gang affiliations and is shared with partnering
agencies in Washington County. Grant funds provide overtime, equipment,
and training fees. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Employee
Certificates of Merit -- Commissioners' President John Barr presented
Employee Certificate of Merit certificates to Department of Permits and Inspections
employees Rob Smith, recognized as the Maryland Building Inspector of the Year
and Sandy Schulte, Maryland Permit Technician of the Year by the Maryland Building
Officials Association (MBOA) as part of its fifth annual Extraordinary Service
Awards. In addition, State Senator Don Munson provided recognition in the form
of a Senate Resolution. MBOA's Extraordinary Service Award program is an excellent
way to recognize an individual for effort and commitment to professionalism
through the promotion and enforcement of Building Codes. “Building Inspector
of the Year”, “Plan Reviewer of the Year” and “Permits
Technician of the Year” are awarded to individuals performing in those
categories providing extraordinary service to the jurisdiction they serve. Established
in 1971, the Maryland Building Officials Association (MBOA) is a professional
organization comprised of over 400 county and municipal code enforcement officials
from across Maryland. The Association's mission is to promote professionalism
and consistency in the application and enforcement of building codes throughout
the State. To accomplish its mission MBOA sponsors statewide education programs,
disseminates code-related information, reviews and comments on legislation.
MBOA is a chartered chapter of the International Code Council. The local certificates
cited the individuals for their hard work and dedication to service to the Citizens
of Washington County.
Budget and
Finance Director Debra Murray reported that budget documents for Fiscal Year
2009 will be sent to the individual departments soon. New employee requests
should be included, but reclassification and other personnel budget issues will
be reviewed by the Wage and Salary Review Committee as a separate function.
Budget requests are being requested at flat rates from the Departments, due
to cuts at the state level that impact the County budget. County Administrator
Greg Murray released a budget message to the division and department heads this
week, calling for the flat rate. Any requests for funding over the FY 2008 level
would need full justification, Murray said.
County Administrator's
Comments: County Administrator Greg Murray said the budget message sets a conservative
base and should send a message to allied agencies regarding funding for the
coming Fiscal Year. Murray distributed the U.S. News and World Report article
on the 6 local High Schools being named among the nation's best. Murray requested
a budget transfer in the amount of $38,000 from the cash reserve fund balance
for costs of electrical, gas and maintenance services at the Phoenix Color building
through the end of Fiscal Year 2008. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.
Hagerstown Regional Airport staff is commending those departments that offered
volunteer support to the recent Runway 9-27 event, to include the County Attorney's
Office, the Engineering Department, the Division of Public Works, the Sheriff's
Department, the Economic Development Commission and the Recreation Department.
A letter from the Town of Sharpsburg indicated it would adopt the County's
Building Codes and wished the County to take over permit and inspection services
there. The Board will send a letter to Keedysville offering the service to
that Town as well. An inspector would be designated to serve that area. A
motion, to take on those additional services providing the Town adopts the
County Codes, was approved by unanimous vote.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN REVIEW FEE INCREASE
Washington
County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD) District Manager, Elmer Weibley, requested
approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Fee Increase. WCSCD
is seeking approval of fee increases for Erosion and Sediment Control Plan review
services to go into effect January 1, 2008. The fees were last increased in
March, 2005. WCSCD intends to hire one additional staff member to improve
customer service and provide additional services. Fees for site plan review
would consist of a $175.00 application fee, a fee of $85.00 for zero to 50 acres
and $15.00 for 50.1 acres and above. 5-Year upgrades for Mining and Quarry operations
would increase from a flat fee of $2,000.00 to $2,500.00. The proposed fee for
Field Services does not require County Commissioner approval, and would be based
on an average of $260.00 per project for a 15-acre project. Projects larger
than 15 acres would have a fee of $350.00 per project. The measures were approved
by unanimous vote.
PROPERTY ACQUISITION: HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
Phil Ridenour,
Airport Fire Chief and Mahesh Kukata, of ADCI consulting brought this request,
for acquisition of property near Hagerstown Regional Airport before the Board.
The property, owned by Mrs. Pearl Reedy, 14220 Maugansville Road
is recommended to receive an Administrative
Settlement of $239,900 which includes $225,000 for the property and a $14,900
Purchase Price Differential (PPD). The structures on the parcel are in the
Runway Protection Zone for Runway 9. The settlement includes a free rental
period of one year. At the end of the first year, Mrs. Reedy will lease back
the property from the Airport. Ridenour told the Board that the Airport has
no intention of asking the occupant to leave the home, and the current owner
can live in the residence for as long as she should choose to do so. The agreement
is awaiting FAA approval. This is a 95% Federal Aviation Administration
funded project with 2.5% local match and 2.5% state match. The airport CIP
includes funds for the acquisition. The measure was approved by unanimous
vote.
PROCLAMATION; WESTERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER
Commissioners'
President john Barr presented this proclamation to Cynthia Pellegrino, Director
of the Western Maryland Hospital Center, and Hospital Chief of Staff Monica
Stallworth, M.D., commemorating the state facility's 50 years of service to
the Community.
THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES LUNCHEON AT 122 POTOMAC STREET IN HAGERSTOWN.
CONTRACT AWARD: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION WEBSITE
County Purchasing
Agent Karen Luther and Economic Development Commission (EDC) Executive Director
Tim Troxell brought this request, to award the contract for Services of a Consultant
to Redesign, Update and Implement the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic
Development Commission’s Website to the responsive, responsible proposer,
Highrock Studios of Hagerstown, with the lowest Total Sum Fee of $31,448.80,
and contingent upon the approval of the final Agreement by the staff and County
Attorney’s Office. The scope of this project is to update the existing
EDC website. The EDC’s marketing staff will work closely with the
recommended proposer in defining the look, feel and content of the site. While
the creativity and professional expertise of the recommended proposer will be
very much valued, the EDC will have the final decision on all design aspects
of the site, to ensure consistency with other EDC marketing tools. Staff
from the Information Technology Department will provide information on the technology
presently used to support the current website. The recommended proposer
will perform all site planning, interface design, and production. The
redesigned site will include a technology solution that allows the EDC staff
to easily and cost effectively update and modify site content after the initial
launch. The site is to be completed within one hundred-eighty calendar
days after Notice to Proceed. The proposal was aqpproved by unanimous vote.
GOAL SETTING DISCUSSION
County Administrator
Greg Murray brought this discussion before the Board for review and approval.
Murray presented the first draft of the Commissioners' 2008 Goals for review.
Administrative goals would include developing and implementing policies
for interaction with Municipal governments on issues regarding development
adjacent to municipal boundaries, and that address equity between County and
City operations for purposes of tax setoff calculations. Review of current
assets and future needs for space requirements for the various divisions and
departments was requested. Development of a Countywide Council of Governments
with the municipalities was also included. Division and Departmental Goals were
also outlined. Planning would update the Comprehensive Plan to comply with 2008
requirements. The Division would also prepare required components of the Water
Resources Element of House Bill 1141 in conjunction with Municipal planning
initiatives and the Division of Environmental Management. Public works
would develop a long-range transportation plan identifying County needs for
new or upgraded infrastructure required to support long-term growth management,
in cooperation with other local government initiatives.
Engineering
would complete an update of all specifications and standard details used
in construction, capital and developmental processes including the subdivision
process; would develop a system to track all operations in the Engineering
Department and develop a Storm Water Management program outlining upcoming
regulatory changes. Transportation would evaluate proper location of bus
transfer points throughout the County for efficiency of operations and customer
use, begin a bus shelter program for appropriate locations, and develop a
ride-guide to facilitate public awareness of transportation services. Buildings,
Grounds, and Parks would develop a countywide parks and recreation needs assessment
plan with ties to Recreation goals; develop a consistent maintenance and
operation policy for library branch facilities; and evaluate the concept of
an “annual
pass” program for Black Rock Golf Course.
The
Recreation Department would develop a countywide parks and recreation needs
assessment plan including a comprehensive approach to creating a county recreational
facility in cooperation with BG&P; would develop a comprehensive strategy
to expand school oriented recreation programs through joint-use agreements;
and develop joint recreational programs with/for municipalities and other
organizations. The Airport would develop a plan for integration of the airport
security data system with the Sheriff's office; and would conduct a demand
analysis to ensure adequate infrastructure is available for future expansion
of the airport’s northwest
business quadrant.
The Division
of Environmental Management would form a Local Implementation Team to develop
a basin level Tributaries Strategy Plan. Solid Waste would develop a comprehensive
approach toward recycling and reduction of solid waste to ensure efficient
waste removal and extend the lifetime of the solid waste site; review possible
franchising of solid waste/recycling services countywide; and evaluate possibilities
for methane extraction and use from the capped Resh landfill site. Water Quality
would tie the County Capacity Management Plan into Planning Department goals
for 2008 to facilitate the new Comprehensive Plan and meet HB 1141 requirements.
The Division of Budget and Finance administration would develop a bi-annual
budget process with alternating years for CIP and operating budgets.
The Gaming Office
would develop a standard annual review and accountability of all Fire and Rescue
gaming activities; and would participate in development of a Statewide process
for gaming activities that does not adversely affect local control of funding.
The Purchasing Department would develop an electronic bid notification process/electronic
marketplace concept.The Economic Development Commission officewoulddevelop
a refined policy that allows new developments to proceed through the EDC
process in an expedient manner. The Division of Fire and Emergency Services
would complete central operations for DFES; would develop a central location
for training operations for all Fire & Rescue
services; and would evaluate opportunities by station/service area to determine
what changes are necessary to capture maximum efficiencies for emergency
response operations. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department would
complete the Department accreditation program; evaluate proper locations
for efficient police services throughout the county; would evaluate implementation
of community deputy program for Municipalities; and review the possibility
of establishing a metropolitan police force with the City of Hagerstown.
The Human Resources Department would develop a formal safety/risk management
program. The Department of Information Technology would evaluate set-up and
function of expansion to Geographic Information Systems data management needs.