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CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Christopher Diehl called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. at the Washington County Water and Sewer Department Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE

A quorum was present including: Chairperson Christopher Diehl, Vice-Chairperson Glenn Fishack, Commissioner Gordon Crabb, Commissioner Bonnie Parks, Commissioner Ed Renn, Commissioner Steve Klick, County Commissioner William Wivell, Gregory Murray, Director of Water and Sewer and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate. Secretary Michael Armel arrived at 6:12 p.m.
(Attachment #1)

READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Session Minutes - November 18, 1999
Chairperson Diehl stated approval of minutes will be addressed at the next advisory meeting to be held January 6, 2000.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER WIVELL COMMENTS

County Commissioner Wivell stated he met with Secretary Armel and discussed the model regarding his rate methodology. (Attachment #6-11/18/99 Advisory Commission Minutes) Discussion followed. It was recommended Secretary Armel define a one (1) or two (2) page proposal to present to the Board of County Commissioners his method that will reallocate costs in a fair manner and will impact customers in a positive view.

Motion made by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Klick, to prepare in writing reasons for the Board of County Commissioners to authorize the staff to provide information to the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission relative to the Black and Veatch rate setting methodology/model run.
Unanimously approved.

County Commissioner William Wivell departed at 6:27 p.m.

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Crabb inquired about Fort Ritchie. Discussion followed.

Commissioner Crabb also inquired about the city county transfer line. Director Murray gave an update on this project.

Commissioner Crabb also inquired about the closure plan for the Nicodemus Wastewater Treatment Plant. Director Murray stated several options are being reviewed. Discussion followed.

The advisory commission members concurred that Secretary Armel?s information request relative to the FY 2000 model run was consistent with their intent and discussions at the last meeting.

Secretary Armel inquired about outside city rates for property owners that utilize water and sewer pump stations. The higher rates to county customers outside of the city originally covered operations and maintenance of the sewers and pump stations. Since the Washington County Sanitary District/Washington County Water and Sewer Department has taken over this operation and maintenance responsibility the rates paid to the city have not been reduced to reflect this. Discussion followed.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

(Attachment #2)
Clarence Scheer, former Chairperson for the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission, thanked the Advisory Commission for the Resolution that he received. He also stated the focus group will be holding a meeting next Monday, December 6, 1999 at Hagerstown Community College, Room 111. He encouraged all to attend.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Smithsburg Athletic Booster Club - Director Murray stated at the Board of County Commissioners meeting held November 30, 1999 approval for paying the connection fees for the restrooms at the Smithsburg High School was made.

Enlarged Copies of Schedule of Debt Service as requested - Director Murray stated copies are attached. (Attachment #3)

Director Murray stated the Christmas Luncheon will be held December 17, 1999 at 12:00 p.m.
(Attachment #4)

Director Murray also stated he received the operating and capital outlay budget. He stated it is being distributed to all departments and is due to be completed by January 21, 2000.

Director Murray referred to the CIP Budget for FY 2001. (Attachment #5) He reviewed at length the entire packet. Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Fishack to accept the CIP Budget for FY 2001 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Director Murray stated the City of Hagerstown Rates dated 10/1/99 are attached for informational purposes. (Attachment #6)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Director Murray stated County Commissioner Wivell will be addressing the advisory commission name change.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

It was agreed upon all advisory commission members to cancel the December 16, 1999 meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Commissioner Crabb, seconded by Commissioner Parks to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

NEXT SCHEDULED ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING: JANUARY 6, 2000

Respectfully submitted by:
____________________________        Date: ________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,
Office Associate IV

Reviewed by:
____________________________         _____________________________
Gregory B. Murray,                 Michael V. Armel,
Director of Water and Sewer Operations     Advisory Commission Secretary
Date: _______________________        Date: ________________________

Revised: 1/6/00