CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Scheer called the Regular Session Meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission to order at 6:03 p.m. at the Washington County Department of Water Quality, Administration Office, 16232 Elliott Parkway, Williamsport, Maryland.

ATTENDANCE
A quorum was present including: Chairperson Clarence Scheer, Vice-Chairperson Glenn Fishack, Commissioner Ed Renn, Commissioner Scott Schubel, Commissioner Jim Lemon, Director of Water and Sewer Gregory Murray and Jamie Calandrelle, Office Associate. Absent: Secretary Bonnie Parks, County Commissioner William Wivell. (Attachment #1)


READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Session Minutes – October 10, 2002
Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to postpone approval of minutes to the next scheduled Advisory Commission Meeting to be held December 12,  2002.
Unanimously approved.

Regular Session Minutes – September 12,  2002
Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to approve minutes as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

Regular Session Minutes – September 26,  2002
Motion made by Commissioner Schubel, seconded by Commissioner Renn, to approve minutes as submitted.
Unanimously approved.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
(Attachment #2)
Michael and Etta Griffith, 11471 Fawnbridge Drive, Hagerstown appeared before the Advisory Commission. They were requesting waiver of a differential fee in the amount of $2300.00. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith purchased property located at 13300 Keener Road, Lot 17, in Foxleigh Meadows Subdivision in December 1999. They were informed that all water and sewer tap fees were paid at that time. (Attachment #3) While attempting to apply for a building permit in October 2002, they were notified that an amount of $2300 was due in order to proceed with construction of their home. Mr. Griffith also provided a copy of a letter to Mr. Norman Wilder from Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, where it states the lot referenced above is not considered to be exempt. (Attachment #4) After further discussion, the Advisory Commission informed Mr. and Mrs. Griffith that after reviewing the policy, a decision will be established regarding their request and notification will be made at that time.

ADVISORY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chairperson Scheer referenced the wage study the Board of County Commissioners  have approved. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Advisory Commission members present to suggest to incorporate a wage study for current county boards and commissions. Chairperson Scheer commented he would address this issue with County Commissioner Wivell for further discussion.

Chairperson Scheer inquired about a meeting to be held with the City of Hagerstown and the Board of County Commissioners. He asked Director Murray if a meeting is scheduled to take place to please notify the Advisory Commission.

Chairperson Scheer indicated it would be beneficial for the Advisory Commission to meet with the new Board of County Commissioners. It was also discussed that a county wide meeting with municipalities and the Board of County Commissioners at a later date would also be beneficial. He stated he would address this issue with County Commissioner Wivell.

Chairperson Scheer referenced the Advisory Commission Schedule for 2003. He stated he will be unable to attend January, February and March meetings. It was the consensus of the Advisory Commission to meet once a month from January through March and twice a month for the remainder of the year. A revised Advisory Commission Schedule for 2003 will be distributed at the next Advisory Commission meeting to be held December 12, 2002.

Vice-Chairperson Fishack commented on the hard work displayed by several Water and Sewer employees at the Village Square Pump Station. Director Murray thanked him for his comments and stated he would share them with the employees.

DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Murray stated an informational meeting with the newly elected Board of County Commissioners, Rod Shoop, County Administrator, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works will be held December 9, 2002 in the Water and Sewer Public Meeting Room.

Project and Summary Report dated 11/12/02 (Attachment #5) –Director Murray explained this report and stated the Sharpsburg WTP Upgrade, Village Square Upgrade and State Line Pump Station Elimination are fairly new projects. Discussion followed.

Director Murray reviewed the Five Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The item marked in blue for suggested additions is in reference to the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade. This upgrade will enable additional security at plants and stations. The report indicates a reduction in overall by $100,000.00.  Discussion followed. (Attachment #6)

Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Fishack, seconded by Commissioner Schubel, to approve the Five Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
 Budget Summary – As of 10/31/02 – (Attachment #----7) Director Murray reviewed the status of the revenues and expenditures as of 10/31/02. Discussion followed.

CIPF Revenue (October, 2002 total) (Attachment #8) Director Murray reviewed this report and stated the amount for October  was $85,675.00.

Director Murray invited the Advisory Commissioners as well as County Commissioner Wivell to attend the annual Department of Water Quality Christmas Luncheon which will be held December 13, 2002.

Director Murray gave an update regarding Public Service Commission (PSC). He stated their website is very informational and up to date. (Case #8934) (Attachment #9) Director Murray stated a meeting is set for December 11, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. to hear the Motions to Dismiss and render a decision. Discussion followed.

Director Murray provided answers to several questions that was presented to him from Commissioner Lemon regarding the Pen Mar area. Discussion followed.

CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Vice-Chairperson Fishack,  seconded by Commissioner Schubel, to convene in closed session for the purpose of  legal issues. Discussion followed. 
Unanimously approved.

RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Renn, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Fishack,  to reconvene in open session.
Unanimously approved.

Motion made by Commissioner Renn,  seconded by Commissioner Schubel, to approve the amount Mr. Griffith owes based on calculation by paying for eight (8) billing quarter periods to be $344.50.
Unanimously approved.

NEW BUSINESS
None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.

NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING:   DECEMBER 12,  2002 

ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Schubel,  seconded by Vice-Chairperson Fishack  to adjourn
at 8:25 p.m.
Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted by:


____________________________    Date: _______________________________
Jamie L. Calandrelle,           
Office Associate IV           


Reviewed by:

_____________________________    ___________________________________
Gregory B. Murray, Director        Bonnie Parks,
Water and Sewer Operations        Advisory Commission Secretary


Date: ________________________   Date: ______________________________