BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hagerstown, Maryland April 8, 2014 President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland to order at 1:20 p.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. FAIR HOUSING PROCLAMATION President Baker presented a proclamation to Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, Community Grant Management, in recognition of Fair Housing Month observed in April. Ms. Buchanan referenced the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities for all Americans. She noted that the Office of Community Grant Management has secured $1.9 million in grant funds over the past five years. Representatives from the Community Action Council, Housing Authority of Washington County, Hagerstown Housing Authority, Hagerstown Home Store, and Habitat for Humanity, attended to recognize the event. PUBLIC HEARING MODIFICATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2015 WATER AND SEWER RATES AND CERTAIN LANDFILL USER FEES President Baker convened a public hearing at 1:29 p.m. to obtain public comment regarding the proposed modification of water and sewer rates and the proposed modification to certain landfill user fees. Julie Pippel, Director, Division of Environmental Management, presented the proposed schedule of water and sewer rates, which includes an increase per quarter for the average residential user of 1.6% (or $1.50) for water and 3.5% (or $3.60) for sewer. Similar increases are proposed for other user classes. Ms. Pippel also described the proposal regarding the schedule of landfill user fees for FY 2015 that offers a discounted rate of $45 per ton for large haulers bringing in 1,000 tons or more per year of general refuse/municipal solid waste (with contract). County Administrator Greg Murray provided details of the financial model developed to increase the volume of solid waste received at the Forty West Landfill in anticipation of the approved waste to energy project. The hearing was opened for public comment. Lillian Regel, Sharpsburg, commented on the base rate charge for water and sewer. She suggested that the rate be re-examined for those who use less than the 6,000-gallon base amount and for conservation and environmental concerns. Commissioner McKinley commented on re-examining the fee structure. The Public Hearing was closed at 1:48 p.m. The meeting was opened for discussion by the Commissioners. Commissioner Baker advised of a citizen call he received concerning the water and sewer rates and the use of more water for summer watering. The Commissioners discussed the matter. County Administrator Greg Murray advised that a 12,000-gallon base rate was used previously and was subsequently lowered to 6,000 gallons. Commissioner
Page 2 Callaham requested that future media releases advise citizens that in addition to questions and comments being addressed to Julie Pippel, written comments may also be submitted to the County prior to the public hearing date. Commissioner McKinley suggested allowing an extended comment time; however, staff advised against it due to the inability to counter comments made outside the public venue. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to discuss the matter further during their next regularly scheduled meeting. GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION AND STANDARD & POOR S INCREASED RATING FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY Debra Murray, Finance Director, advised of notification received that the Standard & Poor s rating agency has upgraded the County s bond rating to AA+. This is the first time that Washington County has achieved this rating. Les Guthorn, Financial Advisor, Public Advisory Consultants, discussed this important achievement and noted the County s past strong ratings from all three rating agencies. The improved rating signifies that Washington County has been able to manage within the confines of its financial condition while managing to save a certain percentage in reserves (untapped monies). Greg Murray indicated that this new rating increase does not involve the County s upcoming bond issue. The Commissioners commended the County s excellent debt management practices and managerial efforts. Greg Murray distributed a Fire Plan (Plan) funding chart that clarifies funding to begin January 2015. Each component of the Plan covers different funding requirements. Mr. Murray outlined expenses covered by the Plan and expenses that must be part of all company business plans, including vehicle maintenance, insurance, and the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP). Workers Compensation costs are covered by the County and are in addition to Plan funding. Commissioner Callaham indicated that she learned firsthand that not all volunteers are aware of the Plan and what it encompasses. Greg Murray indicated that he would forward an informational email to volunteer companies to disseminate to all members. The Commissioners commended staff, the Fire Plan Committee, and fire and rescue volunteers that participated in the development of the Plan. Commissioner McKinley questioned how long it would take the Plan to turn into a comprehensive emergency services plan. Mr. Murray estimated two to three budget cycles. The General Fund Budget as it now stands will be taken to public hearing on May 6. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Cline, moved to convene in closed session at 2:48 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and to consult with
Page 3 counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, in accordance with Section 10-508(a) (1) and (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed a specific personnel matter/issue with the Sheriff, Sheriff Department staff, and counsel. Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, John F. Barr, Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. Also present were Vicki Lumm, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; Sheriff Doug Mullendore and Colonel Randy Wilkinson, Sheriff s Department; and Phil Hinkle, Esquire. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Commissioner Cline, seconded by McKinley, moved to reconvene in open session at 3:22 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:22 p.m. EVENING MEETING TOWN OF CLEAR SPRING The evening session of the regular meeting of Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held at the L.P. Snyder Library, 12624 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Barr gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. Commissioner Baker called for a moment of silence in memory of Williamsport graduate and naval officer Mark Mayo, who lost his life while protecting another sailor. CALL TO ORDER President Terry L. Baker called the evening session of the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 7:03 p.m. with the following members present: Vice President John F. Barr and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and William B. McKinley. APPROVAL OF MINUTES APRIL 1, 2014 Commissioner Barr, seconded by McKinley, moved to approve the minutes of April 1, 2014. The motion passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Clear Spring Mayor Paul Hose, Jr. welcomed the Commissioners and thanked them for the assistance given the Town during the past year. He introduced Vice Mayor Steve Blickenstaff and Council members Theodore Hovermale, Carol Hovermale, and Megan Yeakle.
Page 4 CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Citizens commenting in opposition to the methadone clinic to be located on Route 63 were: Diana and Charles Triesh, 15949 Rhododendron Drive, Williamsport Jim and Elizabeth Recabo, 11723 White Pine Drive, Hagerstown Pastor Dale Costa, Gateway Ministries 11017 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport George Gossard 11153 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport Randy Barron, 10632 Honeyfield Road, Williamsport John Benisek 11237 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport John Bartell, 10705 Honeyfield Road, Williamsport Gerry Ditto, 14726 Ditto Road, Clear Spring April and Stephan Morris, no address given Ed Sheehan 11717 Walnut Point Road, Hagerstown Lisa Stoneking 16113 Everly Road, Hagerstown Brian Grosh, 11248 Big Pool Road, Clear Spring Beverly Shepherd, 11339 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport Ray Givens, 7404 Milson Road, Hancock Richard Nye, 11244 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport John Lynch, 11949 Azalea Drive, Hagerstown Peggie Fisher, 11439 Rock Hill Road, Hagerstown Bob Miller, 11405 Kemps Mill Road, Williamsport Elaine and Robert Fulcher 10518 Honeyfield Road, Williamsport Nicole Kline, 11337 Rock Hill Road, Hagerstown Ronny Engelmann, 11822 White Pine Road, Hagerstown Mike Baker, 10663 Honeyfield Road, Williamsport Bob Harsh, 15834 Falling Waters Road, Williamsport Laurie Irvin, no address given Barbara Hovermill, 16286 Spielman Road, Williamsport Rose Marie Suder, 11415 Rock Hill Road, Hagerstown Robert Pike, 11540 Rock Hill Road, Hagerstown Chris Phelps 11805 White Pine Drive, Hagerstown Earl Stoner, Health Officer, and Rebecca Hogamier, Director, Division of Behavioral Health Services, Washington County Health Department, attended and provided information on methadone clinics in response to citizen questions. Mr. Stoner advised that the Health Department is not the operator of the planned clinic and such clinics are regulated by four separate State agencies, with the Drug Enforcement Administration being the primary agency. Terry Irwin, Deputy Director and Zoning Administrator of the County s Plan Review and Permitting Department, offered information to citizens regarding zoning encompassing the new clinic location that allows for the operation of such businesses. County Administrator Greg Murray commented on zoning and allowable uses, traffic concerns, and federal law concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Commissioners each indicated that
Page 5 they were not in favor of the new clinic location. Commissioner Baker suggested that the County offer to rent to the clinic s management company the former Phoenix Color Building located next to the Washington County Sheriff s Office. Citizens making other comments were: Bob Bare, 11705 Rocky Meadow Road, Clear Spring, commented on the poor condition of Rocky Meadow Road. Maryglen Bare, 11705 Rocky Meadow Road, Clear Spring, commented on the Comprehensive Rezoning of Town Growth Areas process concerning Clear Spring. Michael Reid, 14437 Hicksville Road, Clear Spring, requested full funding for Phase I of the County s Fire and Rescue Plan on July 1, 2014 opposed to January 1, 2015. Betty Shank, Clear Spring, commented on the Town Growth Area meetings in Clear Spring regarding proposed zoning changes. She stated that citizen input is needed during that process and on the clinic matter. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner McKinley, seconded by Barr, moved to adjourn at 9:09 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Gregory B. Murray, County Administrator John M. Martirano, County Attorney Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk