Maryland State Wire

Washington County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the commissioners:

Commissioner John F. Barr offered the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage.

CALL TO ORDER

President Terry L. Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 8:03 a.m. at 100 West Washington Street, Room 1113, Hagerstown, Maryland, with the following members present; Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer, and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

September 11, 2018 Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the minutes of September 11, 2018. The motion passed 4-0, Commissioner Myers abstained.

September 18, 2018 Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of September 18, 2018. The motion passed unanimously.

September 21, 2018 Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the minutes of September 21, 2018. The motion passed unanimously.

CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to convene in closed session at 8:05 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation or performance evaluation of appointees, employees or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, to protect the privacy or reputation of individuals concerning a matter not related to public business, to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a bus or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 3-305(b)(1), (2), (4), (7), (8) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.

.In closed session, the Commissioners discussed matters unrelated to public business concerning certain individuals whose privacy should be protected; discussed the potential appointment of specific individuals to a local commission and a local authority over which the Commissioners have appointing authority; discussed the recommendation to fill certain personnel vacancies over which the Commissioners have jurisdiction, discussed proposals for certain business entities to locate, expand, or remain in the State, and discussed and received legal advice/information on a matter, including potential legal action/litigation.

During closed session, the Commissioners provided direction regarding the filing of a certain vacancies on a commission and an authority including the further discussion and presentation for approval of an individual or individuals during today's open session meeting; provided guidance to staff relating to several employment recommendations and vacancies; and requested that staff move forward with discussions and provide an update to the Commissioners at a future meeting.

Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer, and LeRoy E. Myers Jr. Also present were Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator; Krista L. Hart, County Clerk, John M. Martirano, County Attorney, and at various times Kirk Downey, Deputy County Attorney; Jim Hovis, Chief Operations Officer, Deb Peyton, Director, Health and Human Services; Susan Small, Business Leader, Business Development; Dan Spedden, President, Hagerstown/ Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management; Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works; Corrine Guglielmini, Executive Director, Washington County Housing Authority; Nick Hill, Chairman, Washington County Housing Authority and Kevin Karpinski.

RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to reconvene in open session at 10:04 a.m. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing: AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND PRESERVATION, PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN

President Baker convened a public hearing at 10:08 a.m. to obtain public comment regarding the request to adopt the amended Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (Plan). Jill Baker, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning, presented the proposed amended Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, which was initially adopted by the Commissioners in May 2018. Ms. Baker stated that although the Commissioners adopted the Plan, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) informed County staff that it had interpreted certain language in the Plan to mean “...that Washington County has not met its land acquisition goal." This interpretation led to a change in funding allocation from the State to provide more acquisition funding rather than development funds. The change in funding ratio affects funds that the County shares with municipalities. County staff engaged in discussions with DNR to clarify that parkland acquisition goals have been met. Ms. Baker stated that the proposed amendments are necessary to clarify and document that position in the Plan and to provide a basis for a return to previous funding ratios. Ms. Baker stated that DNR is currently holding all funding pending adoption of this plan,

The hearing was opened for public comment; however, there was no public participation.

The Public Hearing was closed at 10:15 a.m.

The matter was opened for questions from the Commissioners.

Commissioner Barr mentioned a recent acquisition of farmland by the Town of Funkstown and inquired as to participation for credit by the County. Ms. Baker stated that yes, the count is in whole, including any municipalities and/or towns.

Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to adopt the amended Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner Myers explained that he was not present at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on October 9, 2018 as he was attending his step-daughter Kayla's graduation from Boot Camp with the United States Marine Corp; he shared how proud of her accomplishment he is.

Commissioner Keefer congratulated Commissioner Myers step-daughter Kayla on her graduation.

Commissioner Barr attended the Allegiant Air Conference in Savannah, Georgia with Phil Ridenour, Director, and Peggy Siler, Airline Station Leader, Hagerstown Regional Airport, on Tuesday, October 9, 2018; which is why he was unable to attend the Board of County Commissioners meeting that day. He added that while attending the Conference, he and Director Ridenour rallied for additional routes in and out of Hagerstown Regional Airport, Commissioner Barr stated that Hagerstown Regional Airport is 9th in areas of service with Allegiant, out of a total of 107. He also thanked Phil Ridenour for his service and leadership at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, as well as Peggy Siler.

Commissioner Cline stated that October 12th is the anniversary of the attack on the USS Cole. Included in the seventeen (17) Navy crew members who tragically lost their lives that day were Washington County natives Craig Wibberley and Patrick Roy; his thoughts and prayers go out to those families, and all military families.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Division of Construction Rich Eichelberger, Director, briefed the Commissioners on the number of drainage related service requests being initiated and fielded by the Construction staff. He stated that from January 1, 2017 through October 2017, there were forty-three (43) drainage related complaints. In 2018, same period, there were one hundred ninety-two (192) drainage related complaints. Mr. Eichelberger stated that Scott Hobbs, Director, Engineering, and his staff has also been involved in the process this year.

Commissioner Cline thanked staff for their professionalism and work ethic.

County Administrator Rob Slocum indicated that representatives from Trammel Crow will be attending the Making Connections Campaign event scheduled for this afternoon. He added that this Making Connections Campaign will be the first of four (4) and is a very exciting time for the Economic Development.

Rob Slocum requested approval to promote Susan Small, Business Leader, Department of Business Development, to the vacant position of Director, Department of Business Development. Mr. Slocum added that she has an incredible amount of enthusiasm and great ideas. Ms. Small currently resides in Pennsylvania and has agreed to relocate to Washington County within the six (6) month requirement.

Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the recommendation to promote Susan Small to the position of Director, Department of Business Development, as presented. The motion passed unanimously,

Rob Slocum also requested approval to hire Garrison Plessinger for the position of Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport, due to the upcoming retirement of current Director, Phil Ridenour. Mr. Plessinger currently resides in Texas and has agreed to relocate to Washington County within the six (6) month requirement.

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to approve the recommendation to hire Garrison Plessinger as the Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

Rob Slocum also extended congratulations to Stephanie Lapole for her promotion to Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management.

County Clerk -- Appointment / Reappointment to Boards and Commissions: Ethics Commission Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to reappoint Alan Levin to serve a first full, three (3) year term from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2021; and to reappoint J. Emmet Burke to serve a fourth, three (3) year term from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2021. The motion passed unanimously.

Housing Authority of Washington County Commissioner Keefer, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to reappoint Reverend Stan Steele to serve a second full, five (5) year term from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2023. The motion passed unanimously.

Office of Grant Management Susan Buchanan, Director, advised the Commissioners of a funding request to be granted in the amount of $5,000.00 to the Krumpe's Do-Nut Drop from the Hotel Rental Tax Fund. The event is scheduled for December 31, 2018 at the Public Square, Hagerstown, Maryland, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with over 7,000 people expected to attend. The request meets all the criteria considered for such funding.

County Attorney John Martirano referenced a previous Commissioners' meeting where the Board approved the terms of a lease agreement for RJC Hangar 17A, LLC (RJC), relating to property located at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Mr. Martirano discussed terms of the lease agreement and exemption of local real property taxes. Mr. Martirano informed the Commissioners that the lease has been executed by the parties and he is now requesting, that because the proposed hangar will be the property of the County after construction, that the Board approve an Ordinance granting RJC an exemption from local real property taxes.

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to adopt the Ordinance granting RIC Hangar 17A, LLC an exemption from local real property taxes as presented. The motion passed unanimously,

(Ordinance No. ORD-2018-28 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioner's Office.)

HEALTH CARE SERVICES DELIVERY - CONTRACTS WRITTEN AGREEMENTS

Earl Stoner, Health Officer, Washington County Health Department, requested authorization for approval for the Health Officer to enter into contracts, on behalf of the Local Health Department. Mr. Stoner explained that the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health has delegated authority to each local health officer to enter into contracts on behalf of the Local Health Department, that are not subject to Health General $3-306(d). Mr. Stoner added that the Secretary has also provided comprehensive approval to enter into contracts under $100,000 per year that are subject to Health General $3-306(d); all contracts and written agreements over $100,000 per year are to be forwarded to the Deputy Secretary of Public Health for review and ultimate approval by the Secretary

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to grant authorization for comprehensive approval for the Health Officer to enter into contracts on behalf of the Local Health Department as requested. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Barr asked if the Health Department would be releasing a public notice informing citizens to be aware of potential issues regarding mold infestation from the amount of rain received in the area. Mr. Stoner stated that Health Department staff are prepared to address any issues and concerns.

BID AWARD (PUR-1397) BULK DELIVERY OF ROAD SALT

 Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing Department, and Ed Plank, Director, Highway Department, recommended award of the contract for the purchase/delivery of Bulk Road Salt (PUR-1397) to the responsible, responsive bidder, Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, at the lowest bid price of $61.95 per ton. The salt would be purchased on an as-needed basis to be used on County maintained roads for snow and ice control. Ms. Naugle indicated that the County uses an average of twenty thousand (20,000) tons of road salt annually. The contract period would tentatively begin November 1, 2018 and end April 30, 2019, and the County guarantees neither a minimum/maximum quantity of bulk road salt to be purchased under this contract. Ms. Naugle added that this recommendation would be for the County's requirements only; the City of Hagerstown shall make its award independently from the County. Funds are budgeted in various accounts for the product.

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to award the contract for the purchase/delivery of Bulk Road Salt to the responsible, responsive bidder, Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, at the lowest price submitted of $61.95 per ton. The motion passed unanimously.

CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION 

None

CONSTRUCTION BID AWARD - AIRPORT BRIDGE LIGHTING

Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering, recommended award of the contract for the Airport Bridge Lighting to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Hawkeye Construction, LLC of Rosedale, Maryland, in the amount of $269,500 and to approve a budget transfer of $109,500 from account BRG002, Bridge Inspection and Inventory, and $35,000 from the EQP031, Capital Equipment - Airport to BRG084, Airport Bridge Lighting.

Mr. Hobbs described the project as being located under the taxiway and runway bridges that cross over US 11 (Pennsylvania Avenue) at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The replacing the existing high-pressure sodium (HPS) 400-watt lighting with equivalent light emitting diodes (LEDs) to keep in line with the original design and meet roadway lighting standards while saving energy costs; there is an estimated utility rebate of $225 per fixture. The life for LEDs is 23 times longer than the lighting for HPS with typical energy savings of 60%-70%. The project also includes an adjustment of the lighting controller configuration and programming as well as processing Potomac Edison utility energy efficiency incentives on behalf of the County. The existing bridge lighting was installed over ten (10) years ago and is currently in need of maintenance. This work will provide future cost savings when in operation in accordance with the design as approved by the Maryland State Highway Administration. The design review will include any value engineering benefits for the project.

Mr. Hobbs stated that the bids have been evaluated and the low bid from Hawkeye Construction, LLC is in order. The bid documents provide ninety (90) consecutive calendar days to complete the work. There would be an anticipated Notice to Proceed date on or about N completion on or about January 12, 2019. The project will be funded by three (3) accounts from the Capital Improvement Plan ($35,000 from EQP031, Capital Equipment - Airport; $125,000 from BRG084, Airport Bridge Lighting; $109,500 from BRG002, Bridge Inspection and Inventory). Rebates received as part of the incentive program will be returned to BRG002, Bridge Inspection and Inventory.

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Cline, moved to award the contract for the Airport Bridge Lighting to the responsible, responsive bidder, Hawkeye Construction, LLC of Rosedale, Maryland, at the lowest bid amount submitted of $269,500. The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioners Baker, Cline, Keefer and Myers voting “Yes” and Commissioner Barr “Nay".

ACCEPTANCE OF DEDICATED PROPERTY FOR CRAYTON BOULEVARD EXTENDED

Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, requested approval to accept the dedication of property from Perini Industrial Land, LLC, identified as part of parcel nos. 470, 446, and 1027 on Tax Map No. 24; and from Showalter Farm, LLC, identified as part of parcel no. 503 on Tax Map No. 24, and to adopt an ordinance approving and accepting said dedication and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition,

Mr. Moser explained that the future extension of Crayton Boulevard involves land dedications as part of the public-private partnership on the project. To meet this need, Perini Industrial Land, LLC has agreed to the right-of-way dedication of 2.0748 acres (more or less). In addition, Showalter Farm, LLC has agreed to the right-of-way dedication of 1.4198 acres (more or less).

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the dedicated property as presented for the Crayton Boulevard Extension project, to adopt an ordinance approving and accepting the dedication, and to authorize the execution of all such documents as may be required to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION FOR SHOWALTER ROAD

Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, requested approval of option agreements for fee simple property acquisition, to adopt an ordinance approving purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition for the Showalter Road Extended project. Mr. Moser stated that the County has offered the property owner $25,000 for 0.69 acres, described as tax map 24, parcel 1180, zoned Highway Interchange. The project will improve the safety at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Showalter Road and address access issues to Route 11 for the residents of the manufactured home community. This is a budgeted project under the Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $25,000.

Commissioner Cline, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to approve the option agreement for the fee simple acquisition as presented and to adopt the proposed ordinance approving the purchase and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously.

(Ordinance No. ORD-2018-31 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)

PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND OWNER RELOCATION FOR 915 ANTIETAM DRIVE

Todd Moser, Real Property Administrator, Engineering, requested approval for a fee simple property acquisition; relocation costs associated with the acquisition under the guidelines of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act; to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition,

Mr. Moser described the property as 915 Antietam Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland, consisting of 0.34 (more or less) acres with a 1,100 square foot dwelling, zoned residential, for the proposed widening of Eastern Boulevard. Mr. Moser stated that the entire property at 915 Antietam Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland, will be acquired to construct the intersection improvements at Eastern Boulevard and Antietam Drive. Since federal funds are involved on the Eastern Boulevard Widening project, the County will be required to adhere to the Uniform Real Property Acquisition Act, including providing relocation costs and other expenses. Mr. Moser stated that the total cost of the acquisition and relocation costs are estimated at $251,300; that cost will include the fee simple purchase price of $160,000; the price differential between the old home new home of comparable condition, size, and location up to $25,000; incidental expenses to include closing cost and mortgage fees from $10,000 - $15,000; mortgage interest differential of $16,000 - $20,000; and moving expenses estimated at $31,300. The County intends to rent or lease the property to the current property owner until the proposed relocation process has been completed,

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to approve the fee simple purchase / acquisition and relocation costs associated with the acquisition as presented, to adopt an ordinance approving the purchase and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the acquisition. The motion passed unanimously.

(Ordinance No. ORD-2018-30 is recorded among the Acts, ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG-18-011) HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT VIRTUAL PERIMETER MONITORING SYSTEMS UPGRADES

Brandi Naugle, Buyer, Purchasing; Phil Ridenour, Director, Hagerstown Regional Airport, and Eugene Bolanowski, Airport Operations Manager, Hagerstown Regional Airport, recommended authorizing by Resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase (INTG-18-011) Hagerstown Regional Airport Virtual Perimeter Monitoring System (VPMS) Upgrades with Carroll County Government, Maryland (RFP number 49-F-2-13/14; term September 1, 2016 through October 26, 2018) contract awarded to Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland at the contracted unit prices totaling $130,000. Ms. Naugle explained that this project phase is necessary and is a vital step in advancing the overall security improvement project by placing new cameras in locations not previously under observation.

Ms. Naugle discussed the intergovernmental cooperative purchase bid process that permits the County to use another governmental entity's contract to eliminate Washington County's bid process and obtain overall better pricing due to economies of scale offered by the subject contract. A determination to allow or participate in an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing arrangement is by a resolution indicating the cost benefits and efficiencies to the County,

Ms. Naugle stated that funding for this award would be available in the department's Capital Improvement Plan account COMO26; Grants (MAA-GR-19-009 and MAA-GR-19-010) participation from Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) in the amount of $97,500 to cover the State's portion of the allowable costs, the County's portion of the allowable costs is $32,500.

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Barr, moved to authorize by Resolution the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase (INTG-18-011) Hagerstown Regional Airport Virtual Monitoring Systems Upgrades with Skyline Technology Solutions of Glen Burnie, Maryland, via Carroll County Government, Maryland contract (RFP number 49-F-2-13/14) at a total of $130,000. The motion passed unanimously.

(Resolution No. RS-2018-24 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)

Commissioner Myers left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. and returned at 10:56 a.m.

ACT® WORK READY COMMUNITIES

Susan Small, Director, Business Development, recommended the approval of a resolution for the endorsement of the ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) initiative which would include support of the ACT WRC Boot Camp. Ms. Small stated that this would be a collaboration between Washington County Government, Washington County Public Schools, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and Hagerstown Community College. Ms. Small explained that participation in the WRC, the initiative could both identify skill gaps and quantify the skill level of the workforce, therefore assisting educators to build career pathways aligned to the needs of business and industry, as well as helping the community to stand out and be recognized for the workforce development efforts.

Ms. Small explained that the ACT WRC empowers states, regions, and counties with data, processes and tools that drive economic growth; providing the opportunity to measure and close the skills gap by building common frameworks which link, align and match the workforce development efforts. By recognizing the program, employers would have a more qualified workforce ready to fill jobs.

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to approve and authorize by resolution the endorsement of the ACT Work Ready Communities initiative as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

(Resolution No. RS-2018-25 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)

Commissioner Cline left the meeting at 11:05 a.m.

FLOW TRANSFER AGREEMENT'S CONSTRUCTION RESERVE FUN

Mark Bradshaw, Deputy Director, Engineering Services, Division of Environmental Management, recommended the closure of the Construction Reserve Fund, and to divide the fund equally between the City of Hagerstown (City) and Washington County (County). The County's portion of the funds shall be transferred to the Capital Improvement Project Collection System Rehabilitation (LIN040).

Mr. Bradshaw stated that in August 2003, the County and City entered into a Flow Transfer Agreement. In exchange for the City providing sewage treatment to County residents, the County agreed to accept the flow from the City's Pump Station #13 (Western Maryland Parkway) to offset the capacity the City is utilizing to treat County sewage. The agreement also established a Construction Reserve Charge that would be added to allocation fees, which was to be deposited into a Construction Reserve Fund, managed by the County. The agreement states that the funds were to be utilized to finance future improvements to the City and County wastewater systems; however, in the event funds are not spent after ten (10) years, the proceeds shall be divided equally between the City and the County. Mr. Bradshaw stated that the balance in the Construction Reserve Fund account is $643,534.85 as of the beginning of October 2018.

Mr. Bradshaw explained that by approving the transfer of the County's portion of funds to the Capital Improvement Project Collection System Rehabilitation (LIN040), inflow and infiltration rehabilitation work could be performed for the Maugansville, Fountain Head, and Airport drainage basins, which currently flow to the City's treatment plant.

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to close the Construction Reserve Fund, and to divide the funds equally between the City and the County as presented. The motion passed unanimously,

CASCADE

Jim Sterling, Director, Division of Public Works, stated that on October 1, 2018, the County's Master Developer for the development of the former Fort Ritchie property in Cascade, JG Business Link International (JGBLI) informed County staff that the buyer of the 528-acre parcel requested to amend the September 6, 2018 Agreement of Sale. Mr. Sterling stated that in an October 1, 2018 letter, JGBLI had requested to change the date in which the final deposit payment would be due

from October 1, 2018 to October 16, 2018. JGBLI further requested that the settlement date be changed from October 30, 2018 to on or before December 31, 2018.

Mr. Sterling stated that in a second correspondence to the County from JGBLI dated October 1. 2018, conveyed to the County on October 2, 2018, the County was formally advised that the buyer, Issac Holdings, LLC (Issac), would not be able to continue with the sale.

Therefore, the sale has been cancelled, the agreement terminated, and Issac has agreed to forfeit the $200,000 initial deposit payment to the County,

FORT RITCHIE CASCADE PLAN

Rob Slocum, County Administrator, and Susan Small, Business Leader, Business Development, presented a plan to solicit and expediently vet offers for Board's consideration, which will address the aggressive nature needed to market the Fort Ritchie property.

Ms. Small stated that it is imperative that JG Business Link International (JGBLI) be recognized as established under the Master Developer Agreement (MDA) of 2016. Additionally, it is important to recognize that JGBLI owns approximately sixty-three (63) acres of land, surrounded by the remainder of the site.

Ms. Small informed the Board that the property, in whole or in part, has not been listed with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) anywhere in the United States. She also noted that the County has had recent success in the sale of properties throughout the County after public listing with the MLS through a real estate agent.

Rob Slocum stated that suggestions of members for the proposed plan could include a representative from the Economic Development Coalition; a representative from the Fort Ritchie Community Center, who could provide helpful information on behalf of the community; as well as a representation from the Pen Mar Development Corporation.

Commissioners discussed the proposed plan to include possible membership representation and have agreed to proceed as present. Mr. Slocum will contact JGBLI to discuss options further. (Commissioner Cline was absent for this discussion).

Commissioner Cline returned to the meeting at 11:25 a.m.

CONSIDERATION FOR INCLUSION OF HAGERSTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE TESTING OF LADDERS, AERIALS, HOSE, AND PUMPS

Dave Hays, Director, and Jonathan Hart, Assistant Director, Division of Emergency Services, requested approval for the use of budgeted funds in the amount of $14,000 for the inclusion of the Hagerstown Fire Department's (HFD) apparatus and equipment in an annual aerial, ladder, pump, and hose testing with the vendors currently providing those services to the County under previously established contracts.

Mr. Hays explained that Washington County provides annual ladder, pump, and hose testing services through established contracts delivered through three (3) different vendors. Those services are provided for all fire apparatus (engines, trucks, rescue squads) in the county, with the exception of the HFD. Mr. Hays stated that under this proposal, the County would agree to fund the testing procedures for HFD's apparatus and equipment to include: seven (7) engines, three (3) ladder trucks, 32,000 feet of hose, and 1,078 feet of ground ladders, provided the services are delivered under the County contract.

The funds for this proposal in the amount of $14,000 would be paid from the $90,000 amount which is currently budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget for Maintenance Contract Services, 515270 11525.

Commissioner Barr, seconded by Commissioner Myers, moved to approve the inclusion of the HFD's apparatus and equipment with the vendors currently providing those services to the County in the amount of $14,000 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

President Baker informed fellow Commissioners, staff, and attendees that there will be no afternoon Commissioners' meeting.

RECONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION

Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, moved to reconvene in closed session at 11:27 a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation or performance evaluation of appointees, employees or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to protect the privacy or reputation of individuals concerning a matter not related to public business, to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter; to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, in accordance with Section 3-305(b) (1), (2), (4), (7), (8) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The motion passed unanimously.

In closed session, the Commissioners discussed ongoing personnel matters and related staffing issues, discussed and received legal advice/information on an ongoing matter, including potential legal action/litigation, and were briefed on matters unrelated to public business concerning certain individuals whose privacy should be protected.

During closed session, the Commissioners provided direction regarding ongoing personnel matters and related staffing issues, and discussed various avenues to address an ongoing contractual matter.

Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline, John F. Barr, Wayne K. Keefer, and LeRoy E. Myers Jr. Also present were Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator; Krista L. Hart, County Clerk; John M. Martirano, County Attorney; and at various times Kirk Downey, Deputy County Attorney; Jim Hovis, Chief Operations Officer; Dave Hays, Director, Emergency Services; Johnathan Hart, Assistant Director, Emergency Services; and Robert Moncrief, President, Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.

The Commissioners recessed at 11:27 a.m. and returned at 11:38 a.m.

The meeting adjourned at 12:21 p.m.

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