Allegany County County Commissioners met Oct. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the commissioners:
The regular meeting of the County Commissioners of Allegany County was held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Allegany Room 100, 701 Kelly Road, Cumberland, at 5:00 p.m. on the above date. The following were present: Commissioner Jacob C. Shade; Commissioner Creade V. Brodie, Jr.; Commissioner William R. Valentine; County Administrator Brandon S. Butler; and County Attorney William M. Rudd. The following business was transacted:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Danny Williams.
MOTION
Commissioner Shade requested the addition of one Item to the Agenda, a Motion to appoint a new Assistant County Attorney.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Brodie, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, and duly carried, the Commissioners added Item 6A to the Agenda.
There were no further additions or deletions to the Agenda.
MOTION
Upon Motion by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Brodie, and Motion carried, the Commissioners approved the Minutes of the October 4, 2018, public business meeting.
PRESENTATION
Item 1 – Burkey’s Furniture & Carpeting 70th Anniversary – John E. Burkey, President, came forward and first thanked the County Commissioners for the honor being given to Burkey’s Furniture & Carpeting Inc. this evening. He remarked that it is especially poignant because his mother passed away earlier this year, and he commented that his mother and father were very active in the community over the past 70 years. Mr. Burkey provided some company background and talked about his memories of Burkey’s Furniture & Carpeting. He also spoke of his pride in the business and its workforce, and in being part of the Allegany County community.
Commissioner Valentine remarked that he and Mr. Burkey have known each other for many years, and that their fathers each started their family businesses the same year. Commissioner Valentine commented that it was an honor for him to be here this evening to present the Citation to Mr. Burkey. There was a round of applause.
Commissioner Shade then read and presented an official Citation from the Board of Allegany County Commissioners to Mr. John Burkey and Burkey’s Furniture & Carpeting Inc., in honor of the Company’s 70th anniversary. Another round of applause followed.
Commissioner Brodie remarked to Mr. Burkey that he has a top-notch group of employees at the business, and that they think as much of Mr. Burkey as he does about them.
Item 2 – Frostburg State University Allegany County Opportunity Scholarship Update – Dr. Ronald H. Nowaczyk, President, Frostburg State University, offered his congratulations to Mr. John Burkey and Mrs. Kathy Burkey before beginning his presentation.
Dr. Nowaczyk first thanked the Commissioners for their time, and then presented an update on the Allegany County Opportunity Scholarship Program at Frostburg State University. He explained that ninety percent of the opportunity scholarship funds received from Allegany County is put into immediate pass-through scholarships, and ten percent placed in an endowment., which currently has a value of $112,000. He provided some details as to how the money in the endowment, which started at $100,000, has been invested.
Dr. Nowaczyk reported that since the Opportunity Scholarship Program has started, FSU has awarded just under $900,000 through this Program. He added that about a quarter of those funds have gone to first-generation college students, and that of FSU’s local students (students from Allegany County) about a quarter receive opportunity scholarships. Dr. Nowaczyk pointed out that the average GPA of those students is around 3.63.
Dr. Nowaczyk reported that 182 students at FSU are receiving scholarships through the Opportunity Scholarship Program this year: 65 first-time and 117 returning students, and that 237 students have graduated who were recipients of Opportunity Scholarships. He pointed out that of the 237 graduates, five out of six (197) are still employed and living in Allegany County; and that of the 40 who are not still in Allegany County, sixteen are still in the region, within 20 miles of Allegany County.
Two FSU students accompanying Dr. Nowaczyk, Mr. Joshua Trenum, a 2017 graduate of Mountain Ridge High School and a current Political Science/Law & Society Major, and Ms. Jordan Thomas, a 2016 graduate of Fort Hill High School and a current Mathematics/Biology Major, came forward to offer brief comments and to thank the County Commissioners for the Allegany County Opportunity Scholarship and discuss the opportunities, including participation in extracurricular activities, they have had because of it.
Commissioner Brodie thanked the students and told them that the make the Commissioners proud. The other two Commissioners agreed and also thanked the students.
ACTION AGENDA
Item 3 – Property Tax Credit for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 – Board of County Commissioners to grant property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9- 302(b), for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for the following entities: Frostburg Lions Club Inc., LaVale Lions Foundation Inc., Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Company, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Allegany County Agricultural Expo, Carver Community Center Inc., Family Junction Inc., LaVale Swim Club Inc., The Lions Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care Inc. (formerly The Lions Center , LLC, The Lions Center I, LLC, and The Lions Center II, LLC), Frostburg Museum Association Inc., and the Allegany County Animal Shelter Management Foundation Inc.; and grant property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9-302(c) for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 1024, and Western Maryland Central Labor Council; and grant property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9-302(f) for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for Cumberland Outdoor Club – William M. Rudd, County Attorney, explained that this Item is an annual exercise. He told the Commissioners that they are by State law authorized, and in some cases required, to give the entities listed a tax credit. Attorney Rudd pointed out that the credit is on real estate tax and recommended that the Board of Commissioners grant the tax credits to the entities listed.
Commissioner Shade read into the record the names of the entities to be granted tax credits, as listed on the Motion attached to and made a part of these Minutes.
Upon Motion made by Commissioner Brodie, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, and duly carried, the Board of County Commissioners granted property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9-302(b), for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for the following entities: Frostburg Lions Club Inc., LaVale Lions Foundation Inc., Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Company, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Allegany County Agricultural Expo, Carver Community Center Inc., Family Junction Inc., LaVale Swim Club Inc., The Lions Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care Inc. (formerly The Lions Center , LLC, The Lions Center I, LLC, and The Lions Center II, LLC), Frostburg Museum Association Inc., and the Allegany County Animal Shelter Management Foundation Inc.; and granted property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9-302(c) for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 1024, and Western Maryland Central Labor Council; and granted property tax credits pursuant to Tax Property Article §9-302(f) for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 for Cumberland Outdoor Club.
Item 4 – Resolution 18-32 – Allegany County, Maryland Fiscal Policies Adoption – Board of County Commissioners to approve Resolution 18-32 Allegany County, Maryland Fiscal Policies – Jason M. Bennett, CPA, Director of Finance, called the Commissioners’ attention to Resolution 18- 32 before them, and explained that it was a set of fiscal policies to be adopted. Mr. Bennett pointed out that the Resolution was to formalize a number of things the County already does. He provided background and reviewed the fiscal policies to be adopted. A copy of Mr. Bennett’s staff report dated October 12, 2018, with the draft Resolution, which sets forth the fiscal policies, is attached to and made a part of these Minutes.
Upon Motion made by Commissioner Valentine and seconded by Commissioner Brodie, the Board of County Commissioners approved and passed Resolution 18-32 Allegany County, Maryland Fiscal Policies.
Item 5 – Washington Street Library Column Restoration Project Change Order Request – Board of County Commissioners to approve the change order for the Washington Street Library Column Restoration Contract AC-WL-18(1), in the amount of $110,705 – Adam Patterson, PE, Deputy Director or Public Works, reported that by now the Washington Street Library Column Restoration Project has reached substantial completion. Mr. Patterson commented that he was happy with the Project, and then provided background and details regarding some additional work that needs to be done. This information is set forth on Mr. Patterson’s Staff Report dated October 11, 2018, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these Minutes.
Commissioner Shade moved that the Board of County Commissioners approve the change order for the Washington Street Library Column Restoration Contract AC-WL-18(1), in the amount of $110,705. Commissioner Valentine seconded the Motion. Motion carried to approve.
Item 6 – Replacement of Orleans Road Bridge over Fifteen Mile Creek Advertisement and Right of Way Purchase – Board of County Commissioners to authorize the Department of Public Works to proceed with advertisement and the purchase of the right-of-way necessary for the Replacement of Orleans Road Bridge over Fifteen Mile Creek – Adam Patterson, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works, told the Commissioners that this afternoon, County staff received notification from the Federal Highway Administration that all paperwork is in order to move the Replacement of Orleans Road Bridge Project to the advertisement stage. It was discussed that this has been accomplished after 12 years of effort.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Brodie, and duly carried, the Board of County Commissioners authorized the Department of Public Works to proceed with advertisement and the purchase of the right-of-way necessary for the Replacement of Orleans Road Bridge over Fifteen Mile Creek.
Following action taken on this Item, Commissioner Brodie asked for a round of applause for Mr. Patterson for his efforts to help the Commissioners fulfill a promise made by Commissioners Brodie and Valentine seven years to get this Bridge done. He congratulated Mr. Patterson and acknowledged his hard work in not letting this Project die in spite of the obstacles.
Item 6A – Appointment of a New Assistant County Attorney – William M. Rudd, County Attorney, introduced the Commissioners to Attorney Lee Beeman, a local attorney who graduated from Beall High School and then Frostburg State University, as well as from West Virginia University Law School. Attorney Rudd informed the Commissioners that Attorney Beeman has been practicing locally since 2014, and maintains a private law practice, and commented that he comes highly recommended. He told the Commissioners that he would like to add Attorney Beeman to the Allegany County Attorney’s Office, and he recommended that the Commissioners appoint Lee Beeman as an additional Assistant County Attorney.
Commissioner Shade confirmed with Attorney Rudd that the Assistant County Attorney positing was publically advertised.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Brodie, and seconded by Commissioner Valentine, the Board of County Commissioners approved and appointed T. Lee Beeman, Jr., as an Assistant County Attorney for Allegany County.
Following action taken on Item 6A, Commissioner Shade invited Attorney Beeman to come forward. Attorney Beeman thanked the Commissioners for their confidence in his ability to perform the duties of Assistant County Attorney. He remarked that he is proud of the things Allegany County is doing and is looking forward to helping out with that.
Commissioner Brodie advised Attorney Beeman to learn as much as possible from Attorney Rudd.
CONSENT AGENDA
As recommended by the County Administrator
Upon Motion by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Brodie, and Motion carried, the Consent Agenda as recommended by the County Administrator is adopted.
Item 7 – Contract Approval for Zest Social Media Solutions, LLC – Board of County Commissioners authorized the County Administrator to execute a contract between Allegany County Government and Zest Social Media Solutions, LLC, Towson, Maryland.
Item 8 – Natural Resources Conservation Service Funding – Board of County Commissioners approved an application to the Natural Resources Conservation Service for funding from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program and authorized the President to sign all necessary documents.
Item 9 – Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Travel Request – Board of County Commissioners approved the travel request from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office to allow Sergeant Wade Sibley and Sergeant Chris Hill to travel to New Smyrna Beach, Florida from November 11, 2018 to November 16, 2018, for a K-9 seminar and certification. The estimated cost is $2,800 which will be deducted from the K-9 budget account.
Item 10 – Bedford Road Area Water Project – Phase I Contract No. W-48 Request to Bid – Board of County Commissioners authorized the Department of Public Works to advertise the Bedford Road Area Water Project – Phase I, and authorize the County Commissioners to sign the associated funding documents for this project.
Item 11 – Columbia Gas Transmission Easement and Right-of-Way Agreements – Board of County Commissioners approved the easements and authorized the President to sign and complete all necessary documents associated with the easement and right-of-way agreements.
Item 12 – Hamilton Relay Inc. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Rehabilitation Bid Award – Board of County Commissioners awarded the contract for Hamilton Relay Inc. HVAC Rehabilitation to R.H. Lapp & Sons Inc., Cumberland, Maryland, in the amount of $106,400.
Item 13 – Declaration of Abandoned and Surplus Vehicles – Board of County Commissioners authorized the Sheriff’s Office to declare the following vehicles abandoned or surplus to be sold at public auction: 2000 Ford Explorer, 2007 Chevy Cobalt, 2000 Isuzu Rodeo, 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage, 2002 Ford Ranger, 2000 Ford Ranger, 2001 Dodge Neon, 2002 Saturn 4 Door, 2000 Toyota Camry, 1997 Honda Accord, 2001 Dodge Truck, 2000 Toyota Camry, 1994 Toyota Camry, 2004 Chevy Impala, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, 1999 Toyota Corolla, 1995 Ford Explorer, 2007 Quality Trailer, 2006 CarMate Enclosed Trailer, 2005 Ford Crown Vic, 1991 Ford F-350 Utility, 1995 GMC 2500 Truck, 1998 Chevy S-10 Truck, 2005 Ford Crown Vic, 2006 Chevy Malibu, 2004 Jeep Cherokee, 2004 Dodge Neon, 2010 Kawasaki 100, 2004 Infinity Truck, 2018 KTM 300XCW, Honda CR 80, 2007 CarMate Enclosed Trailer, and a 2005 Polaris 800 4-wheeler.
County Administrator Brandon Butler pointed out that Item 7 was the contract approval for Zest Social Media Solutions, and is one of a number of items that the County is currently taking care of to be a lot more forward-facing as related to Allegany County Government. Mr. Butler mentioned that the County’s goal is to tell its story and to get information out to not only its friends with the media, but also directly to the public. He provided some information about Zest Social Media Solutions and mentioned that he recently read in an article in Forbes Magazine how “branding is the new economic development”. Mr. Butler pointed out that is something that is definitely being done in Allegany County. He thanked the Commissioners for their foresight in moving this project forward.
Commissioner Shade remarked that it is very important to recognize the importance of combining Tourism with Economic Development and making it a group effort to bring in both people and new business.
County Attorney William Rudd said that he wished to publicly thank Mr. Kenneth Wilmont for the apple butter he brought him from the Murley’s Branch Church.
Commissioners’ statements, comments, recognition –
Commissioner William R. Valentine reported on Kirwan Commission, which has meetings scheduled through the end of December 2018.
Commissioner Creade V. Brodie, Jr. welcomed new Assistant County Attorney Lee Beeman and told him that he would be working with a great group of people at Allegany County.
Commissioner Brodie also brought up the Sheriff’s ATV meetings being held around the County. He reported that two meetings have already been held, one in Mt. Savage, which was very well attended. Mr. Danny Williams added from the audience that an ATV meeting was scheduled later in the evening in Midland at 6 or 6:30. He remarked that after hearing the information presented at the meeting, attendees to the meeting in Mt. Savage left happy with the way things are set up.
To conclude his remarks, Commissioner Brodie reported on his recent trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the White House. He described the visit as very interesting.
Commissioner Jacob C. Shade remarked on the many good things going on in Allegany County in terms of branding, and in terms of economic development. Commissioner Shade said that there should be some exciting announcements coming up in the next few months, and added that he is more optimistic than in a while. Commissioner Shade also welcomed new Assistant County Attorney Lee Beeman, and told him that the Commissioners were happy to have him and looking forward to working with him.
Constituents – In order of sign-up sheet –
Ms. Kim Twigg, of the Pinto/Bel Air area of Allegany County, spoke about the issues she, as well as some of her neighbors, has been having with the private water company serving that area. Speaking as a taxpayer of Allegany County, Ms. Twigg asked the Commissioners to assign a representative from the County to look into the private water company. Ms. Twigg mentioned that she had spoken with the State but they were unable to assist her.
Commissioner Brodie told Ms. Twigg that although the County has no control over the private water company, he would have either Paul Kahl or Adam Patterson from Public Works Department look into the matter. Commissioner Brodie also suggested that Ms. Twigg get some of her neighbors together and start a petition.
Commissioner Brodie remarked that there have been complaints about this water company in the past, and that under the terms of their right of way or right of way by prescription, they are supposed to put things back together when they tear up properties to put in water lines. He asked Paul Kahl if he knew who was currently in charge at the water company. Commissioner Brodie told Ms. Twigg that the Commissioners would get some contact information from her so someone could reach out to her with water company contacts. He also suggested to her again to get her neighbors involved. Ms. Twigg said that she could do that.
Mr. Kenneth Wilmont, of 513 Fort Avenue, Cumberland, remarked on the successful recent event at Murley’s Branch Church, and reported that 62 bushels of apples were cooked. He then again expressed his concerns regarding the animal shelter.
Reminders/Upcoming Meetings –
Next Public Business Meeting – Thursday, November 8, 2018, 5:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
https://gov.allconet.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10182018-323
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