e-George: Recent Episodes
kartz@washco-md.net
Washington County, Maryland e-Government Blog and Podcast. Summaries of Commissioners Meetings, interviews with local leaders, Commissioners' comments. Listen to your county government at work while you're on the move. Visit our Website: http://www.washco-md.net
The Washington County Board of Commissioners and the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission conduct weekly business visits as part of the Business Outreach Program. The visits provide valuable feedback as to how the County can assist local businesses. To schedule a Business Outreach visit contact Linda Spence at 240-313-2286.Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. Founded: 1969Employees: 39Location: Hagerstown, Md. (photos attached: Caption – David Lobley Vice President Sales & Marketing discussing operations with EDC and County CommissionersCaption – Andrew Lobley President/Chief Operating Officer providing EDC and County Commissioners with company overview)Washington County is home to the largest cabinet manufacturer that produces and finishes cabinets in the state of Maryland. The family owned and operated company has been manufacturing all wood custom cabinetry since 1969. One of the benefits for Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. being located in Washington County is that they are within six hours of numerous major metropolitan areas – Philadelphia, New York , Cleveland, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Lobley points out other benefits besides the strategic location, “I feel it is important to remain in Washington County to show our support for the community that has supported us since 1969. It has given us the opportunity to give back to the community by creating jobs and helping the local economy.”Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. has two company owned showrooms located in Hagerstown, Md. and Chambersburg, Pa. They also have over 90 active dealers and builders spanning from Maine to the Carolinas and as far west as Illinois. The company also takes pride in their commitment to the environment. They are a founding member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program. For eight-consecutive years Hagerstown Kitchens has met all five Environmental Stewardship Program requirements which allow their products to contribute to LEED points.
Terry IrwinProject LiaisonTerry serves as the point of contact during the submission, review, and permitting phase for commercial economic development projects. As project liaison, he communicates status updates regarding new or expanding commercial and industrial businesses to ensure all parties are aware of design needs and requirements. Terry also facilitates and guides required project plan and permitting approvals through State, Federal, and funding agency authorities. Contact Terry:Phone: 240-313-2473Email: tirwin@washco-md.net
Division of Plan Review & PermittingDo I Need a Permit for That?
As the weather warms it provides the perfect opportunity for you to start those outdoor projects you’ve been planning all winter. The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure you have the proper permits before you start to build. Starting a project that requires a permit can lead to being charged double permit fees and investigation fees.
Here are a few quick-hit permitting tips:· Storage buildings under 200 square-feet do not require a permit; however, the structure must comply with the minimum building setbacks· Under the current stimulus program, residential building permit fees are waived for storage sheds under 400 square-feet if no foundation is required· Under the current stimulus program, permit fees are waived for fences exceeding six-feet in height and for non-bearing partitioning walls used to divide an existing space· Permits are required for swimming pools that hold more than two-feet of water and/or are equipped with a water circulation system to make sure proper barriers are installed and electrical wiring is done properly
Remember, if you’re not sure a permit is needed for an upcoming project call 240-313-2460.
An April 2, 2013 Washington County Board of County Commissioners’ (BCC) decision approved the creation of a new part-time Strategic Economic Development Plan Coordinator position. The position would be responsible for planning, implementing, and tracking project initiatives related to accomplishing the Strategic Economic Development Plan’s (SEDP) five specific goals outlined by the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission (ED) and the BCC. The part-time, temporary position would earn $25,000 over a six-month period with the potential to earn a $5,000 bonus if the BCC determined all assigned tasks were successfully completed. After an extensive search and review of nine applicants, the EDC Executive Committee decided selecting a candidate unfamiliar with the community, EDC Board, staff, and other community stakeholders could hinder progress in implementing SEDP priorities. As an alternative, EDC Chair, Dan Pheil and Vice Chair, Ron Bowers recommended current EDC board member, Stuart Mullendore. Mullendore, who has been instrumental in developing the EDC strategic plan, agreed to dedicate 20 hours per week and to serve in this position as a volunteer saving the County $25,000. The BCC agreed that Mullendore’s knowledge and tenure on the EDC Board will assist him moving the plan info the implementation phase, thus they unanimously approved this recommendation. Mullendore has served on the EDC Board since 2007, and currently chairs the SEDP Committee. In addition to serving on the EDC Board, Mullendore is Vice President of Marketing and Special Services at HBP, Inc.
Commissioners' Comment August, 2012
On July 31st, the Washington County Gaming Commission announced its FY 2012 funding allocation to agencies and organizations that perform charitable services and the Washington County Fire/Rescue Association. There are several ways organizations can apply for County funding. Office of Community Grant Management Director Jim Hovis talks about the County's ways and means to provide funding.
Run Time 14:25
Commissioners Comment July, 2012Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth (KRO-both) talks about infrastructure projects in the new fiscal year. Projects such as the Library are winding down, while 9 new bridge projects, while new projects are starting. Kroboth comments on the importance of the Yale Drive project to the local economy.Run Time: 14:42
Commissioners Comment May, 2012
Washington County is using the internet to save costs of disposing surplus equipment. County Purchasing agent Karen Luther talks about www.govdeals.com and how anyone can bid on surplus items. The County’s bid process is explained, along with qualifications of staff and the rigorous ethics standards upheld.
Run Time 12:57
Commissioners Comment March 2012
Spring recreation and fitness programs get off to a good start in Washington County with the Run for Your Luck 5K Race and Walk through downtown Hagerstown, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th. Jaime Dick, Director of the County’s Department of Recreation and Fitness talks about that event, the spring recreation programs and what’s coming up this summer. Also—a report on the County’s participation in the Hagerstown Home Show March 10th and 11th.
RUN TIME 13:30
Commissioners Commnent, February, 2012
The Board of County Commissioners presented the State of the County 2011 on February 7th. In this program highlights of the presentation bared presented from the video by After 5 Productions of Hagerstown. Featured are County Commissioners Terry Baker, Ruth Anne Callaham, John Barr, Jeff Cline and Bill McKinley, Notable business people Hal Lucas, Dan Pheil and Greg Roth. Also featured, new County Schools Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Recycling Administrator Tony Drury, Transit Manager Kevin Cerrone and County Administrator Greg Murray.
NOTE: RUN TIME 13:30
Commissioners Commnent, January, 2012
2011 saw a number of changes, for the better, to Washington County’s roads system. Rob Slocum, Public Works Deputy Director for Engineering and Construction talks about major projects completed or ongoing. Included -- the challenges faced in completely rebuilding the Halfway Boulevard-Massey Boulevard intersection while allowing traffic to maintain flow to the County’s busiest malls and shopping centers. Work continues on other road projects and rehabilitation of the Devil’s Backbone Dam is nearing completion. Also—a report on the 2011 winners of the County’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Awards.
Run Time: 14:52
Commissioners Comment December 2011
In this edition of Commissioners’ Comments, Stephanie Stone, Director of the new Division of Health and Human Services in Washington County Government and a member of the Hagerstown-Washington County United Way, talks about the Strategic Community Impact Plan (SCIP).
The plan pulled together the United Way, the Washington County Community Foundation and volunteers from local government and service provider agencies, to conduct a countywide assessment of needs of citizens. Topics include SCIP and its partners, Education needs, Disadvantaged citizens, People with Disabilities, Families and Community engagement.
Run Time 13:40
Commissioners Comment November 2011
On this edition: Washington County government is constantly revising its policies and procedures, especially when it comes to financial management and accountability. The latest efficiency improvement combines the Washington County Gaming Office and the Community Partnership/Local Management Board Office into the Department of Community Grant Management. Jim Hovis, Director of the new department talks about reasons behind the consolidation, and Melissa Nearchos (NEAR-kos), Community Partnership administrator outlines how the two staffs will work together to accomplish similar goals.
Run Time 12:31
Commissioners' Comment, October 2011
In the October Commissioners’ Comment we’re Talkin’ Trash. Recycling in Washington County has been a hot topic for the past several months. On September 20th, Deputy Director of the Division of Environmental Management for Solid Waste, Cliff Engle, took a report on the future of recycling to the County Commissioners. Engle talks about what the Commissioners adopted, where the program is headed, and the ins and outs of curbside recycling.
Tiume: 14:28
Commissioners’ Comment September 2011 #1
Washington County Emergency Management officials are improving ways that citizens of the County and region can be notified of impending emergency situations affecting weather, traffic on the interstate system, and localized events. The Emergency Alert System, EAS, is being enhanced to provide broadcasters with information to transmit to their audiences. An Emergency Notification System, ENS will enable citizens to register to receive warning messages on land line phones, cell phones, through text messages, emails and pagers. Director of Emergency Services Kevin Lewis explains the new systems and how to register.
Time: 14:54
Commissioners’ Comment August 2011
In this edition, Washington County Government’s reorganization last spring led to the creation of the Division of Plan Review and Permitting, which combines services formerly found under departments within separate divisions. Division Director Jennifer Smith talks about the Division’s mission, and how it will help streamline the permitting process. New environmental regulations will cause changes in how land is used. How the Division will deal with these regulations is outlined.
Time 14:11
Commissioners’ Comment June 2011 #2
In this program, Washington County Director of Public Works Joe Kroboth talks about County highway, building and infrastructure projects. This summer commuters will have a new centrally located bus transfer terminal in downtown Hagerstown. The historic Dam at Devil’s Backbone Park is underrehabilitation, the Washington County Free Library construction begins and roads are being paved county-wide. In addition, travelers can fly direct from Hagerstown Regional Airport to popular vacation destinations in Florida and South Carolina.
Time 13:07
Commissioners’ Comment June 2011
On This Commissioners’ Comment, County Administrator Greg Murray takes the Fiscal Year 2012 Washington County Budget to Public Hearing. On May 12th, Murray outlined the conservative, do more with less, Operating and Capital Projects budgets to County citizens. Murray talks about reductions the County has had to make in the light of state funding cuts, while continuing to provide quality services to its citizens. Total operating and capital expenses are balanced at $290.7 million for FY 2012.
RUN TIME 14:55
Commissioners’ Comment May 2011
This time on Commissioner’s Comment, Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore is the guest. The Sheriff talks about the impact the end of Osama Bin Laden’s reign of terrorism could have on the County and region, about a new grant from the U.S. Justice Department that will help identify illegal immigrants who commit crimes, and current projects at the Department. Featured programs include Consolidated Booking, how the new interoperable radio communications system, is working out, and Sheriff’s Department goals for the coming fiscal year.
14:08
Commissioners’ Comment April 2011
Passenger Service to Central Florida and other popular vacation destinations returns to Hagerstown Regional Airport. Airport Director Phil Ridenour talks about the challenge his staff faced and surmounted in bringing the service back to HGR. Stan Rydelek, Marketing Director for Direct Air and Tours talks about 737 jet service to Lakeland, Florida and Myrtle Beach South Carolina starting in June. County Commissioner Bill McKinley welcomes Direct Air and commends airport staff for “making things happen”.
RUN TIME: 12:25
Commissioners’ Comment March 2011
Phil Ridenour is the new Director of Washington County’s Hagerstown Regional Airport. Phil talks about the mission of Part 139 airports, economic development opportunities, the role emergency services plays on the airfield and his “by the bootstraps” path from 9-1-1 call taker to Airport Director. Plus—flood preparedness tips from the Division of Emergency Services.
14:25
Commissioners’ Comment February #2
On this edition, the State of the County address for 2010 is presented. Washington County, Maryland County Commissioners Terry Baker, John Barr, Jeff Cline, Bill McKinley and Ruth Anne Callaham describe progress on County programs and projects during the past calendar year.
14:30
Commissioners Comment, February 2011 #1
Washington County is taking steps to correct a problem that has surfaced with its recycling program—dumping of ineligible items at recycling drop-off points, and littering the sites when bins are full. County Recycling Coordinator Tony Drury and Sheriff’s Deputy Alan Matheny present a plan to the Board of County Commissioners to make the public aware of responsibilities that come with this free service, through creation of a televised public service announcement and other means. Commissioners Bill McKinley, John Barr, Terry Baker, Jeff Cline and Ruth Anne Callaham ask questions during the presentation.
14:00
Commissioners Comment, January 2011 #1
Geographic Information Systems or GIS provide information for map-making for use by government, the private sector and citizens. Find out more about this emerging technology with Bud Gudmundson, GIS manager for Washington County, Maryland. How satellite technology plays a part, why governments provide the services, and where to find GIS maps of the county.
13:25
Commissioners Comment, December 2010 #1
Washington County’s Transit Department will see changes soon in a number of areas. Department Director Kevin Cerrone discusses changes in vendors for the SSTAP Taxi Voucher program, new Holiday hours or operation this year, Coming changes—a new Transfer Center in Downtown Hagerstown, new style buses, and a change in the bus routes to make the new Meritus Hospital accessible to users of the system. The County has a new Board of County Commissioners. Terry Baker is President, John Barr is Vice-President. Three new members of the Board, Ruth Anne Callaham,. Jeff Cline and Bill McKinley are introduced.
14:45
Commieeioners Comment, November 2010 #1
If you drive on Washington County Roads you encounter bridges, large and small. There are nearly 300 structures ranging from a simple culvert to the five bridges spanning the Potomac and Washington County maintains 276 of them. Safe and well maintained bridges—a full time job for the Division of Public Works and its Division of Capital Projects-Engineering. Recently the Board of County Commissioners heard the bridge inventory and status report
Time: 13:50