County Connection Issue 10, April 29, 2022

COUNTY CONNECTION An Inside Perspective of What’s Going On In Washington County, Maryland ISSUE: #10 DATE: April 29, 2022

IN THIS ISSUE...

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County Commissioner Meetings Spring & Summer Rec Programs Purchasing Month Stormwater Week Opening of County Parks PSTC Mural Gaming Commission

Check Out Our New Location The following County divisions have relocated from 80 W. Balitmore Street to 747 Northern Avenue in Hagerstown: • Permits & Inspections • Engineering • Planning and Zoning There is ample parking for the public next to the building.

Business News Global Railcar Manufacturer Hitachi Rail The Department of Business Development announced that Hitachi Rail has selected Washington County as the home for their new railcar manufacturing operations as part of a major U.S. expansion.

The company plans to build a $70M, 300,000 square-foot facility in Washngton County. This project will create up to 460 new full-time jobs and sustain 1,300 jobs in the region.

The County has partnered with several public and private entities to make this project a success. These partners include: Bowman Development Corporation, Appalachian Regional Commission, TriCounty, Maryland Department of Planning, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.

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Washington County, MD Board of County Commissioners

The five-member Washington County Board of Commissioners is the county’s elected governing body. The board meets almost every week, on Tuesdays, in the Washington County Administration Complex at 100 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD. Meeting times will vary. The agenda for each meeting is sent out electronically and posted on the County’s website the Friday before the scheduled meeting. For more information on the County Commissioners and/ or receive information on up-coming meetings, please subscribe to our mailing list or visit www.washco-md.net.

JEFFREY A. “JEFF” CLINE

PRESIDENT P: 240-313-2208 | jcline@washco-md.net

RANDALL E. “RANDY” WAGNER

COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2207 | rwagner@washco-md.net Updated Quarterly

TERRY L. BAKER

VICE-PRESIDENT P: 240-313-2205 | tebaker@washco-md.net

WAYNE K. KEEFER

COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2209 | wkeefer@washco-md.net

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CHARLES A. “CHARLIE” BURKETT, JR COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2206 | cburkett@washco-md.net

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Fiscal Year 2023 Public Budget Hearing The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. For more information, please contact 240-313-2204.

FY2023 Public Budget Hearing Location:

Hagerstown Community College Kepler Theater 11512 Kepler Drive, Hagerstown

Date:

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Time:

6:00 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend this meeting and will be given the opportunity to sign-up to speak after the presentation.

Procurement Month The Board of County Commissioners recognized the month of March 2022 as Procurement Month The Washington County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized and celebrated the staff of the Purchasing Department.

The month of March was Procurement Month, we acknowledged all our professionals who make a difference in procurement efficiency and effectiveness. Procurement month provided the opportunity to help educate elected officials, administrators, taxpayers, and vendors about the procurement process and the admirable work our members perform every day.

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“Thank you to our dedicated Purchasing staff and their hard work for Washington County.”

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Sign-up for Spring and Summer Recreational Programs It’s official! The Spring-Summer 2022 Washington County Recreation Guide is now available.

Sign up for Youth Summer Camps, Swimming lessons, Youth and Adult Sports, Family Events and so much more!

Spring and Summer Programs are now available!

Are you looking for fun, affordable fitness classes for

View the 2022 Spring-Summer Program Guide and

your entire family? At the Washington County Recreation

register online at www.washcorecfit.com or call us at

Department, we offer a plethora of recreation and fitness

(240) 313-2805 for questions regarding programs and

programs for individuals of every age! From youth to adult

special events.

programs, you can find the classes your family needs to

Don’t forget, Washington County Parks open on May 7,

get in shape—while still having fun!

2022!

SUMMER CAMPS | SWIMMING LESSONS | YOUTH & ADULT SPORTS | SPECIAL EVENTS

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Park Pavilion Rental Pavilions located in County Parks are available for rent.

Pavilion rentals are from 9AM until sunset. We are currently accepting reservations through the 2023 season. To secure a pavilion rental, a reservation must be confirmed with payment.

Call 240-313-2700 for more information.

Ball Field Rentals PLAY BALL! Our County Parks feature several ball fields that are available to rent for sporting events, games and parties.

To rent a ball field, please contact Dave Brooks at 240-3132807 or email dbrooks@washco-md.net.

MARTY SNOOK POOL OPENS SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 Marty Snook Pool will open on May 28, 2022 for the summer. Pool amenities include a diving board, two water slides, ADA accessible lift and steps into the pool, and a kiddie pool. Fees for the Marty Snook pool are: Adults - $4.00 Student (K-12) - $3.50 Pre-K - $2.00 Senior Citizen - $3.00 Marty Snook Pool is also available for rental for parties and groups. Call 240-313-2700 for information.

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Central Bark Rules

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ith warmer weather approaching and the increase of outside activities, we hope that citizens will continue to utilize Central Bark, the County’s Dog Park located at Marty Snook Park. We all love our dog companions and enjoy watching them play with other friends. Please be mindful of the rules when you venture to Central Bark.

1.

Dog owners are responsible for their dog’s behavior.

Washington County is not liable for any injuries to dogs, owners or others within the dog park.

2. Owners/handlers must clean up after their dog and place the waste in the appropriate containers within the park.

3. Owners must take off the leash once inside the entry area and have the leash within their possession at all times.

4. Owners must be inside the dog park with their dog at all times.

5. All dogs must be wearing a collar at all times with a valid rabies tag. Residents of Washington County must also have a valid Washington County license tag per Washington County law.

6. Each handler must be a minimum of 18 years old and may not bring more than two (2) dogs at one time.

7. No female dogs in heat.

8. Dogs showing aggression toward people or other dogs must be muzzled and/or leashed and escorted out of the dog park by its owner/handler.

9. No animals other than dogs allowed inside the dog park.

10. Please discourage excessive barking and digging. If a dog digs, owners must fill in the holes created.

New Playground Equipment at County Parks Several county parks will be receiving upgrades to playground equipment this spring. Upon arrival to several county parks, you may notice the playground is no longer there or areas are currently under construction for new updated playground equipment.

This is temporary, as the new equipment is being replaced and are waiting for the arrival and installation of the new equipment. The following parks will be receiving a playground upgrade this spring: Camp Harding Park, Chestnut Grove Park, Clear Spring Park, Marty Snook Park and Pen Mar Park.

Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Leadership Graduates Two county employees, Rob Holsinger and Pam Boyd from the County’s Recreation Department, graduated from the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Rich Stevenson Leadership Institute on April 7, 2022.

This is a program that teaches leadership skills to future recreation and parks leaders. Throughout the year, these employees traveled to different counties for classes that cover all aspects of Parks and Recreation. Congratulations to Rob Holsinger and Pam Boyd!

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Gaming Commission Accepting Applications for Funding The Washington County Gaming Commission began its 2022 funding cycle on April 1, 2022. All qualifying charitable organizations with a Washington County presence are encouraged to apply. Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of Grant Management (OGM) no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Interested applicants can call the OGM office at 240-313-2040 with any questions related to the application.

Please submit your application no later than 3:00 p.m. on May 4, 2022.

To view and download the FY22 Gaming Commission Grant application, please click here.

Self Help Center - Circuit Court Law Library The Circuit Court for Washington County is located at 24 Summit Avenue in Hagerstown.

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urrently, the Washington County Circuit Court provides a Family Law attorney once a week to help with legal resources. Circuit Court will not be expanding this service into a Self Help Center located in the Circuit Court Law Library to assist pro-se litigants with legal resources. The Self Help Center will have computers and the ability to video chat with an attorney for free, Guide and File program that assists with the completion of court forms, case search, legal help videos, etc. The Self Help Center will opening sometime in May 2022.

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Washington County Recognized and Celebrated Stormwater Week April 18 - April 22, 2022 The Stormwater Management team in Washington County recognized Stormwater Week (April 1822,2022) with educational videos and County Cleanup Days. In partnership with the Public Relations team, Stormwater educational videos were created and then released each day on social media platforms. On the final day of Stormwater Week, the team hosted a tree planting and a County cleanup event with volunteers to promote stream health and environmental health.

Clean County Clean-Ups

Educational Videos

Street Sweeper

Interested in volunteering to help clean up Washington County? Stay informed and receive the latest Clean County Clean-Ups by signing up on our email lists.

Would you like to learn more about stormwater efforts in Washington County? Click the link below to view educational videos and information for kids.

Washington County’s Street Sweeper has cleaned-up over a million pounds of debris!

You can view current statistics by visiting the link below.

Subscribe today!

Find out more!

Find out more!

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Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) Progress and Mural Installation

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he PSTC is scheduled for completion in May of 2022, with the first Law Enforcement Academy beginning sometime in July 2022. The tribute mural was installed in April and the creator and designer of the mural, Multimedia Specialist Katie Yoder from the Public Relations & Marketing team, was honored by Commissioners and signed her artwork. The mural is the focal point when entering the facility.

The first phase of the PSTC, the completion of the academic facility ($14M) brings online full academic capabilities that include a full simulation lab that include immersive technologies. The second phase is planned for early fall of 2022 which will consist of a 5 story training tower and a class B burn building. Future construction projects that are planned in the upcoming CIP budgets will bring an outdoor teaching pavilion, vehicle extrication props, flammable liquid simulators, driving course, indoor firing range, police canine training facility and confined space training props.

Recruit Class Graduates & Hiring

In March 2022, the Division of Emergency Services graduated its 2nd Firefighter Recruit Class. Five new firefighters were added to stations throughout the County. Hiring is underway for the Firefighter Recruit Class #3, which will be conducted at the PSTC.

Emergency Communications Center (911)

The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) started a trial period for 24-hour work shifts on April 2, 2022. The Emergency Services IP Network project is underway with Motorola Solutions. The project should completed by October 1. The implementation of quality assurance using artificial intelligence will begin mid-April with Washington County being the first jurisdiction in the country use this product.

American Rescue Plan Act Funding ($1.6M)

Additional CIP Projects Approved ($5.1M)

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Purchase (SCBA)

County-wide reserve apparatus fleet, 4 new rescue

The BOCC authorized the use of American Rescue Plan

boats, EMS power load stretchers for ambulances and

Act Funding to continue the standardization of SCBA

fire/EMS portable radio replacements.

throughout all fire and EMS companies in Washington County. The standardization of the SCBA throughout the County will significantly improve firefighter safety and operations.

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Business Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

Grand Opening - 1813 Barbershop and Salon Location: 2 East Water Street, Smithsburg, MD

Anniversary Celebration - Maryland Watch Works Location: 14 N. Potomac St., Suite B3, Hagerstown

Grand Opening - Les Cookies Delight Bakery Location: 200 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD

Grand Opening - Guitar Center Location: 17720 Garland Groh Blvd., Hagerstown

50th Anniversary - Rosemary’s Florist & Greenhouse Location: 21 E. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD

Grand Re-Opening - Planet Fitness Location: 1121 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown

Grand Opening - GMG Home Healthcare Location: 22 N. Mulberry St., Suite 340, Hagerstown Updated Quarterly

Thank you for doing business in Washington County!

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The FUTURE of Public Transit in Washington County, Maryland

Washington County Transit (WCT) strives to fulfill its duty regarding operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to the transportation needs of the community. Our mission is to provide safe, affordable, dependable, and accessible public transportation that enhances the mobility of our customers.

Providing general public transportation in and around Hagerstown, the department is under the County’s Division of Public Works and is the sub-grantee for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funds administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA). Along with user fares, the transit system’s financials are heavily supported with federal, state, and local funding mechanisms. The Washington County Board of County Commissioners makes policy.

WCT provides service to most medical facilities, senior housing complexes, employment centers and retail shopping facilities. WCT also provides ADA Paratransit service along all fixed routes for eligible persons with disabilities; a reduced fare voucher program for eligible elderly (age 60+) and persons with disabilities; and a subscription transportation service known as JOBS for eligible clients of the Washington County Department of Social Services.

EZ-Ride transit coaches that will operate on the fixedroute service and two smaller buses as replacement vehicles for the ADA Paratransit program. The new vehicles will provide a climate-controlled spacious comfortable ride for our passengers and drivers.

As we investigate the future of public transportation for Washington County, WCT continually researches potential expansion of the established service area routing along with the frequency of published schedules. Any consideration for change must be made within the guidelines of Federal and State funding requirements.

Employment generators, medical facilities, shopping, and social well-being locations remain our top priority.

Nationwide transit systems are operating under COVID affected premise that riders are coming back, but where are the drivers? WCT has embarked on a campaign to build up the pool of drivers at our disposal for any given day. With hourly wages adjusted and an expanded advertising effort, we hope to soon regain enough drivers to maintain the pool of individuals to cover all shifts, existing and new.

For more information about the services Washington County Transit offers, please visit our website at www.washco-md.net/transit or call 240-313-2750.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, WCT recorded over 500,000 single ride trips annually. As the pandemic grew, public transit services across the nation experienced major reductions in transit use brought on by the need for social distancing. Currently, WCT is operating at approximately 75% of pre-COVID levels with improvement noted each month.

The transit system maintains twenty-one vehicles and two facilities that are staffed with forty (40) full-time equivalent employees. Bus drivers fill the bulk of positions.

Later this year, WCT will take delivery of five new Eldorado Updated Quarterly

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WASHINGTON COUNTY IS HIRING Washington County has several open positions available for full-time and parttime employment.

Washington County Government offers full-time employees a comprehensive compensation package worthy of your time and talents.

- 6 Paid Personal Days - 14 Paid Holidays - Healthcare Plan - Tuition Reimbursement - 10 Vacation Days - 15 Paid Sick Days - Pension Plan To view the current job opportunities, please visit www.washco-md.net/jobs

Essential Personnel Opportunities Washington County has job opportunities for essential personnel.

This includes opportunities in the emergency services field, public safety, water quality and equipment operators.

Part-Time and Seasonal Employment Washington County offers part-time and seasonal employment. Including but not limited to, swim instructors, lifeguards, summer camp counselors, transit drivers, paid internships, golf attendants, lot attendants, etc. Visit our website www. washco-md.net for all the available opportunities.

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Thank you...

From John M. Martirano, Esq. County Administrator

“To say I am proud of County employees and staff would be an understatement. As you can see, Washington County Government works diligently every day to improve the quality of life for our citizens, our businesses, and our visitors. Washington County is moving progressively into the future with projects, initiatives and community engagement and we are utilizing completed citizen surveys to understand what is important to YOU in Washington County.

As we move into spring and summer, I hope you take the time to enjoy some of the many wonderful amenities that Washington County has to offer including traveling via the Hagerstown Regional Airport, playing a round of golf at Black Rock Golf Course, participating in one of our many recreational programs, or simply taking a walk at one of our beautiful County parks.

I hope you have enjoyed this installment of County Connections Newsletter. Have a safe and enjoyable spring and summer!”

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