Commissioners Comment August 2009, #1
The Washington County Gaming Commission has distributed over two million dollars to charitable organizations and Volunteer Fire and Rescue companies this year. Gaming Office Director Jim Hovis talks about this year’s fund, the application process, and how his office ensures accountability. The Gaming Tax is applied to “tip jars” and other amusements in the County and helps reduce taxpayer contributions to these agencies and organizations.
ALSO: Vicki Lumm is officially sworn in as County Clerk. The last time this occurred was 1981.
Run time: 14:53
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Commissioners Comment, July 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment July 2009, #1
County Administrator Greg Murray talks about the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, and the difficulties of maintaining services without increasing taxes in this trying recession. Murray discusses the County’s conservative fiscal program, and outlines why Washington County was not in fiscal trouble as were many Counties in Maryland. Murray also talks about the County’s ongoing effort to improve the public information process thorough Commissioners meetings streamed live and archived on the internet.
Director of Special Projects Gary Rohrer reports to the Commissioners on the Edgewood Drive-U.S. 40 (Dual Highway) intersection project, set to get underway after 6 years in the planning and bid process. The project is being conducted jointly by the State Highway Administration, the County and the City of Hagerstown. Time 14:04
County Administrator Greg Murray talks about the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, and the difficulties of maintaining services without increasing taxes in this trying recession. Murray discusses the County’s conservative fiscal program, and outlines why Washington County was not in fiscal trouble as were many Counties in Maryland. Murray also talks about the County’s ongoing effort to improve the public information process thorough Commissioners meetings streamed live and archived on the internet.
Director of Special Projects Gary Rohrer reports to the Commissioners on the Edgewood Drive-U.S. 40 (Dual Highway) intersection project, set to get underway after 6 years in the planning and bid process. The project is being conducted jointly by the State Highway Administration, the County and the City of Hagerstown. Time 14:04
Friday, June 12, 2009
Commissioners Comment, June 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment June 2009, #1
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, the Washington County Agricultural Marketing effort at 1 year. In April 2008, Washington County created an Agricultural marketing specialist position, to assist farmers in selling locally produced goods locally, preserving the family farm and educating consumers on the benefits of local farm products. Leslie Hendrickson, Ag Marketing Specialist, talks about the mission of the office, how it has worked so far, and what’s on then horizon.
Norman Bassett reports on the County Commissioners’ Video on Demand. Viewers of commissioners meetings can now access any point in the proceedings through an agenda-based video archive system on the County web page.
14:12
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, the Washington County Agricultural Marketing effort at 1 year. In April 2008, Washington County created an Agricultural marketing specialist position, to assist farmers in selling locally produced goods locally, preserving the family farm and educating consumers on the benefits of local farm products. Leslie Hendrickson, Ag Marketing Specialist, talks about the mission of the office, how it has worked so far, and what’s on then horizon.
Norman Bassett reports on the County Commissioners’ Video on Demand. Viewers of commissioners meetings can now access any point in the proceedings through an agenda-based video archive system on the County web page.
14:12
Monday, May 18, 2009
Commissioners Comment, May 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment May 2009, #1
On this edition of the program, Washington County Recreation Director Jamie Dick talks about summer programs in the parks and in the recreation centers. Registration for programs is limited, and citizens are urged to sign up soon.
County Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch talks about new initiatives for Recycling that include Styrofoam packing material and insulation, kitchen oil and grease, and recycling of electronics. The ten-year plan for solid waste and recycling is being updated, and a series of public meetings will be held in May. New methods for recycling are needed, Hoch says, as the drop off bins in 16 locations county-wide are being overwhelmed with the volume of recyclable materials.
13:45
On this edition of the program, Washington County Recreation Director Jamie Dick talks about summer programs in the parks and in the recreation centers. Registration for programs is limited, and citizens are urged to sign up soon.
County Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch talks about new initiatives for Recycling that include Styrofoam packing material and insulation, kitchen oil and grease, and recycling of electronics. The ten-year plan for solid waste and recycling is being updated, and a series of public meetings will be held in May. New methods for recycling are needed, Hoch says, as the drop off bins in 16 locations county-wide are being overwhelmed with the volume of recyclable materials.
13:45
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Commissioners Comment, April 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment April 2009, #1
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment: Daily air service returns to Hagerstown Regional Airport with service to BWI-Baltimore.
Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski talks about how the Congressional delegation has worked to secure funding for airport enhancements and the return of daily air service. Commissioners’ President John Barr on the Senators’ efforts. Chair of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Commission Wayne Alter on the economic impact the service brings to the airfield. Cape Air President and CEO Dan Wolf on how his airline, the largest regional commuter airline in the U.S., will work with the Washington County community and the region.
Time: 14:20
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment: Daily air service returns to Hagerstown Regional Airport with service to BWI-Baltimore.
Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski talks about how the Congressional delegation has worked to secure funding for airport enhancements and the return of daily air service. Commissioners’ President John Barr on the Senators’ efforts. Chair of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Commission Wayne Alter on the economic impact the service brings to the airfield. Cape Air President and CEO Dan Wolf on how his airline, the largest regional commuter airline in the U.S., will work with the Washington County community and the region.
Time: 14:20
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Commissioners Comment, March 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment March 2009, #1
Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services Director Kevin Lewis talks about the Basic Emergency Operations Plan, and the framework it provides for government and private agencies working together in time of crisis. Lewis talks about how addition of Charlie Summers, longtime City of Hagerstown Police Captain, as Deputy Division Director, will aid in accomplishing critical projects now underway.
14:30
Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services Director Kevin Lewis talks about the Basic Emergency Operations Plan, and the framework it provides for government and private agencies working together in time of crisis. Lewis talks about how addition of Charlie Summers, longtime City of Hagerstown Police Captain, as Deputy Division Director, will aid in accomplishing critical projects now underway.
14:30
Friday, February 13, 2009
Commissioners Comment, February, 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment February 2009, #1
Washington County Board of County Comnmissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2009 State of theCounty Address on February 3rd. Barr presents highlights of County accomnplishments in 2008, and talks about County fisval policies. Washington County's conservative financial approach has placed County government in a more stable position than others in the region.
14:18
Washington County Board of County Comnmissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2009 State of theCounty Address on February 3rd. Barr presents highlights of County accomnplishments in 2008, and talks about County fisval policies. Washington County's conservative financial approach has placed County government in a more stable position than others in the region.
14:18
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Commissioners Comment, January, 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment January 2009, #1
In this program, Agricultural Land Preservation Planner Eric Seifarth talks about the $2.8 million in funding for easements approved by the state Board of Public Works from the FY 2008 cycle. 3 farms totaling 357 acres and 1 Rural Legacy farm in the Antietam area were approved .
Deputy Director of Public Works-Capital Projects Rob Slocum updates engineering reports aired previously.
A story on Christmas Tree recycling in Washington County.
Time 14:30
In this program, Agricultural Land Preservation Planner Eric Seifarth talks about the $2.8 million in funding for easements approved by the state Board of Public Works from the FY 2008 cycle. 3 farms totaling 357 acres and 1 Rural Legacy farm in the Antietam area were approved .
Deputy Director of Public Works-Capital Projects Rob Slocum updates engineering reports aired previously.
A story on Christmas Tree recycling in Washington County.
Time 14:30
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Commissioners Comment, December 2008 #1
Commissioners Comment December 2008 #1.
In this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the infrastructure improvements and repairs the County made during calendar year 2008. Bridge projects included the Funkstown stone arch bridge, scheduled to open December 15th, one month before the project completion was projected. The major road accomplishment, Maugans Avenue and U.S. Route 11 intersection, was completed on time and is open to traffic. Kroboth talks about projects coming up in 2009, including more bridge rehabilitation projects and the re-working of the Halfway Boulevard/Massey Boulevard intersection at Valley Mall.
13:30
In this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the infrastructure improvements and repairs the County made during calendar year 2008. Bridge projects included the Funkstown stone arch bridge, scheduled to open December 15th, one month before the project completion was projected. The major road accomplishment, Maugans Avenue and U.S. Route 11 intersection, was completed on time and is open to traffic. Kroboth talks about projects coming up in 2009, including more bridge rehabilitation projects and the re-working of the Halfway Boulevard/Massey Boulevard intersection at Valley Mall.
13:30
Monday, November 17, 2008
Commissioners Comment, November 2008 #1
Commissioneers Comment November 2008 #1
1. Georgene Charles, Chair of the Antietam Illumination Committee discusses the forthcoming 20th annual Illumination event. 23,000 candles are lit in luminaries along roadways within Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, commemorating each casualty of that Civil War battle in 1862.
2. Hal Lucas, Director of the Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Integrated Missions Systems location at Hagerstown Regional Airport talks about his company’s $70 million contribution to the Washington County economy. Lucas cites Washington County Government’s pro-business stance as a prime reason for his company’s growth, from 35 employees to 424 employees, and one hangar site to 5 corporate sites on the airfield, over the past few years.
14:30
1. Georgene Charles, Chair of the Antietam Illumination Committee discusses the forthcoming 20th annual Illumination event. 23,000 candles are lit in luminaries along roadways within Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, commemorating each casualty of that Civil War battle in 1862.
2. Hal Lucas, Director of the Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Integrated Missions Systems location at Hagerstown Regional Airport talks about his company’s $70 million contribution to the Washington County economy. Lucas cites Washington County Government’s pro-business stance as a prime reason for his company’s growth, from 35 employees to 424 employees, and one hangar site to 5 corporate sites on the airfield, over the past few years.
14:30
Friday, October 17, 2008
Commissioners' Comment,October 2008 #1
Commissioners' Comment, October 2008 #1
October is Disabilities Awareness Month nationwide -- The Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee to the Board of County Commissioners assesses needs of citizens and makes information on those needs available to the public and the Comissioners. On October 8th, Michael Dalto, project Director for the Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program (EID) of the Maryland Department of Disabilities spoke at this year's forum on Health Care and Disabilities, and outlined the basics of EID--which helps folks with disabilities retain Medicaid health benefits while working.
14:48
October is Disabilities Awareness Month nationwide -- The Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee to the Board of County Commissioners assesses needs of citizens and makes information on those needs available to the public and the Comissioners. On October 8th, Michael Dalto, project Director for the Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program (EID) of the Maryland Department of Disabilities spoke at this year's forum on Health Care and Disabilities, and outlined the basics of EID--which helps folks with disabilities retain Medicaid health benefits while working.
14:48
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Commissioners' Comment, September 2008 #1
Commissioners' Comment, September 2008 #1
The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer meeting brought local government officials up to date on what's on the horizon with government at the state level. Washington County Commissioner Jim Kercheval talks about hot topics at the summer conference, key issues in other counties and how solutions to those problems may benefit Washington County citizens. Plus a tribute to our youth baseball champs, Federal Little League 11-12 year-old All Stars and PONY League 14 year-old All Stars, for reaching their respective World Series' play.
14:48
The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer meeting brought local government officials up to date on what's on the horizon with government at the state level. Washington County Commissioner Jim Kercheval talks about hot topics at the summer conference, key issues in other counties and how solutions to those problems may benefit Washington County citizens. Plus a tribute to our youth baseball champs, Federal Little League 11-12 year-old All Stars and PONY League 14 year-old All Stars, for reaching their respective World Series' play.
14:48
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Commissioners' Comment, August 2008 #1
Commissioners' Comment, August 2008 #1
Washington County Commissioner Kristin Aleshire is young, outspoken and dedicated to local government. Aleshire talks about getting information about government to the people, and combatting misinformation and disinformation about the Board and its intentions.
Aleshire discusses the Funkstown Bridge repair project, the PATH project--a massive power grid upgrade that will impact ciounties in West Virginia and Maryland, and the County's role in current zoning, annexation and development. Aleshire says that having served as Town Planner for both Middletown and Myersville in Frederick County, then 6 years as a Hagerstown City Councilman and now as both Town Manager for Myersville and a County Commissioner, provides a different perspective to the job of governing Washington County.
14:50
Washington County Commissioner Kristin Aleshire is young, outspoken and dedicated to local government. Aleshire talks about getting information about government to the people, and combatting misinformation and disinformation about the Board and its intentions.
Aleshire discusses the Funkstown Bridge repair project, the PATH project--a massive power grid upgrade that will impact ciounties in West Virginia and Maryland, and the County's role in current zoning, annexation and development. Aleshire says that having served as Town Planner for both Middletown and Myersville in Frederick County, then 6 years as a Hagerstown City Councilman and now as both Town Manager for Myersville and a County Commissioner, provides a different perspective to the job of governing Washington County.
14:50
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Commissioners' Comment, July 2008 #1
Commissioners' Comment, July 2008 #1
What is ther HEPMPO and why should you care? Robert Goprdon, Directopr of rthe Hagerstpown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization talks about transportation planning needs in Washington Couynty MD, Berkeley County and Jefferson County WV. HEPMPO assesses transportation needs and conducts planning in order that federal and state funds are available to improve interstate, federal and state roads in the region.
13:21
What is ther HEPMPO and why should you care? Robert Goprdon, Directopr of rthe Hagerstpown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization talks about transportation planning needs in Washington Couynty MD, Berkeley County and Jefferson County WV. HEPMPO assesses transportation needs and conducts planning in order that federal and state funds are available to improve interstate, federal and state roads in the region.
13:21
Monday, June 16, 2008
Commissioners' Comment, June 2008 #2
Commissioners' Comment, June 2008 #2
Kevin Lewis was named Director of the Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services on June 10th, by the Board of County Commissioners. Lewis, who served in the Acting Director Capacity for the past 6 months, was called on to manage two of the larger emergency incidents in recent years, the Boone Hotel Fire in February, and the severe wind storms of June 4th. Lewis talks about the two incidents, response from Fire and EMS companies, the Emergency Operations Center and interaction with state agencies. Lewis also oversees implementation of the County's Emergency Medical Services Master Plan. That plan is underway and Phase I is nearing completion, Lewis says.
14:28
Kevin Lewis was named Director of the Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services on June 10th, by the Board of County Commissioners. Lewis, who served in the Acting Director Capacity for the past 6 months, was called on to manage two of the larger emergency incidents in recent years, the Boone Hotel Fire in February, and the severe wind storms of June 4th. Lewis talks about the two incidents, response from Fire and EMS companies, the Emergency Operations Center and interaction with state agencies. Lewis also oversees implementation of the County's Emergency Medical Services Master Plan. That plan is underway and Phase I is nearing completion, Lewis says.
14:28
Monday, May 19, 2008
Commissioners Comment, May #1
Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
May 2008 #1
Washington County Administrator Greg Murray presented the County budget, balanced at 338.4 million dollars to the annual Public Hearing held on May 13th at the Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus. Murray explains factors driving budget increases: Public Safety, Education, highway infrastructure and environmental mandates. Murray describes strategies the Commissioners and staff used to minimize increases to County citizens in a time of economic downturn.
14:50
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
May 2008 #1
Washington County Administrator Greg Murray presented the County budget, balanced at 338.4 million dollars to the annual Public Hearing held on May 13th at the Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus. Murray explains factors driving budget increases: Public Safety, Education, highway infrastructure and environmental mandates. Murray describes strategies the Commissioners and staff used to minimize increases to County citizens in a time of economic downturn.
14:50
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Commissioners Comment, April 2008 #2
Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
April 2008 #2
Washington County's economic forecast remains stable, says Hagerstown/Washington County Economic Development Commission office Executive Director Tim Troxell even though the national economy is in a downturn,. In excerpts from an "Eggs and Issues" address to the Chamber of Commerce, Troxell talks about opportunities for economic development in biotechnology, manufacturing and government support that have taken place in the County over the past year, and what they will mean for the local and area economy. Audio courtesy CofC.
14:50
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
April 2008 #2
Washington County's economic forecast remains stable, says Hagerstown/Washington County Economic Development Commission office Executive Director Tim Troxell even though the national economy is in a downturn,. In excerpts from an "Eggs and Issues" address to the Chamber of Commerce, Troxell talks about opportunities for economic development in biotechnology, manufacturing and government support that have taken place in the County over the past year, and what they will mean for the local and area economy. Audio courtesy CofC.
14:50
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Commissioners Comment, March-April 2008
Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
March-April 2008
Spring is here, and that means the start of County construction season. Division of Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the $5 million pavement maintenance program, paving strategies and outcomes. Several major road projects will get underway, including realignment of the U.S. 40/Mount Aetna Drive intersection. Maugans Avenue will be finished this year, and bridge projects will keep County contractors busy as well. In light of a Commissioner's Goal to make County Government more efficient and cost-effective, Kroboth talks about why and how the Engineering Department was recently split into two new departments.
14:10
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
March-April 2008
Spring is here, and that means the start of County construction season. Division of Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the $5 million pavement maintenance program, paving strategies and outcomes. Several major road projects will get underway, including realignment of the U.S. 40/Mount Aetna Drive intersection. Maugans Avenue will be finished this year, and bridge projects will keep County contractors busy as well. In light of a Commissioner's Goal to make County Government more efficient and cost-effective, Kroboth talks about why and how the Engineering Department was recently split into two new departments.
14:10
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Commissioners Comment, March 2008 #1
Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
March 2008 #1
Communications Maintenance Manager Pete Loewenheim talks about the purpose and progress on Washington County's $20 million Public Safety Communications System. Construction of facilities to house the communications equipment, which will allow all police, fire and government services in the County to communicate with each other using a single system, is underway. A public information meeting is set for March 26th at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in the southern Washington County. Loewenheim explains the purpose of that meeting.
14:00
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
March 2008 #1
Communications Maintenance Manager Pete Loewenheim talks about the purpose and progress on Washington County's $20 million Public Safety Communications System. Construction of facilities to house the communications equipment, which will allow all police, fire and government services in the County to communicate with each other using a single system, is underway. A public information meeting is set for March 26th at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in the southern Washington County. Loewenheim explains the purpose of that meeting.
14:00
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Commissioners' Comment February 2008#1
http://www.washco-md.net/podcasts/commiss_comments/08feb1.mp3Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
February 2008 #1
The State of the County Address 2008. County Commissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2008 address before 200+ at the Sheraton 4-Points Hotel in Hagerstown, MD on February 5th. Theme-Where we were, where we are and where we are going. Barr talks about the first year of the current Board's term, goals accomplished, ongoing projects and projections for the future.
34:09
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
February 2008 #1
The State of the County Address 2008. County Commissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2008 address before 200+ at the Sheraton 4-Points Hotel in Hagerstown, MD on February 5th. Theme-Where we were, where we are and where we are going. Barr talks about the first year of the current Board's term, goals accomplished, ongoing projects and projections for the future.
34:09
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