BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL
NOTES TO THE AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2015
Issued: April 9, 2015
Work Session: April 14, 2015
Legislative Day No. 8 : April 20, 2015
The accompanying notes are
compiled from unaudited
information provided by
the Administration and
other sources.
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR
BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL
April 20, 2015
NOTES TO THE AGENDA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Witnesses …………………………………………………………..ii
BILLS – FINAL READING
Bill 23-15 …………………………………………………………… 1
Bill 24-15 …………………………………………………………… 3
Bill 25-15 …………………………………………………………… 5
Bill 26-15 …………………………………………………………… 6
Bill 27-15 …………………………………………………………… 7
FISCAL MATTERS
FM-1 …………………………………………………………………. 9
FM-2 ……………………………………………………………….. 12
FM-3 ……………………………………………………………….. 15
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
MB-1 (Res. 23-15) …………………………………………….. 21
MB-2 (Res. 24-15) …………………………………………….. 23
MB-3 (Res. 25-15) …………………………………………….. 27
i
BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2015, LEGISLATIVE DAY NO. 8
APRIL 20, 2015 6:00 P.M.
CEB = CURRENT EXPENSE BUDGET
BY REQ. = AT REQUEST OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Page
CALL OF BILLS FOR FINAL READING AND VOTE
ANDREA VAN ARSDALE, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
WITHDRAWN Bill 22-15 – Mrs. Bevins(By Req.) – CEB – Turner Station Strategic Demolition Grant
JOHN HOHMAN, CHIEF, FIRE DEPARTMENT
1 Bill 23-15 – Mrs. Bevins(By Req.) – CEB – MIEMSS AED Matching Grant
3 Bill 24-15 – Mrs. Bevins(By Req.) – CEB – SAFER Grant Award
COUNCIL
5 Bill 25-15 – Mrs. Almond – Baltimore County Zoning Regulations – Signs
6 Bill 26-15 – Mrs. Bevins – R.C.2 (Agricultural) Zone Use Regulations
7 Bill 27-15 – Mrs. Bevins – Mobile Homes
APPROVAL OF FISCAL MATTERS/CONTRACTS
ED ADAMS, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
9 1. Contract – Alexander Cater d/b/a Catering Landscapes – Snow removal and salt application services – DPW
AMY GROSSI, REAL ESTATE COMPLIANCE
12 2. Contract of Sale – Caves Valleys Partners Acquisitions, LLC – Sale of County-owned property – Towson –
Susquehanna Ave. cul-de-sac – Real Estate
15 3. Contracts – (3) – Acquisition of 3 parcels – Interchange project at Dolfield Boulevard – Real Estate
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
COUNCIL
21 1. Res. 23-15 – Councilmembers Quirk & Jones – Arbutus Commercial Revitalization District
WILL ANDERSON, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
23 2. Res. 24-15 – Mrs. Bevins(By Req.) – Revenue Bonds – Oak Crest Village, Inc.
CHIEF MARK HUBBARD, FIRE DEPARTMENT
27 3. Res. 25-15 – Mrs. Bevins(By Req.) – Adoption of the Baltimore County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
COUNCIL
4. Res. 26-15 – Mrs. Almond – Property Tax Exemption – BLIND – Joseph D. Trinite, Sr.
5. Res. 27-15 – Mr. Jones – Property Tax Exemption – DAV – Mark A. Whitehead
6. Res. 28-15 – Mr. Jones – Property Tax Exemption – DAV – Charles P. Williams
7. Res. 29-15 – Mr. Crandell – Property Tax Exemption – DAV – James M. Hessler
8. Res. 30-15 – Mr. Jones – Property Tax Exemption – DAV – Harry L. White
9. Res. 31-15 – Mr. Jones – Property Tax Exemption – DAV – Charles L. Stauffer
ii
Page 1
Chief John Hohman Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
Bill 23-15 (Supplemental Appropriation) Council District(s) _All_
Mrs. Bevins (By Req.)
Fire Department
MIEMSS AED Matching Grant
The Administration is requesting a supplemental appropriation of state funds totaling $9,664 to
the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) Matching Grant Gifts and Grants Fund program. The funds will be used to
purchase eight replacement AED units.
Fiscal Summary
Funding
Source
Supplemental
Appropriation
Current
Appropriation
Total
Appropriation
County (1) — — —
State (2) $ 9,664 — $ 9,664
Federal — — —
Other — — —
Total $ 9,664 — $ 9,664
(1) A 50% County match ($9,664) of the total project cost is required, which will be provided from the Fire
Department’s General Fund Operating Budget.
(2) Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) funds.
Analysis
MIEMSS makes available to the EMS community grant opportunities for funding equipment,
training, and EMS–related programs. The $9,664 in grant funding will be used towards the
Department’s purchase of eight AED units to replace out-of-date units located on Fire Department
vehicles that are utilized to provide assistance during emergencies.
Page 2
Bill 23-15 (Supplemental Appropriation) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
The grant requires that all purchases be completed by May 22, 2015. The Department advised
that the units will be purchased immediately following Council approval. The Department further
advised that each replacement unit is expected to cost approximately $2,600. The County is
required to provide a 50% match of the total project cost, or $9,664, which will be provided from
the Fire Department’s General Fund Operating Budget.
With the affirmative vote of five members of the County Council, Bill 23-15 will take effect May 3,
2015.
Page 3
Chief John Hohman Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
Bill 24-15 (Supplemental Appropriation) Council District(s) _All_
Mrs. Bevins (By Req.)
Fire Department
SAFER Grant Award
The Administration is requesting a supplemental appropriation of federal funds totaling $337,620
to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Award Gifts and
Grants Fund program. The funds will be used for the salaries and fringe benefits of six existing
firefighter positions held by military veterans. In addition, the term of the original grant will be
extended by 1 year, through October 18, 2016.
Fiscal Summary
Funding
Source
Supplemental
Appropriation
Current
Appropriation
Total
Appropriation
County — — —
State — — —
Federal (1) $ 337,620 $ 1,052,403 $ 1,390,023
Other — — —
Total $ 337,620 $ 1,052,403 $ 1,390,023
(1) U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FY 2012 SAFER
Veteran Hiring Program funds. No County matching funds are required.
Analysis
The SAFER program provides funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or
maintain the number of trained front-line firefighters. The goal of the program is to enhance the
Department’s ability to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Page 4
Bill 24-15 (Supplemental Appropriation) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
On October 21, 2013, the Council approved a supplemental appropriation of federal funds totaling
$1,052,403 to the SAFER program for the salaries and fringe benefits of 11 probationary firefighter
positions with a hiring preference to be given to military veterans. The grant period is October 19,
2013 through October 18, 2015.
The proposed $337,620 supplemental appropriation extends the term of the original grant period
1 year, through October 18, 2016. The funds will be used to extend the salaries ($244,656) and
fringe benefits ($92,964) of 6 firefighter positions (of the 11 originally funded positions) held by
military veterans for the additional 1-year period. The Department advised that at the end of the
original grant period (October 18, 2015), approximately $264,302 in County General Funds will
be needed to continue funding the remaining 5 positions, and at the end of the revised 3-year
grant period, approximately $633,000 in County General Funds will be needed annually to
continue funding all 11 positions.
The revised grant period is October 19, 2013 through October 18, 2016. No County matching
funds are required for this grant.
With the affirmative vote of five members of the County Council, Bill 24-15 will take effect May 3,
2015.
Page 5
Council Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
Bill 25-15 Council District(s) _All_
Mrs. Almond
Baltimore County Zoning Regulations – Signs
Bill 25-15 amends the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations to permit a free-standing joint
identification sign in a D.R. (Density Residential) Zone under certain conditions.
A joint identification sign is a sign that displays the identity of a multi-occupant nonresidential
development such as a shopping center, office building, or office park.
Bill 25-15 proposes to permit a free-standing identification sign, up to 100 square feet in size, in
a D.R. Zone if it is accessory to an existing multi-tenant nonresidential building. One sign is
permitted; it may be up to 25 feet in height and it may be illuminated.
The multi-tenant building must be located in a business zone; the sign must be ground-mounted;
the sign may not advertise products or services associated with individual tenants; changeable
copy is not permitted; and the sign may not face a property that is both residentially zoned and
residentially used.
With the affirmative vote of five members of the County Council and signature by the County
Executive, Bill 25-15 will take effect on May 4, 2015.
Page 6
Council Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
Bill 26-15 Council District(s) _All_
Mrs. Bevins
R.C.2 (Agricultural) Zone Use Regulations
Bill 26-15 amends the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations to permit a community building by
special exception in the R.C.2 (Agricultural) Zone.
The term “community building” is not specifically defined in Section 101.1, the “definitions” section,
of the Zoning Regulations. However, the term is referenced in a number of sections of the
Regulations as a permitted use. For example, community buildings are currently permitted by
right in the B.M.M. (Business Maritime Marina), B.M.Y.C. (Business Maritime Yacht Club), B.L.
(Business, Local), B.M. (Business, Major), and M.H. (Manufacturing, Heavy) zones. They are
also permitted by special exception in the D.R. (Density Residential), R.C.3 (Deferral of Planning
and Development), R.C.4 (Watershed Protection), and R.C.5 (Rural-Residential) zones.
Interestingly, the term community building is defined as a term in Section 450 of the Zoning
Regulations pertaining to “signs.” Section 450.3 entitled “General sign definitions” defines a
“community building” as a “building used for recreational, social, educational or cultural activities
which is open to the public or a designated part of the public and is operated by a public or
noncommercial organization.”
Bill 26-15 would allow such a building in the R.C.2 (Agricultural) Zone by special exception only,
requiring notice and a public hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings and findings by
an Administrative Law Judge that the proposed community building would not be detrimental to
the health, safety or general welfare of the locality involved, and that the proposal complies with
the other criteria set forth in Section 502.1 of the Zoning Regulations.
With passage by the County Council, Bill 26-15 will take effect 45 days after its enactment.
Page 7
Council Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
Bill 27-15 Council District(s) _All_
Mrs. Bevins
Mobile Homes
Bill 27-15 updates and amends the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations in order to change
references in the Zoning Regulations from the terms residential “trailers” and “trailer parks” to
“mobile homes” and “mobile home parks,” respectively. The bill also repeals the singular definition
of “trailer or mobile home” and replaces it with two separate definitions for those terms.
In 1997, the County Council passed Bill 35-97. This bill changed references in the law relating to
the licensing of mobile home parks and the tax on mobile homes. Specifically, the bill replaced
the term “trailer” with “mobile home” and also replaced the phrase “trailer camp or park operator”
with the phrase “mobile home park operator.” One aspect of this current legislation is to bring
consistency from those changes in the Baltimore County Code 18 years ago to the Baltimore
County Zoning Regulations.
Bill 27-15 defines a mobile home and a trailer as two separate terms in the Zoning Regulations.
Included in the definition of “mobile home” is a “dwelling structure used for human habitation that
is built or constructed on a steel chassis and fitted with wheels, with or without motive power.”
Included in the definition of “trailer” is “any of the various types of non-automotive vehicles that
can be pulled or hauled by a truck or other motorized vehicle consisting of a framed or flat platform,
or a boxed structure, constructed on a steel chassis and fitted with wheels…for purposes other
than as a dwelling for human habitation.” The bill also replaces the term “trailer” park with “mobile
home” park in the Zoning Regulations.
The Zoning Regulations make extensive use of the term “trailer.” In some instances, the term
references the use for purposes other than for human habitation, such as for commercial
purposes. In other instances, the term refers to its use as a dwelling-like structure for human
habitation. In order to separate these distinct uses and avoid confusion in the future, the sections
in the Zoning Regulations where the term “trailer” refers to a purpose for human habitation has
been changed to “mobile home” and other references that utilize the term “trailer park” have been
Page 8
Bill 27-15 (cont’d) April 20, 2015
replaced with “mobile home park.” Other non-dwelling references in the Zoning Regulations to
“trailers” are unchanged. Bill 27-15 also permits a mobile home park in the M.L. (Manufacturing,
Light) Zone by special exception, if in an I.M. (Industrial, Major) district overlay and only as an
addition to a lawfully existing mobile home park.
Finally, Bill 27-15 does not affect past approvals of, or permits issued for, any lawfully existing
trailer parks as that term has been previously used.
With passage by the County Council, Bill 27-15 will take effect 45 days after its enactment.
Page 9
Ed Adams Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
FM-1 (Contract) Council District(s) All_
Department of Public Works
Snow Removal and Salt Application Services
The Administration is requesting approval of a contract with Alexander Cater d/b/a Catering
Landscapes to provide on-call snow removal and salt application services. The contract
commenced February 23, 2015, continues until April 30, 2015, and may not exceed $25,000
unless approved by the Council. If approved, the contract may be renewed for nine additional
years (November 1 through April 30 constitutes a snow season). Compensation for this contract,
together with all other contracts for these services, may not exceed the amount appropriated for
snow removal and salt application services.
Fiscal Summary
Funding
Source
Initial
Term
Maximum
Compensation
County * *
State — —
Federal — —
Other — —
Total * (1) * (2)
(1) The hourly rate for the contractor is $110 with no specified maximum compensation. The contract, together
with all other contracts for these services, is limited in the aggregate to the amount appropriated for snow
removal and salt application services. The contract amount is not reasonably estimable at this time.
(2) Maximum compensation together with all other contracts for these services for the entire approximate 9-year
and 2-month term, including renewals, may not exceed the amount appropriated for snow removal and salt
application services each year. The amounts are not reasonably estimable at this time.
Analysis
In accordance with the Department’s snow removal plan, responsibility for most Priority 1 routes
Page 10
FM-1 (Contract) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
(i.e., roads with traffic volumes of at least 10,000 vehicles per day) will be assigned to contractors,
allowing the County to focus its efforts on subdivision streets more quickly.
The contract commenced February 23, 2015, continues through April 30, 2015, and may not
exceed $25,000 unless approved by the Council. If approved, the contract may be automatically
renewed for nine additional years on the same terms and conditions, unless the County provides
notice of non-renewal. A snow season begins November 1st and ends April 30th. The contract
does not establish a fixed dollar amount; rather, it states that “In no event shall the compensation
paid to the contractor together with all other contractors for snow removal and salt application
exceed the…approved appropriation during the term of this agreement including renewals
thereof.” The Department advised that an estimated amount for this contact is undeterminable
due to the unpredictable nature and timing of snow falls (i.e., density and depth of snow falls,
number of snow falls occurring during the season). The County many terminate the agreement
by providing 30 days prior written notice. The Department advised that as of March 30, 2015,
$5,060 has been expended under this contract.
The FY 2015 budget for the Storm Emergencies Program totals $5,987,025, including $1,100,000
for contractual snow removal services. The Department advised that as of March 30, 2015, an
estimated $14.1 million has been expended for snow removal services during the current snow
season.
The contractor will provide a 1-ton pick-up truck with a plow and spreader at an hourly rate of
$110. The contractor will be paid based on the actual hours the equipment is in service, including
up to 2 hours for travel time (1 hour each to and from the County highway shop). Additionally, the
minimum work shift for any dispatched truck is 4 hours. The County will provide all rock salt for
spreading on road surfaces.
The Office of Budget and Finance, Purchasing Division advised that the pricing and contract terms
are based on similar contracts established by the State of Maryland. However, hourly rates may
be changed at the time of each annual renewal based on the rates in effect with the state at that
time. The state contract includes an additional incentive payment to the contractor after the snow
season ends in the amount of $500 per truck if the contractor was available and present for all
snow events. The County’s contract also includes this incentive payment.
Page 11
FM-1 (Contract) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
In procuring these services, the Department requested and received a waiver of a sealed bid
process from the Administrative Officer due to the competition with surrounding jurisdictions.
Accordingly, the contractor was selected on a non-competitive basis.
For the 2014/2015 snow season, the Department advised that it has approximately 175 pieces of
snow removal equipment (e.g., trucks, loaders, backhoes, and graders) available from its Bureau
of Highways and Equipment Maintenance and Bureau of Utilities, the Department of Recreation
and Parks, and the Department of Education. The County currently has contracts with 49
contractors, excluding this contractor, which provide a total of 154 trucks and 47 loaders to
supplement the County’s snow removal and salt application efforts this winter.
County Charter, Section 715, requires that “any contract must be approved by the County Council
before it is executed if the contract is…for services for a term in excess of two years or involving
the expenditure of more than $25,000 per year….”
Page 12
Amy Grossi Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
FM-2 (Contract) Council District(s) __5__
Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Towson – Susquehanna Avenue Cul-de-sac
The Administration is requesting approval of a contract to sell approximately 0.625 acre of surplus
County property known as the Susquehanna Avenue cul-de-sac located at the northwest corner
of York Road and Towsontown Boulevard to Caves Valley Partners Acquisitions, LLC for
$820,000. This sale will return County property no longer needed for public use to the tax rolls
and relieve the County of related maintenance costs. See Exhibit A.
Fiscal Summary
Sale Price Notes
$ 820,000 Revenue from sale of property to Caves Valley Partners Acquisitions, LLC.
Analysis
The property is zoned BM-CT (Business Major-Commercial, Town Center Core District). The
property is improved with the remains of a historic bridge abutment, which must be maintained.
Two appraisals of the property were completed – one by Everett, Benfield LLC in June 2014 in
the amount of $2,050,000, and the other by Page Appraisal Company, Inc. in July 2014 in the
amount of $1,950,000. However, when the appraisers were asked to consider the impact of the
historic bridge abutment on the number of square feet available for development, as well as the
estimated costs for relocating the utility easements that run through the property, the appraisals
were lowered to $820,000 and $1,775,000, respectively. After review and analysis, Robert W.
Kline, review appraiser, concurred with the appraisal performed by Everett, Benfield LLC,
recommending $820,000 as the fair market value of the property. Mr. Kline noted that the Page
Appraisal Company, Inc. appraisal was not utilized because it did not sufficiently discount the
value of the property to reflect the site’s development limitations.
Page 13
FM-2 (Contract) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
On June 2, 2008, the Council approved the sale of the same property to Longwood Development,
LLC for $1,955,000. The Department advised that after Longwood Development, LLC conducted
a feasibility study for the development of the site, it terminated the contract, noting that the
purchase price was too high and development was not economically feasible due to site
constraints, including the historic bridge abutment.
Caves Valley Partners Acquisitions, LLC plans to utilize the property as part of the development
project known as Towson Row.
County Code, Section 3-9-104 requires Council notification of properties no longer needed for
public use. The County may convey the property upon Council approval.
Page 14
Page 15
Amy Grossi Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
FM-3 (3 Contracts) Council District _4_
Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Interchange Project at Dolfield Boulevard
The Administration is requesting approval of three contracts to acquire three properties totaling
approximately 3.14 acres for $706,000 to satisfy the County’s contribution under a proposed
Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Maryland for the State’s highway interchange
project at Dolfield Boulevard and I-795 in Owings Mills. The properties are zoned DR-3.5 (Density
Residential – 3.5 dwelling units/acre) and will be used for construction of the highway interchange.
See Exhibits A, B, and C.
Fiscal Summary
Funding
Source
Combined
Purchase
Price Notes
County (1) $ 706,000 (1) Capital Projects Fund.
State —
Federal —
Other —
Total $ 706,000
Analysis
Descriptions of the three acquisitions are as follows:
204 Pleasant Hill Road
The 0.516-acre property to be acquired from Pleasant Hill Properties, LLC is an “unimproved”
parcel fronting the west side of Dolfield Boulevard. According to the appraisals, the property was
appraised as if unimproved, since at the time of the appraisal, the property had a detached twostory
frame dwelling, which was in poor condition, and was in the process of being demolished.
Page 16
FM-3 (3 Contracts) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
Page Appraisal Company, Inc. and Treffer Appraisal Group, consultant appraisers, completed
appraisals for the property in August 2013, recommending values of $136,000 and $130,000,
respectively. After review and analysis, Robert W. Kline, review appraiser, concurred with the
Page Appraisal Company, Inc. appraisal, recommending $136,000 as just compensation for the
acquisition. The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections – Real Estate Compliance
Division advised that the property owner rejected the County’s offer of $136,000, and upon further
negotiation, the amount of $166,000 was deemed acceptable to the County.
11355 Dolfield Boulevard (f/k/a 205 Pleasant Hill Road)
The 0.47-acre property to be acquired from Pleasant Hill Properties, LLC is residentially improved
with a one-story detached frame dwelling fronting the east side of Dolfield Boulevard.
Page Appraisal Company, Inc. and Everett, Benfield LLC, consultant appraisers, completed
appraisals for the property in June 2014, recommending values of $180,000 and $135,000,
respectively. After review and analysis, Robert W. Kline, review appraiser, concurred with the
Page Appraisal Company, Inc. appraisal, recommending $180,000 as just compensation for the
acquisition. The Division advised that the property owner rejected the County’s offer of $180,000,
and upon further negotiation, the amount of $220,000 was deemed acceptable to the County.
7 Church Road
The 2.15-acre property to be acquired from M & G Investments, LLC is part of a 3.32-acre parcel
contiguous to 204 Pleasant Hill Road and improved with a ranch-style frame dwelling and a twocar
garage fronting the west side of Church Road.
Page Appraisal Company, Inc. and Everett, Benfield LLC, consultant appraisers, completed
appraisals for the property in June 2014, recommending values of $320,000 and $340,000,
respectively, for the 3.32-acre property. After review and analysis, Robert W. Kline, review
appraiser, concurred with the Page Appraisal Company, Inc. appraisal, recommending $320,000
as just compensation for the acquisition.
Subsequent to the appraisals being completed, the Department of Public Works, Bureau of
Engineering and Construction, chose to modify the total taking of the property to a partial taking
of 2.15 acres, which would leave the dwelling and supporting land (1.17 acres) with the property
owner. The Division advised that an agreement was reached to keep the offer of $320,000, which
Page 17
FM-3 (3 Contracts) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
would allow the County to avoid additional expenses for this taking (i.e., razing of the dwelling,
capping off the well, removal of the septic tank, and relocation costs.) The Division also advised
that the property owner accepted the County’s offer of $320,000.
The Division advised that three acquisitions are needed to satisfy the County’s contribution under
a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Maryland, all of which require
Council approval. The combined purchase price for the three acquisitions totals $706,000. The
Department of Public Works advised that construction on the highway interchange is not expected
to begin for another 10 years.
On July 6, 2010, the Council approved a $31,947 contract with Pleasant Hill Properties, LLC for
the property at 204 Pleasant Hill Road and a $33,090 contract with M & G Investments, LLC for
the property at 7 Church Road for various easement areas and highway widening of Dolfield
Boulevard.
County Charter, Section 715, requires Council approval of real property acquisitions where the
purchase price exceeds $5,000.
Page 18
Page 19
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Page 21
Council Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
MB-1 (Res. 23-15) Council District(s)_1_
Councilmembers Quirk and Jones
Arbutus Commercial Revitalization District
Resolution 23-15 amends the boundaries of the Arbutus Commercial Revitalization District. See
Exhibit A.
The Master Plan 1989-2000 originally recognized 11 commercial revitalization districts. These
districts were officially designated by the County Council in 1997 (Res. 114-97). In subsequent
years, additional districts were designated by Council resolution, and there are now 17 districts.
Designation of an area as a commercial revitalization district carries with it certain benefits,
including eligibility for County programs.
The County’s Commercial Revitalization Program was transferred to the Department of Planning
in 2011 in order to address the issues of community development and neighborhood improvement
in a more consistent, holistic fashion.
Several small residential areas are proposed for removal from the current district while one
commercial area is proposed for addition. The net increase in land area is minimal. The
commercial area will be able to benefit from the revitalization district designation.
Resolution 23-15 will take effect from the date of its passage by the County Council.
Page 23
Will Anderson Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
MB-2 (Res. 24-15) Council District(s) 5_
Mrs. Bevins (By Req.)
Department of Economic and Workforce Development
Revenue Bonds – Oak Crest Village, Inc.
This resolution authorizes the issuance of Baltimore County revenue bonds in an amount not to
exceed $30 million on behalf of Oak Crest Village, Inc. (a non-profit organization). The bonds will
be used to finance costs associated with the expansion and renovation of the Oak Crest Village
continuing care retirement community in Parkville. See Exhibit A.
Fiscal Summary
The Department advised that the County will earn an annual fee of 1/16% on the outstanding
balance of the bonds. Oak Crest Village, Inc. will pay all debt service related to the bonds. The
County does not incur any liability nor pledge its full faith and credit for the bonds.
Analysis
Oak Crest Village, a continuing care retirement community, is located on 85.3 acres at 8800
Walther Boulevard in Parkville and consists of 19 masonry buildings with approximately 2.5 million
square feet. The community includes 1,520 independent apartment units, 133 assisted living
units, and 200 private nursing home beds as well as fitness, medical, and wellness facilities,
convenience stores, a library, a chapel, and various other amenities.
Proceeds of the bond sale will be used to finance the costs associated with expanding, renovating,
and equipping certain existing facilities. Improvements include constructing a 19,630 sq. ft. 1-
story addition to expand the wellness and fitness facilities and enlarge the rehabilitation space
Page 24
MB-2 (Res. 24-15) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
and swimming pool; constructing a 3,500 sq. ft. 1-story addition to the medical center building and
upgrading existing space for in-house physicians; improving the central parking and arrival areas
as well as the outdoor trail system; and upgrading the community’s communications and wireless
facilities. Proceeds of the bond sale will also be used to pay expenses related to the sale and
issuance of the bonds. Renovations began in November 2014 and are expected to be completed
in March 2018.
Oak Crest Village employs 1,286 personnel, and no expansion in employment is expected. The
current annual payroll totals approximately $37 million.
The County does not incur any liability by approving this resolution nor does it pledge its full faith
and credit. Oak Crest Village, Inc. will repay the principal and interest on the bonds. All costs
incurred by, or on behalf of, the County in connection with the issuance, sale, delivery, and
administration of the bonds, and the making of a loan, including the bond counsel fees, are the
responsibility of Oak Crest Village, Inc. (Revenue bonds result in lower interest rates to the
borrower since they are generally tax-exempt.)
The Department advised that the bonds, once issued, will be purchased by SunTrust Bank. The
bonds will be entirely tax-exempt. The bonds will have a term of 25 years with a projected variable
interest rate of 1.14%. The County will earn an annual fee of 1/16% on the outstanding balance
of the bonds. Settlement is expected to take place on April 30, 2015. Bond counsel for this
transaction is McGuireWoods, LLP.
The Maryland Economic Development Revenue Bond Act (Annotated Code of Maryland,
Economic Development Article, Title 12, Subtitle 1, Sections 12-101 to 12-118) allows counties to
issue economic development revenue bonds for various purposes including encouraging the
increase of industry, relieving unemployment, and promoting economic development. The bond
proceeds may be used to finance or refinance the costs of acquiring a facility or to refund
outstanding bonds. The proceeds may also be used to pay expenses related to the sale and
issuance of the bonds, to fund reserves, and to pay interest with respect to the financing. The Act
provides that a legislative body of any county may adopt a resolution to authorize the issuance of
bonds by the county.
The Department advised that a public hearing for this matter is scheduled for April 14, 2015; the
hearing was advertised in the Baltimore Sun on March 30, 2015.
Page 25
MB-2 (Res. 24-15) (cont’d) April 20, 2015
On April 16, 2007, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $91.5
million in County revenue bonds on behalf of Oak Crest Village, Inc. to refinance approximately
$61 million in existing 1999 County revenue bonds (an issuance of up to $71.5 million was
authorized by the Council on March 1, 1999 for the property acquisition), construct a 90-car
parking garage, and make various capital improvements. The Department advised that the
existing revenue bonds have an outstanding balance of approximately $67 million which will not
be refinanced at this time.
Page 26
Page 27
Assistant Chief Mark Hubbard Fiscal Note April 20, 2015
MB-3 (Res. 25-15) Council District(s)_All_
Mrs. Bevins (By Req.)
Fire Department
Adoption of the Baltimore County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Resolution 25-15 adopts the Baltimore County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The County prepared a multi-hazard mitigation plan based on federal standards as required by
the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Following review and endorsement by the Maryland
Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the plan was forwarded to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA has found the plan to be satisfactory, but prior to formal
approval by FEMA, the County governing body must adopt the plan.
An approved multi-hazard mitigation plan is required in order for the County to qualify for certain
funding from FEMA and MEMA programs. In addition, an approved multi-hazard mitigation plan
is a condition necessary for the County to apply for participation in FEMA’s Community Rating
System (CRS). Participation in the CRS gives the County credit for activities related to good
floodplain management which may entitle County property owners to a significant discount in flood
insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Baltimore County Local Emergency Planning Committee held a public hearing on the
proposed plan on March 19, 2015. The plan is posted on the County website.
Resolution 25-15 will take effect from the date of its passage by the County Council.