County approves 9-1-1 and court grants, rejects Sharpsburg pump bids and plans re-advertisement

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners approved two grant actions and formally rejected a procurement bid during the meeting.

Maryland 9-1-1 board grant

Richard Lesh, grant manager in the county’s Office of Grant Management, and Alan Matheny, director of emergency management communications, requested approval to submit an application to the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and accept up to $74,741 if awarded to cover annual maintenance of the county's NICE 9-1-1 recording system. Lesh and Matheny said the NICE platform is essential for recording emergency calls for quality assurance, training and legal purposes and that maintenance funding is crucial to avoid operational disruptions. The commissioners approved the motion to apply for and accept the funding as awarded; the vote was recorded unanimously.

Circuit Court family support services grant

Kristin Gersnickle, circuit court administrator, asked the board to approve an application and accept $442,809 from the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts for Circuit Court family support services. Gersnickle cited Maryland Rule 16-307 (family support services division requirements) and said the grant will fund staff and a range of services including family-law clinic support, permanency planning liaison roles, custody evaluations and other family-support services. Commissioners approved the submission and acceptance of the funding 5-0.

Rejection of bids for Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant backwash pump

Brandy Kettner, purchasing director, and Mark Bridal, director of environmental management, recommended rejecting bids submitted for PUR 1719, Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant backwash pump replacement, because the two responsive bids did not meet solicitation specifications: one supplier offered a nonconforming pump and the other omitted required seals. The board voted to reject the bids and authorized staff to revise the solicitation and re-advertise.

Votes at a glance

- Maryland 9-1-1 Board grant (NICE system maintenance): motion to submit application and accept funding as awarded — approved by voice vote, 5-0. - Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts grant (family support services): motion to apply and accept $442,809 — approved by voice vote, 5-0. - PUR 1719 Sharpsburg pump replacement: motion to reject bids and re-advertise — approved by voice vote, 5-0.

Ending

After these items the board moved into closed session for attorney updates and pending litigation.