Washington County briefs

July 14, 2009|By ANDREW SCHOTZ

County expects to hold hearing on sewer plan

The county tentatively expects to hold a public hearing in September on an update of its water and sewer plan.

A memo prepared by Michael C. Thompson, the county's director of planning and community development, says the Planning Department staff has been working on the update.

County Administrator Gregory Murray suggested that the hearing be held in early September.

Chief Planner Timothy Lung told the Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday that this will be the first update of the county's plan in about 15 years.

County accepts four criminal justice and safety related grants

The county commissioners accepted four grants related to criminal justice and safety on Tuesday.

The largest grant -- $94,721 -- is from the U.S. Department of Justice, as part of President Obama's federal stimulus package.

The Washington County Sheriff's Department will spend the money over the next three years on radar speed detectors, breath testers, spike strips to deflate tires and other equipment, according to a memo from Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore.

The county also accepted three state grants:

o $26,649 for a training program to track local sex offenders

o $3,436 to keep domestic violence orders up-to-date in a database

o $13,000 for overtime patrols to enforce school bus safety

Panel recommends annual awards for local recycling

The county's Solid Waste Advisory Committee has proposed giving annual awards for local recycling.

The committee would recommend awards in different categories, such as individual/family, small business, large business, school, civic organization and club.

The county commissioners would have the final say.

Commissioner William J. Wivell suggested that prizes, rather than plaques, be given as incentives.

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