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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-01 Commissioner MinutesTHURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, April 1, 2010, with the following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the minutes of March 23, 2010 and March 25, 2010 meetings. The Board reviewed Aging matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Organized Health Care Delivery System (OHCDS) Provider Enrollment Form to the PA Department of Aging/Department of Public Welfare, Office of Long-Term Living. The Board reviewed Election matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Quarterly Working Capital Request and Performance Report for Title I (Section 101) for requested amount of $701.36 for the period of January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. The Board reviewed additional Election matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Quarterly Working Capital Request and Performance Report for Title I (Section 251) for requested amount of $324.63 for the period of January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Subgrant Award Notice from PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the License to Carry Project for a grant amount of $15,000.00 for the period of April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. The Board reviewed Information Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Annual Maintenance Agreement between the County of Franklin and BIGWireless, LLC to provide annual maintenance of all wireless equipment, cable and connectors at a cost of $32,320.00 for the period of April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. The Board reviewed additional Information Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Proposal from CDW Government to provide a SQL Database licensing for the Archive Project at a cost of $11,787.00. The Board reviewed additional Information Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Proposal from CDW Government to provide scanners for Courts archiving project at a cost of $10,500.00. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Agreement between the County of Franklin and Maranatha to provide a Housing Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to be used for the transitional housing program to be completed by December 31, 2011. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Proposal from Boonsboro Outdoor Power to purchase a mower with snow blower along with brackets, weights and chains at a cost of $4,202.00. Four quotes were received and this was the lowest qualified quote. The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Commonwealth of PA Bureau of Workers' Compensation Report of compensation paid in calendar year 2009. In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, CET Engineering Services notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General NPDES Permit being applied by Shippensburg Borough Authority for a waterline replacement located in Lurgan Township. John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator informed the Board of the following items: Generator of the courthouse annex went out yesterday, using a portable generator until repaired; Update on radios and will provide an update on the FCC application process at a later date; facility project meeting comments have been forwarded to CGL for review; Karen Hack and Bob Kessler from Ag. Extension is requesting a longer lease for their Therapeutic Riding Center lease, Mary Beth is reviewing; and Vision 2020 meeting tonight in Waynesboro. The Board met with the Human Resources Director and the Deputy Controller for Salary Board matters. Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director met with the Board to discuss Fiscal matters The Board will recess until 7:00 p.m. at the Vision 2020 meeting in Waynesboro. Opening remarks were provided by Richard Starliper, Mayor of Waynesboro who welcomed the Board of Commissioners, staff and participants to Waynesboro. Commissioner Keller opened the meeting and on behalf of Board of Commissioners and Management Team welcomed everyone to the presentation of Vision 2020. Vision 2020 is the name the Commissioners have given to an action plan for the next 10 years. He noted that the commissioners will travel throughout the county this year highlighting county services and seeking input from citizens. Commissioner Thomas spoke and thanked Pat Fleagle and Always There Hook & Ladder Company for making this a reality. Everyone in attendance will be hearing from the County's 1St class managers. The County has good team that the Board is proud of. Commissioner Thomas mentioned the visit of Department of Public Welfare Deputy Secretary Richard Gold today at the County Children and Youth offices, where Deputy Secretary Gold complemented Franklin County for one of the most successful Children and Youth programs in the Commonwealth. Commissioner Thomas informed everyone about the placement program in Children & Youth and treatment at the Jail & Continued on page 3 Day Reporting Center programs. He noted that the Franklin County tax rate is among the lowest in PA. Commissioner Thomas said he is proud of the people that will be presenting tonight. Commissioner Ziobrowski spoke about the following initiatives the County is working on: the County Comprehensive Plan and the soon to be organized County Redevelopment Authority. He noted that the county is committed to maintaining a high quality of life standard, and to that end the Board will continue to support Agriculture Preservation easements. Public Comment was provided by Mr. Len Lindenmeyer from Fayetteville who advocated for Franklin County establishing a Community College. He noted there are only three choices for part-time community colleges for Franklin Countians and they are located in Hagerstown, Gettysburg or Harrisburg. Mr. Lindenmeyer said because of its community college in Gettysburg, Adams County 1,000 more citizens who attend college than Franklin County. He said citizens, businesses and Franklin County would all benefit from a community college The County could partner with high schools to start evening classes. Mr. Lindenmeyer would like an education component put into the Comprehensive Plan document. Commissioner Keller asked if Mr. Lindenmeyer would like the County to financially support a community college and Mr. Lindenmeyer responded yes. John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator thanked Mr. Pat Fleagle, Main Street Waynesboro Manager, for help in making this event happen. He thanked the, Board of Commissioners and Managers for their preparation and attendance. All staff introduced themselves. He noted the Commissioners' plan for this meeting is to illustrate County services specific to Waynesboro, as well as an overview of all County operations. Richard Wynn, Human Services Administrator provided a presentation on Human Services including: Aging, Community Service, Children & Youth, Grants Support for Human Services and Criminal Justice, Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Transportation, TMCA and Veterans Affairs. Mr. Wynn also provided information on future services which include: Increase in services to Elderly; increase in services to returning veterans; increase for bilingual human service workers; increase in services to accommodate Spanish- speaking consumers; and increase in demand for services to those addicted to drug and alcohol. Phil Tarquino, Planning Director provided a presentation on: Guiding Principles to promote the economic development to revitalize communities, protect historic sites, promote recreational and valuable natural areas, and protect farms, forests and streams. He noted the goals of the Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in July of 1999 were Comprehensive planning; Transportation; and Economic Development. Future planning includes the updating the comprehensive plan and implementing a long range transportation plan. John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator spoke about facilities. He noted the County hired a firm do a facility and operations study for all county operations, with particular emphasis on expansion of judicial facilities. The consultant group report recommended the County acquire properties adjacent to existing County properties. A Facility's workgroup subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board reviewed the Carter Goble Lee Study, sought the Court's and Commissioners input about many issues including additional considerations such as security concerns, parking, expandability, etc. The Facilities workgroup recommended a site soon to be vacated by Continued on page 4 Jennings General Motors dealership. The Board of Commissioners has sought the input from the public and will do due diligence in considering all options before making a decision as to the site of expanded judicial facilities. Judge Richard Walsh provided additional information on the Courts Vision, Mission, and the Courts ideas for the Judicial Center. People coming through the courts are family members and the County needs to treat them and return them to the community in a manner that does not jeopardize others. All five judges believe and have an obligation to return offenders to the community. Judge Walsh mentioned the workload and caseload is such that the County has run out of space and needs to design the new judicial center for future growth. The county must also consider the need to consolidate court functions and get bring offices with like offices together. David Donohue, Department of Emergency Services Director provided a presentation on the Radio Project; current dispatch center and the new dispatch center. Mr. Donohue also reported on future needs which include: Determining the needs of the County; Radio tower configurations; Identifying user (Talk) groups; and Determining system requirements. John Wetzel, Warden of the Jail provided a presentation on improvements in the criminal justice system since 2005. He noted that government should use jail as the last resort. It is important that government do business differently. Government should spend more money on schools and keeping kids away from drugs. Human Service cuts will cause criminal justice costs to increase. He noted that this year's state budget spends more on corrections than post high school education. Warden Wetzel also provided a 2010 Update on the 2005 Initiative and reported on the 2020 Vision for Franklin County Criminal Justice System which includes: Assessment at all levels of the corrections continuum to ensure effective use of the full continuum; continue to utilize and expand the use of research based interventions designed to reduce criminal behavior throughout the corrections system; continued efforts toward increasing the efficiency of the Court's processing of criminal cases; explore the expansion of the weekender program to include non-DUI offenses; continue to pursue a court facility that will be operationally efficient and built to support the mission and vision of the court; and expand community-based programs to keep offenders employed in the community. Commissioner Keller opened the floor for additional comments or questions from those in attendance. Marylyn Smith thanked everyone and has learned a lot. Drug & Alcohol has developed a coalition for prevention of substance abuse and use and has been meeting for couple years. The group is trying to address prevention. Ms. Smith is on Vision 2015, a Waynesboro planning group, and would really like to see a Franklin County staff a satellite office in Waynesboro a couple times a month so that people don't have to drive to Chambersburg. She noted that it might only require one person and a computer. John Gorman would like to expand the use of funds set aside for heritage tourism preserving Civil War sites. There are several significant historic sites in Blue Ridge Summit. Investment in the sites would be an economic generator for Franklin County and could create 15-20 jobs. In Gettysburg 2,600 jobs were created there related to tourism. State revenue in Gettysburg is 11 Billion a year and 121 Million dollars are spent from tourists. Mr. Gorman would like Commissioners to allow some money set aside to be used for land acquisition that would yield huge results. Continued on page 5 Craig Newcomer works for a non profit organization. He said he it is refreshing to work with the county and when he walks away from his dealings with the county it is with a feeling of accomplishment. He deals with a lot of people in the county and commends everyone for help. Paul Gunder spoke on behalf of Waynesboro Industrial Development Corporation. He said he was delighted to see Commissioner Ziobrowski include the Redevelopment Authority in his opening comments and is glad to see that the Commissioners are getting serious about this. He noted the county is growing and needs an entity here that will help salvage some old buildings so the Redevelopment Authority would be a great asset. Mr. Gunder asked what is the process and how long would anticipate taking. John Hart responded that County is very close to a decision. Mr. Hart says the County Solicitor has drafted some documents for Board consideration which include an ordinance that will need advertised so the public can have input. The Board will then have to decide who will sit as Redevelopment Authority Board members. Mr. Hart mentioned that within next 30-60 days he anticipates results. Mike Christopher spoke and wanted to mention that this group of people do a great job and are good managers. Mr. Christopher works with Phil Tarquino and he does an outstanding job and is Mr. Christopher is impressed about fine work at the County level. Mr. Christopher thanked the Commissioners for crossing over to Waynesboro area and their help with other projects, including support of a Waynesboro transportation relief route and support of other projects state level. He said he participates in many County affiliated groups and boards and it's worth his time to travel to Chambersburg for the meetings. Representative Todd Rock spoke and wanted to clarify Warden's statement about state budget. He noted the state has put 11 Billion into k-12 public education and that education is the key to success. Representative Rock agrees that we can't stop spending money on education and thanked board for coming to town. Julie Mentzer spoke and would like to know how all this affects her, as an employee, since County employees hours were cut and loss of benefits, will any of this change? Ms. Mentzer would also like to know how this affects her as a volunteer and glad to see there are changes that will help volunteers. Ms. Mentzer also would like to know how this will affect her as a taxpayer and wants to know how taxes will be in next 10 years and how her paycheck will be affected. John Hart responded that the purpose of Vision 2020 is to be efficient and data driven and will need community input but he could not say taxes will not go up in the next 20 years. He noted there is a tremendous demand for Human Services, which will increase because veterans coming back from conflict will need services, which cost money. Mr. Hart mentioned that the County will do best can to keep operations efficient and effective as can. Elder abuse is increasing tremendously, especially financial abuse. The County needs to react to changing situations and stay ahead of the curve. Decisions must be data-driven. The County will put forth its best effort, based on the best data available and make the best decision that it can. Commissioner Keller responded that the County had to make certain cuts due to the financial situation but there are certain services that the County provides that if discontinued the County would pay more it in the long run. The County will not make decisions that will cost the County money. Commissioner Keller stated that some positions or hours cut will come back and some will not. Continued on page 6 Commissioner Ziobrowski responded that tax assessments for properties are fixed. Because of that with inflation it is inevitable that over time The cost of expansion of judicial facilities will be high, but the efficiencies that result will make the expense worthwhile. Mayor Starliper said he appreciates the commissioners, judges, staff, volunteers and citizens who came and are interested in community. Commissioner Keller mentioned that every manager talked about challenges coming down the road. The County has an excellent management team and staff and takes acounty-wide approach in making decisions on how to handle these challenges. County will look different in 2020 and the county needs to come up with an approach and guiding principles to determine how to best operate the county government in 2020 In closing John Hart mentioned that the Board will do public sessions throughout the County and will be working through a consultant that will reach out in different venues to groups, asking the public what Franklin County Government should look like, what services should it provide, and what future will look like. The county will be doing group meetings and questionnaires and will use this data based information for guiding principles or key elements based on the community's desire. The County will need public input. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS