HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-29 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 29, 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 G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Judy Kell, Resident, provided public comment and informed the Board of the
Borough meeting last night and a good many people were there and most spoke up that
in favor of keeping courthouse downtown. Mr. Washabaugh’s proposal was a good one
and since none of the Commissioners were there wanted to inform the Board.
Allen Piper, Citizens for Responsible Government President, also provided public
comment and was at the Borough Council meeting last night and found it very interesting
and glad that three of them have taken position to stabilize situation in regards to
courthouse. Glad that they are crossing their T’s and I’s. Would be interesting for
people to come to the meetings of Board and get first hand to see what they do and
asked people to not criticize Commissioners and take time to go to meetings. Was
surprised when asked when meetings are held and where held at, which is sad some
didn’t even know where courthouse is. Tried to energize the people last night and asked
for show of hands who attends meetings. Mr. Piper thanked the Commissioners for
what they do and have a tough decision but it’s beginning to be politicized. Don’t have a
dog in this fight and want them to do what is right and to take their time. They were
ready to hang three Commissioners and told everyone that should get together and have
civil conversations. Climate right now is that people are very angry and there will be
more tea parties on the square. It’s important that everyone gets along together and like
one another and stop pointing fingers.
The minutes of June 22, 2010 and June 24, 2010 meetings were read. Also
included are the minutes from June 8, 2010 that were under review. These will be
approved Thursday, July 1, 2010.
The Board reviewed Agreements and Contracts. These will be approved
Thursday, July 1, 2010.
The Board reviewed Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Condition
Survey Report for the U.S.D.A. to move into the Agricultural Heritage Center on Franklin
Farm Lane.
The Board met with the County Solicitor to review related matters.
The meeting was recessed at 9:45 a.m. and will reconvene at the Vision 2020
meeting in Shippensburg with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L.
Thomas.
The Board reconvened at 7:00 p.m. for the Vision 2020 meeting in Shippensburg.
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John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator opened the Vision 2020 meeting
and welcomed everyone in attendance. He noted the Commissioners’ plan for this
meeting is to illustrate County services specific to Shippensburg, as well as an overview
of all County operations.
Bruce Hockersmith, Mayor of Shippensburg welcomed the Board of
Commissioners, staff and participants to Shippensburg.
Commissioner Keller opened the meeting and on behalf of Board of
Commissioners and Management Team welcomed everyone to the second presentation
of Vision 2020 – Focus on the Future. 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 Keller explained what each manager will be presenting.
Commissioner Thomas welcomed everyone and that the past two and half years
have been most challenging. Commissioners have been maintaining and keeping taxes
one of the lowest in Pennsylvania and hired the best people and have cream of the crop
managing this County and are proud of them. Children and Youth placements are down
in Franklin County but still steady through the State. The Jail was built thinking about
the future so that when the day comes would be efficiently expanded.
Commissioner Ziobrowski welcomed everyone and explained that when took
office economy was better then it is now and explained that Planning Director will
discuss County Comprehensive Plan and the soon to be organized County
Redevelopment Authority. He spoke on the Franklin County Area Development
Corporation and how they work to help all of Franklin County. The Board will also
continue to support Agriculture Preservation easements.
Commissioner Keller asked if there was any public comment and there was
none.
Noll Wilt, Information Services Director provided a presentation on: what we
didn’t have 10 years ago compared to now and what we may have in another 10 years.
Informed everyone in attendance about E-Government and explained some on-line
services the County is now offering. Explained Geographic Information System (GIS)
which is a tool to improve planning and decision making and explained First Tier
Beneficiaries include: digitized maps and aerial photography in Tax Office, location
identification, fire hydrants/water supplies, safe landing and staging areas if need to use
helicopters and raid planning for drug task force in Emergency Services and road center
lines & railroads, soil types and flood planes for Economic Development Agencies;
Second Tier Beneficiaries for client populations for Aging services, routed entities for
Integrated Transportation, Sheriff’s Office and County Caseworkers; Third Tier
Beneficiaries include: Visitors Bureau will bring in more tourism, can help voter districts
to see which district a voter is in and polling place to vote at.
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 current goals of the Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in July of
1999. Also discussed Comprehensive planning; Transportation; and Economic
Development. Future planning includes updating the comprehensive plan and
implementing a long range transportation plan.
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John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator spoke about facilities and gave a
brief background. He noted the County hired two firms to do a facility and operations
study for all county operations, with particular emphasis on expansion of judicial
facilities. Seeking input now from agencies and modifying the time table. Need to do
due diligence as data is presented to make wise decisions based on the data. Serious
consideration of the project is security, adequate parking and how people access the
building. Also emphasis on operational efficiencies and expandability. When started
there was one judge and now there are five at rate going will have ten judges. Franklin
County will be a fourth class county by end of 2010 census. What will hear from Judge
Meyers is the courts vision and mission and will talk some about facility but mostly
mission and where they will be at in ten years.
Judge Shawn Meyers provided additional information on the Courts Vision,
Mission, and the Courts ideas for the Judicial Center. In 2000 Criminal Justice Advisory
Board was formed and developed goals and priorities and several have been
implemented. On Tuesdays the Court has Central court with 60-100 criminal defendants
which have shortened the process time of criminal cases. People are working under a
very stressful time on these dates. There is Central booking now. These goals were all
accomplished. Many new items will need to be tackled in the near future. Never sinks in
to many people how many provisions require a due process hearing in front of a judge.
Incapacity matters – those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s are increasing. Have
to look at these cases and decide who is best able to take care of these people. Another
area is custody issues, have every week and some dozens in one day. Protection From
Abuse (PFA) procedures also have to be heard in a timely manner. All have to be held
on a timely basis. Idea is to focus on efficiencies and prompt time for justice, and need
to provide adequate safety. Looking toward the future and protection of all residents of
Franklin County. Have been studies/plans put in place, facility workgroup reviewed
initial studies and presented to CJAB who in turn presented to Commissioners. It’s been
a deliberate process to ensuring prompt delivery of services and justice. Have to be
looking far in the future. When downturn in economy see increase in civil matters.
Have implemented new programs. Judges are envisioning more than 5 judges and 4
courtrooms. Structure does not allow safely removing prisoners and seeing efficiencies
day in and day out. Need better facilities and new facilities. Trying to work with what
have right now but at a point where working with what we have is not an option.
Bryan Stevenson, Emergency Operations Center Coordinator provided a
presentation on the Radio Project. Franklin County accepted a bid by Motorola for the
installation and migration to a fully digital radio system. The transition was required due
to the age of the existing system, the inability of replacement parts, and the need to
interoperable communications between Franklin County and other agencies. The
system utilizes some of the existing components of the legacy system, such as portable
radios, which can be converted to the new system for a fraction of the cost of purchasing
a new radio. The new system will bring Franklin County into the 21st century and will
allow expansion as new technologies become available. Current dispatch center is
using technology that is over 30 years old. While still functional, the County is no longer
able to effectively maintain this equipment. In addition, this equipment is not able to
integrate new and emerging technologies such as texting and visual transmissions.
The new system is being installed at the new dispatch center and should be operational
this summer. The system expands the coverage area from approximately 75% of
Franklin County to in excess of 95% of the County. In addition, the computer systems
will be capable of interfacing with other systems to integrate such capabilities as GPS
and mapping, criminal information, and hazardous materials release plume modeling.
The department continues to expand its work in preventing, preparing for, and
Continued on page 4
responding to emergencies. The department has reinvigorated its Community
Emergency Response Team, tripling the size of the team this year. Mr. Stevenson 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 and not making good
decisions if put someone at higher level then need to be. People have issues and need
skills built to be a better family member and parent with the systems that the jail is
providing. In 2002 did not have programs that do now, now have to decide which
offenders get put into which programs. Need to look at the CRIMINOGENIC risk/need
factors – education/employment, family restoration, leisure/recreation, community
service, companions, being successful under supervision and moral reconation therapy
(MRT), alcohol/drug problems, pro-criminal attitude/orientation, anti-social pattern and
special issues. There is a high level of war returning veterans entering into the criminal
system, sex offenders are on the rise and significant increase in prisoners with mental
health issues. 72% of tax dollars goes to courts, crimes, corrections. 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. There were no comments or questions.
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 20 years out. The County
will need public input from various people on what Franklin County should look like.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS