HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-28 Commissioners Meeting
WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025
The Franklin County Commissioners met at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025,
with the following members present: Dean A. Horst and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Commissioner
Horst presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of
Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. He welcomed Controller Harold Wissinger,
District Attorney Ian Brink, and Sheriff Ben Sites. He then let everyone know that Commissioner
Flannery would not be joining the meeting.
The meeting was live streamed.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
The minutes of the May 21, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the minutes.
Chairman Horst called Prison Board to order at 10:05 AM. Prison Board was adjourned
at 10:06 AM.
There was public comment from Valerie Jordan. She stated that she was here to support
4.02 through 4.05 and 4.07. She broke down the cost of one of the items and it will only be
$0.10 on her taxes based on her property assessment. The Chambersburg Town Counsil told
her to come see the Commissioners and that maybe she is part of the reason for these grants.
She asked if these grants are done annually. County Administrator Carrie Gray stated that they
are annual. Ms. Jordan then continued and asked that possibly these grants be given more
money. She was at a Penn National Ladies get together and it was held here in Chambersburg
and a county staffer spoke at the meeting and is part of the Library System. Ms. Jordan was
shocked to learn that the adult program at Grove Library has been slowly cut back and down to
$250 a year. She wanted to make an impassioned plea because there are a lot of seniors that
like to do crafts and would like the Commissioners to consider upping the support during next
years budget to all the libraries. The school district just got solar panels. She went through the
Right to Know process and found that the Fayetteville Elementary school August 2024 electric
bill from West Penn was $1,800.00. She now has solar at home; they were installed back in
December and is seeing negative bills from West Penn Power. She encouraged the County to
go and look at the grants that the Chambersburg Area School District did. According to Google,
the County can put solar panels on buildings outside of the Chambersburg borough. Any kind of
savings will help everyone in the room. She offered to share her West Penn Power bill and said
she was shocked by her bill after just six months. She would like the county to consider it since
the panels are made out of glass.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved all consent agenda items to include:
All bills presented and ordered paid in the amount of $438,789.11.
Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Franklin and Center for
Community Action (CCA) to provide a Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program for the Center for
Community Action (CCA). This agreement is for Franklin County to house a maximum of six
households at a monthly operating cost of up to $250 per household or a maximum of $1,500 a
month. The annual budget is not to exceed $18,000.
Amendment to the continuum of care grant agreement between the County of Franklin
and US Department of Housing and Urban Development to add Budget Line Items (BLI) for
Operating and Supportive Services to allow the County to cover all costs associated with the
project and to maximize grant funding.
Amendment to the continuum of care grant agreement between the County of Franklin
and US Department of Housing and Urban Development to shift more than 10% from Leasing
and Administration and add funding to Supportive Services to allow the County to cover all costs
associated with the project and to maximize grant funding.
Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Beverly Court LLC for the HUD
Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered
utilities at a cost of $10,200.00 for the period of June 1, 2025 through June 1, 2026. The County
holds the lease with the landlord and the participant subleases from the County. Program
participants are responsible for any utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of their
adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive services and case management
to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from the HUD grant.
Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and BOPiC to updated
BOPiC rate sheet to include the following: Translation English/Spanish -
Technical/Engineering/Legal at $0.20 per word; Formatting/Reformatting at $50 per hour. The
ending date of the Original Contract, and as previously amended, is extended from September
30, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Grant Award for a 2025-2026 Veterans' Trust Fund Grant through the Pennsylvania
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Agreement between the County of Franklin and
Veterans' Trust Fund in the amount of $15,000.00.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by and between the County of
Franklin and Women in Need (WIN). The purpose of this agreement is to establish a
collaborative relationship between the parties to ensure the provision of services to victims of
sexual assault and sexual harassment in compliance with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination
Act (PREA). Under this agreement, WIN agrees to provide comprehensive support services to
individuals who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, including but not limited
to crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate resources.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and ePlus Technology Inc to renew the WiFi
system throughout the county at a cost of $3,985.19. This will be paid an allocation across all
operations. Approximately 68% is estimated to be paid by the General Fund.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and CenturyLink Communications LLC
confirming that we will not need any encrypted lines. They can be added easily at a future date
should the need arise.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Government Window, LLC to be able to
accept credit cards in the Planning Office.
Requesting service for printing and Give Me Five for mailing Upset Tax Sale notices as a
requirement of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law Act 542 giving notification of delinquent real estate
taxes to the property owner, prior to a potential upset sale exposure. The Bureau is required to
give notice by USPS certified mail, restricted delivery with return receipt requested, postage
prepaid. Four vendors quoted with Give Me Five being the lowest bidder at $16.68 per piece
printing and mailing for an estimated 1,200 mailers at an estimated cost of $20,016.00. This will
be paid by the General Fund.
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Ms. Gray provided a high-level overview of
each of the actions.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Uniform Outfitters to purchase 12
replacement bullet-resistant vests with outer carriers. The current vests have reached their
manufacturer-recommended expiration date and must be replaced to maintain proper officer
safety standards. Per the terms outlined in the Officer contracts, expired vests are to be
replaced. These vests are essential safety equipment for our officers. Additionally, Act 77 will
fund $2,699.54, the remaining $13,180.10 will be paid by the General Fund. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the
agreement.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Healthy Communities Partnership of
Greater Franklin County to support the expansion of opioid education, prevention, and overdose
awareness efforts in Franklin County. The contractor will hire and oversee an Opioid Education
and Prevention Coordinator to lead evidence-based programming in public and private K-12
schools. Services include developing and implementing campaigns grounded in proven health
behavior models to reduce opioid misuse, integrating prevention strategies into school curricula,
and providing public education through digital platforms, PSAs, and printed materials at a cost
of $186,000.00. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved the agreement.
Amendment to agreement between the County of Franklin and Summit Food Service,
LLC. for inmate and staff meals. Each year an increase may occur based on the Bureau of
Labor Statistics Consumer (CPI), US City Average Food Away from Home index. Average cost
per year for the next four years is $880,314.84 or a total cost of $3,521,259.48. This will be paid
from the General Fund. Commissioner Ziobrowski mentioned that the math works out toroughly
$10 a day depending on the jail population and there are certain nutritional and caloric
guidelines, correct? Ms. Gray stated that was correct. The menu has to be prescribed by a
population. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved the agreement.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Cannon to update the 2021 lease with
Canon for 15 multi-function devices for the seven MDJ's, the Court Reporter, Prothonotary,
Clerk of Courts, Juvenile Probation, DES 911 Backup Center, and two devices for the Jail. The
cost of this is budget neutral from the current contract despite numerous price increases at
Canon since the 2021 contract was signed. Also, by having this contract in place before June 1,
2025 the County is able to avoid a 10% price increase. The cost of this lease is $2,075.00 a
month and includes 34,600 B&W prints and 3,460 color prints per month. If printing volume
exceeds that allowance additional prints will be charged at $0.0088 for B&W and $0.04910 for
color. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved the agreement.
The Board conducted a bid opening for Jail Kitchen Equipment. Ms. Gray noted that the
bid from Martyz Culinary was deemed non-responsive as it was sent and processed
erroneously and is unable to move forward in the process. There was a total of three bids
deemed responsive. Commissioner Horst then opened the three bids that were received. The
following bidders submitted bids per the attached document titlKitchen Equipment
Replacements for the Franklin County Jail. Ms. Gray stated that the kitchen equipment is being
replaced because like the HVAC,the equipment needs to be replaced in order to maintain
functioning. Commissioner Horst then opened the three bids that were received. The following
bidders submitted bids per the attached document titl
and M.S. Johnston Company. Ms. Gray
stated the staff will review the bid submissions and make a recommendation at the June 11,
2025 meeting.
The Board conducted a bid awarding for Jail Kitchen HVAC. Ms. Gray introduced
Procurement Director Robin Harmon to present the recommendation for the award. Ms. Harmon
stated they were very happy with this round of bids and to be able to come with a
recommendation. When the bids were opened last week, the lowest bid was from M.S.
Johnston Company for $200,000.00 for alternate one. However, upon technical review, it was
noted that the unit they bid was only a 30-ton unit and the requirement was for a minimum of 33
tons. That bid has been declared non-responsive because meet the technical
specifications. The next lowest bid for both the base bid and the alternate was from Master
Mechanical. As a reminder, the base bid for this was for a single unit that contains both air
conditioning and heating in it. The alternate was for a split system, which is what the Jail
currently has, where the heating is in basically one piece of equipment and then beside it would
be the air conditioning in a separate piece of equipment. Split is what the Jail has now. They
sure which would be the best value so that is why they did the bid as they did with
having the option of either one.
unit and their alternate bid was $223,796.00 for the split unit. It is their recommendation to go
with the split unit at the slightly higher cost with the reason being the building is now structured
to support a split unit and if we
risk is having to make some structural changes to the building to support the different weights in
different places. Ms.
know the cost and there is a
lot of unforeseen risk there. It is her recommendation to award the split unit to Master
Mechanical. Commissioner Horst asked where the company was located. Ms. Harmon stated
McAdoo. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board
unanimously approved to award to Master Mechanical Corporation with the split unit and for
staff to move forward with awarding the contract.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2025-17 for the purpose of proclaiming May
Motorcycle Safety Month. Ms. Gray introduced Daniel BuckBuchanan, President of Keystone
ABATE chapter. He explained that ABATE stands for the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward
Education. Across the commonwealth there are 50 plus chapters in eight districts. The key word
in the name is education. They are a 401-3C nonprofit. Of the 180,000 plus registered
motorcycles in Pennsylvania, each one of them pay an extra $5.00 that those with automobiles
do not pay. This extra $5.00 goes to the Pennsylvania motorcycle safety program and now
copied by many other states. The money is kept separate from general funds and goes strictly
for promoting safety riding in Pennsylvania. This program will allow you to take a free training
program to learn how to ride a motorcycle safely and after completing the course, many
instructors can issue the license for a motorcycle. Not only do they train new
motorcyclists, but they also have intermediate courses, advanced courses and for trikes. Their
membership also supports Bike Pack which is a lobbyist to keep an eye on the Pennsylvania
legislature to make sure laws against or hindering motorcycles. Since their
founding in the 1980s, they have advised and promoted many laws that have supported
motorcyclists' rights and the traveling public in general. Many laws have been adjusted or
amended. In those years, ABATE has never asked the Pennsylvania General Assembly for a
penny. All they ask is for better laws for their people. One other thing he wanted to point out was
br car
and you have an obstruction big as pen and a motorcycle is coming from 50 yards away, you
will not see it. The pen will block the sight of a motorcycle coming at you. As we all know, the
pillars in our trucks and cars are ten times this size. Part of their education to the traveling
public, their big mantra is .It could be yours. It could be a
motorcyclist. Thier group is not a club or a gang. They are simply motorcyclists who endeavor
to educate the public about cycling. One other program that they have is called OSAL,
Operation Save A Life. Many young teenagers have been involved in those courses as they go
into high schools, fire departments, senior citizen centers and any place that will have them with
a professionally prepared course on the education of motorcyclists and the awareness of them.
He was greatly honored to be there to accept the proclamation on behalf of all motorcyclists in
the Commonwealth. Commissioner Horst stated that being one that has ridden and driven a
motorcycle, these safety courses are important. We
when we
thinking about or
hank you for bringing this to us.
Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that he appreciates everything they do in terms of safety and
that according to his quick calculations, it takes less than two seconds to travel 50 yards at
60mph.
Mr. Buchanan wanted to add one more thing. If when you are out there and you come upon a
group of motorcyclists
and they have the stop sign and thebecause
down, in 99% of these cases, these bikers are out there volunteering their time and their money
for causes all across the Commonwealth. The chapters throughout Pennsylvania support
battered and abused children, fire departments, police departments, food banks, you name it, a
chapter will find an excuse to run a ride and ask those riders to donate money so that they can
give it to someone that needs it. Be they critically injured in an incident, somebody with cancer
they know in their community that has trouble paying their bills. When you see a gang of
time and their money out of their own pocket to support some good thing. Commissioner Horst
then read the proclamation, and it was made apart of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the proclamation.
Ms. Gray introduced Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer to present the Employee
of the Month for of May. The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee
(Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to
Veronica Brestensky. Ms. Brestensky has been employed with Franklin County since October of
The selection for the May 2025 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR
Committee. There were 22 nominations, four of which were for Veronica. Human Resources
Director Tiffany Bloyer read the nomination forms which are attached to these minutes. Ms.
Brestensky stated that she is fairly new to the office and most of her
colleagues and co-workers are here and she know they were
going to come. She is humbled to be part of the office, and they have a high calling that they
take seriously. They have a constitutional mandate to treat everyone fairly to ensure justice is
equally provided to all of our citizens here in Franklin County and she is not only honored to be
a part of this office, but also happy to be a Franklin County employee officially as she had a
contract prior to this to defend the juvenile offenders for a few years before changing gears. She
is humbled by the statementsof her colleagues and co-workers. She accepted the award on
office. Commissioner Horststated that when you have people show up
to watch this, it says a lot about who you are and when you have the boss and otherpeers
sittingthereit says a lot when they say dedicated, kindness, compassionate. In your job those
aregood qualities to have. He appreciated having her here and all that they do. He knows some
days are probably not as easy as others, but at the same time you keep stepping up to theplate
and hitting it out of the park.Commissioner Ziobrowski continued that from what he gathered,
her compassion, empathy,
cheerful disposition. He stated they are very glad to have her aboard.
Janelle Friese, Fiscal Director, and Teresa Beckner, Chief Financial Officer, provided a
Marchand
made a part of the minutes.Commissioner Horst stated great job as always. Back to the
Children andYouthand the transfers, it was stated the ineligible and eligible is reasons for the
31%. He thoughthe knewthe answer butasked for an explanation onhowthestate mandated
Ms. Friese stated that ifor undocumented individuals
to receive state and federal funding for those placement costs. Commissioner Horst stated but
we as a county are mandated to fund that. Ms. Friese confirmed the fact as true.Commissioner
Horst asked if there were any other concerns that they would like to make them aware of. Ms.
Friese stated no, everything looks great for this point in the year. Commissioner Ziobrowski
asked about the $200,000.00allocation towards capital projects so far. Would the demolition of
the Sears parking lot must have cost
more than $200,000.00. Ms. Friese statedthat we are just looking at expenses through March
right now and a lot of those expenses happenedin April and beyond, so the $200,000.00, most
of that is the demolition of the Admin Annex. As they report on April and May,theywill have
additionalexpenses to report there.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:06a.m. ona motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by Dean A. Horst.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
Dean A. Horst, Chairman
___________________________________
Robert G. Ziobrowski
Bid List
Kitchen Equipment Replacements for the Franklin County Jail
Bids accepted until: 04:00 PMBid Opening: 10:00 AM
Tuesday, 5/27/2025Wednesday, 5/28/2025
TOTAL COST
1.Trimark$134,412.00
Pittsburgh, PA
2.Singer Equipment$133,060.49
Elverson, PA
3.M.S. Johnston Company$133,100.00
Hagerstown, MD
4.Martyz Culinarynot responsive
5.
6.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Dean A. Horst, Chairman
John T. Flannery
STAR COMMITTEE
Robert G. Ziobrowski
Special Thanks And Recognition Committee
Tiffany Bloyer, HR Director
272 North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201
Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156
May 28, 2025
The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And
Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Veronica Brestensky.
Ms. Brestensky has been employed with Franklin County since October of 2023. She currently
serves as Chief Deputy District Attorney in the District Attorney’s Office. The selection for the May
2025 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were twenty-two
nominations, four of which were for Veronica.
The STAR nomination form asks what recent events or occurrence made you select Veronica and
the answer stated:
Veronica is the epitome of dedicated to her job. She goes above and beyond to represent the
Commonwealth and keep things fair for everyone. She is the first one to jump up when someone
needs help and is a true delight to work with.
I'm nominating Veronica because since the day Veronica has blessed us with her presence here in
Franklin County, she has been a work horse. I also have the privilege of working with Veronica on
the STOP Committee. Veronia is truly one of a kind. The DA's Office is blessed to have her!
Attorney Brestensky, like all of the DAs, is carrying a hefty case load. Despite the amount of work
she is handling, she remains very communicative and follows through on inquiries and requests in a
timely manner, and always without fail, treats those around her with kindness, respect, and
compassion. While all of the attorneys in the DAs office deserve to be commended for their
commitment and hard work, Attorney Brestensky stands out amongst the others.
It would be impossible to pick just one event or occurrence, because Veronica does every part of
her job so well. Veronica deals with some of the most difficult victims as she does most of the
Domestic Violence cases, and she always handles them with respect and patience. Not only does she
handle her own cases, but she can constantly be seen pitching in to help her coworkers.
Ms. Brestensky’s outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her
peers. Those who work alongside Veronica used numerous positive words to describe her. These
included dedicated, team oriented, patient, understanding, responsive, compassionate, and helpful.
We are so grateful to Ms. Brestensky as she exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership and
excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County.
Sincerely,
The STAR Committee
TLB/kmw cc: Personnel File; Supervisor
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474
Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156
Website: www.franklincountypa.gov