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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-02 Commissioners Meeting WEDNESDAY, July 2, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday July 2, 2025, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst and Robert G. Ziobrowski. John T. Flannery joined remotely. 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. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the June 24, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved the minutes. There was public comment from Valerie Jordan. This morning she sent an email to the Commissioners about the vouchers given to senior citizens in the county for the weekend food . She requested that the County either look into come in from Fayetteville and automatically get food off the tables. You have to show income verification, or another option is to open it up to all the senior citizens in the county and the people that want to do it can do it. She asked the Commissioners to think it over for next year. The county workers would have to just ask or the other. She lo week because they have a garden. She was here for another reason today. She trusted that everyone had read her email concerning the reassessment of the county. She also sent the email to the local state officials a request to increase the cap on state spending for our state police, local police, fire departments, and EMS. She noticed in the January minutes; the salary board met with several county officials. She follows the weekly minutes as best as she can and has taken notice that job descriptions have been changing. She equipment at the county jail. She has also noticed that the county has grown by 20% since 2020 and that there has not been any additions to the county workforce while this county keeps growing stop with growth. She has no problem talking to anyone, including the fine people who work for this county. She is being told that the county employees District Attorney Ian Brink requested more help. She has said many times, when she steps into a public room she party. She identifies as someone who cares. The county budget was cut by $8.5 million in this fiscal year. She then asked how do you start even beginning to build on a county workforce with such a deep cut to all of us. Kim Wertz agrees with Ms. Jordan on several points. She agrees that the vouchers should be open to all seniors not just those that qualify because medical bills rise and it would be nice that all senior citizens could partake in it just when their expenses become extremely tight. As for the surveillance, she emailed Ms. Gray about a week ago. If her memory serves her correctly, that was the lowest bid that was done and Ms. Gray stated that some areas that Workmans Comp is allowed to be used, this is good because we can move money around from a department or entity that is fully funded and yet before the fiscal year ends you can spend down their extra and give it to entities in the county that actually need the money. This is one of the ways she helps when working with the Human Services Block Grant. She understands the labor shortage our labor force depleted because if you deplete the labor force, you deplete services company focuses on labor because youre not hurting the employees that you have now but hurting the services that can be expanded. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved all consent agenda items to include: Vouchers in the amount of $1,247,652.51 Change Order #02 from T&M for the Franklin County Admin Annex demolition project for unsuitable soil material removal and replacement at a cost of $25,901.60. This will be paid by bond funds. Commissioner Horst noted that $7,000.00 was associated with the tank that was found, and the remaining was for the compaction rates in the soil. We had to remove some dirt and bring in some dirt to get those compaction rates to the proper place before paving so there would be a strong base for the paving to last. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Chambersburg Senior Housing for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $8,280.00 for the period of August 1, 2025 through August 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. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Darren Garvin 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 August 1, 2025 through August 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. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Darren Garvin 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 August 1, 2025 through August 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. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Darren Garvin 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 August 1, 2025 through August 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. Grant award ID PA0649L3T092412 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2024 Continuum of Care Program for a total of $426,653. This award is a combination of grant applications, PA0649 and PA0182 that were approved via Board Action on 9/11/2024. Since approved, the grant applications were combined into one grant: P0649. A 25% match is required on Supportive Services, Operating Costs and Administrative Costs. (No match is required on Leasing.) A total of $16,227.75 matching funds will be provided using program income from rents paid by program participants and the Housing Trust Fund. (Not General Fund dollars.) Third quarter report for fiscal year 2024-2025 for Children and Youth for quarterly income and expenditures. Expenditures for the 3rd quarter totaled $3,603,206 resulting in a required County local share totaling $891,451. The local County share portion is paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and MS Johnson, Inc. For the purchase and replacement of critical kitchen equipment at the Jail facility. The three items scheduled for replacement are: Commercial Dishwasher, Double-Stacked Oven, and a Tilt Skillet at a cost of $133,100.00. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Waynesboro School District to provide $33,992.40 to the County of Franklin to assist in funding the school-based Juvenile Probation Program for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Mr. Thierwechter introduced Minnie Goshorn, Director of Children and Youth to discuss the agreement between the County of Franklin and CSI Corporate Security and Investigations, LLC as a provider of a range of specialized services, including locating runaway or absconding youth, family finding and engagement, human trafficking investigations, and transportation services. These services are provided in cases where the agency lacks the authority or ability to operate across state lines. This is not to exceed $30,000.00. Commissioner Horst asked seeing this is a new contract and a new vendor, who did we use before Ms. Goshorn stated that we available to us. This service came about a year ago through one of the administrator conferences and they started providing services to other counties. Every other county has said that it has been successful in helping find missing kids and looking to ensure the safety of children when there are safety plans in the home. Commissioner Horst asked if the main purpose of this was for runaways and absconding youth. Ms. Goshorn stated that yes, unfortunately per regulations they can not travel out of state and with us being so close to the Maryland line, when kids' runaway or families take off,they usually go to Maryland. They have no authority to do that and have run into snags with the police in hend the children for them. There is currently a young lady in their custody that is in Maryland and Ms. Goshorn knows she is there, custody of the agency which is a lability to the county if something would happen to this child. Commissioner Horst asked what did we do in the past before this service was available, just relied on law enforcement that had jurisdiction. Ms. Goshorn shared that they would contact the Children & Youth agency out there and send a referral asking them to go ensure safety and then rely on not getting the support from other counties and states. Commissioner Horst stated that reading through the contract there area lot of other services that this company provides, are we choosing one or selecting all or is it just part of the contract. Ms. Goshorn stated that they offer all those other services but utilize those services, it's just in their rate sheet and contract where they put all those services anticipate using many of those services as they can do a lot of them in house, such as the family finding and transportation. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved the contract. Mr. Thierwechter introduced Jodi Martin, Director of Tax Services to discuss Resolution 2025-11 for eliminating paper property tax cards in the Tax Assessment office. Ms. Martin gave an overview that the purpose of putting forward this resolution was that early this year they were tasked by the County Administration to eliminate the 1961 hand written tax cards that they have been using in their daily operations. Over the years information on those cards has been entered into their Computer Aided Mass Appraisal softwareand this data has not only been maintained on the paper cards they have been moving it into the computer system. The computer-generated tax card does continue to track the same pertinent information such as ownership of the property, the building sketches, sales history, property location, land size and the outbuildings. All of this is available on the 1961 paper property record cards and is also available in the computer system. With the passing of this resolution, they will begin transitioning the office and the public to the computer aided generated tax card and their daily operations. The property record cards that anyone would request in the office would be provided a copy of the tax card from the computer system. The computer copy of the card will provide a level of clarity to the information and structures on the parcel versus the handwritten cards to the public and will also eliminate the need of having staff pull the tax card, write on the handwritten card and then refiling as that does take a lot of staff time throughout the year. The Assessment Office will send the 1961 paper property cards in their possession to the County Archives Department where they will maintain and preserve the card as required by law. As with any record card, should someone have an interest in obtaining that property record card, they will be available in the Franklin County Archives. Nothing will change. They will still have staff available to explain to the public any questions they may have on their property record card. Commissioner Horst asked what is the time frame to complete this. Ms. Martin stated that with the signing of this resolution they will transition those paper tax cards to Archives in the month of July and hope to have all those filed back. They are continuing the work that they have th completed through June 30 as a cut off timeframe and then those will be transitionedin the month of July. Archives will take over their scanning and how the Archives will store the record. Commissioner Horst stated that he is sure this has to create an efficiency savings in the office onto a card and how long that would have to take versus a computer system where you are clicking and dragging. He supports this idea. Commissioner Ziobrowski states he had a 40-year career in real estate sales primarily in appraisal and has affection for those old cards. When Mr. Dave Bowers would actually let you go look at the cards, then you had arrived because Mr. Bower was very careful about that. He then asked if we have to maintain them? Speaking of the volume of cards he remembers the room was filled with those cards Ms. Martin stated that it is over 72,000 cards and the archiving plan but there is a retention period. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that we have to keep them for a period of time. Ms. Martin stated that was correct and would be a question for sure they are permanent records but that would be in what capacity permanent, she wasn't sure. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked for confirmation that they Ms. Martin stated that only the computer will be the updated record but if anyone wants to look at the old property record card, some form of it will be available in Archives. Commissioner Ziobrowski assumed that our records will be backed up needed as the back up system. Ms. Martin stated that was correct. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved the Resolution. Policy establishing the Video Retention for the Franklin County to retain the body cam and car video for 60 days unless there is an investigation. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery, the Board unanimously approved the policy. Mr. Thierwechter introduced Human Resources Generalist Charles Martin to present the Employee of the Month for May. The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Gayle Schreiber. Ms. Schreiber has been employed with Franklin County since August of 2016. She currently serves as a Casework Supervisor II in the Children & Youth Services Office. The selection for the June 2025 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were twenty nominations, six of which were for Ms. Schreiber. Human Resources Generalist Charles Martin read the nomination forms which are attached to these minutes. Ms. Schreiber thanked him for the recognition and is grateful for the support from her team and unit, upper management, Ms. Goshorn and Ms. a team effort at Franklin County Children & Youth and they all collaborate to make things work and it takes a village when it comes down to children and they all work collaboratively towards that and she is fortunate enough to be surrounded by and supported by such a wonderful group of workers. Commissioner Horst description of her and her work ethic and what she means here for the county and for the kids of our county. He then thanked Ms. Schreiber for being a shining example of a great leader and they appreciate her and very thankful to have her on our team. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that she and her caseworkers, deal with people who frequently have emotional trauma and described as stressful, but they have often said, taking words from Commissioner Flannery, that they could never trade jobs. The Commissioners could never do keeping everything on track. He enjoyed the characterization as momma bear. ommissioner Ziobrowski then thanked her and stated that he is proud to be on her team. Commissioner Flannery apologized for not being here to shake her hand in person and congratulate her. He sits on the Children and Youth Advisory Board and sees some of the situations that they deal with every day. He has the utmost amount of respect for what they do and congratulated her on being such a great leader. The Commissioners presented a check to the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park for the employee dress down fundraiser that was held in June. Keri Kenney, HR Coordinator, said that employees raised a total of $715.00 for the cause. Over 144 employees from around 22 departments contributed. She wanted to thank everybody for the support once again as we succeeded one of their fundraising tiers.There is a th car show coming up on Sunday, September 7 to raise funds that go towards maintaining the chapel and what the dress down fundraiser is going towards. She then introduced Mr. John Staub and Mr. Bill Bechtold. Mr.Staub stated that it is heartwarming to see the employees of Franklin County not only do what they do in their daily endeavors,but stand up and support such a historical chapel and the veterans in 9/11 Memorial Park that means so much to so many. To preserve the history of Franklin County for future generations is exceedingly important and we need to continue to to the Franklin County employees. This contribution is the efforts to raise funds for the car show. All of which go to the chapel and the veterans in 9/11 memorial park. Not only do they work daily to support the county and the people in the county, but when the r appreciated. Ms. Mary Bolt stated that she was on the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area board when they received the Chapel in the 1990 from then to see where it is today and thanked everyone for helping them save it and being with them today that they can honor those that it honors. Commissioner Horst stated what a great organization to give this donation check to. The chapel itself, the 9/11 park, the veterans park, been there to go out and visit. The history that is there, the story As in months past, Commissioner Horst said that they have the best employees around. They are very giving, generous and always willing to open up their pocketbook and give to these charities .Commissioner Ziobrowskistated be remiss in not acknowledging that organizations such as this have to have championsand the late great Bill Harter wasa champion for the chapel an the 9/11 Memorial Park and Paul Cullinaneoverthere doing manual labor frequently to keep support this endeavor.Commissioner Flannery first thanked Ms. Kenneyand the employeesas th they do every month. This is such a great cause and he is looking forward to September 7. Mr. Thierwechter introducedPlanning Director Quentin Clapperto present the Planning program to keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may have. Hispresentation was made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Horst wished everyone a happy holiday and celebrate the Fourth of July with their family and eat some hotdogs and burgers and celebrate fireworks and be safe. The meeting was adjourned at 11:02a.m.on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, and seconded by John Flannery. John K. Thierwechter Assistant County Administrator FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ Dean A. Horst, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski 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 July 2, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Gayle Schreiber ȁ Ms. Schreiber has been employed with Franklin County since August of 2016. She currently serves as a Casework Supervisor II in the Children & Youth Services Office. The selection for the June 2025 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were twenty nominations, six of which were for Gayle. The STAR nomination form asks what recent events or occurrence made you select Gayle and the answer stated: I've been a county employee for just three months and Gayle has made feel at home since day one. She always greets you with a smile. She has a positive attitude and great sense of humor, which is important to keep in this department. I always feel I can ask Gayle any question if my supervisor isn't available. She is an inspiration to all around her! Gayle makes sure her unit is taken care of and is always checking in on her case workers. Gayle goes above and beyond to help her unit when it is needed, even when she does not have to. She continues to strive for perfection which makes us better case workers. Gayle is wonderful, efficient, and caring. Mrs. Schreiber has had situations thrown her way as of recent and despite all that she continues to maintain SERVICE in her work for CYS and for Franklin County. Mrs. Schreiber upholds the true meaning of the County's definition of SERVICE. Mrs. Schreiber started at Children and Youth Services as a case worker and has worked her way up to being an Ongoing Supervisor. She has maintained an outstanding work ethic and as a leader she instills her knowledge and training with others. Mrs. Schreiber is in every sense of the word of the County's Mission of SERVICE. Each letter from the S to the E represents her in every way. She applies each LETTER to her work ethic for her day-to-day work at CYS and for the County. Gayle is a huge support to all staff at CYS. She is constantly supporting her unit members and willing to go on home visits with them. When someone is upset, she always checks in on the person and tries to make you smile. Regardless of what is going on in Gayle's life, Gayle makes time each day to check on me. She can tell when something is wrong and will do anything to make sure you are supported. She is very engaged in cases and is only a phone call away when needed. Her dedication to CYS over the years has been phenomenal and she shines very bright as a supervisor with a lot of knowledge. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474 Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156 Website: www.franklincountypa.gov 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 Gayle is a mama bear to many of the case workers. She remains available anytime to anyone that needs anything. She is always willing to lend a listening ear. Gayle keeps the energy in this stressful job positive. She greets everyone each day with a "Good Morning!" Gayle is also one of the last to leave each day as she will check to make sure everyone is okay. Gayle's passion for child welfare and the families of our community are always her priority. She comes to work ready to dive in and will put in 100% to ensure that we do all we can to help families and children succeed. Gayle provides honest and reliable guidance to her case workers, and they all are thriving under her mentorship. Gayle is willing to supervise the toughest cases just like when she was a case worker herself. Gayle does not let any personal or professional situation keep her from being ready to tackle any obstacle. Gayle is both respected and loved as a leader. Gayle is one of the best people here at CYS. She supports her unit as a great and encouraging supervisor. She is supportive of everyone in CYS. No matter what kind of day she may be having she is still upbeat, has a smile on her face and stays positive. She knows each and every case of her case workers and helps when anyone needs anything. She just an employee of the month but an employee who shows she understands, encourages and is always there for everyone even on her worst days. Gayle is an employee of a lifetime as she is always there to fill in and take care of staff when they are having a bad day as well. She always seems to put everyone else above herself. Ms. outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. Those who work alongside Gayle used numerous positive words to describe her. These included dedicated, positive, kind, persistent, strong, amicable, responsible, truthful, loyal, caring, engaged, supportive, committed and brave. We are so grateful to Ms. Schreiber 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 Community Planners (3)Mosquito and Tick Specialist use planning and grant - OVERVIEW DirectorSenior Planner Goal of ensuring high quality of life, growth, and place in Franklin CountyResponsible for landadministrationStaff include:Most work guided by the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) SERVED BOARDS Franklin County Planning CommissionAgricultural Land Preservation BoardFranklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)Franklin County Council of Governments range planning document required to be COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING - HousingEconomic DevelopmentLand UseEnvironmentCommunity Infrastructure Longupdated every 10 yearsListen to and plan for community needs related to: use - DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION AND LAND Perform reviews on all subdivision and land development activities in the CountyReview municipal Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance amendmentsAdvocate with municipalities for sound landplanning farms) comprising 164 AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION Program established in 1990Local funding matched by the State to purchase conservation easements~20,000 acres preserved (~60 farms on waiting listApplications accepted on a revolving basis moderate - to - BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) profits - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Annual allocation ~$350,000Funds infrastructure, housing, and public service activities that primarily benefit lowincome households.Eligible applicants include primarily municipalities and non HOUSING TRUST FUND Housing StudiesNew constructionHousing Rehab programs Provide local grants for projects that improve access to affordable housing in the countyFunded out of a restricted fund established under PA Act 137 of 1992 owned bridges - 91 countyBridge Maintenance Crew performs routine maintenanceMaintain a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to time major construction projects to ensure public safety COUNTY BRIDGE PROGRAM Trail - funded or 81 Improvement - - range transportation plan and a - ORGANIZATION (MPO) METROPOLITAN PLANNING Governed by an independent Policy BoardResponsible for planning federallyregionally significant projects in Franklin CountyDevelop a longtransportation improvement programConduct special studies such as IStrategy and the Cumberland Valley RailExtension Feasibility Study CONTROL PROGRAM Enabled by a DEP GrantPerform surveillance and control of mosquito populations to prevent West Nile VirusMonitor ticks and provide education related to the impacts of Lyme Disease MOSQUITO AND TICK BORNE DISEASE SPECIAL PLANS AND STUDIES Solid waste planningHistorical preservation Natural heritage inventoriesGreenways and open space Broadband