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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-16 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners met at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst and John T. Flannery. 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 John T. Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the July 9, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the minutes. There was public comment from Valerie Jordan who stated that she saw the agreement with the Chambersburg School District and that money does change hands and the school district is going to give the county some money. She figured out that for her its $1.33 for JPO. Her husband and her are in agreement with that. She thought that Superintendent Chris Bigger might be at the meeting. No Superintendents put us into financial distress. This was told to her by a Chambersburg borough council member. He is going to bankrupt us. That would be the job revenue coming in to help off set that. We have million-dollar homes being built right up the road She also brought her school tax bill, but wanted to read something from the county website, and it is apropos because we are going to do a county bridge, which is nice. commissioners. Administrative powers and duties of the Franklin County Commissioners encompass voter registration and elections, assessment of property, human services programs, 911 and emergency services, operation of the county jail, personnel management, operation and maintenance of 91.5 county bridges, appointment of county personnel, and budget and finance management. That is a lot of responsibility for the Commissioners to handle. So she did a little more math concerning everyone. The county has 52 county departments, all of which are vital. All work hand in hand together for ebenefit. She wanted to understand a bit Seeing ongoing strong revenue is a factor in our growing county. When she averaged all county departments within department received $3.3 million. When she averaged all county departments within a $162.7 million budget, this year's county budget, on average, each department only received $3.1 million. The budget was cut but none of our county tax bills went down because of the cuts. She also let Chambersburg Borough council know on Monday night to forget about the county performing a countywide reassessment because there was $15.9 million cut from critical department budgets. In fairness to the county employees and her, the department budgets will have to be increased in next years fiscal year for the health and safety of everyone. On the way here tonight she heard that there is an advocacy group that wants to push to have all counties mandatorily do countywide assessments in the state. She believes in New Jersey it has to be to be done and they are pushing for that. She also wants YouTube to be used as a tool for all county taxpayers to view the meetings on an ongoing basis, not just two days. She confirmed no cost with Superintendent Bigger, more transparency, not less. She would also like to see all Commissioner meetings kept at the county seat for because they have to go to Quincy Township. Even though they have a nice meeting room in Quincy, she thinks the customers should come to the Administrative building to make it easier for the county employees. Her last statement was that want to see what is happening in DC to happen here because she is starting to know that the employees are working. They are working after hours and not getting paid for it. They work very hard and she has stated that they are very nice to her. In fact the young man outside let her sit for 30 minutes and he does get time and a half and she was happy to hear that. Commissioner Horst broke in stating so, he does get paid. Ms. Jordan continued that he does get paid time and a half. Commissioner Flannery asked to said during public comment, but Ms. Jordan has been in here week after week claiming that we are cutting our budget, which is completely 100% false. In 2024, the final revised budget was $174,843,000.00. In 2025 the budget $163,419,000.00. in 2024 with a $174 million budget, was $150,330,000.00 performing well under budget. From what was spent last year $150 million to what our budget is, what was budgeted this year after spending $150 million last year, is $163,419,000.00 which is $13,419,000.00 more budgeted this year than what was spent last is going to be spent. The that every single department will spend more, without a capital improvement, will probably spend more this year than they did last year. There has been no budget cuts. You come in here every week and say the budget. We are not cutting the budget. We will spend more of taxpayer money this year in the county than we spent last year. That cutting our budget. Ms. Jordan stated that the departments are going to spend more money. Commissioner Flannery continued that the budget is $13.5 million more than what was spent last year. A budget is an estimate. Things happen during the year. Last year it was believed that they were going to spend $2 million on a security system for the Jail. That was $2 million less partments amongst the 700 employees every single year. He just wanted to get that out there and make that public. s spent last year. Ms. Jordan agreed because she is watching the agendas so she understands that. On a motion by John T. Flannery; 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 $2,538,564.41. Updated vendor and contract list (January - June 2025). Change Order #003 from David H. Martin for the Franklin County Admin Annex demolition project for additional alternate pricing Courthouse improvements and Franklin County Conservation District Improvements at a cost of $67,700.00. This will be paid by bond funds. Commissioner Horst stated that this should be the last change order. County Administrator Carrie Gray stated that she verified with the project manager. Commissioner Horst stated this was for paving project down at the courthouse annex and for the water leak last year over Franklin Farm Lane that needed some patching. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Guy Property Management, LLC for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $12,000.00 for the period of August 7, 2025 through August 7, 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 Diane & Nick Helman for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $10,800.00 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 80 S. Main, LLC for HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program covers a participant's total rent plus any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $10,200 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 a portion of their rent and all utilities that are not included in the lease. Rent and utilities can not exceed 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. Engagement letter between the County of Franklin and Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC for the independent audit services for the year ended December 31, 2024, including the audit of the County's GASB 34 financial statements and the County's Single Audit, required for all programs receiving federal and pass-through funds at a cost of $111,332.00. This is consistent with the multi-year contract signed September 21, 2022. A portion of this will be paid for with federal and state programing funds. The remainder will be paid for with the General Fund. Human Services Block Grant, Income and Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024. Expenditures totaled $5,672,884.00 during FY 2023-2024, with a $150,021.00 required county match (2.7% of the state portion). Retained earnings carried into FY 2024-2025 for expenditure totaled $194,850.00. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Chambersburg School District to provide $69,006.60 to the County of Franklin to assist in funding the school-based Juvenile Probation Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Agreement between Franklin County and PennDOT for the rehabilitation of Burnt Mill Road Bridge in Lurgan Township through the federally funded Locally Owned Historic Metal Truss Bridge Rehabilitation Project. This agreement replaces the previously approved agreement for the same project due to PennDOT required adjustments in the contract language. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Ms. Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Emergency declaration to address stormwater infiltration at the Courthouse Annex. This declaration is to get some remediation service for damage when we had the unprecedented rains recently infiltrate the courthouse annex and do damage to some of the drywall. After working with the solicitor, this declaration will enable to procure goods and services more quickly than usual bypass the bid process. Solicitor Sulcove stated that was correct. On a motion by John T Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst, the emergency declaration was approved. Quote from Red River Technology, LLC for wireless assessment studies to evaluate the WiFi coverage throughout the building. The assessment will enable the Jail to identify areas where WiFi services should be extended or improved, enhancing connectivity across the facility to better meet operational needs. Upon completion of the study, a detailed report will be provided outlining the number and locations of access points required at a cost of $7,150.00. This will be paid by the General Fund. There was a request for additional funds that just came through where it looks like there is a possibilityfor this to be paid with inmatestore funds instead of the general fund. They worked with the vendor and confirmed that it would not exceed $11,500.00. The difference would be unknown issues they encounter while trying to conduct the assessment and they would justify that on their invoices, the additional time and . Commissioner Horst stated for public knowledge, there was a second quote and this is still lower at the $11,500.00. On an amended motion by John T Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst, to include a potential payment using the store fund and funds not to exceed $11,500.00, the quote was approved. Ms. Gray introduced Collen Tidd from Planning and Dan Long with HRG to explain more about the two bridges that need engineering services and the plan for construction. Mr. Long explained that the proposal is for HRG engineering services for bridge superstructure replacement on Franklin County Bridge 23, carrying Tallow Hill Road over Conococheague Creek in Guilford and Hamilton Townships. This bridge superstructure is in poor condition and this type of bridge has been mandated to be replaced and is one of their priorities to focus on. Commissioner Horst asked if this is the bridge on Loop Road at the stop sign. Mr. Long stated he believed that was correct. This is anticipated to be bundled for bidding with Bridge 118 under the executed agreement on March 26, 2025. They have found great success when doing this in the past with bridges 26 and 63 recently with cost savings in both the engineering and in the construction and get better bids when doing so. Commissioner Flannery asked for clarification. When they sit up there and talk about the engineering services for the superstructure replacement of this bridge, it can probably make some people pretty nervous that are currently driving over that bridge. The condition of the bridge right now, it's okay. Mr. Long stated that yes, they inspect the bridges at a minimum every two years. There is not a bridge in Franklin County his is trying to be proactive before having to close it emergency services or having to close it which restricts everybody then. Commissioner Flannery stated that he believed there is a 15-year plan for our bridges. This includes some of the bridges and are maintaining them to a level so that we will never have an unsafe bridge for the residents of Franklin County. Mr. Long continued that HRG has been working with the county staff to develop that plan, have it in place. goal is to always be proactive, not reactive. Ms. Gray stated that the only thing that could change that would be an accident. Commissioner Horst stated that the bridge there at Loop and Tallow Hill, gets a lot of semis coming across. He then asked how long the engineering process would take. Mr. Long stated that typically with waterway permitting looking at 12 to18 months to get through everything. Commissioner Horst stated with adding another 12 months. Mr. Long stated this should be four to six months start to finish. This will be paid for using available Liquid Fuels Funds. On a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst, the proposal for engineering services was approved. The Board conducted a bid awarding for Sheriff Mid-Size SUV. Ms. Gray introduced Director of Procurement Robin Harmon to present the recommendation for the award. Ms. Harmon stated that unfortunately have great news with their recommendation. After the bids wereopened last week, they were taken back and reviewed. As they went through the details, there were issues with both bids. One was for a vehicle with cloth seats and we had asked for leather, vinyl, or an equivalent becausedefinitely want something wipeable. The other bid had part of it marked confidential accept it because everything that we do has to be public record. Based on that, her recommendation is to find both as non-responsive because requirements of the bid and the plan is to reissue this and provide feedback to the vendors in hope that we get a better outcome next time. Commissioner Flannery asked how bad the need is for this vehicle. Chief Deputy Dan Foy going to hold them up tremendously to rebid. Ms. Harmon continued that they have the rebid pretty much ready to go and on the street within a matter of days. Ms. Gray stated that they checked with the grant funder, who is also okay with the delayed timeline. Commissioner Horst asked if there is an effort to hit some of the local dealers this time. Ms. Harmoncontinued that they are on the list. One thing with this particular vehicle purchase, it does include possible that some dealers are not as equipped for that because everyday typeof thing. She will make sure everyone sees it and double check that get lost with local dealers. Commissioner Horstintroduced Mosquito and Tick-borne disease control specialist Jason Goetz to present the Mosquito 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 stated that it is and he made it very interesting. Commissioner Flannerystated that early on he had written down some questions, but every one of them was answered. The biggest thing is public education. Facebook pages down there becausehe is up here most of the timeand you watch what residents say and when they go out to spray, people go crazy with comments. He believes they use the same product. Mr. Goetzstated Permethrin or some type of Pyrethroid. All the thrins, Althrin, Deltamethrin.Commissioner Flannerycontinued that people argue with each other on yWhat you did to enlighten him and educate him about is the 15-minute rule.Down there thereof frogsand turtleHe asked if that is true or not. Mr. Goetzstatedthat, not as long as they follow the label. You have to stay this far away from a waterway. We follow the label. If they are contracted by the government,or government employees, he highly doubts they are out therekilling fish or turtles. Most of the topicals that you use for your pets are some kind of pyrethroidand some are ingestible. Pyrethroids can be toxic to cats, however, ifyou are using a pyrethroid it will say right on the label, do not use on cats. Spraying one ounce an acrethey are targeting something with wings and legs, not a full During , Commissioner Horst statedhe was notified the end of last week or the beginningof this week, that we lost a lady who has been an important part of the community. Esther Wagner pas Wagner dedicated her life to servingothers and she gave a lot back to the community. There is a lot we can learn from her. She wasvery civic minded and helped out in the voting office being a Judge of Electionsfor over 6 years. She will be missed by her family for sure and he knows We are saddened by her departure but seeing here that she attended church for many years andserved as a Sunday School teacher for over 60 years, we all know where she is at. The Commissioners send out their condolences out to the family. The meeting was adjourned at 7:23p.m. on a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded by Dean A. Horst. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ Dean A. Horst, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery WHEN & WHY DO WE TREAT FOR MOSQUITO LARVAE? Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) Anytime we find larvaeProduct that contains BTI (BTI is a natural bacteria found in the soilToxic to mosquito, black fly, and fungus gnat larvae, nothing else WHEN & WHY DO WE SPRAY FOR ADULT MOSQUITOES? West Nile Virus within mosquito populationsNuisance mosquitoes reaching a certain threshold (excludes tiger mosquitoes) - 4 - WHAT ARE WE SPRAYING? tick prevention for dogs - Permasease 4Active Ingredients: Permethrin and Piperonyl ButoxideSame active ingredients as headlice treatment and fleaandSprayed out at 1 oz per acre LETHAL DOSE Caffeine is more lethal. MYTHS AND MISINFORMATION PER HOUR BATS EAT 1,000 MOSQUITOES AND YOU WILL BE MOSQUITO FREE Oil of citronella and lemon grass: 40%Oil of lemon eucalyptus spray: 60%Deet: 90% JUST PLANT CITRONELLA OR LEMON GRASS mosquitoes per minute effectiveness ALL THE POLLINATORS spectrum MOSQUITO SPRAYING KILLS - Sprays are after sunset to avoid contact with beesSpray only lasts 15 minutes; no residualMosquitoes are also pollinatorsPyrethroids are a broadinsecticide THE MOSQUITO SPRAY IS POISONING THE GARDENS Spray only lasts 15 minutes; no residualDoes not have the ability to stick to anything I’M STILL GETTING BIT, THEY MUST NOT HAVE SPRAYED WHY DON’T YOU SPRAY FOR TICKS? IF THE SPRAY ISN’T HARMFUL, WHY ARE WE ASKED TO STAY INSIDE? ______ ____ _ __ OR PLANE TO SPRAY? WHY DON’T YOU USE A DRONE WHY AREN’T YOU SPRAYING MY PROPERTY? HOW CAN I KEEP YOU FROM SPRAYING MY PROPERTY? ThermacellDeet productsOil of lemon eucalyptus spray Permethrin productsLong sleeves/pantsFanAvoid dusk and dawn WHAT WORKS AGAINST MOSQUITOES