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Home My WebLink About2025-09-03 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, September 3, 2025 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst, John T. Flannery 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. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the August 27, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the minutes. There was public comment from Valerie Jordan about putting solar panels at the county Jail. Ms. Jordan also suggested that the county install electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved all consent agenda items to include: All bills presented and ordered paid in the amount of $97,314.99. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and support the need for continued services to Franklin County child abuse victims along with supporting the growth of services. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to enhance Crisis Intervention Team training through refresher trainings and a customized train-the-trainer program for trauma informed care. In addition, funding will be used to provide three two-day workshop trainings for our local and surrounding communities' 911 telecommunicators with a program called Deadly Calls and Fatal Encounters through the FY 2024 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program funds in the amount of $184,475.00. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. Ms. Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. The Board considered awarding the bid for the Department of Emergency Services Uninterruptible Power Supply. Ms. Gray introduced Procurement Director Robin Harmon to present the recommendation for the award. Ms. Harmon stated that last week we received three bids, and the lowest bid was from ORE Power LLC at $24,673.25 and after review was found to be responsive. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the bid award. Ms. Gray then reviewed the tax appeals individually that were discussed last week in executive session. First was Atramento Properties, LLC. This is a location in Chambersburg Borough.This appeal by the school district results in a total refund of $6,009.15 in credit, or about $1,200 a year, from 2022-2026. Next is Letterkenny Federal Credit Union N/K/A Patriot Federal Credit Union also in Chambersburg Borough. The appeal covers 2025 and was on appeal by the taxpayer due to a disputed assessment value and would result in a refund of $5,936.40. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that they were briefed by the solicitor last week during executive session and his understanding is that all other tax authorities have come to an agreement on these and he finds nothing unreasonable in the settlements as presented. Voting as a block, on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the settlements. The Board reviewed Proclamation #2025-19 for the purpose of proclaiming the month of September as Recovery Month. Ms. Gray introduced Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROCS) Specialist Joey Bailey & Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Administrator James Eagler. Mr. Bailey first thanked the Commissioners for declaring September National Recovery Month and highlighted different events happening every Saturday throughout the county in the month of September. restoring families and communities. He thanked the Commissioners for all their support over the years to help individuals take the first step towards recovery. Commissioner Horst thanked them for the amazing work that they do and to get the word out to those individuals who may be thinking or on the fence. To give them that extra little nudge goes a long way. Commissioner Flannery said what they do touches a lot of lives. He did have a question about the events. The people in attendance, some are in recovery, but is there information for those that want to come out and are looking to start a recovery process? Mr. Bailey statedthat each event will have specific providers for individuals looking to get into treatment immediately, some can leave the events and go straight to treatment. Those who are on the fence benefits from being around individuals who are in recovery. They might say no today but maybe tomorrow they will say yes to treatment and recovery. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated not only is their work important to those individuals who are having their lives turned around and saved, but its fiscally very sound. There are a number of individuals in the county jail that have substance abuse problems and recovery events and supports can help them get clean and stay out of jail. Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation and it was made a part of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the proclamation. The Commissioners presented a check to Kristy Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator,and Sierra Snider, Counselor, of Women In Neen (WIN) for the employee dress down fundraiser that was held in August. Keri Kenney, HR Coordinator, said this was the first time the county has supported them in a monthly cause. WIN Victim Services has proudly provided services to domestic and sexual violence victims, and their significant others, since 1976, in Franklin and Fulton Counties. All of their services are free and confidential to victims of domestic and sexual violence and to the significant others of victims. WIN Victim Services serves approximately 1,700 victims and or significant others per year. They assist victims and their significant others by helping them to understand violence as it occurs, not only in the context of their own lives, but also how societal conditions and attitudes affect violence in the home. We raised $665.00 from a total of 129 employees from 24 different departments. She thanked everyone for their continued support. Ms. Snider stated that in their nonprofit world any donation is helpful, and this donation is going to go toward supporting and assisting their survivors. Commissioner Horst thankedWIN for what they do for our community, and it is an important part of helping people get out of bad situations. Commissioner Flannery first thanked Ms. Kenney and the county employees. He stated that something that struck him was when she said victims and survivors. Survivors puts it into perspective the abuse that can and does occur. He thanked them for all the work that they do and said that it is much needed and appreciated. Commissioner Ziobrowskistated that,for survivors,they are the only port in the storm andtruly angels for women and their children that have been abused. Ms. Gray introduced Director Josh Curry whopresented the services and staff ofthe Veterans Affairs Department in ordertokeep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trendsandtopics of interest. His presentation was made a part of these minutes.Commissioner Horststated that Mr. Curry was the man for the job after seeing the numbers and hearing the presentation. He is sure there are a lot of veterans out there whocan say the same thing,and he knows that some of the vets that he has spoken with say they always get great service when they come in and that speaks highly of him and his team.Commissioner Horst thanked them for all that they are doing. Mr. Curry thanked his team for coming in every day and working hard to help vets. Commissioner Horst then asked about Military Share and how a military family can apply for it. Mr. Curry stated that they can come down to the office or give them a call. There is a small applicationto fill out. They will needa copy oftheir drivers licenseanda DD214.Commissioner Horst confirmedthat there is no income verificationfor this.Commissioner Flanneryagreed with Commissioner Horstthat he was doing an outstanding job and really appreciated the efforts. He asked about his statement at the beginning know that they were located on Franklin Farm Lane. He asked how they are trying to reach those that may not have Facebook month they have several events that they will attending, including out at Letterkenny Army Depoton September18th. He wants to connect with Reserve National Guard units, even though some of their service qualify for benefits,there are people with previous deployments and DD214s for active service whowill.Healsoasked what can be offeredto homeless veterans? He knows that the Veteranhome is in Hollidaysburg, but if someone is directed to the Veteran Affairs office whois homeless are there things that they can offer?Is there something they can do besides just benefits?Mr. Curry stated that they try to connect them withlocal resources. He continued that there was recently a homeless veteran whocame to receive housing assistance. Generally,theytry to connect them to the County servicesto be able to get those things in place. He had one veteran come in within his first month working for the County that stated he had no desire to find housing thathe was happy with where he was. He just wanted to check on his claim.Hedoes try to help them and direct them to other services available such as 211. Even if the veteran is having an issue with the VA, they will sit in the office and call them with the veteran and get to the person that they need to talk with to get their questions ans,he will direct them to who he believes will have the solution. The meeting was adjourned at 10:57a.m.on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ Dean A. Horst, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski 4:30pm 4326 - 263 - Friday, 8:30am : 717 VETERANS AFFAIRS 425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA Franklin County Veterans Affairs is dedicated to Monday Mission: serving the needs of area veterans and their families through benefit coordination, outreach and advocacy.Location: (Human Services Building)Phone NumberHours: 425 Franklin Farm Lane Director Veteran VETERANS AFFAIRS Office Joshua Curry Stephen Grace Veteran Service OfficerTracy Burk Service OfficerTabitha Newlin Administrative Assistant II VETERANS AFFAIRS Veteran Service Officers (VSO) are accredited through the PA Dept. of Military and Veteran Affairs. Information on federal, state, county benefits and resources. File benefit applications for disability, pension and assistance claims. Manage the claims process from initiation and beyond VA decisions. Connect veterans with other county resources.Veteran and Community Outreach initiatives / events. Key Office Functions: Level Reviews - VETERANS AFFAIRS Disability Compensation and Supplemental ClaimsPension / Survivor PensionDependency and Indemnity CompensationAppeals and HigherMilitary Record RequestsAssistance with VA Healthcare EnrollmentEducation Benefit Application/Guidance Common Federal Benefit Applications Dollars 14.82%15.53%15.18%13.82%13.96%13.49%12.71% % Difference of Claim $ 2,337,714 $ 2,744,440 $ 2,357,995 $ 2,791,510 $ 2,400,100 $ 2,829,473 $ 2,439,247 $ 2,830,454 $ 2,462,986 $ 2,862,442 $ 2,499,716 $ 2,889,417 $ 2,547,075 $ 2,917,908 Sum of Dollar Amount 9.83%9.78%9.18%8.10%8.27%7.42%7.00% % Difference of Claims 1,248 1,384 1,255 1,391 1,276 1,405 1,293 1,407 1,297 1,414 1,310 1,415 1,328 1,428 VETERAN AFFAIRS Sum of Count of Claims 2425 24252425 2425 24252425 2425 -- ---- ------ -- JulJul JanJan AprAprJunJun FebFeb MarMar MayMay Month/Year VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Temporary Assistance Blind Veterans PensionAmputee and Paralyzed Veterans PensionEducational GratuityPA Veteran Homes State Benefits Wednesdays to $50 toward the - time veteran - $100 towards funeral / burial of - Veterans Transport VETERANS AFFAIRS Burial Allowance honorably discharged war Headstone/Marker Allowance installation of a federal issued headstone / marker Grave Flags/ Flag Holder Markersrabbittransit Hagerstown Vet Clinic and Martinsburg VA Hospital County Benefits - a - May 7, 1975 - December 7, 1941 June 27, 1950 August 2, 1990 August 5, 1964 February 28, 1961 for veterans August 5, 1964 December 31, 1946 World War II:-Korean War: January 31, 1955 Vietnam War: Gulf War: date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation May 9, VETERANS AFFAIRS November 11, 1918; April 1, 1920; -- : April 5, 1917 - For veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.April 6, 1917 For veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917 Extended through July 1, 1921 for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918. Mexican Border Period: 1916 World War I Franklin County Therapeutic Riding Center Central Pennsylvania Food Bank - - VETERANS AFFAIRS Rucks to Reins Military ShareFocus PhotographyWe Support You ScholarshipRetirement application, ID.me setup, veteran discounts, housing assistance, employment, apportionments, veteran focused scholarship opportunities, reduced/free vehicle registration, completing additional VA forms for other Outreach Miscellaneous Requests: - affairs/ - outreach - services/affairs -- VETERANS AFFAIRS www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/veteranswww.franklincountypa.gov/veteranswww.franklincountypa.gov/veteransefforts/www.facebook.com/FranklinCountyPAVeteransAffairs Frankin County VA webpageVeterans ServicesVeterans OutreachFacebook