Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-11 Commissioners Minutes WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 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 theday. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. The minutes of the February 4, 2026 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 Kim Wertz. She expressed concerns about Immigration activities, referencing a recent incident in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where ICE's actions traumatized children and led to a standoff. She compared ICE's tactics to those of military units and argued that such actions are inappropriate for law enforcement. Ms. Wertz suggested that the National Guard should handle military aspects and criticized the use of warehouses as detention centers, calling it inhumane. She urged the county commissioners to work with local law enforcement and the state legislature to adopt a resolution making ICE unwelcome in the area and to petition the governor to put the National Guard on alert in case of violence. Next there was public comment from Valery Jordan. She had attended the Chambersburg Borough Council meeting earlier in the week. She expressed concern about ICE activity in the county and insisted that the sheriff publicly report how many people had been picked up through ICE, noting that the sheriff had a memorandum of agreement allowing ICE to retrieve individuals from the county jail. She also mentioned that a restaurant had recently been raided. She explained that the issue was deeply emotional for her, referencing her visits to value. She argued that everyone contributes to society, including the workers being detained. She opposed the idea of a detention center being built in the county, citing concerns about lost tax revenue and rising property taxes. She referenced other municipalities that had taken steps to block similar facilities and said she had been in communication with their officials. Next there was public comment from Herb Dolaway. He asked the commissioners to end them to micromanage the department, but he believed they had the authority and responsibility to act. He explained two main concerns. First, he said ICE activity had created fear and emotional trauma in the community, which he believed would eventually become the worked for the borough for 30 years and had been involved in preparing budgets. From that experience, he said he knew that no department ever received all the funding it felt it needed, and that elected officials were responsible for protecting taxpayers. He expressed doubt that the related work. If such a line item existed, he wanted to see it; if it did not, he argued that any time or manpower spent on ICE matters was emphasized that limited resources meant that every hour spent on ICE issues reduced the ommunity. He concluded by urging the commissioners to use so taxpayer resources would not be used for ICErelated activities. Finally, there was public comment from John Jordan who wanted the commissioners and anyone listening to know that they had just received their mailin ballot information. He explained that last year they received two separate envelopes, but this year both voter applications for their household arrived together in one envelope. He commended the voter registration office for improving the process and noted that combining mailings saved money, especially for households with multiple voters. He thanked the staff for doing a good job and emphasized that county employees deserved more recognition for their efforts. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include: Vouchers in the amount of $1,111,666.32. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Computer Aid, Inc. To renew contract to provide professional consultancy services to Franklin County Children & Youth Services for the State required child welfare management software currently in use. Services will be billed at an hourly rate with the total not to exceed $5,000.00. Approximately 20% of this will be paid by General Fund. Amendment to the service agreement between the County of Franklin and the Law Office of Theresa M. Yaukey, LLC dated January 29, 2025. The provider shall provide legal services as requested by the County of Franklin for the representation of juveniles in the delinquency process for the time period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 at a cost of $67,564.80. This will be paid by the General Fund. 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 February 1, 2026 through February 1, 2027. 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 Agreement between the County of Franklin and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant program, for a performance period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The total approved project budget is $7,300.00. This is an 80/20 grant, Federal share is $5,840.00 and the County share is $1,460.00 to be paid by the General Fund. Proposed grant agreement between Franklin/Fulton Counties and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) establishes the framework for operating the Single County Authority (SCA) for substance use services through June 30, 2030. While the agreement covers a five-year term, funding is provided in increments, starting with an initial award of up to $961,846.50 for January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Under this agreement, the SCA will manage and coordinate all local drug and alcohol programs, including prevention education, treatment across the full continuum of care, case management, recovery support, housing assistance, and overdose prevention. It also oversees provider contracts, rate setting, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Approving this agreement ensures that Franklin/Fulton Counties maintain a centralized system to deliver these critical services efficiently, reduce duplication, and improve access to care for individuals and families affected by substance use. For the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Early Intervention Annual Report of Income and Expenditures. Total FY 23-24 expenditures were $1,651,886.00, and County Share, paid with General Funds, was $151,291.00. The balance of funds, $939.00, will be returned to the state when the report is reconciled and certified. Supplemental appropriation of $75,000.00 to be used to provide budget for Children and Youth for additional Title IV-E revenue received and to increase the corresponding expenditures. This is budget neutral; the increased expenditures are offset by the additional revenue received. Supplemental appropriation of $1,800,000.00 to be used to provide budget for health insurance claims that exceeded budgeted estimates in 2025. The claims were paid with the health insurance fund reserves. Supplemental appropriation of $399,022.00 to be used to provide budget to record new 2025 Leases/Subscription Based IT Agreements in accordance with accounting requirements under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 87/GASB96. This additional appropriation is budget neutral and requires no use of reserves. Supplemental appropriation of $570,000.00 to be used to provide budget to cover payments to retirees and related admin costs that were above the amount originally estimated for 2025. This amount is paid for with Pension Trust Funds. Supplemental appropriation of $60,000.00 due to Hotel Tax revenues that exceeded the budget, the related expenditure budget requires a supplemental appropriation based on year to date and year-end tax collections and related disbursements. This is budget neutral since the revenues offset the expenditures. Supplemental appropriation of $17,400.00 for Hazardous Materials Fund 22 due to greater than budgeted central service, allocated internal service fund costs, and allocated Emergency Management Agency personnel costs supporting the HazMat department. Expenditure increases are partially offset by unbudgeted collections of prior years; Tier II fees and greater than budgeted interest earnings and incident expense reimbursed. The net impact to the General Fund is $4,775.00 in county share. First quarter report for fiscal year 2025-2026 for Children and Youth for quarterly income and expenditures. Expenditures for the 1st quarter totaled $3,729,970.00 resulting in a required County local share totaling $949,046.00. The local County share portion is paid by General Fund. Grant award agreement between the County of Franklin and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to support the need for continued services of the Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County in the amount of $50,000.00. There is no cost to the County. Grant award agreement between the County of Franklin and in the amount of $250,000.00 for the "Franklin County Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program 25-26." There is no cost to the County. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Tyler Technologies to our previous software as a service contract. It removes one of the test environments that we no longer use or need, saving $7,938.00. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Clinton T. Barkdoll, Esq. to provide legal services to the Sheriff for issues arising under the official duties of the elected office at a cost of $19,160.69. This will be paid by General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Andrew J. Benchoff, Esq. for Franklin County Board of Assessment & Revision of Taxes; Legal Advice About and Representation for Tax Office Matters at a cost of $159.50 per hour. This will be paid by the General Fund. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. The Board reviewed the bid opening for Printing of Ballots for 2026. The following bidders submitted a bid: Beidel Printing House from Shippensburg, PA and Single Point Sourcing from McSherrystown, PA. Procurement Director Robin Harmon stated this is for the printing of the ballots for Spring and General elections. Commissioner Flannery asked if this would be a large ballot with it being an off-election year. Elections Director Susan Christophel stated there are 11 races for the primary and six for the general. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked why we would need nonpartisan ballots for the primary. Ms. Christophel stated that if there is a referendum, which is unknown at this time, anyone that is not a Democrat or Republican would vote on the nonpartisan ballot. Commissioner Horst confirmed that in the past the county has used Beidel in the past and asked if it was because of how close they are. Ms. Christophel stated that one reason is because of how close they are to the county but also Ms. Harmon stated that there is a mileage limit in the bid where they have to be physically printed. They have to be close in case there were to be any surprise issues on Election Day that we can deal with those promptly. Commissioner Horst asked when staff would have a recommendation. Ms. Gray confirmed with Ms. Harmon that they can come back in one week with a recommendation. Ms. Gray introduced Planning Director Quentin Clapper and Solicitor Elliott Sulcove to discuss an amendment to the county Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to be supportive of municipalities in addressing data centers. Mr. Clapper stated that staff had been instructed to prepare an ordinance establishing design standards and requirements for data centers, with the goal of creating a model that municipalities without zoning, and those desiring to amend their own SALDO, could also adopt. To do this, they reviewed existing standards in those municipalities and aimed to stay consistent, if not slightly more restrictive, so only minimal adjustments would be needed for local adoption. The ordinance included several standard design elements. It set a maximum building height of 35 feet, based on what emergency services could safely access during fire emergencies. It also established a noise limit, requiring that sound levels not exceed 57 decibels at the property boundary. Commissioner Horst asked how loud 57 decibels are. Mr. Clapper stated it was medium at the property boundary. It would be consistent with other commercial or light industrial use sound levels. Mr. Clapper continued that there had been a recommendation allowing onsite or behindthemeter power generation using natural gas, renewable fuels, or other clean sources. They also stated that datacenter roofs had been required to be solarready, and that onsite solar generation had been required to supply 25% of their energy needs were required at the beginning or what the time frame was to get that completed after the occupancy permit was issued. Mr. Clapper stated it would be required in the plans that would be submitted initially. Mr. Clapper continued that data centers would be required to meet specific buffer and screening standards, including berms, mounds, and varying bufferyard widths based on facility size and distance from sensitive receptors. Larger structures would require larger buffer yards, all of which would need dense landscaping. He explained that an environmental and community impact analysis would be required, covering emergency services, water, sewer, solid waste, budgets, vibration, and ecological impacts. Applicants would also be required either to obtain a utility willserve letter or provide a wateruse impact analysis.Data centers would also be required to use closedloop cooling systems and comply with riparian setbacks and endangeredspecies protections. A decommissioning bond covering the full cost of site decommissioning has been mandated. Solicitor Sulcove pointed out this is an amendment to the existing Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance as a way to best balance to get it before the Board and meet all the goals. Commissioner Flannery was true that the municipalities, townships and boroughs, their zoning trumps anything that the county put out. Mr. Clapper explained that municipalities canoperate under both zoning ordinances and subdivision and landdevelopment ordinances. Ten municipalities lacked zoning, and one lacked a SALDO. Zoning is determined where specific uses were permitted and what standards applied, while SALDOs had set development standards without restricting location. He created uniform standards that any datacenter project would have needed to meet, regardless of location. It had not overridden municipal ordinances; rather, it serves as a backstop if a municipality repealed its own regulations and as a model for local governments to incorporate into their ordinances. Commissioner Flannery then asked Mr. Clapper to further explain a misconception in the public that the Board could state that herefore data centers Mr. Clapper explained that municipalities are required under the state Municipalities Planning Code to allow all lawful uses somewhere within their zoning districts, or within a shared multimunicipal area. Municipalities without zoning had, by default, allowed all uses anywhere, though they had still been able to impose design standards through their subdivision and landdevelopment ordinances. Commissioner Flannery stated that, because municipalities had not been permitted under state law to completely prohibit any industry, the most they and local governments have been able to do through zoning, was to limit where such uses could be located placing them as far from the public as possible. Through SALDO provisions, they had aimed to make the development standards as stringent as legally allowed. Mr. Clapper agreed stating that the goal of sound planning is to balance environmental impacts, community impacts, and economic development. He explained that all related ordinances needed to maintain internal consistency; for example, if other intensive industrial uses had only required a 50foot setback, a data center could not suddenly be required to meet a mileandahalf setback. The standards needed to be reasonable and consistent across uses. setbacks for data centers than for other industrial uses. Mr. Clapper stated that you can, it just has to be within reason. Setback requirements needed to be enforceable and logically tied to the actual impacts of a use. If a use had impacts similar to other permitted uses, it had been expected to have comparable setbacks. If a use had inherently greater environmental or community impacts, a larger setback is justified. Commissioner Ziobrowski then verified if there was a 1,000-foot setback based on information that was received from an expert in terms of the impact in this recommended ordinance. Mr. Sulcove stated that separate sections regarding the size, however, the setbacks are consistent across those are 1,000 feet away from any residential use. Commissioner Horst asked about the definition of sensitive receptors. Mr. Sulcove stated that the term is defined in the ordinance to include schools, preschools, daycare centers, agricultural and conservation lands, healthcare facilities such as hospitals, longtermcare facilities, retirement and nursing homes, community centers, places of worship, campgrounds, prisons, dormitories, and any residence not located on a parcel with an existing industrial, commercial, or otherwise unpermitted use. Commissioner Horst stated that the proposal had met the B wishes and expressed appreciation for the work done to make it possible. He emphasized that the measure had not been countywide zoning but rather the establishment of guardrails for the county. The goal was to be proactive, and he thanked the staff for their efforts. Ms. Gray stated that next steps is for the ordinance be made available for public viewing and comment both up to 60 days. After 60 days comments will be brought back before the board for their consideration of adoption. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to post the draft ordnance for up to 60 days for the public to review in the Commissioners office and also online for comment. Ms. Gray introduced Class of 2025 Leadership Development Program graduates Leslie Bowers and Jennifer Courtney to present the Leadership Development Project for Rent vs. Own. Their presentation is attached and made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Horst stated this was very informative and timely. Commissioner Flannery asked what their recommendation was for the county to rent vs. own. Ms. Bowers stated that ultimately it is the Boards decision and for Mr. Sulcovewho reviews the leases agreements. Commissioner Flannery stated that they verified that it really does depend on the circumstances and situation as to which is better. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that even after 30 years as a commercial and residential real estate appraiser, they explained things that he never had to deal with. Ms. Gray concluded with hether you rent or buy, you Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer presented the Employee of the Month for January. The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR (Special Thanks And Recognition) committee proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Carrie Gray who has been employed with Franklin County since March of 2009. She currently serves as the Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were 21 nominations, four of which were for Ms. Gray. Ms. Bloyer read the nomination forms which are attached to these minutes. Ms. Gray said she felt honored and humbled to receive the award and noted that standing at the podium gave her a new appreciation for those who had spoken before her. She thanked the Star Committee for recognizing excellence within the organization and expressed gratitude to the County Commissioners for the trust they placed in her as the County Administrator. She acknowledged those who had nominated her and reflected on lessons from her predecessor, John Hart, who reminded staff that their work was larger than any one person and encouraged resilience. She emphasized that the real credit belonged to the dedicated county team who handled difficult calls, solved complex problems, managed budgets, maintained facilities, protected public safety, and delivered essential services with compassion. She accepted the award on their behalf and closed by expressing sincere appreciation for the honor.Commissioner Horst edhow much learned from Ms. Grayabout leadership and county government over the past two years, praising herability to lead effectively while stayingcalm and personable, and thank herfor everything shedoesfor the commissioners and the county.Commissioner Flanneryrecalled attending a function about seven years earlier, when his campaign manager, Chris Ardinger, pushed him to show up at every event. He remembered seeing Ms. Gray sitting with past and current commissioners and sensed she might have been unsure about what to expect from him. said he had never connected with anyone as closely as he had with Ms. Grayduring histime working together. He explained that she understood him, could read him well, and that he loved working with her. He added that her highlevel performance was expected and that, in his view, she deserved to be employee of the month every month.Commissioner Ziobrowskiexplained that three people in the room, Deputy Controller Etta Rodz, Finance Director Theresa Beckner, and himself, had been there before she arrived. He recalled that when she started 17 years earlier, she worked in Grants. He noted that whatever tasks she was given, she always completed them on time and consistently delivered more than what was asked. He said her predecessor, John Hart, recognized her abilities and promoted her to assistant administrator, which was a significant leap. He reflected on howdifferent their personalities were, Mr. Hart , while his 17 years working with her and that she always gave him everything he asked for and more. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15a.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 *May be assisted by Copilot Bid List Printing of Ballots Bids accepted until: 4:00 PMBid Opening: 10:00 AM Tuesday, 2/10/2026 Wednesday, 2/11/2026 Amount 1.Beidel Printing House Official one sided DEM Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 13,359.00 Shippensburg, PA Official one sided REP Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 19,929.00 Official one-sided NONP Ballots$ 12,410.00 Official two sided NOV Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 25,988.00 Official Specimens Primary election (Cost per precinct for ea. election)$ - Official Specimens NOV election (Cost per precinct for ea. election)$ - Cost per 250 pcs. Of 8 1/2 x 14 Count Right Ballot stock$ 17.75 Official one sided DEM Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 4,969.84 2.Single Point Source McSherrystown, PA Official one sided REP Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 12,586.66 Official one-sided NONP Ballots$ 3,741.25 Official two sided NOV Ballots (Cost per precinct)$ 19,933.38 Official Specimens Primary election (Cost per precinct for ea. election)$ 547.50 Official Specimens NOV election (Cost per precinct for ea. election)$ 273.75 Cost per 250 pcs. Of 8 1/2 x 14 Count Right Ballot stock$ 12.50 Official one sided DEM Ballots (Cost per precinct) 3. Official one sided REP Ballots (Cost per precinct) Official one-sided NONP Ballots Official two sided NOV Ballots (Cost per precinct) Official Specimens Primary election (Cost per precinct for ea. election) Official Specimens NOV election (Cost per precinct for ea. election) Cost per 250 pcs. Of 8 1/2 x 14 Count Right Ballot stock FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Dean A. Horst, Chairman STAR COMMITTEE John T. Flannery 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 February 4, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Carrie Gray. Ms. Gray has been employed with Franklin County since March of 2009. She currently serves as the County Administrator¨­ ³§¤ #®¬¬¨²²¨®­¤±Ȍ² /¥¥¨¢¤ȁ 4§¤ ²¤«¤¢³¨®­ ¥®± ³§¤ * ­´ ±¸ ΑΏΑΕ %¬¯«®¸¤¤ ®¥ ³§¤ -®­³§ ¶ ² determined by the STAR Committee. There were twenty-onenominations, four of which were for Carrie. The STAR nomination form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Carrie and the answer stated: Carrie is an amazing leader who leads by example every single day. She approaches her work with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. No matter the situation, she is always willing to step in, solve problems, and provide guidance, ensuring that employees have the resources and support they need. Her door is always open, and she takes the time to listen, offer thoughtful solutions, and follow through. Although it may seem odd to nominate the County Administrator for this award, Carrie doesn't get enough credit for the long hours she puts in, the hard decisions she must make or the negative feedback and criticism she so often receives, both internally from employees and externally from members of the community. Carrie has a very difficult job of doing what is best for county operations, for county employees and the ¢®´­³¸͒² ȡ ±¤ ««¸Ǿ ³§¤ ³ ·¯ ¸¤±²Ȍ ¡®³³®¬ «¨­¤Ǿ  «« ¶¨³§¨­ ³§¤ «¤¦ « ¯ ± ¬¤³¤±²  ­£ ©´±¨²£¨¢³¨®­ ®¥ ¢®´­³¸ government. Achieving the best for all three of those categories at the same time doesn't always align or work out, and that can be a heavy burden to bear. Carrie has skillfully assisted in navigating multiple large-scale and high-impact decisions. Throughout these situations, she has remained calm, thoughtful, and solution-focused, providing steady guidance and clarity when it mattered most. Her ability to assess complex issues and balance competing priorities is unlike anyone I know. Her deep knowledge and strong leadership skills make her an invaluable member of Franklin County Government. She leads by example, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where team ¬¤¬¡¤±² ¥¤¤« µ «´¤£  ­£ ¤¬¯®¶¤±¤£ȁ # ±±¨¤Ȍ² ¤·¯¤±³¨²¤ § ² ¡¤¤­ ¨­²³±´¬¤­³ « ¨­ ¦´¨£¨­¦ ¢®¬¯«¤· ¯±®©¤¢³² and providing solutions that drive success. Her ability to combine technical skills with genuine care for colleagues has strengthened collaboration and improved overall team performance. -²ȁ '± ¸Ȍ² ®´³²³ ­£¨­¦ ¢§ ± ¢³¤±¨²³¨¢²  ±¤  ³³±¨¡´³¤² ³§ ³ § µ¤ ­®³ ¦®­¤ ´­­®³¨¢¤£ ¡¸ §¤± ¯¤¤±²ȁ 4§®²¤ ¶§® work alongside Carrie used numerous positive words to describe her. These included strong leadership, listening, thoughtful, skillful, solution-focused, calm, knowledgeable and technical skills. We are so grateful to Ms. Gray as she exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership and excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County. Sincerely, 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 STAR COMMITTEE John T. Flannery 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 The STAR Committee TLB/EN cc: Personnel File; Admin Officer Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474 Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156 Website: www.franklincountypa.gov