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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-29 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, July 29, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, July 29, 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 the day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was public commen t from Valer ie Jordan who stated that she had recently learned the County intended to conduct a forensic audit on Washington Township [Tax Collector], noting her understanding that the cost would be approximately $30,000.00. She then discussed concerns she had heard from senior citizens throughout the County. She detailed feedback from seniors she regularly interacted with as part of her daily routine. Ms. Jordan acknowledged that the County was under a three-year lease at the new Chambersburg Senior Center but requested th a t the Commissioners ensure that, at the conclusion of that lease, staff begin planning for a more suitable space for Chambersburg seniors and for the Office on Aging. She then stated that she asked her husband, a former public official in New Jersey, to review the agenda, and they both concluded that the items reflected pay increases and new positions. Austin McDan nell spoke next, representing approximately 300 members of the De f lock Franklin County group, addressed the Board regarding Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), Flock Sa fety systems, Axon systems, and related surveillance technologies. Mr. McDannell stated th at these camera systems constituted what he believed to be a violation of the Fourth Amendment protections a gainst unreasonable searches and seizures. Mr. McDannell referenced U.S. Supreme Court decisions, noting that the Court had determined that dragnet searches and certain forms of third-party stored location data were subject to warrant requirements. Mr. McDannell expressed concern that ALPR and related surveillance systems the use of trust structures and LLCs to obscure business addresses. Mr. McDannell stated the company had previously provided unauthorized camera access without consulting local leadership or police departments a nd asserted that the continued to expand. Mr. McDa nn el l noted that gunsh o t detection devices, referred to as Ravens, were now capable of detecting and recording human conversations. He state d that ALPR systems captured not only license plates but also vehicle make, model, color, bumper stickers, scratches, dents, and even items visible through vehicle windows. Mr. McDannell added that Flock Safety had announced plans to implement 24/7 live video feeds and potentially collect radio-frequency signatures such as Bluetooth. Wi-Fi, and LTE identifiers. Mr. McDannell referenced examples of major surveillance systems, including those in Atlanta, Georgia and stated that despite the large number of cameras, crime rates there remained above the national average. He asserted that ALPR systems may aid in investigations but did not prevent or reduce crime rates. Mr. McDannell cited previous data breaches involving other companies, including Verkada and Park Mobile, in which large quantities of personal data were exposed. He stated that if someone gained access to ALR databases, they could track individuals nationwide, as Flock Safety systems are interconnected across jurisdictions. Mr. McDannell concluded by expressing concern that widespread surveillance practices resembled those used in foreign authoritarian systems. His comments ended with a quotation attribu ted to Edward Snowden regarding the importance of privacy rights. Chief Deputy Daniel Foy commented about Flock Safety and Automated License Plate Readers from a law-enforcement perspective. He explained that ALPRs were stationary cameras positioned to capture license plates for vehicles passing a fixed point. He stated that these systems alerted law enforcement through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for categories such as missing persons, wanted individuals, stolen v ehicles, Silver Alerts, Amber Alerts, and other classifications maintained within NCIC. Chief Deputy Foy clarified that ALPR technology did not violate the Fourth Amendment, noting that referenced case law pertained to cellular data and geof e nce warrants rather than license plate readers. He stated th at there was no Pennsylvania Supreme or Superior Court ruling indicating that ALPR use constituted a Fourth A mendment violation. He emphasized the efficiency of the system, explaining that monitoring camera alerts allowed deputies to respond immediately to missing or endangered individuals. Over the past 12 months, nine missing or endangered persons, including two ju veniles, had been located and safely returned to their families. He also reported significant recoveries related to organized retail theft activity, noting more tha n $75,000.00 in stolen property was retrieved, with some cases escalating into serious incidents such as the police shooting in Gr eencastle that began as a retail theft. Chief Deputy Foy stated that ALPRs had been instrumental in major criminal investigations, including homicides, hit-an d-run incidents, organized r etail theft, human trafficking, and other felony cases. He noted that the county had experienced its highest number of homicide s within the past 12 months and the ALPR information had enabled rapid identification and apprehension of suspects. He ref erenced a recent homicide in which Flock camera data alerted law enforcement to the vehicle involved, preventing wasted efforts searching areas where the vehicle was not present. He discussed privacy and accountability measurers, stating t hat all AL PR searches were logged and audited. Users were required to enter a case number and reason for each search and supervisory review ensured compliance. Unauthorized u s e was prohibited by both policy and law, and violators would be held accountable and charged when appropriate. Chief Deputy Foy addressed comments that ALPRs did not reduce crime rates. He stated that while overall crime might not decrease, arrests increased because more offenders were identified through the system. He noted that statistics could be interpreted in many ways.He stated that ALPRs had been a valuable technology as a significant asset within Franklin County. Chief Deputy Foy then expresse d concern regarding social media posts made by individuals within the D e f lock Franklin County group. He stated that while he supported free speech, he did not support the promotion of Walker Road vandalized. He added that another recent incident,currently under investigation, could have been handled more safely had the Walker Road camera not been vandalized. He stated responsible and intended to pursue prosecution to the fullest extent. Ms. Jordan addressed the Board a second time and stated that she did not know how many Flock cameras were currently in the county but intended to begin observing them. She noted that she had previously expressed to Pat Ryan her objection to the idea that these cameras could be used to track or chase protesters, emphasizing that county residents were entitled to protest peacefully. She added that if individuals des troyed property in Chambersburg or elsewhere, they should be prosecuted accordingly. Ms. Jordan stated that although she knew some residents opposed the cameras, she herself did not hold an opinion on their use, explaining that she would never destroy public property. She noted that neither she nor her husband had ever engaged in such activity. She express ed concern that law enforcement perceived to have committed a crime might subsequently sue the County. Ms. Jordan referenced the 30 day data retention window for Flock camera information and expressed concern about being recorded on those cameras. She stated that she did not wish to be Tim Bentley spoke regarding Flock Safety and the use of ALPR cameras in Franklin County. He stated that many residents might be unfamiliar with Flock Safety.. He described the system as a network of ALPR cameras operating through an artificial intelligence platform, noting that such surveillance companies justified their use by promising a safer tomorrow. He asserted, however, that statistical trends showed society was living in one of the safest eras and stated that the c ameras were not wanted or needed. justification that ALPRs assisted in locating missing children and stolen vehicles. He cited statistics indicating that Chambersburg experienced 19 vehicle thefts in 2025 and noted that most child abduction cases involved family members. He questioned whether such statistics justified broad surveillance measures. He provided an explanation of geofencing, describing it as technology using GPS, Wi Fi, cellular data, or Bluetooth to create location based boundaries that trigger alerts or data logging. He stated that while geofencing was legal for commercial purposes, its use by law enforcement was subject to constitutional limits. He then contrasted geofencing with ALPR technology, noting that geofencing tracked cell devices while ALPR relied on camera captured license plates. He asserted that the distinction was largely technical and found to violate Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Mr. Bentley stated that 95 cities had rejected ALPR technology and expressed hope that Chambersburg would join them. He thanked the Board for hearing his comments. Kim Wertz shar ed her personal experiences participating in ride alongs with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Chambersburg Police Department, Carlisle Police Based on those exp eriences, s he stated that all equipment carried by officers was essential for both officer safety and public safety. Sh e added that if local agencies could not immediately access camera information, state police could be notified to assist in locating vehicles. Sh e emphasized that appropriate equipment helped ensure that arrests were handled properly and remained legally sound. Chris Ardinger, Antrim Township Administrator, stated that the township had partnered that the systems had been effective with no issues. The representative expressed confidence in Sheriff Sites and Chief Dupety Foy and the troopers and noted that a text alert on Saturday led to recovery of a stolen vehicle that culminated in a foot pursuit. He added that a Mennonite resident had unknowingly assisted with a tire change for the wanted individuals. Mr. Ardinger characterized the cameras as a godsend and a great tool. Mr. Ardinger stated that the primary reason for appearing was to thank DES Director Mary K. Seville and the Department of Emergency Services team, noting that M s. Seville would be leaving County service. He recounted that DES had recently handled programming of township radios and, despite workload concerns, returned the radios within one week and consistently answered calls. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that the Board would welcome placing the topic of Flock Safety cameras on a future agenda in order to have a full discussion. He emphasized that the issue was not partisan and noted that he holds a degree of ambivalence about the subject. He acknowledged that Mr. McDannell, Mr. Bentley, and Chief Deputy Foy had each presented meaningful points during public comment. He offered a comparison to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), noting that HIPAA had effectively protected personal information and included criminal penalties for violations. He stated that similar protections, or guardrails, might be appropriate for information collected through Flock cameras. Commissioner Ziobrowski added that he had heard anecdotal reports of information being used inappropriately and reiterated his support for a full public discussion on the matter. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include: Minutes from July 22, 2026 Vouchers in the amount of $2,741,967.93 Agreement between the County of Franklin and Bethany Christian Services of Western Pennsylvania for placement services for Children and Youth Services. Provides multiple levels of foster care at an average rate of $75.00 per day. Funding is 80% state with a 20% required match from the General Fund. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and the County of Berks to extend the contract for juvenile detention beds for one year with all other terms of the contract remaining the same. Funding is 50% state with a required 50% county match from the General Fund. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Darren Gavin 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 July 1, 2026 through June 30, 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. Partic ipants 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 Nick and Diane Helman for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord- covered utilities at a cost of $11,100.00 for the period of September 1, 2026 through J uly 31, 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. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Rodney C. Mose and Cindee L. Moss 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 September 1, 2026 through August 31, 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 supportiv e services and case management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from the HUD grant. Supplemental appropriation of $175,000.00 needed to increase the calendar 2026 budget for Human Services Block Grant funds transferred to the Homeless Assistance Program during fiscal year 2025-2026, and to increase the corresponding expenditures. This is budget neutral, the increased expenditures are offset by the additional revenue received. There is no county match. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Modern Group Limited for three years maintenance and emergency service for seven county generators at a cost of $23,855.00. This will be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and United Power Systems, Inc. for the Preventive Maintenance for all of Franklin County's UPS Systems with a 3-year contract at a cost of $19,200.00. 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. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery, the Board approved a q uote between the County of Franklin and Wantz Chevrolet to provide a new vehicle with all equipment that is needed installed and delivered at a cost of $57,054.49. This will be paid by Department of Homeland Security Equipment Stipend Voting as a block o n a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery, the Board approved the reappointment of Dr. Irakli Mania and the appointment of Rebecca Troutman to the Franklin/Fulton County Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention Advisory Board for a three (3) year term of July 2026 through July 2029. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery, the Board approved the appointment of Jacob Stoner as acting Franklin County Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC), effective July 29, 2026. Commissioner Horst stated that based on what he knew ab o ut Mr. Stoner, he performed excellent work at the Department of Emergency Services and would do a fine job in the additional role being assigned. He noted that Mr. Stoner already had significant responsibilities but expressed appreciation for hi s willingness to step up and take on the added duties. Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer presented the Employee of the Month for June. The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR (Special Thanks And Recognition) Committee proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Brandi Stevens. Ms. Stevens has been employed with Franklin County since Ma rch of 1994. She currently serves as a Tax Assessment Specialist III in the Tax Office. The selection for the July 2026 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were 17 nominations, eight of which were for Ms. Stevens. Ms. Stevens expressed appreciation for the recognition she had received, stating that the honor was unexpected but deeply appreciated. She thanked the committee responsible for the program and emphasized that she could not perform her job effectively without the suppo rt of her team. She noted that her office consisted of outstanding employees and added that the County as a whole had many dedicated staff members. She stated . Commissioner Horst congratulated Ms. Stevens and stated that he could not express the sentiment any better than her teammates had already done. He thanked her for her years of service, noting that he calculated her tenure to be approximately 32 years, which he described as outstanding. Commissioner Flannery congratulated her. He noted that when Ms. Bloyer presented employees for recognition, the themes consistently centered around teamwork, trust, and cooperation, with teamwork being particularly empha sized. He remarked that maintaining a positive attitude was important, noting humorously that he did not always exhibit one, as Commissioner Horst could attest. He stated that the recognition was well deserved, thanked Ms. Stevens for her service, and expressed hope that she would remain with the County for the foreseeable future. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that in his previous career as a real estate appraiser, he had interacted frequently with the Assessment Office when Ms. Stevens first joined the County in 1994. He noted that, as a client, he had always been impressed by her thoroughness and her positive personality. He expressed that he was delighted, 32 years later, to work alongside her as part of the County team and thanked her for her continued service. Next, Ms. Gray introduced Fiscal Director Janelle Friese to provide a fiscal update to the May minutes. Commissioner Flannery asked if the County was doing okay. Ms. Friese replied that the County was in good shape regarding the 2026 budget. The Board met with Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer and Chief Deputy Controller Etta Rotz for Salary Board Matters. Also, in attendance was President Judge Shawn Meyers, Court Administrator Re bekah Reigner, Children and Youth Director Minnie Goshorn, County Administrator Carrie Gray, and Human Services Administrator Tawyna Hurley. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. Voting as a block o n a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously approved the job description s for Domestic Relations Conference Officer Supervisor, Courts Executive Judicial Assistant, HR Benefits Manager, HR Benefits Specialist., HR Specialist - Organizational Development, HR Manager - Recruitment, HR Recruitment Specialist, Payroll and HRIS Manager, and Risk Manager. During New Business, Commissioner Horst reminded everyone that next meeting will be on Thursday August 6th d ue to a scheduling conflict. He then noted that, Horst offered personal thanks, stating that Ms. Seville had poured her heart and soul into the Department of Emergency Services, and that her dedication was sincerely appreciated. He extended blessings and well wishes as she entered the next phase of her career, remarking that her new opportunity was close to home and expressing confidence that she would enjoy it. Commissioner Horst concluded by wishing her continued blessings moving forward in life. Commissioner Flannery stated that Ms. Seville would be greatly missed and offered her good luck as she moved into the next stage of her career. He noted that she had his cell phone number if she wished to stay in touch, remarking that she was welcome to text him during the season and that they might meet up at a game later in the year. Commissioner Ziobrowski thanked Ms. Seville. The meeting was adjourned at 1 2:27 p.m. o n 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 FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Dean A. Horst, Chairman STAR COMMITTEE John T. Flannery Special Thanks And Recognition Committee Robert G. Ziobrowski 272 North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201 Tiffany Bloyer, HR Director Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156 July 29, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners, on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Brandi Stevens. Ms. Stevens has been employed with Frankl in County since March of 1994. She currently serves as a Tax Assessement Specialist III in the Tax Office. The selection for the July 202 6 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were s eventeen nominations, eight of which w ere for Brandi. The STAR nomination form asks what recent event(s) or occurrence made you select Brandi and the answer stated: “I wanted to nominate Brandi Stevens for employee of the month. Brandi is truly one of the nicest coworkers I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and I feel fortunate every day to have her as part of our team. She consistently brings an upbeat, posi tive attitude into the office, creating an atmosphere that makes even the most stressful days feel a little lighter. No matter how busy she is with her own workload, she is always willing to help others without hesitation. Her ability to balance her respon sibilities while still being available to support her coworkers is something I greatly admire.” “A supportive workplace environment is built on the foundation of teamwork, encouragement, and a willingness to assist others. In many professional settings, the most effective team members are those who manage numerous responsibilities yet remain approacha ble, steady, and willing to lend a hand when needed. Their ability to balance multiple tasks while still creating space for others fosters a culture of trust and cooperation.” Another coworker highlighted how, “Brandi Stevens is an individual who consistently contributes in many meaningful ways within the office environment. Her day-to-day involvement reaches across several important functions that help maintain stability and efficiency. Brandi regularly supports employees who are new or transitioning into new responsibilities, offering guidance that helps them feel more confident and prepared. In addition to this, she routinely monitors and assists with system-related needs, ensuring that essential processes continue to operate smoothly so work can move forward without unnecessary interruptions.” “Her commitment goes far beyond day-to-day tasks. Brandi consistently arrives early when needed and stays late without a single complaint, demonstrating a level of reliability that is rare and deeply appreciated. She understands the importance of being present, dependable, and fully engaged, an d she brings that mindset to every shift. With thirty-two years of experience in her field, Brandi’s knowledge is unmatched. She is a trusted resource for both new and seasoned employees, and her expertise has become a cornerstone of our department’s success. Whether she is troubleshooting a complex issue or mentoring someone who is still learning, she approaches every situation with patience and confidence.” 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 Special Thanks And Recognition Committee Robert G. Ziobrowski 272 North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201 Tiffany Bloyer, HR Director Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156 It was pointed out by a colleague that, “when a coworker left and the position remained vacant for an extended period, she willingly stepped in to take on additional duties without hesitation. Despite the increased workload, she continued to manage her existing responsibilities with efficiency and at tention to detail, ensuring that the department’s operations remained steady and uninterrupted.” “Over the past three years, Brandi has also taken on a significant leadership role in managing the daily workflow of the front office. She maintains direction, prioritizes tasks effectively, and ensures deadlines are met without compromising accuracy or qua lity. Her peers greatly respect her for her willingness to share her extensive knowledge, her thorough approach to training, and her patience in answering questions.” S he has, “exceptional training skills, unwavering patience, and genuine kindness makes Brandi an invaluable part of our team.” She “has become an irreplaceable asset to her department and to the county. She brings a level of consistency and reliability that gives everyone around her confidence. Her work ethic, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the department make her truly deserving of this recognition.” We are so grateful to Ms. Stevens as she exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership and excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County. Sincerely, 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