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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-12 Commissioner MinutesWEDNESDAY, August 12, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, August 12, 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 John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was public comment from Valerie Jordan who reviewed the S and emphasized that the sheriff had significant duties that she intended to address the matter also asked the Commissioners whether they owned two deteriorating buildings on Second Street and inquired about any plans to demolish or rehabilitate them, as well as the potential purpose of such rehabilitation. She then raised concerns about a possible county wide reassessment, expressing her belief that it would be difficult to carry out due to issues in the county, including crime and homelessness. She recalled that reassessment had previously been discussed, i ncluding by Allen Coffman, but believed too much time had passed, referencing 196 1 as the last reassessment year. She concluded by stating that the cu rrent conditions, particularly increasing homelessness in Chambersburg, made reassessment inadvisable at this time. On a motion by John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include: Minutes from August 6, 2026. Vouchers in the amount of $1,332,813.73. Engagement letter with Crowe LLP for cyber security consulting service. Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, as counsel to the client, Franklin County, will direct Crowe LLP to provide computer and network forensics to the client in the amount of $11,800.0 0. This will be paid by the General Fund. Federal award agreement from the FY 2024-25 Continuum of Care N otice of Funding Opportunity between the County of Franklin and US Dept of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $454,869.00 for the continuation of the county's Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which provides housing for up to 33 chronically homeless, adult-only households. Project Modification Request for the existing Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Vivitrol grant provides medication assisted treatment services utilizing long-acting, non-addictive injectable medication to individuals incarcerated at the Fran klin County Jail who meet criteria for alcohol and/or opiate use disorder. Requesting a one-year extension to utilize the approximately $50,000.00 balance of funds. This grant requires no cost to the County. Engagement letter with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC to provide legal counsel and services to Franklin County for cyber security consultation at an hourly rate of $385.00. 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. Ms. Gray introduced Human Resource Director Tiffany Bloyer to present the Franklin (FCCTC) Protective Services Program a check for $100,000.00. Ms. Bloyer stated the partnership was aimed at strengthening public safety training and long term workforce development. She noted that FCCTC played an essential role in preparing students for meaningful careers, and that the C ounty was proud to support this mission by providing funding to expand public safety related training opportunities. She explained that the Protective Services program offered students a comprehensive introduction to careers in law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, security, and disaster response, combining both academic and hands on instruction ali gned with industry and first responder standards. Under the partnership, the county committed $100,000.00 to the program to create and install a simulated 911 center and station, giving students practical experience relevant to real world emergency response. Ms. Bloyer added that the funding could also support further program improvements, including training equipment, curriculum development, instructional materials, and facility upgrades, all aimed at elevating the quality of education provided to students. S he stated that the partnership demonstrated a shared commitment to community safety, educational excellence, and responsible stewardship of public resources. She concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the program and noting that it had been in development for some time. Administrative Director Dr. Leslie Schumann, expressed appreciation on behalf of the team, including Assistant Director Dr. Perillo, Principal Mr. Munson, the students, staff, and the broader Franklin County community. Dr. Schumann stated that the Commissioners, Franklin County Government, and Franklin County Emergency Services had been deeply committed to launching the Protective Services program, recognizing its critical importance.She noted that the funding provided allowed FCCTC to establish the necessary facility, develop the curriculum, and acquire essential equipment to begin the program. Dr. Schumann emphasized that this support enabled FCCTC to prepare trained individuals who would ultimately contribute to the Franklin County workforce. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Bloyer and the Franklin County Career and Technology Center staff for their leadership in reestablishing and launching the Protective Services program. Sh e stated that volunteerism had been declining both locally and elsewhere and emphasized the importance of encouraging volunteer engagement among younger community members, particularly in public service fields. Commissioner Horst expressed that he was pleased to support the program for the benefit of the community.Commissioner Flannery asked w hen some of the students would be ready to work. Dr. Schumann stated t he first group of cadets, went out in the spring. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated he fully expect s this investment to pay over manyfold. Ms. Gray introduced Planning Director Quentin Clapper to present the Metropolitan Planning Organization program to keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may have. His presentation was made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Horst thanked Mr. Clapper for an informative presentation and stated that the various factors considered in the project evaluation appeared to support the addition of a third lane on Interstate 81. He noted that he had been told such an expansion might not occur within his lifetime but asked what the recent study on I 81 indicated regarding a potential third lane. were funded through a statewide improvement program budget, separate from local projects, to ensure required maintenance standards were met. He stated that approximately one billion dollars of transportation funding was typically allocated solely to cover the minimum maintenance needs of the interstate system, with the cost of maintenance roughly equal to available funding. He noted that a similar amoun t, about one billion dollars, would be required to widen Interstate 81 through Franklin County. As a result, the entire statewide budget would be consumed just to maintain current infrastructure, leaving no funding for interstate improvements such as widening, and additional costs would be incurred to maintain a third lane if constructed. Mr. Clapper added that some roadways were approaching the end of their lifespan betwee n the mid 2030s and 2050s, meaning major reconstruction such as full depth reclamation would be necessary. He stated that widening I 81 would ideally occur during this reconstruction period, but whether the necessary funding could be secured in time or would need to wait for the next cycle remained uncertain. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked what the timeline on Exit 12 was. Mr. Clapper noted that the most recent update indicated the l ates t date for the project bid had been shifted to late August or early September. As long as the remaining permitting and right of way requirements were completed within that timeframe, contracting and deployment were expected to occur over the following year. The project was anticipated to require approximately two to three construction seasons, with the projected opening of the exit occurring around 2030. Commissioner Flannery stated that one of the most frustrating issues he had dealt with over the past seven years was the difficulty of discussing the expansion of Interstate 81 with PennDOT representatives, particularly the addition of a third lane. He emphasized that the expansion w traveled I 81 daily, often multiple times. He explained that traffic improved significantly once reaching Maryland and West Virginia, where the interstate widened, and asserted that a third lane in Franklin County was a necessity. He recalled being told that a study conducted approximately ten years earlier did not confirm the need for expansion, a conclusion he disagreed with, believing instead that funding limitations were the primary obstacle. He remarked that although long range transportation plans looked 20 to 25 years into the future, a third lane was needed much sooner and should be included in such plans. He concluded by stating that PennDOT had not been willing to discuss the matter further and that the lack of willingness was largely due to funding constraints. Mr. Clapper stated that PennDOT would have begun paving a third lane on Interstate 81 immediately if provided with the necessary one billion dollar funding. He added that, in the public sector, decision makers were required to remain responsible fiduciarie s, which limited the ability to undertake such large scale projects without secured financial resources. Commissioner Flannery asked whether a stronger difference in advancing discussions about widening Interstate 81. Mr. Clapper stated that transportation funding overall was insufficient and that, even with stronger advocacy from legislators, the core issue remained the lack of available funds. He explained that the county observed similar challenges in its own bridge program and that municipalities likewise faced shortages in their L iquid F uels allocations. He noted that transportation funding had not kept pace with rising engineering costs, increased permitting fees, and higher construction expenses, and that these funding gaps affected every level of transportation related planning and dis cussion. Commissioner Flannery remarked that, as a longtime Pittsburgh Steelers fan who traveled to Pittsburgh annually, he had observed a significant increase in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls over the past twenty years. He noted that the cost of traveling from Breezewood to the Monroeville exit had risen from approximately eight dollars to around $30.00, despite tollbooths no longer being staffed. He questioned where the additional revenue was going and expressed frustration over toll costs increasing nearly fourfold within two decades. The Board met with Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer and Controller Harold Wissinger for Salary Board Matters. Also, in attendance was District Attorney Ian Brink. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery; Seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;the Board unanimously approved the job description for Junior Assistant District Attorney. The meeting was recessed at 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Horst called the meeting back to order at 1:01 p.m. Lee Martin of Marquette Associates met with the Board to provide a report of the Franklin County Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) fund. There were no actions take n. The meeting was adjourned at 2:19 p.m. o n a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by Dean A. Horst. 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