HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-05 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 5, 2011, with the
following members present: David S. Keller and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller
presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded
with the business of the day.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Jay Lightfoot from Chambersburg provided public comment and asked which
building will be renovated first? John Hart advised the Court is continuing their review of
the plans and the remodeling project will consist of a phase project and the exact
schedule of remodeling has not been determined.
Bill Landis from Mercersburg also provided public comment and thanked the
Commissioners for being able to print the preliminary agenda prior to coming to the
meeting. Mr. Landis was researching state of the affairs in Harrisburg government and
came across Governor Corbett’s written plan on reinforcing meaningful participation and
using technology and websites so it appears that Franklin County is influencing our State
government.
Ken Jones from Chambersburg also provided public comment and asked the
Board if they would have given the 2% and $20 an hour raise to Solicitors if it had been
their money? Since already done deal, would be beating a dead horse.
The minutes of March 29, 2011 and March 31, 2011 meetings were read. These
will be approved Thursday, April 7, 2011.
The Board reviewed Agreements and Contracts. Mr. Lightfoot brought to the
attention of the Board there is a wrong date on the Board action listing and it was
corrected. Commissioner Keller asked since original request for the Juvenile Probation
PCCD Grant Application was for $11,112.00 and the subgrant award notice is for
$10,000.00 will the County have to make up the difference? Mr. Hart responded that the
county will not contribute money to make up the difference. Commissioner Keller also
asked for more clarification on what hospital preparedness is that as mentioned in the
Budget Adjustment for Mental Health. Staff will forward and explanation to the Board for
Thursday’s meeting. The Agreements, Contracts and Reports will be approved
Thursday, April 7, 2011.
The Board discussed a Support Letter to Senators Pat Toomey, Robert Casey
and Representative Bill Shuster to support full funding of the President’s $1.5 million
budget request for the Eagle Rock Forest Legacy Project in Franklin County.
Commissioner Keller asked Mr. Hart for further explanation. Mr. Hart explained there is
federal money available to purchase land and put it into a conservancy so it’s protected.
There is a 1,100 acre tract that is undisturbed forest land and these letters are asking
Federal Representatives to support an appropriation of $1.5 Million to place this land
with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to be used for forest products
and to reserve it as a natural resource. This request is consistent with the County’s
comprehensive plan and there is no request for County matching funds. The Board
agreed to sign the support letters.
Continued on page 2
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked the Board to consider a support letter to South
Central Workforce Investment Board to support an Enhanced Transitional Jobs and
Non-Custodial Employment and Training Program (ETJ-NCETP) Grant Application that
is targeted to serve workforce participation of low-income, specifically non-custodial
parents, and/or ex-offenders (who may or may not be non-custodial parents) reentering
their communities. The Board agreed to sign the support letter.
Commissioner Ziobrowski announced the passing of Paul Scalia who was a local
psychologist who worked with troubled youth.
The Board met with the County Solicitor who asked to go into Executive session
to review Jay and Karen Knepper v. Franklin County Board of Assessment Revision of
taxes appeal for a residential property. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:47 a.m. this
date for the purpose to review Tax Assessment Appeal of Jay and Karen Knepper
matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 9:52 a.m.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved the authorization of the Solicitor to approve the stipulation between the County
Board of Assessment and Jay and Karen Knepper to allow a refund for the past six
years due to a clerical mistake that assessed land improvements to the Appellant’s tax
parcel that have not been there for 28 years.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by David S. Keller.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS