HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-12 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, July 12, 2011, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas 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 Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Ken Jones provided public comment and said there are many attendees at the
meetings that are hearing impaired and speakers that don’t have loud booming voices.
He said instead of spending $37,000 like last week could use that for a sound system to
assist attendees and need to look at economical ways of doing things.
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William Little provided public comment and said that approaching 10
anniversary of 9/11 and have learned a lot from 9/11. He said one of the things we
learned was emergency responders, in County and on the scene couldn’t talk to each
other and then the concept of interoperability was born and determined that everyone
should be able to talk to each other. Mr. Little brought a radio along to prove the radios
are not a Radio Shack variety. He was involved in the communication study, is not a
county employee and tried to be objective as could throughout the study because he
knew we were going to spend a lot of money. He said Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) came along and said that everyone who watches TV had to have
converter boxes so that FCC could narrow band T –Band frequencies. It took FCC two
years to license UHF frequencies and when the license came forth the County was
required to license narrow band T- Band frequencies. These frequencies required a
digital radio system and this resulted in the County installing a trunked radio system. Mr.
Little said that due to the Federal Government the County had to appropriate an
additional 4 million dollars to cover the costs. He said he is sick and tired of hearing
County government getting the blame for additional costs. He said now everyone can
communicate and all anyone has to do is pick up the radio and there is a panic button
that transmits a digital identifier and County Control knows that the responder is in
trouble and can find them. He said bottom line is the County did best we could with what
we were handed. Mr. Little is tired of seeing the radio project being used to further
personal or political agendas. He said money is well spent on responders and a lot of
responders feel the same way as him. If they have another issue that would like to use
to further personal or political agenda then need to use that.
The minutes of July 5, 2011 and July 7, 2011 meetings were read. After a minor
change on July 7, 2011 minutes, the minutes will be approved Thursday, July 14, 2011.
The Board reviewed Agreements and Contracts. The Board had questions about
the C.S. Davidson and the Jaton Tank Lining/Inspection proposals and Mr. Hart provided
more information on these items. The Board approved the following Board Action item
and the remaining items will be approved Thursday, July 14, 2011.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Proposal from
Jaton Tank Lining/Inspections to inspect existing equipment related to the nursing home
boiler replacement at a cost of $1,682.00. The purpose is to identify the option to reuse
accessory equipment, avoiding unnecessary expense. Recovery Bond dollars would be
saved for use in other efficiency upgrades.
Continued on page 2
Dr. Liz George and Laura Puckett both from Montgomery, Peters, Mercersburg
Connection (MPMC) were present to conduct a presentation requesting county support
on a feasibility study being conducted to help make Franklin County safe and inviting for
pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Carrie Jenkins, Grants Management Director was also
present due to working with MPMC to identify grants. Dr. George thanked the Board for
their support and encouragement and brought the board up to date on the project. The
Committee interviewed and received proposals from five community architect groups to
do a feasibility study and Campbell & Thomas Company out of Philadelphia was chosen
to do the study. Dr. George said the end goal is to have an overall plan for connectivity
so people can walk and bike safely within the community and to other communities. She
said the study will cost $30,000.00 which they already have the funds for but she is
working to raise another $10,000.00 to pay for outreach programs, advertising and
workshop programs. She said local townships and boroughs have given $2,500.00
each towards this project and also have passed resolutions to show their support. After
further discussion and a question and answer session Dr. George is asking for the
County to provide one representative to sit on the study committee; for the county to
pass a resolution to support the project and vision; and funding in the amount of
$7,500.00. Chairman Keller asked for a motion for discussion purposes only. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved
to discuss the match of $7,500.00. Commissioner Thomas would like to have a plan in
place for the 2012 budget to distribute funds for municipalities or joint initiatives in the
future. After further discussion the board decided to have additional discussion on
Thursday. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to table the previous motion to discuss further on Thursday. The
Board did agree to pass a resolution and have a representative on the committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:09 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS