HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-15 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, December 15, 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.
The Board attended a Franklin County Prison Board meeting.
Chairman Keller asked to amend the agenda to include an addition of contract
negotiations with possible executive session immediately before personnel session. On
a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to adopt the amended agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the minutes of December 6, 2011 and December 8, 2011
meetings.
Chairman Keller announced there is an addition to the board action listing from
Adult Probation for purchase of two radios on state contract for a combined cost of
$7,780.80. Staff clarified that a grant is covering a little over $2,500 and remainder of
the costs will be paid from the general fund.
The Board reviewed Adult Probation matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the quote from Com Pros for
purchase of two portable radios for the officers to have radios for proper communications
with 911 and police dispatch at a cost of $7,780.80. This company is on the Co-Stars
State Contract.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract
between the County of Franklin and RE/MAX Realty Agency to list available suites at 14
N Main Street on the MLS listing, perform background checks on potential renters, and
schedule site inspections with the County for the period of December 15, 2011 through
December 31, 2012 in the amount of one month’s rent upon lease agreement.
The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the renewal contract between the County of Franklin and Jury
Systems, Inc. for software maintenance used to summons and monitor juries for the
Courts for the period of January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 in the amount of
$3,044.00.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract
between the County of Franklin and CenturyLink to provide web-based tools to the
Communications Center for dispatching, generating reports, and requesting changes
without the need to fax paper forms to CenturyLink for the period of December 13, 2011
through December 12, 2012 in the amount of $1,500.00, funded 100% by Wireline
Funds.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Drug & Alcohol matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amended contract
between the County of Franklin and North Point Pharmacy to adjust rates for
Suboxone/Subutex medication for Franklin/Fulton County residents based upon the
approved bid, effective November 3, 2011 through June 30, 2012 in the amount of
$119,764.00, with $43,847.00 funded by Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse,
and $75,917.00 funded by Restrictive Intermediate Punishment Program (grant in
partnership with Probation and D&A).
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Budget Adjustment
Policy to establish procedures and guidelines for revising the Board of Commissioners’
adopted budget and to set forth specific approvals required to implement proposed
changes.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Governmental Fund
Balance Policy to provide clear fund-balance classifications and fund-type definitions to
protect the County against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to
temporary revenue shortfalls or unexpected one-time expenditures.
The Board reviewed additional Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Letter of
Engagement between the County of Franklin and Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC for County’s
Transportation Department audit for year ended June 30, 2011.
The Board reviewed Juvenile Probation matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract
between the County of Franklin and G4S Justice Services, LLC for rental of electronic
monitoring devices and equipment on an as-needed bases used in lieu of costly secure
detention and/or placement in a juvenile residential facility for the period of December
13, 2011 through December 12, 2014 in an amount per Attachment A, page 10,
depending upon equipment used, funded 20% by General Fund and 80% funded by the
State.
The Board reviewed Nursing Home matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the 2011 Attestation of Compliance with Section 6032 of the Federal
Deficit Reduction Act to state the nursing home has policies and procedures in place to
prevent false claims and to detect fraud, waste and abuse of federal and state
healthcare funds, needed to participate in the Medicaid program.
The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Mandatory
Corporate Compliance Program, per Federal Regulations at Falling Spring Nursing and
Rehab Center, Mental Health Intellectual Disabilities, and Drug and Alcohol Agreement
with CBHNP (Community Behavioral Healthcare Network of Pennsylvania.)
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127, Falling Spring Environmental
Services, Inc. notified the County of a PA Department of Environmental Protection
NPDES Permit being applied by Valley View Manor Mobile Home Park for their
wastewater treatment facility located in Antrim Township.
Continued on page 3
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127, Greenhorne & O’Mara
Consulting Engineers notified the County of a PA Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Permit being applied by Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for the
Blue Mountain Interchange Project located in Lurgan Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127, Martin & Martin, Inc. notified the
County of a PA Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Permit being applied by
St. Thomas Township Municipal Authority for discharge of treated sewage effluent from
the existing wastewater treatment plant located in St. Thomas Township.
John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator met with the Board to review County
operations. The information being discussed is an update on a presentation that was
provided to the Fulton and Franklin County Commissioners. This proposal will require
partnering with Fulton County. The purpose of this discussion is to provide additional
information and to obtain approval from the Commissioners to proceed with this project.
Mr. Hart requested Jim Hook, Reporter for the Public Opinion, to hold off on publishing
an article on the web due to the need to discuss this project with County employees and
it’s important they hear from the County and not from the press.
Mr. Hart stated this project is part of the process of managers reviewing
operations to realize greater operational efficiencies and continuing to provide good
quality services as directed by the Board of Commissioners. Staff has reviewed the
possibility of forming a non-profit entity for a human service agency. The County does
have experience with non-profits like TMCA where there is a board of directors and
another similar example is the Day Reporting Center where all services are contracted
out and the operations is overseen by a county manager. Staff intends to look at models
from other counties that have done this and have been successful. Mr. Hart stated the
County will need to form a non-profit corporation and staff has discussed and reviewed
this process with a law firm which has this expertise. There are different ways to do this
and staff will investigate what option or type of organization is best for operations and
providing quality services. Mr. Hart is proposing initially that the County continue to
support the new entity with “back office operations” consisting of human resources,
fiscal and IT services until the non-profit is up and running at which time they will
determine if they want the county to continue with these services. They will occupy the
same office space and will have to decide if they want to continue to lease space from
the County. He said articles of corporation will be developed. The new non-profit will be
advised that it is required to interview all current county employees as it proceeds with
hiring employees. The non-profit will follow the same state and federal regulations for
case management as mandated for county operations. Federal and state funding will go
directly to the new entity and it will have a board of directors that will develop business
and operational plans.
Mr. Hart anticipates to start the non-profit employee compensation package will
be similar to their current county compensation and benefits. All staff will be employees
of the nonprofit and there are 64 county employees affected by this change. He said this
is a work in progress and more detail will be provided as the county works through the
process. This new structure will allow for improved operational efficiencies. They will
operate as a private entity and this change will reduce the county’s liability for
operations. The services being provided are not mandated services. The County will
emphasize that the current quality of service is continued for the clienteles and make
every effort to insure that services are equal or better.
Continued on page 4
Commissioner Keller stated that limiting the County’s liability is well taken but the
County will have a strong interest that the Human Service Department will still operate at
a high level and asked if the County will still be able to monitor the non-profit. John Hart
said yes, county staff will have input and there will be involvement by both Boards of
Commissioners from each county. There are many ways of setting up a non-profit and
with well thought out bylaws standards and performance measures can be established
to insure that current services are maintained.
Chairman Keller asked if we will be looking at other counties that have done this.
Mr. Hart responded yes, we will reach out to other counties and Blair County is an
example that has been very successful and employees are very satisfied they are a
nonprofit. Nonprofits do not have to deal with Civil Service which is a cumbersome
process. There will be a board of directors and it is anticipated the Commissioners will
select people from the community to be on the board.
Commissioner Thomas asked when Mr. Hart plans to communicate with the
employees affected? Mr. Hart responded at 3:00 this afternoon. Commissioner
Thomas said this is a change that has been occurring across PA due to challenges in
providing these services and a nonprofit can provide these services because they don’t
have challenges that governments have such as civil service. It’s important that these
services continue without a blip and that we help them to get up and running. He said
we want it to succeed because service to citizens is the reason for doing this and
assuring service continues in a decent manner and there is a need to get more efficient
and lean.
Mr. Hart is proposing to county managers that they review their operations and if
providing same services outside the county structure, such as payroll, if these processes
can be streamlined to be competitive with the private sector, with the possibility of
remaining a the vendor for the nonprofit.
Chairman Keller asked if the category of funding with Fulton County would
change. Mr. Hart responded that Fulton County’s contribution will remain at 10% and
Franklin County will continue to have an obligation of $80,000 – $90,000. This project is
a progress in work and staff is confident that the county is doing the right thing for the
right reasons. He said the new entity will maximize the dollars received as it will be able
to operate as a non-profit and will be able to obtain services and negotiate contracts like
private sector does. Counties that have done this have realized a more efficient
operation.
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if consumers will be served as well as they are
now? Will it save county tax payers money? Mr. Hart responded this will be an at least
break even venture and it is anticipated there will be a savings. Services for consumers
will be maintained at current levels or improved.
Mr. Hart advised the Board he is looking for a general consensus of the Board
based on the information provided directing staff to continue to investigate the possibility
for forming a non-profit. As staff develops and obtains additional information they will
report to the board on matters of forming the non-profit, back office support, working with
Fulton County and making sure that good quality services are continued. Mr. Hart said
the state entities will need informed.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to direct staff to further investigate possible transition with one
Human Service agency to a non-profit entity.
Continued on page 5
Chairman Keller asked the Board to go into an executive session to discuss a
contract with the Coroner for lease of office space and will also discuss personnel
matters with respect to the County Administrator’s salary. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to enter an
executive session at 10:13 a.m. this date for the purpose to review contract negotiation
matters and personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:55
a.m.
Chairman Keller said with respect to the Coroner’s lease staff will be directed to
change the Coroner’s lease to include a $25 increase per month which will be an
increase of $300 for a total lease amount of $3,300 for the year 2012.
Chairman Keller said that the Board gave guidance to the Human Resources
Director to review salaries of other County Administrators or positions similar to John
Hart’s position. Ms. Bloyer said she reviewed several surrounding counties and
boroughs and discovered the wages range from $93,000 to $145,000 so she is
recommending that Mr. Hart’s salary be within that range. Chairman Keller said that
based on this information Board agrees to give direction to Ms. Bloyer to reestablish Mr.
Hart’s position based on the range of $93,000 to $145,000 and asked her to have this
ready at salary board reorganization on January 3, 2012. The Board will take this
information under advisement until that time and deliberate on that date. Commissioner
Thomas said that the County would never be able to replace Mr. Hart with a starting
salary of $60,000 so he concurs with moving forward. Chairman Keller said it’s
important to note that the Board has looked at all levels recently and recommended to
continue that trend to keep Chief Clerk/County Administrator competitive if need to
replace Mr. Hart. He is happy with this recommendation. Commissioner Ziobrowski
said this position needs to be competitive and have to have a salary scale that is
competitive with other counties.
The Board presented the 2012 Franklin County budget for adoption this date. On
a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved the following resolution adopting the 2012 budget:
RESOLUTION #2011 - 15
WHEREAS, the 2012 Franklin County Budget has been prepared in accordance with the
County Code Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130) as amended.
WHEREAS, the 2012 Franklin County Proposed Budget was approved on Thursday,
November 22, 2011 and was made available for public inspection for at least 20 days.
WHEREAS, the Proposed Budget and date set for the final action on the budget has
been made a matter of public notice.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget does not have increased expenditures of more than ten
(10) per centum in the aggregate or more than twenty-five (25) per centum in any
function over the proposed budget as made available for public inspection.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget reflects as nearly as possible the estimated revenues
and expenditures for the year 2012.
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA, to adopt the 2012 Budget as presented
this date.
Continued on page 6
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved that the following Resolution be adopted fixing the millage rate
for real estate taxes for the year 2012 and the specific sums established to be required
for the specific purposes of County Government; hereinafter, set forth during the current
fiscal year:
RESOLUTION #2011 - 16
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA.
SECTION 1 - That a tax be set and the same is hereby levied on all real property within
Franklin County subject to taxation for the County purposes for the fiscal year 2012 as
follows: Tax rate for general purposes, the sum of twenty-two and fifty-five hundreds
(22.55) mills of each dollar assessed valuation with an additional two and six tenths
(2.60) mills for the purposes of retirement of County debt services.
SECTION 2 - That for the expenses of the County for the fiscal year 2012 the following
amounts are hereby appropriated from the revenue available for the fiscal year for the
specific purposes, which amount are fully itemized in the County budget.
SECTION 3 - That any Resolution, or part of a Resolution, conflicting with this
Resolution be and the same is hereby repealed in so far as the same affects this
Resolution.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the following Resolution imposing a total of eight tenths (.8) mills
of real estate taxes for the purpose of the County Library in voting districts that have
approved imposition of such tax by referendum and as authorized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of PA in those voting districts.
RESOLUTION #2011- 17
BE IT RESOLVED, that a tax at the total rate of eight tenths (.8) mills on each dollar or
eight (8) cents per one hundred (100) dollars of assessed valuation for the fiscal year
2012 for the County Library purposes, shall be and the same is hereby imposed upon all
taxable real estate in Franklin County as heretofore authorized by the voters of the
various voting districts and as authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of PA.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the following resolution to establish a Capital Reserve
Replacement and Capital Facilities Funds for the purpose of implementing
Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) Statement 54, and complying with County
Code Section 1784.2 Capital Reserve Fund for Anticipated Capital Expenditures
RESOLUTION #2011- 18
BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to section 1784.2 of county code and the County’s
required implementation of Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) Statement 54,
Franklin County Commissioners approve the creation and use of Capital Reserve
Replacement and Capital Facilities funds.
The purpose of these funds will be the same as referenced above in county code section
1784.2. Formal action of the Board will be required to change the purpose of the funds.
Continued on page 7
The balance of the funds will be evaluated at least annually to determine the appropriate
amount in the funds. The Board of Commissioners may annually appropriate moneys
from the general funds. Annual appropriations, per current County Code, may not
exceed ten per centum (10%) of the county operating budget. Use of the funds will be
managed consistent with other budget appropriations.
The Franklin County Commissioners authorize the County's Chief Clerk/County
Administrator to manage, at his discretion, the use of these funds in conjunction with the
county's other funding categories (i.e. restricted, committed, assigned or unassigned).
Commissioners will be updated at least quarterly of expenditures from the Capital
Reserve and Capital Facilities Funds.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:26 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS