HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-14 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MAY 1 , 2015
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, May 1 , 2015, 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, a Moment
of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Larry Funk, Vice President of Tuscarora School Board, provided public comment,
criticizing the county's handling of property tax exonerations for mobile home trailers in
the Tuscarora School District area.
Allen Piper provided public comment that he agrees with Mr. Funk's comments.
Mr. Piper thanked the first responders in the audience for their dedication and putting
their lives on the line every day so he is happy to see the proclamation being done
today. Mr. Piper responded that$450 for removal of tree stumps does not seem like a
lot of money but to some people it is. He asked how long does it take to get on the
phone and get more estimates.
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 the May 5, 2015 and May 7, 2015 meetings.
Commissioner Thomas said he remembers Mr. Hart saying on Tuesday that
anytime the County has used any type of tree service, staff received quotes and it
always came back that this same provider was the cheapest. Mr. Hart responded that
historically when we do get quotes, EZ Does It Tree Service was always the lowest
bidder. He said PA County Code requires quotes when the amount is over$10,500 but
county policy requires quotes for anything over$4,000 and often we get quotes for under
$4,000 but not this time. Chairman Keller asked how many staff are in the Purchasing
Department and how many would we have to employ if we required quotes for
everything we purchase. Mr. Hart responded there are two employees in Purchasing
and we would have to hire more staff if the county required quotes for everything we
purchase. Mr. Hart explained the quote process and that it's just not picking up the
phone and making a simple phone call. He explained specs and quote forms would
need developed and we do everything electronic so there is documentation. Chairman
Keller commented that while staff would be getting quotes for$450 for tree stump
removal, other important supplies would have to wait.
The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and Josehina C. Souders to provide English-Spanish
interpreter and translator services for the Franklin County Court System at a rate of
$45.00 per hour for a minimum of 16 hours per week, service over 16 hours will incur a
rate of$50.00 per hour. Ms. Souders is an Administrative Offices of Pennsylvania
Courts (AOPC) certified translator, and each county is required to utilize an AOPC
certified translator during formal court proceedings.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the proposal from EZ Does it Tree Service to remove three
sycamore tree stumps and debris from behind 201 Franklin Farm Lane at a one-time
cost of$450.00.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, United States
Department of Agriculture notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit application being
applied by Ryan ZuIlinger for an animal stream crossing for an existing operation,
located in St. Thomas Township.
The Board reviewed information regarding National Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Week. William Little, LEPC Chairman, and several first responders were present
for the proclamation. Mr. Little thanked the Commissioners for preparing the
proclamation. He explained that according to the Department of Health, 40% of
emergency technicians and emergency medical technicians are choosing not to recertify
due to being regulated to death by the Commonwealth and now they are faced with
background checks as well as paying for them. Ryan Elborne, EMS President,
explained some of the activities for the week. He said EMS answered 18,000 calls for
service last year and 150-200 people answer those calls. Mr. Elborne feels we have
made progress since he had face time with legislators, which also led to a town hall
meeting next week so they can air out these issues. He said state laws are written by
lobbyists so the legislators have no idea the effect the regulations have in their regions.
He also pointed out there is a drug problem in this county. He said several responders
in the audience have been beaten up by people on drugs when they responded to an
emergency.
Mr. Little presented Jeremy Heckman and Marshall Warden with Clinical Save
Awards on behalf of the Emergency Health Services Foundation. He explained they
both saved patients who went into cardiac arrest. He said they brought them back and
they lived to come home from the hospital.
Chairman Keller thanked the first responders for all they are doing to keep us
safe and protect our property. Commissioner Thomas said he was involved in EMS for a
long time and of all the things he heard today, the most compelling to him is the 40%
number and it was disappointing to him. Commissioner Ziobrowski thanked everyone
for their service. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2015-13 proclaiming the
week of May 17-23, 2015 as National Emergency Services Week and that the attached
proclamation be made a part of these minutes.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor, asked to enter into an executive session to discuss
pending litigation: Hans and Christie Tresolini, Docket#2014-3531. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to enter
an executive session at 10:33 a.m. Ms. Shank said she will be making a
recommendation for the Board today. The Board reconvened into regular session at
10:54 a.m.
Continued on page 3
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor, asked approval to settle an assessment appeal with
Hans and Christie Tresolini Docket#2014-3531. The subject property is owned by Hans
and Christie Tresolini and is located at 13803 Pond View Turn, Mercersburg, A. An
Appeal hearing was held before the Board of Assessment on August 27, 2014 and as a
result the assessment was reduced from 45,530 to 42,780. The Tresolini's appealed
and the Board approved the settlement of an assessment of$32,630. The county
solicitor recommended the settlement as it is in conformity with the appraisal provided by
the taxpayers. The settlement was previously approved by the Tresolini's, Board of
Assessment, Montgomery Township and Tuscarora School District. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to
authorize Mary Beth Shank to enter into an agreement.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION #2015 - 13
National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week
May 17--239 2015
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED:
Whereas, May 17'h—May 23`d is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS)week,
Whereas, EMS Week is a week of recognition of the Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics,
Physicians, Dispatchers, and Nurses who selflessly give their time to promote the safety and health of
others.
Whereas, EMS Week is a time to reflect on our EMS Professionals,paid and volunteer, who commit
themselves to providing prompt and efficient care of patients in need of life-saving, critical, and
compassionate care.
Whereas, The purpose of EMS Week is to promote public awareness of the Emergency Medical
Services System, thank the EMS Professionals for what they do, and recruit new generations of EMS
providers to the ranks.
Now, Therefore: We, David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas, and Robert G. Ziobrowski, as the
Commissioners of Franklin County, do hereby proclaim May 17'h—May 23`d 2015 as:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
In Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF:
We have hereunto set our hands and caused this Seal of Franklin County to be affixed hereto
this 14 th _day of May in the year Two Thousand and Fifteen
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Leer,Chairman
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Robert L. Thomas
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