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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-04 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, February 4, 2016, 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. 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 the January 26, 2016 and January 28, 2016 meetings. The Board reviewed Controller Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract between the County of Franklin and David C. Cleaver, Esquire, to provide contract attorney services at a cost of$12,841.00 for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal contract between the County of Franklin and Franklin County Jail Ministry for chaplain services through the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 at a cost of$18,000.00. The Board reviewed Grants/Veterans Affairs matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Grant Application to Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund requesting a grant amount of$18,500.00 to be used for the Veterans Affairs Operation Save-A-Vet, Save-A-Pet program dedicated to helping Franklin County veterans with service-connected disabilities to lead happier, healthier and more productive lives. This grant is for the period of June 1, 2016 through May 30, 2017. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the proposal between the County of Franklin and Strickler Agency, Inc. to provide broker consultant services for group health benefits at a cost of$50,000.00 for plan year January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The Board reviewed Risk 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 agreement between the County of Franklin and American Red Cross to support the health and safety education of the Franklin County workforce through the American Red Cross training, which includes departments who require certification. Training includes adult and pediatric first aid, CPR, and AED training. This agreement is at a cost of$4,000.00 for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Expenses are paid through the Workers' Comp Trust fund. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed additional Risk 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 service agreement between the County of Franklin and NAC Divisions to provide service and maintenance of the County's video surveillance system, building access systems and duress alarms at a cost of$3,552.00 for video surveillance system; $2,688.00 for the access control system and $4,452.00 for the duress alarm system for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Expenses are paid through the Workers' Comp Trust Fund. The Board reviewed additional Risk 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 agreement between the County of Franklin and PMA Management Corporation to provide a certified safety & loss control (risk control) representative to oversee the County's formal Health & Safety Program. The representative will be on-site providing services 16 hours per month at a total cost of $22,080.00 for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The costs are covered by the Workers' Compensation Trust. The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Letter of Agreement between the County of Franklin and Zhiping Mo, MD, of Summit Occupational Health to provide medical director services for prevention programs, ordering physician for various medical vaccines, tuberculosis screenings, chest x-rays and Hepatitis B immunizations at a cost of$500.00 for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, GHD, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Permit application being applied by the Borough of Chambersburg for replacement of approximately 1,930 linear feet of existing interceptor and associated manholes in the Borough of Chambersburg. In accordance with PA Act 14 notification, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands General Permit II application being applied to repair a structurally deficient bridge located in Southampton Township. The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin/Fulton County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Advisory Board. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Dr. Kawish Garg and Beth Rezzetano for a term of January 1, 2016 through January 1, 2019. The Board met with the Human Resources Director, the Controller, the Fiscal Director and the Drug and Alcohol Director for Salary Board and Personnel matters. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Recovery Support Specialist position description in the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Department and revising the Accounting Information Systems Specialist (AIS)/Accounting Manager position description in the Fiscal Department. Continued on page 3 Richard Wynn, Human Services Administrator, was present to provide a presentation on transportation regionalization recommendations. Mr. Wynn explained that in 2011 PennDOT worked with counties and transit systems in central Pennsylvania to study the benefits of regional consolidation. Franklin County was added to Phase II of the study in 2015 that included Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, York, Perry, Cumberland, Adams and Franklin. Mr. Wynn, Carrie Gray and Commissioner Thomas attended regular meetings involving the study. He said the study looked at both fixed route transportation and shared ride. PennDOT sent a letter to the Commissioners requesting a decision as to the County's interest in pursuing consolidation that is due February 26th. Mr. Wynn explained the following advantages of consolidation: Shared improvement to Transportation services, ranging from best practices, technology and to the equipment and vehicles used; potential for limited expansion of hours; some Saturday service; improved linkages for out-of-county transportation as many medical facilities are regional (such as Hershey Medical Center); consolidation and savings on administrative functions; efficiencies in size. These savings can be used for increased services. Mr. Wynn mentioned additional advantages: Professional transportation oversight; improved service to citizens; improved regional transportation; removes any commitment to the General Fund; and potential for future fixed-route transportation. He said County Administration's recommendation is to move ahead with consolidation with rabbit transit effective April 1 st. Rich Farr from Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (doing business as rabbittransit) was present to provide advantages of consolidation from his perspective. Mr. Farr said this process began in 2007 when PennDOT did a transit study. He served on Gov. Corbett's funding advisory commission to look at transportation funding in PA and modernizing it. He said the biggest function is to consolidate to make it more modern. Mr. Farr explained that regionalization in York, Adams, Northumberland and Cumberland counties have saved $490,000 per year. He said the other benefits include: Expanded transportation that is not hindered by municipal lines; sharing resources along borders; utilizing vehicles during layovers; heavy maintenance; technology sharing; sharing rolling stock; and a single IT and radio system. He said the benefits to consumers have been great, but the first few weeks are a little bumpy because of change but it's the same driver, same service and it's a simple process. Commissioner Thomas said he can see that the State is strongly encouraging these consolidations and sometimes things from the State are bad but he sees this as a good thing. He said service is better and costs go down because duplication of effort goes away. It's not hard to understand the model and he believes that citizens of this county will see this as a better way of doing business. He said this may open the door that will bring fixed route to the county. Commissioner Ziobrowski said this proposal does not include any fixed route for Franklin County at this point. Mr. Farr said they are looking at all different models and having a one stop shop and to see what is best for consumers. He said rabbittransit has a call center open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and they have Saturday hours but the Lottery regulates that calls need to be placed 24 hours in advance so he can't change that. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if there will be any changes to the cost structure. Mr. Farr explained that there will be a slight increase, however, the Lottery pays 80% so it will be pennies to the consumers. Mr. Wynn explained further that we have Area Agency on Aging subsidize fair costs for their consumers so that population will not see a change but the consumers that are not subsidized could see a slight increase. Continued on page 4 Chairman Keller asked Mr. Hart to explain the next step in the process. Mr. Hart stated that staff is recommending that rabbittransit take over administration of the county's shared ride system and this has nothing to do with fixed route. He said the equipment will still be owned by Penn DOT but all assets will move over to rabbittransit. He continued that rabbittransit is very successful; there will be some changes in the beginning but they expand services and there are many advantages to working with Mr. Farr. He said Mr. Farr spoke with drivers at a meeting last night so staff is very aware of what is going on. Drivers offered some suggestions for improvements at the meeting last night. Mr. Farr said every single person will be offered a position. Chairman Keller asked what the process is for informing the riders and consumers. Mr. Farr responded that flyers and magnets will be put on vehicles and they have a robust user guide that will be printed to provide to consumers. He said rabbittransit is very good at communication. Commissioner Thomas said all they need to do is look at Cumberland County and how smooth their transition went. He said this will be a benefit to the consumers. Chairman Keller said it would be appropriate to take formal action today. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that normally the Board waits till the next meeting day to make a motion on matters such as this but he sees no reason to wait. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority as the Shared Ride Coordinator, effective April 1, 2016. Mr. Hart explained there is a checklist that rabbittransit provided which staff will thoroughly review. Chairman Keller said the Board will welcome any feedback from the community and the Board will ask Mr. Farr or Mr. Wynn to address any concerns that are raised. Mr. Farr said with this action, the checklist Mr. Hart mentioned will be started and information will be put on their website to inform consumers. The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS