HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-21 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, April 21, 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. John Hart, County Administrator, asked the
Board to rearrange the agenda to move the Veterans Affairs presentation to the
beginning of the agenda due to having canine guests present.
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 April 12, 2016 and April 14, 2016 meetings.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to
the agreement between the County of Franklin and ESP Software Products, Inc.
approved on March 13, 2014 for lease of office space at 2038 Lincoln Way East,
Chambersburg. This amendment would change the Lessor to John L. Hockensmith with
an address of 4209 Church Road, Chambersburg, effective July 1, 2016. All other terms
and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect.
The Board reviewed Early Intervention matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Revised Annual Income and Expenditure Report to the
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for Fiscal Year 2014-15, for
Franklin/Fulton Early Intervention.
The Board reviewed Human Services Administration matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
Supplemental Appropriation in the amount of$6,653.00 to record the third shift in
funding for FY2015-16 within the Human Services Block Grant. This will shift funding
from the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) to Intellectual Disabilities (ID), funding
equipment for OSI Inc. to support their recycling program.
The Board reviewed Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation in the amount of$2,797.00 to record an increase in the Community Mental
Health Services Block Grant allocation for FY2015-16. These funds are used for
supporting housing initiatives.
The Board reviewed Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation in the amount of$309,613.00 to transfer unspent Human Services Block
Grant funds from FY2015-16 into calendar year 2016 for expenditures in 2016.
Continued on page 2
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Buchart Horn
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General-
5 Permit application being applied for by the Guilford Water Authority for installation of a
12 inch ductile water line, located in Greene Township.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved Resolution #2016-06, for the purpose of adopting the Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program (LERTA) for lot 5 on Wharf Road in
Washington Township. Chairman Keller said that this is consistent with what has been
enacted at the Waynesboro School District in terms of the schedule and parcel in
question. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that LERTA has been used as a general
economic development tool but the fact that this property is unimproved and is blighted
and that someone is interested in preparing the site that fits the definition of a blighted
property. He is delighted that a company may be moving there and bringing 150 jobs to
our area.
Justin Slep, Veterans Affairs Director, provided an update on the Save-A-Vet,
Save-A-Pet program. Mr. Slep explained that the program started in June 2015 and
what the purpose of the program is. He explained that vets are dealing with PTSD and
traumatic brain injuries. He said that Helen Carlson has put countless hours into the
program and that she has done amazing things with herself and the assistant trainers.
Mr. Slep announced that he is officially releasing applications today for the Vets to apply
to receive dogs. The applications will close on May 30th and they can be received by
calling or stopping by the Veterans Affairs office. He said that the program cannot make
it without foster families since Ms. Carlson can only keep so many dogs so they need
more foster families to take on more dogs. Mr. Slep also mentioned that$36,000 has
been raised in donations and grants. He also stated that the County will be receiving
another grant this year and there is a golf tournament soon to help raise funds. He said
that awareness is very important and they are planning to grow the program by adopting
more dogs from rescues and breeders. Chairman Keller said the Board appreciates
everything Mr. Slep is doing and he has exceeded their expectations. Chairman Keller
said Mr. Slep has expanded outreach efforts which is exceptional. He said it's
remarkable how the community has stepped forward in support of this program. Mr.
Slep thanked the Board for their support and moving forward with the program. Helen
Carlson, Trainer, introduced the trainers and their dogs and mentioned the shelters
where they came from. She said it is nice to save the dogs while also performing the
function of helping veterans. Commissioner Thomas asked if there is anyone else in
Pennsylvania providing this program and Mr. Slep responded there are some programs
but they are not working out well with transitions due to the need to make sure the vets
take care of the dogs properly. There needs to be a slower process to introduce the vets
to the dogs and a lot of training is involved. Mr. Hart said he was at Ms. Carlson's place
and the time and energy she puts in to train service dogs is astronomical. She donates
this time in addition to maintaining her business of a dog shelter and day care.
Chairman Keller wanted to recognize the Pennsylvania Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs due to Franklin County receiving the grant in 2015 to start this program
and approval of a grant this year. He mentioned that when people renew their vehicle
registration, there is an option to send a $3.00 donation to the Veterans Trust Fund.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said the Commissioners are taking a sponsorship role out of
their personal funds for the golf tournament and will be playing golf during the
tournament as well. He is encouraging anyone else to come out that day in support of
the program. Mr. Slep thanked the Board for allowing them to do this presentation.
Continued on page 3
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2016 expense
and revenue budget performance through February, 2016. Ms. Beckner said that one
large variance is the result of the counties upfront contribution for employees HSA
accounts at the beginning of the year. She also advised most departments are under
budget except for a few others where most variances relate to one-time or large
expenses at the beginning of the year and normally work themselves out as the year
progresses. She said general fund expenses are at 14.5% of budgeted expenses
compared to 16.1% in February of 2015. Ms. Beckner said revenues are 2.7% collected
of general fund revenue budget compared to 3.5% in February of 2015. One big
difference is $134,000 in grant funds for Juvenile Probation that was received in March
due to the state budget issue. Ms. Beckner reported that the tax bills for 2016 went out
in March so revenues on the report pertain to prior year supplemental and interim billings
as well as tax claims and refunds.
Mr. Hart requested to go into an executive session to discuss real estate matters.
He said there will be no action required after the execute session. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to enter
an executive session at 10:25 a.m. this date for the purpose to review real estate
matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:33 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS