HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-31 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 31, 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 G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and wanted to personally thank Commissioner
Thomas for speaking at the Walk the Walk this past Friday. She also asked if the County is
responsible monetarily in helping to clean up and preserve all waterways in PA in reference to
the resolution that is being considered today.
The minutes of the May 24, 2016 and May 26, 2016 meetings were reviewed. These will
be approved Thursday, June 2, 2016.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The following item was
approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, June 2, 2016.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Notice of Intent to
Award to Keystruct Construction, Inc. of York for the repair of Bridge 23. The recommendation
to award the repair to Keystruct was approved by the Board on May 19, 2016.
The Board reviewed a resolution to show support to clean Pennsylvania's rivers and
streams. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously
approved Resolution #2016-08, which is attached and made a part of these minutes, for the
purpose of showing support for increased state investments to be made by the General
Assembly and the Governor with dedicated, sustainable and long-term funding sources to clean
Pennsylvania's rivers and streams. Commissioner Thomas said the whole point of this
resolution and to answer Ms. Wertz's question from public comment is that the County doesn't
have a real role in this. But we all have responsibilities and the Conservation District is a key
player and they work with a number of agencies. He said there are a number of projects to help
repair streams and Commissioner Keller has been a key leader in the tree initiative and there is
a clear relationship with trees and streams. It's more of a civic responsibility that we all have to
ensure that what's here will stay here for all future generations. Chairman Keller said there is
no formal responsibility or duty for the County to ensure clean water but we do feel it is
important to assist nonetheless and supporting the Conservation District is just one way in
which we do that.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
County of Franklin
Resolution No. 2016-08
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CLEANING
PENNSYLVANIA'S STREAMS &RIVERS
WHEREAS,The Franklin County Board of Commissioners constitutes as the chief governing body of Franklin County,with
legislative and policy-making powers that affect each resident's quality of life and has a responsibility to assure the fiscal
health and integrity of Franklin County and has responsibility of planning for and implementing projects that accomplish
and bring forth safe water resource management;and
WHEREAS,Franklin County's waters flow to the Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers and transverse to the Chesapeake Bay;
and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is estimated to have more than 83,000 miles of streams,nearly 4,000 lakes, and 80 trillion gallons
of groundwater; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states that, 'The people have a right to clean air, pure
water, and to the preservation of natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public
natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these
resource, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people';and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's ability to attract growing businesses and to provide the quality of life this governing body
seeks for its residents depends on the Commonwealth properly prioritizing clean water infrastructure and funding for
stormwater management; without such an increase in prioritization and funding to address these issues, our rivers and
streams will continue to be susceptible to pollutions and the degradation of the Commonwealth's most precious resource -
water;and
WHEREAS, Franklin County realizes that the Commonwealth is losing more forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other
open spaces to development than it is able to preserve;and that the Commonwealth has miles of rivers and streams that do
not meet basic water quality standards as a result of various contributors including urban and suburban runoff, agriculture
and abandoned mine drainage.
WHEREAS, Franklin County agrees that clean water provides for greater health, stronger communities and thriving
economies within our region and wishes to encourage and support best practices to improve water quality, preservation
and enhancement of riparian buffers, and a greater investment of resources to clean Pennsylvania's rivers and streams
before irreversible damage occurs to places we live,work and raise our families.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners supports increased state
investments to be made by the General Assembly and the Governor with dedicated, sustainable and long-term funding
sources to clean Pennsylvania's rivers and streams.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 31s' day of May,2016.
Attest: COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
Joh A. art,Chief Clerk/County Administrator David S. Keller,Chairman of the Commissioners
Robert L.Thomas, Commissioner
Robert G. Ziobprs4ski, Commissioner