HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-27 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, September 27, 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.
Chairman Keller announced that the County Solicitor is not available for solicitor
time today so the agenda will need amended. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked where bridge 121 is located.
She also asked for more information on the County Emergency Operations Plan.
Chairman Keller asked Mr. Hart to answer a question a few weeks ago from Ms. Wertz
concerning when the Sheriff was going to put armed security at county building
entrances. Mr. Hart responded that it started two or three weeks ago if the Sheriff has
staff available. He has put armed deputies at various entrances at the courthouse and
he has hired two more people and once they are trained, it will be next year till they are
fully staffed.
The minutes of the September 20, 2016 and September 22, 2016 meetings were
reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, September 29, 2016.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. John Hart, County
Administrator, said that Bridge 121 is on Heisey Road to answer Ms. Wertz question
from public comment.
John Thierwechter, Department of Emergency Services Director, was present to
explain the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). He explained that each county is to
have an EOP and it is to be reviewed every two years. His department has reviewed it
and made minor changes. Mr. Thierwechter said it is designed to be an all hazard plan.
Stacy Rowe, Human Services Fiscal Manager, was present to explain the
Human Services Block Grant report for the fiscal year ending on June 30th. The report
shows that we had an allocation of$5.9M. The report shows our total expenditures were
$5.8M and we are requesting to roll over$147,774 which is within the 3% allowed by the
state. Ms. Rowe explained that these are Intellectual Disabilities funds and can only be
spent on administration and not on services. She said we typically send that amount
back each year. Mr. Hart explained that we have more flexibility spending state funds
where needed compared to federal funds and because our administrative costs are very
low federal funds that are required to be spent on administration go unspent. He said
flexibility would be appreciated but the feds have strict guidelines where the funds can
be spent. Commissioner Thomas said we could help more people if we would have
local choice of where we can spend the money. Mr. Hart said that next month there will
be a plan presented to the Board on how to spend block grant funds after the Block
Grant Committee meets and provides a recommendation.
Continued on page 2
Carrie Gray, Assistant County Administrator, explained that the grant application
for the STOP project is a renewal of$125,000 where Women In Need (WIN) takes the
lead and the District Attorney makes sure the victims are taken care of. Gladys Cook,
WIN Finance Manager, was present to explain how the new facility has more beds than
the previous facility. She said they have a lot more younger children now and they can
take small pets now also. Ms. Cook explained that it's a proven fact that when a victim
leaves the offender, the offender will kill the animals left behind.
Christy Briggs, Human Services Fiscal Officer, was present to explain the Drug &
Alcohol year-end report. She said that we had to give some dollars back due to an
unexpected vacancy in the prevention program and the Recovery Specialist took longer
to hire due to the merit hire process.
The following items were approved today and the remaining items will be
approved Thursday, September 29, 2016.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Reimbursement
Agreement and Resolution between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to reimburse for preliminary engineering costs
for the replacement of Bridge#121, in the amount of$237,500.00. Total cost of
preliminary engineering is $250,000.00 dispersed as 80% Federal funds, 15% state
funds and 5% County funds.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Report to PA Department of
Human Services, Bureau of Financial Operations for FY15/16 County Human Services
Block Grant showing total revenue and expenditures.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the renewal grant
application to the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for the STOP
project that will establish a collaboration among law enforcement, prosecution and victim
services to improve the response to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating
violence and stalking. This grant request is in the amount of$125,000.00 for the period
of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the revised job description for
the Assistant County Administrator position.
The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Mental
Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Advisory Board. Chairman Keller
praised Candace Rutherford and Linda Carr for their faithful and meaningful service on
the advisory board and said that their appointment for another term is unanimously
recommended by the advisory board. Chairman Keller said he is grateful for their
willingness to serve another term. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by
Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to appoint Candace Rutherford and Linda
Carr for a term of September 1, 2016 through September 1, 2019
Continued on page 3
The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS