HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-23 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 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. Carrie Gray, County Administrator,
provided clarification on board action #1 that the amendment is for the Accessible
Pathways Project at Conococheague Institute, not Fort Loudon as the amendment
stated.
There was no public comment.
The minutes of the January 16, 2018 and January 18, 2018 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The following item
was approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, January 25,
2018.
The Board reviewed an appointment to the Franklin County General Authority
Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to appoint Charles Sioberg for a term of January 2018 through
January 2023.
General discussion was held on the Court Facility Improvement Project. John
Hart, Project Manager, inquired of the Board where they want to go with the project. He
continued that the board requested information regarding the President Judge's original
request to address safety, security and efficiency concerns with the courthouse and
court-related facilities; he worked with the architects and engineers; provided floor plans;
had two open houses; there have been questions that have been answered; and he will
continue to have public presentations when invited. He asked if there is anything more
they want him to do. Mr. Hart provided some history that nine years ago we had security
issues and they still exist. He is looking for direction and asked if there are any
questions left unanswered or any suggestion on timelines.
Chairman Keller responded that his impression from the initial presentation, the
two open houses and feedback during those events, emails received and just interacting
with folks in the community, is that people seem to be accepting of what was proposed.
They seem to understand the needs of security and efficiencies with the project. No one
is excited with the price tag but folks have been generally receptive of the project. He
continued that some are for and some are against but in general, there is support in the
community for what has been proposed.
Commissioner Thomas responded that this project goes back nine years. The
project was presented clearly back then but they didn't do it because of what happened
with the economy at that time. So the County put band aids where they could but the
Board did acknowledge that they were just band aids and it was not a permanent fix. He
continued that we can't deny that this county is growing and will continue to grow, so we
need to address some services the county provides and that includes the judicial side.
He said that John Hart pointed out the District Attorney's Office and Clerk of Courts
Office has grown since the last building project. He stated the current structure has poor
accessibility, and the proposed structure will be more accessible through the front door
for all parties including wheelchairs, which is very important to him. He said the design
of the new courthouse respects and shows off the old courthouse. He couldn't ask for it
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to be better. He said as far as timing, money is cheaper now than ever before but if we
wait it will increase. He noted that we've had debt retiring, and as that debt retires we
can support the old debt with the new debt, so he thinks they need to move forward and
move forward quickly and lock down the rates.
Commissioner Ziobrowski commented that since they did the rollout, he's been in
situations that were political, social and cultural and he has asked people what their
impressions were. He said people have not only accepted this proposal, they have
embraced it. He understands there will be people that will dissent but what he has seen
from people is a sense of pride and sense of purpose. He stated "Mr. Hart, I am in favor
of doing our job, and to move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible."
Mr. Hart suggested setting a date in the very near future, possibly Thursday, to
deliberate and make a decision concerning the facility project. Chairman Keller agreed
and both Commissioners Thomas and Ziobrowski were in agreement. Mr. Hart
continued that having it on the agenda for Thursday makes sense and to send out a
press release to let folks know the board will deliberate and make a decision on
Thursday.
Commissioner Thomas said he has heard people say "Gee you are hurrying this"
but nine years is not hurrying. Mark Singer, Court Administrator, was in attendance.
Commissioner Thomas asked him if he has any thoughts on this. Mark Singer
responded that he is here on behalf of President Judge Van Horn who is in support of
this project.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:48 a.m. this date for the
purpose of Pending Litigation: Chambersburg Investors LLC v. Franklin County Board of
Assessment& Revision of Taxes #2014-4275. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, said
there will be a recommendation from this discussion. The Board reconvened into regular
session at 10:08 a.m.
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked approval to settle the assessment
appeal with Chambersburg Investors LLC Docket#2014-4275, which is a 2014 appeal.
This parcel is the shopping center in Guilford Township that includes Dick's Sporting
Goods, Ulta, Over Achieve Fitness and others. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to authorize Mary Beth Shank to
enter into an agreement with Chambersburg Investors LLC and Chambersburg School
District for the property to be assessed as follows: 2013 - $355,000; 2014 - $367,500;
2015 - $870,000; 2016 - $1,689,100; 2017 - $2,030,000; and 2018 - $2,100,000. The
County will refund Chambersburg Investors LLC in the amount of$2,539.00.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS