HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, February 20, 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.
There was no public comment.
The minutes of the February 13, 2018 and February 15, 2018 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, February 22, 2018.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The following item
was approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, February 22,
2018.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to
execute the grant agreement between the County of Franklin and Appalachian Trail
Conservancy and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a
grant in the amount of $5,545.00 to be used for improvements at the Franklin County
Eco Park to include removal of invasive species, planting 50 new tree seedlings,
extension of existing trail and installation of new interpretive signage in order to
implement the Forestry Management Plan. There will also be two educational events to
highlight the park and to encourage and record first time visitors.
Warren Elliott, Vice Chair of the Franklin County Veterans Park and 911
Memorial and Paul Cullinane, Secretary of the Franklin County Veterans Park and 911
Memorial attended the board meeting to provide the Board with an update and some
exciting news on the park. Mr. Elliott said that Reverend Harter is traveling and was
unavailable today so he sends his regrets. Mr. Cullinane said that the Commissioners
have been very supportive and continue to serve on the advisory committee. He
explained the purpose of the park is to provide a tribute and remembrance of ones who
lost their lives on 9/11, the military who risk their lives every day and to past veterans
who lost their lives. He said this is a special place and he hopes that the public will take
time to go there to visit. He said this coming May will mark seven years and every year
they try to make the park more special. Mr. Cullinane commented there have been
incredible sponsorships through the years to provide various physical enhancements to
the park and last year they received a Franklin County Tourism grant that was used for a
paver connection to connect the plaza to a 600 foot trail through the woods. He is
pleased to report that they have received another Franklin County Tourism Grant this
year to place additional trees on the northern boundary and shrubs on the eastern and
western boundaries. They reached out to the public last year to request funds to replace
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the roof on the Letterkenny Chapel. He also noted that in 2015 it was the 70
anniversary of the patronage of Italian prisoners when they were sent home and some of
them have come back to visit with their families. Mr. Cullinane said they have four
services a year in the chapel and welcomed everyone to come out for the services.
Chairman Keller responded that it’s a wonderful historical asset for the whole county, not
just for Chambersburg. He continued that the Board noted the money is well spent,
projects are done on time and on budget. He asked how much money annually is
required for maintenance and upkeep of the property. Mr. Cullinane responded that in
order to maintain the chapel and park area, cutting grass, trimming, pruning and
shoveling snow it is approximately $12,000 to $15,000 a year. He explained that flags
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are a separate effort and cost around $1,400 a year. He does make them extend as
long as he can by trimming and sewing them but he does change the flags every May.
Chairman Keller responded that this is definitely a labor of love and lots of blood, sweat
and tears go into it. It’s an old building so it needs a lot of upkeep so it’s important to let
residents know to contribute. Commissioner Thomas mentioned the Eco Park and how
this park is similar in how if you don’t have dreamers and visionaries, these things can’t
happen. He stated it takes others to keep them going. Mr. Cullinane explained that they
have a wonderful board of volunteers and they engaged ROTC Cadets and the Boy and
Cub Scouts in completing the labor to build the trail. He said it’s a community place and
when people become personally involved, it becomes a truly great place. He thanked
the Board for the opportunity to say a few words and wanted to publicly thank them for
the funds and their guidance. Warren Elliott thanked the Board as well and he views the
Park as the County’s Park. He said this is a county park and the Commissioners helped
to make it happen. Additionally there are people who come up with ideas but there are
people who do all the work like Paul Cullinane. He continued that with the amount of
time Mr. Cullinane spends out there he is irreplaceable and he does all the work. Mr.
Elliott continued that they were seeking a way to commemorate the park and found that
the military has a challenge coin and that concept was utilized to create a
commemorative coin. It was noted that they have a lot of military speakers there and the
chapel is one of the three Italian battalion built chapels in the whole nation. Three
hundred coins were produced. Mr. Elliott indicated that coins are available for a
minimum of a $20 donation and the contact would be Mr. Cullinane. Mr. Elliott and Mr.
Cullianne gave the first three coins to the Commissioners to thank them for their support.
Chairman Keller thanked Mr. Elliott and Mr. Cullinane and indicated that the Board is
honored to support this endeavor.
The Board recessed at 10:06 a.m. and will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. for the
Retirement Board meeting.
The Board reconvened at 1:30 p.m. and held a Retirement Board meeting.
Lee Martin, Marquette Associates, met with the Board to provide a report of the
Franklin County Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Fund.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS