HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-05 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, April 5, 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 L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
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 March 27, 2018 and March 29, 2018
meetings.
The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Food & Beverage License to the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture for the Ft. Loudon Activity Center at a cost of $82.00. It is a state regulation
to have a food and beverage license renewed annually. There is no increase from last
year and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Block Grant.
The Board reviewed additional Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Food & Beverage License to the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture for the Upper Strasburg Senior Activity Center at a cost of $82.00. It is a
state regulation to have a food and beverage license renewed annually. There is no
increase from last year and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Block
Grant.
The Board reviewed Commissioners/Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the following
policies: Budget Management (policy #913.00), Capital Planning (policy #914.00), Debt
Management (policy #912.00) and Investment (policy #915.00). These policies are
highly recommended and essential to document the county’s existing practices,
philosophies, and guidelines for the various areas covered. They reflect the county’s
commitment to the excellent management of our finances.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the supplemental
appropriation in the amount of $306,900 to create a budget for the Keystone Grant
Program, with the county passing the funds through to the Coyle Free Library.
The Board reviewed Commissioners/Property Management matters. On a
motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved
the addendum to the original agreement (dated October 12, 2018) between the County
of Franklin and Waynesboro Construction Co. Inc., for the construction of a metal barn
on Franklin Farm Lane, to extend the completion date to May 15, 2018. All other terms
and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect.
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The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the grant application to the
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for a Justice Assistance Grant in
the amount of $105,000.00, for the period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Funds
will be used for an Intensive Reentry Case Management Program to ensure a continuum
of care and quality of life improvement through supportive services. This program
serves 10 participants per year.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of
Franklin and the County of Armstrong to house adult inmates, over the age of 18, in
accordance with the ability of cell space at a cost of $55.00 per day, for the period of
May 19, 2018 through December 31, 2019. This facility is PREA certified and abides by
all PA Title 37 regulations. Armstrong County reserves the right to accept offenders at
their discretion. All medical expenses accrued will be the responsibility of the County of
Franklin.
The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and the County of Indiana to house adult inmates, over the age of 18,
in accordance with the ability of cell space at a cost of $65.00 per day, for the period of
July 12, 2018 through December 31, 2019. This facility is PREA certified and abides by
all PA Title 37 regulations. Armstrong County reserves the right to accept offenders at
their discretion. All medical expenses accrued will be the responsibility of the County of
Franklin.
The Board reviewed Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Cost Share Agreement
between taxing authorities related to real estate tax assessment appeals. The County
and school district will share the costs of litigation pertaining to the tax assessment
appeal of Kennametal Inc., Docket numbers 2015-4481 and 2015-4480. The County will
pay 23% and the school district will pay 77% of the litigation costs. The formula is based
on 2018 millage rates.
The Board reviewed additional Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Cost Share
Agreement between taxing authorities related to real estate tax assessment appeals.
The County and school district will share the costs of litigation pertaining to the tax
assessment appeal of West Penn Power, Docket number 2015-5142. The County will
pay 23% and the school district will pay 77% of the litigation costs. The formula is based
on 2018 millage rates.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Saunderosa Park
Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
NPDES Renewal Permit application being applied for their current onsite sewage
treatment facility, located in Warren Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, CES Engineering,
LLC. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharge being applied for by Wilson College for land
development for the construction of a Veterinary Clinic, located in the Borough of
Chambersburg.
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The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Industrial Development
Authority. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to appoint Charles Edgin, James Wade, Patrick Fleagle, and
John Stoner for a term of April 5, 2018 through April 4, 2021.
The Board met with Charles Martin, Human Resources Generalist, the Controller
Harold Wissinger and Sheriff James Brown for Salary Board matters.
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the revised job description
for the Program Specialist (MH/ID) position.
Doug Amsley, Children, Youth and Family Services Director and Minnie
Goshorn, Assistant Administrator, provided a presentation on the Children and Youth
Annual Report for 2017. Mr. Amsley provided information on the services that are
provided for children from birth to 18 years of age. He also explained that they serve
youth older than 18 years of age if the child wants to stay in services and meets certain
criteria. He explained further that the Federal Government is looking to change the age
to 23. Mr. Amsley reported there were a total of 3,194 referrals which includes 738
referrals for screens. He provided a five year comparison of the referrals and noted how
referrals increased in 2015 after the Sandusky case. Mr. Amsley indicated that the
referrals are starting to level out. He provided a chart that explained the allegations that
are being reported. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if the sex abuse cases have
increased or is it just that the newspaper coverage has increased. Mr. Amsley
responded that he feels people are more aware so there is an increase in reporting the
cases and they are being prosecuted more often. He explained there are also more
referrals from dentists due to dental neglect after the dental community participated in
the mandatory reported training. Mr. Amsley reported the number of referrals involving
newborns with drug & alcohol issues is at 51 compared to 3 in 2013 and drug and
alcohol concerns with parents is at 290 compared to 179 in 2013. Opioid use disorder is
a real issue now and the Chambersburg Hospital NICU that opened a year a half ago
has a really good working relationship with Children & Youth. They provide a safety plan
for the newborns. Ms. Goshorn reported that about half of the newborns are placed with
other family members or in foster care. Mr. Amsley reported that there is more
emergency kinship due to the drug epidemic. In some cases grandparents are using
drugs also., Mr. Amsley indicated that everyone is drug screened before a child is placed
with them. They are actually relying more on great grandparents for kinship care.
Commissioner Thomas suggested that this information be shared with Aging
Office.Stacie Horvath, Human Services Administrator, explained the Aging Office is
concentrating on this now and the safety net is fewer and far between because of so
many not having capable family members available to help take the children. They are
putting them into other households like friends or neighbors so there are more sexual
abuse cases now. Mr. Amsley reported that as of December 2017, there were 104 kids
in care compared to 74 at the end of 2016 due to more parents, grandparents and kids
on drugs. Chairman Keller said a concern is the increase in placements. He noted that
putting into perspective how we compare statewide is helpful and gives him assurance
we are doing everything we can. Commissioner Thomas asked if placements are up
th
since we are in the 4 month of the year. Mr. Amsley responded that placements are at
111 today. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he wished the press were here but there are
17 times as many children born with drug & alcohol issues compared to before. He
asked if there is anything Mr. Amsley can give the board to clarify reporting on why it’s
up so much. Commissioner Ziobrowski also asked what the burn out rate is for Children
& Youth staff. Mr. Amsley explained that they are doing pretty well the past couple of
years with turnovers and that their turnover rate was 25%. He noted that all over
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Pennsylvania counties are finding this to be a challenge and in some the turnover rate is
60-70%. He said there is work being done at the state level and with PA Children &
Youth Administrators Association (PCYA) to address the turnover rates. Commissioner
Ziobrowski responded to let him know what he can do to help make their jobs better or
more fulfilling to show support for Children & Youth staff because they do have a heavy
load. Mr. Amsley responded that he is appreciative of the support they receive from the
Board.
The Board reviewed information regarding Child Abuse Prevention Month. On a
motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved
to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2018-04 proclaiming the month of April as Child
Abuse Prevention Month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these
minutes.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:46 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review real estate matters. No action was required after executive session.
The Board reconvened into regular session at 11:28 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:29 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS