HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-05 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, April 5, 2023, with the following
members present: David S. Keller, John T. Flannery 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.
The meeting was live streamed.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the March 29, 2023 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the minutes.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Carrie Gray, County
Administrator, asked to pull board action #5, quote for medicine safes. They realized after the
quotes were submitted that they had the wrong size and needed something smaller. This will
be resubmitted for a smaller amount. The remaining items will be decided upon in the afternoon
session.
The Commissioners presented a check to the Arc of Franklin and Fulton Counties for the
March dress down fundraiser. Keri Kenney, Training Development Coordinator and coordinator
month so they decided to support the Arc of Franklin and Fulton Counties. She continued that
Arc helps people with developmental disabilities participate in civil, social, educational, health
and employment activities in the community to help them reach their fullest potential. Ms.
Kenney said that we raised $655 through the fundraiser which was the highest fundraiser so far
this year. We had 130 employees donate to this cause from 23 different departments. She
thanked all the employees for their constant support. She said that Lorrie Miller is here from the
Arc to say a few words. Ms. Miller wanted to thank all the employees who donated to Arc of
Franklin and Fulton Counties, and that they are so appreciative. She continued that they are
now back to doing their fun activities after COVID, and she explained some of the activities.
They appreciate the contribution they received today. Chairman Keller said they appreciate the
wonderful work her organization does and he thanked the employees for their continuing
generosity again. Commissioner Flannery said he concurred and he thanked her.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said that not only do the employees step up and contribute which
helps the Arc but it also increases their awareness of disabilities so congratulations to both them
as well as county employees.
The Board reviewed information regarding Month of the Young Child. Chairman Keller
welcomed Annette Searfoss from First Start Partnership to provide information and receive the
proclamation. Ms. Searfoss stated she is the President and CEO of First Start Partnerships for
Children and
current President of the Pennsylvania (PA) Association for the Education of Young Children that
is connected to the National Association for the Education for Young Children. She continued
that each year for 50 plus years there is the week that is proclaimed the Week of the Young
children. Ms. Searfoss provided more information on their programs and how important it is to
recognize the youngest citizens, those that are not yet born up to age eight and also the 145
First Start Partnership staff members that work with 813 children all across Franklin County.
Continued on page 2
They all want to make sure that families and the communities understand how important those
early years are. Franklin County really does value those early years as evidenced by the
contributions of time, energy and dollars that have come from county government and staff that
work at the county. She wanted to thank everyone. They appreciate that this year especially
they were awarded $450,000 in IMPACT grant funds for early childhood education in Franklin
County. Those funds went to local early childhood initiatives that were the direct result of a
study that was conducted for First Start Partnerships last year. All of this is helping them
understand what they need to do to support those families, to support those children towards
school readiness and to support the professionals most of whom have credentials very similar to
their school counterparts. They are interested in continuing the journey that they have begun
and very grateful for everything the County has done for them including this proclamation.
Chairman Keller said that in 2012 the county partnered with FCADC, United Way, Greater
Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, and Wellspan to conduct a prosperity report to measure
Franklin County in terms of key health indicators, education, and teen pregnancy. There were
close to 30 different variables and a lot of focus was put on the number of children who were
eligible for publicly funded early childhood education and similar programs. We were compared
to a number of our peer counties in PA and we did not compare very favorably in terms of early
childhood. But it lit a fire under our communities in the county and the work that Annette and
First Start Partnerships and other early childhood education providers across the county has
resulted from that so there have been a lot of improvements made but there is a lot more that
ing
through the IMPACT grant program and it will be money well spent. The return on investment
will continue decades into the future. Commissioner Flannery thanked them for all the work
they do. He continued that as a relatively new grandfather you can never put enough emphasis
of any better investment than in our child
former Lincoln Lanes. Chairman Keller read the proclamation. Jen Hawbecker, Early
Intervention Program Specialist, who also has the privilege of being President of the Board of
First Start Partnership said she is doubly blessed by the support of the Commissioners and the
County, for early childhood, the educators, families and children. While they want to build up all
children they do have some children that have some developmental delays and some need that
extra support, so her program is able to help those children and families. Chairman Keller
Start Partnership is a great example of that. He thanked her and them for going above and
beyond the call. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery;
unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2023-04 proclaiming the month of
April as Month of the Young Child and that the attached proclamation will be made a part of
these minutes.
Dr. Kim Eaton, Community Connections Division Director, provided information on the
following IMPACT! Grant recipients who were present to thank the County for receiving their
funds through the grant process and have a picture taken with the Commissioners: Mark Story
representing Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County that received $100,000 for affordable
housing development; Amanda Woodring representing My Neighbors Bounty that received
$40,000 to establish weekly food pantry; Terry Miller representing Franklin County Career
Technical Center (TCCTC) that received $43,000 to purchase new equipment; Heather
McEndree representing Cumberland Valley School of Music that received $100,000 for
purchase of real estate; Bill Wishard representing Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department that
received $100,000 to purchase radios. Chairman Keller invited the recipients to provide
information on their programs and how they will use the IMPACT funds. Mark Story explained
together to build homes, communities and hope. He provided the history of the program and
that the funds will be used to purchase land to put in a proper Habitat development where they
could fix the lot costs for families. This was one of their goals after opening the Restore on
Route 30. He thanked the Commissioners for the funds. Amanda Woodring, Chairman and
Continued on page 3
Tracy Leidy, Vice Chairman, explained the history of My Neighbors Bounty that opened in April
of 2021 and that currently helps 70 families a week through their program. They explained that
the funds will be used to purchase more food weekly to help families through the partnership of
the Central PA Food Bank. They thanked the county for the grants. Terry Miller thanked the
Commissioners for the opportunity and that they appreciate the funds that have been given to
them. He explained that the funds will be used to purchase a robotic arm to be used at the
thth
school through a few classrooms and to go on roadshows to 5 through 8 graders to get them
interested in the FCCTC. He provided more information about the school that is an exceptional
school doing exceptional things. Heather McEndree explained the history of the Cumberland
Valley School of Music and that they have outgrown their Chambersburg location at the former
music department at Wilson College. They will use these funds to acquire a new home in
Chambersburg to serve future generations to come. Chief Bill Wishard thanked the County for
the impact grant money that is going to purchase portable radios to put on their fire apparatus to
provide life safety, communications for all their personnel going out on emergencies every day.
They will still have to provide an additional $178,000 towards the purchase but these funds will
help. Chairman Keller said they are glad they are able to help and thanked them for the great
work they do. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that the most important function they have as
County Commissioners is the safety of their people and the 911 Emergency Services is critical
but maybe more important is the first responders and they get tremendous help from their
community, their volunteers, and their municipalities so the fact they are able to help a little bit
and direct some funds their way is money well spent. He thanked him for his service. Mr. Story
wanted to publicly thank Dr. Eaton for her role and making this possible. She did more behind
the scenes than anyone may realize. He explained that several recipients have had this
conversation among themselves so he is saying this representing all of them who are receiving
these funds. He thanked her for her efforts. Chairman Keller responded that it was well said
and he thanked Dr. Eaton.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. for final approval of the items that
were reviewed.
The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
There was no public comment.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the quote from Jennings Chevrolet-
Buick-GMC, Inc. for the purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse in the amount of $33,956.47 to
replace a vehicle that was involved in an accident and deemed a total loss by insurance.
Reimbursement in the amount of $13,425 from the insurance was received by the agency.
Quotes were requested with responses and this was the lowest qualified quote received.
The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and Gaudenzia, Inc. to provide case management services upon request of
the County as part of the County's Good Wolf Treatment Court for a contract encumbrance of
$71,970.00 for the term of October 1, 2022 through September 20, 2023.
The Board reviewed additional Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and Gaudenzia, Inc. to provide substance use disorder treatment upon
Good Wolf Treatment Court for a contract
encumbrance of $10,000.00 for the term of October 1, 2022 through September 20, 2023.
Continued on page 4
The Board reviewed Department of Emergency Services matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman
of the Board to execute the quote from Intrado Life & Safety Solutions Corporation (formally
West Safety Solutions Corp.) to provide Text 2 911/SMS (short message service) system
services, professional services and maintenance costs beginning April 7, 2023 through April 6,
2024 at a cost of $15,000.00. Quotes were requested, with only one response received.
Comtech and Intrado are the only providers handling SMS lines.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by
John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the contract between the County of Franklin and Over
Center to provide Forensic Interviews on behalf of the District
Attorney for a contract amount of $114,223.00 for the term of January 1, 2023 through
December 31, 2023.
The Board reviewed Information Technology Services matters. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the quote from
Communications Supply Corporation for renewal of UPS and HVAC equipment support in the
new data center at a cost of $26,264.90 for the term of March 4, 2023 through March 3, 2024.
The Board reviewed additional Information Technology Services matters. On a motion
by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the Business Associate Agreement between the County of
Franklin and Zoom Video Communications, Inc. for use of Zoom video conferencing when
dealing with meetings that might involve Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) or Personal Health Information (PHI) information being exchanged.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by
John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the revised Intergovernmental Agreement between the
County of Franklin and Centre County Correctional Facility to replace the current contract to
house adult offenders over the age of 18 for both males and females based upon available cell
space at a rate of $75.00 per inmate per day for the period of January 1, 2023 through
December 31, 2024. The original contract was signed by Franklin County on 2/08/2023 but was
not approved by Centre County. Their contract was revised and this is the newest approved
agreement for Centre County to hold Franklin County inmates.
The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the proposal from NRG Building Services to replace the existing building automation system
software/hardware for Jail Maintenance at a cost of $12,255.00 for the term of April 17, 2023
through April 17, 2035. This system will include installation, programming, licensing, etc.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded
by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the quote from Apple Chevrolet for purchase of a
2023 1500 Crew Cab truck at a cost of $43,796.00 to be used for the West Nile program.
Funds are covered from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Grant. Four
quotes were received and this was the lowest qualified quote.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the addendum to the service
agreement (dated November 19, 2019) between the County of Franklin and Ehrlich Pest Control
to include monthly pest management maintenance to the Historic Courthouse located at 2 N.
Main Street. The cost for this service is $30.00 monthly. All other terms and conditions of the
original agreement will remain in full force and effect.
Continued on page 5
The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the PCoRP Loss Prevention Grant
Program application to provide funds in the amount of $30,000 to be used for implementation for
the new incident reporting software Origami Risk. This grant is provided through the County
Commissioners Association of PA (CCAP) every year.
The Board reviewed Tax Claim matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to accept a bid made by Melissa and
Steven Coons in the amount of $150.00 on the repository sale of a mobile home located in
Southampton Township.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Power Engineers notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Air Quality State Only Operating permit
application being applied by the WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital to continue operating the
facility located on property in the Borough of Chambersburg.
The Board met with Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director and the Controller Harold
Wissinger for Salary Board matters. Also in attendance was President Judge Shawn Meyers;
Richard Ackerman, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer; Teresa Anthony, Domestic Relations
Section Director; Casey Bogner, Chief Public Defender; Tawnya Hurley, Area Agency on Aging
Administrator; and Steve Thomas, Planning Director.
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the position descriptions for
Administrative Officer in Domestic Relations Section and Chief Deputy Public Defender in Public
The Board reviewed information regarding Telecommunicators Week. Robert Povlich,
Director of the Department of Emergency Services, thanked the Commissioners, County
Administrators, Senior County Leaders and community partners for this opportunity to provide
recognition for telecommunicators and dispatchers. He explained that the dispatchers are on
the front lines of public safety every hour of every day. They have to be counselors, problem
solvers, care providers, compassionate listeners and a gentle voice. Sometimes switching
between each of these roles several times in the same phone call. They are frequently dealing
with callers having the worst days of their lives and often do not get the closure from these calls
and these events. It takes its own toll on stress and mental strain. There are no individuals on
the 911 floor; they operate as a team to get through these incidents and the aftermath they
create. That is why they are extremely grateful that each year the County recognizes their
contributions to the safety and welfare of the citizens and the community with this proclamation.
It is a clear demonstration of the county's commitment and support of this vital public service
mission set. They wanted to thank the Commissioners for this very public recognition. Mr.
Povlich introduced his staff that attended the meeting. Chairman Keller read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said as he noted twice this morning but under different circumstances
that he considers the safety of our public the most important county function we have so he is
pleased that we can honor our telecommunicators many of whom also volunteer at various EMS
or fire companies and go way beyond the call of duty. He is delighted that we can honor these
folks today. Commissioner Flannery wanted to say one of his favorite rooms to visit in the
whole county is the 911 center. He is honored every time he is in there to watch them and that
at any second one of our loved ones could call in with a family emergency or crisis and that they
are so quick and able to respond to take care of the situation is incredible. He thanked all of
them and this recognition is well deserved. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by
John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2023-05
proclaiming the week of April 9-15, 2023 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
and that the attached proclamation will be made a part of these minutes.
Continued on page 6
Dr. Kim Eaton, Community Connections Division Director, provided information on the
following IMPACT! Grant recipients that were present to thank the County for receiving their
funds through the grant process and have a picture taken with the Commissioners: Marshall
Rock representing Green Hill Cemetery that received $20,000 for outdoor upgrades; Sue
Marshall representing Agape English Ministries at King Street Church that received $33,100 for
language education program; Paul Cullinane, Jr. representing Hamilton Ruritan Club that
received $28,200 for outdoor improvements; and Caitlin Lucas representing Franklin County
Conservation District that received $95,000 for stream restoration. Chairman Keller invited the
recipients to provide information on their programs and how they will use the IMPACT funds.
Marshall Rock thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to use the IMPACT grant award
Franklin County. They will be using the funding to construct a building to house material to use
in grave closings and other material to enhance the beautification of the cemetery. He provided
more information on the cemetery and their fundraising efforts to bring in more funds for the
cemetery. Pastor Adam Keith from King Street Church thanked the Commissioners, the County
and others involved with the IMPACT grant for awarding them a grant that will be used to
provide infrastructure upgrades to help run the program that will include purchasing computers
and upgrading older computers along with adding software and more desks and for running a
fiber line under King Street to accommodate their needs. He explained that they are serving
people that speak more than 20 native languages so they are grateful for the help this grant will
provide. Chairman Keller explained that this was federal funding, but the Board felt it could be
invested in the community and not just put in the county coffers and help them to avoid a tax
increase. They knew that there was good work being done in the community and they hoped
that it would be used for that purpose. He said it sounds like they are helping with that. Paul
Cullinane is the President of the Hamilton Ruritan and on behalf of the officers, directors and
members please accept their grateful appreciation to the commissioners and he extends that to
staff members that work behind the scenes directly and to Dr. Eaton who has answered his
many questions. She has been responsive and patient with him. He provided more information
on the club that was started in November of 1969 with fellowship, goodwill, and community
service. He explained that these grant funds already purchased a new lawn tractor which they
desperately needed to mow seven acres of grass and for improvements at their pavilion. On
behalf of the club he thanked the county and that they truly appreciate it. Caitlin Lucas thanked
the Commissioners for the award for their project of clean water goals for the 2025 Chesapeake
Bay restoration. This project has been in the works for five years and will be the first of its kind
stream restoration for property owners or public areas that are experiencing land loss due to
stream erosion. She continued that any funds remaining will go towards the design or
construction of one of the three other stream restoration projects they have. Chairman Keller
explained that the Conservation District is busier than any other organization in the county right
now; they have a lot of projects going on.
Solicitor Elliott Sulcove met with the Board to provide an update on the opioid settlement
The County was recently notified of wave two of the
opioid settlements with the distributors of opioids that include: TEVA Pharmaceuticals, Allergan,
Walgreens, Walmart and CVS. These cases have provisionally settled for a little under $19
billion, and, of that total, between $366 million and $832 million will be coming to
Pennsylvania. The settlement is structured almost identically to the previous
settlement. Franklin County can expect to receive a minimum amount of approximately
$1,308,000 and a maximum amount of approximately $2,943,000. The exact amount depends
on participation of all municipalities of over 10,000 people. At the time of the meeting, all
municipalities had approved the settlement except for the Borough of Chambersburg. Frank
to the administrator. As long as the last settlement is submitted by April 18, 2023, the County
could expect a payment of nearly $3M over 13 to 15 years. The County can expect the first
th
payment around June 30 of this year. There is no board action required.
Continued on page 7
The Mallinckrodt Pharmaceutical Company is in bankruptcy and it is expected that there
is another $49M payable to the Commonwealth of PA that is entirely dependent on the
bankruptcy court's determination. Commissioner Ziobrowski said when he saw that we are
getting $3,726,944.11 on wave two on a capitation basis but because we are 1.2% of PA
population we should get $6,492,272. We are getting less than 50% of that. He continued that
in looking at other counties, disparities are all over the place. He do
share. Chairman Keller responded that they look at the quantity of pharmaceuticals distributed
and number of deaths. What appears to have happened here is the AG has jumped ahead of
ago. Our case is currently assigned to Delaware County and is not moving quickly. He said
that in the event the AG settlement falls through, the first cases that will go will be the
Commonwealth cases, the second will be union cases and certain other entities that are ahead
of us.
Solicitor Elliott Sulcove's second discussion item did require Commissioner approval.
The County was notified that it has approximately $31,000 $32,000 of unclaimed property
being held by the Commonwealth of PA. He said some claims are decades old. There are over
96 claims, but of those two are large ones that are not Franklin County. The property ranges
from fee checks to Franklin County Recorder of Deeds that were never cashed and checks to
various government entities that either never made it to their destination or something
else. There are some larger ones that appear to be payments that d
reason but many of them are very small. The largest one is a check for $8,274 payable to
Franklin County in Capital Area Communications, Inc. as part of the Franklin County radio
system. The fact that the money is at the Commonweal
to Franklin County. Attorney Sulcove said the action is a motion to authorize the county
administrator to take all action necessary for the recovery of this property belonging to the
County. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if we can do this in mass, or does it have to be done
individually or can it be done collectively. Solicitor Sulcove explained that his recommendation
is that it be done in mass and with a minimum of staff time. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he
d
collectively. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved to have the County Administrator to pursue these claims at her discretion.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
David S. Keller, Chairman
____________________________________
John T. Flannery
___________________________________
Robert G. Ziobrowski