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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-19 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023 The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, April 19, 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. Valerie Jordan, from Fayetteville, provided public comment and has concerns and is very upset about the State, the Chambersburg School District and Guilford Township withholding funds in reserves that should be spent or returned to the taxpayers. She stated that she i they vote. Ms. Jordan stated that if the Commissioner Board changes she will attend every meeting and wants these people and herself to get a raise. You cannot cut a budget since it will hurt us all and she wants Mr. Horst to know that so she requested John Flannery take that back to him since he knows how it works now. She also feels that Doug Mastriano needs to take a lesser salary since he wants to take us back to the dark ages. Ms. Jordan stated that she is very upset with the Chambersburg Area School District sitting on $26 M and that it hurts the students, the administrators, the teachers and her because $500 of her money is not being spent on them. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. The minutes of the April 12, 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. The items will be decided upon in the afternoon session. The Board reviewed an appointment to the Franklin County Library Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to appoint Ida Eustis for an unexpired term through December 31, 2023. The Board reviewed appointments to the Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention Advisory Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to appoint Abhishek Nitturkar and Bonnie Miller for the term of May 1, 2023 through May 1, 2026. The Board reviewed information regarding Public Library Week. Andrew Vickers, Executive Director, provided information on the following events for Library Week in Franklin nd County: April 22 is the Earth Day celebration in downtown Chambersburg and the bookmobile th will be at the Coyle Free Library; April 29 the YMCA will be having Healthy Kids Day and the book buddy will be present; the Kentucky Derby Coyle Free Library fundraiser will be held on th May 6 that he and Dave Keller will be jockeys and riding pretend horses. Jacob Reid from the Library System provided more information on other events for Library week that will include days with special designations that can be found on their website. Mr. Vickers thanked the Commissioners for having them here and for the proclamation. They appreciate the support from county officials and everything they do for the library system that makes it possible for them to get out into the community and make a difference. Alice Elia, Senior Director of Continued on page 2 Development and Human Resources, wanted to remind everyone that next week they are kicking off their annual appeal for 2023. They had the most successful appeal last year and she thanked the Commissioners and the residents for their support. Chairman Keller said the fact that the annual appeal set a record last year and has increased each year is indicative of the fact of the relevance libraries still have in our lives and in our communities. Some will say everything is available on the internet now so why do we need libraries, but obviously the usage of library resources in the past couple of years. Andrew responded that usage has grown and online usage continues to grow since they have a lot of resources available online. There is the importance of having gathering places, places for people to socialize, to connect, to find important for civility in the community. The library is a big part of social infrastructure as they offer programming and classes. There are lots of opportunities for people to connect and grow. Research shows that socialization and being part of the community is important and contributes to life expectancy. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that maybe some a great deal to do with the expansion of the library and his continued support of the library should be recognized and he thinks that Dave has done a wonderful thing for the community. Chairman Keller wanted to say that all the other volunteers on the Board and several of the other libraries in the County that have their own boards as well, work in partnership with them. They are all volunteers and they do it out of the kindness of their heart because they believe in libraries and believe in our communities. So he thanked Commissioner Ziobrowski for the accolades but he shares that with all those folks he had the pleasure of serving with in that capacity for 16 years. Chairman Keller read the proclamation. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved Proclamation #2023 08 for the purpose of proclaiming the week of April 23 - 29, 2023 as Franklin County Public Library Week and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. The Board reviewed information regarding Earth Day. Chairman Keller mentioned that the Commissioners support this proclamation each year and he is planning to attend the Earth Day event this coming Saturday at the Renfrew Institute. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved Proclamation #2023 09 for the purpose of proclaiming April 22, 2023 as Earth Day in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation 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: Andrew Vickers representing Franklin County Library System that received $100,000 to be used for that received $55,000 to be used for revenue replacement; Matthew Wedd representing The Conococheague Institute that received $70,000 to be used for outdoor improvements; Jason Stains representing the Borough of Waynesboro that received $199,000 to be used for the water line extension; and Leiter Pryer representing Waynesboro Borough Authority that received $157,000 for purchase of new sewer equipment. Chairman Keller invited the recipients to provide information on their programs and how they will use the IMPACT funds. Andrew Vickers thanked the Commissioners for the grant which will be used to focus on the outreach department where they will get out into the community and serve everyone and going forward they will make sure they will have the sustainable funding to keep the outreach employees on board. Jackie Mowen thanked them for the opportunity to apply for this grant. They lost a lot of revenue income the past couple of years during COVID. They will be using it for upkeep, painting the office, getting a new printer and outreach in the community as well as helping with small business growth and nonprofits. They are very appreciative of these funds. Matthew resources and they do that very well annually with their educational programs. With this grant they are improving outdoor spaces and they added an UCV and tractor to help mulch trees. On welcome, bike racks and the giant butterfly he brought along to show everyone. This grant will Continued on page 3 also provide funds for an early childhood sensory playground, which they are calling the Young Explorers Natures Nest. They are hoping to have all the equipment in place by the end of May. n cutting ceremony. Mr. Wedd mentioned some of the other events they have had recently and some events he would like to have in the future. Jason Stains, on behalf of the Borough of Waynesboro, thanked them for the impact grant and to everyone behind the scenes including administration and the staff that selected their project. He explained that the $199,000 will go towards stormwater improvements in the area of West King Street, Franklin Street and Cumberland Valley Avenue. The Borough is not blessed to have much money in reserves and they have a major stormwater issue in that area. When they have a large burst of rain, residents on Cumberland Valley Avenue have their cars flood. They have been trying to figure out for several years how they are going to fund this project and this is a great way to move the project forward and help the residents to stop that storm water issue they have in that area. He thanked them and it will go a long way to help them out. Leiter Pryer on behalf of the Waynesboro Borough Authority thanked the Commissioners for the impact grant. They already purchased a vehicle for maintenance of storm sewer and sanitary sewer and it also has hydro excavation capabilities for excavation around utilities on the water system. They had an With their help they are able to purchase it and they appreciate it and the residents of the Borough appreciate it as well. Chairman Keller asked for the price tag of the equipment. Mr. Pryer responded that it cost $360,000. Chairman Keller wanted to give credit to the legislatures who crafted the legislation that the funding for the impact grant came from because it allows us the flexibility to provide dollars to recipients for things that had already been purchased, not going back forever, but within a recent memory and that flexibility was strategic in helping in this case. 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 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 White Deer Run, LLC to provide inpatient substance use disorder treatment for Good Wolf Treatment Court at a cost of $5,000.00 for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. 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 Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in the amount of $46,999.00 for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Grant funds will be used toward the Executive Director's salary. The Board reviewed additional Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the contract between the County of from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in the amount of $100,000.00 for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. Grant funds will be used to pay for a mental health coordinator. Continued on page 4 The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Keefe Commissary for the inmate commissary including delivery and monitoring, staffing to fill vending machines, hardware and software for inmate accounting, commissions at 34%, offers incentive packages, a money handling system and release payment/debit cards. This agreement is for the period of May 29, 2023 through May 29, 2028. RFP quotes were received and this was the lowest qualified quote received. The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the Fair Housing Resolution #2023-09 that is a requirement every year to signify that Franklin County is committed to upholding fair housing responsibilities throughout its communities. The Board reviewed Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the quote from Government Software Services, Inc. to print the Notice of Return and Claim letters for the delinquent real estate taxes at a cost of $1,239.00 plus USPS Certified postage $14,296.64 for a total cost of $15,535.64 for the period of April 11, 2023 through May 19, 2023. Letters will be mailed by USPS Certified mail with an electronic receipt as proof of delivery which is required by PA Real Estate Tax Law Act 542. The vendor will move all the electronic signatures into each delinquent parcel for easy verification for the Tax Claim Department. Cost of letter and postage is added as a fee onto the delinquent parcel and the county is reimbursed. Postage is to be paid in advance of mailing. Quotes were requested and this was the only response received. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 105 Water Obstructions and Encroachment General Permit application being applied by Waynesboro Area School District for the Waynesboro School District pedestrian bridge replacement project located in the Borough of Waynesboro. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Wm. F. Hill & Associates notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES renewal permit being applied by St. Thomas Township for the continued discharge of effluent from the Edenville Wastewater Treatment Facility on property located in St. Thomas Township. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Gwin Dobson & Foreman Engineers notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES renewal permit being applied by Bear Valley Franklin County Pennsylvania Joint Authority for the Broad Run Water Treatment Facility on property located in Peters Township. The Board reviewed information regarding Crime Victi Deputy Chief and Chief Rick Ackerman both from Juvenile Probation were present to receive the proclamation. Ms. Mackley explained that they will place some items in the hallway of this building that juveniles worked on for voices of victims and they took some of the impact statements that the victims had and placed them on word bubbles. It was a learning experience for them as well because sometimes they She thanked the Commissioners for allowing them to display that here and for the proclamation. Chairman Keller read the proclamation. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved Proclamation #2023 10 for the purpose of proclaiming the week of April 23- that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller asked if there rally next week in Harrisburg that the State is having. Chief Ackerman said that locally they rights such as they did with the hands messaging last year. Chairman Keller mentioned the Walk a Mile in her Shoes in May that is along the same lines. Continued on page 5 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: Ann Hull representing Franklin County Historical Society-Kittochtinny that received $40,000 to be used for a new roof on the John Brown House; Gary Smith, Sr. representing Scotland Community Association that received $60,000 to be used for facility improvements; Kelly Kozlowski representing Capitol Theatre Center Foundation that received $71,000 to be used for facility improvements; Allen Coffman, President of the Council representing the Borough of Chambersburg that received $240,000 to be used for revitalization of Southgate Shopping Center; and Amy Hicks representing United Way of Franklin County that received $100,000 to be used to expand the Stepping Forward Works. Chairman Keller invited the recipients to provide information on their programs and how they will use the IMPACT funds. Ann Hull said the grant is actually for climate control in the building on the 1880 part west cell block. They are trying to get all the artifacts and archives so that everything is under temperature and humidity control. This is a big area and this will help. They are in the process of raising $300,000 total for that. She thanked the Commissioners for the grant. Gary Smith thanked everyone for the donation. The Scotland Community Center does things for the youth in Scotland and their building is also used by the Scotland Elementary School if there is a disaster. They will be using the money for redoing the kitchen for such an emergency and that they would have an updated kitchen. They do a lot for the youth and they use the building for meetings and functions. They appreciate everything the County is doing to help them with their project. Kelly Kozlowski said the Capitol Theatre Center Foundation thanks the County and the Commissioners for their support and for this grant. The grant funds were used to replace the lighting system in the theater to turn it into a LED based lighting system that helps to reduce the operation costs of the utilities in the building as well as to climate control the theater which is better in the long run for longevity of the building. The remainder will be used for a restoration project since the building is 96 years old and there is some restoration work that needs done on the north wall of the building. She thanked the Commissioners and the County for the support. Allen Coffman, President of Borough Council said they received $240,000 to be used for demolition work at the Southgate Shopping Center. The Borough bought that property in its is sold already to Keystone Health which used for demolition work on some of the buildings that have outlived their usefulness and the need to come down for preparation of new buildings which will go up. The Borough Council and was a partnership between the County and the Borough to build Southgate. He thanked them again and will put it to good use. Amy Hicks thanked the County for support of the impact grant. where they had a team of staff and volunteers help complete taxes for the public. So far they have put $10,000 back in the pockets of community members and hope to see that number expand greatly over the coming years. They also will expand Stepping Forward Works, which is helping to connect people with the tools that are available to build financial stability. They trainings, and coordination, volunteer recruitment and they are looking for more expansion over the next two years. She thanked the Commissioners for these funds. Chairman Keller said that Stepping Forward was a program that started when he served on the Board many years ago and it had the unanimous support of the Board at that time. As he recalls, it started as a workforce related program helping folks build the soft skills to do well in interviews, do well as employees and to connect candidates with prospective employers. At that time it was focused on warehouse logistics related opportunities. He asked how the program has grown since that time. Ms. Hicks responded that the program has grown consistently in that time. They have enjoyed Board support since this program started. And every commissioner has supported this program at one time or another. Stepping Works did start with logistics connected to the warehouse industry which has grown crazy in our community over time. They now offer a pharmacy tech program, HVAC, welding, nursing, CNC machining and they are hoping to Continued on page 6 i private/public partnership and the business community has embraced it and they participate in it. Ms. Hicks said the business community helps to support it and has welcomed their candidates over the years. A lot of the candidates come through this program with very little or no experience. The many partners in the program have helped with this program and they appreciate that. The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 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