HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-10 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, May 10, 2023, with the following
members present: David S. Keller and John T. Flannery. 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.
Chairman Keller announced that Commissioner Ziobrowski is not able to attend the
board meetings today.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved
to adopt the agenda.
Valerie Jordan provided public comment and wanted to mention the recent online activity
details of the PAC that is called Democracy First that understands that former President Trump
lost in our state in Nov. 2020. She provided her research for why Trump lost in Pennsylvania
.
equity and inclusion and that she is diverse
wanted to mention that people like Mr. Horst don't know government and that he is going to cut
services that will hurt her. She said that if it ends up being John and Dean then she will be at
every meeting because she does not want services cut. She continued that Mrs. Horst told her
that school children are being indoctrinated in our public schools. She is accusing her
neighbors of doing this to the students which is wrong and that we have wonderful teachers in
these schools. She said this is what happened in Nazi Germany, people pitting people against
nice people and they eventually went into gas chambers or were shocked. So she says this as
a registered republican who has been all over the world. She is half German and her father
ut the way she
wants them to work out or we will be in a world of hurt if MAGA gets to sit up there.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved
all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the May 3, 2023 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the minutes.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller said that
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked to briefly review a few items. Ms. Gray said he suggested
providing more detail on board action items #3 and #4 regarding the Home Start program. She
continued that action item #3 is an agreement between Franklin County and Chambers
Apothecary to provide medications to Home Start program participants. And action item #4 is
an agreement between the County and Keystone Behavioral Health to provide Mental Health
services to the same program. She explained that the Home Start program helps individuals
who are released from our Jail who need some support in order to help the transition from
medications they need to continue in the community as well as while they are in treatment.
These are grant dollars that are being used in order to have processes in place for those
individuals that may need help in those two areas until their Medical Assistance is turned back
on. The items will be decided upon in the afternoon session.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, said that the
need of the revised position description is because Michelle Davis, who is a long time valued
member of the Jail administration team, is retiring in June. As is our normal protocol, staff looks
at how the job has changed since we are going to be advertising for a replacement for Ms.
Davis. The changes they see before them are the result of duties that have been modified over
time to make sure we are able to hire someone who will help us maintain our accreditation with
the State. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved the revised job description for the Accreditation Compliance Manager at the Franklin
County Jail.
The Board reviewed information regarding Military Appreciation Month. Chairman Keller
welcomed Veterans Affairs Director Justin Slep, his staff and some fur babies (dogs) to receive
the proclamation. Mr. Slep explained that they brought some furry friends who are named after
the Top Gun crew, Maverick, Goose and Iceman, and explained how his team was fortunate to
pick them up from a family that was gracious enough to give Veterans Affairs the puppies free of
charge and total rights to them. He provided more information on the puppies that are four-
month old Golden Retrievers that are for the Save-A-Vet/Save-A-Pet program. They are
hoping to do initial genetic screening to see which one may want to keep to breed since their
goal is to have an internal breeding line. There are lots more things coming down the road. Mr.
rd is
taking the time to recognize the significance of this month and to honor our veterans and military
with a proclamation. He greatly appreciates that and he wanted to make sure his entire team
was here while Chairman Keller read the proclamation. Chairman Keller read the proclamation.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to sign
Franklin County Proclamation #2023-14 proclaiming the month of May 2023 as Military Month in
Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes.
-A-Vet/Save-A-Pet
to the best golf tournament in F
able to acquire, is just incredible. He thanked him and thanked his team, they do an incredible
job. Justin said that his department is taking care of all Memorial Day flags and that there are
three cemeteries that they take care of which are: Lincoln Cemetery, Lebanon Cemetery and
th
Corpus Christi and lots of drive bys. This month on May 27 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. will have our
drive through Veterans Expo at the Marine Corp League in Chambersburg. They estimate
providing300 meals to veterans. Chairman Keller asked how many veterans and families were
served at the Military Share event yesterday. Mr. Slep responded that there were 176 that were
served yesterday and 350 last Thursday. There
substantially. They have a lot of visitors and support from the community and they want to
administration to allow this program to happen. Chairman Keller thanked all of them and all
volunteers that help out with the Military Share Program.
Carrie Gray, County Administrator, 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: Tamara Adams representing Path
Valley Historical Society that received $50,000 for facility improvements; Brad Mowery
representing Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center that received $72,000 for facility
improvements; Alaina Irvin representing Rocket Totes, Inc. that received $25,000 that will be
used for their Basic Needs Food Program; and Carolyn Clouser representing First Start
Partnerships for Children & Families that received $100,000 for curriculum and child care center
equipment. Chairman Keller invited the recipients to provide information on their programs and
how they will use the IMPACT! funds. Tamara Adams stated that they cover Fannett and Metal
Township in Path Valley and they are very grateful for the $50,000 grant they received. They
are a very small community so this is big for them. They put in for two projects: first one is for
possibly getting their own historical society building because they rent what they have now and
restore the Historic Carrick Furnace in
Metal Township which is a historic iron furnace with a Weimer blowing engine that is still intact
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and it was built in 1828 and in dire need of restoring. Weimer blowing engines are the only
ones left in the United States so they want to protect them. They are in the process of getting
quotes and talking to the Historical Preservation on the best way to proceed restoring it. She
thanked the Commissioners for awarding them the $50,000 and it means a lot to them. Brad
Mower, on behalf of Rhodes Grove, thanked the Commissioners for their generosity. They are
a camp and conference center where they run full summer camps all summer along with
retreats and guest groups and all kinds of different things. Their mission is to offer Christ
them achieve this. They are celebrating 125 years on the campus so with 125 years of ministry
and camps there are a lot of things that need upgraded. Mr. Mowery explained that they will
thhouse near the
Lodge that has restrooms that will also be handicap accessible. They are also looking at
making some youth cabins have HVAC where they can have heating and air conditioning so
they can use them year round instead of just seasonal. There are wonderful things happening
at the camp and the Commissioners are a part of that. They are looking forward to partnering
with the County in the future on this as well. Chairman Keller said that he grew up in the King
Street United Brethren Church and he and his brothers attended Rhodes Grove. He asked if
there are other churches involved as well. Mr. Mower responded that they have a lot of
churches involved in their camp. Chairman Keller stated that the conference center is
something the County has
Irvin said Rocket Totes are thankful for the $25,000. The program feeds 100 families from
elementary up through high school. The monies granted to them will help to purchase food
biweekly and to give students backpacks every Friday which the last handout is this Friday.
They also have a big box distribution where they put together a big box of food that they receive
from the food banks. They have families that come from the entire district to help them
supplement food shortages within our communities. She thanked them again. Chairman Keller
that food insecurity is a problem in Franklin County
but fortunately there are a lot of great organizations that are working on it so he thanked them
very much. Erica Nemzek explained that First Start Partnership believes that staff development
is key to the continuous quality improvement for our children. She thanked the Commissioners
for this grant opportunity that will be used for the Bloom Professional Development Center to
extend their program and aid in their mission of ensuring that each child arrives ready for
kindergarten. She explained that the Bloom Center came to life in 2022, as the response of the
programs throughout Franklin County are barely surviving the effects of COVID 19 pandemic
which sadly is resulting in the closure of both classrooms and entire programs. First Start is
fortunate to have direct access to high quality professional development resources with the
creation of the Bloom Center and the support of these impact funds it has allowed them to pilot
a professional development initiative that not only supports their staff but early childhood
centers in Waynesboro. As they have learned from Mr. Rogers to look for the helpers. On
behalf of First Start Partnership and the community she thanked the Commissioners for being
the helpers. Chairman Keller asked about the ripple effect of professional development, how is
that going to expand and improve early childhood services in the county. Ms. Nemzek
responded that by increasing professional development by giving awareness and opportunities
to teachers to expand their knowledge they are then able to support our children and to support
our families. They are able to build that foundation that they all need from birth to age 5
knowing that 80% of their brain is developed by age 5. The result of closing programs has hurt
our community and that families will not be working because they need to care for their children.
And children will not be cared for in the quality that they deserve and need in order to get the
growth that they deserve and need. So by building this professional development with them at
First Start being kind of like the spear head and leaders, they are fortunate to have the
opportunity to be a part of existing funds that go through PASCHE, PDO, through Head start
and Pre-K Counts by using knowledge to extend and support and able to hold hands with
believers in our community and give them what they deserve.
Continued on page 4
Chairman Keller thanked them all and again as he said having recipients come in has
been a great opportunity for them to say thank you but it is just as important if not more just
hearing about the work they are doing and issues they are addressing it illustrates that
community. The Board really appreciates them.
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 Aging Department matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the Food and Beverage License renewal application to the PA Department of Agriculture for the
Tuscarora Senior Center at a cost of $82.00 for the period of June 4, 2023 through June 3,
2023. The license is required in order for the center to serve congregate and home delivered
meals to Franklin County seniors.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
David S. Keller; unanimously approved Human Services Block Grant Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Income and Expenditure Report to the PA Department of Human Services, Bureau of Financial
Operations showing $6,133,954 expended during 2021-2022, total required county match of
$165,000 (2.7%) and retained earnings carried into FY 2022-2023 for expenditures totaling
$105,997.00.
The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
David S. Keller; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and
to exceed $4,000.00 for the period of May 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of
Franklin and Keystone Behavioral Health to provide mental health services for Home Start
program participants at a cost not to exceed $15,000.00 for the period of May 1, 2023 through
December 31, 2023.
The Board reviewed Information Technologies Services matters. On a motion by John
T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board
to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Zito Business to provide 6
strands of dark fiber free to the County for use between the downtown campus and Letterkenny
campus. In exchange, the County will allow Zito to locate a rack with their equipment in our
Telco closet at 340 N 2nd St, allowing them free use of power to run the equipment of that rack.
The Board reviewed Procurement matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Master
Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the County of Franklin and
Equalis Group to allow Franklin County to take advantage of savings through cooperative
purchasing opportunities through the Equalis Group as needed. This agreement is no cost to
the County.
The Board reviewed Veterans Affairs matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the contract between the County of Franklin and Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising, LLC to provide
advertising on 2 digital billboards for the Franklin County Veterans' EXPO that is being held on
May 27, 2023 at a cost of $1,000.00 for the period of May 15, 2023 through May 28, 2023.
Continued on page 5
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Eric Campbell notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 102 Permit application being
applied for the construction of a new poultry operation located in Fannett Township.
The Board reviewed information regarding Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Chairman Keller thanked their motorcycle friends for being here today. He wanted to open the
ty to
promote it. Bud Buchanan, Secretary of Keystone ABATE and District 6 representative for
ABATE of PA thanked the Commissioners for having them today. Motorcycle awareness to
ous about that. ABATE is
Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education and they are a motorcycle rights organization, they
laws. They are so honored that Franklin County steps up and recognizes May as Motorcycle
Safety Awareness Month where everyone looks twice to look for that single headlight that
look twice to save a life. He thanked the Commissioners. Chairman Keller said that they
declared Military Appreciation Month this morning and usually there are some rides coming up
around Memorial Day. He asked when we should be watching for large groups of riders coming
th
through. Mr. Buchanan responded that starting on June 4 the God Bless America Ride will
leave Greencastle which is a large ride this year and they will ride to the VA hospital in
Martinsburg and 100% of the funds raised go to the VA. If out and about around the capital on
the day before they have their motorcycle rights rally where they go to Harrisburg to express
thanks to their legislators in Harrisburg and there will probably be 300-400 motorcycles there.
He mentioned other events that local groups and other motorcycle clubs will have and be out
and about. They look forward to getting out on the road and sharing the road with their fellow
drivers. They really appreciate looking after them year after year and proclaiming May as
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Commissioner Flannery said he has two motorcycles and
he appreciates everything Bud and his group does. He's a strong supporter and thanked him for
his efforts. Chairman Keller read the proclamation. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation
#2023-15 proclaiming the month of May 2023 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in
Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes.
Carrie Gray, County Administrator, 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: Bill Bowen representing
Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club that received $50,000 for facility improvements; Brett
Reichard representing Franklin County Fair Commission that received $100,000 for electrical
system upgrades; Ms. Joey Thomas representing George H Neal Memorial Home for the Aged
DBA: Hearthstone Retirement Home that received $60,000 for facility improvements; and
Bonnie Zehler representing Luminest that received $130,418 for rehab property for Reentry
Housing. Chairman Keller invited the recipients to provide information on their programs and
how they will use the IMPACT funds. Bill Bowen thanked them for awarding them the impact
grant. The club has been in existence for over 50-60 years and he became president last year
go. They utilized the grant to redo their heating and cooling and purchased mini splits which are
very economical and efficient. They were spending over $13,000 a year on fuel oil. This has
helped greatly and they saw the impact on their electricity over the wintertime and in the
summer. They have had a great relationship with the County since the trout nursery is on
coun
partnership and cooperation they get from the County and allowing them to be there and with
en the
weather's nice year round. Mr. Bowen said that again they appreciate everything the County
has done for them over the years and for awarding the impact grant to them. Brett Reichard
thanked the Commissioners for their time today and that the IMPACT grant has really helped
them out. They work hand in hand with the Rod and Gun Club and have been at their facilities
Continued on page 6
since 1965 and erected a bunch of buildings and barns. Over the past couple of years the
electrical system really needed attention and this IMPACT grant really helped them with their
iculture, education and
members that he introduced. They really appreciate all the efforts here for the Franklin County
thth
Fair and the Fair this year will be July 9 to 15 and he heard that Commissioner Keller will milk
house about 30 residents and he and Joey have been there for about 16 years. They used the
IMPACT! funds for replacing their fire system that had been there for about 40 years so it
needed to be replaced. They are very much appreciative of that and thanked the
Commissioners. Bonnie Zehler thanked the Commissioners very much for selecting them. They
are all very grateful since they all know how many of them struggle to meet their needs and
them on behalf of Luminest. Their project is obviously mission driven for their company. They
provide affordable housing options. For this project they bought two homes on South Main
Street, here in Chambersburg that were in poor condition. They are going to do about a $1.5M
renovation to those two buildings. This funding is the third committed funding they have
received and they have one more to get that they are working on and then they will get started
County Jail. They are very excited to help folks who desperately need to get out of the system
and into housing and to get a good start. She thanked them. Chairman Keller thanked them all
for being with them today and as he said this morning the most valuable part of this experience
for the Board is they get to say thank you for what all they do and also hear more about what
everyone does to help the residents of the county. So much of the good things that happen in
the county are because of the work of nonprofits like themselves and Franklin County wou
be as great a place to live without their help and work so he thanked them.
The Board recessed until 3:00 for the Retirement Board Meeting.
The Board held a Retirement Board meeting.
On a motion by Harold Wissinger, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved to modify the investment policy to increase bond allocation by 5% and that 5% would
come from US Equities.
Lee Martin, Marquette Associates Managing Director, met with the Board to provide a
report of the Franklin County Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Fund.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. with a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded
by David S. Keller.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
David S. Keller, Chairman
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John T. Flannery