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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-13 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, September 13, 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. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. Carrie Gray asked to amend the agenda to take off item #6, amendment from Summit Food Service, for the Jail to conduct more due diligence on that item. The Board approved the amended agenda. There was no public comment. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. The minutes of the September 6, 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. The items will be decided upon in the afternoon session. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, introduced Human Services Administrator Stacie Horvath, Stacy Rowe, Human Services Fiscal Manager, and Grants Management Director Glenda Helman to conduct the public hearing on the Human Services Block Grant (HSBG) for 2023/2024. The presentation is attached and made a part of these minutes. Ms. Horvath provided the purpose, history and background of the Human Services Block Grant that started in Fiscal Year 2012/2013 as a pilot program allowing 20 counties to participate. The Block Grant is now open to all counties in Pennsylvania. Ms. Horvath explained that during FY 2017/2018, the State removed Children & Youth special grants and increased the allowable carry-over from 3% to 5%. The increase to 5% removed the option for a waiver request to the State. She continued that Franklin County HSBG has reinvested $1,643,567 to date and projected to have $105,997 maximum allowable carryover into the current FY 2022/2023, which is within our 5% allowed. These reinvestment dollars have helped meet the needs for countless others not originally targeted with block grant funding. Ms. Horvath explained the guidelines and the internal processes and procedures that were released from the State in July and that the plan is due to the State by September 20, 2023. Stacy Rowe explained the Fiscal planning and preparation and that HSBG monies are categorical which means they must be used for a specific purpose and have restrictions as to how the money can be spent. She explained further that these are state dollars only and no federal dollars since they do not provide that flexibility. The opportunity to repurpose Block Grant dollars equals the ability to create & implement options to better the lives of a significant number within our community. Ms. Horvath provided information on Franklin County Human Services Community investments since the program started in 2012. Ms. Rowe provided the 2023/2024 projected budget for a total of $6,410,343 with an estimated total individuals served of 7,660. Ms. Horvath explained the departmental program highlights which include programs from Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention and Mental Health Housing and Franklin/Fulton Single County Authority (SCA) Drug and Alcohol Department. Ms. Horvath provided a listing of the Internal Planning Committee and HSBG Voting Committee Members that includes community experience representatives and persons with lived experience. She thanked everyone for their generous time, attention, and caring to help make life better for all consumers within Franklin Continued on page 2 County. She also thanked the commissioners for their support not only for the Block Grant but for the Human Services programs and for being aware of what the community needs. Chairman Keller opened the floor for questions and comments. Commissioner Flannery said it was nice to hear all the things they are doing to touch so many people in so many different ways that need respite for a few hours. He asked for more information on that program. Lori Young, MH/IDD/EI Program Specialist, explained Kidz Therapy Zone in Chambersburg provides the program two to have some respite from their children that have developmental and mental health issues. Commissioner Flannery asked how many staff members are there to help provide this service? Ms. Young said that they are employees of Kidz Therapy Zone so they have all their clearances. Kim Wertz asked if there are any older adolescents at Kid Zone that they can use to mentor some of the younger ones. Ms. Horvath responded that there are other programs that are providing that service but maybe not this program. Chairman Keller said if they go back to slide 13 showing the budget of $6.4M and asked if there are any dollars being repurposed from 2022/2023? Ms. Rowe responded that they are still working on finalizing the numbers but it will be around $130,000-150,000 range and they are looking at a couple of requests from Mental Health on existing programs and for an expansion of Kidz Zone, along with requests that would enhance transportation within the community and also enhance the Military Share program. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the 2023/2024 Human Services Block Grant Plan for Mental Health Services, Intellectual Disabilities Services, Homeless Assistance Services, Substance Use Disorder Services, and Human Services Development Funds. The grant is for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for the total amount of $6,410,343.00. 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 Drug & Alcohol matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the report to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for the year-end report of program expenses for Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol for fiscal year 2022-2023 for total SCA operating expenses of $838,500.28, for a total County Match of $34,898.00. The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the grant application to Department of Housing & Urban Development to apply for four units of family housing - two 2-bedroom units and two 3- bedroom units to be used to help meet the need on the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) By Name List (BNL) requesting a total of $85,717.00. While the County has 1- bedroom units for single individuals, there are currently no family units. The application will provide $79,172.00 to lease four units ($52,992), Operating costs ($13,800), Supportive Services costs ($10,000) and administrative costs ($2,380). A 25% match will be provided for the project using program income and/or Housing Trust funds. Match is not required for the cost of leasing units. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Engagement Letter from KIOSITE for an applicant tracking system (ATS) that will enable the Human Resources Department to automate routine tasks, making the department more efficient, and processing new hires faster at a cost of $25,000.00 and a one-time $5,000 Continued on page 3 implementation and setup fee, for the period of August 2, 2023 through August 2, 2024. The ATS will speed up the recruitment cycle, improve the quality of hiring, enhance reporting and compliance, and improve theonboarding process. Having an ATS will also reduce the use of paper and the storage of applications as it will all be electronic. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was completed and seven companies responded to the RFP. KIOSITE was the lowest qualified proposal received. This is a correction to the action approved on August 2, 2023. The Board reviewed Jail 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 County of Allegheny to house Juvenile inmates for Franklin County Jail at Allegheny County Jail at a rate off $158.04 per inmate, per day. Allegheny County Jail is required to treat our Juvenile inmates as their own by providing housing, security, meals, healthcare and services comparable to services at Franklin County Jail. The County of Franklin will be responsible for all transportation requirements and all housing costs associated with housing a Juvenile. The terms of this agreement are contracted from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024, unless either party terminates with 30 days written notice. The Board reviewed Planning Department matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT) Council to serve as a local match to the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council's grant application for feasibility funding to PA DCNR under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Grant program. With a commitment of funding in the amount of $56,027.50, the Franklin County Planning Department will also assist the development of the CVRT Feasibility Study to bring the existing rail with trail into Franklin County. The Board reviewed additional Planning 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 addendum to the Housing Trust Fund Agreement between the County of Franklin and Luminest for the South Main Street housing project dated July 9, 2019 to extend the agreement through December 31, 2024. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect. The Board reviewed Tax Claim matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to accept a bid made by Scott Naugle in the amount of $100.00 on the repository sale of a mobile home located in Quincy Township. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Chambersburg Energy notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Title V renewal operating permit being applied to renew the application on land located in Guilford Township. The Board reviewed information regarding Suicide Prevention Month. Alex Stanton, Resident Suicide Prevention Specialist from the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties, provided some background about why everyone is here today. The preliminary data from the CDC was recently released and it showed that almost 50,000 th being the 11 leading cause of death in the United States and the second cause of death for have been roughly 225 suicide deaths since 2011. Multiply that by 25 and you get the rough number of attempts and its estimated for every suicide death 6 people are greatly affected by it while 135 people are exposed to it. Suicide prevention starts with having conversations about it which is why they are asking for this proclamation. In order to help encourage people to talk about suicide prevention the Mental Health Association has started a new campaign thanks to a grant awarded from the Target Distribution Center they are doing something new this year and Continued on page 4 she brought gifts for everyone here. So this year they are creating kitsfor Suicide Prevention Month which includes a purple light bulb and asking people to change their lights to purple just to show that there is hope for Suicide Prevention Month and it also works for Recovery Month. The six glow sticks are to be used to encourage everyone to find 6 people in their life that they care about and start that conversation. They are also asking everyone to keep spreading the word by tagging them on social media and to talk about it. Ms. Stanton thanked the County for recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. Chairman Keller welcomed other input as well. Bob Thomas said the one thing that is happening more than in the past is teen suicide. Schools are having problems with teen suicides and that is not good. We need to reach out to our kids and parents to make sure they get the love, care and attention that they need because sometimes they just feel like they are not loved, that nobody cares or they get bullied but that kind of stuff needs to stop and every school district needs to know it. Waynesboro had two suicides this year and a couple years ago Chambersburg had two. He continued that whenever the Franklin County Veteran Connection Program to help reduce veteran suicides. He said that It could be a disease or it could be a loss of a spouse, it could be anything. The point is those folks should be reached out to and given the care, love and attention that they need to provide support to help them with living alone because that can be a real challenge. He is also on the Mental Health Association Suicide Prevention Program so he has a little bit of knowledge and understanding about this. Mr. Thomas said this is a very important issue and everybody needs to know about it. Chairman Keller said their presence here is just as meaningful whether they want to talk or not so the Board is grateful for everything they do to help with the mental health of our residents at all levels of our organization and the work that they do in partnership with other agencies and nonprofits throughout the county is powerful and meaningful as well. He co uestion, persuade and refer extremely well taken about the uptick in suicide among our children is something that no family should have to go through ever but the threat is very real. The Commonwealth has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars over the next couple of years for mental health in our schools. That money needs to be spent in a coordinated fashion so that we can engage kids and in concert with the county, educators, guidance counselors, therapists, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to identify the signs and engage kids and to have them talk about what as suicide prevention over the next couple of years if we can increase our efforts in working with the schools he thinks that would be a great outcome. He wanted to thank those who prepared the proclamation today and read the proclamation. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2023-21 proclaiming the month of September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10, 2023 as Suicide Prevention Day in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller said in doing so they also wanted to wish the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) a happy 10th anniversary. Commissioner Flannery asked what has attributed to the increase in suicides. He knows there have been a million studies done and we just got through COVID so he imagines that would have some impact. Alex responded that they were expecting suicide rates to go up during COVID but they did see that the rates did plummet during COVID because they were surrounded by their families. But lives have changed because of COVID and everyone is trying to adjust to the new normal. They are partnering with Chambersburg and Waynesboro School Districts and having events to raise awareness at two of their sporting events this week. Continued on page 5 On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 2:23 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing potential litigation matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to reconvene into regular session at 3:04 p.m. No action was required after the executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 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 ____________________________________ John T. Flannery FY 2023-24 HUMAN SERVICESBLOCK GRANT •County block grant planning teams, established as block grant system services to meet locally identified needs.traditional categorical services as well as innovative crossBlock Grant plan.County Commissioners for final approval of the current year community input, goal creation, and voting recommendations to costdevelop goals, and track outcomes while supporting quality, leadership committees, are required to identify local needs, -effective, and efficient services.- ••Planning committees are vital in the role of providing Flexibility of the HSBG program allows counties to fund Human Services Block Grant Purpose includes targeted with block grant funding. dollars have helped meet needs for countless others not originally within our 5% maximum allowable carryover. These reinvestment $105,997that was carried into the current FY 22-23, which is •The Block Grant was established in FY 125% removed the option for a waiver request to the State. and increased the allowable carryoriginalallowing 20 counties to participate. Franklin County was one of the 20 counties. The Block Grant is now open to all counties.-over from 3% to 5%. The increase to -13 as a pilot program ••During FY 17Franklin County HSBG has reinvested -18, the State removed Children & Youth special grants, $1,643,567to date. This amount FRANKLIN COUNTY BACKGROUND Human Services (DHS) that includes the information set forth in the instructions and guidelines. •Counties are encouraged to undertake a comprehensive in the HSBG program.public hearings pursuant to the Sunshine Act.systems.planning process that includes all county level human service ••Each county will submit one (1) Plan to the Department of Prior to submitting the Plan to DHS, the county must conduct •Two (2) public hearings are required for counties participating HSBG Plan Guidelines •••••Byhave the final voting approval for all funding/program proposals.Voting Committee Members make full recommendations review ongoing operations and procedures.Working committees continue to be formed when needed for special projects or to statement and Request Form.The committee formulated the During FY 18member’s role/duties on the committee. Updates continue to occur.members which outline the purpose of the Block Grant and the expectations for the Procedures were established for Oncapability/requirements, and term limits.-Laws were adopted in FY 17-19 an internal committee was formed to review policies and procedures. Request for Additional Funds Policy and Procedure-18 that establish membership, member roles, voting -Boarding and Training of new committee –the County Commissioners Internal Process and Procedures thstth stth •Plan guidelines and template released: September 13advance: Monday, August 21, 2023 , 2023 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 •••First Public Hearing: Plan is due to the State: Public notification via the website and newspaper placed 10 days in Thursday, August 31Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 2023 •Final draft for Commissioners’ review and signature on: Wednesday, Franklin County Planning PreparationFY 2023-2024 The Categories within Human Services Block Grant include●●●●●●●Human Services Block GrantHuman Services Development Funds (HSDF)Homeless Assistance Program FundingAct 152 Drug and Alcohol Services (D&A)Services (IDD)Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Community Based Funded Behavioral Health Services InitiativeMental Health Community Based Funded Services (MH)how the money can be spent.they must be used for a specific purpose and have restrictions as to monies are categoricalwhich means : Fiscal Planning & Preparation REINVESTED FUNDS (to date) CATEGORICALS ($1,643,567) equals the ability to lives of a significant number within our community.create & implement options to better the Community Benefits Block Grant Funding Reinvestment: ($1,643,567 2012-2022) The opportunity to repurpose BLOCK GRANT DOLLARS providing additional services/programs for seniors to safely remain enrolled in Sober Living Recovery programscarryassist Leah’s Legacy Foundation to purchase and provide a purpleinteract with law enforcement/first responders within the communitya dedicated trained staff person and individuals experiencing difficulties as they Grandparents Partnership Programprovide partindependently in their home settings. -bag full of 40 personal hygiene and comfort items to female participants -time employment opportunities to seniors working through the . (2018(2020-2019) (2019-. 2021)(2019-2020)-2020)-. colored (2017-2018) funding of$27,276 to launch this intercept-zero model of engagement between (Aging): Leah’s Legacy Bags (Drug & Alcohol An additional $4,000 was invested in a co dept.): $3,000-partnership with RSVP to initialfunding to Aging Personal Care Services (Aging dept.): $67,000 funding to assist with Community Co-Responder Program(Mental Health dept.): Initial start up Community InvestmentsFranklin CountyHuman Services (2012-current) to begin the following services in Franklin County:helped to provide 2,956 nights of shelter @$46.00 per nighthousing and homelessness in our community. These block grant dollars have used to provide financial support for shelter beds and other needs related to items) to Veterans and their families in needproviding nounique challengeseducational and recreational programming for those with special needs and nutrition counseling, therapeutic horsemanship, equine-cost food boxes of nutritious items (meat, vegetables, milk, pantry . (2019-2020). (2021-2022) (2022-assisted therapies, and . -2023)(2016-2022) Physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy, behavioral health services, Leg Up Farm (HSDF)South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP)Military Share Program (Veterans Affairs : $20,000 funding towards the capital campaign funding dept.): $20,000: $135,961 funding towards funding Community InvestmentsFranklin CountyHuman Services (2012-current) highan inChambersburg. This program is now offered across Franklin County with both families in their community. effectively communicate, have fun, and share a meal together and with other adolescents ages 10 to 14 years old. Families learn how to better parent, --risk and general population families. This program is for children and person and a virtual option provided. (2018-2019) (2019-2020) HCP initially offered classes at a few locations in Waynesboro and $18,000 funding to provide an evidence-based family skills training program for Strengthening Families Program (Healthy Community Partnership): Community InvestmentsFranklin CountyHuman Services (2012-current) FY 2023AND INDIVIDUALS SERVED-24 PROJECTED BUDGET ••IDD Mobile Community Nurse Program Chambersburg site had 179 participants with 39 new referrals for 22/23 and currently occur 2x per month in Chambersburg and 1x per month in Waynesboro. opportunity by trained staff for children ages @4 years to 18 . These respite services expansion may occur again. allocated last year to expand this service for families, another request for further and other small group consultation activities. This service benefits the entire family targeted consumer. This position will also provide presentations, training, seminars, caregivers. The Nurse will also provide wellthis program provides in-home visits/consultation/and training to families and Kidz Therapy Zone ––Similar to the MH Mobile Psych Nurse Additional Block Grant dollars were -checks and medication checks to the program offers a 3-hour respite – unit as well as the IDD consumer.Waynesboro provided services for 35 participants with 5 new referrals. Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention and Mental Health Housing (MHIDDEI): Departmental PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSFY 22/23 th County.treatment services.been made, resulting in appropriate care geared toward theRecovery Liaison supports the Get Back Up preandcommunity battle with substance use, resources. Since the beginning of 2023, 62individuals accepting referrals linking individuals with –complaint initiative to SUD/Co83 referrals -occurring have •year Franklin County Anniversary, and to date, have trained nearly 300 participated and completed the CIT process.probation departments. Community members and hospital staff have also individuals; these include first responders from fire, police, ambulance, and (MH continued): The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) celebrated their 10 Department ●SCA provided funding to continue the Recovery Liaison position in Franklin Franklin/Fulton Single County Authority (SCA) Drug and Alcohol Departmental PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSFY 22/23 Operation Save a Life is a training to help individuals be aware of risk factors upon release from Franklin County Jail.overdose. After completing the training, all individuals are provided Narcan how to associated with respond and administer Naloxone (Narcan) opioid overdoses, the signs/symptoms of opioid overdose, and in the event of a suspected Franklin/Fulton Single County Authority (SCA) Drug and Alcohol Department: •recovery specialist to incarcerated individuals with SUD/Coplanning The recovery support group focuses on CollaboratingHealthCare to provide and aftercare opportunities for with Franklin County Jail, the SCA contracted with Pyramid monthly recovery support groups community resources to improve discharge successful transition facilitated by a certified -Occurring disorders. to the community. •Operation Save a Life training returned to Franklin County Jail in 2023. Departmental PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSFY 22/23 ⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚Staff and Auxiliary Members: Julie Dovey (Fulton County Liaison) Charity Gorman / Leslie Bowers/ Ashley McCartney (Fiscal Officers / All Depts)Melissa Reisinger* (Tuscarora Managed Care)John Thierwechter* (County Administration)James Eagler* (Drug & Alcohol) / Tobin Kercheval* (Drug & Alcohol)Tawnya Hurley* (Aging) / Ashley McCullough* (Aging)Dan Brown* (Grants)Tressia Day (HS Program Specialist / Ombudsman)Lori Young (Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities) Jennifer Heidler (Mental Health Housing) *denotes Leadership Team Members ⮚⮚ ⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚Stacie Horvath (Human Services Administration)Stacy Rowe* (Fiscal) Gen Harper (Tuscarora Managed Care) / Brad Coccagna (Tuscarora Managed Care)Justin Slep* (Veterans Affairs)TBD* (Information & Referral / LINK Coordinator) Kim Eaton (Community Connections/ Quality Assurance)Minnie Goshorn* (Children, Youth, and Services) / Nicole Weller (CYS)Glenda Helman* (Grants)Cori Seilhamer (Mental Health) / Jim Gilbert (Mental Health)Stacey Brookens* (MH/IDD/EI) / Erin Nye* (MH/IDD/EI) CURRENT INTERNAL PLANNING COMMITTEE Community Experience Representatives: Persons with Lived Experience: ⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚⮚Kim Crider Kim Wertz Rev. James Fox Zachary McCauley Lorna Blanchard Brenda Lamar Doug Wilburne Sherri Sullivan ––Health PlanningMental Health––––Employment/Training/EducationAt Large Criminal Justice–AgingIntellectual & Developmental Disabilities–Early Intervention/Family(Medical, Social, Behavioral, Economic) ⮚⮚⮚⮚Thomas Reardon Greg Colbert Mike Straley Rev. John Kratz ––Drug & AlcoholHomeless Assistance––Faith BasedHousing/Homelessness FRANKLIN COUNTY 2023-2024 FY VOTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS admiration to the Franklin Programs.to County Commissioners for allof the Human Services * We would like to Flannery ZiobrowskiFranklin County.all consumers within help make life better for attention, and caring to for their generous time, Committee members Thankour Block Grant ^^^Appreciation and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Commissioner Commissioner Stacie HorvathGlenda Helman Stacy Rowe -slrowe@franklincountypa.gov-smhorvath@franklincountypa.gov-gshelman@franklincountypa.gov717-261717717-3101--267261--43713862 DISCUSS & REVIEW Contacts: PUBLIC COMMENTS?QUESTIONS?