HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-25 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, October 25, 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.
Ki
something for the last several weeks concerning the $100 million that the legislators have
proposed for Mental Health and portions of that will be going to the county. She would be very
appreciative if they delegate those funds to the Human Services Block Grant Board. They
would be very appreciative and it would keep their programs going plus they could use the
funds, if permissible, for many of the grants and to get new programs started.
The Board met with Controller Harold Wissinger for Prison Board matters.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the October 18, 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. John Boozer, Construction
Manager, was present to explain the change orders that are on the agenda. Mr. Boozer
explained that the first change order is an enhancement to the new Judicial Center and bringing
back home the original Ben Franklin statue to the lobby of the Judicial Center that has been on
loan to the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that it will be a nice addition to that space. This
has been planned for a long time and a lot of work and effort has gone into it. Commissioner
Ziobrowski said the idea of this was included in our plans all along, is that correct. Mr. Boozer
said it has always been an objective to complete. Getting the timing right and there was the
ki said it his understanding that
we are still under budget. Mr. Boozer responded that as of today yes, a lot of people are
working to maintain the budget there. Carrie Gray wanted to clarify that the funding for this
action would come from some restricted accounts that we have used in the past for tourism and
quality of life enhancement grants. We would be able to utilize the funds under those same
parameters, so she wanted to make clear where the money would come from to pay for this
change order. Com
to be frivolous he can see where some people might question whether the General Fund should
be used for this. Mr. Boozer said the second item is two items in one, with the first being a wall
that after they tore things down was not in good shape so they basically had to build a wall in
front of a wall. The second part of that they found out that the front part of the sidewalk along
Lincoln Way was not ADA compliant so they had to make it ADA compliant. He continued that
the third change order is that they had a couple things in need of repair, replace or enhance
unforeseen deficiencies in the existing building and adding additional steel in two areas.
Chairman Keller asked for a ballpark idea when the county will occupy the building. Mr. Boozer
responded that the hope is at the beginning of May and they are well on track for that. They are
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under budget and on schedule but the key thing is the delivery of main electric service panels in
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the basement that is scheduled for delivery on April 29. Once it comes in the cutover is a
matter of a short time to install so they have a contingency plan developed for that problem.
There were no other questions. The items will be decided upon in the afternoon session.
The Board conducted a bid opening for On Call Pest Control Services for Franklin
County Area Agency on Aging. No bids were received. Carrie Gray stated that she is
disappointed to report that there are no bids to open today. Ms. Gray said they have to consult
with the Solicitor and Lisa Stouffer from Procurement said they will consult with the Aging
Director and plan for the next steps.
This is the date for the Board to provide guidance and direction to staff on the 2024
preliminary budget that was presented to them last Wednesday by Teresa Beckner, Chief
Financial Officer and Janelle Friese, Fiscal Director. Chairman Keller stated that the approach
in the past has worked well for us which is providing direction in terms of whether or not we are
willing to consider a tax increase and that answer is no in his mind. We have a combination of
adequate revenues anticipated for next year. It appears we will be finishing the budget for this
year a little better than budgeted. So given the savings we expect to have at the end of this
year of approximately $2 million which will allow us to end the year with close to 90 days of cash
reserves on hand which is healthy and comports with accounting standards and just prudence.
In general he would say we make use of what savings we have left over from the end of this
be handled within the regular operational budgets. He continued that also it appears we will end
the year with approximately $12 million in America Recovery Plan Act dollars that is available to
us. With a combination of those sources of funding he suggests we balance the budget in that
fashion. The all request budget was approximately $13 million in capital and personnel related
requests in addition to what we otherwise budget. He thinks as in the past if we target
somewhere between $3-3
what he suggests we do. As far as particular requests that have been made in terms of
personnel he has no preferences but in terms of capital requests he thinks that the
improvements to the security system at the Jail which is a fairly big ticket item needs to be a
priority. He continued that we just entered into an agreement for a cyber-security initiative that
needs to receive a high level of precedence given the issues that one of our school districts
up with a healthy replacement cycle and he thinks it would be prudent to continue to do that.
Those are his recommended priorities and his suggested approach. Commissioner Flannery
stated that he agrees with the Chairman. He was not able to attend the preliminary presentation
last week but he rev
similar situation last year and he was extremely concerned at that time but we managed to
move things around and pull it through but he cautions that we will have a new board of
commis
may not be here either so he would be careful of the direction the board heads not knowing
ground if and
prudent to keep in mind that our primary function is to provide services to the residents of
Franklin County; what are those services; what services are mandated; and what services do
we have some flexibility with. He thinks that if we struggle over the next couple of months to
bring this budget closer to where it needs to be, those are some of the things that we need to
at in the current economic times that it is beneficial to our
constituents to have a tax increase. These are things they will have to consider over the next
couple of months. Those are his general thoughts. Commissioner Ziobrowski has no argument
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witheither of their arguments. Ms. Gray stated that this is helpful direction and gives us some
parameters. We appreciate their review of the information they were presented with last week
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and will use what they provided today to be able to propose a budget on November 22.
Chairman Keller wanted to make it clear is the suggested $3-3.5 million from those various
funds with the goal to make sure we budget and finish 2024 with 60-90 days of cash reserves in
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the General Fund. The budget presentation will be on November 22.
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 Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #008 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse
Annex Project general construction for a shortage on Change Order #7 for a credit of .60; statue
base revisions for an increased amount of $19,617.47; and turntable for statue for an increased
amount of $9,992.63 for a total amount of $29,609.50.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #009 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse
Annex Project general construction to add furring and gypsum wall board (GWB) for an
increased amount of $2,981.83 and sidewalk revisions for an increased amount of $11,909.67
for a total amount of $14,891.50.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #010 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse
Annex Project general construction to add galvanized angles at entrance for an increased
amount of $2,899.16 and embedded plates with rebar hooks for an increased amount of
$3,300.70 for a total amount of $6,199.86.
The Board reviewed Coroner matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded
by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the Supplemental Appropriation in the amount of
$33,300.00 to allow for additional purchases from Coroner Escrow funds, including $29,000 in
new purchases and $4,300 to cover existing over budget amount related to various items,
including 50% of a recent vehicle purchase.
The Board reviewed Department of Emergency Services matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and Carbyne, Inc. for the implementation of a new regional
shared call handling system for the 911 call center. This is a regional project through the South
Central Inter-County Phone Network (SCIPNet) formed in August of 2022 and encompasses
Franklin, Dauphin, Adams and Cumberland Counties. SCIPNet solicited and reviewed a total of
six RFPs and Carbyne was the lowest qualified proposal.
The Board reviewed Drug & Alcohol matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the Certification Form to allow the
County to receive funds that were established as part of the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and
Addiction Abatement Fund. Franklin County is certifying that they will use the funds for
abatement uses as described in Exhibit E of the settlements and all other terms of the
settlements.
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The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded
by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the application to PA Department of Community
and Economic Development requesting funds in the amount of $167,753.86 from the Local
Share Account Fund (Gaming Funds) Statewide Grant. South Central Community Action
Program (SCCAP) intends to utilize the funds to purchase a 22' by 22' outdoor cooler, prepare
the cooler location site, and purchase a forklift. As grantee, the county is also requesting a 2%
administration fee for the grant.
The Board reviewed additional Grants matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the application to PA Commission on
Crime and Delinquency requesting Grant in Aid funds in the amount of $161,227.00. The
funding will be utilized by Adult Probation to provide support for staffing levels in order to
provide effective supervision utilizing evidence-based practices.
The Board reviewed Information Technology Services matters. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the contract between
Splashwire and Franklin County to provide ITS systems administration support due to critical
needs. Splashwire will provide up to 64 hours of support as-needed, effective upon contract
execution, for a maximum encumbrance of $11,200.00.
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 quote from Sage Technology Solutions to move a
document display projector in the Historic Courtroom at a cost of $5,597.02. There will be no
charge to us directly since they will use the remaining balance of a credit from the Courtroom
Technology contract for the Judicial Center.
The Board reviewed Juvenile Probation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of
Franklin and the Tuscarora School District for the School-Based Juvenile Probation program.
The school district agrees to provide $18,464.16 for services during the 2023-2024 school year.
Franklin County will carry liability insurance for its employees and the program.
The Board reviewed MH/IDD/EI matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the agreement between the County of Franklin and PESI, Inc. for the Mental Health department
to purchase the license for seminars to assist County staff and providers working in the mental
health field. The seminars are educational and assist mental health professionals in their
professional growth as well as with self-care. This year, Mental Health will purchase the
following seminars: Grief Counseling for Children and Adolescents; Integrative Trauma
Treatment; and Personality Disorders Certification. This agreement is at a cost of $16,300.00
for the term of October 1, 2023 through October 1, 2024.
The Board reviewed Planning Department matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Resolution #2023-20, General Application Certification, Language Access
Plan Certification, and Disclosure Report for the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) application, along with other required documentation to the Department of
Community and Economic Resources (DCED) for funding during the upcoming fiscal year.
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The Board reviewed Purchasing matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved Resolution #2023-21 for the sale of
surplus items from the Franklin County Jail and Drug & Alcohol Program.
The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the agreement between the County of Franklin and Eastern Time to provide inspections of
This agreement is at a cost of $3,900.00 for the term of January 1, 2024 through December 31,
2024.
The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Eastern Time to provide
inspection of video surveillance system at select county buildings, and magisterial district
December 31, 2024.
The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Eastern Time to provide
monitoring services to all of Franklin County Senior Centers at a cost of $2,286.00 for the term
of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Eastern Time to provide
agreement is at a cost of $2,742.00 for the term of January 1, 2024 through December 31,
2024.
The Franklin County Commissioners and Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director on
behalf of the STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition Committee) were present to award Ms.
Mary K. Seville as the Employee of the Month for October. Ms. Seville has worked at Franklin
County since July 2020. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Emergency Services.
The selection for the October 2023 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR
Committee. There were a total of nineteen nominations, four of which were for her. Ms. Bloyer
read the nomination form which is attached and made a part of these minutes. Mary K said that
she wanted to thank everyone for nominating her and that it was a surprise. She stepped up
like everyone else over the summer and did what they needed to do and it was a long summer.
She continued that it is tough managing a 24/7 facility since you have different personalities and
then they were 10 dispatchers short which is almost half so trying to get new people on was a
for
three years it seems like a longer time and they certainly have welcomed her with open arms.
thanked her for her leadership and for stepping up and for setting an example for all of us.
individuals like her that are willing to
Commissioner Ziobrowski said when he is asked what our most important function is as
ground that do that and Mary K. came during a very difficult time in the summer of 2020 and she
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On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved to enter an executive session at 2:18 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing potential
litigation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery;
unanimously approved to reconvene into regular session at 2:52 p.m. No action was required
after the executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:52 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
FRANKLIN COUNTY
STAR COMMITTEE
Special Thanks And Recognition Committee
272 North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201
Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156
October 25, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And
Recognition) proudly presents the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Mary K. Seville.
Ms. Seville has been employed with Franklin County since July 2020. She currently serves as the
Assistant Director of Emergency Services. The selection for the October 2023 Employee of the
Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were nineteen nominations, four of which
were for Mary K.
The STAR nomination form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Mary K. and the
answer stated:
“With the departure of the DES director in June, Mary K has stepped up to take the helm until a new
director starts. She is single-handedly managing both the EMA and 911 side of DES and has taken
any challenges that have arisen in stride. She has ensured that any disruptions to the critical
systems are investigated immediately, even if it is after hours or over the weekend. Even with her
busy schedule, she is always available to assist us with any questions. She also keeps everyone in
the loop on any upcoming projects or events that we are to be involved with and she follows up to
make sure that we have the resources that are needed to be successful. She is a team player that has
kept the department running smoothly and efficiently. She is a leader that truly cares about her
employees and is a great asset to the County.”
Ms. Seville’s outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers.
Those who work alongside Mary K. used numerous positive words to describe her. These included:
dedicated, patient, caring, determined, diligent, compassionate, professional, team player and
supportive.
We are so grateful to Ms. Mary K. Seville as she exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership
and excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County.
Sincerely,
The STAR Committee
TLB/SMC cc: Personnel File; Supervisor
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474
Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156
Website: www.franklincountypa.gov