HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-12 Commissioners Meeting
WEDNESDAY, March 12, 2025
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with the following members
present: Dean A. Horst and John T. Flannery. Commissioner Horst 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 Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to
adopt the agenda.
The minutes of the March 5, 2025 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved the minutes.
us this morning as he had another appointment but he will be back next week.
There was public comment from Kim Wertz. She heard several reports yesterday regarding Social
Security. She, along with 71 million residents of this republic are going to be losing their social security. Most of
e paycheck to paycheck, but she stretches herself as thin
as she can. If she loses her Social Security she will become homeless unless something can be adjusted. She
gets a small pension from the school district that she retired from. But, expletive, this expletive government.
apologized. Commissioner Flannery stated that this is a national issue and the Commissioners have no say in
this matter
stated there's no need to use those words here in a public setting. She stated she is scared and petrified and
Public comment was also made by Valerie Jordan. Echoing what Ms. Wertz said, government filters
down. Grants that we receive, the Federal government does large amounts of grants that are filtered to the
state and then filtered to the County. She is worried
keep people employed. She can go and look at the agenda and see people employed. She wants to see
people employed. She then thanked the Commissioners for putting the dollar amount for the vouchers on the
agenda. Those are the people that you employ outside this, the county workers. This is not the salary of the
here doing contractor work. We need that. It's a public private partnership and she thinks that the Federal
government has forgotten about that. The other issue she wanted to bring up for the Commissioners to talk to
Representative Kauffman or Senator Mastriano on Route 316 at the rai
know the name of the street but could find it on a GIS map, that there is a dangerous drop off that her husband
eep hole
to Rep. Kauffman and say okay, this
wanted to make was on March 7th, she saw on Facebook that our Sheriff deputies caught a fugitive that was
on the run for a year and a half. She wanted to go on the record here and now, congratulations to the men and
women involved in this needed capture. She also wanted to go on the record to state that this is why every tool
fugitives are captured. Not the tax dollars taken away from children and their parents in a school district. In
simple terms for everyone to understand here, let Tuscarora school district, do Tuscarora school district.
Please allow Ms. Jordan to fund the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to the fullest extent for reasons of her
Franklin County know this, we will find you. These types of operations are dangerous and complicated.
However, deputies are dedicated in keeping safe and work tirelessly with every agency to bring criminals to
get complicated in life.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved all
consent agenda items to include:
All bills presented and ordered paid in the amount of $1,635,650.71.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Department of Agriculture for Food and Beverage
License renewal applications for Path Valley, Greencastle and Upper Strasburg senior centers at a cost of
$82.00 each. Beginning and ending dates vary based on the center. The license is required in order for the
centers to serve congregate and home delivered meals to Franklin County seniors. This will be paid by the
PDA Aging Block Grant Title III-C.
Renewal of the agreement between the County of Franklin and Thryv for renewal of yellow pages
listings for the Area Agency on Aging at a cost of $32.00 per month for a total of $576.00 for the period of June
1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. This is the same rate as the previous agreement. PA Department of
Aging regulations require the Area Agency on Aging must be advertised in the yellow pages. This will be paid
by the PDA Aging Block Grant.
Requesting signature on the 2nd quarter fiscal year 2024-2025 Children and Youth quarterly income
and expenditure report. Expenditures for the 2nd quarter totaled $4,248,760.00 resulting in a required County
local share totaling $892,398.00.
program in 2024 in the amount of $400,000.00. Additional revenue offsets expenses. No additional reserves
required.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and PA Department of Community & Economic
Development for second round LSA grant for Habitat for Humanity to purchase 25.5 acres of Eden View Land
for the amount of $225,395.00. The agreement was approved by the County Solicitor.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and PA Department of Community & Economic
Development for second Round LSA grant for Franklin Fire Company to be applied toward the purchase of a
pumper truck in the amount of $677,000.00. The agreement was approved by the County Solicitor.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and PA Department of Community & Economic
Development for second round LSA grant for Chambersburg Saddle Club in the amount of $200,000.00. The
agreement was approved by the County Solicitor.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and PA Department of Community & Economic
Development for second round LSA grant for Marion Athletic Association for the purchase of a tractor in the
amount of $50,988.00. The agreement was approved by the County Solicitor.
Addendum renewal of our existing contract for guaranteed detention beds. We originally asked
Jefferson County to contract for 3 guaranteed beds but they could only offer 1 bed at the time but were willing
to sell Franklin County a 2nd bed come the beginning of 2025 if both Counties were satisfied with the services
provided. We have not been able to find any facilities that are closer, more cost effective, or willing to contract
for beds so we reached out to Jefferson County to purchase the 2nd bed. This contract makes the change and
also extends our contract for an additional year so that our per diem rate will not increase come July 1, 2025 at
a cost of $232,000.00. When utilized, beds will be covered by state funds with a 50% County match from
General Funds.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Hondru Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for an additional
$900 beyond the original contract due to mechanical issues with Car #2. Initially, expected to receive
$1,000.00 for the trade-in, but because the car will have to be towed, the trade-in value dropped to $100.00.
The estimated repair cost to avoid the towing is $2,000.00, and that does not include the removal of decals,
lights, the cage, radio, and computer. It would be more cost efficient to accept the trade-in value of $100.00.
Given these extra costs, we are requesting the additional funds to cover the shortfall. This will be paid with
Equipment Replacement Reserves.
Final agreement between the County of Franklin and Atlantic Tactical Inc. to purchase body armor for
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high level
overview of each of the actions.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2025-02 for the purpose of proclaiming March as Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month. Ms. Gray introduced Stacey Brookens Administrator for Mental Health/
Intellectual Disability Development/ Early Intervention. Ms. Brookens stated that back in 1987 President
Reagan started this and we have had it every single March since then. Last year we had a large group like this
because she wanted everyone to hear from the individuals of the community, but this month is dedicated to
individuals with developmental disabilities. It's a time to bring them together, recognize them, talk about the
accomplishments that they have, to advocate for them, and she wanted some of them to share their stories
with everyone today. Ms. Brookens introduced Leanna Krogmann and her mom Connie. Ms. Krogmann stated
that she appreciated the opportunity to speak today. She lives in Chambersburg and works at the YMCA and
Fitness Center. She also participates in Franklin County Special Olympics as a swimmer, racer in
snowshoeing, golf and bocce. She also serves as a health and fitness coordinator, athlete representative and a
global member for the Special Olympics. This includes leading the walking club and athlete leadership team.
She also goes to church and volunteers at the food pantry and serves as a visitor at the Chamber for Skilled
Nursing and Rehab facility. All of these opportunities are made possible because she has a job coach, support
staff provided through ARC. To have fun she enjoys diamond art, exercising at the YMCA, reading, cooking
and watching HDTV. She also enjoys traveling with her family to explore new places. She is proud of working
at the YMCA, volunteering at church and competing with her friends in the Special Olympics. She is also proud
of representing her fellow athletes at the Special Olympics World games in Athens Greece in 2011 and won
several medals while competing in swimming. She then thanked everyone for their support of her and her
friends with developmental disabilities who live in Franklin County. They appreciate everything we do to help
them be included in the community. Ms. Joanne Perry first wanted to thank the Commissioners for the
opportunity to speak. She really welcomes it so she can say thank you. Her daughter Erin will be 23 in July and
went to school in Shippensburg. When she was born she was transported from Chambersburg Hospital to
Hershey Medical Center and was in the NICU for three months before having open heart surgery. When she
came home early intervention services were there. For three years they provided physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Most of her school years she received family aid services and
respite through the ARC. What was wonderful about that was they do have a son and because of the services,
waiver
funding. Through the waiver funding she received companion services, in home community services, and
respite services that they are using a lot right now. She also attends OSI with some of her friends here and she
also receives transportation services. Ms. Perry then thanked everyone for what happened last year when Erin
was able to get funding through the waiver services for medical equipment and supplies for adaptive
equipment for a shower. After receiving hand bars, a bench seat, and a nozzle that can go up and down, for
the first time in her life she can shower independently at the age of 22 years old. Again Ms. Perry stated she
really appreciates the services that the county provides and they look forward to receiving them as long as they
can. Ms. Erin Perry first said hi to everyone and thanked the Commissioners. Ms. Brookens then shared some
numbers from within the county. The total number of members served in the program right now in intellectual
and developmental disabilities is 597. Of those individuals in competitive integrated employment they have 58
that are competitively employed and 82 in a small group employment program. The community participation
support program has 131 individuals. In residential living they have 97 individuals. In family living they have 33
and they have 10 in their apartment program. They have 457 individuals that live independently or with their
families and 95 individuals under the age of 21 in the program. They cover a very large area in Franklin and
Fulton Counties and have a lot of families that are involved in services and they have wonderful providers,
several that attended, and she wanted to thank them for all of the work that they do in the community. She also
thanked the staff in her department. The MH/IDD/EI department is Mental Health, Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities, and Early Intervention. There are four staff members for the programs that cover all
the services of IDD. Ms. Jane Cline oversees the waiver services; Ms. Becky Weaver that oversees referrals,
intakes and does community outreach; Ms. Marion Rowe who oversees incident management and Mr. John
Gerak who oversees quality of management and risk management. Those four individuals oversee the entire
es they oversee $27 million this year. Which is quite a bit of
money that goes into waiver services and providing to the community. She then thanked everyone for coming
and that there are activities that will be held in the community all month long including bowling at Nelly Fox
their individuals in the community and provide them with an everyday life. Commissioner Horst stated it was an
honor to h
them in our community and he always enjoys seeing them because they always have a smile on their face and
they are always willing to say hi and he appreciated that. Commissioner Flannery wanted to say thank you to
everyone and what a great day. Days like today make him proud to be part of the county efforts to provide
these services. Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation that has been made a part ofthese minutes.
Ms. Gray reintroduced Administrator Stacey Brookens to present the Intellectual Developmental
Disabilitiespresentation to keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging
trends, topics of interest and any concerns they may have. Her presentation was made a part of these minutes.
Commissioner Horst stated a great presentation and thank you to you and your team. You have your hands full
ity is very
thankful for everything that you do and thank you. Commissioner Flannery agreed and stated thank you for all
you do. What a great day to display firsthand the services you provide and he is proud to be a part of it. Ms.
Brookens stated she was excited about all the parents and providers that came today and showcased
to the name that actually does the services. Those that are out in the community, take all the phone calls, all
ndividuals
with her and be able to recognize them as well.
The Board considered approval of the job description for Director of Application and Data Services
formally known as GIS Director. This is part of the IT restructure where some of the staff who are application
support specialists are moving under GIS in order to be able to provide services across a broader width of
applications. Not just Laserfiche, it will be ESRI and some of the other programs that are used to be able to
better utilize and understand the data. It will also make sense when we PAR out their
T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m. on a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A.
Horst.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
Dean A. Horst, Chairman
____________________________________
John T. Flannery
