HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-29 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2026
The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with the
following members present: Dean A. Horst, John T. Flannery, and Robert G. Ziobrowski.
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.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Chairman Horst called Prison Board to order at 10:04a.m.
Prison Board was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
There was public comment from Kim Wertz who stated she wanted to respond to a
comment from last night's
issues with a new building being built. Once the building is ready for occupancy, fire personnel
would tour the facility to get acclimated to it. They would also be provided with schematics for
the building in case an emergency occurred. Regarding training, the fire personnel were already
well qualified and additional to their regular training, they have access to the Harrisburg Fire
Academy as well as an academy in Lewistown.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include:
Minutes from April 22 and 28, 2026.
Vouchers in the amount of $1,632,946.23.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Comcast for internet service to the new
Aging and Senior Center location at a rate of $222.89 per month. Comcast is putting this in
temporarily until they can get fiber installed. This will be paid by the Aging Block Grant.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Mid Penn Legal Services for the
provision of legal services to persons 60 years of age and over, who are referred in advance by
a case manager, for Franklin County Area Agency on Aging. The fee for services provided will
be charged to the County at a rate of $75.00 per hour and not to exceed the sum of $2,300.00.
Mid Penn Legal will provide an array of services to low-income persons such as: legal
consultations, legal representation, preparation of simple wills, powers of attorney, and living
wills. This will be paid by the Aging Block Grant.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Thomas, Thomas & Hafer , LLP,
Attorneys at Law for replacing legal counsel to assist in the defense of a civil action pending in
the Supreme Court of the United States; captioned Republican National Committee, et al. v.
Bette Eakin, et al. and Pennsylvania v. Bette Eakin, et al. This cost is being split between
Juniata and Perry County.
Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Derwood Martin DBA
Clearview Farm for the farmland lease contract dated November 11, 2024. As a result of the
timber harvest on Franklin Farm Lane, thereby making two acres of farmland unusable, this
amendment provides for reimbursement to the Lessee for non use of two acres for crop
operations of $505.10..
Intergovernmental agreement between the County of Franklin and the Franklin County
Sheriff's Office who has historically provided civil service and warrant service for Franklin
County Domestic Relations. This agreement would allow Domestic Relations to pay the Sheriff's
Office for services rendered. Domestic Relations will then submit the expenses for 66% federal
reimbursement.
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Controls Service & Engineering Co., Inc.
(CSE) to provide annual HVAC maintenance at Clark's Knob, for three years, for a total cost of
$2,779.00. This will be paid for by Act 12 911 funds.
Budget adjustment to appropriate approved supplemental funding to the proper funds.
There is no General Fund impact as the amount is already budgeted of $792,546.00.
Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Chambersburg
Waste Paper to add trash pickup for the new Aging Office / Chambersburg Senior Center,
located at 2593 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg PA 17201 at a cost of $1,536.00. This will
be paid by the Aging Block Grant.
Approval to accept repository sale bid to start generating taxes to collect on the property
in Washington Township.
The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a
high-level overview of each of the actions.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved the reappointments of Brendan Finucane and Stacy Hess to the
Franklin/Fulton County Mental Health/Intellectual & Development Disabilities/Early Intervention
Advisory Board for a three (3) year term of March 2026 through March 2029.
The Board reviewed Proclamation #2026-13 for the purpose of proclaiming May
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Ms. Gray introduced Calvin Wolf, Coordinator of Keystone
Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Pennsylvania Chapter 56, who
explained that the organization is not a motorcycle club but an advocacy group focused on
motorcycle accidents had
occurred recently, including one involving a friend from the Mercersburg area. Mr. Wolf stated
that motorcycle safety signs would be appearing throughout the area in May, which is ABATEs
major annual safety awareness push. He emphasized that left hand turn collisions and drivers
failing to see motorcycles remain a major concern. He invited the commissioners and the public
Restaurant, encouraging . He highlighted their
community contributions, including support for food banks and assistance for individuals in
need. Commissioner Horst thanked them for all that they do to help protect the motorcycle
community. Commissioner Flannery stated that he would try to make the meeting on Sunday as
he does ride out in that area. He thanked them for the awareness that they provide. He stated
that when you ride and switch to a car, riders are always looking for motorcycles and
anticipating where they would be. Commissioner Ziobrowski pointed out that he sees drivers
looking at their text messages all the time unlike motorcyclists, a particular danger for riders.
Commissioner Horst then read the proclamation which is made a part of these minutes. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board unanimously
approved the proclamation. Commissioner Ziobrowski remarked that as an avid bicyclist he
observed a growing number of individuals riding what appear to be unlicensed motorized bikes.
He noted that while traditional e-bikes typically assist riders up to about 20 miles per hour, many
of the vehicles he now sees behave more like small, unlicensed motorcycles. He expressed
concern that these riders, often younger riders, are ignoring traffic rules and creating dangerous
was on these
unlicensed motorized bikes. Mr. Wolf explained that many of the vehicles being seen on local
roads are no longer true e-bikes but are increasingly resembling small motorcycles as
manufacturers continue pushing the limits of current laws. He noted that the area has
experienced problems with riders using these bikes irresponsibility, including performing stunts
like wheelies on public roads. Mr. Wolf emphasized that ABATE denounces this behavior
because it gives law abiding riders a bad name. He added that ABATE has tried to engage
address the issue is limited because legislative efforts often stall in committee for years without
actions. Despite this, the organization continues working on the issue as part of its mission.
Next, Ms. Gray introduced Fiscal Director Janelle Friese and Chief Financial Officer
County, PA for February 2026 Commissioner Horsthad no
questions as everything looked to be on par for this point in the year. Commissioner Flannery
stated as it is still early in the year, especially when there is no tax revenue coming in, that
everything looked to be on pace and the county is where it needed to be.
The Board met with Human Resources Generalist Chuck Martin and Controller Harold
Wissinger for Salary Board Matters. Also, in attendance was Clerk of Court Todd Rock and
Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously
approved to enter an executive session at 10:50 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing pending
litigation. There will be action requested after the executive session.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board
unanimously approved to reconvene into regular session at 11:02a.m.
County Solicitor Elliott Sulcove explained that a petition had been filed concerning an
estate in which one of the named beneficiaries, the Franklin County Nursing Home, no longer
petition was filed under the legal doctrine of cy pres, which allows a court to modify the terms of
a will when the original instructions cannot be carried out, directing the gift instead to the closest
possible alternative. The petition proposed redirecting the bequest intended for the former
county nursing home to the Waynesboro YMCA and Hearthstone Retirement Home. Mr.
Sulcove requested a motion confirming that the Commissioners had no objection to the relief
sought in the petition. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; the
Board unanimously approved to confirm the Commissioners have no objection to the relief
sought in the petition.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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Dean A. Horst, Chairman
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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski
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