Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-03 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with the following members present: Dean A. Horst and John T. Flannery. Commissioner Horst stated that Commissioner Ziobrowski was unable to attend today due to another commitment. He then 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 John T. Flannery; Seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to adopt the consent agenda to include: Minutes from May 27, 2026. Vouchers in the amount of $1,282,738.79. Motion to ratify the consent to the assignment date October 22, 2025, signed by Carrie E. Gray, County Administrator/Chief Clerk. Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and 80 South Main LLC for the HUD Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Program that covers total rent plus any landlord-covered utilities at a cost of $11,050.00 for the period of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The County holds the lease with the landlord and the participant subleases from the County. Program participants are responsible for any utilities not included in the lease rent, up to 30% of their adjusted gross income. Participants are linked with supportive services and case management to assist them with maintaining permanent stable housing. This will be paid from the HUD grant. Fiscal year '25-'26 third quarter report on the income and expenditures for the Children and Youth program. Expenditures for the third quarter totaled $3,639,830.00 resulting in a required county local share totaling $977,925.00. The local county share portion is paid with General Funds. Request to increase the original JRI2 grant application budget from $195,734.00 to $208,132.00. The original application was approved through Board Action, May 6, 2026. Two additions to the application now include winter jackets and video conference equipment. No match required. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Entrust Corporation for the annual renewal of our MultiFactor Authentication software at a cost of $22,087.49. This will be paid by an allocation across all operations. About 65% is estimated to be paid by the General Fund. Amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Waste Connections of Pennsylvania, Inc. for trash removal services at the Franklin County Jail. Services will continue throughout the week utilizing two eight-yard dumpsters. The amended agreement shall begin on June 13, 2026, and continue through June 12, 2027 at a cost of $12,808.56. This will be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Jefferson County Detention Center for juvenile beds at a cost of $82,125.00. When utilized, beds will be covered by state funds with a 50% County match from General Funds. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of Franklin and the Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Pennsylvania Statewide Procedures for the 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and the Franklin County MPO Transportation Improvement Program revisions following MPO Policy Board review and approval of the 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) on May 21, 2026. The MOU establishes procedures for processing any necessary revisions to the newly approved TIP according to state and federal requirements, and ensures that in all cases, Franklin County MPO TIP revisions will be developed under the outlined MOU guidance. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Election Board unanimously approved to convene the Election Board at 10:12 a.m. The Election Board conducted a casting of lots for Peters 3 Committeewoman for the Democratic Party. Election Director Susan Christophel stated that neither candidate was here, nor was there a representative for either candidate. The Commissioners would be drawing numbers for both of them and the lowest number would win the position. __3___ Julie E. Rose __6___ Audrey M. Miller Julie E. Rose won the position for Peters 3 Committeewoman. Ms. Christophel explained that for the final signing, there were no petitions for recount, and the signing verifies that the return of voters cast as being true and correct. The ballot certification, certified that the state candidates on the ballot are correct and the number of votes they received was correct, including any write in. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; unanimously approved the Final Certification and Ballot Certificationto the Department of State for the Primary Election held on May 19, 2026. Commissioner Horst thanked Ms. Christopel and staff for all the diligent and hard workto get this done and process completed. Ms. Christophel stated that it was a very large team effort, not just those in elections, but across the county. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Election Board unanimously approved to adjourn Election Board at 10:14 a.m. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. The Commissioners presented a check to John Staub, Historic Letterkenny Chapel and 9/11 Memorial Park, for the employee dress down fundraiser that was held in May. Keri Kenney, HR Coordinator, said we raised $750.00 from a total of 149 employees from 22 different departments. Mr. Staub, a member of the Chapel Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for the strong support from Franklin County employees, noting their contributions to the preservation of the historic Letterkenny Chapel. He explained that the Chapel was one of four POW-built chapels in the world, with only two remaining and highlighted the impact of employee donations in both the previous and current year. He invited the Commissioners to participate in the upcoming car show on August 30, 2026 Choice award, and encouraged attendance for voting and touring the Chapel. He stated the event is the largest car show in South Central Pennsylvania, with 264 cars last year and a cap of 300 cars for the current year due to space limitations. He reported that pre-registration numbers had already surpassed the previous year and anticipated a successful event if weather conditions were favorable. Last year, nearly $8,400.00 had been raised including employee contributions for Chapel preservation and he emphasized the importance of ongoing support as the structure aged. Mr. Bill Bechtold mentioned that the Chambersburg Classic Car Group had surpassed 1,800 members. While not all members would be at the show, attendees could expect to see a wide variety. He explained this was planned to be a larger event this year and would feature law enforcement, veterans, and family activities. He emphasized the benefit to the Chapel, which lacked steady income and relied on such assistance, and expressed gratitude to Franklin County employees for their contributions. He thanked Ms. Kenney for her efforts in surpassing announced on the clubCommissioner Horst encouraged attendance at the and 9/11 Memorial, emphasizing the value of employee contributions. Commissioner Flannery noted that the staff consistently do a phenomenal job supporting county initiatives. He asked what the current status of the Chapel was and if there were any special projects going on that needed an influx of funds at this time. Mr. Staub stated that the Chapel has several upcoming projects, with bids currently being accepted for work to sustain the structure. He stated that additional fundraisers were expected soon to support the substantial projects and address the Commissioner Flannery asked if there would be any vendors there and or food trucks. Mr. Bechtold stated that the Letterkenny Morale Committee would provide bounce houses and activities for the children, including face painting. A food court with six diverse food usinesses can purchase spots to advertise their products or services. Mr. Staub concluded that the business community in Franklin County, particularly Chambersburg, has provided strong support for the event. All major car dealers, some used car dealers, and motorcycle shops are participating as sponsors. Ms. Gray introduced Warden Heather Franzoni 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 asked, with the County running its own academy, was our training starting to catch up with the newer jail style or still back at the traditional jail. Warden Franzoni stated the DOC had required a specific subset of training, but the jail had added mental health, trauma-informed, and autism training to address evolving needs. There are additional trainings and improvementsby mental health clinicians and furtherprogress was anticipated. There are plans to implement in-house mental health first aid, but staffing challenges had affected the pace of trainingrollout. They are working to provide information and trainingincluding understanding autism-related behaviors, though efforts had sometimes been reactive due to resource constraints. Commissioner Flannery movies like Shawshank Redemption, and contrasted this with the reality that the jail operates more like an institution dealing with health and mental health issues. He raised concerns that many constituents do not support treatment for incarcerated individuals, preferringa punitive approach, and acknowledged this is not hispersonal opinion but a common public sentiment. Commissioner Flannery questioned whether the county lacks proper institutions for mental health and substance abuse, leading to these individuals ending up in jail, and suggested that higher level decisionmakers need to address whetherjails should serve as treatment facilities or if alternative institutions are needed. He expressed appreciation forthe efforts in managing thesecomplexpopulations and emphasizedthe need forbroader systemic solutions beyondthe jail. Warden Franzoni responded thatJudge Krom participates in a behavioralsummit that addresses legislative and systemic issues related to mental health and incarceration, which are broader than just Franklin County Jail. She acknowledged the existence of system failures and emphasized herresponsibilityas warden to care for all individuals in thejail, regardless of their crimes, focusing on holistic care. She noted that this holistic approachis sometimes difficult for the public to understand, given prevailing perceptions about incarceration. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:47a.m. for the purpose of reviewing tax appeals. There will be no action requiredafter the executive session. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Board unanimously approved to reconvene into regular sessionat 11:01a.m. The meeting was adjourned at 11:02a.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 ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski *May be assisted by Copilot