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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-17 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2026 The Franklin County Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 17, 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. 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 June 10, 2026. Vouchers in the amount of $2,918,009.11. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Cellebrite Inc. to unlock and extract information from both Android and iOS devices at a cost of $21,700.00. This will be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Bryan Stevenson, Sole Proprietor, for professional services to assist the Department of Emergency Services with expertise in radio systems and emergency telecommunications technologies. The Consultant will provide technical advisory support for 911 telephony, Motorola radio systems and associated communication systems at a cost of $40.00 per hour, with a maximum of $9,600.00 for work through December 31, 2026. This will be paid by Act 12 funding to the extent of any available funds with the remaining paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and The Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County Inc. to provide Forensic Interviews for the District Attorney's office at a rate of $541.44 per interview. The contract includes a County wide minimum payment for Forensic Interviews of $120,003.00. About $75,000.00 of this minimum is estimated to be paid by the General Fund. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Tuscarora School District to provide a Juvenile Probation Officer, for four days a week, in the school year 2026-2027. The School District will provide to the County of Franklin, $22,170.72, which covers half of the cost for this service. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Habitat for Humanity for fiscal year 2024-2025 to pass through CDBG funds of $50,000.00 towards acquisition of a vacant lot. A house for a low-to-moderate income family is to be built on the lot that is acquired with CDBG funding. This is for a proposed 0.40-acre lot for acquisition in Saint Thomas Township. Agreement between the County of Franklin and Habitat for Humanity for fiscal year 2025 to pass through CDBG funds of $50,000.00 towards acquisition of a vacant lot. A house for a low-to-moderate income family is to be built on the lot that is acquired with CDBG funding. This is for a proposed 0.53-acre lot for acquisition in Peters Township. Commissioner Horst asked to move to the regular agenda while they waited for the remaining Salary Board attendees. There was no objection from the Board. The Board reviewed regular agenda items. County Administrator Carrie Gray provided a high-level overview of each of the actions. Ms. Gray introduced Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter to describe the contract and a modification of the amount. Mr. Thierwechter stated that the contract was to bring in some temporary telecommunicators for a three-month contract providing four staff members for up to 50 hours per week to address a staffing shortage caused by recent departures. Ongoing hiring and training effortstohelp at the 911 Center will continue. The budgeted amount required modification due to additional logistics identified in the fiscal review, resulting in a revised contract total of approximately $163,000.00. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the agreement was approved between the County of Franklin and Moetivations Inc. for professional services to assist the Department of Emergency Services with temporary staffing support. Moetivations will supply qualified dispatch personnel for a period of three months to stabilize coverage and maintain essential services. This will be paid by Act 12 funding to the extent of any available funds with the remaining paid by the General Fund. Commissioner Horst noted that the 911 telecommunicators had been performing well and preservering despite current challenges in training and retention. The contract for temporary support was presented as a means to provide relief and improve their work life balance. He then asked as a side note, if they provided Correctional Officer as well. Mr. Thierwechter stated that a portion of their company does that was well and the county is exploring that with them presently. Ms. Gray introduced Senior Planner Colleen Tidd to keep everyone well acquainted with the different programs with their emerging trends, topics of interest and Franklin County Agricultural Land Preservation Commissioner Horst acknowledged the significant sacrifice made by farmers participating in the land preservation program, noting that while rural land was valued at $22,000.00 to $25,000.00 per acre, farmers received only $2,400. prioritizing and maximizing funding for the program each year. Commissioner Flannery agreed acre exceeding $24,000.00, allowing landowners to earn income without farming. He noted this Commissioner Ziobrowski clarified that the $2,400.00 easement value reflected the difference between agricultural and development potential, not the full land value, and farmers could still sell preserved land for market rate over $20,000.00 per acre. He emphasized the sacrifice is in forgoing development potential, especially given higher earnings possible from solar leases, and preservation program. The Board met with President Judge Meyers and Controller Harold Wissinger for Salary Board Matters. Also in attendance were Human Resources Generalist Chuck Martin, Court Administrator Rebekah Reigner, and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Angie Mackley. Resuming the regular agenda, Commissioner Horst introduced Conservation Director David Stoner, Chairman Evan Burkholder and Administrative Assistant Rhonda Crider. He expressed appreciation for the Franklin County Conservation District on its 70th anniversary, highlighting their role in protecting natural resources, maintaining water flow and positively impacting not only Franklin County but also downstream areas. He emphasized the importance of water quality and thanked the board and staff for their dedication and achievements. Mr. Stoner 1956 with a volunteer board and a $2,400.00 budget, which had grown to a staff of 12 and a budget exceeding $6 million through grants. He described major milestones, including the completion of county soil identification, first printed in 1975 which is now digital, and the implementation of conservation measures such as diversions, waterways, contour strips, and subsurface drainage to improve farmability. Mr. Stoner highlighted evolving practices such as manure storage, nutrient management regulations, and cover crops, emphasizing soil health and water quality as central achievements beauty and productivity, and expressed appreciation for theAg Heritage building, noting its value to the district. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if he had recently been honored by the state organization as well and requested further details about the recognition. Mr. Stoner stated the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts gave him the Employee Excellence Award which also coincided with his 35 years of service. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that Mr. Stoner had been there for half of the 70 years. Mr. Stoner stated that he has been there for 36 almost 37 years now. Commissioner Ziobrowski then asked about Mr. Sam Worley who will be honored at the dinner next week. He asked if Mr. Workey joined before he was a commissioner or when he was a commissioner from 1988 through 1995. Mr. Stoner stated that Mr. Worley was a commissioner when he joined and has been heavily involved and is still associate director now. He is Commissioner Flannery thanked them for all that they do and that many take their work for granted. Commissioner Horst then read the citation which has been made a part of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the citation was approved. Next, Ms. Gray introduced Chief Financial Officer Teresa Beckner to provide a monthly April made a part of the minutes. everything appeared to be on track. Commissioner Horst asked,for public peace of mind, if the were sufficient to manage operations even if the state budget from Harrisburg was delayed, and affirmed that the county was well positioned to weather such delays. Ms. Beckner replied that it is common for the state not to have a budget by June 30, and the county maintains reserves specifically to manage such situations, ensuring the county can cover its budget even during extended delays. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery;the Election Board unanimously approved toconvene the Election Board at 10:50a.m. Minutes from May 26, 2026. Assistant Election Director Logan Hykes presented an amended to the Final Certification and Ballot Certification to the Department of State for the Primary Election held on May 19, 2026that was originally signed on June 3, 2026.He explainedthat the state requested an amendment to the ballot certification to separatelycategorize Doug Mastriano write-in votes but clarified that all ballot totals and final results remained unchanged. Commissioner Ziobrowski was there was any indication of what motivated the reason to count the write-in votes when the total of all write-in votes wasless than the leading vote getter in the primary. Mr. Hykes stated that the state asked the county for it. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if all the counties were being asked to count the write-ins for Sen but would find out. Commissioner Horst asked what the vote number was. Mr. Hykes stated it was 773. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board approved the amended Final Certification and Ballot Certification. Next. Mr. Hykes explained the 2026 Survey of Polling Place Accessibility stating that after every election the state requests the survey stating that all polling places in the county are handicap accessible. Commissioner Horst confirmed that all are handicap accessible. Mr. Hykes stated that they were. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery; the Board approved survey of the polling places. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Dean A. Horst; the Election Board unanimously approved to adjourn Election Board at 10:52a.m. During New Business, Commissioner Flannery stated that he wouldnot beable to join the meeting next week. Commissioner Ziobrowski congratulated the election staff, noting that the pri regarding the election process. The meeting was adjourned at 10:54a.m. on a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; Seconded by John T. Flannery. 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