HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-07 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, April 7, 2011, with the
following members present: David S. Keller and Robert L. Thomas. Chairman Keller
presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded
with the business of the day.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Keller announced that Commissioner
Ziobrowski would not be present at the meeting today.
Dan Pellicano from Greencastle provided public comment and asked questions
about the decision by the Board to ask federal lawmakers for 1.5 Million to purchase
public land and place this land in preservation conservancy. Mr. Pellicano is concerned
with the wages of the executives of the organization coordinating this transaction and
that this request was not budgeted by the federal government. Commissioner Keller
advised that the Board will have an appropriate response to his questions at the next
public meeting and if Mr. Pellicano is not present at that meeting will give a copy in
writing.
Bill Landis from Mercersburg provided public comment and is concerned about
the Board response to Mr. Pellicano. There were many questions at the Star Theatre
that were not answered then the three Board members responded by canceling the
courthouse project. Mr. Landis is also concerned about creation of a Department Clerk
position that is listed on the agenda and asked if this action would eliminate another
position in the County? Commissioner Keller responded that is not what is proposed
today and this matter will be discussed further during Salary Board.
Dan Pellicano provided additional public comment and expressed
disappointment that his questions are not answered at this time. Mr. Pellicano provided
information to the Board consisting of tax and salary information on the Conservatory.
Ken Jones provided public comment and with the Country facing a 14.3 Trillion
deficit still seems to be going in same direction and hasn’t slowed down. Need to look at
spending cuts.
Allen Piper, President of Citizens for Responsible Government provided public
comment stating the Board needs to be more compliant and responsible in answering
questions by the general public. It is important to look at money being spent and there is
a need to justify and explain to the people that the Board represents what the money is
being used for.
Mr. Landis asked if the letter of support has been sent to representatives and if
it’s feasible to recall the vote by the Commissioners. Commissioner Keller responded
that if the Board had a change of heart then would consider such a motion to rescind the
letter.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved the minutes of March 29, 2011 and March 31, 2011 meetings.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Aging matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to
execute the Food & Beverage License to the PA Department of
Agriculture/Commonwealth of PA for the Mont Alto Senior Activity Center at a cost of
$82.00 for the period of April 5, 2011 through April 4, 2012. Since the Mont Alto Senior
Activity Center serves meals to seniors it is a law to have a food and beverage license
that needs renewed annually.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Updated Franklin
County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to outline how the County Government
complies with and implements the specific aspects of the PA Emergency Management
Code and incorporates the provisions of the Counter-terrorism Preparedness, Planning
and Resource Act. This EOP serves as a bridge between the municipal emergency
management agencies and the Commonwealth of PA Emergency Management Agency.
This plan is a benefit to citizens of Franklin County and surrounding counties as it
protects the lives and property of citizens in the event of a natural, technological
emergency, terrorism event or disaster.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Revised Paid Time
Off Program Policy #321.01 to allow for employees with a Sick Leave Reserve (SLR) to
use it for their family members as defined by Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
regulations.
The Board reviewed Juvenile Probation matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Subgrant Award Notice (#2010-JB-01-22135) from PA Commission
on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for federal Juvenile Accountability Block Grant
Funds to be used for the Juvenile Probation (2011) Summer Work Program for an award
in the amount of $10,000.00 to be used for tools and supplies to complete community
services, food and cookware to prepare lunches, youth stipends (all stipends will go
toward fines and restitution) and youth team building activities. The Board signed an
application to PCCD on December 2, 2010 requesting $11,112.00 from the federal
Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Funds to be used to teach youth accountability and
competency through summer work, community services and activities for youth that runs
for six weeks during the summer.
The Board reviewed Mental Retardation matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved Revision #1 to Fiscal Year
2009-2010 Income and Expenditures Report for Mental Retardation to PA Department of
Public Welfare – Bureau of Financial Operations. This revision is needed due to the
interest for MR was put into the wrong category and the full amount of the Social
Services Block Grant funds were not included.
The Board reviewed Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the 2011 Budget Adjustment in the
amount of $45,000.00 to budget for the revenues and expenses in Mental Health for the
Integrated Children Services Plan (ICSP) grant for fiscal year 2010/2011. When
budgeting for 2011 Mental Health had not been notified what the ICSP Grant was going
to be for 2010/2011. No change in County match.
Continued on page 3
The Board reviewed additional Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the 2011 Budget
Adjustment in the amount of $8,000.00 to record additional funds received from the
State to be used for hospital preparedness. Funds were not received until January 24,
2011 so expenditures will be in 2011 instead of 2010. No additional County match is
required.
The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Public Use of County
Buildings Policy (#809.03) to allow public use of County buildings for non-profit,
continuing education and/or community events which supports the County’s mission and
operations. This policy outlines which buildings and areas are available for use, who
may make request and responsibilities of parties and also cleans up language and has
request going to Risk Management instead of Assistant County Administrator.
The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the Report of Compensation Paid in Calendar Year
2010 to PA Department of Labor and Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to report that
$451,408.00 in compensation was paid in 2010.
The Board reviewed Visitors Bureau matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Contract between the County of
Franklin and WITF Inc. to advertise on 93.3 radio station in six campaigns (15/20 spots
for each campaign) for the following events: Civil War 150, Blues Brews and BBQ, Pop
A Cork as well as promotion of www.ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com at a total cost of
$2,300.00 for the period of April 7, 2011 through September 1, 2011. Room tax
revenues cover this contract and no County general funds are used.
In accordance with PA Act 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Martin and Martin,
Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
NPDES Permit application being applied for Norland Avenue and Walker Road
intersection improvements located in the Borough of Chambersburg.
The Board met with the Human Resources Director, Controller, Human Services
Administrator, Clerk of Courts, Court Administrator and Domestic Relations Director for
Salary Board matters.
The Board reviewed personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the revised job description for the
Operations and Training Officer position in the Department of Emergency Services.
Doug Amsley, Children and Youth Family Services Director conducted a presentation on
Child Abuse and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mr. Amsley explained the child
protective services law that defines abuse and the different types of abuse. Referrals
for last five years have increased. In 2006 there were 992 referrals and in 2010 there
were 1,144. 2011 referrals have increased. Mr. Amsley is not asking for additional staff
but is changing processes to help with the additional referrals and caseload. Also
looking at adding notebook tablets for caseworkers to increase the efficiency for typing
up field notes. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and displays are set up at various
buildings with brochures and information about child abuse. Also doing Blue Bear
Campaign where money is collected from social clubs and individuals to be used for
activities for foster children, clothing for jobs or supplies for college.
Continued on page 4
The meeting was adjourned at 11:58 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by David S. Keller.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS