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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-08 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, March 8, 2012, with the following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day. The Board attended the Franklin County Prison Board meeting. Chairman Keller announced the Solicitor is not able to attend the meeting so solicitor time will be moved to a day next week. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Allen Piper provided public comment but stated he would not step up to the microphone because everyone can hear him. Chairman Keller said the system was put in for everyone’s benefit. With all due respect the Board would like the folks to take advantage of the system and said the microphone could be brought to him. Mr. Piper responded that the benefit was for the audience that could not hear. Chairman Keller said the use of the public address system would allow the Commissioners to establish the process that folks will be able to hear everyone. Mr. Piper accepted the microphone and continued with his public comment and said he strongly supports the Open Records Law and PA Sunshine Act. Mr. Piper is proposing that all 950 county employee salaries be put on the website or printed in the local newspaper. He said the public should know this since salaries are paid with tax payer funds. James Wyrick also provided public comment and wanted to inform the Board that this past Tuesday a scenario played itself on the world stage. He said on the open markets the debt ratio percentage went to over 1,000% and there were no buyers. This is basically showing that the world does not believe that Greece can make its debts. He said even though it’s Greece and not Franklin County the problem is that debt is still incurring everywhere. China reported that their growth has slowed 2%. We are seeing on a worldwide basis tightening of worldwide funds and in our country we are still spending as though there are a lot of funds. He applauds the Commissioners but this doesn’t make us immune. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the minutes of February 28, 2012 and March 1, 2012 meetings. Chairman Keller announced there is an additional item to consider on the board action list today. It’s a contract with Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising to promote Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month on a digital billboard. He said as a member of the advisory board they have developed a strategic plan to help promote awareness of the program. Commissioner Thomas said he has a problem with this due to a shortage of funds in this area. He cannot vote for this; there has to be other ways to promote awareness by articles in newspapers that don’t cost any extra money. Commissioner Ziobrowski said this is not the first time this has come before the board, and he asked John Hart to explain further how awareness has been promoted in the past and who made the decision to advertise on billboards. Mr. Hart responded that March is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in the past the Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Continued on page 2 Department has used newspaper, radio, and billboards to make the public aware of Intellectual Disabilities Month. Except for individuals receiving services many people are not aware of the services provided. In addition with difficult financial times and the shortage of State and Federal funds, the awareness campaign is making the public aware of the programs and their importance and this may assist in securing additional funds. He stated this is a vital service to the community and approximately 2,000 consumers are receiving services. Mr. Hart said the decision to utilize billboard advertisement was made by the MH/ID and Human Services Administration who in turn reviewed this information with the County Administrator for final approval. There will also be various articles in the newspapers and efforts are being made to air with WHAG – Your 4 State Today. He said this has been an ongoing initiative for a number of years. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the State pays over 80% of the cost and the question is what is the best way to promote this awareness? He said in the past the County has used billboard advertising so who made the decision in the past. Commissioner Thomas said he acknowledges that the County has done this in the past. Chairman Keller said Commissioner Thomas’s point is with giving the constraint nature of State and Federal funding, the money should be spent elsewhere, and he would be surprised if Human Services and Clair Hornberger, MH/ID Director would divert funding from services for the purposes of advertising, if the people needing the services were going without. Chairman Keller said he was in sales for a while and if trying to get a point across need to present to the public 10 times and they need to hear the message from different sources. He said they have to have trust in directors and administrators who support this. Chairman Keller asked the Board to vote on this contract separately and then will take a vote for the remainder items. The Board reviewed MH/ID/EI matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved the contract between the County of Franklin and Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising, LLC to promote Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month (March) on a digital billboard display on Route 30 East in Chambersburg at a cost of $1,195.00 for the period of March 12, 2012 through April 8, 2012. Commissioners Ziobrowski and Keller voted yes, while Commission Thomas voted no. The Board will review Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Election Systems & Software, LLC to provide a complete preventative maintenance on all election equipment to include cleaning, lubrication, diagnostic checks and calibration services at a cost of $52,885.00 for the year 2012 and $31,880.00 each year for 2013 and 2014. This agreement is for the period of January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014. The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Individual Case Basis Agreement between the County of Franklin and CenturyLink to provide fiber diversity redundant service routing of phone and fax lines into 390 New York Avenue, Chambersburg so that there is not an interruption in service of phone, fax and internet service at a cost of $1,090.00 per month for the period of March 8, 2012 through March 7, 2015. Wireless funding will cover 62% and Wireline funding will cover 38%. In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, St. Thomas Development, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection GP3 General Operating Permit application being applied for the portable mineral processing plant located on property located in St. Thomas Township. Continued on page 3 The meeting was adjourned at 9:59 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS