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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-13 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, March 13, 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. Chairman Keller asked to include an addition to the agenda to answer a question from public comment last week. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Chairman Keller wanted to address Mr. Piper’s question from last week about posting all employee’s wages and salaries on the County’s website. The Board does not feel posting this information would be appropriate but he appreciates Mr. Piper’s questions and wants to note that the salaries of administrators and elected officials were provided to the Public Opinion and this information was printed in the paper. Chairman Keller stated he does not feel publishing County employees names and salaries on the County’s website would be good for employee morale. There was no public comment. The minutes of March 6, 2012 and March 8, 2012 meetings were read. These will be approved Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be approved on Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Board met with the Human Resources Director, the Controller, the District Attorney, the Court Administrator and Emergency Services Director for Salary Board and Personnel matters. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Chief Information Officer position description. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Deputy Court Administrator position description. Sheldon Schwartz and Richard Shoap from the Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID) Advisory Board were present to provide their report of the proposed transition of the County MH/ID agency to a private entity. The Fulton County Commissioners participated by conference call. Mr. Schwartz provided the background for this report and said once they were briefed on the proposal for transition, a Task Force was formed, they met and came up with a number of issues that needed addressed which included the following: An indication of support from the Fulton County Commissioners which they have received; seek County Solicitor interpretation of IRS and PA codes as to whether MH/ID could be exempt; public stakeholder comments early in the process; confidence in continuation of existing funding streams and ability to seek grants; confidence in continuation of potential risks/benefits of quality provider/client services outcomes; investigation of experienced nonprofit and other nonprofit organizations in PA; evaluation of county overhead and cost savings versus new/additional overhead expenses; discussion of continued responsibility of both Fulton and Franklin County Commissioners for citizen public health, safety and welfare if these services are administered by a private nonprofit entity. Continued on page 2 Mr. Schwartz said the Task Force, along with county staff and commissioners, led three open public meetings for providers and consumers to gather comments and concerns. John Hart and Clair Hornberger, MH/ID Director provided an initial presentation at each of these meetings on transitioning to a nonprofit organization. He said out of these meetings the comments were put into the following comment themes: Mistrust of Government - there was suspicion that a decision had been made and that a transition was already in process; client services - a number of comments expressed that there would be less services and reduced quality of service after the transition; financial resources - concern was expressed about the current funding streams and who would provide oversight to assure quality of the program; alternative proposals - suggestion was made to bid out case management and maintain administrative staff; and organizational considerations - there were strong suggestions that the new Board of Directors include Commissioner representation from both Franklin and Fulton Counties to assure organizational oversight. Mr. Schwartz provided the following three conclusions to the Franklin and Fulton County Boards of Commissioners: The Counties have discussed efficiencies without offering a detailed schedule or cost and benefit analysis of the proposed transition; a health impact assessment is needed to assure that the consumers will not be adversely impacted by the proposed transition; and one alternative is to bid out case management thus reducing the county role to implementation quality oversight, which could be a cost savings. Richard Shoap said the Advisory Board would be happy to look at this further but both boards need to first address the issues presented today. He said they are dealing with a fragile client population that may have difficulty voicing their concerns and with family members who have a protective impulse for their family member. He is not criticizing the County, but the Advisory Board is recommending to not rush the process or create a deadline to drive the process. They are not offering a yay or a nay but saying lets step back, make sure asking the foundational question of do we want MH/ID handled by a nonprofit organization. Mr. Shoap said if bid out the case management function then can keep the oversight in administration. He said we have a responsibility to our citizens and to have the county involved but on the other hand there may be greater efficiencies obtained. He said more information is needed and we need to make the information available to the public. Chairman Keller opened the floor for questions from Fulton County but they did not have any questions at this time. Mr. Schwartz wanted to mention the other members of the Task Force Board: Dick Shoap, Sherry Gertz, Candice Rutherford, Becky Johnson and Linda Carr. Commissioner Thomas stated that this was a professional presentation and questions being presented were fair and appropriate, but one thing that is very important, need to assure the families and clients that what may come forward is for their benefit. He said to be clear there have been no decisions made, but it is something that government is required to look at periodically as the world changes to see if the system can be improved. He has talked to commissioners across the state that have gone through this concept and everything has been fine. He said we will not be cutting services but do need to answer the questions. He said the Board will try to have a seamless transition and clients, caregivers and providers should not see a difference but hopefully will see enhanced services. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he reiterates Commissioner Thomas’s compliments about this presentation and twice they mentioned about bidding out case management instead of going nonprofit. Mr. Shoap said he is not advocating this is the way to go, but there are reasons to consider it. Could create its own investigation to see whether someone can provide these services without having to commit moving forward. He expressed concern at one of the meetings that if this Continued on page 3 went to bid and a private company takes over the clients, might see a major disruption because it would be a jumble of hiring as the shift takes place. One provider said this could be a gradual transition. Commissioner Ziobrowski said there would be more likelihood for a seamless transition to nonprofit then it would be to bid it out. Mr. Schwartz said there are a number of examples of nonprofits, and he has talked to folks in this process, some who are educators and heard across the board the success or failure is dependent on the management of that organization and it’s really important that whoever manages that organization will be the person who will make it work. Chairman Keller said the findings and questions are fair and appropriate so he recommends that both boards refer this to staff and county administration to continue to work with MH/ID Advisory Board to define a plan to answer the questions that have been raised, which will achieve the second goal of further finding what has been proposed and report back to Board of Commissioners as soon as possible. He added the process st should not be constrained by a July 1 deadline. He said the big questions are what did the counties do that have done this before, how did they do it, and how do they manage success. Chairman Keller encourages the Board to support taking whatever time is required to come up with a plan in a thoughtful and considerate manner. Fulton County Commissioner Rodney McCray agrees with Commissioner Keller that there are some things that need to be considered and putting a deadline would enhance getting questions but would hinder getting them properly answered. Chairman Keller said the consensus of both boards is to have staff work with the Advisory Board to address the issues and further develop the ideas and continue to move forward in a timely manner but not be constrained by a deadline. Mr. Shope responded that the Advisory Board is ready to assist in this process but want to remind the Commissioners that they are volunteers and have day jobs but will be happy to view the information and oversight with county administration and provide further advice at the appropriate time. Chairman Keller thanked everyone in the audience for their attendance and welcomes them to approach the Board with their thoughts and comments after adjournment. He said the process going forward will be open and a transparent process. The meeting was adjourned at 11:37 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS