HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-01 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 1, 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 Chairman time to address a public comment
question from 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. Jones’ question from a previous meeting
requesting the Board to have a prayer or moment of silence before each board meeting.
The Board is not moved to have prayer or a moment of silence but they have from time
to time had a moment of silent prayer when it is warranted. Commissioner Thomas
responded that he knows the importance of prayer but prayer is not for public display or
show and it should be personal as Jesus mentioned in the Bible. He often prays in
silence before meetings. Chairman Keller announced that this Thursday is National Day
of Prayer and there is a gathering scheduled at noon at King Street United Brethren
Church.
Ken Jones provided public comment and said that since attending meetings, his
point has been to conserve and if Board doesn’t need to spend money then don’t spend
it. He said the County does a good job of spend control but he mentioned Federal TARP
(Troubled Asset Relief Program) and stimulus money that has been wasted on a couple
of useless projects. Mr. Jones said this wasteful spending of tarp and stimulus money
could have been given to unemployed people who would have put it back into the
economy.
The minutes of April 26, 2012 meetings were read. These will be approved
Thursday, May 3, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked why the Children and Youth adoption assistance agreements have no dollar
amount and Mr. Hart explained even though the family is not receiving any money,
adoption assistance agreements are still needed for the families to receive medical
assistance. The items will be approved Thursday, May 3, 2012.
John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator provided an update on the MH/DI
nonprofit initiative to the Board. He said staff has met with the task force and internal
groups. In order to allow for ample time to receive public comments from the public,
consumers and providers and to address questions from both Boards of Commissioners
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staff is requesting to move the timeline to after July 1. The additional time will provide
sufficient time for both Boards of Commissioners to deliberate and provide time for the
Advisory Board to digest the information. Staff also needs additional time to develop
draft documents. Mr. Hart advised that extending the time line to after adoption of the
state budget would be beneficial in development of the cost benefit analysis which
includes the transition of employees including; health insurance, county benefits, leave
package for employees, and a retirement plan. Lastly he said there is an RFP out to
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outsource case management and proposals are due back by May 11. Mr. Hart would
like to consider this information and include it in the cost benefit analysis. Staff is
recommending postponing the deadline to give time to interact with everyone, receive
feedback and have accurate information. He said the hope is that the state budget will
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be passed in a reasonable time and information will be provided to both Boards after
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July 1. Mr. Hart said after that presentation and with both Board of Commissioners
consensus, staff will establish a timeline for implementation and make certain diligence
is done to answer all the questions. Chairman Keller said Mr. Hart laid out the reasons
why they need to delay timeline and this is wise and acceptable to him. Commissioners
Thomas and Ziobrowski both concurred.
The Board reviewed information regarding Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Several members of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania
(ABATE) were present on the square to receive the proclamation. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign
Franklin County Proclamation #2012-06 proclaiming the month of May as Motorcycle
Safety Awareness month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these
minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION 2012 - 06
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2012
WHEREAS, the safety of all Pennsylvania motorists is an issue of the highest
consequence, and all highway users should unite in the safe sharing of roadways
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation
for thousands of people across the Commonwealth and our nation. Pennsylvania's
838;000 licensed motorcyclists are required to keep their vehicles inspected and obey
current laws relative to operator safety equipment; and
WHEREAS, in efforts to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities,
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation encourages all motorcyclists to take
advantage of free training courses through Pennsylvania's Motorcycle Safety Program
and 1pledge to Be One Less crash statistic by visiting www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com; and
WHEREAS, it is especially important that the citizens of our Commonwealth be
aware of motorcycles on the streets and highways and recognize the importance of
staying alert, practicing safe driving techniques, and promoting motorcycle safety; and
WHEREAS, during the month of May, the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation, the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania
(ABATE), and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Dealers Association (PMDA)will continue
their advocacy of motorcycle safety.
THEREFORE, In recognition of the importance of motorcycle safety, We, The
Franklin County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2012 as MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH in the County of Franklin. We encourage all
motorcyclists to continue their efforts to promote safety and motorcycle awareness and
all drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcycles.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hand and have caused the
se4of Franklin County to be fixed this 1ST day of May, 2012.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
+� David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. ZioWwski