HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-12 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, July 12, 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, a Moment
of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day.
The Board attended a Franklin County Prison Board meeting.
Chairman Keller asked to include Chairman’s time to the agenda to answer some
questions from the last meeting. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller wanted to respond to a question asked by Mr. Piper about the
contract on list of board actions last week for engineering of Bridge 116 on Fannettsburg
Road and a traffic study that was reported in the Public Opinion that 600 vehicles travel
over that bridge. This was research done by the Public Opinion not by the County and
this study was derived from PennDot’s website not completed by the County. He
referred Mr. Piper to that website. Mr. Piper also questioned the cost of the contract and
Chairman Keller responded that pricing is determined by the Commonwealth as far as
the extent of the contract, Mr. Hart will explain further during board action discussions.
Chairman Keller also wanted to respond to Mr. Jones who asked if the Board can vote
on board actions individually instead of all together. This has been the practice of the
Board and they are given the opportunity to ask questions or comment individually at
Tuesday’s meeting. He said the practice will remain the same.
Allen Piper provided public comment and would like a copy of the agenda from
Tuesday’s meeting. He has a problem with Chairman Keller’s remark relating to the
consent agenda and manner to which they do this. Seems to be this is the norm in the
county to not discuss each item and lump them into one sum and he has a problem with
this. The items should be done as school board’s do as they take each item relating to
business that evening and discuss each item before they vote on it. He objects to this
type of doing business when it concerns the public. Mr. Piper feels they should
reevaluate and change their position and discuss what is important to tax payers and
while spending every penny of tax payers money. He hopes they take this into
consideration.
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 July 3, 2012 and July 5, 2012 meetings.
Chairman Keller asked John Hart, Chief Clerk to explain the addition for a
Declaration of Disaster Emergency to the board actions for today. John Hart explained
that on June 28 there was a severe weather event that Franklin County did not
experience but other counties did. After the storm there was severe heat and no rain. If
the State declares a disaster the County has to be prepared and pass a resolution in
order for the County to receive any aide. There could be agricultural damage or may get
reimbursed for opening cooling centers or providing supplies.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Declaration of
Disaster Emergency to direct the Franklin County Emergency Management
Coordinator to coordinate the activities of emergency response due to the severe
weather on June 28, 2012 and to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the
effects of this disaster, to aid in the restoration of essential public services, and to take
any other emergency response action deemed necessary to respond to this
emergency.
Chairman Keller asked John Hart to explain further the engineering project
contract that Allen Piper questioned. Mr. Hart explained that the price is set by PennDot.
The county’s bridge engineer proposes the types of tasks to be performed, the number
of hours for each task and a rate of pay for persons performimg the tasks. This cost is
set based on PennDot’s review of the project and the money is appropriate for this
contract. Commissioner Ziobrowski wanted to mention that two members of the
audience questioned this figure and to Mr. Piper’s point in particular there are complex
issues with this bridge and it’s in a flood plain. Commissioner Thomas said that the
question of the study of 600 cars is actually 25 cars an hour but the county has highways
that have tens of thousands cars a day travel over them. He wanted to mention this
issue was approved last week.
The Board reviewed Adult Probation matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Subgrant Award Notice (#2012-IP-SI-23406) from Pennsylvania
Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the Franklin County Intermediate
Punishment Project for a grant amount of $50,000.00 for the period of July 1, 2012
through June 30, 2013.
The Board reviewed Aging matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and Baer’s Sign Service, LLC to replace a sign at Upper Strasburg
Senior Center and to provide a sign for Waynesboro Senior Center, currently with no
sign, at a cost of $715.00 to be covered by a PA Department of Aging grant.
The Board reviewed Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Change Directive from W. Harley Miller, Contractors, Inc. for
the addition of OSB roof sheathing at the Firehouse Building, at a cost not to exceed
$11,465.00. Additional work will be performed as time and material.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the renewal contract between the County of Franklin
and DEX for the block ads in the 2012 CenturyLink phone directory for Aging and
MH/ID/EI, and for a bold line ad for Drug and Alcohol for the period of July 1, 2012
through June 30, 2013 at a cost of $562.00 per month, paid by these three departments,
a decrease of $153.00 per month from last year.
The Board reviewed additional Emergency Services matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
agreement with the County of Franklin and CenturyLink software for the computer-aided
dispatch system to provide emergency responders the capability of knowing they have
an emergency call via a pager and/or cell phone, a one-time purchase and one-year
maintenance at a cost of $13,071.28, covered by Wireline Funds.
Continued on page 3
The Board reviewed additional Emergency Services matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant
Agreement with the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Emergency Management
Agency to provide funds from the Radiation Emergency Response Fund Grant for
County personnel to attend radiation incidents training and provide for maintenance and
purchase of radiation instruments for one year for a grant amount of $6,585.00.
The Board reviewed Elections matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Certification of County Maintenance Effort pursuant to Section
254(a) of HAVA and in accordance with HAVA Title II Financial Assistance Agreement
for the reporting period of January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation to provide budget for Retiree Drug Subsidy through Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services to reimburse the County for a portion of eligible expenses for
retiree prescription drug benefits in the amount of $46,546.00.
The Board reviewed Nursing Home matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and Franklin County Career and Technology Center to have the
nursing home serve as a clinical training site for the Practical Nursing Program for the
period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 with no cost to the County.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Charles H. Myers notified the County
of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NDPES Water Obstruction
and Encroachment Permit by himself to install stream bank protection in Letterkenny
Township.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, LSC Design notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General Permit Number 4 and 5
for Intake and Outfall Structures and Utility Line Stream Crossing associated with the
installation of a sanitary sewer and water line for a tract of land along WN Drive, Guilford
Township.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Russell Standard Corporation notified
the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for a Storage
Tank Site Specific Installation Permit for asphalt emulsion above ground storage tanks
on Siloam Road, Chambersburg, PA.
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Assessment Appeal
Board Member position description.
Phil Tarquino, Planning Director was present to for a public hearing of the
Franklin County’s Comprehensive Plan. The process started in late 2010 when
Environmental Planning and Design (EDP) from Pittsburgh was selected to start the
process. After a kickoff meeting in late 2010 to lay the framework for the plan a steering
committee of 14 members was appointed who met six times throughout the process.
The steering committee recommended that focus groups be established. Mr. Tarquino
said there were three community meetings held in Guilford Township, Waynesboro and
Mercersburg where comments were received. The municipalities were informed and
draft documents were available on the County’s website. The final step is presenting to
the Board today to receive further Board or public comments.
Continued on page 4
Carolyn Yagle from EDP provided a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan.
There were five plan components: gaining perspectives on assets and trends; picture it
– Franklin County going forward, the essentials, outreach and cooperation, land use and
housing, resource management, economic development and transportation and
infrastructure; taking stock – identifying today’s resources, the physical environment and
the natural environment; future forward – comprehensive plan summary and next steps;
and the post script. Ms. Yagle said GIS will be a significant resource in this plan and will
be able to serve all municipalities, communities and residents with development,
conservation and other initiatives. This plan will be building on partnerships with the
County. She said agriculture was a big discussion item at all the meetings and is a
major component of economic development. Quality of life is important as to why
people live in Franklin County. Mike Christopher, Washington Township Supervisor was
present and wanted to commend the Commissioners and staff for their leadership. He
referenced a meeting in Adams County yesterday where they discussed a water
problem and the leadership was stymied on how to solve this problem and he reflected
on how we do things in Franklin County. He thanked the Board for their leadership and
is proud to live in Franklin County.
The Chairman asked if there was any comments from the audience? Ken Jones
said zoning has been a challenge to private property rights and asked if there is a plan to
add zoning to infringe on property rights? He also asked if this plan will help the
Mercersburg, Montgomery, Peters trails project? Ms. Yagle said there was discussion at
both public meetings and steering committee meetings about having the next step to
look at county wide zoning for municipalities that do not have zoning but this did not get
included. What did happen was recognizing the county’s position of working with local
municipalities to have their own controls in place. As far as the trail project she said
there is a county wide project but not specific to the area he is referencing.
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Ms. Yagle wanted to mention a screening that is happening on September 20
that will involve health institutions, business’s and local university’s being held at
Shippensburg University.
Dr. Pomeray from the committee was present and said staff should be
commended on outreach activities, advisory board and focus groups. They have built a
strong relationship with townships. These actions are fiscally sustainable .
Allen Piper provided public comment and found the comments and information
provided interesting. He hopes this information will be provided to the general public.
He mentioned the Mercersburg, Montgomery, Peters Connectivity project being
proposed by Dr. George and he receives many calls about the property rights issue
involving this project and he wants to caution the further invention of any property rights
issues that might be tampered with. He thinks the county is doing a good job in many
ways and applauds them for this. He offers his expertise and feels he could be a value
to the County.
Commissioner Thomas said during the process of this comprehensive plan he
attended the meetings and they were well attended. He said the concerns were
presented and are reflected. He said this started with the Council of Governments that
has brought the municipalities together to talk about legitimate issues but leadership is
beyond the governments but also in volunteer organizations.
Continued on page 5
Phil Tarquino, said the County is also currently developing a long range
transportation plan that will be completed in the fall and if the Board sees fit this will be
included in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Tarquino read a letter from the Planning
Commission Chairman Dr. Jack Barnhart of his support of this plan. Mr. Tarquino
provided a resolution for their approval if the Board is in support of this plan.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved Resolution #2012-18, which is attached and made a part of these
minutes, for the purpose of adopting the comprehensive plan, consisting of maps,
charts, tables and textural matter and entitled “The Franklin County Comprehensive
Plan, Franklin County Forward”.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION 2012 - 18
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners wants to ensure a legacy of a satisfying
quality of life, well-being, and success providing residents and businesses a productive and prosperous
future; and,
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) requires counties to revise their
comprehensive plans every ten years; and,
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners through the implementation of the
comprehensive plan, intend to offer a strategy that will promote economic development; revitalize
communities; protect farms, forests, and streams; safeguard our recreational and valuable natural
areas; and sustain open space as well as the aesthetic and historic characteristics of the County; and,
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Planning Commission, under the direction of the Board of
Commissioners, through thoughtful analysis, community input and public discussion, has prepared the
latest update to the comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Planning Commission has recommended that the Franklin County
Board of Commissioners adopt this most recent update to the Comprehensive Plan and continue to
utilize the planning initiatives that developed from the 1999 Comprehensive Plan as an element of
implementation of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan, including the Recreation and Open Space Plan and
the Greenway Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners hereby
adopt the comprehensive plan, consisting of maps, charts, tables and textual matter, and entitled "The
Franklin County Comprehensive Plan, Franklin County Forward" and dated 2012, as presented at the
public hearing of Thursday, July 12, 2012.
Adopted this 12th day of July, 2012 FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Keller, Chairman
Attest: Robert L. Thomas
ohn A. Hart, Chief Clerk Robert G. Zi r ski