HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-28 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, March 28, 2013, 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.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Ken Jones from Chambersburg provided public that he would like a brief
explanation of item #1 with Franklin Advisory and who will be responsible for the
$10,350?
Allen Piper provided public comment and he echoes sentiments of Ken Jones
relating to item #1. He did attend the Council of Government (COG) meeting where this
was discussed but he is concerned about the $10,350 and involvement with COG. His
concern relates to the cooperation between the townships and inventory of their
equipment with exception of one township to try to find cost savings to share equipment
with other townships. Mr. Piper does have a problem with extra layers of government.
What does it mean, how far will it go in the future, and what is the impact on tax payers.
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 G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved the
minutes of March 19, 2013 while Commissioner Thomas abstained. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
minutes of March 21, 2013 meetings.
Commissioner Ziobrowski wanted to offer an explanation of the Franklin Advisory
agreement since he is Chairman of COG which includes most Townships and School
Districts. Most Township Supervisors are working supervisors and to take time off to
come to meeting is a challenge but most do attend. He said Townships have been
sharing equipment forever but always on an adhoc basis. The townships work well
together but there has never been an inventory of what each Township has and there is
redundancy of equipment, which is not a good idea. For townships to organize an
inventory it is a challenge. The County established a multi municipal development fund
for municipalities that want to work together, this is a County budgeted item. There were
a number of discussions about this idea and there was widespread acceptance. Mr.
Evans’ consultant group will inventory equipment of any municipality that requests it.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said there is no additional layer of government this is simply
an inventory of equipment. This initiative came through COG, but is not a COG
initiative; there is no requirement to be involved. Commissioner Thomas said there is no
additional layer of government, he sees this as enabling and utilizing equipment that
have in existence. This is a $10,000 investment into government efficiency and have to
spend a little to get ahead and will pay for itself in future. Chairman Keller said the
taxpayer impact will be positive and $10,000 will go to Mr. Evans to do the inventory
work, look at condition of equipment, look at tools to maintain to repair, and skills of
personnel. The potential is to lead to coordinating of sharing equipment. Share
purchasing of road materials, and to get a better price of providers or additional
equipment required that none of the boroughs and townships have. Pat Evans spoke
and concurs with what the Board said, but there is one thing that hasn’t been discussed.
This inventory list could presented to the Emergency Management team if there is an
emergency so need to know what have before need to ask what need to use. He is not
continued on page 2
recommending any change in government. Mr. Evans said we need to know condition,
age and life cycle of equipment. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the potential for this
goes beyond what doing right now, down the road if two or three townships decide to
rent milling equipment this will help tax payers; this could go further and is one step at a
time.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said there are a couple actions included today that
were not included Tuesday so he asked John Hart, County Administrator for an
explanation. Mr. Hart said there is a notice to proceed, waivers and agreements related
to boiler project at the Falling Springs Nursing & Rehabilitation that the Board awarded
bid in February. There is a need to move quickly due to the State mandating dates
when can and can’t turn off boilers at the nursing home.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Business
Consultant Agreement between the County of Franklin and Franklin Advisory to facilitate
with the County of Franklin and the Board of Franklin County Council of Governments to
provide for the development of a complete inventory of capital equipment as defined in
item 1 and 2 of the agreement at a total cost of $10,350.00 for the period of March 28,
2013 through July 31, 2013.
The Board reviewed Coroner matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract between the
County of Franklin and Jan Sulcove to provide contracted attorney services at a cost not
to exceed $112.00 per hour, with no more than 100 hours billed annually without
consent and approval by the Coroner and the Board of Commissioners for the period of
January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and PA Homeless Management Information System to enable select
county staff access to the statewide data system that tracks performance of the
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). We currently have access to PA HMIS for existing
HUD grants, but the requirement to enter ESG data is a new request this year. This is
only a change in the system, there are no costs involved and it is a requirement from PA
Department of Community and Economic Development.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Bereavement
Leave (Funeral Leave) Policy, Revision Number 312.01, to grant employees with paid
days off to cope with the death and grieving of a family member.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and O.C. Tanner Recognition Company for purchasing
service awards for employees being recognized for 2012-2013 service, at a cost of
$11,952.00 plus up to $2,450.00 shipping. Three quotes were received and O.C.
Tanner is the company recommended due to having the best selection of products
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the Agreement
between the County of Franklin and PrimeCare Medical, Inc. which provides
comprehensive health services for inmates at the Jail with a 2.0% cost of living increase
for a total of $1,504,567.20 for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31,
2013. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force
and effect.
Continued on page 3
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 Ability Network, Inc., a Novitas Medicare Services approved
network service vendor to access the HIPAA Eligibility Transaction System, which
replaces the Common Working File for verifying Medicare coverage and benefits for new
admissions at an annual with auto renewal cost of $450.00.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Notice to
Proceed, Agreement, and Waiver of Liens to Oyler Electric for the Nursing Home Boiler
Project Bid awarded by the Board on February 14, 2013 for a total bid price of
$109,925.00.
The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
Notice to Proceed, Agreement, and Waiver of Liens to Rodney B. Smith Plumbing for the
Nursing Home Boiler Project Bid awarded by the Board on February 14, 2013 for a total
bid price of $996,084.00.
The Board reviewed Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
renewal of Agreement between the County of Franklin and TMCA for the period of
January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, increasing the County’s reimbursement
amount by $9,006.00, from $363,087.00 to $372,093.00 to pay for personnel with payroll
and benefits to be reimbursed by TMCA. All other terms and conditions remain the
same.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Falling Spring Environmental
Services, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
NPDES Permit renewal application being applied by Fellowship of Bible Churches, Inc.
(Camp Tohiglo), Montgomery Township for a wastewater treatment facility.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. John Hart, County
Administrator said the County solicitor and staff reviewed the proposals received and
recommends Power Component, Inc. as the lowest bidder. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to award the bid for
the Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Boiler Room Asbestos Abatement
Project to Power Component, Inc. for a total bid price of $17,400.00. This proposal is
the lowest responsible bidder.
Tim Cormany from Martin and Martin, Phil Tarquino, Planning Director and Sherri
Clayton, Senior Planner conducted a public hearing on the Solid Waste Plan. Mr.
Cormany said the public comment period will go through June. The plan needs to be
adopted by the Board of Commissioners within 60 days of end of public comment period.
Once this happens, the plan needs to be sent to each municipality so they can ratify or
vote not to ratify the plan then its sent Department of Environmental Protection. Mr.
Cormany provided a snapshot of Franklin County and mentioned that waste numbers in
2011 were 98,000 tons which equals 3 lbs. garbage a day, per person in the County.
Recyclables in 2011 measured 24,060 tons which is 23.5% figure for recycles. The
State requests this number reach 35%. Mr. Cormany provided history of the process of
solid waste plan and the last plan expired in 2001 so its 12 years overdue. He said the
waste plan looks at municipal waste, residential waste, C&D waste, sludge and septage
waste, ICW asbestos, and hazardous waste. Franklin County has two facilities for
disposal which are: Blue Ridge Landfill and Mountain View Reclamation and another
facility in Washington Township has a transfer station and recyclable facility. Mr.
Continued on page 4
Cormany says in 2011, 90% of waste stays in boundaries of Franklin County, 8.5% goes
to Cumberland County and 2.1-7% goes to other areas. He said nearly every
municipality in Franklin County has a form of recycling. Only two municipalities that
don’t have a formal facility are Orrstown Borough and Southampton Township. He said
in Franklin County a lot of people rely on private contractors to dispose of their waste.
There are more opportunities since the last plan update in 2001. Mr. Cormany said they
put out an RFP for waste disposal services and received proposals back by twelve
facilities from across the state. He provided the following proposed implementation
items: Will need a county transporters ordinance developed; establish recycling
advisory committee to enhance the County website; reassess need for solid waste &
recycling coordinator and if add a position the state would pay for ½ position;
partnerships with schools/municipalities/ business & industry, special collection events &
awareness campaigns; county procurement policy; and county waste
minimization/recycling policies. He said the County needs to be seen as an active group
and monitoring own facilities to see how can improve what doing in own county and can
look to us as a model.
Chairman Keller opened the floor for public comments.
Michelle Jansen asked why the state has a 35% recycling goal and what is that
based on? Mr. Cormany doesn’t know where that came from and Mike Christopher said
it’s arbitrary. She asked why developing a new plan took so long? Mr. Tarquino said the
previous plan had a roll over clause that rolled over every year. Mr. Cormany said they
did develop a draft plan but it was never accepted by DEP. Ms. Jansen asked where
does she get rid of fluorescent bulbs? Mr. Cormany suggests she contact Planning.
She has concerns about CFL bulbs as they are a hazardous product and she does not
use them in her home.
Richard Bapst representing Chambersburg Waste Paper and PA Independent
Waste Haulers Association said there are good ideas but there are a lot of things that
need consideration and reviewed. County admin fees if still in existence and if landfills
are still paying they are doing at their benefit. There was a court case that the State of
Pennsylvania admin fees are illegal and in violation of Act 101, so they might want to
rephrase that section. He said on the Ordinance, page 43, about illegal dumping
activity, he wants to know how that will occur. He said most illegal dumping is done by
residents that don’t want to pay for trash collection, he doesn’t see how this will curtail
illegal dumping. Mr. Bapst would like to see how we provide economic services to curb
illegal dumping and burning. He said Lurgan Township has a program that residents
can bring bag trash and recyclables and the program works well and doesn’t see this
addressed in this work plan. Another issue is providing proof of taking recyclables to
facilities and have transporters provide a list of customers and there is not a hauler in PA
that will provide a customer list. He said they are contradicting themselves in
requirements on page 112 that will prepare an annual or a quarterly report. This is not in
act 101. He said there are a number of things that need to look at in the transporter
ordinance. Mr. Cormany responded this is a draft plan and would like to see these
issues in writing. Mr. Bapst said there was a meeting that he was not included on
purpose.
Ken Jones said illegal dumping may be a problem in some areas but other
dumping such as trash trucks driving down highway, he sees trash falling out even full
bags. People who have pickup trucks use their beds for trash so that trash flies out
while driving down the road, there should be more education.
Continued on page 5
Allen Piper, President of CRG, would like to know who the twelve members on
the Solid Waste Committee. Who establishes and proposes members? Mr. Tarquino
answered that Act 101 designates the occupations of the members. The following were
appointed by the Board in 2011: Commissioner Thomas, Mike Christopher,
representatives from: Chambersburg Borough, Greene Township, Letterkenny Army
Depot, the two landfills and they did invite someone from Chambersburg Waste paper, a
member of DEP, and Mr. Cormany. Mr. Piper asked if this plan has anything to do with
streams? Mr. Cormany answered that it does not apply to nutrient management plans
or farmers businesses, it applies to environment in a whole. Mr. Piper asked of the
twelve members, are any farmers? He thinks there should be other people on this
committee. Commissioner Thomas said it was stated earlier that the Conservation
District has responsibilities. He said the Solid Waste Plan is for residential but manure
waste is a different vehicle with rules through DEP. There should be more average
people sitting on these committees. Mr. Tarquino read from Act 101 that there is
discretion of who can be selected.
Mike Christopher from Washington Township commended Martin & Martin for
work they did. He has prepared a lot of plans and directed a comment to Mr. Bapst that
he should have brought up the issues he mentioned during the scheduled meetings. Mr.
Bapst responded that the committee and Martin and Martin have done everything to
exclude them and even asked for emails of future meetings and never received
anything. Sherri Clayton responded that she did send everything out via email and they
were large documents and did get some emails back that too large so that may have
been a problem. Mr. Christopher asked why bring them up now but there is still time to
address the issues.
Commissioner Thomas said he volunteered for this board and the participation
was very active with active discussion. He said 23% of recycling was not acceptable to
everyone in the room. How can we get word out to residents on recycling was brought
up. No one got paid for their time and it was all volunteer work. He said comments
made will be taken into consideration. No one was intending to shut anyone out and Mr.
Bapst was on all emails and communication. This is a good plan.
Mr. Cormany said with any plan it is only as good as implementation that follows,
hard part will be in the next 10 years to make things happen.
Chairman Keller thanked Mr. Cormany for presenting to the Board and members
of the public for their interest and for participating in this hearing. The Board will look for
follow-up on the comments made today and in the near future.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS