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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-23 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 23, 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 G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. Ken Jones, Chambersburg provided public comment and wanted to praise the Board for their actions two weeks ago at a meeting where they started going over detail on most of the board actions. He has seen changes including: bolder print on the agenda, expanded paragraphs and numbering of the board actions. One item he would like to see change is allowing the peanut gallery more participation during visitor and row officer presentations. Mr. Jones would like the Board to give them a chance to weigh in. The minutes of April 16, 2013 and April 18, 2013 meetings were reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, April 25, 2013. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner Thomas asked John Hart, County Administrator and Solicitor Mary Beth Shank to review the process of signing several documents after awarding bid contracts. The documents for the abatement project bid that is in for board action today have come to the board in several pieces. He said the Board could sign the contract then approve the County Administrator to sign off on the other documents. Chairman Keller wanted to highlight the Unified Case Management System which is a partnership with CCAP and several counties in the Commonwealth. He said Franklin County is a pilot county to help roll out this system so the jail, courts, and Adult Probation can share information. This will help to do a better job with existing resources. He is pleased that folks have embraced this opportunity and there is a chance to expand this project in the future and can include agencies outside the county including police departments. Commissioner Thomas said the efficiencies this can bring along are more than what can imagine. He also stated apparently we have the support of President Judge to allow Act 35 funds to help pay for it. The items will be approved Thursday, April 25, 2013. The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Commissioner Thomas is the Chairman of the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) which is transitioning to the MPO. He said the MPO is where the County makes local decisions and helps to guide PennDot toward projects. We are the last County in PA to join this. He said when the new census came out a few years ago it showed we can no longer be an RPO. One of the biggest changes is there will be a nonvoting member from the Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle MPO. The Hagerstown MPO used to come into a small portion of Pennsylvania at State Line. This area was recognized by the metropolitan area in Hagerstown now it goes as far in as Kauffman station. Commissioner Thomas said this agreement will allow Franklin County MPO and Hagerstown MPO to do business together. He said Maryland would have been making decisions for PA if didn’t become an MPO. This change will give a local voice on Transportation. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David Keller; unanimously approved to appoint individuals as per the attached document. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed information regarding Earth Day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David Keller; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2013-04 proclaiming the day of April 27, 2013 as Earth Celebration Day in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller asked to amend the agenda to include another Proclamation for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David Keller; unanimously approved to amend the agenda. The Board reviewed information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David Keller; unanimously approved proclaiming the week of April 21-27, to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2013-05 2013, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller wanted to mention that not only do they support victims’ of crime with a proclamation but they also financially support Women In Need and the CJAB Board has established a committee which is focused on victim’s related issues. He said the Board is trying to do more than just raise awareness. Commissioner Thomas wanted to mention the Earth Day Proclamation and that teaching is starting earlier than expected to be good stewards of the land just like his grandson’s preschool has taught him recently. Chairman Keller also wanted to mention that a local radio station has done a piece on planting trees and more information can be found at WITF.org. He said last year the County launched a tree initiative and recently the Planning Department has reported that tens of thousands of trees have been planted since the initiative started last year. Craig Johnston, President, Natasha Kara and Nan Haver from Service Access & Management, Inc. (SAM) provided an update on the MH/ID Case Management Services which they recently took over on February 28, 2013. Mr. Johnston provided the history of SAM who has been in operation since 1987. He said since 2004 SAM has expanded every year and now are in 15 counties across the state. He said it is a challenge for people who are coming over from a government operation to a private organization. Mr. Johnston said the staff need to unlearn what they have been doing for a long while and need to relearn which takes time but he reported they are right on target with what normally happens. He said SAM has a good history of retaining people during the transition. He said their intent was to make this transition seamless for clients and family members and they try to hold off on changes for three months and up to this point things have gone as expected. Mr. Johnston said corporate is there weekly to get to know staff. Natasha Kara said Clair Hornberger, MH/ID Director has been supportive and has worked out things that needed worked out. She said SAM looks at the culture in Franklin County and they are mindful and respectful of that when introduce SAM to staff and clients. She said this will be a good merger for Franklin County and they are very consumer focus. They are CARF accredited which is focused on individuals that they serve to make sure they get the best possible service. She set up a complaint line so concerns come right to her that she has to respond within 24 hours. She said they are good folks and they are very pleased and happy to inherit them. She is very pleased to be the site director and they have a lovely county here and she is excited to be here. Chairman Keller said it was mentioned at the last MH/ID Advisory Board meeting about any specific complaints. Ms. Kara said they did identify a few individuals who did not make it through the transition and 2 of the 3 are coming in to sign the release to make sure they don’t go through the whole process again and to keep the same case manager had previously. The main complaint was a couple consumers were concerned about not keeping the same case manager. Another complaint was a consumer was concerned about transportation but they were able to get her hooked up with County Continued on page 3 Transportation. Mr. Johnston said no one has a private office, all they have is work spaces. They stop in and get what they need and then go out into field. He said it’s about spending time with consumers. He said the other big difference is they are here to generate an income so they are keenly aware of income generation and make the employees aware of this. Nan Haver said it’s a challenge when employees come from government where their directors/supervisors were their coworkers but now they are their customer so they are trying to work on this challenge. Commissioner Thomas said when they were making this decision they felt it could be done better because government is to rigid and hard to move. He said it’s hard to work outside the policies. He feels the consumers are getting a better program. Chairman Keller thanked them for the update. The meeting was adjourned at 10:21 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MPO VOTING MEMBERS TERM_________ Susan Armstrong Borough December 31, 2014 Allan Coffmann Borough December 31, 2014 Mike Christopher Township December 31, 2014 Sam Cressler Township December 31, 2014 David Keller County December 31, 2013 Robert Thomas County December 31, 2013 Bob Ziobrowski County December 31, 2013 John Kennedy PennDOT - District 8-0 December 31, 2013 Beth Raves PennDOT – Program Center December 31, 2013 Larry Camp Bike/Ped December 31, 2015 Chuck Sioberg Economic Development December 31, 2015 John Van Horn Industry December 31, 2015 Odessa Trinkle Transit December 31, 2015 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NON-VOTING OR EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Martin Brubaker Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle MPO Dave Rock PennDOT Franklin County Dennis Sloand PennDOT District 8-0 Jim Arey PennDOT Program Center Dan Walston FHWA th Dick Hess State Representative – 78 District th Mark Keller State Representative – 86 District th Rob Kauffman State Representative – 89 District th Todd Rock State Representative – 90 District st Dan Moul State Representative – 91 District Richard Alloway Senator – District 33 Bill Shuster U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District Robert Casey, Jr. U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania Pat Toomey U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania PROCLAMATION 2013-04 APRIL 2013: OFFICIAL EARTH CELEBRATION WHEREAS, the mission of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners is to foster the proper growth of the County, by utilizing the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan, to realize specific environmental objectives and to ensure the enjoyment of life by each citizen in a pleasant, healthful and harmonious community; and WHEREAS, the guiding principles include: ♦ Sustaining open space and the aesthetic and historic characteristics of Franklin County; ♦ Protecting farms, forests and streams; and ♦ Safeguarding our recreational and valuable natural areas; and WHEREAS, Franklin County intends to carry out this mission effectively and in an environmentally responsible manner; and WHEREAS, Franklin County is committed to working with local organizations, including the Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies, to foster environmental consciousness now and in the future; and WHEREAS, Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies and many very dedicated local volunteers are committed to helping the children and adults of Franklin County to appreciate,understand and care for the world around them;and WHEREAS, The Franklin County Commissioners in support of the Renfrew Institute and other local initiatives continually renew the Spring promotion of Earth Awareness through support of educational programming for school children and special events for the citizens of Franklin County including this years Earth Celebration Day and Festival of Art at Renfrew. NOW THEREFORE, WE THE COMMISSIONERS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, David S. Keller, Chairman, Robert L. Thomas, and Robert G. Ziobrowski, do hereby proclaim that Saturday, the 27th day in the month of April 2013, EARTH CELEBRATION DA Yin Franklin County, PA. IN WITNESS THEREOF, WE have hereunto set our hands and seal this 23rd day of April in the year 2013. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2 eeet--------- • .six rx4 % David S. eller, Chairman i — A 4. Robert L. Thomas 4, - - ` Robert G. Ziob_ ski � . t' l Ii, NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK, APRIL 21-27, 2013 PROCLAMATION #2013 - 05 Whereas, 18.7 million Americans are directly harmed by crime each year and each crime affects many more family members,friends, neighbors,and co- workers; Whereas, crime can leave a lasting physical, emotional,or financial impact on people of all ages and abilities, and of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds; Whereas, in addition to these challenges, crime victims face a criminal justice system that, at times, ignores their rights and treats them with disrespect; Whereas, in 1982,the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime envisioned a national commitment to a more equitable and supportive response to victims; Whereas, the nation heeded this call to action and promoted victims'rights initiatives, effective and compassionate victim services,and just compensation and financial support; Whereas, today,thousands of victim assistance programs provide help and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse;stalking victims; survivors of homicide victims;victims of drunk-driving crashes;and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other crimes; Whereas, the victim assistance community faces new challenges to reach and serve all victims, including victims of new crimes like cybercrime and terrorism and victims who have not always trusted the criminal justice system, including immigrant victims, urban youth,and victims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning; Whereas, now is the time to embrace new solutions that involve new partnerships with underserved communities and a greater emphasis on learning what works in meeting victims'needs; Whereas, the United States Department of Justice through the Vision 21 initiative, calls for a renewed commitment to serving all victims of crime in the 21st Century; Whereas, National Crime Victims' Rights Week,April 21 —27,2013, provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that launched the victims'rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims; Whereas, Franklin County is joining forces with victim service programs, criminal justice officials,and concerned citizens throughout Franklin County and America to raise awareness of victims'rights and observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week; Now,therefore,we, as The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the week of April 21-27, 2013, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week and reaffirm this County's commitment to respect and enforce victims'rights and address their needs during National Crime Victims'Rights Week and throughout the year;and Express our appreciation for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of crime and build a more just community. In Witness Whereof,We have hereunto set our hand and have caused the seal of Franklin County to be fixed this 23`d day of April,2013. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS m / sAr7 J; _ David S. Keller, Chairman ..a Or Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobr. i