HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-13 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, August 13, 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 David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
There was no public comment.
The minutes of August 8, 2013 meeting was reviewed. These will be approved
Thursday, August 15, 2013.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked John Hart, County Administrator what RIPP stands for in item #3. Mr. Hart
responded that it’s a program through Adult Probation that provides higher tier alcohol
consumers outpatient services. Carrie Gray, Assistant County Administrator responded
that RIPP stands for Drug & Alcohol Restrictive Intermediate Program. The following
items were approved today and the remainder items will be approved Thursday, August
15, 2013.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved Needs Based Plan and
Budget to the Office of Children Youth and Juvenile Probation for the Fiscal Years 2014-
2015 requesting a budget amount of $9,391,632. This report shows all expenditure and
revenue requested for this period.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Agreement, Notice
to Proceed and Waiver of Liens to E.E. Mills & Son Painting, LLC for the Franklin County
Commissioners Complex Exterior Painting Project bid for a bid amount of $24,500.00.
This bid was awarded by the Board of Commissioners on August 1, 2013.
Commissioner Thomas joined the meeting at 9:44 a.m. by conference call.
Jay Wenger, Consultant with Susquehanna Group Advisors provided an update
to the Board on the sale of the Falling Spring Nursing Home project. He said a request
for proposal was developed which was publicly advertised and in total eighteen firms
requested and executed confidentiality agreements to view all the documents about the
nursing home. Eleven firms requested the opportunity to tour the facility and nine
actually toured. Mr. Wenger said Jim Faust, Alma Cullers and staff were outstanding in
the process which took about 2.5 hours each tour. Everyone at the nursing home should
be commended. The County received ten proposals across a wide range of pricing
options. His recommendation is to have an executive session to review the proposals
and reduce to a short list of 4-6 firms and then do more research, interviews and follow-
up with them on business models. After the interview process will narrow down to two or
three firms. Prices included $27,000 a bed to $63,000 a bed. He said there are not a lot
of county homes left and by the end of this year will be less than 20 county owned
homes in Pennsylvania. Prices have gone up over the past couple years and there is a
very strong demand in the market place for nursing beds. The next step would be an
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executive session to review all proposals. Commissioner Thomas asked how easy it will
be to distinguish between what the Board wants and what the buyer may offer. Mr.
Wenger responded that the RFP outlined conditions of the sale and each proposal
responded favorably except one proposal that wishes to have a pilot agreement for
taxes and current Medicaid census. Nine affirmatively agreed to conditions set forth in
the RFP. Chairman Keller said the Board is still committed to the criteria mentioned at
previous meetings and outlined in the RFP. Mr. Wenger said that when look at their
facilities all of them operate similar Medicaid census and looking at payer mix. It’s not a
model they are willing to break. The other comment received repeatedly is they are
impressed with the facility and employees at Falling Spring. All of the firms don’t see
turning the nursing home upside down, it’s not in their model and they want to keep
employees. Chairman Keller said the Board will look for Mr. Wenger’s
recommendation on how to narrow the proposals down and how to proceed and he is
sure the Commissioners will have lots of questions. Mr. Wenger said they would like to
schedule teleconferences early next week for three hours Monday and Tuesday. Need
to keep information fresh in their minds and keep process moving as best can. One
issue is comfort within Falling Spring with employees and residents, would like to give
them a clear understanding of future with them as quickly as can. Mr. Wenger said he
will provide a one page summary of each proposal for Thursday’s meeting.
Chairman Keller opened the floor for questions from the audience.
Michelle Jansen asked if there will be any accountability and hold the buyer to
the process after the sale is complete. Mr. Wenger said there will be written agreements
in regard to Medicaid census. In the interview process the firms will be asked about
transition plan, business model and Medicaid census. He said they have a clear idea
how to run their system. Once County sells the facility we lose control except for
commitment to Medicaid census. If they misrepresented themselves it will be difficult for
them to move forward. No one is coming here thinking Falling Springs will be end to
their business model. Chairman Keller said the Board will be paying attention.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS