HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-31 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, October 31, 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.
Chairman Keller asked to include a proclamation for Veterans', Record your
Discharge Month and also to include an addition to the board action list that is an
agreement to facilitate payment into an escrow fund for sale of the nursing home. John
Hart, County Administrator, explained the agreement is between the County, Falling
Spring Nursing Rehabilitation Center, LP and First America Title Insurance Company
who will hold the escrow money until the sale of the nursing home goes through. On a
motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved
to adopt the amended agenda.
Alicia Kanelopoulos provided public comment and said she sees the Falling
Spring Nursing Home is on the agenda and wanted to know what they will be talking
about. Chairman Keller responded that they are here to provide their monthly report and
update the Board on how the nursing home is doing.
Allen Piper provided public comment concerning an agenda item from last week
on exoneration of taxes due to the park owner declaring the mobile homes abandoned.
He would like to know what taxes, where is the location, how many mobile homes are
involved and the name of the park owner. Mr. Piper has a concern that when the public
asks questions they are not answered until the following week. Mr. Piper said he
applauds all three commissioners for their involvement in and outside the County, their
work is tireless and going to meetings can be frustrating. He thinks all three are doing a
good job but he asked the Board to answer the simple questions right away.
Ken Jones provided public comment concerning the mobile home tax deferment.
He feels if they are private owned homes the owners should have to pay the taxes and
share the tax burden. Mr. Jones doesn't understand the Drug free Workplace Policy,
and added that it is an example of why each item on the list of board actions should be
discussed.
Sherri Morgan provided public comment that it came to her attention that the
Human Services Administrator is telling the Block Grant Budget Committee to not tell
anyone when the meetings are held. She thought they were open to the public. Ms.
Morgan would like to know when the advisory group meets and the group should let the
public know so they can observe the process.
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 October 22, 2013 and October 24, 2013 meetings.
The Board reviewed information regarding the Veterans, Record Your Discharge
Month. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2013-16 proclaiming the
month of November as Veterans, Record Your Discharge Month and that the attached
proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller said he served in the
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Navy Reserves for six years and remembers receiving his discharge papers. He didn't
know the recording of military discharge papers service is provided free of charge and is
a valuable service to our veterans. Commissioner Ziobrowski said many veterans
scramble to find their paperwork when getting a veteran mortgage so this is a valuable
service to provide.
The Board reviewed Children and Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Budget
Amendment to PA Department of Public Welfare for fiscal year 2012-2013 to increase
the budget for Community Based Placements, requiring the County to do a budget
amendment. This amendment only moves expenses from one category to another and
does not change our Federal or State reimbursements or the County share.
The Board reviewed Commissioners matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the addendum to the contract between the County of Franklin and C.S.
McKee dated March 7, 2011 to change Appendix A: Fees and Appendix B,1:
Management style and Benchmark, effective September 26, 2013.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners matters. On a motion by Robert
L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Lease
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Borough of Mercersburg for leasing of
office space, for Magisterial District Judge Chambers, on the second floor of Borough
Hall consisting of approximately 1,115 square feet at a cost of$850.00 per month for the
period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and will automatically renew for
an additional twelve (12) month term with a 3% increase. This is a correction to action
taken on October 17, 2013.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners matters. On a motion by Robert
L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Escrow
Agreement between the County of Franklin, Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, L.P. and First American Title Insurance Company to appoint First American Title
Insurance Company as the Escrow Agent and for purchaser to deposit with Escrow
Agent the sum of$125,000.00.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. Chairman Keller answered Ken
Jones question from public comment. Based on an e-mail from the HR Director, the
policy updates the county's personnel policies to reflect current best practices for the
prevention of drug and alcohol use in relation to work conducted by county employees
which will ensure that the county workplace and other work related activities are safe,
effective and efficient. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Drug-Free Workplace Policy #624.00 for the
purpose of deterring the illegal use of drugs, misuse of alcohol, controlled substances,
inhalants, and other substances used as alternatives to illicit drugs. This replaces policy
801.00.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Letter of
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Control Systems to provide semi-annual
preventive maintenance service on the pneumatic control system at the Human Services
Building at a cost of$3,960.00 for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31,
2014.
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The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the Proposal between the County of Franklin and R.A.
Hill General Contractors to remove snow from the Courthouse Complex, Franklin Farm
Lane properties, and the Administrative Annex on an as-needed basis for the period of
January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 at an estimated cost of$1,500.00. Daily
rates and premium rates are based on the type of equipment used for a specific job, with
no increase from 2013 rates.
The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the
Chairman of the Board to execute the Agreement between the County of Franklin and
McClure Company for preventive maintenance of HVAC system at Department of
Emergency Services (Building 426) for the period of November 1, 2013 through October
31, 2014, at a cost of$1,766.00.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Contract renewal between the County of Franklin and
Nitterhouse Alarm Communications Division for the semi-annual inspection and annual
preventative maintenance on fire alarm systems throughout the following buildings for
the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016:
A. Administrative Annex $1,080.00, per year
B. Ag Heritage $ 300.00, per year
C. Bldg. 2 $ 240.00, per year
D. HSB $ 516.00, per year
The Board reviewed Prothonotary matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the 2013 Supplemental
Appropriation to transfer $900.00 in technology funds to replace a broken automatic
time/date stamp machine. There is no additional cost to the County.
James Faust, Nursing Home Administrator, Carol Knisely, QUnique President
CEO, Mary Kimmel, Finance Manager and Alma Cullers, Director of Nursing met with
the Board to review the Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Governing
Board Report which is attached and made a part of these minutes. Alma Cullers
thanked the Commissioners for the recognition luncheon this week; staff were very
appreciative. She said she is honored to have served Franklin County and the nursing
home residents for the past several years. Jim Faust commented that on behalf of the
employees the process of keeping communications open during the time that the board
was considering the sale of the nursing home was fair and transparent. The home has
not lost anyone due to the sale and in talking to other counties they had lost a lot of
employees. Everyone appreciates how the whole process was handled. Carol Knisely
said on behalf of Qunique the County is the kind of client she wants and it's been a good
experience. Chairman Keller responded that the County will continue to keep in touch
with the employees as the transition continues.
Chairman Keller announced that the Board will not meet on Tuesday, November
5th due to the Municipal Election.
Continued on page 4
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to present the 2014
preliminary budget. Ms. Beckner informed the Board this budget is an all request budget
and includes all requests submitted. She reviewed and explained an all services budget
which is a total budget request of$115,825,500. This budget also requests to replenish
the facility and equipment fund in the amount of$1,000,000 which are projected to be
less than $860,000 at the end of 2013. There were a total of 18 full time positions and 7
part time positions requested in this budget. Ms. Beckner explained the general fund
2013 projected and 2014 requested budgets which include the actuary's estimated
pension ARC and each department's original requests for operations of their
departments excluding personnel and capital expansion. The next slide of the
presentation showed the transfer/support to county operations. The overall increase in
needs is $589,400 or 9.6%. The most significant areas of increase were 911 at$813,500
or 35%, Human Services increase of$79,000 or 3% and Domestic Relations increase is
$102,000 or 16.6%. Ms. Beckner included estimated net proceeds from the sale of the
nursing home of 8.9MM, showing it as an extraordinary event.
Commissioner Thomas responded that the 911 funding was discussed at the
Township Officials meeting last week. With reduction in funding there is more burden on
the counties. Senator Eichelberger has promised to get this corrected. Commissioner
Thomas said with more residents using cell phones instead of landlines there needs to
be a change in the legislation. All counties are talking about this.
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked Ms. Beckner why the retirement expense for the
general fund would increase by 25% with the sale of the nursing home. Ms. Beckner
responded that the retirement ARC will still include nursing home employees for 2014
but it won't in 2015.
John Hart, County Administrator, said this is an all request budget. Teresa
Beckner and fiscal staff have received requests from all county departments. Fiscal
does not have the final number of 2013 budget but the budget has performed better than
expected, $1.5M better, but this number could change depending what bills come in in
the last month. Mr. Hart said he will suggest and recommend using these unspent funds
and roll over into next fiscal year to reduce deficit spending and reduce the bottom line.
The Board approved refinancing of 2013 bond which helps debt service and saved over
a million dollars. Recommending no tax increase for 2014 budget. As the budget
process continues, will look at prudent investments in quality of life and continue to look
at efficiencies, internal and external; ITS is developing a new web page so the public can
access and do various functions instead of coming to the courthouse; will continue
safety net as payer of last resort; and continue to hire, attract and retain quality
employees with competitive wages and benefits. He is requesting to replenish Fund 40
& 41 and recommends funding these funds in a sufficient, substantial manner to be used
for capital investments and equipment replacements. Staff is working on the fiber
project and looking at a backup center at the Jail or 911 but will maintain a file server
downtown. Have to continue with 911 maintenance and updating software which alone
can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. The federal government is mandating that all
911 centers accept text messages so this will cost money. Interoperability is #1 priority.
Each county operates its own 911 center so each county needs to maintain centers but
we are trying to hold expenses back by sharing switches and recorders with other
counties. Staff is recommending to continue funding outside agencies such as Franklin
County Area Development Corporation; Redevelopment Authority; Law Library;
Conservation District; SCCAP; and National Guard. All these agencies are key to quality
of life and Mr. Hart recommends to continue support for these organizations. There has
been a decline in 911 due to outdated legislation and need for more technology.
Emergency Management Agency and Hazard Materials expenditures are needed to be
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able to deal with major disasters and being able to respond. Mr. Hart explained a few
items Information Services is developing to gain efficiencies to provide good customer
service for employees. In Human Services the County is providing more services to the
community through the Block Grant process in addition to serving more people be being
able to move money around while maintaining the budget. Housing and homelessness
is a concern. In the all requests budget are human services projects including: Friendly
Visitor program for the elderly that can't get out; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Program, need to give support to them; in Children & Youth looking at a Children's
Advocacy Center so when children are harmed authorities can take them to a place
where staff provides counseling and shelter; Drug & Alcohol is looking at providing a
mentor program to meet with children at risk, serve children in after school programs and
provide safe structure for them; and ID is proposing a Summer Work Program to help
individuals with disabilities to gain skills and help them generate income. Mr. Hart said
health insurances costs are going up. Courts, Crimes & Corrections costs are
continuing to climb so we need to look at these operations to make them more efficient.
Mill rate is growing slowly but is not keeping pace with necessary programs and
services. Another main concern is flat or reduced federal and state funding. Mr. Hart is
looking for direction from the Board. Staff is continuing to look at budget in an efficient
manner and being able to do more with less and work smarter.
Chairman Keller said Mr. Hart touched on a lot of good existing initiatives and
staff has been giving thought to ways to continue to address those needs and what
needs that may come down the road. Glad to hear about safety net in Human Services.
The Children's Advocacy Center is a good idea, he is very interested in this idea and
likely to support that. Aging Department is looking at providing additional or better
services for the elderly which is also important. The needs are not going away in the
areas of homelessness, Drug & Alcohol treatment, and issues addressed by MH/ID/EI
programs. At the same time, the sources of funding from Federal and State
governments are a challenge. He supports continuing to support initiatives that have
good value and that provide best bang for buck with a lasting affect and which can curtail
crime issues that the community is dealing with. Chairman Keller likes what Human
Services is proposing. Public safety is a priority of the Board in area of 911 and
emergency communications is not going away as the county is growing and we need to
continue to meet that need. County needs to continue to work through CCAP and
legislators to improve funding for 911, etc., but in mean time need to keep up with
demands and supporting first responders as best we can. He is glad Mr. Hart
highlighted support we give to outside agencies. This is money well spent to continue to
support those organizations. The County deals with a lot of the ills of society like child
abuse and elder abuse, but it's also important to support quality of life efforts like those
of the historical society and job growth efforts through the Redevelopment Authority and
Franklin County Area Development Corporation. Chairman Keller would like a few days
to take everything under advisement but he welcomes thoughts of other commissioners.
He feels Franklin County compared to rest of the nation and commonwealth are doing
fairly well. Employment rate is low, overall economic situation is still uncertain so not in
favor of a tax increase this year. He suggests rolling over unspent funds into next year
and consider engaging in deficit spending but not to tune of 6.4 MM. It needs to be
manageable.
Commissioner Thomas said by law the county has to have a balanced budget
and the need to have enough in reserves. He anticipates if approve a number which is
to be determined would be managed in a similar way. Spending in this county is done in
a prudent manner but have to anticipate the higher number. He supports Penn State
Extension and the 4H programs which is an investment in young people to make
community better. Conservation District is to keep water clean and keep farmers
Continued on page 6
informed. Commissioner Thomas is concurring with what Commissioner Keller said but
he asks when they anticipate rolling out the preliminary budget. Ms. Beckner responded
that she would rather not say a date because there are too many moving pieces at this
time. Chairman Keller asked if the Board provides guidance by end of next Thursday
would that be sufficient. Ms. Beckner responded yes, and said that she would like to
have the budget on the counter before Thanksgiving.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said based on Ms. Beckner our assessment base is
going up 1.3% but even though have 1.3% increase in assessment base still have a
1.3% increase in need for services. The fact that state and federal government funding
remaining flat or declining there is an affect in our funding. He is glad we have in excess
of 90 days on hand and rainy day funds to avoid a tax increase. He is not supportive of
a tax increase at this time but if decline in state/federal funds continues in time a tax
increase will be inevitable. He agrees that no tax increase is appropriate at this time.
Chairman Keller said when the Board gets back together they will give guidance
to management where it wants the budget to end up. He recommended the board also
consider at that time where proceeds from sale of the nursing home will go, what fund
should go to and how it should be utilized in near term or long term.
Chairman Keller welcomed comments from the audience.
Alicia Kanelopoulos asked why MH/ID/EI was cut in half from this year to last
years. Ms. Beckner responded that reduction relates to required county funding and
with case management moving to an outside contractor the amount the county
contributes has gone down. There is no reduction in services.
Ken Jones said every year he sees county employees both elected and non-
elected get raises One big gift the Board could give to county taxpayers is to cut taxes.
If they gave each taxpayer a $100 cut this would give them a raise they duly deserve
and would still leave 18M surplus. They would be heroes. Commissioner Ziobrowski
responded that with operating costs going up and with state and federal government
funding going down, the board is giving county tax breaks by not doing an increase at
this time.
Allen Piper said there is a major problem with spending in the county. He has
given many compliments to the County but he does not appreciate our county
government not discussing more about savings and what affect it has on populace that
they represent. Mr. Piper said he does not appreciate being singled out as was today
when he was talking when other county employees were talking behind him.
Commissioner Ziobrowski responded that Mr. Piper was talking when he was speaking
and it was distracting to him. Chairman Keller said when Mr. Piper is talking the Board
does not talk while he is speaking so they would like the same respect when they are
speaking. Mr. Piper said he takes back his earlier remark that he thinks the
commissioners do a fine job running the county. If he hears anyone distract him while
he is speaking he will bring to the board's attention.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 1:00 PM.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 1:00 p.m. this date for the
purpose to review personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at
2:06 p.m. No action was required after executive session.
Continued on page 7
The meeting was adjourned at 2.06 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION 2013-16
VETERANS, RECORD YOUR DISCHARGE MONTH
WHEREAS, discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces are entitled and encouraged
to record their Discharge Certificate (DD214's) or any other certificate of discharge or release
from duty that was issued by the United States Government or any State Government in
reference to those who served with Military, Reserve Unit, or National Guard Forces, at the
Franklin County Register and Recorder's Office free of charge; and
Whereas, discharge records have restricted access and are confidential and not Public Record
and no disclosure thereof shall be made except as permitted by law. Therefore, a copy of a
Military Discharge record may be made available only with the proper identification, to the
subject named on the document, a surviving spouse, a member of the subjects immediate
family, or to that subjects agent or representative duly authorized in writing, or when required
by process of a court order, any department or agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
the United States Government, or a county Director of Veterans Affairs; and
WHEREAS, discharge papers are proof of military service, and can be used to establish eligibility
for a variety of benefit purposes including employment, retirement, civil service, financial aid,
and property tax exemption programs; and
WHEREAS, original discharge records should be safeguarded by storing in a safety deposit box,
vault, or fire proof strongbox and never given out or distributed; and
WHEREAS the process of recording discharge papers is done at the Franklin County Register and
Recorder's Office in the Franklin County Courthouse located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on
any business day, and is fast, efficient, simple and free; and
WHEREAS, the Register and Recorder's Office through Franklin County Government can provide
veterans, their dependents, or others authorized, with certified copies of discharge documents;
that will be of full force and effect as an original, free of charge, at any time in the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Franklin County Board of Commissioners do hereby
proclaim the month of November, 2013 "RECORD YOUR VETERAN'S DISCHARGE Month" in
Franklin County and urges all veterans who have not already done so,to record their discharge
documents at their earliest convenience.
DULY PRESENTED AND ADOPTED, by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Franklin
County, Pennsylvania at the public meeting held this day of October 31, 2013.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
��..
"x David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. Ziobrowski