HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-21 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, November 21, 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.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and asked for more explanation of item #2 from
last week, contract for the Jail. Mr. Lightfoot also asked why the Board will not explain each
item so the audience can ask questions. Chairman Keller responded that the board chooses to
run the meeting this way and they have explained this a number of times and the board doesn't
ask them to agree with it but asks that they accept it. Chairman Keller addressed the Jail
contract and said John Hart, County Administrator explained this last week and went into great
detail. The Board of Commissioners and Prison Board do not have the expertise in house to do
this type of study and a lot of data has been collected by staff and an intern or the contract could
have been higher in cost.
James Wyrick provided public comment and read a statement about the effects of
Obama care on healthcare in the county and on small and large businesses. Mr. Wyrick asked
if the legal department has looked at healthcare provision, mandates and potential financial
impact to the County. Mr. Wyrick also mentioned the homelessness presentation conducted on
Tuesday and asked if the County has done or intends to do anything about the problem and
how citizens can help. Especially since there are a lot of Ponzi schemes with charities. Maybe
the Public Opinion could make the public aware by doing an article on shelters and soup
kitchens also.
Allen Piper provided public comment and asked the following questions about item #5,
Jail Ministry contract: Who are all the individuals involved, how many perform these services or
contribute to the jail ministry? How often do they perform services? Who determines this
$18,000 amount? Mr. Piper would like a breakdown of the $18,000.
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 November 12, 2013 and November 14, 2013 meetings.
Commissioner Thomas asked to address Mr. Piper's questions about the Jail ministry
contract. Chaplain services are performed by the United Churches and it is a county
responsibility. Isaac Burkholder is the Chaplain and works 40 hours a week and also
coordinates all volunteer services at the Jail and we have one of the highest percentages of
volunteers at the Jail in the state. This is well spent money and the goal is to try to turn around
lives and not have them return to Jail. General fund dollars are used to pay for these services.
The Board reviewed Day Reporting Center matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract amendment between
the County of Franklin and Chambers' Apothecary to amend the contract ending date from
September 30, 2014 to October 31, 2014. All other terms and conditions of the original
agreement will remain in full force and effect.
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 grant agreement between the
County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for the FFY 2011 Citizen
Corps Program Grant to be used for disaster preparedness planning, training and equipment,
for a grant award of$10,500.00 for the period of October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services/Central Booking matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
Supplemental appropriation to record assets that have been donated to the County's
Emergency Service and Central Booking programs in the amount of$249,676.00. There are no
county funds required.
The Board reviewed Human Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the report to Department of Public
Welfare for FY12/13 County Human Services Block Grant showing total revenue and
expenditures in the amount of$5,983,719.00.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal contract between the County of
Franklin and Franklin County Jail Ministry for chaplain services through the United Churches of
the Chambersburg Area for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 at a cost
of$18,000.00.
In accordance with PA Act 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Red Barn Consulting Inc.,
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Permit
renewal being applied by Burk Lea Farms for their existing operation, located in Greene
Township.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2013 expense and
revenue budget performance through September. Ms. Beckner advised that most departments
are under budget except for a few areas where most variances relate to a one-time expense or
debt service. She said general fund expenses are at 71.9% of budgeted expenses through
September. She said revenue is consistent when compared to the overall budget at 93.3%
collected of general fund revenue. Property tax collected is at 94% of billings which is higher
than the five year average of 93.2%. Ms. Beckner informed the Board that the 2014 budget
preparation is almost complete. Ms. Beckner has received direction from the Board and will
present the proposed budget to them next week.
Chairman Keller announced that the Commissioners will be attending CCAP starting on
Sunday so Tuesday's meeting will be held at 3:30 PM at which time Ms. Beckner will present
the budget at that time.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS