HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-26 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, November 26, 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.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment concerning the Evans agreement that
gave $11,000 to him to find out about lending equipment. Mr. Lightfoot would like to
know the results of Mr. Evans' study.
Chairman Keller responded that the Board will have an update during a public
meeting in the near future.
Allen Piper provided public comment and said that Mr. Evans offered to provide
his consulting services to Chambersburg Area School District.
Jim Wyrick provided public comment and said the 31 cents per gallon increase in
the gas tax is not a five year phase in but a 3 year phase in. When this goes into effect
PA will have the highest gasoline tax in nation.
Allen Piper provided public comment concerning the hike trail in the western end
of county. He said there is something in the transportation bill for bike trails. 21 farmers
objected to the MACWell's activities in Mercersburg. He also heard that Todd Burns
from Greene Township is doing something related to this. He is not sure what is going
on but his group is digging into it. There are a lot of people against this and there could
be a major fight related to this bike trail. Mr. Piper will consult with Phil Tarquino also.
Chairman Keller informed Mr. Piper that it would be best if he contacted Dr.
George concerning the MACWell project. And with the Greene Township project he
should contact Greene Township Supervisors.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of November 19, 2013 and November 21, 2013 meetings were
reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved the minutes of November 19, 2013 and November 21, 2013
meetings.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved a motion to approve
the Right of Way acquisition plans for Franklin County Bridge No. 54 project Store Lane
over the West Branch of Conococheague Creek in Fannett Township, and Franklin
County Bridge No. 116 project Fannettsburg Road, over West Branch of
Conococheague Creek in Metal Township and authorize signature of the Chairman of
the Commissioners.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Letter
of Agreement between the County of Franklin and J. McDowell Sharpe, Esq. to provide
legal advice pertaining to complex title and real estate matters in the county's sale of
Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at a cost of$220.00 per hour with a
maximum amount of$1,500.00. The term of this agreement shall end on March 31,
2014.
The Board reviewed Information Technology matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the proposal from
AccesslT Group to add a firewall reporting software module, adding increased reporting
and monitoring capabilities to our current Firewall. These enhancements will allow more
meaningful and real-time reporting and notification of active threats to our computer
servers. This is a one-time purchase at a cost of$4,545.00. Company is on Costars
State Contract.
The Board reviewed additional Information Technology matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the scope
of work provided by Morefield Communications to inventory and relocate all county
phone circuits located at the Nursing Home over to Ag Heritage Building as well as
change the ShoreTel configuration to accommodate the removal of the Nursing Home
communications for a one-time cost of$12,535.00. Company is on Costars State
Contract.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Grant Agreement between
the County of Franklin and Women in Need to provide Housing Trust Fund money in the
amount of$10,000.00 to be used toward the construction of their new shelter and
advocacy center in Chambersburg. This agreement is for the period of November 28,
2013 through December 31, 2015.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the change order request from Rodney B. Smith Plumbing and
Heating to extend the liquid propane gas line to the revised regulator location and revise
the boiler flue arrangement per manufacturer specifications for a one-time cost of
$3,432.50.
In accordance with PA Act 67, 68 and 127 notifications, William A. Brindle
Associates Inc., notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection General Permit being applied by Quincy Township to extend water lines from
the Tarman Springs Treatment Plant to several township roads.
Continued on page 3
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2014 proposed
budget which will be on public display for twenty days. Ms. Beckner explained the
general fund pays for Court and Magisterial District operations, the County Jail, the Day
Reporting Center, Administration and Planning Offices, Tax Services, Elections and
Voter Registration, Veteran's Affairs and the Public Defender, Property Management
and Elected Official offices. It also provides financial support to outside agencies, as
well as human service programs, the 911 center and HazMat operations and Domestic
Relations. Ms. Beckner said the total general fund budget is $44,654,500. The
counties revised budget for 2013 is $43,396,400. She said we've increased our general
fund budget overall by 2.9% ($1.2 million) over 2013. Ms. Beckner reviewed and
explained each line item for expenses and revenues with the Board. Ms. Beckner
explained the net effect is expenses in excess of revenues of$3,768,500. We are
projecting our 2013 budget performance, to provide a savings of$1.6 million. The 2014
proposed budget is anticipating use of that savings, as well as utilizing $2,168,500 in
reserves. Ms. Beckner said this is within the guidelines the board provided several
weeks ago when she presented them with the all requests budget. She said the Board
is setting aside an additional $8 million from the projected proceeds from the pending
sale of the nursing home to be used for various hardware and software, GIS
advancements, emergency service equipment, security equipment, building repairs and
improvements and vehicles. In addition, in 2014 the board has elected to set aside
$600,000 in funds for human services related special projects. Ms. Beckner said the
ending result is the following: Revenues are decreased in most areas; maintained
current year expenses, but provided for operations which are growing and requiring
additional funding; allowed for a wage and salary cost of living adjustment to employees;
provided for 2014 capital and employee expansion as necessary; and have dedicated
funds for facility and equipment needs and special projects.
Commissioner Thomas said this is a whole lot more to his liking than when Ms.
Beckner did the whole request budget a few weeks ago. He is glad to be able to do this
without a tax increase and we are fortunate to be in this position. Some capital projects
will not be returned year after year. At this point the proposed budget looks like
something he can support.
John Hart, County Administrator complimented Teresa, Erin and everyone in the
Fiscal Department to bring the budget in which includes Human Services Programs,
quality of life initiatives and county efficiency projects and maintain a modest deficit
spending at$2.1 million. It's because of hard work and the direction and leadership from
the Board that county is in such a good fiscal position. A lot of other counties can learn
a lesson from us. He is recommending transfer of$4 million each into Fund 40 and 41
for planning for the future, and using capital proceeds from the sale of the nursing home.
This budget sets aside $400,000 in a special Human Services fund and staff will develop
a process for applicants to apply for these funds. There is $200,000 for a nurse
education program. Outside agencies will still receive funds and there is a multitude of
good initiatives in this budget. Mr. Hart mentioned additional funding to be used for the
following: Friendly Visitor Program; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support
Program; Children's Advocacy Center; A Kid is Special Program; and Drug & Alcohol
programs. These programs are separate from the special Human Services fund that he
recommends be established. He said the budget maintains the county's commitment to
improve county operations. We are in the process of a court process review and asking
for same process for county operations. There will be more attention given archives and
the management of paper documents. One initiative in this area is doing more business
online. In conclusion the county is in good fiscal shape and staff will manage this budget
Continued on page 4
like have done all budgets in the past. Mr. Hart explained that many items have been
budgeted in contingency and staff will vett these items before purchased and the same
will apply with Fund 40 and 41 budget items.
Chairman Keller explained the Budget will be on the counter for 20 days and the
Board will approve the final budget on December 19, 2013. He appreciates the work
done by John Hart, Teresa Beckner and everyone involved. He said this budget
requires no tax increase and maintains the county's strong financial position. Will
improve operations, quality of life and address public safety and Human Service needs.
He will withhold final judgment until give public time to review and provide comment on
what has been put together. Staff has brought back budget and refined numbers down
to levels based on the board's guidance and he is favorably disposed to what has been
put together.
Commissioner Ziobrowski would like to compliment staff and management for
good work they have done. Using some reserve money which is not something can do
year after year but in reality it's tax payers' money so reducing reserves by modest
amount is prudent and the thing to do, and he is in support of this budget.
Commissioner Thomas said he concurs with John Hart that county's solid
financial position is because of prudent management. He asked if this budget can be
changed within a certain percentage amount. John Hart responded that would have to
look at code for exact answer but in general there is a limit to what can be changed.
There was unanimous consent to put the 2014 budget on the counter and
receive public comment for the next 20 days.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:22 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS