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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-22 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 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 and asked why the Board didn't bid out the extermination at the Jail like they did a couple years ago. Chairman Keller said he will follow up on Mr. Lightfoot's question. Mr. Lightfoot wishes the Board would go over each item on the board action list so the audience can ask questions on why they are spending money on these items. Richard Jones provided public comment and asked what NPDES stands for on the last three items on the board action listing. Dr. Mike Gaudiose from Cumberland Valley Care Physicians was present to provide his statement to show his support on the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant that is available to improve the hiking and biking trails in Franklin County. Dr. Gaudiose stated that active community environments are very important and they attract people and businesses that want to work and live in these active environments. He said the rates of bicycling have declined since the 1960's, and he feels this is due to the fact that people don't feel safe bicycling on the roads. Dr. Gaudiose feels there could be buffered bike trails adjacent to roads or use of alleys and municipalities could even widen shoulders when they are completing street projects. He recommends using the funds to develop a bike route from downtown Chambersburg to Memorial Park and using shared sidewalk programs. This could be a public policy change. Dr. Gaudiose stated there are creative ways to improve existing infrastructure to begin to create designated bike routes. He said this would be a great way to use these funds. Ann Hull, Director of Franklin County Historical Society, expressed her support for the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant program. She reported that these funds could be used for capital projects for the five sites the Franklin County Historical Society owns since they don't have a lot of funds and there are not many brick and mortar grants to apply for. She said visitors come from every state in the union and from other counties to see these sites, they do research on their genealogy and stay over night in our area and eat here also. Ms. Hull said every place needs some work or some form of restoration and this grant would help many nonprofits. She thinks this program would be a great asset to our county. Ann Spottswood, Endowment Manager for Summit Health, spoke in support of the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant. She said we need to improve health in our area. She said Summit did a health needs assessment in 2012 and many responded that we need to improve health in our area. She said 59.3% of those responding suggested they have moderate to severe levels of stress which causes people to take less care of themselves, get more depressed and decline in their overall health status. Ms. Spotswood said Summit supports this grant program since many small nonprofits will benefit as well as citizens who will improve their health with this initiative. Continued on page 2 Kim Wertz wanted to elaborate on what was said about the bike lanes. She is assuming that we would have to check with PennDOT to see about widening streets to put in a bike lane. She would like to ride her bike from here to Waynesboro, Greencastle and back but won't do it now because the roads are too busy and she is in fear of being run over. Alicia Kanelopoulos spoke that she is in support of bike and walk trails. She gave her vehicle up two years ago and has lost 150 lbs. She would like to use walking trails more to lose another 200 lbs. but is afraid of getting hit by a vehicle like she almost did this morning walking from the Hospital to here. The minutes of the April 15, 2014 and April 17, 2014 meetings were reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, April 24, 2014. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner Thomas explained NPDES to respond to Mr. Jones' question during public comment. Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, was present to explain board action item #2, Agreement with Maximus Consulting Services. This is a contract to assist the county in determining the appropriate cost allocation of operational expenses across the organization. John Hart, County Administrator, explained board action item #3, Proposal from Berkshire Systems Group. The item will provide an upgraded computer system to control the security and fire suppression system at the Jail. Rick Wynn, Human Services Administrator, and Carrie Gray, Assistant County Administrator, were present to explain board action item #4, Supplemental Appropriation to shift funding in the Human Services Block Grant. Funds are being repurposed from administrative costs to direct services for county residents. All items will be approved Thursday, April 24, 2014. The Board reviewed information regarding Earth Celebration Day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2014-06 proclaiming Saturday, the 2611 day of April as Earth Celebration Day in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Chairman Keller announced a few of the events being held in Franklin County this week to celebrate Earth Celebration Day. The commissioners will be attending a tree planting event at Andrew Buchanan Elementary School in Chambersburg on Friday. The commissioners will also be helping plant over 300 trees and shrubs at Wilson College along the Conococheague Creek on Saturday morning. The commissioners will then present the Earth Celebration Day proclamation at Renfrew Institute on Saturday afternoon, and will recognize Greater Waynesboro and Washington Township for being designated an Appalachian Trail "trail town." David Donohue, Department of Emergency Services Director, provided information to the Board on Text to 911. He reported that Verizon is the only carrier on line right now that supports texting to 911 but T-Mobile is expected to be on line the first week in May. Mr. Donohue informed the Board that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is mandating every PSAP in the country to receive text to 911. Cell phone providers will be responsible for getting themselves on line. Mr. Donohue said the system the county is using is tied into the Telecommunication Device for the Deaf. He said you cannot text pictures at this time but the county will be required to provide this service within approximately three years. The Board informed Mr. Donohue that they would like to be kept informed as more providers go on line with texting to 911. Continued on page 3 Chairman Keller informed everyone in attendance that last Thursday the Board received information on the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant Program. The Board wanted to provide a few days to receive public comment about the program and to take the information under advisement. Commissioner Thomas said he has heard nothing other than a few concerns last week but they were addressed during the meeting. The program is designed to be used for historical preservation as well as connect to the communities and based on comments today, it would be worthy to talk to the Borough of Chambersburg to provide education to citizens who need to look out for pedestrians and bicycles. Chairman Keller asked Mr. Tarquino to pass along this concern to municipalities. Commissioner Ziobrowski said road maintenance is done by boroughs and townships, not the county. Perhaps this program can help municipal officials become more aware of need for bike trails and bike safety. Widening road shoulders to provide more room for bikes is expensive, but maybe municipalities would consider widening shoulders when regrading and repaving takes place. And "share the road" signage will help make the county more bike friendly without spending a lot of money. Chairman Keller said he is satisfied with the program staff has proposed, and he is excited to see this program move forward. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to move forward with the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant Program. Mr. Tarquino announced that going forward his office will send out a press release, and will send notification to all municipalities and nonprofit agencies. A workshop will be held on May 1, applications will be due by June 1, and grants are scheduled to be awarded by July 1. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:34 a.m. this date for the purpose to review Personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 11:03 a.m. No action was required after executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. John A. Hart Chief Clerk/County Administrator FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobrowski PROCLAMATION 2014-06 APRIL 2014: 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 and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 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 Appalachian Trail Conservancy works with local communities to recognize the importance of the Appalachian Trail and to educate residents on the value of natural resources and the importance of sustainable economic development; and WHEREAS, The Franklin County Commissioners in support of the Renfrew Institute, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 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 26th day in the month of April 2014, EARTH CELEBRATION DA Yin Franklin County,PA. IN WITNESS THEREOF, WE have hereunto set our hands and seal this 22th day of April in the year 2014. It•,_A FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS vii► 1 r •,,__. �_ David S. eller, Chairman ' �*��' Robert L. Thomas i !. Robert G. Zio o . ski