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Home My WebLink About2014-05-08 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, May 8, 2014, with the following members present: Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Vice Chairman Thomas 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 is giving a raise to someone who is close to retirement. Allen Piper provided public comment and asked for more information on board action item #3, Agreement with Vision Government Solutions. Mr. Piper also commented that he would like the Board to explain each item on the agenda as other municipalities do when he attends their meetings. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the minutes of the April 29, 2014 and May 1, 2014 meetings. The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Vice Chairman of the Board to execute the Food & Beverage Licenses to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the Tuscarora Senior Center, Upper Strasburg Senior Center and the Path Valley Senior Center at a cost of$82.00 each. It is a state regulation to have a food and beverage license renewed annually. No increase from last year. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Block Grant. The Board reviewed Information Technology Services matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the addendum to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Verizon Wireless (dated 8/23/12) to provide wireless connection for the tablet PC's, that will be used by Transportation, with the new EcoLane software being provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This will provide 15 tablets wireless service at a monthly cost of$20.00 per unit. This software will replace the current Routematch software. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Vice Chairman of the Board to execute the quote from TASER for the purchase of eight replacement Tasers for the Jail for a one-time cost of$11,031.22. TASER is a sole source vendor. The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Witmer Public Safety Group to provide new officer uniforms. This is a one-time purchase of$9,951.50. Two quotes were received and this was the lowest qualified quote. Witmer is on the State contract list. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for the 2013 Community Development Block Grant for a grant amount of $302,679.00 for the period of April 7, 2014 through April 6, 2019. The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Supplemental Appropriation to shift funds, in the amount of$5,478.00, from the Worker's Comp budget to the General Fund for the emergency purchase to replace the DVR recording station at the Court House Complex. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Carl Bert & Associates notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General NPDES Permit being applied by Konrad Strawmyre to expand machinery parking on approximately 4.5 acres of land, located in Southampton Township. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, PPL Renewable Energy, LLC notified the County of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Air Quality Title V Operating Permit for the existing landfill gas-to-energy plant, located at the Blue Ridge Landfill located in Greene Township. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, United Water- FCGA notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General NPDES Permit Renewal being applied by the Franklin County General Authority for the Filter Backwash Treatment Plant, located in Greene Township. Ms. Beckner provided a presentation on the General Fund Budget Performance for 2013. Ms. Beckner reported the final revised budget for 2013 provided for $41,319,000 in revenue and $43,408,000 in expenditures, for a budgeted deficit of $2,089,000. The County budgeted to use another$500,000 toward the capital projects fund, making budgeted use of reserves at $2,589,000. The actual general fund performance, based on currently available figures, indicates that revenues tracked right with budget, coming in at $41,320,000 for a positive variance of$1,000. By comparison, General Fund revenues for 2012 were $40,490,000, $830,000 less than 2013. That amounts to a 2.0% increase in revenue from 2012 to 2013. Ms. Beckner said the County is constantly seeking revenue from other sources to support county operations so that the taxpayer is the payer of last resort. For 2013, outside sources provided over 23% of general fund revenue. Ms. Beckner said the total general fund revenue was $41,320,000 compared with our budget of$41,319,000. Shortfalls in interest, federal grants and charges for services were made up by property tax revenues of$189,000 more than budgeted, as well as state revenues of$202,000 more than budgeted. The excess state revenue was primarily a windfall for state reimbursement under Act 57 for the District Attorney, as well as unexpected payments to reimburse for use of a senior judge. Overall general fund revenue ended the year within $1,000 of our budget. She said property taxes make up the majority of revenues of the general fund. Charges for services, at 15.9% are the second largest source of revenue. Ms. Beckner explained the expenditures and specific operational areas that contributed to the surplus. Commissioner Thomas said this report is good news. Commissioner Ziobrowski said based on this report the County has 130 days of cash on hand. Commissioner Ziobrowski recommended the Board open the floor for public comment or questions. Continued on page 3 /U|eM Piper asked what the prognosis for this year is relating to the increase in revenue relating to property taxes and what iSthe reason for this trend that more property taxes are coming in at this time of year compared t0 last year. Ms. BeckDe| responded that what was presented here is based 0U what was budgeted that came iDaL .6% more than what was budgeted. Overall growth has been in the 1% range and there are many factors that affect that, such as ecUUorUy. new construction, sa|es, assessment appeals, etc. Ona motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Zimbrnvvski; unanimously approved tm enter an executive session at1O:27a.m. this date for the purpose to review real estate matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:41 a.m. There will ba action required after executive session. John Hart. County Administrator, said the executive session discussion related to Lighten UpChamberoburg located at34N. Main Street, Channberaburg. Staff has been in discussions with owners for the possible sale of this property. He has a proposal for the board to move forward with closing of the deal. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, said the standard agreement is for the ao|a at 34 N. Main Street with o sale price of $325.00Otn occur nnnr before May 17m The County will ba executing a lease for current owner tn utilize the space tm wrap up his business for one year with tenant to pay all utilities and property taxes. Ona motion by Robert G. Ziobrommki. seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to authorize John Hart to sign all documents related tn the sale on the Counties behalf. Commissioner Thomas said having these properties on Main Street in the county's hands are important. John Hart said that staff ia recommending approving the document presented to the Board. No plans ot this time for the building; hnxvavar, for long term planning this property is located in the central onna and gives flexibility mfoperations in the future. He said the owner iewinding up his business so this was an opportune time since he and his wife were interested in selling. Mr. Hart said the money will come from the capital facility fund. The meeting was adjourned ot10:480.nn. with o motion by Robert G. Zinbrovveki; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. John A. Hart Chief Clerk/County Administrator FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Robert LThomas Robert G. Zinbrnvvski