HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-22 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, May 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 L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Alicia Kanelopoulos provided public comment and asked why the Declaration for
Disaster Emergency is being done a week later.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and said when anything is over$500 the
Commissioners should explain why it's being spent.
Allen Piper provided public comment and asked why the Board can't immediately
answer the simple questions asked by those in attendance. Chairman Keller responded
that he wanted a specific time when the Board did not answer questions in a timely
manner. Mr. Piper referenced Mr. Lightfoot's question earlier. Chairman Keller
responded that Mr. Lightfoot has asked this same question numerous times and the
Board has responded to that question each time. The Board's policy is not going to
change concerning board actions. He said the Board's policy is to provide a timely
answer but also an accurate answer and with the County having numerous departments,
the Board sometimes has to contact the departments to get the accurate answer. Mr.
Piper also asked how the Board selected the two people on the agenda today to be
appointed as alternates to the Tax Assessment Appeal Board.
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 the May 13, 2014 and May 15, 2014 meetings.
The Board reviewed contracts for approval today. Chairman Keller asked John
Hart, County Administrator, to explain the Disaster Declaration to answer Ms.
Kanelopoulos's question during public comment. Mr. Hart explained that in order to
receive funds when there is a weather disaster, the Board is required to sign a
Declaration of Disaster Emergency. The Board was not in session when this was
needed so they had to sign the declaration and ratify at the next public meeting. We
have done this in the past when there have been other weather related events.
Phil Tarquino, Planning Director, and Mark Story, Executive Director for Habitat
for Humanity, were present to provide an overview of the program that is to receive an
allocation from Housing Trust Funds on board actions for today. Mr. Story explained
these funds will be used for a home on East King Street in Chambersburg that was torn
down due to a devastating fire recently and the property owner donated the property to
Habitat. Mr. Story explained that they often remove a blighted property that no one
wants and rebuild the home to provide to a family that needs one. Mr. Story explained
further Habitat's mission and how the homes are provided to the families at cost. The
family is expected to pay the loan back with terms that are set by Habitat and is based
on the family's income.
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The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Declaration of
Disaster Emergency due to severe weather and effective May 15, 2014 to direct the
Franklin County Emergency Management Coordinator to coordinate the activities of the
emergency response, to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of this
disaster, to aid in the restoration of essential public services, and to take any other
emergency response action deemed necessary to respond to this emergency.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Budget
Revision to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to
move $5,000 from rental assistance under Raid Rehousing to financial assistance in the
2012 Emergency Solutions Grant. This revision is being requested by the Waynesboro
New Hope Shelter.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant
Application to Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool (PCoRP) to apply for a grant in the
amount of$26,365.32 for replacement of Courthouse DVR, Admin Annex Fire Alarm
Panel, prox access improvements to Courthouse and Sheriff holding cell area, remote
access control to sally port and duress alarm improvements to Commissioners Complex
and Victim/Witness Room. These items were identified in the County Security
Assessment process as priority areas for improvement.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Housing Trust Fund
Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin and Habitat for Humanity for a grant in
the amount of$10,000.00 to be used for ongoing efforts to provide homes for low-
income individuals and families. This agreement is for the period of May 22, 2014
through December 31, 2015.
The Board reviewed additional Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Housing Trust
Fund Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin and Maranatha Ministries for a
grant in the amount of$10,000.00 to be used as match funds toward a US Housing and
Urban Development Grant to assist individuals and families in Maranatha's Total Person
Transitional Housing Program. This agreement is for the period of May 22, 2014
through December 31, 2015.
The Board reviewed additional Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to
the agreement dated January 16, 2014 between the County of Franklin and Parsons
Brinkerhoff to complete the data collection for the Metropolitan Planning Organization at
a cost of$60,000.00. This is a requirement by PennDOT. No other changes to the
original agreement are being requested.
Continued on page 3
The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Tax Assessment
Appeal Board. Chairman Keller asked Mr. Hart to explain the process to answer the
question during public comment. Mr. Hart explained that this was advertised in the
paper. The Tax Assessment Appeal Board has three members but due to other
commitments, illnesses and conflicts, there is a need for alternates. Mr. Hart said when
staff receives letters of interest or applications they provide this to the Board for review
and recommendation. The Commissioners are required to take action to appoint the
alternates. Chairman Keller said the Commissioners are looking for people that have a
good background, involved in the community and capable of making informed and fair
decisions. Commissioner Ziobrowski said these people are paid a nominal fee but are
essentially volunteers. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L.
Thomas; unanimously approved to appoint Robert Ankerbrand and Garry Gontz as
alternate members to the Franklin County Assessment Appeals Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS