HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-19 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, June 19, 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 with the addition of Chairman's Time to
respond to an earlier question from the public. Commissioner Keller stated that there
are no renovations taking place but that there is vacant space in our suite since TPA
moved out several months ago.
Mr. Richard Jones commented that our nation has forgotten to honor God and
that is why we are in the shape we are in. Mr. Jay Lightfoot commented and asked why
Mr. Pat Evans hasn't provided a report to the Board yet. Chairman Keller stated that he
has answered this multiple times in the past but would talk to Mr. Lightfoot about this
matter after the meeting.
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 June 10, 2014 and June 12, 2014 meetings.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Letter of
Interest from Appraisal Review Specialists for the appraisal of four parcels of land for the
Right of Way acquisitions for bridge 116 at a cost not to exceed $4,000.00 per parcel.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the application to PA Emergency Management Agency to request
grant money from the Hazardous Material Response Fund Grant to be used to provide
assistance to the County's hazardous materials program. This grant program is for the
development of improved county emergency planning/training, response capabilities to
respond and recover from Hazardous spills and releases.
The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the 2012
Emergency Solutions Grant Program (Contract#C000053457) to reduce the grant
amount by $9,000.00 and modify the contract ending date from August 22, 2014 to
August 20, 2014. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in
full force and effect.
The Board reviewed Tax Claim matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Exoneration of taxes on a
mobile home that the park owner filed a judgment against the owner, declaring the
mobile home abandoned under Act 156. Real Estate taxes cannot be assessed to the
new owner.
Continued on page 2
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Valley Quarries, Inc.
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Air
Quality Renewal Permit being submitted for their Mt. Cydonia Plant#2, located in
Greene Township.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, USDA notified the
County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Obstruction
and Encroachment Permit being applied by West Branch Farms, LLC. for stormwater
diversion into a tributary of the West Branch Antietam Creek, located in Washington
Township.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, R. Lee Royer&
Associates notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of General NPDES Permit
being applied by Charlie Pentz for storage units, located in Quincy Township.
Sheriff Dane Anthony was present to explain the revision of the Security Guard
position description in the Sheriff's Office. The security guards must now be qualified
and/or certified to use non-lethal weapons. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the revised Security Guard
position description in the Sheriff's Office.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2014 expense
and revenue budget performance through April, 2014. Ms. Beckner advised most
departments are under budget except for a few where most variances relate to one-time
or front loaded expenses for the new year. She said general fund expenses are at
32.2% of budgeted expenses. Ms. Beckner said revenues are 32.9% collected of
general fund revenue budget. Ms. Beckner reported that the County has received
39.5% of property taxes collected compared to 41.4% collected through April in 2013.
The average collection for the past five years is 41.8%. She reported that although
collections are behind last year and the five-year average through April, May's
collections exceeded expectations and are back on track year-to-date.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director and Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director
provided a presentation of the pension process. John A. Hart, Chief Clerk/County
Administrator, stated that the County is constantly looking for ways to improve internal
services and making retirement a one-stop shop meets this criteria. Mr. Hart also stated
there are no statutory requirements as to who can perform these duties per the County
Code and at least one other County handles retirement this way. Ms. Beckner was
asked whether this would be a cost savings initiative and she replied that it would
probably be a cost shifting initiative. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that there could
possibly be cost savings involved if PEHC payments for insurance could be streamlined
through HR. Carol Diller, Controller, stated that she missed most of the presentation
and would like to have a copy to review. Chairman Keller replied that the presentation
would be made available to staff and that the Board would take the matter under
advisement. The Board may have follow up questions for the staff and the Controller
and Treasurer may also have questions and comments after their review. This proposal
will be put back on the agenda in the near future.
Continued on page 3
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS