HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-01 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, July 1, 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.
Commissioner Thomas asked to make a comment. He said last year on this
date he entered Johns Hopkins to receive his chemotherapy and eventually to receive
the bone marrow from his daughter. His treatment was successful and he feels this is a
very special day for him.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked if Letterkenny is on the BRAC list
this time. She said New Cumberland Army Depot is losing 400 people but she is not
sure if they are on the BRAC hit list. Ms. Wertz asked if the Commissioners are
projecting any out of county residents taking the jobs at Proctor& Gamble warehouse or
Volvo.
Richard Jones provided public comment and asked what the symptoms are of
West Nile Virus and if the Board could elaborate more on the board action item #1
contract with Penn State University for the West Nile Virus surveillance and control.
The minutes of the June 24, 2014 and June 26, 2014 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, July 3, 2014.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked John Hart, County Administrator, to explain board action item #1 with Penn State
University. Mr. Hart explained the program. Commissioner Thomas suggested
researching on the computer the symptoms of West Nile Virus. The following item was
approved today and the remainder items will be approved Thursday, July 3, 2014.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. Chairman Keller asked if
there is a dollar figure for the repairs available. Mr. Hart responded the range is $15,000
to $20,000. A contract will need signed once we get the final figures for the Board to
approve. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved Emergency Resolution #2014-13 for the repair of the Fire Alarm
System at the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex to provide proper fire alarm
notification if an emergency situation should develop, and which is attached and made a
part of these minutes.
Todd McNew, The Conservation Fund, was present to provide a presentation on
the purchase of the Eagle Rock property. Mr. McNew provided the Board with
information on The Conservation Fund which is a national nonprofit land conservation
organization. He explained they are trying to purchase a piece of land titled Eagle Rock
in Greene Township that borders Michaux State Forest. They have secured two funding
sources from the USFS Forest Legacy Program and PA DCNR for$3M. They still need
$1 M. Mr. McNew is contacting Greene Township today for their support and there is a
private donor that will provide the remainder funds if they can bridge the final gap. He is
asking the Commissioners for$250,000 towards this project. This conservation tract
would be beneficial to preserve recreational and conservational land, and maintain water
quality since the Guilford Water Authority borders this tract. Chairman Keller asked Phil
Tarquino, Planning Director, if this project is consistent with the County's
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Comprehensive and Greenway Plan. Mr. Tarquino said it is consistent and there is a
farm that is preserved that runs to the foot of the mountain. Mr. McNew said Timbervest
owns this land and their intent was to divide and sale for development but due to the
housing market those plans have been dashed. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he and
Chairman Keller toured this land and it's a gorgeous piece of property but would prefer
not to use general fund dollars for this request. The Board asked several more
questions of Mr. McNew and he answered their questions. The Board requested staff
look at funding available due to not wanting to use general fund dollars. Chairman
Keller said the consensus is to move forward with the right funding arrangement and
with the support of Greene Township. The County will respond back to Mr. McNew in
the next 30 days with their decision.
Chairman Keller said two weeks ago they viewed a proposal from the Human
Resources Director, the County Administrator and the Fiscal Director to transition
retirement and pension administration duties to Fiscal and Human Resources. He said
the Board has on the agenda this morning to discuss this further and invited Dave Secor,
Treasurer, and Carol Diller, Controller. Dave Secor said he reviewed the power point
presentation but found it sketchy and it was just a brief synopsis of what was proposed.
He asks the Board to require a more in-depth review of the cost savings and what duties
each agency would be performing. Chairman Keller said he is aware that Ms. Diller is
getting a new solicitor and it was communicated to him that she would appreciate time to
review with her solicitor before moving forward. Ms. Diller said she reviewed the
proposal and its vague and wanted to let the Board know there is a lot more involved
then what was presented. She does not see efficiencies of having a one stop shop and
she said it will be a three stop shop and will cost taxpayers more money. Chairman
Keller responded that it would be a one stop shop with employees seeking information
on their benefits and retirement in one location. Human Resources, Fiscal and
Controllers Office would each have a piece in the administration process. Chairman
Keller said he is aware of the concerns raised and wants to address them before any
formal action is taken. He asked Ms. Diller if he could meet with her and her new
solicitor in the next couple weeks and she responded yes. The Board decided the goal
is to have a final decision before the end of this month. John Hart said he will have staff
pull together details but he requests any specific questions from Mr. Secor and Ms. Diller
be forwarded to him. He would like to address what's on their minds so he will
communicate by email and he asks that they respond to his emails.
The meeting was adjourned at10:30 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS