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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-25 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, November 25, 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. There was no public comment. 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 November 18, 2014 and November 20, 2014 meetings and the revised minutes of November 6, 2014. Chairman Keller asked John Hart, County Administrator to explain board action item #4, Teamsters agreement. Mr. Hart explained this contract covers Adult Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation Officers and Domestic Relations Hearing Masters. This contract deals with pay, benefits and time off for employees. He explained this contract has a "me too" clause for health insurance and paid time off plan. Mr. Hart said this contract turned out well for us and is a result of arbitration. Chairman Keller asked why the term is January 2013 through December 2015. Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director explained that this was settled in April but it took this long to get this document back from Teamsters for the Board's signatures. She said the employees were compensated back in April for time worked in 2013 and early 2014 at the adjusted wages. The Board reviewed Adult Probation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Roxbury Treatment Center (dated August 28, 2014) to provide screen I ngs/assessments, and outpatient therapy for the Restrictive Intermediate Punishment Program. This amendment will increase the maximum encumbrance to $10,000.00, funded by grant monies from PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Intergovernmental agreement between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to register as a business partner, permitting Franklin County electronic access to PennDOT's Engineering and Construction Management System. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and Capital Blue Cross to administer the medical, prescription and vision benefit coverage to County employees, retirees and Cobra participants for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Agreement between the County of Franklin and General Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 992 for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the service agreement between the County of Franklin and Chambersburg Waste Paper Company to remove trash and recyclables from various county buildings for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016, with the option of renewal at end of the contract, in the amount of$5,340.00 annually with a maximum increase of three percent for 2016. The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the quote from Emerson Network Power/Leibert Services to provide Critical Systems Support for uninterrupted power service (UPS) for DES/9-1-1 Building 426 and the 9®1®1 backup center in the Courthouse basement for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 at a cost of$11,573.76. The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and ThyssenKrupp Elevators for the monthly preventive maintenance for all county owned elevators and related equipment for an annual cost of$5,080.56, for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. This will consolidate all county elevator maintenance to one service agreement. The Board reviewed Sheriff matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the quote from New Holland Group for the purchase of a 2015 Ford Sedan Police Interceptor to replace a current, high mileage, vehicle for prisoner transport in the amount of$30,295.49. Quotes were requested, New Holland was the only response that could provide the vehicle in the required time frame. Company is on Co-Stars State Contract. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, JLG Industries, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Air Quality Operating Permit Renewal being applied for a manufacturing facility, located in Antrim Township. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Dennis E. Black Engineering, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental NPDES Permit being applied by Greene Township for the extension of Parkwood Drive to connect to the intersection of Grand Point Road and Kohler Road, located in Greene Township and the Borough of Chambersburg. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, ASC Group, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General Permit 11 being applied by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the redecking of Keefer Road over Trout Run Bridge, located in Letterkenny Township. Continued on page 3 The Board reviewed Property Management matters. This was the date to award/reject bids for Franklin Farm Lane as Service Line Installation at 181, 185, 191, 201 and 425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. Mr. Hart is recommending the Board reject the bid received from Shiloh Paving & Excavating, Inc. from York, PA for a bid of $104,000 due to our estimate and the funds available are lower than the bid amount. Columbia Gas is going to work with us since they are running behind. Commissioner Thomas asked why the county requires a delay of several days between the deadline for submitting bids and the time when the bids are opened. Mr. Hart responded that it is a good practice to do so. There was no consensus to change the practice. The gas line installation will be advertised and rebid in the next 12-15 days. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to reject the bid received due to the bid amount being over what was budgeted. This will be rebid at a later date. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. Mr. Hart said staff is recommending awarding the project to demolish the building at 11 North Second Street, Chambersburg, to George & Sons Construction as the lowest qualified bidder. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to award the bid for the Building Demolition at 11 North Second Street, Chambersburg, to DL George & Sons Construction Company from Waynesboro, PA for a total bid price of$31,195.00. This proposal is the lowest responsible bidder. Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2014 proposed budget which if approved by the board will be on public display for twenty days. The budget will also be available on the county's website. Ms. Beckner highlighted the following key items: There is no tax increase; the budget includes funding for the Board's commitments to public safety and security, implementation and use of information technology to improve services and efficiencies, and to attracting and retaining a skilled, dedicated workforce. It also increases funding for farmland preservation, expansion of the County's Geographical Information System (GI ) and support for various human services initiatives; total expenditures for All Operations and All Services equal $103.4 million; total revenue is budgeted at$104.5 million; beginning in 2012 the board established a fund for capital facilities projects and one for equipment repair and replacement. During 2014, the board set aside $4 million of nursing home sale proceeds into each fund, for a total of$8 million. The 2015 budget includes $1,956,000 in additional potential capital for furniture, software, major computer equipment, vehicles, and public safety technology. Ms. Beckner explained the general fund pays for Court and Magisterial District Judge operations, the County Jail, the Day Reporting Center, Administration and Planning Offices, Tax Services, Elections and Voter Registration, Veteran's Affairs and the Public Defender, Property Management and Elected Official offices. It also provides financial support to outside agencies, as well as human service programs, the 911 center and HazMat operations and Domestic Relations. Ms. Beckner said the total general fund budget is $44,894,600. The counties revised budget for 2014 is $45,310,300. She said we've decreased our general fund budget overall by .9% amounting to $415,800 from 2014. Ms. Beckner reviewed and explained each line item for expenses and revenues with the Board. Ms. Beckner explained the net effect is expenses in excess of revenues of$2,827,400. The County's 2014 revenues and expenses are performing better than budgeted and are projected to provide a savings of $1.5 million from our revised budget. In accordance with the direction of the board, the 2015 proposed budget uses that savings, as well as utilizing $1.3 million in reserves. Ms. Beckner said this is within the guidelines the Board provided when staff presented the all requests budget and the Board's discussions last week. Continued on page 4 Chairman Keller said the Board asked staff to prepare a budget that met the needs of the County while leaving a healthy reserve. He understands that Mr. Hart will have to say no to a lot of departments but the Board supports him in this effort. The local economy is getting better as far as employment but the great recession has been hard on a lot of folks and it will take them awhile to get back on their feet; therefore, it is important not to raise taxes at this time. He is grateful for the efforts of staff and fellow elected officials and judges in working with the Board to develop this preliminary budget that is consistent with the Board's goals. Commissioner Ziobrowski said this budget projects a 2.5% pay increase for employees. He said the Board approved a resolution to have elected officials receive CPI percentage for their raises. He asked John Hart what the consumer price index is. Mr. Hart responded that the CPI®D is 1.7% for the prior 12-month period. He added that one area of the CPI®D has gone down substantially for fuel oil and gasoline but everything else is higher for food, electric, medical care, and motor vehicle costs. Because of this administration is recommending 2.5% increase for county employees. Commissioner Thomas said he appreciates what staff has done with this budget. He said the contribution to 911 if you also include debt service is still something that we cannot miss the boat on. There is an opportunity now at the County Commissioners of Pennsylvania (CCAP) who is working with the Legislator and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PE A) to come up with legislation to change the 911 fee. This would be a huge benefit. The public needs to understand that this needs to get changed. He encourages residents to call legislators to request they increase this fee. This is breaking the backs of counties and backs of public tax dollars. Chairman Keller responded that the Commonwealth established the funding stream and the intent was to cover 911 services but the funding has not been adjusted over time with mandates, technology and more and more being put on the backs of property tax payers. But he is optimistic that something is going to happen to fix the problem. Chairman Keller said the Board asked everyone to tighten their belts to move the Board's initiatives forward as well as continuing quality of life initiatives, economic development efforts, and improvements to efficiency and customer service of providing services to constituents. This has been achieved with this preliminary budget. The budget will be on the counter and the county's website. He encourages everyone to review it and provide comments. Commissioner Ziobrowski said at the CCAP conference he interacted with other commissioners. Many of them are experiencing significant increases in healthcare and they can't give raises to their employees. He is pleased we are able to give employees a pay increase, and provide health spending accounts. Employees are our most important asset and he is pleased we can do good things for them because they do good things for us. Commissioner Thomas said Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, and Jessica Kuhns, Benefits Specialist, have worked hard to save us money, and they have reduced health premiums. Other counties are facing the caillac tax and this will not happen for us because we made this move. Once everyone gets comfortable with the HCA they will be happy with it. He said experience will be the best education. Chairman Keller said it is clear from the oar 's comments that the Board is unanimously in favor of placing the preliminary budget on the counter and on the County's website for public review. The Board will consider final approval on December 1 , 2014. Continued on page 5 On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 3:39 p.m. this date for the purpose to review Personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 4:05 p.m. There was no action required after executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 4:06 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS