HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-31 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 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.
The minutes of the January 24, 2017 and January 26, 2017 meetings were
reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, February 2, 2017.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked Carrie Gray, County Administrator, to provide more background on action #5,
Supplemental Appropriation for the Human Services Block Grant. Ms. Gray explained
that when the Block Grant plan was submitted to the state initially, the first feedback we
received from the state was to move the funding for drug & alcohol referral services to
families of children who were born dependent in the NICU in the Chambersburg
Hospital. They asked us to move funds from the drug & alcohol line item to Human
Services Development Fund line item. Commissioner Thomas asked about the Mental
Health special projects. Stacy Rowe, Human Services Fiscal Manager, responded that
at the beginning of the fiscal year, they set aside a sum of money for community projects
and ask for suggestions. This year they did not receive any suggestions. As a result, the
Block Grant committee recommended moving the funds to serve areas of need. . The
items will be approved Thursday, February 2, 2017.
Carrie Gray, County Administrator, said the position of Chief Assessor is an
appointment made by the Commissioners per Pennsylvania statute. With the recent
vacancy, the Board referred the matter to staff to provide a recommendation. She said
staff has reviewed and would like to appoint the county's Director of Tax Services, Anita
Keller, as the Chief Assessor. This will be a temporary appointment as the
recommendation is for the position to be posted internally and externally immediately.
The successful candidate will be brought before the Board for appointment as the next
Chief Assessor. Ms. Gray said that appointing Ms. Keller will provide continuity and
stability within the department pending the new appointment. Per Pennsylvania statute,
the Board of Commissioners makes this appointment with the input of the Board of
Assessment. The Board of Assessment has been apprised of the recommendation that's
being made this morning and was given an opportunity to provide comment. Ms. Gray
has heard from the Chairman of the Board of Assessment and he confirmed their
approval of this recommendation. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if there would be an
impact to the budget. Chairman Keller said there have been instances in the past that
temporary positions are compensated for the extra work. Ms. Gray will research and
report back to the Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L.
Thomas; unanimously approved the appointment of Anita Keller as the temporary Chief
Assessor.
Ms. Gray provided a facility planning update to the Board. She explained there
are two projects currently happening and one request. The first project is the efficiency
study. Staff is working with Mr. Morgan with Susquehanna Group to provide him with
the data he needs to be able to comprehensively consider the costs and benefits of
potential co-location of county functions. She said staff is meeting with him in a few
weeks to do a walk-through of the county facilities and that should conclude the research
portion of his project. The second project update relates to the architects and
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engineers. They continue their work to bring a recommendation to the Commissioners
that considers several factors, including the office profiles completed by the various court
and related departments as well as the previous space studies and recommendations.
Ms. Gray said with both projects we anticipate information in the Spring. She said there
is a request that she would like the Board to consider. The governor has briefly opened
the window to apply for a grant that could fund capital improvements. Although the
timing isn't perfect, as stewards of the tax payer dollars, staff is performing due diligence
by requesting the Board consider submitting a Uses of Funds request to cover some of
the costs of a future facility project, should one be approved. This submission does not
obligate the Commissioners to any decision one way or another. It is simply to `throw
our hat in the ring' and keep open the possibility we could receive funds, if they are
needed. If the Board approves, the information and the signature page will be added to
the Board Action Items for Thursday.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS