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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-08 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, June 8, 2017, with the following members present: David S. Keller and Robert L. Thomas. The Board attended the Prison Board meeting. 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 David S. Keller; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was no public comment. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the minutes of the May 2, 2017 and May 4, 2017 meetings. Tom Reardon, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity and Phil Tarquino, Planning Director, were present to provide an update on Habitat's recent rehabilitation for which they are requesting Housing Trust Funds. The property is located on East McKinley Street in Chambersburg. Mr. Reardon explained that a group of volunteers already started work on Monday; tearing out everything that needs removed. It's a small house that was added onto every few years. He said they are going to bring it all together and make sure it's a beautiful house, internally and externally and make it like new. There will be energy efficient windows, appliances and furnace. This home will go to a low income family that will purchase the home with a 0% interest loan. These homes are helping renters transition to homebuyers. The family has to put in their own hours of sweat equity. Commissioner Thomas said the history of Habitat is that the homeowners will take care of their home. Mr. Reardon said one of their models of homeownership is helping someone out of poverty. There is that incentive and they have to provide sweat equity so there is that reason to own that home and maintain that home. He said there have only been two Habitat homes that have left their program and two families have paid off their homes. They have not had to foreclose on a single house and this is their 39th year in Franklin County. In two years the Restore retail store has had enough sales to pay for two houses. Chairman Keller asked if they are looking at other properties outside of Chambersburg. Mr. Reardon responded that currently they have a home in Waynesboro, have been in Mercersburg, and they are looking at Greencastle and other areas in Franklin County. Chairman Keller said the Commissioners have supported Habitat in the past with funds from the Housing Trust Fund and are pleased with the projects that have been completed and providing stability in the neighborhoods. Mr. Reardon said they expect the family to take ownership of the house on King Street tentatively in March of 2018. He explained they are trying to stage builds year-round and hope to do inside work in the winter, his goal is to do three or four houses a year. Commissioner Thomas asked how much it will cost to get this house to the standards they require. Mr. Reardon responded that the actual renovation is approximately $65,000 and it will look like a new home inside and out. Chairman Keller asked if they could plant a tree for the Board. Mr. Reardon agreed. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Housing Trust Fund Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin and Habitat for Humanity to provide $12,500.00 of Housing Trust funds to be used towards the renovation of a home along East McKinley Street, Chambersburg. The agreement is for the time period of June 8, 2017 through December 31, 2018. The Board reviewed Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the proposal from Government Software Services, Inc. for printing and postage for Tax Sale certified mailers for a total cost of$16,235.00 with $15,360.00 to be paid up front for the postage. Request for quotes were completed with two responses received. Government Software Services, Inc. was the lowest qualified quote. In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Dennis E. Black Engineering, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Permit application being applied by Chambersburg Health Services— Penn National for a proposed 15,000 SF Medical Office Building with parking located in Guilford Township. Justin Slep, Director of Veterans Affairs, was present to provide certificates of completion to three dogs and their handlers that are in the Operation Save-A-Vet,Save- A-Pet program. Mr. Slep explained that this is a big day for the Veteran's Affairs Department and the County. He said the Save-A-Vet, Save-A-Pet Program is two years old now and they have worked hard to get to this point. He said John McPaul has been on board and facilitates outreach and fundraising for the program. Helen Carlson is the trainer of the dogs and she has been training for a long time and is very good at what she does. He explained that service animals are beneficial for both the handler and the community. He said there are veterans here today with their service animals who are their "battle buddy" and if this improves their life then it is so well worth putting this program together. Mr. Slep provided certificates to Jango and his handler Kenneth Hadley; Turk and his handler Alex Reed; and Skyler and her trainer Kami Emerick. Mr. Slep explained that Skyler will be placed soon with a veteran that is having some challenges at this time but as soon as his doctor signs off then Skyler will be placed with him. Mr. Hadley and Mr. Reed thanked Justin for beginning this program and the Commissioners and all the donors for helping to fund the program. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:16 a.m. this date for the purpose to review a Tax Assessment Appeal and personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:44 a.m. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked the board to approve her recommendation of the 2010-5196 real estate tax appeal for HCR ManorCare Properties, LLC a skilled nursing facility in the Borough of Chambersburg, on Stouffer Avenue. She explained this was an appeal from 2010 for 2011. The original assessment was $951,680, and the recommended settlement is for an assessment of$651,900 in 2011, $694,300 in 2012, $752,600 in 2013, $882,000 in 2014, $870,000 in 2015, $864,500 in 2016 and $951,680 in 2017. The parties agreed that there would be no appeal in 2018-2020 absent a countywide reassessment, addition to the property resulting in an increased assessment or material damage or destruction of the property. This settlement has been approved by the Chambersburg Area School District, Franklin County Board of Assessment and the tax payer. The Borough of Chambersburg is the final approver. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by David S. Keller; the Board unanimously approved the Solicitor's recommendation. Commissioner Ziobrowski was not present. Continued on page 3 The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by David S. Keller. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS