HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-03 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2017
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, October 3, 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.
Chairman Keller announced that Commissioner Thomas is running a few minutes
late. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Lewis Hockenbroch provided public comment and asked for more information on
the 2017 CDBG presentation. Chairman Keller explained that the County receives
dollars from the Federal Government to invest in projects. He said our Planning Office
will be presenting more information later in the agenda.
John Patterson provided public comment and asked what the nature of the
litigation will be discussed during the executive session. John Hart, Chief Clerk,
responded that it’s for a tax appeal and the solicitor will update the Board on the court
case. Mr. Patterson also asked for more information on board action item #2 regarding
inmates being able to receive emails and what the cost is for the inmates and their
families. Chairman Keller responded that this action will be discussed during review of
the board actions.
The minutes of the September 26, 2017 and September 28, 2017 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, October 5, 2017.
Commissioner Thomas entered the meeting room at 9:40 a.m.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Carrie Gray, County
Administrator, explained the cost for inmates to receive and send emails is 45 cents per
email but the price can go down if they buy blocks of emails. She said the lowest price
is 30 cents per email with a package of 40 emails. Mr. Hart explained that sending
emails is cheaper than sending a letter after buying postage, paper, pen and an
envelope. Ms. Gray said the cost of an envelope and stamp is 62 cents. Commissioner
Ziobrowski said that he had serious concerns with this agreement but he reached out to
the Warden and found out that this is safer than snail mail. He said that any money that
comes to the county is used for cost recovery due to staff time to review emails. He also
pointed out that there is a chance for inmates to earn points so they can access games
during their free time. It’s been successful from inmates and management perspectives
in other jails. Commissioner Thomas explained that this is an option, not a mandate.
Ms. Gray explained there are educational aspects on the tablet also where inmates can
participate in educational programming with their treatment programs or other
educational items and earn points in order to participate in videos or games which will be
vetted by the Warden and Administration in conjunction with the vendor. She said
emails will also be reviewed to make sure they are appropriate incoming and outgoing.
The items will be approved Thursday, October 5, 2017.
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This was the date to award/reject bids for the Franklin Farm Lane Metal Barn
Construction Project. John Hart explained that staff has reviewed all bids, bid bonds
were included and everything is in order. Staff is recommending awarding to
Waynesboro Construction for a bid amount of $178,900.00. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to award the bid
to Waynesboro Construction for a total bid price of $178,900.00. This proposal is the
lowest responsible bidder.
Sam Thrush, Planner in the Planning Office, provided a presentation on a public
information meeting for the 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program. Mr. Thrush explained the history of the CDBG program and why the County
receives funds that are to be used to support infrastructure improvements. Mr. Thrush
explained that the Planning Office held one application period and received five
applications for the 2017 program year with a total requested amount of $452,103.17
while the funding amount approved from the State totaled $292,706.00 with $240,018.92
being available for distribution due to administration costs being deducted. The following
submitted applications: Indian Lake Camp Corporation requested $34,000.00 to replace
their water treatment building which is the final phase of the water system improvement;
South Central Community Action Program requested $12,000.00 to help fund the
Gleaning Program. Jay Eury, Gleaning Program Coordinator, was present and
explained that there is an enormous amount of produce that is missed and there is a
need for low income people needing that produce. He also explained that they
distributed over 64,000 lbs. of produce this year through the Gleaning Program;
Pathstone – Homeownership Program is requesting $25,800.00 to help fund the Franklin
County First-time homeowner program towards closing costs and assist with education
on how to pay for a home; The Borough of Greencastle is requesting $139,652.17.00 for
S. Jefferson Street reconstruction in the Borough; and Quincy Township is requesting
$240,651.00 for a 960 linear foot water line extension that will include 9 homes. Quincy
Township Supervisors were present to explain where this water line would be placed.
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Mr. Thrush explained that Thursday, October 5 there will be a public hearing to offer
the Planning Office’s recommendations and a proposed budget.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:02 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review pending litigation matters. The County Solicitor announced that there
will be action after the executive session. The Board reconvened into regular session at
10:11 a.m.
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked approval to settle the real estate tax
assessment appeal Progress Homes LLC v. Board of Assessment #2011-5251. This is
two tax parcels located in the Borough of Chambersburg improved with 34
townhomes. She explained this was an appeal from 2011 for the year 2012. The 2012
assessment was $632,950.00 which equates to a fair market value of $4,831,679.36
when the common level ratio of 13% is applied The recommended settlement is for a
fair market value of $4.35M for years 2012-2015, $4.38M for 2016 and $4.52M for
2017. The proposed settlement returns the assessment to 532,950 in the 2017 year,
thereby containing the financial exposure for the County. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to authorize Mary
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Beth Shank to enter into the stipulation, which was previously approved by the
Taxpayer, CASD and Board of Assessment. Ms. Shank stated the final taxing district is
the Borough of Chambersburg who will consider the settlement at their next meeting
on 10/9/17. The County will refund Progress Homes in the amount of $3,200.00 upon
approval by court order.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS