HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-17 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 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 April 10, 2018 and April 12, 2018 meetings were reviewed.
These will be decided upon on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Carrie Gray explained
board action item #4, with General Dynamics Technology (GDT) is a renewal contract to
provide assessments that are required for the Merit Hire program. She said the costs
remain the same for the contract period as last year. Bryan Stevenson, 911
Coordinator, was present to explain board action item #3, a proposal from Essential
Management Solutions. Mr. Stevenson reported that this is a company that Emergency
Services partnered with for a few years. They assist 911 administration with yearly
reviews and updates for submittal of annual plans and funding requests to PEMA. He
explained that GDT are experts in this area and there is no increase in costs from last
year. Loretta McClure, Risk Manager, was present to explain board action item #1,
HIPAA Manual. Ms. McClure explained that in response to an internally initiated HIPAA
audit, there were recommendations to update and combine our 42 policies and
procedures into one manual that is before the Board for approval. In addition to the
HIPAA manual, the Corporate Compliance policies and procedures, which outline
expectations for integrity and ethical situations, were also updated and finalized. Ms.
McClure continued by explaining that a HIPAA Policy and Security Policies and
Procedures for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account Plan and Wellness Program
was also developed as part of this process. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor,
highlighted that this audit was initiated by the County, not an outside party. She
continued by saying that HIPAA is a very complex and changing law and we had an
overwhelming positive result to the audit. She said that the County has a great team
that has worked hard on this audit. She thanked Loretta for all her hard work and
emphasized that this is not an easy area of the law. Chairman Keller said along with
HIPAA there are other State and Federal regulations that we need to follow and some
require an even higher level of safeguarding and it’s been a massive undertaking.
Commissioner Thomas commented that the fact that we asked for this audit says
something, we have to stay ahead of these things. He said the bottom line is we are in
good shape which is a good thing. Justin Slep, Veterans Affairs Director, and April
Brown, Drug & Alcohol Director, were present to explain board action #6, Supplemental
Appropriation for the Operation REACH Program. Mr. Slep explained that his
department and April’s department have teamed up to receive funding from the
Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for veterans suffering from mental
health, substance use, or co-occuring disorders. This program will help them eliminate
barriers to treatment, including transportation, child care, loss of income, utility shutoff,
etc. They will partner with local community providers for inpatient and outpatient
treatment. He explained further there will be case managers to use in house to help get
this program off the ground. Ms. Brown explained that this grant was competitive and
only three Single County Authorities (SCA) received the funding in the state.
Commissioner Thomas mentioned that they have been looking at treatment for years
and his hope is they will get their lives back soon. Ms. Brown said it is a year and a half
long project and it’s an exciting time to deliver this program and see how well they
Continued on page 2
address veterans’ barriers. Commissioner Ziobrowski said they both should be
congratulated, since this is a significant grant and we are lucky to receive it. Chairman
Keller said that only three Single County Authorities (SCA’s) were to receive these funds
so this speaks highly of our programs. He asked them to report back to the Board to
provide an update on the program. Commissioner Thomas said there was a whole lot of
luck in receiving these funds and we pride ourselves with quality management. We have
a great team here and luck is just one part of that process he just described. The
following item was approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday,
April 19, 2018.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the renewal contract
between the County of Franklin and General Dynamics Technology, Inc. to provide pre-
employment assessments for county applicants for the Merit Hire system at a cost
ranging from $10.50 through $37.80 depending on type of service. This agreement is for
the period of April 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019.
The Board reviewed a Franklin County Library Board appointment. On a motion
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Nancy
Peckman for a term of April 17, 2018 through December 31, 2019.
The Board reviewed information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Chairman Keller mentioned that the proclamation will be presented this Thursday at the
Crime Victims’ Vigil at Norlo Park at 5:00 PM by Commissioner Thomas. He continued
that the vigil is a moving experience and there will be several stories from victims of
crime and how they persevered and have become advocates to help other victims. On a
motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved
Franklin County Proclamation #2018-07 proclaiming the week of April 8 – 14, 2018 as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and that the attached proclamation be made a part
of these minutes. Commissioner Thomas said he thinks it’s appropriate this
proclamation is being approved today because yesterday the Governor signed
legislation to require assessments for perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.
With this new law hopefully there will be fewer victims.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS