HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-11 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 11, 2019, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. 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 G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
There was no public comment but before the meeting Kim Wertz asked for more
information on two items that will be discussed during contract review.
The minutes of the June 4, 2019 and June 6, 2019 meetings were reviewed.
These will be decided upon on Thursday, June 13, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner
Thomas asked for more information on board action item #3, amendment to the ground
lease on Franklin Farm Lane. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, explained that this
action relates to property on Franklin Farm Lane that, until May 31, 2019, was occupied
by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) barracks. They have moved to a new building in
Scotland and per terms of the contract signed in 1998, the County agrees to pay the
lessee the amount of $146,358 to take possession of that building. Commissioner
Ziobrowski said the lessee constructed the building and paid rent for the land and now
at
this agreement was approved when he, Warren Elliott and Cheryl Plummer were
commissioners and the State Police were looking for a location that was close to
Interstate 81, It provided extra security on Franklin Farm Lane due to the Jail being
located there. The Jail is no longer there. He continued that we have one of the busiest
PSP barracks in the state so they outgrew this building. The logic was the county would
receive it back for a low price and this price is below market. Question is what do we do
with this building now, which will be discussed at a later date. John Hart, Project
Manager, said that there is a review of the building today and we will have to reimburse
the lessee for taxes that they already paid. Carrie provided more information on board
action item #6, supplemental appropriation for the Coroner. She said the supplemental
appropriation means we add $50,000 to the budget for Coroner expenditures. These
are his escrow funds which are fees that the Coroner collects for some of his services
and tests as established by the County Code. John Hart explained that the Dennis E.
Black Engineering (DEBEI) amendment to the original contract is to increase the amount
by $65,000. The amount not to exceed will increase from $95,000 to $160,000. He
continued that as work continues at the downtown site, there are a number of things that
have come to light as they are digging and finding utilities. There also are several
ut with new
regulations that have changed some things and we have to work with PennDOT since
Main Street is on a state highway. Mr. Hart continued that there is a borough-owned
utility vault outside the steps of the new building that we were not aware of. He
mentioned a few other items that have come up that DEBEI has had to help with. He
stated that we have $3M in contingency for changes like this so he feels we are in good
shape with costs. Commissioner Thomas said with 100 years of development on that
Shank, County Solicitor, to provide highlights of the ordinance she reviewed with them
last week. Ms. Shank explained the ordinance is for the Heisey Road Bridge that the
County is replacing. There is a small piece of land that no one seems to own so we are
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continued that we have narrowed down ownership around that small piece of land which
is only 0.1 acre. We have reached agreements with surrounding owners on the bridge
approved Thursday, June 13, 2019.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:55 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review the Tax Assessment Appeal of Green v. Franklin County Board of
Assessment Revision of Taxes Docket No. 2018-4565 matters. The Board reconvened
into regular session at 10:05 a.m. Ms. Shank said there will be a recommendation after
the executive session.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor asked approval to settle the assessment appeal with
Samuel and Jessica Green Docket #2018-4565. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by; Robert L. Thomas unanimously approved to authorize Mary Beth Shank to
enter into an agreement with Samuel and Jessica Green for a proposed settlement in
the amount of $57,810 (assessed value) with a fair market value of $470,000. This has
been approved by the Board of Assessment, Greencastle School District and Antrim
Township. The County will refund Mr. and Mrs. Green in the amount of $278.28.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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David S. Keller, Chairman
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Robert L. Thomas
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Robert G. Ziobrowski