HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-25 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 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.
Kim Wertz provided public comment that she is in favor of using the boarding
home model for the Intensive Reentry Case Management Program so people just rent
the room and chip in for their meals and can come and go as they please.
The minutes of the June 18, 2019 and June 20, 2019 meetings were reviewed.
These will be decided upon on Thursday, June 27, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. John Hart, Project
Manager, explained the change order from Lycoming Supply. He said that Lycoming
was contracted to install an underground stormwater system. However, the location of a
utility duct bank has changed the plans. The Borough did not know the location of the
duct bank so we are changing our plans now. This will now go in the general contractors
bid for the courthouse project. This change order will save the County $83,015.
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked for more information on the Veterans Affairs action for
Operation Reach. John McPaul, Community Outreach and Events Coordinator,
explained that they have received funds from DDAP to extend the contracts for
Operation Reach through the end of the year. This will also allow them to move money
around to where the funds are needed the most. Commissioner Thomas asked what the
relationship is with the Veterans Center and these services. Mr. McPaul explained that
some veterans cannot get to Martinsburg for appointments and some had bad
experiences so they refuse to go there. He explained that the new Missions Act went
into effect recently so they are still getting information on how to refer veterans to get the
care they need in the community. The items will be approved on Thursday, June 27,
2019.
Charles Martin, Human Resources Generalist, and members of the STAR
(Special Thanks and Recognition Committee) were present to award to Ms. Kathleen
(Kati) McGrath as Employee of the Month for June. Ms. McGrath has been employed
with Franklin County since 1986. She currently serves as the Chief Juvenile Probation
Officer. The selection for the June 2019 Employee of the Month was determined by the
STAR Committee. There were a total of fourteen nominations. The STAR nomination
form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Kathleen and the answers
ls.
Statistics show that students who drop out of school are eight times more likely to enter
the criminal justice system. Youth courts help to keep students engaged in school so
they can stay in the school system and are more likely to graduate. Communities who
use youth courts as an alternative to sanctions such as suspensions and expulsions
report improved school climates more conducive to learning, lower tardiness levels,
fewer disciplinary incidents, higher graduation rates, and enhanced student career
awareness. Youth courts are transforming to school environments and student
empowerment. Chambersburg High School was the first school chosen for the program.
To date, three student trainings have been held to educate students on how a youth
court operates. This youth court program has completed its third year and continues to
thrive with students successfully completing the program. Waynesboro High School was
the second school targeted for a youth court program. After two presentations to the
Waynesboro School Board, various meetings with school personnel, and finally a
training for students, the Waynesboro Youth Court program finished its first year. The
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Waynesboro school administration was so pleased with the program it decided to add a
criminal justice course as an elective. This class will allow youth court procedures to be
taught to students as part of a curriculum which is a best practice. That class has 135
students signed up for the first year! In addition to the youth court initiatives Kati is
expanding the Youth Aid Panel program, which has been operating in Waynesboro since
2004. Kati works tirelessly for the good of all youth in our county. She is diligent in her
characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by her peers. The nomination
form describes her as dedicated, takes initiative and exemplifies leadership skills. We
are grateful to Ms. Kathleen McGrath as she exudes a high standard of customer
service, excellence, and respect to the employees and residents of Franklin County.
32 years and she
appreciates this award. Chairman Keller agrees that she has been tireless in promoting
Youth Court and Youth Aid Panels. He is glad to see that she is recognized by her
peers for the good work that she does. Commissioner Thomas said when he first came
this is the passion of her job. Yes she has support of the judges and President Judge
Van Horn has been an advocate for children, but still it takes her engagement. He
spoke with Dr. Kline of Waynesboro School District who said he was really impressed
n her
agency. Commissioner Ziobrowski said after 32 years she is still bringing her A game.
He is a veteran of school boards and getting them to do what she wants is impressive.
Ms. McGrath said that Dr. Eaton is her partner with Youth Court and she volunteers her
time after work hours. Dr. Eaton is who nominated her. Mark Singer, Court
Administrator, said that President Judge Van Horn could not be here today but she
wishes she could be here for Kati. He continued that the contributions that Kati makes is
unsurpassed. Kati is someone he can go to for guidance or direction and she is willing
to work with him on anything he needs completed.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:51 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review real estate matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at
10:39 a.m. No action was required after executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 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