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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-30 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, July 30, 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. There was no public comment. The minutes of the July 23, 2019 and July 25, 2019 meetings were reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, August 1, 2019. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner Thomas asked for more information on the improvements to text to 911. Ms. Gray explained that VESTA system is to enhance the ability for callers or texters to send information to 911 without using voice communications options through phones. This will also include video clips. She continued that we are working toward NextGEN compliance. The following items were approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, August 1, 2019. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to appoint Mike Ross to the SCPa Works (South Central Workforce Investment Board) for a term of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022. and Mike has been a critical appointment to that board. He has served as Vice President and he has worked hard. Commissioner Ziobrowski is glad he is willing to serve another term. Human Services AdministratorStacie Horvath, Grants Director Glenda Helman, r Human Services Fiscal Director Stacy Rowe, and a few members from the Human Services Block Grant (HSBG) Committee conducted a public hearing on the Human Services Block Grant for 2019-20. Carrie Gray, County Administrator opened the public hearing by stating that Franklin County is in its eighth year in participating in the Block Grant process. There are 30 counties in the Block Grant program now. She continued that they have streamlined the process over time. This is one of two public hearings and we wanted to give the public the opportunity to comment by contacting the Commission and committee members attended the first public meeting but there were no public in attendance. Ms. Rowe provided the history of the block grant process that started in 2012. She reported that reinvested funds have totaled $923,971 over the last seven years. An additional $158,999 is projected for FY 2018-19. Ms. Rowe explained the description of service and total reinvested from FY 2012-/3 through FY 2017-18 which totaled $923 Center, Summer Work Program, Pathways, Supported Living and the implementation costs for the data warehouse project. Ms. Helman provided information on the FY 2019- 20 Block Grant Planning Process. Ms. Rowe provided the FY 2019-20 projected budget which totals $6,631,809 with 15,276 individuals to be served. She continued that overall there are 4,000 more individuals being served this year compared to last year.. The forensic funds include forensic supportive housing and supporting the co-responder expansion program in Chambersburg. Ms. Helman provided more information on the working committees, by-laws and procedures and how they continue to work on recruiting new HSBG committee members to fill vacancies. Ms. Horvath wanted to publicly thank Shelly Schwartz, Kim Wertz and Anne Larew for serving on the committee from the beginning of the block grant process and noted that their terms are ending. Kim Wertz responded that it was a privilege and honor to be on the board. She learned a lot and she hopes she contributed a lot. Mr. Schwartz responded that in the beginning the right thing when we give getting more information on outcomes and making lives better for the individuals that are being served. It appears we are moving in the right direction. He appreciates the staff for helping to lead the committee in the right direction and thanked them for all they do. Commissioner Thomas stated that it would be beneficial if more public dollars for federal and state would use this same approach but they just keep doing the same things over and over. Ms. Horvath said that 11,000 individuals have been helped over the years and the Block Grant idea put great things in motion. It filled gaps and we are helping the community. Chairman Keller wanted to thank the committee and the staff that are involved in this. He is proud that Franklin County was part of the original group. He mentioned that he had to go to court in the beginning of the process because it was challenged by one legislator. He was proud to advocate for this legislation on behalf of Franklin and Fulton counties and highlight that we had received less dollars then other counties in the past. He continued that a lot of reinvestment dollars have been targeted toward D&A treatment dollars. This process encourages us to save money we d need to spend and target programs that need the funds. He never forgets that we are in accomplish. Commissioner Thomas said that for many years Human Services funding has not increased from the State and a representative was trying to stop the Block Grant process but he agreed to give it a try. If there is any county that would be a picture perfect example it would be Franklin County. But one reason that Franklin County was chosen was because we have good management and good people and it takes good people to get it done. Ms. Gray said it was important to recognize Manny Diaz who is no longer with us. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he has nothing further to add but staff has done all the heaving lifting and they have done it really well. Chairman Keller said that the Board will stand by until Thursday for final approval of the plan and welcome any input from the community. Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, and members of the STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition Committee) were present to award the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Katrina Wright. Ms. Wright has been employed with Franklin County since 2017. She currently serves as a Caseworker II Intake for Children and Youth Services. The selection for the July 2019 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were a total of twelve nominations. The STAR nomination form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Katrina and the answers stated: -call. The majority of the day was quiet, until 11:30 pm, when a referral came in that needed to be addressed immediately. Katrina and a co-worker immediately responded and spent the next 9 hours assuring the safety of a sibling group, in addition to a small child that needed emergency medical treatment. The sibling group was ultimately placed into foster care together. Working in the child welfare system can be emotionally draining when you see or hear the trauma that a child has gone through. Katrina handled this case with extreme professionalism and caution, especially, in light of being awake for so long. Due to the nature of the case, Katrina then had to report to the Agency to provide as much information as possible for legal documentation. It should be noted that this weekend was not Katrina's weekend to be on-call; she took a co-worker's weekend as a favor! Katrina will cover on-call for other caseworkers, when needed. There have been numerous times that the weekends that Katrina covers, are busier and/or have more severe referrals than other weekends, and she handles the cases with poise and professionalism. Katrina has an incredible work ethic and understanding of the child welfare system. She is well respected by her peers, agency administration, and service providers. Frequently, Katrina mentors other caseworkers, will assist them with their cases if needed, and will respond to emergency cases with the on- Ms. peers. The nomination form describes her as well-respected, a mentor to other caseworkers, and she possesses an incredible work ethic and understanding of the child welfare system. We are grateful to Ms. Katrina Wright as she exudes a high standard of customer service, excellence, and respect to the employees and residents of Franklin County. Ms. Wright said that this case was one of the hardest she ever worked but it was made bearable because of the staff and supervisors she works with. Chairman job but she also cares for the children. He thanked her for all she does. Commissioner th Thomas said he is in his 24 year as a commissioner and in his first year he went along with Children & Youth workers on visits and it gave him a perspective that unless you see where the rubber hits the road you have no idea. He saw a lot of things as an EMT One thing he came away with was the stress level and the trauma that they all see, but somebody has to do these jobs. He really appreciates the love and care Ms. Wright has towards children. Commissioner Ziobrowski said Ms. Wright deals with a lot and he really appreciates all that she does. The meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ David S. Keller, Chairman ____________________________________ Robert L. Thomas ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski