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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-24 Commissioner MinutesTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, October 24, 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 L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was no public comment. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the minutes of the October 15, 2019 and October 17, 2019 meetings. The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the agreement signed on October 10, 2019 between the County of Franklin and Senior Excursions, Inc. to change the date for the Center Without Walls Jingle bus trip to December 8, 2019 and amend the deposit to a refundable instead of non-refundable deposit. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the confidentiality agreement between the County of Franklin and RVG Management and Development Company. The Commissioners also authorize the county administrator to execute any agreements related to the county's due diligence as it relates to the subject matter of the non -disclosure. The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Annual Report to the PA Department of Human Services, Bureau of Financial Operations, for the FY2018-2019 Human Services Block Grant showing total revenue and expenditures. The Board reviewed MH/IDD/EI matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the updated 2018-2019 contract listings for Mental Health, Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, and Early Intervention. Contract listing is maintained for proper accounting of all contacts to include vendor name and address, type(s) of service provided and rate(s) charged for services. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and RA Hill General Contractor to provide excessive snow removal at the Courthouse Complex, Franklin Farm Lane and the Administrative Annex on an as needed basis at an estimated cost of $3,500.00, for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Daily rates and premium rates are based on the type of equipment used for a specific job. Continued on page 2 In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Edge Rubber Recycling, LLC notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General permit application being applied for a project on property located in Chambersburg, PA. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. John Hart, Project Manager, said the recommendation from staff, the project manager, the county solicitor, and architects is to award the bid for the Franklin County Lincoln Way East Parking Lot (Elks Building) to Lycoming Supply, Inc. for a total bid price of $$515,128.04. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to award the bid to Lycoming Supply, Inc. This proposal is the lowest responsible bidder. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, asked to amend the motion to include that the County Administrator is authorized to execute all contracts and documents related to the award after the Board signs the Notice of Intent to Award today. The Board approved to amend the agenda to include this language. Chairman Keller explained that this is the date for the Board to provide guidance and direction to staff on the preliminary budget; the "all requests" budget that was presented on Tuesday. He informed Ms. Gray that the Board provided guidance on Tuesday and asked if there is any more clarification needed. Ms. Gray said that she wanted to confirm that what she heard on Tuesday is to focus on public safety, technology and to keep quality staff that we have. She asked about budget parameters and she knows that what the Board heard on Tuesday was not acceptable but she would like to know what the acceptable range is. Chairman Keller said that they want to end 2020 the same way as 2019 as far as to end with 60 days or more of unrestricted reserves, with no tax increase. We are anticipating to project the year with $1 million in savings in General Fund expenditures, which factors in slightly better performance than what was anticipated. He said that we need to make use of the savings from 2019 and roll that over to 2020 and use if needed. This year we budgeted to use approximately $3 million from general fund reserves if needed. We can plan on using this again but also it's prudent to use funds from 40 and 41 since we are ending the year somewhere around $3 million for each of the funds. We need to make adequate use of these funds but they are not looking to decimate either of these funds. Commissioner Thomas said he has an issue with going down to 60 days in reserves because that $4 million will not be sustainable next year. He continued that we don't know what will happen in Children & Youth with the change in the federal definition of how much can be used in Children & Youth, which could leave a big gap. Chairman Keller said that the consensus of the Board is to be closer to 90 days in reserves but they will see what staff comes back with in November. Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director and Morgan Yiengst, HR Generalist presented information on the 2020 benefits for employees. Ms. Bloyer mentioned that open enrollment sessions start tomorrow at 9:00 AM. She mentioned that we are going paperless this year and that the benefit book will be emailed to employees except they will be printing about 150 booklets for correctional officers and other employees that don't have access to email. She continued that we are offering more options to employees this year. Ms. Bloyer said we have been with Highmark since 2016 and we are staying with them for medical and vision again this year. The employees will have two deductible options this year. There will be no premium increase if they move to $4K/8K deductible but if an employee wants to stay with $3K/6K deductible there will be a 10% increase to their premium. Ms. Gray said the County will incur the same costs as the employees with these two options. She continued that in looking at our options, it will provide more work for Human Resources staff but it will provide flexibility for Continued on page 3 employees. Ms. Bloyer continued that vision will stay the same as 2019. She said that we have been with Delta Dental since 2010 for dental insurance and there will be no changes with the base plan but employees can choose orthodontic as an enhanced option. There is no cost to the County just to the employee if they choose the orthodontic option. Ms. Bloyer said there are new voluntary benefit providers that will be a cost savings. We will be moving to Transamerica for short term disability, cancer, accident and universal life. We will be moving to Mutual of Omaha for long term disability, voluntary term life insurance, county paid life and dependent term life. The other change Ms. Bloyer wanted to mention is that we are moving from Nationwide to Voya Financial for the 457b benefits. Chairman Keller asked for more clarification and if this benefit is to set aside more for retirement. Harold Wissinger, Controller, responded that there are benefits with this type of retirement savings including pretax dollars among other benefits. He said that if employees put more than the 9% that is required for the County's retirement they are taxed on that extra amount so he said this is a good option for employees. Ms. Gray said we should be encouraging employees to put money somewhere else so this gives them another option. Ms. Bloyer continued the presentation and explained the $1,000 opt out incentive for employees who do not choose the County's insurance. With the Health Savings Account (HSA) employees will receive $500 split over two pays in January and July in 2020. The County will also provide $500 for individuals, $750 for two person or $1,000 for family into employee's HSA's. Commissioner Thomas said that he wanted to mention that these funds are pre - taxed and employees will not have to pay Federal or State tax on these funds. Ms. Bloyer also explained that the wellness program will provide an incentive of $500 for employees that want to participate, if they earn the 700 required points. Chairman Keller appreciates staff taking a fresh look at the voluntary insurance and looking at alternatives for employees and finding something better at lower prices. Ms. Bloyer responded that if the County were to keep the plans the way they were it would have cost over $1 million more. She said it was very hard in Human Resources because they really care about the employees and it's a hard decision for them. She continued that she is appreciative of the Commissioners and their willingness to put funds into the employee's HSA. She said there are very few employers that offer this benefit for their employees. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that the county used to put $1,000 into each HSA but if an employee left employment throughout the year they left with the full $1,000 so he does like the fact that we are splitting it up into two payments. But he would rather give the $1,000 instead of the $500 but only give to employees that match it and put more into their HSA but that's just his opinion. Chairman Keller responded that going forward they can look at that again next year. With looking at a significant increase, looking at it overall this was a prudent move and this was the recommendation from staff. Commissioner Thomas said he agrees and if we would add another $500 times however many employees, he's not sure we can do that this year. He asked that they monitor the Orthodontic dental benefit closely due to him thinking that employees will only buy it when they need it. Ms. Gray responded that they will monitor it and we will know in first six months where it's at. Ms. Bloyer responded that it is hard to predict because they will only get it if it's needed. Commissioner Thomas applauds Ms. Bloyer for an excellent presentation. This is the way to balance it and employees will get a good plan and tax payers will get a break. Ms. Gray said that the contracts with the vendors will be presented at a later date. Continued on page 4 The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobrowski