Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-07 Commissioner MinutesTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, November 7, 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. Glen Sabetto from Fort Loudon provided public comment and said she is here representing the Fort Loudon Community and that there is a movement to close the Fort Loudon Library. The problem with this move is the citizens of Fort Loudon were not informed. She said the first public knowledge was when they read the news in the Herald Mail or the Public Opinion. The citizens feel shocked and blindsided. She continued that they feel that this decision should not be in stone, they should have an opportunity to make things better and requesting a timeframe to get the library back on track and get the library working better. She said to close it without informing the citizens with no transparency is not right. Dr. Lloyd Muller from Fort Loudon provided public comment and wanted to thank the library counsel for their dedicated work for the past 50 years. His tools of trade are teaching, reading and learning. He is disappointed about the move to close the library. He received a letter yesterday that outlines the reasons for the closing and the one thing that was mentioned was a consultant came in 18 months ago and at that time they recommended the Fort Loudon Library be closed. He continued that would have been a good time for the library counsel to step forward and let the citizens know the facts. This could have put the responsibility on the residents of Fort Loudon to increase patronage. But it was a blind side and Fort Loudon is a small community so he is here today to add his voice to give them some time and put the responsibility on the residents to keep their library going. Yvonne Butts -Mitchel from Fort Loudon provided public comment said that she doesn't have an understanding of library funding, and how Fort Loudon fits in with a partnership opportunity that may have been missed and how we are failing our local facility. She asked what the number of folks is needed to come regularly to make it viable? She is trying to understand the numbers. Her personal use of the library is using the internet in a town where internet is not reliable. She continued that folks here from Fort Loudon have secured grants for the library, secured speakers and programs for the library. Her appeal is for them to understand they are caring people and need more time to digest and secure partnerships. She would also like to know what renovations are being done to partner with companies like Geocaching. She is concerned generally about the library system. Chairman Keller responded that he will refer some of her questions to Bernice Crouse to try to get them addressed. Mary Kauffman from Fort Loudon is concerned about the closing of the library and the future of the community if they don't get this rectified now. She is concerned about that; she uses the internet at the library because she lives in Fort Loudon where they do not have a lot of choices in internet. That's where she goes to use her IPad, and she is not sure she is counted since she uses her personal IPad. There is also a lack of books for children, because it's important for school readiness. Maybe the kids aren't counted because they don't check books out and only read them at the library when they visit. Continued on page 2 Kim Pensinger, lifelong resident of Fort Loudon said a lot of people don't have access to internet. She said job applications need done online. Her father had to renew his tags on the computer so they had to use the library. If she gets stuck on the computer while at the library, someone was there to help her. Dr. Muller said in concluding remarks on his part, the library is not merely a place where books are checked out and read, it's a lifelong learning center. He gave a lecture there in September, at one time they taught a guitar session, it's important for early childhood development. It's imperative that standards like reading 10 books a month is important. If getting 25 new members each week, would have everyone from newborn to seniors from the community. The purpose of the library is a lifelong learning center. He said that these need to be carefully evaluated before a decision is made. Chairman Keller said he's on the library board and he's a little closer to the issues then the other commissioners are. He thinks it would be helpful to have Bernice Crouse come in in the near future and explain what is going on. Carrie Gray will make arrangements with Bernice. Commissioner Ziobrowski responded that we have no control over the library system other than providing library tax funding. We will pass it on and ask Bernice to explain. Commissioner Thomas said that the Board does appoint library board members, but he just heard about this closing last Friday. He continued that this process was not determined by this Board of Commissioners. Chairman Keller thanked them for being here and appreciates their comments and said the Board will follow up with them. 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 29, 2019 and October 31, 2019 meeting. The Board reviewed agreements, contracts and reports. Commissioner Thomas asked for more information on the Team LMI agreement. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, said that we have engaged this group to help assess new hires and help with selection for positions such as the Public Defender, MH/IDD/EI Administrator and the Planning Director. She continued that Steve Nevada will be leaving the county so we have asked Team LMI to help with hiring his replacement. Chairman Keller explained that item #2 with Newcomer and Associates is related to the Coroner office space needs since his office is in his house. Due to increased growth, the Coroner asked for consolidated operations. Newcomer and Associates will be looking at the feasibility of using a county building for that purpose. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he is okay with the concept of what Newcomer is doing but he hopes if a red flag comes up in the beginning of the investigation of the space that we would stop the process. Ms. Gray responded that they have already looked at the space and plans to see if there were any red flags before getting to this point. She noted that the contract cost is a "not - to -exceed" price and they will monitor the activity and stop if the project is deemed not feasible. The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract between the County of Franklin and PennCares to provide one stress management session on November 21, 2019 to consumers that attend the Caregiver Support Group at a cost of $307.73. Continued on page 3 The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract to engage Newcomer and Associates to review the renovation potential of a county -owned building for Coroner and additional operations. Costs including existing plan and code reviews, structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) assessment, as well as site plan and conceptual estimates and schemes. This quote is at a cost of $22,850.00. The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the contract bid documents for the Franklin County Archive Building Storage with J.C. Orr & Son, Inc. This amendment is to extend the exterior finishes on or before November 8, 2019 with the exception of the Extech panels which shall be installed on or before December 31, 2019. Owner acknowledges that Extech window panels are not available for installation until mid -to -late December. The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved Resolution 2019-16 to rescind Resolution 2012-16 entitled "A Resolution of the County of Franklin Authorizing the Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards". County staff has determined it is not in the best interest of the County to pursue the actions set forth in the prior resolution. This resolution will be effective November 7, 2019. The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Team LMI Hiring Services to provide hiring consulting services to be used in filling the Assistant County Administrator position at a cost of $1,485.00. The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding in the event Franklin County and other organizations incur response costs to a hazardous material incident in Franklin County. Franklin County DES will attempt recovery of expense costs for all parties' costs and work collaboratively for these organizations. The County shall proceed with the action it deems most appropriate on behalf of all organizations who have submitted response costs. The Board reviewed additional Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and Department of Public Safety Training and Certification of Bucks County Community College to provide a maximum of 200 hours of onsite, non -certification, training courses at Franklin County Public Safety Training Center for the calendar year of 2020, at a cost of $1,200.00. Provides DES and local responders with national and state level fire, rescue, emergency medical and hazardous materials training. Students are responsible for required manuals; DES provides required equipment, expendable items and the classroom for hands-on sessions. The Board reviewed additional Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the quote from Geo-Comm, Inc. to provide software support. The software from GeoComm provides tools that will help keep the GIS (geographic information system, or mapping) and 911 MSAG (master street index guide) in line going forward to assist in the transition more easily into the NG911 (Next Generation 911) upgrade requirements. It will also improve the turnaround time when municipalities request assistance assigning addresses. This service is at a cost of $1,900.00 for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Continued on page 4 The Board reviewed ITS matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the quote from Dell to purchase two servers located at the Human Services Building (HSB) at a cost of $11,020.00. The servers are old and need replaced. These servers run directory and print services and are needed for continuity of operations. If one of the network connections between downtown and HSB should fail, the HSB and Adult Probation will be able to continue most operations. The Board reviewed MH/IDD/EI matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the updated 2019-2020 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 Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Habitat for Humanity to provide a Housing Trust Fund grant in the amount of $50,000.00 to be used towards construction of a new affordable home at 228 Dickenson Avenue in Waynesboro and rehab a home at 536 South Second Street, Chambersburg. The Board reviewed additional Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and Michael Baker International to complete a public participation plan (PPP) on behalf of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Planning Department staff at a cost of $9,727.00, of which $8,754.30 will be covered by PennDOT and Federal Highway Grants. The remaining amount of $972.70 will be paid by the County General Fund. The PPP is a Federally -required plan that documents how the MPO will engage the public in the transportation planning process. The plan is listed in the MPO Unified Planning Work Program and funding is available in the budget. The Board reviewed additional Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and Michael Baker International to complete a Title VI Plan on behalf of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Planning Department staff at a cost of $9,402.00, of which $8,461.80 will be covered by PennDOT and Federal Highway Grants. The remaining amount of $940.20 will be paid by the County General Fund. The Title VI Plan is a Federally -required plan that documents how the MPO will include traditionally excluded entities in the transportation planning process. Including limited English proficiency, minorities and environmental justice populations. The plan is listed in the MPO Unified Planning Work Program and funding is available in the budget. The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Service Agreement between the County of Franklin and Inservco Insurance Services, Inc. to provide third party administrative claims and safety/loss control services for the County's Workers' Compensation Self Insurance Program as required to maintain self-insurance status. The cost of the agreement is a total amount of $14,420.00 for the year 2020 and $14,852.00 for years 2021 and 2022 for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The cost is covered through the Workers Compensation Trust Fund. Continued on page 5 The Board reviewed Tax Claim Bureau matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to accept bids on the repository list made by; Scott Naugle in the amount of $100.00 to purchase a mobile home located in South Mountain, PA. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Manitowoc notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Title V Permit and Air Quality Program permit being applied in order to comply with the PA Air Pollution Control Act. Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, along with a few members of the Wellness Committee presented a fundraising check to Cheyanne Morris from the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance. Ms. Bloyer explained that in October the County raised $1,300 through fundraising by either purchasing pink ribbons, dress down days, and a breast cancer walk. Ms. Morris said that Sharon Brosious couldn't be here today but they are so thankful for the fundraiser and if anyone that knows any women that are uninsured and need a mammogram to send them their way. She thanked the Board and county staff for all they do. Chairman Keller thanked the Wellness Committee. The Board met with Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director and the Controller Harold Wissinger for Salary Board matters. Also in attendance was Mark Singer, Court Administrator; Kevin Zook, DUI Supervisor for Adult Probation; and Doug Amsley, Children & Youth Administrator. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to establish the Intake Manager, Children & Youth Services position Description. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked the Board to consider a resolution to approve the use of tax-exempt financing for SpiriTrust Lutheran. She explained that this Resolution does not pledge or obligate the credit or taxing powers of the County and does not otherwise financially obligate the County. This Resolution only requires the County to approve projects and refinancing associated with this tax-exempt obligation as a municipality having jurisdiction over the geographical location of the facility sites. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved Resolution 2019-17 for issuance of tax exempt obligations as presented. The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ,�,?p--r David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobrowski