HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-17 Commissioner MinutesTUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, December 17, 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 and wished everyone a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
The minutes of the December 10, 2019 and December 12, 2019 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller said
that Steve Malesker, Bridge Engineer from C.S. Davidson, is with us today to provide
more information on board action item #2. Mr. Malesker explained that next year there
will be a bid for replacement of Bridge 121 on Heisey Road. He noted that it's a
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project and it will be 80% federal, 15% state
and 5% county funded. The estimated project will cost $1.9 million. As the bridge
engineer they will do the bridge consultation and review shop drawings, attend meetings
and oversee contractor and inspections. He explained further that the let date is March
26t" so they are asking PennDOT to move the date up since we are ahead of schedule.
They would like to move the date to February but PennDOT is still looking at the March
date to open the bids for the project. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if we have Liquid
Fuel funds available to pay the County's portion and Ms. Gray explained that Liquid
Fuels will cover the 5%. Chairman Keller asked John Hart, Project Manager, to explain
board action #3 change order from Lobar. Mr. Hart explained that the change order is
due to overexcavation on the employee elevator behind the secure area at the
courthouse project. He continued that it's down lower in the foundation and when the
contractor started digging, they hit limestone and clay that's high in moisture so they
have to put stone in to get the 3,800 PSI to put a concrete platform on it. He said the
price is high because the contractor was in there hitting stone for a week so it took a
substantial amount of time. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if we are still within budget
and Mr. Hart responded yes. Commissioner Thomas asked if the rain and snow has
slowed downed the projects and Mr. Hart responded that that we are losing some days
with the bad weather and that both sites have very little going on because of all the rain.
He continued that the Courthouse is pushing up against the calendar but the
Administration building is ahead of schedule. Lobar can gain more days when the
weather clears up. Commissioner Thomas asked John Thierwechter, Director of DES,
for more explanation on the change order for VESTA hardware. Mr. Thierwechter
explained that rapidSOS is technology that helps find location of cell phone calls to the
911 center and uses additional inputs that are not available to Phase II 911 calling. The
issue with the paid version is that it does not work well with the current CAD system.
There is a free version that they are currently using but their decision was to get a refund
on what we paid and use the free version for now and when they get the new CAD it will
then be integrated. The items will be approved Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Carrie Gray, County Administrator, explained that today is the day that satisfies
the obligation for public viewing of the 2020 budget. She continued that the budget
presented on November 26t" fulfills the mission of the County within the parameters that
the Commissioners have set. She said the one item that did change was the amount of
the library tax. Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, said that there has not been any public
comment but there have been a few minor changes and that the adjustments are budget
Continued on page 2
neutral. Ms. Gray pointed out that they have received compliments on the budget in
brief that Teresa and her staff put together. Commissioner Thomas said the biggest
challenge they have is communication to the public and asked if we know how many
people click and view the budget on the website. Julia Lehman, Communications
Coordinator explained that there are multiple modes of communication including press
releases, social media and the banner on the website. Chairman Keller said the budget
has been available for the required 20 days and he has received no comments so he is
ready to proceed.
The Board presented the 2020 Franklin County budget for adoption this date. On
a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously
approved the following resolution adopting the 2020 budget:
RESOLUTION #2019 - 21
WHEREAS, the 2020 Franklin County Budget has been prepared in accordance with the
County Code Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130) as amended.
WHEREAS, the 2020 Franklin County Proposed Budget was approved on Tuesday,
November 26, 2019 and was made available for public inspection for at least 20 days.
WHEREAS, the Proposed Budget and date set for the final action on the budget has
been made a matter of public notice.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget does not have increased expenditures of more than ten
(10) per centum in the aggregate or more than twenty-five (25) per centum in any
function over the proposed budget as made available for public inspection.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget reflects as nearly as possible the estimated revenues
and expenditures for the year 2020.
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA, to adopt the 2020 Budget as presented
this date.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved that the following resolution be adopted fixing the millage rate for
real estate taxes for the year 2020 and the specific sums established to be required for
the specific purposes of County Government; hereinafter, set forth during the current
fiscal year:
RESOLUTION #2019 - 22
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA.
SECTION 1 - That a tax be set and the same is hereby levied on all real property within
Franklin County subject to taxation for the County purposes for the fiscal year 2020 as
follows: Tax rate for general purposes, the sum of twenty-five (25) mills of each dollar
assessed valuation with an additional four and one tenth (4.1) mills for the purposes of
retirement of County debt services.
SECTION 2 -That for the expenses of the County for the fiscal year 2020 the following
amounts are hereby appropriated from the revenue available for the fiscal year for the
specific purposes, which amount are fully itemized in the County budget.
Continued on page 3
SECTION 3 - That any Resolution, or part of a Resolution, conflicting with this
Resolution be and the same is hereby repealed in so far as the same affects this
Resolution.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved the following Resolution imposing a total of one and three tenths
(1.3) mills of real estate taxes for the purpose of the County Library in voting districts that
have approved imposition of such tax by referendum and as authorized under the laws
of the Commonwealth of PA in those voting districts.
RESOLUTION #2019 - 23
BE IT RESOLVED, that a tax at the total rate of one and three tenths (1.3) mills on each
dollar of assessed valuation for the fiscal year 2020 for the County Library purposes,
shall be and the same is hereby imposed upon all taxable real estate in Franklin County
as heretofore authorized by the voters of the various voting districts and as authorized
under the laws of the Commonwealth of PA.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:53 a.m. this date for the
purpose to discuss real estate and pending litigation matters. Ms. Gray said there will be
no action requested after the executive session. The Board reconvened into regular
session at 11:04 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 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