HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-15 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with
the following members present: David S. Keller, John T. Flannery 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.
The meeting was live streamed.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz from Chambersburg provided public comment and asked to speak to
Carrie Gray about board action item #2 after the meeting. She asked if the ballot printer
for board action item #3 is a new machine for voter registration and if the price is correct
because she was shocked to see that it was only $600 and not $6,000.
Valerie Jordan from Fayetteville provided public comment concerning the FEMA
grant for the mass inoculation site and she asked if the commissioners have received a
notice from FEMA. C
right now but he will follow up with her. Ms. Jordan said she read the grant from FEMA
inoculation site; they had plenty of other places to go. She explained how she visited the
site twice and noticed that section of the mall was way too large for a mass inoculation
site. She saw that 2,200 people availed themselves of it. While she was there a young
fellow asked her if she wanted to come in as a walk-
why the Commissioners entertained the Wellspan Hospital president. They have to think
this site. A gentleman told her that the Chambersburg School District was putting a
mass site at the high school which is a liability and she stopped it from happening. Ms.
Jordan said the Board took on a liability by doing the mass inoculation site. She said
people but she has empathy for those people. Ms. Jordan said that Wellspan in 2021
will probably make $4 billion with all the money they are making off of the pandemic.
The other issue she wanted to mention is the shortage of doctors and nurses right now.
They claim the hospital beds are filled up but the existing doctors and nurses are
minutes and sees that teachers are leaving. Her empathy is with the poor people in this
county.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the September 8, 2021 meeting were reviewed. These will be
decided upon in the afternoon approval session.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked Ms. Gray to explained item #3 to answer the question from Ms. Wertz during
public comment. Ms. Gray explained that this is a new printer that replaces a ballot on
demand printer we currently have. She explained that this printer is off the network.
She compliments Jean Byers, Deputy Chief Clerk for the price since she researches the
most cost effective solution and it is stated accurately at $604.00. The items will be
decided upon in the afternoon approval session.
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The Board reviewed Personnel matters. Ms. Gray explained that when Ms.
Goshorn transferred to the administrator position her prior job description was reviewed
and a few changes were made to better reflect the duties of the position. On a motion
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the
revised Children, Youth, and Family Services Deputy Director position description in the
Children & Youth Department.
The Board held a general discussion on the Court Facilities Improvement Project
Financing. Carrie Gray explained that John Frey from PFM Financial Advisors, LLC,
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director and herself are here to provide a financing update and
recommendation for 2021 bond issuance in the amount of $7 million. Mr. Frey provided
the interest rates and how they decreased further last year and they have stayed low.
existing debt service for the county. He continued that it was always part of the plan that
the County would have to come back to for another round of borrowing. Issuers that are
tax exempt including the County have the option to borrow up to $10 million annually
and it provides certain benefits that are deemed bank qualified. In January 2021, the
County borrowed $2.75 million for the Motorola project so the plan would be to borrow
$7.25 million in October or November and it would have to be settled by the end of 2021.
Mr. Frey said there will be a two-step process to wrap up the financing for the projects.
Step 1 is to issue a bank qualified note for $7.25 by the end of the year. Step 2 is the
final issuance in 2022 that would be another bank qualified loan to settle in the first half
of the year. They could determine the final amount once they know the needs the
County has at that time. He said this is a good structure and the plan that was put in
place in 2017 and 2018. Mr. Frey said the credit rating for the County right now is AA
which allows good access to the market. He said they will go through the process in the
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next 30 days and be back here at the October 20 board meeting which is when the live
auction will be done around lunchtime and the underwriting firm that has the lowest rate
will be approved and paperwork brought before the Board late afternoon or evening to
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sign the paperwork. October 30 would be the settlement of those bonds with the states
approval and the funds will be available at that time. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked
what the interest rate will be for the blended rate for borrowing and Mr. Frey responded
3% would be a good percentage estimate and that they are at an all-time low.
Commissioner Ziobrowski asked Teresa if the total debt service as a percentage for the
General Fund is well below the median for PA counties and Ms. Beckner responded
it result in a tax increase and Ms. Beckner responded that no, this was part of the
original plan. The current millage will be sufficient. Commissioner Flannery said the
original estimate for the project was $67M and we already received bonds in the amount
of $55M with this $7.25M that will put us at $62.25M towards the $67M project which
leaves $4.25M to finish the project. He stated that up to this point we have been on or
under budget. Ms. Gray responded that the bids came in for the second phase of the
archives project higher than anticipated; however, the other projects and change orders
are lower than anticipated. Commissioner Flannery asked if we still anticipate hitting the
$67M total project. Ms. Gray responded that they will try to get to that as close as
possible. Chairman Keller said that this two-
what the courthouse annex will come in at and the rates are at an all-time low but timing
is good and will be able to stay within the mills that they told taxpayers so this plan would
not change that. He stated that the Board is ready to proceed.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. for final approval of the
items that were reviewed.
The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
Continued on page 3
There was no public comment.
Chairman Keller announced that Commissioner Ziobrowski will be late for the
meeting this afternoon.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved the minutes of the September 8, 2021 meeting.
The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Project Modification Request to
PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to request a 3 month no-cost
extension to allow for full expenditure of the $50,000 allocation for the Moving Forward
Support Group which purpose is to remove thinking errors that lead to criminal justice
involvement. The Moving Forward Support Group is an initiative of the Community
Engagement task force of Franklin Together and its community partners, Franklin
County Adult Probation, and the criminal justice court system.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the agreement between
the County of Franklin and Aetna for Plan year 2022 renewal of health/prescription
insurance coverage for retirees age 65 and older that are eligible under the County's
Post Employment Healthcare Policy. Rates per member per month have slightly
increased by about 3%. No changes are being proposed to the plan design. Cost to the
County is based on retiree eligibility criteria for each member and varies slightly from
month to month.
The Board reviewed Voter Registration matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the System Purchase Order from Election Systems & Software, LLC to
purchase a ballot printer and accessories in the amount of $604.00. This printer is used
to print ballots on demand for absentee and mail in ballots.
In accordance with PA Act notifications, Larson Design Group notified the County
of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Obstruction Permit for
culvert replacement over Cold Spring Run and bridge rehabilitation project over
Conococheague Creek located in Greene Township.
The Board reviewed information on Proclamation #2021-14 proclaiming the
month of September as National Recovery Month. Christy Unger, Drug & Alcohol
Administrator, was present to receive the proclamation and thanked the Board for their
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time. She explained that this month marks the 32 annual National Recovery Month.
This was created in 1989 to celebrate the journey of those in recovery and offer hope to
all who are struggling with or affected by substance use disorders. She continued that
better serve those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
Behavioral health is essential to health and overall well-being. We must continue to
develop strong partnerships between our physical health providers, treatment providers,
and community agencies to support all those in recovery, as well as those seeking hope
of recovery. She said that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and
do recover. Chairman Keller asked if there are any activities for the month. Ms. Unger
responded that there is the Rock for Recovery on September 18th from 12pm-5pm at
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Mercersburg Lions Club; and Sober September Speaker Jam on September 25 from
3pm-7pm at Cowans Gap Park. She said everyone is welcome at these events to show
Continued on page 4
support for individuals in recovery! Chai
House and thanked him for all he does in the world of recovery. Commissioner Flannery
said the proclamation mentions 10% of the population is affected which is a big number.
Unfortunately for him, he dealt with
seen a person totally change their personality and how this person is a better family
Chairman Keller said that recov
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, 5 or 6
time there. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved Proclamation 2021-14 and that the attached proclamation be made a part of
these minutes.
Carrie Gray presented the Key Concepts Employee Cost Savings Initiative and
explained that as they remember the Board tasked staff to develop a plan to engage
employees to help save money in the General Fund and improve efficiencies.
Commissioner Flannery worked with a team of staff that included Tiffany Bloyer, Corey
Fake, John T
the idea Key Concepts which pays homage to Ben Franklin whose famous 1752 kite-
and-key experiment sparked the concept of lightning rods. That invention has prevented
an untold number of lightning-ignited structure fires. Ms. Gray explained the process:
The team developed a form through LaserFiche forms that employees can fill out and
submit at least two ideas per month. They can remain anonymous. There is a review
committee that will review the ideas monthly and decide whether or not to move them
forward. They will look at cost savings and feasibility of implementing the ideas. For
those suggestions that result in real savings to the county there are incentives for the
employee. They are recommending a pilot program of three months at first.
Commissioner Flannery said that most people know th
owner and in the private sector they do things differently than the county does. He can
go back to his days 30 years ago where he ran a printing press many hours a day. He
was able to work into a position where he could confide with management. He
remembers talking to a top manager that said their biggest expense is labor. He
remembers thinking that they buy all these supplies and the biggest expense is labor but
lways stuck with him about
how important people are to achieve good results. He was a minute late today. Although
member and let them know how important they are. The County has 700 employees
which they know more than the commissioners do on what we can do to be efficient in
the operations of the county. An entrepreneur decides to make a widget but does he
ever consider who actually makes it. In the private sector a
what makes the world go around and makes a business succeed. This idea transpired
from his past history and what he tries to do. He thanks everyone for pushing this idea
through for him. This is an opportunity to give the employees a voice on a different level.
staff. He is willing to do his part in evaluating these ideas that are submitted by
employees. He is delighted to see this come to fruition. Chairman Keller acknowledges
him for suggesting we implement a program like this and thanks him for his involvement
in developing it, tweaking it and pushing it through. He hopes its successful and hopes
to continue it. We have great employees up and down the line; have had great ideas
come in from the past from front line workers to the top. A lot has been implemented,
but this takes it to a new level - formalizes it and emphasizes their importance.
easier for lots of members of the team to help with the planning and implementation of
. Chairman Keller will wait to hear the first ideas coming
through. Ms. Gray said this is the fun stuff and she is excited to see how we can learn
from folks involved.
Continued on page 5
Commissioner Ziobrowski entered the meeting room at 2:20 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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David S. Keller, Chairman
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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski