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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-22 Commissioner Minutes WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, June 22, 2022, with the following members present: David S. Keller, John T. Flannery (attended virtually) 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. There was no public comment. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. The minutes of the June 15, 2022 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the minutes. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller asked Carrie Gray, County Administrator, to provide more details on board action items 10 and 11 that are for access and security improvements. Ms. Gray explained that item #10 is a request to allocate funds to add a door release button onto a desk for a judicial staff member to let customers in sooner rather than the staff member having to travel across the room to access the door. She continued that item #11 is to install ballistic film on a window that was broken but has been Compensation funds to cover the costs of these two actions. The items will be decided upon in the afternoon session. Dr. George Pomeroy, Professor with Shippensburg University, presented the Franklin County Housing Assessment. The presentation is attached and made a part of these minutes. Steve Thomas, Planning Director, explained that they are pleased with the work that was completed by Dr. Pomeroy, Dr. Claire Jantz and their team. Dr. Pomeroy said he is glad to present this and that they put their heart into it. He first wanted to acknowledge the Franklin County Planning Department Director and staff, Franklin County Planning Commission, Franklin County GIS Department, Franklin County Human Services, key persons that they interviewed, the Center for Land Use and Sustainability staff and students and for the funding provided by the Commissioners. Dr. Pomeroy said the charge was to encompass the following elements: to collect data related to demographics, employment and the economy and housing; public and non-profit housing-related community service organizations and programming; input from leading housing stakeholders; and current conditions relating to emergency shelter grants and related programming, affordable housing and housing for young professionals. The executive summary shows how important housing is for families and that housing is a legal imperative which is a mandate for Pennsylvania counties and municipalities to address housing issues. He provided an overview of the project that consisted of four parts. Part I is the demographic overview. What stood out was that the county is rapidly growing with the percentage of people 65 and above increasing and that the county is becoming more diverse with the Hispanic population that has grown to 6.5%. Part II: housing supply/inventory which focuses on housing rather than people. Dr. Pomeroy provided a chart showing market statistics for real estate sales and how there have been steadily increasing over time. He also provided a chart showing burdened housing for both renters and homeowners and income categories. Moderately burdened is spending 30% of gross income on housing and severely burdened is housing that costs 50% of gross income. He continued that comparable affordability rankings show that Chambersburg and Waynesboro are in better shape than in other areas across the country. Dr. Pomeroy provided information on evictions and that the key findings were that Franklin County Continued on page 2 has a lower eviction rate than the state average. He provided information on other considerations for a county housing plan that includes homelessness; elderly and aging; physical disabilities; mental health; people with intellectual disabilities and formerly incarcerated individuals. Part III of the analysis is the Housing Ecosystem that provides information on key person interviews and leading takeaways; trends; localized trends; notable quotes; obstacles; leading and other institutions; leading and other programs; and facilities. He continued that Part IV is analysis, assessment and issues with policy implications and that these are the considerations that could be made to address affordability for housing which also brings attention to the need for zoning reform. He said that the County does not control zoning but the County could reach out to municipalities to encourage changes to their zoning policies. He stated that fair housing is an issue but the County does have fair housing policies that are in place to address some of this already. Commissioner Ziobrowski said according to Mike Ross at Franklin County Area Development (FCADC) there is 10 million square feet of warehousing coming to the county that will add the need for more housing. He asked what will happen organically when we add more low to moderate incomes coming in. Dr. Pomeroy responded that there will be more burdened households. They have to have a place to live but if those new units are not multifamily it will force the workers to live farther away and have to drive further to work. Chairman Keller said that he read a good b with good information and it will be a good resource going forward. Mr. Thomas said after completion of this meeting they will push the information out to the public. He continued that this will be part of the Comprehensive Plan as well where they can pull information directly into the plan, how they can target these issues and have a collective approach to other partners in the County. Commissioner Ziobrowski said it would be in the best interest of municipalities to be privy to this information and with the Municipal Summit in the next couple of months this information can be presented there. Mr. Thomas responded that this analysis is one of the topics. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that years ago you lived where you worked which is not the case anymore which is one of the problems. They could add housing closer to needs. Mr. Thomas said that he will be in touch with rabbittransit and Commuter Services to discuss transportation needs. Commissioner Flannery commented that he understands we have citizens with challenges that are disabled, have medical conditions and seniors who are living on fixed incomes but as Commissioner Ziobrowski stated some individuals have the opportunity to pick up these warehouse jobs that are easily $50,000 a year jobs. He continued that he and his wife had to work two jobs to buy a $90,000 home. Two people households that have jobs should have no problem buying houses even with housing prices where they are at that should fit into their budget. This is great data but the onus falls on the individuals and not the government to provide housing. In this economic climate there is a lot of opportunity right now and if they are able that opportunity exists. Mr. Thomas thanked his staff and Dr. Pomeroy and his team for conducting this housing analysis. Commissioner Ziobrowski thanked Dr. Pomeroy and his staff for this report. There is a lot of interesting information in it and he and his team did a great job on the report. Chairman Keller thanked everyone who had a part in completing the analysis. Carrie Gray, County Administrator and Dr. Kim Eaton, Community Connections Division Director, provided an update on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Grant Program. The presentation is attached and made a part of these minutes. Ms. Gray said this presentation will provide a summary of the survey that was conducted as well as a review of the priorities and a recommendation moving forward on using the funds from the American Rescue Plan. She mentioned that Marissa Price from GMS Funding Solutions, who was attending virtually, helped with this project also. Dr. Eaton provided information on the survey that was online for two weeks and had 595 responses. The combined demographics showed that the respondents were residents of Franklin County and of the Borough of Chambersburg, white, female, age 35- 54 with incomes over $100,000 and there was at least one response from each municipality. stnd The following were the priorities that were ranked: 1 priority was support infrastructure; 2 rd priority was to revitalize communities that were negatively impacted by COVID; and 3 priority was to provide general government services. Dr. Eaton continued that there were 19 priority goals listed with a grading scale of 1 (lowest importance) to 4 (highest importance). She Continued on page 3 continued that the top seven priority goals included: Provide funding for Emergency Services; fund mental health programs; fund vocational education programs; fund physical health programs; provide county-wide grant opportunities to businesses; provide county-wide grant opportunities to nonprofits; and broadband expansion and improvements. Dr. Eaton said there were 316 comments so they grouped the suggestions into the following categories (ranked high to low): Communities; employees; families; emergency services; health; education and miscellaneous. Ms. Gray mentioned that they did meet with 8-10 community stakeholders to collect feedback to help inform recommendations. Dr. Eaton said that the recommendation is that with the $10 million that is available that the requests would be a minimum request of $25,000 to a maximum request of $500,000. They are recommending the application period be July 1 through August 31, 2022. The eligible entities would include municipalities and authorities but they must provide a 50% match and nonprofits with no match required. Chairman Kell balance of the funds would be used for. Ms. Gray stated that eligible expenses would be used to replace revenue loss and for other suggestions that were received from various county operations. There also was $600,000 set aside for the Agriculture Preservation initiative. Commissioner Flannery asked how those that already submitted requests will be notified. Ms. Gray responded that someone will reach out to them and the information will be placed on our website and social media outlets. Chairman Keller said that he would appreciate it if someone would reach out to them to let them know when the applications would be available. He stated that it sounds like we have a good plan. Ms. Gray said she is excited to see what they can bring before the Board for their consideration. 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. There was no public comment. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the HVAC maintenance contract between the County of Franklin and Stouffer Mechanical Contractor to provide preventative maintenance inspection and cleaning per the equipment list at a cost of $11,108.00 for the period of June 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The Board reviewed GIS matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the maintenance contract between the County of Franklin and ESRI, Inc. for all GIS licensing and support within Franklin County at a cost of $45,145.49 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. This contract covers multiple departments, including licensing for special projects and 911 CAD software, and is used for daily functions across multiple departments. The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the grant application to Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant requesting an amount of $49,762.48 that will cover up to 50% of the cost of body armor. Franklin County Drug Task Force have submitted requests for assistance with the cost of body armor. BJA considers requests from counties with a population below 100,000 first and then will consider the needs of counties with populations over 100,000. The Board reviewed additional Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the Project Modification to PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for a no-cost extension for the Over The Continued on page 4 The Board reviewed additional Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the grant application to PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to request a grant amount of $20,000.00 to provide on-line training and certification for the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Coordinator and one additional experienced staff person using the CIT Train the Trainer course. The staff will also attend the international CIT Conference in Salt Lake City Utah. This will provide the CIT staff with the essential tools and knowledge needed to further expand the CIT program in Franklin County. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the Master Health Services Agreement between the County of Franklin and Highmark, Inc. for administrative services for the health plan, Well360 Core Wellness program, pharmacy benefit, spending account (other than health savings account), health savings account services, and vision plan, effective January 1, 2022. The Board reviewed Information Technology Services matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the quote from CDI, LLC for hard drives to augment the Video Camera Recording Server at a cost of $34,950.82. In order to bring it in line with Vendor specifications these hard drives need to be installed in order to perform live recording on the server which then gets moved to network storage after 24 hours. Additionally, this will increase the size to support the cameras that need added from the Historic Courthouse. The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the work order authorization request from Michael Baker International for a no-cost six month time extension for the US Bike Route 11 study that is currently underway. The new proposed end date will be December 31, 2022. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Inc. Semi-annual Preventative Maintenance and Annual inspection for emergency generators and associated equipment at Bldg. 426 (DES), Grant Street, Judicial Center and various tower sites at a cost of $11,233.00 for the period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. This is an amendment to a contract signed in October of 2019. This amendment includes load testing of various tower generators. The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved the proposal from Eastern Time/NAC to furnish labor and materials for the installation of one door release button in Judges Office located at MDJ 39-3-05 to release courtroom door at a cost of $1,592.00. The Board reviewed additional Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the proposal from Hagerstown Paint and Glass Company furnish and install the following: 3M Ultra Night Vision NVS25 Security Window Film and Four-Sided IPA (Impact Protection Adhesive) one pane total installed at a Magisterial District Judge Office at a cost of $725.00. In accordance with PA Act notifications, Westlake Chemical notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Permit Application being applied by Westlake Royal Stone for a new discharge of an intermittent nature consisting of runoff from a concrete stone manufacturing operation on property located in the Borough of Greencastle. Continued on page 5 The Board presented nursing scholarships to recent local high school graduates who are entering college nursing programs. Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, explained that one of her favorite tasks is giving out the nursing scholarships each year. She explained the history of the scholarship fund. She continued that they select six highly qualified nursing students for $2,500 scholarships each to pursue a degree in nursing. She said that they had 20 applications this year so there was more interest most likely due to Sheena Baker getting the information out more on social media and her interview with a local news station. She as well as Chief Nursing Officers Monica Diehl from Keystone Health and Elyse Fisler from Wellspan selected this year's winners. The following graduates were recognized that were not able to attend today: Mia Estep who graduated from Shippensburg Area High School and will attend East Stroudsburg University; Sadie Garbinski who graduated from James Buchanan High School and will attend Montana State University; Paige Himes who graduated from Chambersburg Area High School and will attend Penn State Mont Alto; Emma Johnson who graduated from Greencastle-Antrim High School will attend Shenandoah University. Ms. Bloyer said in attendance is Lauren Miller who graduated from Shippensburg Area High School and will attend Messiah University and Allison List who graduated from Chambersburg Area High School and will attend St. John Fisher College. Ms. Bloyer congratulated them and wished them the best of luck in the fall. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he is the son and brother of physicians and he, his father and brother would agree that nurses run the medical field. Chairman Keller wished them the best of luck in the future and thanked them for their service in the nursing field. He said the Board recognizes the need for nurses and he hopes that they what his fellow Commissioners said and he has a sister who is a nurse and they do run the show. He wished them the best of luck. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 2:13 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing potential litigation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by John T. Flannery; unanimously approved to reconvene into regular session at 2:35 p.m. No action was required after the executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by John T. Flannery. Carrie E. Gray County Administrator/Chief Clerk FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________________ David S. Keller, Chairman ____________________________________ John T. Flannery ___________________________________ Robert G. Ziobrowski American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) RecommendationsSurvey Results & ARPA Survey Results ••Survey open 2 weeks595 Responses •Resident of Franklin County ••••••Chambersburg BoroughAt least one response from each municipalityIncome over $100,000Age 35FemaleWhite-54 Combined Demographics st ndrd •1governmental servicesnegatively impacted by COVIDPriority –Support infrastructure Priorities ••23Priority Priority ––Provide general Revitalize communities Importance) Highest RatedPriority Goals ••19 priority goals listedGrading scale –1 (Lowest Importance) to 4 (Highest businesses nonprofits 1.7.6.5.4.3.2.Provide funding for Emergency Broadband expansion and improvements Provide countyProvide countyFund physical health programs Fund vocational education Fund mental health --wide grant opportunities to wide grant opportunities to programs programs Services Priority GoalsTop Seven •316 commentscategoriesSuggestions •Suggestions grouped into 1.Communities 2.7. Miscellaneous6.5.4.3.EmployeesEducation HealthEmergency FamiliesServices Suggestions High to Low–Ranked IMPACT! Grant Program Application period = July –August 2022 Funding available Maximum request $500,000Minimum request $25,000-$10 million Recommendations Broadband) Projects •••Infrastructure (Water, Storm Water, Sewer, No match50% match A.B.Municipalities Nonprofits & Authorities Eligible Entities Use and Sustainability ( CLUS) Claire Jantz, Geography Edward Schick, Graduate Student, Geography George Pomeroy, Geography –Earth Science Dept.; Director, Center for Land ––Earth Science Dept.Earth Science Dept.June 22, 2022 Housing Assessment for Franklin County, Pennsylvania •Overview and Organization of the Report(arcgis.com) ••••Selected census information and calculated projectionsaffordability, homelessness, and other special populationsKey person interviews, leading stakeholders, & leading programsSelected census and other data sources •Part IV: Analysis and Assessment with Policy Implications •••••Executive SummaryStory Map Part III: Housing EcosystemPart II: Housing Supply and Characteristics of HousingPart I: Demographic Overview with Population Projections-Housing Assessment for Franklin County, Pennsylvania Presentation Outline for for Franklin County, PennsylvaniaHousing Assessment •Franklin County Planning Department Director & Staff ••••Franklin County Planning CommissionCenter for Land Use and Sustainability staff & students“Key Persons”Franklin County GIS Dept. ••Franklin County Human ServicesFunding by the Franklin County Commissioners via the Planning Dept. Acknowledgements programming, affordable housing, and housing for young professionals •Pertinent data related to demographics, employment and the organizations and programmingAssociation of Realtors.sets and housing research organizations, including the Peneconomy, and housing that comes from both publicly available data -Mar encompasses the following elements: The Charge: This housing assessment of Franklin County ••Public and nonCurrent conditions relating to emergency shelter grants and related -profit housing-related community service •Input from leading housing stakeholders below) •Housing is central to American lifeTrendscounties and municipalities to address housing issues. and the locus of their daily lives, social relations, and aspirations. provide shelter, but it also serves as a principal source of wealth . For families, not only does it ••Housing Trends in Franklin County are Reflective of Wider National Selected Bits from Parts I through IV (which are summarized •Housing is a Legal Imperative. There is a mandate for Pennsylvania Executive Summary Commonwealth, increasing from 149,618 to 155,932 people, a 4.2% increase. 2010 and 2020.households •Hispanic community at 6.9% (10,764) •2015income, and projections of population and housing for 2030 and 2040-2019 ACS (SAMPLE) and decennial census (COUNT) data, generally •The share of the population of 65+ increased by 3.6% Between 2010 –2019; now is 1 out of 5 •••••••From 2010 to 2020, Franklin County was the thirteenthEmployment and wage info by industry and occupationProjected population and housing unit needs under four scenarios, county & municipalityMedian household income ($63,420)60,438 households, with 55.5% as “married couple households”Disabilities, for example 10,490 with ambulatory disabilitiesFranklin County has become slightly more racially and ethnically diverse between the years -fastest growing county in the •County and municipal data ••Thirteen tables related to current socioNotable numbers, observations, or findings include-demographics, households, occupations, Part I: Demographic Overview •7.5% of occupied units are mobile home units, higher rates are in the townships •Chambersburg (40.9%) and Waynesboro (44.9%) are only values below 50% •2015affordability, evictions, and homelessness, etc.sources-2019 ACS data, generally; note it is SAMPLE data; various other ••67.1% of occupied housing units are single$186,300 median value of owner-occupied units (ACS)-family detached ••71.2% of occupied units are owner occupied (vs. 68.9% for the state)$905 Median gross rent (ACS) •••23 tables and 10 figures related to housing, housing characteristics, Notable numbers, observations, or findings include:County and municipal data Part II: Housing Supply / Inventory $0Detached Avg. Sold PriceAttached Avg. Sold PriceMedian Sold PriceAverage Sold Price$250,000$200,000$150,000$100,000$50,000 $169,152$215,913$198,529$199,220$186,441$178,136 Home Prices in Franklin County, Penna, 2015-2020 Additional information includes units sold by type, average days on market, type of financing, and list vs. sale price$229,250.County was in Franklin April 2022 year for year over sale price the median per Redfin, Note: As Source: Bright MLS. MarketStatsby Showing Time. Kindly shared by Pen-Mar Regional Association of Realtors. Market Statistics for Real Estate Sales Burdened Housing 0.0Severely Cost-Burdened Owner Households (%)Severely Cost-Burdened Renter Households (%)Severely Cost-Burdened Households (%)Owner Cost-Burdened Households (%)Renter Cost-Burdened Households (%)Cost-Burdened Households (%)2019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200650.045.040.035.030.025.020.015.010.05.0 Cost Burdened Households as a Share of Total Households in Franklin County, 2006-2019 Cost Burdened Housing: Costburdens: 10.8%Share with severe 22.8%with Cost Burdens: Share of Households for housing. Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies. -burdened (severely cost-burdened) households pay more than 30% (more than 50%) of income https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/son-2020-cost-burdens-map. Burdened Housing Burdened Housing Key Findings: Franklin County has a lower eviction rate than the state average. Source: The Eviction Lab at Princeton University.There is a trend of decreasing rates and number of evictions in Franklin County. Evictions preretirement levels, children leave home, health problems and activity limitations emerge, a spouse members of society.”everyone’s interest to “successfully reintegrate these individuals ack into the community” as “contributing own homes, in the community.” 8,133 individuals in Franklin have a cognitive disability. supportive housing options permanent housing include licensed care homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and other issues live independently, others may need more affordable housing, temporary housing, or other types of residents are aged 65 and above. requires institutionalization or dies” (National Library of Medicine 2022). Over 20% of Franklin County people with Pennsylvania disabilities are homeowners, as “63.6% of households headed by a person with a disability are owner occupied” •Homelessness ••••Point in Time Count for Homeless; Nuances of homelessness200 individuals per month are being released from the Franklin County Jail back into the community. It is in “People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), like all Americans, have a right to live in their The elderly population faces a number of challenges related to housing, as “incomes fall from ••40,492 disabilities were reported by Franklin County residents via the American Community Survey. Most Having mental health conditions may have an impact on housing. While most people with mental health •••••Elderly and AgingFormerly IncarceratedPeople with Intellectual DisabilitiesMental HealthPhysical Disabilities Other Considerations for a County Housing Plan Key Person Interviews & Leading Takeaways identifiedover 700 units across these facilities.tremendously in size, location, including shelters, income-based housing, incomeother characteristics. There are well clientele, management/ownership, and and transitional housing. These range -based senior housing, •••Upkeep on apartments and other housingRising pricesLack of stable housing for those on SSI •Mortgage assistance •Leading & Other Institutions •••Nine noted with depth, 28 identifiedThere are 36 housingEleven noted with depth, over 30 -related facilities, ••••••••(x6) Affordable housingObstaclesNotable QuotesLocalized TrendsTrendsOther Answers(x2) Homelessness(x3) Workforce housing ••Leading & Other Programs Facilities Part III: Housing Ecosystem •Adopt housing elements in comprehensive plans that speak to the need for emergency, transitional, and permanent housingand c) TNDshousing is allowedaffordable units •Leverage municipal zoning changes with county housingfair share of regional growth.having a wide range of housing types that meet have goals, objectives, and policies that speak to level outreach(NIMBY opposition to affordable units) •••••Continue to integrate “with the various plans and strategies that cities Disabilities Act provide much of the context for fair housing.County 2022). The Federal Fair Housing Act and the American with persons” and has information and resources on fair housing (Franklin “Franklin County is committed to furthering fair housing choice for all group homes.Reform zoning codes to allow more flexibility for the development of margins of economic viability.”development costs for projects that already have extremely low housing in particular tends to be protracted, resulting in increased Provide community education to reduce “opposition to supportive address the root causes of homelessness.” transitionally and chronically homeless persons. Ideally, communities how the social safety net does and does not work for both homelessness requires that communities take a comprehensive view of “Planning for both immediate homeless services and prevention of Plan.”Plan, Continuum of Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Agency funding, such as the Consolidated Housing & Community Development must develop in connection with federal housing and homeless •••Reduce amount of land zoned exclusively single familyAllow more accessory dwelling units (ADUs)Reduce barriers for a) cluster development; b) PRDs; ••••••Reduced minimum lot sizesReduce restrictions / limitations on where mfg. Provide density bonuses w/ increased share of Make multiAllow mixed uses-family development a use by right Housing Affordability •••Zoning related changesEducation and ending stigma on affordable county and municipal comprehensive plans should Homelessness, Other Populations, Fair Housing, & Other Considerations Implications Part IV: Analysis, Assessment, Issues w/ Policy