HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-30 Commissioner Minutes
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners met Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 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 John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz from Chambersburg provided public comment and said this is basically
concerning the Chambersburg Borough but she attended a meeting Monday night and part of
the agenda was for Luminest properties located at 252 and 256 South Main Street. She was
wondering if the County would be contributing or doing any business along with the Borough on
this project.
Valarie Jordan provided public comment and said that she went to the school board
meeting last night and she was glad to hear that the County has a good security system since
unfortunately the school district does not. There is some talk out there that they were hacked
Doug Mastriano to stop posting about masking
plus he is hiding her comments on his Facebook page so she is going to email Harrisburg
lawmakers about this. People need to get the vaccine and not get sick or not get the vaccine
and get sick or die.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the August 23, 2023 meeting were reviewed. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the minutes.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller requested
John Boozer, Project Manager, provide more information on the change orders for the
Courthouse Annex Renovations. Mr. Boozer explained that we are moving in a healthy
direction, we are under budget, on time and the renovations are going well. He provided details
for each of the four change orders on the agenda. The items will be decided upon in the
afternoon session.
Steve Thomas, Planning Director, introduced Dr. Claire Jantz from the Shippensburg
University Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) and Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
representing Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council. Mr. Thomas provided background on the
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT) that extends from Shippensburg to the Newville area, is
about 13 miles in length and sees thousands of daily users for both health and economic value.
Some even use it to get to school. In 2019 he was directed to see how Franklin County may be
able to move forward with connecting the CVRT to the Chambersburg Borough. The first step
was an economic impact assessment of the potential rail trail expansion. Dr. Jantz and her
team from Shippensburg University Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) conducted
the study and she is here today to share the report on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
Assessment of the Proposed Cumberland Valley Rail with Trail from Shippensburg to
CLUS primary mission is to do applied research that
helps guide decision making on the local, regional and national level and she was excited to do
in Shippensburg. The full report is on their
website for everyone to view. This report estimated the economic impact of a continuous rail
trail for 38 miles from Carlisle through Shippensburg and into Chambersburg, Franklin County.
Continued on page 2
Since the current rail trail in Cumberland County is part of the National 9/11 Memorial Trail, this
potential expansion into Franklin County may become part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail
as well. This is proposed as a rail with trail as opposed to a rail to trail: the rail was replaced
with a trail in the Cumberland County section but in this case the trail is proposed to go
alongside the existing rail line. She provided information on the population in the immediate
geographic area which is estimated to include 88,000 residents (56%) of the Franklin County
population which is diverse with respect to race, ethnicity and income levels when compared to
the demographics of the immediate geographic area surrounding the existing trail. There is a
significant portion of the population that is enthusiastic about outdoor recreation. Dr. Jantz
continued that their primary objective was to conduct a literature-based economic impact
assessment. The CLUS team reviewed a number of existing studies in order to develop an
initial understanding of the potential economic benefits of the proposed trail expansion. She
reviewed a table from the full report that shows other trails in the study as well as annual user
information from 2012 through 2020. It shows there was an increase. Commissioners
Ziobrowski asked if the increase is due to the bridge that was built and connected with
Shippensburg University. Dr. Jantz said that it absolutely did. When that bridge was added on
the Shippensburg side, they added a bridge up past Newville and connected to the Boiling
Springs School District that was transformative in bringing folks from Shippensburg. Some folks
in Shippensburg were not aware of the rail trail until it was right in the downtown area. From the
Boiling Spring side that introduced a whole new group of users as well. Steve said that they did
see an increase during COVID and usage has remained high. Dr. Jantz provided information
on how trail users spend money in two different ways: 1) hard goods which are items purchased
for walking or riding bikes, and 2) soft goods which include purchases such as ice cream,
dinner, and hotel stays. They found that trail lengths increase spending on soft goods and the
longer the trail the more restaurant visits, the more ice cream cones, and the more hotel stays.
Dr. Jantz continued if trails that are 38 miles or longer become destination trails and people will
come from further away and stay for a night and to use the rail trail. She provided impact per
mile and impact per user estimates. They also looked at other related economic benefits from
DCNR studies. According to the DCNR Franklin County Return on Environment study, we
avoid approximately $99 million every year in healthcare costs because of an increase in
physical activity. This trail would also fill a gap in trail access that has been identified by DCNR
which is one of the primary funders of these types of activities. This has been identified as a
rgument that can be used in garnering
grant funds for the expansion. She provided information on the small business areas that could
potentially benefit. Because this is a rail with trail the existing rail line would remain in operation.
The rail line i
impact the operation of the rail line and it might even be an attraction to visitors who are train
spotters coming to the trail to watch the trains going by. Chairman Keller said that
Shippensburg University has been a great partner to the County for many years, by doing
partnership. The board really appreciates all the time and effort they have put into this. This
would be a wonderful legacy that we can give to grandkids and great grandkids if we could get
this trail completed. Having the economic information like this to back it up would certainly be
helpful going forward. We have dollars set aside to support the trail as we have been doing with
the CVRT Council and other entities around the county, not just Shippensburg, but certainly to
the extent that we can get grant dollars and get this done it is going to take more than grant
movers and shakers. He continued that this is great and he appreciates all their hard work.
il trail person since he bikes
a lot and he would love to see it completed and he reiterates what Chairman Keller said.
Commissioner Flannery said this was well presented and he has just one question. When they
do an economic study, showing additional revenue of $1-3 million for a completed trail, do they
take into consideration that they are just relocating revenue from a business in town to
businesses off the rail trail and that it may not be actual additional revenue, just moving revenue
from one spot in the county to another? Dr. Jantz said that it is hard to parse that out in these
studies, the way they are done is essentially through surveying of users and potential users so
ith the extended trail
Continued on page 3
We will see people coming from outside the immediate area coming into the county and they
are also seeing a lot of new bike purchases, and the arrival of ebikes onto the scene. She
knows there are people out there that would not be cycling otherwise who can't ride a regular
bike. She thinks there are a lot of opportunities that ebikes brought to the table in terms of
expanding ridership. Commissioner Flannery said if he and his wife want to go out to eat but
then may take the rail trail and go out to eat from there. So in that case it would be just moving
endeavor. He hopes this happens sooner rather than later and he is 100% behind this. Steve
Thomas stated that folks on the southern end of the county would probably go to Maryland to
the C&O Canal so they were a little conservative on the five mile projection around the rail trail
but you could actually see that go to the Fort Loudon and Mercersburg area, Antrim,
Waynesboro and Quincy
He feels Claire did a great job addressing that. Commissioner Ziobrowski said another
economic impact that should be considered is when companies think about relocating to areas
like this, this trail is one of the things they look for. We often hear complaints from constituents
types of jobs particularly for kids that go away to college an
rail trails appeal to a lot of younger people and that impact is hard to measure. Dr. Jantz said
development benefits of a rail trail through the development of things like trail towns.
Waynesboro is a trail town relative to the Appalachian Trail and Shippensburg is kind of in the
nascent trail town. Being identified as a trail town is one of those things that can really help to
boost tourism and attract businesses.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to enter an executive session at 11:45 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing real estate
matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to reconvene into regular session at 12:17 p.m. No action was required after the
executive session.
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 Aging Office matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the addendum no. 1 to the Lease Contract
between the County of Franklin and Mont Alto Volunteer Fire Company for renting the Mont Alto
Carnival Grounds on October 6, 2023 for a Franklin County Senior Center Fall Festival open to
all participants of the eight (8) senior centers at a cost of $150.00.
The Board reviewed CJAB matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Project Modification Request to PA
Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to request a 12-month no-cost extension for
the Franklin County CIT Training grant to allow for funding to be fully expended. Funds are
being used for travel and training and overtime/backfill funding for staff covering for coworkers
during training.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to
execute Change Order #004 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse Annex
Renovation Project general construction for electrical room revisions deducting an amount of
$3,691.36 and adding steel support at window openings for an additional amount of $9,096.49
for a total change of $5,405.13.
Continued on page 4
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #005 from Lobar, Inc. for the Franklin County Courthouse
Annex Renovation Project general construction to revise fire extinguisher cabinets for an
increased amount of $319.53.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #001 from MidState Mechanical & Electrical, LLC for the
Franklin County Courthouse Annex Renovation Project electrical construction for credit to delete
pathways for the ACS systems for a decreased amount of $19,780.32.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute Change Order #003 from Stouffer Mechanical Contractor, LLC for the Franklin
County Courthouse Annex Renovation Project plumbing construction to add floor drains in
rooms 121, 122, 207 and 214 for an increased amount of $2,122.42.
The Board reviewed Community Connections matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment no. 1 to
the contract dated January 1, 2022 between the County of Franklin and South Central
Community Action Programs, Inc. (SCCAP) for the coordination of the Franklin Reentry
Coalition. The amendment allows SCCAP to move up to 40% of the funding between
categories in order to allow for more flexibility in spending between the line items. All other
terms and conditions of the original contract will remain in full force and effect.
The Board reviewed additional Community Connections matters. On a motion by John
T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the lease agreement
between the County of Franklin and Washington Square Apartments for the HUD Permanent
Supportive Housing Lease Program (Shelter Plus Care PA0649) that covers the total rent plus
any landlord covered utilities for their program participants at a cost of $8,164.00 for the period
of September 1, 2023 through September 1, 2024. The County holds the Lease with the
landlord and the program participant subleases from the County. Program participants are
responsible for utilities that are not included in the lease/rent. The rent and utilities cannot equal
more than 30
linked with Supportive Services and case management to assist them with maintaining
permanent stable housing.
The Board reviewed Department of Emergency Services matters. On a motion by John
T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the quote from Priority Dispatch dba Medical Priority Dispatch Corp. for the
purchase of an additional emergency dispatch protocol software licenses and one year of
service and support in the amount of $16,590.00, for the period of September 12, 2023 through
September 11, 2024. This software provides the required protocols needed for
Telecommunicators to dispatch fire, EMS and police calls. It also allows our Quality Assurance
Coordinator to review 911 calls, as required by PEMA, to ensure proper protocol standards.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the grant application to Department
of Housing and Urban Development to request funds in the amount of $114,945.00 for the
PA0649 - Franklin/Fulton Shelter + Care Project that provides 10 one-bedroom units of
furnished, scattered site apartments. Funds will be utilized to cover rental costs for the program
and administration. A 25% match will be provided using programs from rents paid by program
participants and/or Housing Trust Funds.
Continued on page 5
The Board reviewed additional Grants Management matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the grant application to
Department of Housing and Urban Development to request funds in the amount of $270,906.00
for the PA0182 -Franklin/Fulton Homeless Assistance project that provides 23 one-bedroom,
furnished, scattered site apartments. Funds will be utilized to cover leasing costs of the 23
units, supportive services being provided to program participants, and operating costs to provide
furnishings, etc. for each unit, and administration. A 25% match will be provided using program
income from rents paid by program participants and/or Housing Trust Funds. No Match is
required for the $203,307 in leasing funds.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the summary of benefits from Aetna
Life Insurance Company for Plan Year 2024 renewal of health/prescription coverage for County
retirees age 65 and older that are eligible under the County's Post Employment Healthcare
Policy. Rates per member per month have increased by about 4.9%. No changes are being
proposed to the plan design. The attached renewal package outlines the plan's structure and
financial terms, as well as the increase in rates. Cost to the County is based on retiree eligibility
criteria for each member and varies slightly from month to month depending on changes in
enrollments.
The Board reviewed additional Human Resources matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the renewal application to the PA Department of Labor Industry Bureau of
Workers' Comp for the County's Accident and Illness Prevention Program. Information has been
updated to reflect changes from last year. All the required elements have been met and there is
no cost for participating.
The Board reviewed additional Human Resources matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between
the County of Franklin and Waynesboro Area YMCA to offer county employees discounted
membership rates with optional services and no joiner's fee. Employees will receive a
complimentary trial period for one week beginning September 18, 2023. This partnership grants
us access to programs and activities such as the InBody Screenings, education sessions, etc.
The agreement will be in effect retroactively to prevent a lapse in provided services and
continue through December 2024. There is no cost to this agreement, all members pay directly
to the YMCA.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the
document, as required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD), notice acknowledging Alexis
Pennings, as the County's Risk Manager, to serve as the Section 504 Officer and establishing
Section 504 grievance procedures for individuals that believe they have been discriminated
against under the protections of Section 504.
The Board reviewed Sheriff Office matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the quote from Utilitac for purchase of two CF-
33 computers, docks, and printers for two vehicles at a total cost of $13,781.24. This purchase
includes accident damage, necessary parts/accessories and 5 year accident and warranty
plans. Requests for Quotes were requested with two responses. This was the lowest qualified
quote received.
The Board reviewed Tax Claim matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to exonerate County and County Library taxes for
parcels that are no longer present in Antrim, Guilford, Peters, St. Thomas and Washington
Township.
Continued on page 6
In accordance with PA Act notifications, TC Energy notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Title V operating permit being applied by
Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC to continue the Greencastle Station located in Montgomery
Township.
The Franklin County Commissioners and Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, on
behalf of the STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition Committee) were present to award Mr.
Quentin Clapper as the Employee of the Month for August. Mr. Clapper has worked at Franklin
County since May 2022. He currently serves as Senior Planner in the Planning Department.
The selection for the August 2023 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR
Committee. There were a total of twenty-three nominations, eleven of which were for him. Ms.
Bloyer read the nomination form which is attached and made a part of these minutes. Quentin
to work with detailed-oriented individuals who have an interest in serving our residents so he
speak but
pleasure to work with him and have him as part of the team so he thanked him for all he does
and hopes he hangs around with us for a while Commissioner Ziobrowski said that Q as they
sometimes call Quentin and him being a Z that he gets it. He has been extraordinarily
years are going to be looking back and sayi
career that is going to blossom and Quentin is showing us the early stages of an extraordinary
career.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to enter an executive session at 2:15 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing real estate
matters. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to reconvene into regular session at 2:21 p.m. No action was required after the
executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:22 p.m. with a motion by John T. Flannery; seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________________
David S. Keller, Chairman
____________________________________
John T. Flannery
___________________________________
Robert G. Ziobrowski
A report to the Franklin
Economic Impact ChambersburgShippensburg to Rail with Trail from Proposed
Executive Summary
Primary contact:
Authored by:Funding provided by:
Dr. Claire JantzCajant@ship.edu
717-477-1399
Dr. Claire Jantz, DirectorFranklin County CommissionersJuly 3, 2023Jonathan Knowles-Kellett, Student Fellow
Kyle Myers, Student Fellow
The ultimate vision of the CVRT is Chambersburg. at Commerce Street in Shippensburg to the existing trail from would connect the existing trail with trail in Franklin County that approximately
10and momentum to focus on an an increase in interest, capacity, Cumberland County, there is now to date has occurred in Trail. While much of the progress part of the 9/11 National
Memorial trail, all of which would become Carlisle with a 38to connect Chambersburg to OrrstownRoad in --mile long rail mile continuous
The proposed County population.the Franklin for over half of a positive impact potential to create extension has great Rail with Trail Cumberland Valley
This study focuses on communities ••••The population in this area has:households) live within the study area.population (87,623 people; 35,097 Fifty six percent of Franklin County’s
within 5 miles of the trail extension.Slightly more diversity than Franklin exercise routines.regular exercise and seeking out new enthusiastic when it comes to A significant portion
(>25%) that is county as a whole.median income relative to the A higher poverty rate and a higher and older.of children under 18 and seniors 65 A population where 43% is made up of
Hispanics.County due to a higher proportion
•Conduct a literatureShippensburg to Commerce Street in Chambersburg.extend from the trailhead at trail that would follow the existing CSX track and -based assessment of a rail with
OrrstownRoad in
Primary objective
These economic impact estimates are based on visitor spending and use patterns.
Considering the additional 10 miles of trail in Franklin County that would range from impact of the full 38estimated to range from Franklin and Cumberland counties, the economic impact
is Considering the 26impact is estimated to range from would connect Shippensburg to Chambersburg, the economic $1,455,020 to $4,416,056-mile length of the existing continuous trail
in -mile length from Carlisle to Chambersburg $995,540 to $3,021,512$382,900 to $1,162,120., and the economic .
Other economic benefits:population of Franklin County.to outdoor recreation opportunities to over half of the extended trail will fill a gap in trail access, expanding access over $99
million every year in avoided healthcare costs. This Outdoor recreation activities in Franklin County result in
The proposed rail trail extension seeks to Business Park. and 11, and around the North Pointe Pinolaincreased customer traffic: the village of could see a positive impact from there
are three areas with businesses that this corridor between the two boroughs, from Shippensburg to Chambersburg. In connect the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail , the intersection of routes
433
Rmaintained.potential will be rail’s economic Southern Railway, the CSX/Pennsylvania & the existing trail that will follow proposal is a rail over 2011. As this roughly 45% increase
freight in 2040, a 3.25 million tons of expected to move freight network is Franklin County’s rail County’s economy.role in Franklin critical given its vital infrastructure is and restoring
railroad markets. Preserving national and global connections to ailroads offer with
A report to the Franklin
https://centerforlanduse.org/resources/publications/
Economic Impact ChambersburgShippensburg to Rail with Trail from Proposed
Find the full report here:
FRANKLIN COUNTY
STAR COMMITTEE
Special Thanks And Recognition Committee
272 North Second Street ~ Chambersburg, PA 17201
Telephone (717) 261-3150 Fax (717) 261-3156
August 30, 2023
The Franklin County Commissioners on behalf of the STAR Committee (Special Thanks And
Recognition) proudly present the Employee of the Month award to Mr. Quentin Clapper.
Mr. Clapper has been employed with Franklin County since May 2022. He currently serves as the
Senior Planner in the Planning Department. The selection for the August 2023 Employee of the
Month was determined by the STAR Committee. There were a total of twenty three nominations,
eleven of which were for Quentin.
The STAR nomination form asks what recent event or occurrence made you select Quentin and the
answer stated:
“Quentin recently took a new position within the department and has been diligently learning his
new duties while also continuing to take care of the tasks of his former position and supervising an
intern. A few weeks into his job as Senior Planner, Quentin was responsible for overseeing/training
a new employee and a new intern as well as continuing supervision of the first intern and gleaning
knowledge from another employee who was leaving. Although he was overwhelmed and spread
thin at times, Quentin persisted and did an excellent job of juggling all the questions while doing his
best to keep up with his own projects.
Quentin has the ability to pick up and learn new concepts and new programs quickly. He is a self-
starter. By the time you’ve thought to ask Quentin to do something, he’s already completed it! He is
also humble and thorough in everything he does.”
Mr. Clapper’s outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by his peers.
Those who work alongside Quentin used numerous positive words to describe him. These
included: patient, positive, team player, leader, thorough, professional, dedicated, hardworking,
reliable, persistent and motivated.
We are so grateful to Mr. Quentin Clapper as he exudes a high standard of knowledge, leadership
and excellence to the employees and residents of Franklin County.
Sincerely,
The STAR Committee
TLB/SMC cc: Personnel File; Supervisor
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (717) 264-8474
Telephone: (717) 261-3150 Fax: (717) 261-3156
Website: www.franklincountypa.gov