HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-25 Commissioner MinutesTHURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, March 25, 2010, 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, 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.
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 March 16, 2010 and March 18, 2010 meetings.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved the
Election Board minutes of March 18, 2010 meeting. Commissioner Thomas abstained
from voting.
John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator informed the Board of the following
items: 10:00 meeting today for public comment on the facility project being held at
Administration Annex.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Updated
Contract listing for Fiscal year 2009/2010.
The Board reviewed Controller matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Contract between the
County of Franklin and William F. Kaminski to provide contracted attorney services for
the Controllers Office at a cost of $11,405.00 for the period of January 1, 2010 through
December 31, 2010.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Subgrant Award
Notice (2009-AJ-04-20718) from Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
for the Pre-Trial Services Staff Retention Project for a grant amount of $198,871.00 for
the period of October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2012.
The Board reviewed additional Grants Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant
Application to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to be used for Drug
and Alcohol Treatment and Management for sentenced restrictive intermediate
punishment offenders for a grant amount of $220,422.00 with an additional amount of
$18,152.00 that will need to be secured by Adult Probation for the period of July 1, 2010
-June 30, 2011.
The Board reviewed Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Housing and Urban
Development Annual Progress Report (APR) for the Supportive Housing Program
Homeless Assistance Project 2 for the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31,
2009.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed additional Mental Health matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Housing and
Urban Development Annual Progress Report (APR) for the Shelter Plus Care Program
for the period of July 18, 2008 through July 17, 2009.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, William A. Brindle
Associates, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection General NPDES Permit being applied by Franklin County Housing Authority
for the construction of two new multi-family residential structures next to the existing
Mount Vernon Housing Complex located in the Borough of Waynesboro.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, William A. Brindle
Associates, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection General NPDES Permit being applied by Keystone Health for the construction
of a new Medical Center located in the Borough of Chambersburg.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, R. Lee Royer and
Associates notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection General NPDES Permit being applied by Daniel and Cathy Twigg for a
residential subdivision on property located in Montgomery Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Mountain View
Reclamation notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection General Title V Air Operating Permit Renewal being applied for the Waste
Management Division Services of Pennsylvania, Inc.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notification, West End Fire & Rescue Co., No. 3
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water
Obstruction and Encroachment Permit to install a dry hydrant on property located in
Southampton Township.
The Board reviewed Transportation matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
recommendation of the Transportation Director to award the bid for the Franklin
County Transportation Premium Services to all three vendors who placed a bid,
Manito, Inc., Mont Alto Fire Company and South Mountain Volunteer Fire
Department. Each vendor offers different services that can be used and Medical
Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) fully reimburses the County for these
trips.
The Board reviewed Assessment matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved that the premises of
Franklin County Tax Parcel #OJ14-118 of Rodney M. & Cora Lee Leab of having the
assessment of $31,030.00 shall have the lawful assessment of $27,710.00 for the
tax year 2010 and all future tax years. Commissioner Thomas abstained from voting.
The Board reviewed Assessment matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved to deny the assessment appeal
of Franklin County Tax Parcel #OK08B-041 of Margaret Park Kilpatrick.
Commissioner Thomas abstained from voting.
Continued on page 3
The Board reviewed Assessment matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved that the premises of Franklin
County Tax Parcel #OQ07-393 of Oliver Homes Inc. of having the assessment of
$31,970.00 shall have the lawful assessment of $29,600.00 for the tax year 2010
and all future tax years. Commissioner Thomas abstained from voting.
The Board reviewed Assessment matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; approved that the premises of Franklin
County Tax Parcel #5C32-083A of Ronald B. & Mary B. Martin of having the
assessment of $110,320.00 shall have the lawful assessment of $88,870.00 for the
tax year 2010 and all future tax years. Commissioner Thomas abstained from
voting.
The Board recessed at 9:45 a.m. and will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. at the
Administration Annex for the Facilities Public Comment meeting.
The Board reconvened at 10:00 a.m.
Chairman Keller announced that it was in the best interest of the county and its
residents to have an open forum to obtain public comment on potential county building
plans. He said no decision has been made on site selection for the judicial center, and
that all comments and opinions expressed at the meeting would be forwarded to Carter
Goble Lee (CGL), the county' facility consultant, who would be directed to respond back
to the commissioners.
Commissioner Keller noted that CGL had made recommendations in their 2009
report to the county, and that the facilities subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Advisory
Board (CJAB) had made a different recommendation as to site for the judicial center.
Commissioner Keller asked that the meeting commence with any other alternative
proposals for the judicial center and siting of other county operations. He asked that
presentations be limited to 15 minutes or less.
Mr. Bernie Washabaugh II of Second State Enterprises introduced himself and
gave a presentation to the board and the audience of approximately 50 people. Mr.
Washabaugh expressed his opinion that the judicial center and county administration
should be in downtown Chambersburg. He said he had studied CGL's report on county
needs and it provided the basis for his proposal. He said he had considered security,
quicker occupancy, consolidation of operations, parking, image, sustainability and cost
savings in addressing the county needs for the next 20 years. He suggested an addition
to the present Courthouse Annex for the judicial center. The addition would be to the
east of the existing Courthouse Annex and would meet all the identified needs of the
county now and in the next 20 years. He said the county savings would be 10 - 15
million dollars due to using existing county property and eliminating the need to
purchase more property. He said security for the building would be provided by banning
parking on Lincoln Way East adjacent to the judicial center and putting concrete planters
on the sidewalk. Secure parking would be behind the judicial center in a fenced lot with
keycard access.
Mr. Washabaugh then presented the second component of his proposal. He
proposes that a building be constructed on land he owns along Lincoln Way West
between Spring Street and the Conococheague Creek. He said his site, combined with
land the Borough of Chambersburg owns for Fort Chambers Park totals 4.5 acres. He
said the essential elements of the site are the building, paving for parking, and green
space, all of which can be met using the site he owns
Continued on page 4
Mr. Washabaugh explained that the building would be on the site he owns. It
would have parking on the lowest two levels. It would rise several stories to
accommodate whatever space the county would need. His plan includes as much as
134,000 square feet in a new building, and could accommodate all county administration
functions plus other operations, such as human services, that are presently located
outside downtown at buildings owned or leased by the county. He showed a chart with
pie graphs indicating how much space the county owns and leases. He said parking in
addition to the building would be provided using the Rosedale parking area owned by
the Borough, the "shoppers lot" owned by the Borough behind Olympia Candy Kitchen,
another lot on Loudon Street owned by the Borough, spaces on Lincoln Way West
owned by Central Presbyterian Church, and up to 80 spaces across the Conococheague
Creek on land owned by the Kalathas family. He said there were a total of 460 spaces
identified, and said the Borough of Chambersburg is working with him to allow the
county exclusive use during business hours of much of the identified Borough parking.
Mr. Washabaugh reiterated his claim of 10-15 million dollars in savings for the
county. He said the county would gain efficiencies by using new office space that could
accommodate modern technology. He said adding on to the existing Courthouse Annex
would be cheaper than building on a new site, and construction of both a judicial center
and an administrative building on his site could begin much more quickly than any of the
plans previously presented because the Borough of Chambersburg has already given
his Spring Street plan the appropriate approvals.
Mr. Washabaugh requested time to work with the Commissioners and
consultants to analyze the details and develop a more defined plan with timelines and
cost estimates.
Mr. Sid Palmer provided public comment and wanted to know how confident Mr.
Washabaugh is that there would be that much in savings. Mr. Washabaugh responded
that he's pretty confident. Real savings would occur because it would not be necessary
to purchase properties or to raze buildings. The biggest advantage is quick occupancy.
Mr. Washabaugh said right now is a good time to do construction projects due to low
construction costs.
Commissioner Robert Ziobrowski asked Mr. Washabaugh if he is proposing to
sell the land to the county, build a building and sell it to the county, or build a building
and lease it to the county. Mr. Washabaugh said he was open to any of these options
but would prefer to build the building and lease it to the county.
Commissioner Robert Thomas asked if the potential lease costs were included in
the savings. Mr. Washabaugh responded no -that these costs were not part of the
savings. He would build to suit and work with County to determine needs, elements as
far as technology, and build and lease to the County. Mr. Washabaugh said build to suit
would be easiest, quickest, and fastest way to move forward. One option if the County
wanted to own the property could be to have the county enter along-term lease with a
buyout for $1.00 at the end of the lease.
Mr. Palmer asked if Mr. Washabaugh's 10 - 15 million dollar reduction in costs
was due to constructing less square footage that the consultants' recommendation. Mr.
Washabaugh responded no but there might be some minor variations from the
consultants' recommendations.
Continued on page 5
Mr. Paul Cullinane provided comment and asked Mr. Washabaugh if his proposal
of a 50,000 square foot addition plus continuing to use the historic courthouse could
house all judicial requirements, and was it consistent with needs stated in the CGL
study. Mr. Washabaugh responded that his proposal meets his interpretation of judicial
needs, and meets the needs of the CGL study if certain functions presently in the
courthouse, like the Register and Recorder's office, moves out of the judicial center to
the new building on Spring Street he is proposing. The Courthouse Annex addition
would be for court departments only. Mr. Cullinane stated back in November the
partnership entities and Downtown Business Counsel submitted independent resolutions
asking the Board of Commissioners to construct the court facility in the downtown area.
Mr. Cullinane thanked Commissioners for making this time available for public input and
noted that these entities are encouraging and hoping the Commissioners, staff and
judicial committees all consider developing a project to continue economic vitality by
staying downtown. He said the best projects utilize private sector interests supported by
the public sector. Mr. Cullinane said he hopes in the final analysis constructing
downtown will result in downtown becoming stronger because of this project. There is
capacity in other buildings around the square and other properties have vacant capacity
to help with this project. He hopes that CGL would take into consideration all capacity
within downtown before making final decision.
Mr. Frank Stearn wanted to know the status of this land during the Agnes flood of
1972. Mr. Washabaugh responded that the facility first floor is 10 feet above flood stage
and his architects have addressed this through their land development plan.
Mr. Jay Lightfoot asked how this proposal is cheaper with a lease. If the County
owned the property they could have it paid off in 20 years whereas with a lease the
county would only have to show for it a handful of receipts. Mr. Washabaugh answered
there are other options such as a build to suit and a purchase at the end.
Commissioner Keller asked if there were any other presentations to be made to
the board. Receiving no response, he opened the floor to comments.
Ms. Shirley DiMarco, who owned old Dinette City property, said she has watched
things grow and go in downtown Chambersburg, and she was one to go. Ms. DiMarco
said she was an advocate for downtown for years and is delighted with Bernie's
proposal. When in business, she would ask people how they got to her store, and they
responded that they came from the courthouse. Ms. DiMarco said people come
downtown while doing business at the courthouse. When people come to the courthouse
they meander in stores.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane provided comment that businesses are working to
revitalize downtown. He said Mr. Washabaugh's proposal would improve the north end
of town and southern end of town and would be a shot in the arm for the borough. If
numbers for Mr. Washabaugh's proposal are not right (and the savings are not as great
as he estimates) then that is OK. The project should be viewed as benefiting our
community. The Mayor thinks this is a good idea and he asked the commissioners to
work with Mr. Washabaugh.
Mr. Joe Cooper commented that remodeling always seems less expensive and
this would revitalize a building that is preexisting and will revitalize downtown. It would
bring buildings up to code. Mr. Cooper sees an increase in numbers by what the
Washabaugh project can create: it would save dollars for Commissioners and create
more income by raising property values for what is preexisting right now. He said it
would bring some new clients into downtown and he applauded the time put into this and
the Commissioners for having this meeting. He said he would be honored to have a
building close to this proposed.
Continued on page 6
Mr. Robert Wollyung said he had already presented to Commissioner Keller his
own thoughts. His suggestion was that spending more money now would save money in
the long run. He is not in favor of adding to courthouse in the back but expanding up to
Second Street and it should build with steel so can the county can add additional floors
for future expansion. Mr. Wollyung disagrees with locating some offices to another
building. He thinks row officers should stay together in the courthouse building. Some
offices on Franklin Farm Lane should be moved downtown. He would buy up to the
alley behind the Courthouse Annex and add more parking. Mr. Wollyung is in favor of
adding a parking garage that would be electronic with employees having a pass card.
He proposed the commissioners go into an agreement with the Borough, King Street
Church and downtown merchants to form an authority, so that everyone shares in the
costs of a parking garage. With 200 jurors coming to the courthouse, public and
employees all are in competition for parking. The Borough could enforce the parking and
get the revenue for this. This concept would not interrupt court operations during
construction. Separate entrances could be provided for security.
Mr. Andy Grochowski mentioned he is the newest member of the community, has
newer businesses downtown, and does get business from the courthouse. He said if the
courthouse leaves it would make a huge gap for many of the downtown businesses.
When locating his business he looked at who were big players in the area and decided
to locate close to the courthouse. Mr. Grochowski asked the Commissioners to consider
Mr. Washabaugh's plan with constructing a courthouse in center core. Mr. Grochowski
stated that cost is an important factor but the county needs to have community
commitment.
Mr. Will Pananes agreed with so much that is said. He purchased his business
in 1971, and has reached into his pocket and given to business council and DCI. He said
improving downtown improves the whole community. The County needs to look at
downtown. The Borough and County have made major commitments to downtown. He
said we've come to a point that businesses are constantly bombarded with competition
and when the community sprawls out individuals will drive elsewhere for lunch and will
not walk. Moving the courthouse will take away from the center and history where it all
began. People have invested their lives in downtown. Mr. Pananes asked the Board to
stay close to the core.
Mr. Mike Silva, owner of 14 N. Main St., said he is willing to work with the County
to stay in downtown core and keep County as anchor for downtown.
Mr. John Thompson questioned if CGL did an economic study with moving
courthouse to Grant Street. He said it would kill the core of downtown if the courthouse
moved out of downtown area. Chloe Jacobs from CGL answered no.
Mr. Palmer added that as a young man he was faced with decision to go back to
Chambersburg to work or stay in Philadelphia. He grew up here and wanted to come
back here. Mr. Palmer never regretted this decision and he came back and opened
Palmers on the square. He sent a letter to board and received the invitation to come
here today. He purchased a building along the stream 55 years ago. During Agnes the
stream came over bridge and within 2 inches of first floor apartments. His building did
not have any damage and this would support what Mr. Washabaugh said concerning the
flood plain comment. On the question of security, Mr. Palmer came back from Israel 4
days ago and security is great there. There is no building that can't be made secure
whether it's a new or old building. Through proper planning any building can be made
secure. Mr. Palmer said consultants give good ideas of what can be done and will give
opinions that result in solutions. This consultant has done that. He noted that 40 million
Continued on page 7
dollars is a lot of money. If the courthouse does not remain in the core of Chambersburg
there would be a depreciation of property values, a reduction in taxes if businesses
close, and a decrease traffic flow which is an important component for successful
businesses. Our downtown is reasonably healthy but is not the same as it was 25 years
ago. Traffic flow determines economic value of downtown. Mr. Palmer said Mr.
Washabaugh did a good job on presentation. Tenants at Mr. Washabaugh's proposed
new building would utilize the park and rails to trails at noon time. Mr. Palmer stated the
Commissioners will have to validate costs of what was proposed and he encouraged the
commissioners to study the plan along with architect, but not to let the consultants make
the decision. Mr. Palmer asked the board to give this plan consideration and determine
if it fits.
Mr. Skip Jennings commented that he just had a meeting with GM about building
his new (automobile dealership) facility. He said his heart has always been with
downtown Chambersburg, and pointed out his involvement with the Chamber of
Commerce and Chambersburg Area Development Corporation. Mr. Jennings stated in
his opinion downtown needs to be given a little air to allow some growth. He is not
opposed to Mr. Washabaugh's site but if the county does everything in this proposal and
jams everything downtown the result will smother downtown and retail viability will go
down. He said parking is a real issue and noted that last week jurors had to park at the
old Sears building lot and walk several blocks to attend court. He suggested that plans
give town some growth and let corridors develop to have a healthy downtown. He said
the judicial center needs room for growth. On his site (the Jennings GM dealership), the
courthouse would have almost 6 acres for the building with room to grow.
Mr. Washabaugh asked if he could work with CGL. Chairman Keller asked CGL
and county staff to clarify details of Washabaugh proposal, review information provided
and come back with a recommendation.
Mr. Palmer reiterated his earlier points and suggested the county preserve the
past and prepare to move into the future.
Bob Orsa commented that he grew up in Chambersburg and owns a business.
He likes the fact that using this (Mr. Washabaugh's) proposal would absorb vacant
space. Mr. Orsa doesn't think expanding horizons is going to help the core. He said the
Chambersburg Mall sucked the life out of the town along with the downsizing of
Letterkenny. Mr. Orsa doesn't see how spreading things out will help and he is looking
at this as a business owner. The decision has to be more than just about money. He
suggested the county could consolidate downtown and sell the Administrative Annex
building and the Sheetz building. What happens to the court house will have an effect
on merchants that have invested and put their time into downtown.
Commissioner Keller asked if anyone had any more comments. Receiving no
reply, he thanked those in attendance for attending and participating, and he thanked
county staff for organizing the meeting.
Continued on page 8
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS