HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-31 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 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 G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Ken Jones provided public comment and said that he saw in the Public Opinion
this morning that there was an illustrious guest in Gettysburg yesterday and he’s
ashamed he missed that.
The minutes of May 24, 2011 and May 26, 2011 meetings were read and a minor
correction made. These will be approved Thursday, June 2, 2011.
The Board reviewed Agreements and Contracts. The Board had questions about
the Laserfiche eform agreement and Mr. Hart provided more information on this item.
These will be approved Thursday, June 2, 2011. Need date here.
Karen Hack, Penn State Extension Director conducted a presentation on Penn
State Extension and the programs they offer. Ms. Hack explained the Land Grant
Mission that President Lincoln created to focus on agriculture research and the Smith
Lever Act created in 1914. She explained that Agricultural Extension is a cooperative
funding partnership between the County, State and U.S. Department of Agriculture and
provides reliable science-based information with individuals, businesses, organizations
and communities. Ms. Hack said the Extension programs focus on the following key
areas: energy, entrepreneurship, food, nutrition and health, pest prediction and
response, animal health, quality animal feed sources, water quality and sustainable
Agricultural production practices. She further explained the Extension brings the latest
research to our producers in the following areas: Soil and substrates; nutrient
management; pests and pesticide use; animal health; quality animal feed sources; water
quality; sustainable Agricultural production practices. She said commercial horticulture
is important due to fact our County and South Central PA is a major vegetable growth
area. Ms. Hack reported the Consumer Horticulture Program has 100 trained Master
Gardener volunteers who continue to provide science-based information to home
gardeners. Ms. Hack said the Family & Consumer Sciences Programs offer current and
emerging issues pertaining to nutrition, diet and health, children, youth and families and
the Environmental and Natural Resources Programs provide objective, research-based
education to help people, businesses, and communities understand complex issues, the
choices they face, and the potential consequences of their decisions. Ms. Hack said
Extension also offers Vector Management in conducting the County’s West Nile Program
(DEP grant funded) and administration only of the Gypsy Moth Program. Extension
Office received 13,808 volunteer hours valued at $283,202; there were 34,215
participants at educational meetings; 22,652 individuals received assistance; Extension
did 595 onsite visits and 2,223 individuals were reached using technology.
Continued on page 2
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS