HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-10 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 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 at the meeting last Tuesday
involving different departments and approval of raises, it was hard for the peanut gallery
to hear what was going on. This has been brought up a number of times so is there a
timeline when can hear what is going on? Chairman Keller responded that in the
process of being installed and in the next week or so will be wired in sound. He
apologized for difficult in hearing.
Allen Piper provided public comment and has questions relating to the Tuition
Reimbursement policy for college courses or noncredit courses reimbursed to
employees. He asked when was this benefit was instituted? John Hart responded that
it’s been in effect for 5 or 6 years. Mr. Piper asked if the general fund reimburses for this
or are these courses reimbursed from the State or how are they funded? John Hart
responded that depends what department the employee is in whether it could be state,
federal, or general fund. Mr. Piper asked who approves these courses? Mr. Hart
responded that there is a process where the department director approves the courses,
then goes to Human Resources to be sure the course is directly related to their job. Mr.
Piper asked if the employee has to meet a grade requirement to be reimbursed? Mr.
Hart said have to receive a B for graduate and C for undergraduate. Mr. Piper said he
had to pay for his own college courses so this should not be mandated by State to put
on the tax payers. Commissioner Thomas said he was around when the program
started and people hired need to be qualified but getting them to the next level is logic
and will make them a better employee and was to help to keep them employed by the
County. He said can’t deny there is competition for these people and if don’t do this will
end up losing them and we do not save any money when lose people. He said the new
policy just got tweaked a little and the policy says what course can be and has to be
consistent with their job but they will get him the numbers. It’s a good investment for tax
payers in the long run. Mr. Piper asked that every dollar spent, make sure it’s spent
wisely. He would like cost to tax payers in 2011, federal, state or whatever funded.
Chairman Keller said Mr. Piper mentioned that the federal government employees are
not entitled to this benefit, is he familiar with the GI bill, does he feel that is a worthwhile
expenditure? Mr. Piper responded yes, he does and it was a great thing implemented
many years ago and would encourage that as a veteran but thinks talking about apples
and oranges and he said there should be incentives for County employees but need to
be very careful because sees them escalating. At many levels there are serious
problems with budgets and have to cut back and maybe this program needs cutback or
cut but he feels education is great and do need to support it. Commissioner Ziobrowski
said that his points are well taken but hate to have our program painted because of what
a school district is doing, these courses are related to their work and we do have
controls and there’s only been one increase which was suggested by Human Resources
Director. He said it’s an important and relatively inexpensive tool. He said they are
putting in a lot of work doing these courses and hate the idea of it being frivolous
because it’s hard work and if can invest a small amount it’s a heck of investment to the
county. Mr. Piper said he has nothing against education, his whole family was involved
in education, all he wants is for the Board to be more transparent, be open and check
things out and make sure budget here in the county does not get out of control.
Continued on page 2
The minutes of January 3, 2012 and January 5, 2012 meetings were read.
These will be approved Thursday, January 12, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be
approved Thursday, January 12, 2012.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters and conducted a bid opening
for the Sale of Various Kitchen and Bathroom equipment. The following bidders
submitted bids: Lynn Byers from Chambersburg – kitchen cabinets $577.77; Lynn
Byers, Chambersburg – all equipment $777.77; Robert Fogal from Chambersburg –
oven/range $50.00; Gary Shockey from Greencastle – oven $150.00 and microwave
$75.00; William Harman from Chambersburg – all equipment $251.00; Troy Wenger
from Greencastle – dishwasher $21, oven $21, microwave $21, kitchen cabinets $32,
nd
2 floor bathroom vanity, cabinet and mirror $11 and all equipment $106; Nancy Johns
was sent by email and will not be accepted since it’s not a sealed bid. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to award
to Lynn Byers for a total bid of $777.77. This was the highest bid received.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS