HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-15 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 15, 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 was told that his questions last week
were rhetorical and that he should not expect an answer to them, so he would try to get
his questions answered again. Mr. Jones read a statement of rhetorical comments
about a rich man and the variety of demands placed on someone, stating that “it’s not
the rich man, but the very people that you elect and their unelected minions that erode
your rights that are given to you by God”.
Allen Piper provided public comment. He said he attended the Tuscarora School
Board meeting last night and there was a lengthy discussion that was eventually tabled
about the district paying $8,000 to the County Probation Department. He was told at the
meeting that other school districts also pay this to the probation department. Mr. Piper
was told to ask the Commissioners by board member Mr. Smith why the school districts
are saddled with this $8,000? Mr. Piper also asked what property Mr. William Bowen is
appraising that is listed on the board action listing this week. He would like a response
to his questions.
The minutes of May 8, 2012 and May 10, 2012 meetings were reviewed and
Commissioner Thomas requested a minor change. The minutes will be approved
Thursday, May 17, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
wanted to respond to Mr. Piper’s question as to the property being appraised, it has
been the County’s practice to not name specific properties and the County is authorized
by law to not discuss, in public, real estate matters but if the Board is interested further in
this property then it will become public knowledge. Chairman Keller asked John Hart,
County Administrator how far along is the GIS project. John Hart responded the firm is
in Phase I which is completing all the homework, background work and setting up the
GIS system. Phase II will be the implementation and putting all the software and
hardware in place. Commissioner Thomas mentioned the gift cards for home delivered
meal volunteers and he is glad to see we are able to do this for them. John Hart said
these volunteers travel over 68,000 miles a year as a group and there are 200 people
who receive a meal daily so they provide their own time, gas and wear and tear on their
vehicle. The items will be approved Thursday, May 17, 2012.
Ruth Moraski Keller, Zigmund Co., L.T.D., met with the Board to review
insurance quotes and to provide a recommendation for the County’s 2012 insurance
package. Every 3 years the County goes out for insurance bids, and Zigmund Co. with
the help of County Management, set up bid specifications for property and casualty lines
of business. Four insurance agents were sent the bid specifications, and Ms. Moraski
Keller received one proposal. The other insurance companies declined because they
knew they would be too expensive. PCORP through Strickler bid a total amount of
$268,285.00, and Ms. Moraski Keller recommended the Board contract with Strickler
Agency. Ms. Moraski Keller will work with Strickler’s to develop policies and will bring
documents to the Board for execution.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed information regarding Nursing Home Week in Franklin
County. Jim Faust, FSNRC Administrator, Deb Kase, Activities Director and Alma
Cullers, Director of Nursing, were present to receive the proclamation. Ms. Kase
informed the Board of the different activities being offered each day this week in honor of
Nursing Home Week. She also thanked the Board and Mr. Hart for helping to secure the
activities van which will be dedicated on Friday. Commissioner Thomas said it is
important to point out there are activities all 52 weeks of the year and not just during
Nursing Home Week. Chairman Keller wanted to recognize the good work of the folks at
the nursing home and appreciates all that they do on a daily basis. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign
Franklin County Proclamation #2012-08 proclaiming the week of May 13, 2012 as
Nursing Home Week in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a
part of these minutes.
Warren Elliott, Reverend William Harter, Paul Cullinane, Chuck Sioberg, and
Mike Ross all members of the Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial Park Finance
Committee were present for a presentation. Mr. Elliott said Franklin County needs a
place to honor veterans and to memorialize the events of 9/11. The planning for this has
been in the works for 10 years, and the committee is of the opinion that the County
should have one place where all veterans can be recognized and remembered. The
memorial will have 2,000 lbs. of artifacts from the 9/11 site. Mr. Elliott said they are
creating a military history trail with pavers to tell the story of Franklin County’s role in
military historic events, and Franklin County could be a part of this history trail consisting
of 36 pavers that would extend out to 13 flags. Mr. Elliott is asking the Board to sponsor
the County flag that the Commissioners will raise during the dedication scheduled for
Saturday, May 19th. There will also be a repository of all veterans killed during a military
conflict with a virtual kiosk wall that will be located inside the chapel. Mr. Elliott said this
works because of the following: People are looking for historic roots; people want to pay
respect to veterans; this chapel is one of three Prisoner of War built chapels; this area is
the center of the County; Letterkenny Army Depot has involvement in conflicts; and the
chapel provides year round veterans’ services. Mr. Elliott mentioned the cooperative
effort involving local municipalities and many other contributors that have provided
donations or in-kind contributions for this project. The committee is asking the County to
join with them. The committee is requesting $50,000 from Tourist Promotion Agency
(TPA) funds to help with the project. They are hoping that everyone from Franklin
County who died in a conflict will be recognized. The Board asked Janet Pollard, (TPA)
Director for her input since the funds would be provided by the Visitors Bureau. Ms.
Pollard said there are people already drawn to the chapel and this area is on the
architectural tour, so there is a good foundation already, and it could be expanded upon.
She said this touches so many areas and is a viable opportunity. The Board discussed
and deliberated on this request. All Board members expressed their desire to participate
in this project and their desire to support this project with a contribution of $50,000 from
(TPA) investment funds in support of the Franklin County Memorial Park. A dedication
ceremony for the veterans’ park is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at which time the
contribution of $50,000 will be announced.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to endorse the proposal of the Veterans’ Memorial Committee
and provide the $50,000.000 investment funds from Tourist Promotion Agency and
authorize the appropriate County personnel to start the process of transferring the funds.
Continued on page 3
The meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Proclamation 2012 - 08
National Nursing Home Week
May 13- 19, 2012
WHEREAS the citizens of Franklin County now residing in nursing homes have
contributed immeasurably to the heritage, success and growth of our community;
and WHEREAS nursing home residents of any age or ability are themselves living
history and a precious resource; and
WHEREAS nursing home nationwide are holding events in observance of Nursing
Home Week guided by this year's national theme of "Celebrating the Journey"
and
WHEREAS Nursing Home Week begins on Mother's Day, May 13 and ends on
May 19, 2012;
THEREFORE, We,the Board of Commissioners of Franklin County urge every
citizen to honor the elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes by visiting or
volunteering at a local nursing home to bring good cheer to the residents and
appreciation to the staff that care for our community's most vulnerable citizens on
our behalf.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hand and seal of Franklin
County to be fixed this 15"' day of May, 2012.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. Zi wski