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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-24 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, May 24, 2012, with the following members present: Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Vice Chairman Thomas 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. Commissioner Thomas informed everyone in attendance that Chairman Keller will not be available today because he and his wife had a new baby this week. Allen Piper provided public comment and asked if the Board has given any financial assistance to the Connectivity Trail being established in the Tuscarora School District. Mr. Piper said he would not approve of giving tax payer’s money toward this project at this time if he was a commissioner. He would like them to look into this and respond back to him. Mr. Piper asked a few weeks ago for minutes of a prior meeting in paper form and he is still waiting for them. He is requesting a paper copy of the prior meeting so he can review them. Roger Blattenburger provided public comment and said the Connectivity Trail has recently appeared before the school board and local townships and they haven’t asked for any money, just support, of their effort but the $150,000 keeps coming up. He said landowners that will be affected have not been contacted. Mr. Blattenburger said if the Board hasn’t given them the money, he requested they don’t. Allen Piper provided additional public comment and wants more information on the Visitor’s Bureau sponsoring the Military History Trail. Commissioner Thomas said the Board will cover that during board actions. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the minutes of May 15, 2012 and May 17, 2012 meetings. Commissioner Thomas asked John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator for further explanation of the emergency resolution that was added to the agenda today. John Hart explained that due to the fire last Thursday the County may be incurring costs to get offices back in shape and get staff that were dislocated back into their offices. This resolution will help the county from having to do the bidding process but will still look for the lowest qualified quotes. Mr. Hart said costs will be reimbursed by the contractors insurance. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked to address the military history trail question and read a press release that was released to the media last week. He explained the proposed funding will be from the hotel tax and no general funds are allocated at this time. Commissioner Thomas said there are limited activities that this money could be used for and this project qualifies for this as the 9/11 memorial and veterans trail will be a significant tourism place. He said this was discussed at a meeting last week and this will pay respect to our veterans past and present. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed additional Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Resolution 2012-12 Emergency Resolution for expenses incurred during a fire at the Commissioner’s Complex Building on May 17, 2012, which is attached and made a copy of these minutes. The Board reviewed Commissioners’ Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Resolution 2012-11 to abolish the Office of Jury Commissioner, which is attached and made a copy of these minutes. The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Engagement Letter from Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC to provide 2011 Audit services at a cost of $104,130.00. This is a continuation of a three year proposal from January 2009. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Vice Chairman of the Board to execute the Addendum to Capital BlueCross agreement to update and authorize a fiscal employee to receive the data needed to track the finance/billing information on the HRA plan. The Board reviewed MH/ID/EI matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the renewal grant application between the County of Franklin and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the HUD Homeless Assistance Project #1 that consists of 10 scattered site furnished one-bedroom apartments in Franklin and Fulton counties to assist mental health consumers move from chronic homelessness into permanent housing, and provides peer support services, transportation, emergency food, and housing supplies. Case management is provided through MH/ID. The grant is for a total of $95,345.00 for the period of August 1, 2012 through July 31, 2013. The Board reviewed MH/ID/EI matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the renewal grant application between the County of Franklin and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the HUD Homeless Assistance Project #2 that consists of 10 apartments in Franklin and Fulton counties. The project pays rent for mental health consumers and offers peer support services, transportation, emergency food, and housing supplies. The grant is for a total of $94,588.00 for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The Board reviewed Transportation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Vice Chairman of the Board to execute the grant agreement for 2011-2012 between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for replacing one vehicle that has met the “useful life” criteria of 150,000 miles and/or five years, with $43,200.00 grant from Federal Capital Grant and $10,800.00 grant from State Capital Grant. The Board reviewed additional Transportation matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Vice Chairman of the Board to execute the grant application for 2012-2013 between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for replacing three vehicles that meet the “useful life” criteria of 150,000 miles and/or five years, in the amount of $180,000.00. Continued on page 3 The Board reviewed Visitors Bureau matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the supplemental appropriation for $50,000.00 to sponsor Franklin County Military History Trail as approved by the Board of Commissioners on May 15, 2012. In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Rachel’s Country Store notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Permit application for renewal for the discharge of treated waste water for Rachel Esh’s small flow treatment system at 6352 McClays Mill Road, Newburg. Phil Tarquino, Planning Director, was present to have a public hearing to discuss HOME Investment Partnership Program applications. A public meeting was held on May 10, 2012 where the information was presented to the Board. The HOME program is a Federal program that supplies money for various housing initiatives that can be used for low to moderate income or disabled individuals and families. New Hope Shelter is applying for an amount of $400,000 of HOME funds to develop seven new apartments on the second floor of the shelter. Bill Burcher, Director of New Hope Shelter and Sarah Burcher, Manager of New Hope Shelter were present to provide addition information on the project. Interfaith Housing is requesting $174,000 to construct five family units in the Nottingham division for low to moderate income individuals/families. Interfaith Housing is also applying for CHODO operating funds in the amount of $100,000. Travis Hartman and Patricia Motter from Interfaith Housing were present to provide more information on their project. The County is applying on behalf of New Hope Shelter and Interfaith Housing. Since this was a public hearing the Board asked the audience if there were any comments. There were no comments or questions from the audience. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Resolutions 2012-13, 2012-14, 2012-15 authorizing the filing of applications for funds with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on behalf of New Hope Shelter and Interfaith Housing, which are attached and made a part of these minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION #2012 - 12 Emergency Resolution for Expenses Incurred During a Fire at The Commissioner's Complex Building on May 17, 2012 WHEREAS, on May 17, 2012 contractors were demolishing the Harmon's building and a fire started on the roof at the Commissioners Complex at 14 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA. The fire resulted in smoke and water damage to the Commissioners Complex Building WHEREAS, cleaning and repairs of the damage must be completed as quickly as possible under the provision of the County Code, Section 1802, Contract Procedures; Terms and Bonds; Advertising for Bids, Subsection B, stating that the requirements of this subsection need not be followed in cases of emergency and passage of a resolution declaring an emergency and Subsection H(1), which states that maintenance, repairs or replacements of water, electric light, or other public works of the County where they do not constitute new additions, extensions or enlargements of existing facilities and equipment do not require advertising or bidding. WHEREAS, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY that: an emergency condition exists for the cleaning and repair of damages caused by the fire on May 17th, 2012 at 14 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA, and that these be made as quickly as possible in order to provide office and meeting space for Property Management and Commissioners Office operations and that these repairs be exempt from the bidding procedures as set forth in the County Code. NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Franklin County that these repairs be made as quickly as possible to get the building back to its original condition in a timely manner. RESOLVED this 24th day of May 2012. ATTEST: FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ohn . Hart David S. Keller, Chairman ief Clerk/County Administrator Robert L. Thomas Robert . obrowski County of Franklin Resolution No. 2012 - 11 A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN ABOLISHING THE OFFICE OF JURY COMMISSIONER WHEREAS, legislation granting county commissioners in 2A and third through eighth class counties the option to abolish the office of jury commissioner was signed into law as Act 108 on December 15, 2011; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has reviewed the procedures in effect within Franklin County to ensure that lists of potential jurors are a representative cross section of the county; and WHEREAS, Franklin County currently selects juries, at random, utilizing lists of registered voters and licensed drivers within the county; and WHEREAS, the Honorable Douglas W. Herman,President Judge of the 391h Judicial District of Pennsylvania has affirmed, via letter dated April 18, 2012 to the county solicitor,that"the current make-up of the jury pool provides a representative cross section of citizens who may be selected for jury duty in Franklin County;" and WHEREAS, President Judge Douglas W. Herman further opined that"the abolishment of the office of jury commissioner would in no way be detrimental to the Court's efforts to obtain a diverse pool of jurors who will be capable of rendering fair and impartial verdicts;" and WHEREAS, the abolishment of the position of jury commissioner will mean significant savings of dollars for the taxpayers of Franklin County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as follows: 1. The office of jury commissioner in the County of Franklin shall be abolished effective January 6, 2014, being the first Monday in January following the municipal election. ATTEST COUNTY OF FRANKLIN J hn . Hart David S. Keller, Chairman County Administrator Board of Commissioners Robert L. Thomas Robert G i rowski COURT OF COMMON PLEAS a c y t Thirty-Ninth Judicial District of Pennsylvania Franklin and Fulton Counties DOUGLAS W.HERMAN PRESIDENT JUDGE Fulton County Courthouse Franklin County Courthouse 201 North Second Street 157 Lincoln Way East McConnellsburg,Pennsylvania 17233 Chambersburg,Pennsylvania 17201 Telephone:(717)485-3301 Telephone:(717)261-3840 Telefax:(717)485-5568 Telefax:(717)261-3800 April 18, 2012 Mary Beth Shank, Esquire Franklin County Commissioner's Office 14 North Main Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 In re: Jury Commissioners Act 108 of 2011 Dear Solicitor Shank: In response to your letter concerning the legislation providing for abolishment of the office of jury commissioner,the Court has reviewed our procedures for selecting potential jurors. As you know, in Franklin County we select our juries from the list of registered voters and licensed drivers. We do not, however, currently use tax assessment records. We are considering the addition of these records as well as a state-wide list of potential jurors provided by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts for inclusion in the jury pool. It is my opinion that the current make-up of our jury pool provides a representative cross section of citizens who may be selected for jury duty in Franklin County. Juries are randomly selected from these sources and the recent addition of the list of licensed drivers has a created a greater diversity of citizens in the overall jury pool. Further it is my opinion that the abolishment of the office of jury commissioner would in no way be detrimental to the Court's efforts to obtain a diverse pool of jurors who will be capable of rendering fair and impartial verdicts. Very truly yours, Douglas W. an, P.J. DWH:ds