HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-14 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, August 14, 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, a Moment
of Silence, 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 from Chambersburg provided public comment about the board
actions that he had mentioned some time ago, that each individual item should be
addressed and voted on separately. There should be discussions on each item, since
most are not in layman’s terms and he has a hard time understanding them.
Allen Piper provided public comment that he echoes the sentiments of Mr. Jones,
relating to board action items. He was at the Tuscarora School Board meeting last night
and they take each item and discuss them. He recommends the Board take an item and
discuss it. He doesn’t understand some items, and it is very complex to him. In all other
government meetings he attends they discuss it before they pass it. Mr. Piper
encourages the Board to be open and be sunshine about this and not just put a rubber
stamp on them. He feels they are not being open and transparent. They can ask
questions and they are answered and he appreciates it but even COG meetings have
discussion about each agenda item. He asks they consider this request.
Commissioner Thomas asked to respond about the comments. He said there
has never ever been a desire to cloud anything in secrecy. There is no such thing as a
rubber stamp and every item listed is gone over delicately and questions are answered
in a timely manner. He said most items approved are straight up and are done every
year. He doesn’t understand secrecy they are referring to or rubber stamp.
The minutes of August 9, 2012 meeting was reviewed. These will be approved
Thursday, August 16, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Doug Amsley,
Children, Youth and Families Director was present to provide more information on the
Needs Based Plan and Budget that is for consideration today. He said each year by
Pennsylvania Law, county governments are required to complete a needs based plan for
2 years. When they pass the state budget Children & Youth is informed what they are
getting for 2012/2013 so have to refine numbers on the implementation plan but at same
time have to plan for 2013/2014. Mr. Amsley said the County requested $8,226,000 and
was over budget so the County spent more than the State allowed to spend but is still
within the 2% of what the State allows. Mr. Amsley said there were 76 mandates issued
by the State from 1980 – 2007 and in the last year 46 mandates have increased even
more. The County has to implement new policies and bulletins and don’t have time to
plan for these mandates. With the Sandusky case there will be more laws and bulletins
coming out. He said Juvenile Probation numbers did decrease last year but for the first
6 months of this year have increased by 39.4% due to a significant increase of sex
offenders, fights and thefts. Mr. Amsley explained that Children & Youth are kids that
are being abused, neglected or incorrigible and Juvenile Probation are delinquent kids.
Mr. Amsley reported a change in the Foster Care System is that the State will now pay
for kids to stay in foster care for up to 21 years of age whereas in the past they could
leave foster care at age 18 but if their plan fell through the County could not help them.
He reported to the Board that the County is asking for more money to help with
placements and the visitation program that the County received grant money for last
year. He is also asking for a program specialist for the 2013/2014 budget year to help
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with intakes that have increased. Also computers need replaced this year. Chairman
Keller responded that 62 of 67 counties are getting more money than Franklin County to
address these issues. Mr. Amsley’s staff is getting a lot done with little money and he
gives a lot of credit to these folks for getting the job done. Mr. Amsley responded that
we have a good system in Franklin County and he is appreciative of the support he gets
from the Board.
Commissioner Thomas asked John Hart, Chief Clerk to explain the MATP
Expenditures report that goes to the State and how much money we are giving back.
Mr. Hart responded that the county requested a budget amount for operation and the
state originally did not fund our request. To start $848,000 was appropriated and the
state increased the amount to $859,000. The county is returning $18,000 back to the
State. Chairman Keller clarified the Horse Road Bridge mentioned in the agreement
with PennDot is actually Fannettsburg Road. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked to
respond to Mr. Piper and Mr. Jones about agenda items. He said some agenda items
do not need extended discussion. He suggested that the agenda items be numbered.
During public comment more explanation of items could be requested by number.
Commissioner Thomas asked Mr. Hart to explain the electronic signatures agreement.
Mr. Hart said this will simplify the signature process and staff is working to assure all
building blocks in place. If the Board approves this contract this will define workflow and
staff will start with simplified contracts and the process will have securities built in with
passwords.
The following item was approved today and the remainder items will be approved
Thursday, August 16, 2012.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Needs Based
Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013, requesting a budget amount of
$2,009,174.00.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS