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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-23 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, August 23, 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 L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and asked if the Board has done anything about directions at the home so he can find his way out. Chairman Keller responded no. Sherri Morgan provided public comment and requested the Board place the County’s application for the Human Services Block Grant on the County’s website. She said this was a public policy decision that was made without public input or participation. There was no cost benefit analysis or any decision-tree or algorithm supporting this decision shared with the public. Ms. Morgan read a statement about how the County may retain 3% of the unspent funds, since there are no strings attached to these funds. Ms. Morgan said it is not OK to balance the budget on the backs of those who are struggling the most. She urges the Commissioners to show the citizens how this public policy decision, the decision to apply for the Human Services Block Grant Pilot program was made. Ms. Morgan also stated that people with disabilities are huge job creators but are characterized as a burden to society. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the minutes of August 14, 2012 and August 16, 2012 meetings. The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to provide a grant from the Hazardous Materials Response Fund Grant in the amount of $31,070.00 to be used for the hazardous materials program to include training, equipment, material and other supplies needed. This grant agreement is for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. The Board reviewed Drug & Alcohol matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the fourth quarter report for fiscal year 2011-2012 submitted to Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs for a total amount of $1,245,282.00 and detailing how each funding stream was used and reimbursements given to each provider for services rendered. The Board reviewed additional Drug & Alcohol matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the fourth quarter report for fiscal year 2011-2012 to Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for state grant Behavioral Health Services Initiative (BHSI) and state grant ACT 152 in the amount of $324,076.00 a decrease of $40,677.00, for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute Form 8038-CP to the Department of the Treasury to file semi-annually for the County to claim 45% reimbursement from the Federal Government for the interest paid for the Recovery Zone Economic Development Note. The County will receive a reimbursement in the amount of $16,395.00. The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the proposal between the County of Franklin and Strickler Agency, Inc. to provide broker consultant services for group health benefits at a cost of $50,000.00 for plan year January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Services include assessment of current benefits; developing alternative plan design and funding options; request for proposals for products needed; negotiate on the behalf of the County; summarize/recommend the best benefit offering; implement/educate employees; pay the County’s COBRA fees; assist with healthcare Reform and any other topics related to Group Health Care. The Board reviewed Information Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the proposal from CORL Communications, Inc. to drill under the parking lot to install a 4” conduit between the Courthouse building and the communications manhole at a cost of $3,500.00 to $8,800.00, depending on condition of pathway between the building and manhole. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the proposal from Modern Group Power Systems to provide maintenance and inspections on the generator at the Jail at a cost of $1,995.00 for the period of August 13, 2012 through August 13, 2013. This is required to be in compliance with State requirements. The Board reviewed Purchasing matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the user agreement between the County of Franklin and Verizon Wireless to provide cell phones and cell phone related services for all departments of the County at a cost of $6,081.94 a month to be charged to each user department and will continue until terminated without a termination fee. This Vendor will afford the County greater coverage , faster Data speeds with 4G data service already active in our area and will allow County to utilize more effective means of all-in-one communication devices that will better integrate with the County’s new and existing communication programs. In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, ARRO notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NDPES Permit application being applied by the Borough of Chambersburg for existing discharge at the Chambersburg Waste Water Treatment Plant on property located in Borough of Chambersburg. In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Metal Township notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Obstruction and Encroachment permit being applied to repair an existing ford located in Metal Township. In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Shoener Environment notified the County of a name change to a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NDPES Permit application previously applied by Roxbury Project, LLC by letter dated July 17, 2012, the name is now Franklin County Project LLC. Continued on page 3 Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to discuss the following items: Review of 2012 expense and revenue budget performance through June. Ms. Beckner advised most departments are under budget except for a few where she mentioned their variances from the report. Ms. Beckner said revenues are consistent through June and property taxes are $25,000 more than budgeted. The Board recessed until 10:30 a.m. Chairman Keller said he may have a conflict of interest with board action #5 which is the renewal of the agreement with Strickler Agency. He wanted to disclose that he is a good friend of this gentleman and this gentleman has also worked on Chairman Keller’s campaign. He is asking to revote on this action. Commissioner Thomas sees no reason not to proceed with this agreement. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to remove the previous action and revote to approve the agreement. Chairman Keller abstained from voting. Mike Ross, President of Franklin County Area Development Corporation was present to conduct a public hearing on the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program (LERTA) for Antrim Township. Mr. Ross said this hearing is a request for the County to consider participating in LERTA created in Antrim Township which has been approved by the school district. Mr. Ross provided the background for this request which started 6 – 8 weeks ago where Matrix and World Kitchen approached Mr. Ross about creating a LERTA due to World Kitchen looking at reorganization, a more efficient operation and possibility of moving to Hagerstown. Mr. Ross said businesses in our area are looking at Washington County because they have 6,000 acres in the Enterprise entity where they can avert taxes. He is trying to create a level playing field in our region. Antrim Township took the step to create a LERTA district to develop sites for the past 30 years where land has sat as farm land and has not been utilized. LERTA is creating an economic development benefit that is designed for a certain point of time. This is a way to jump start the economy will put Antrim township on the map. Mr. Ross requests the County consider participating as well. Mr. Ross mentioned an issue that came up of whether greenfield should be included and is this intent of the LERTA act. The Antrim Township Solicitor found that greenfields do qualify. Greenfields have been used across PA since 1970 when the Act was created and very effective in stimulating development. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked what the relationship is between Matrix and World Kitchen and Mr. Ross responded it’s a landlord tenant relationship. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if any remediation in taxes would be passed onto World Kitchen? Jim Murray from Matrix Development responded that the savings will flow through to the tenant with decreased rent. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked why can’t the 100 acres be subdivided to create a smaller LERTA. Mr. Ross stated that the issue of subdividing the Matrix property was never considered by the municipality. Mr. Ross said the municipality and school district were looking to expand the LERTA beyond the Matrix property because there is a concern within the school district that its tax base is overly dependent upon residential property. Chairman Keller asked how they came up with the 10 year model and if greenfields are included in Washington County? Mike Ross responded that 10 year tax abatement essentially is paying 80% of abatement for first five years and yes there are greenfields in Washington County. Chairman Keller asked if situations of greenfields have ever been challenged across the state and Patrick Coggins, of ATAPCO Development responded there have been challenges but those challenges have been unsuccessful and the state court has come back that it’s up to the local community to determine what has been blighted or not blighted. He will forward the cases to the Board. Commissioner Ziobrowski said if they approve this LERTA zone then the Board has an issue when other municipalities ask for a LERTA zone. He needs more information and is not prepared to make a decision today. Commissioner Thomas Continued on page 4 agrees with Commissioner Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller informed Mr. Ross that the Board will try to make a decision in a timely manner and will wait for the items the Board asked for. Chairman Keller left the meeting room at 11:30 AM. Judge Richard Walsh, Judge Angela Krum, Mark Singer, Court Administrator and Jennifer Newman, from Domestic Relations were present to provide a proposal on establishing a Domestic Relations Section Contracted Hearing Master. Commissioner Thomas said the Courts have been working for several months to help with a situation that is coming up soon with the retirement of Judge Walsh. Judge Walsh stated he has been working on developing the concept of a support master that will relieve pressure on the Common Pleas Court and help judges do things they are meant to do. Title IV-D funds would help to pay for this contracted position. Costs for this position would be $18,500 a year with the County share of $6,300. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if the courts will use a master hearing room in the Jr. Fire House building that the County is currently rehabilitating. Judge Walsh responded that they will accommodate for 1 day a week. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked the Judge how they plan to appoint a person for this position. Judge Walsh said the Courts plan to make an announcement at the Bar Association and then will conduct interviews. Judge Walsh offered to pay the 1/3 this year out of a fund the Court has established. Commissioner Thomas noted there was consensus to move forward with appointing a master and making accommodations for them. The meeting was adjourned at 11:42 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS