HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-28 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, August 28, 2012, with the
following members present: David S. Keller 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.
Chairman Keller announced that Commissioner Thomas is not here today and he
asked to include Chairman’s time to respond to a question from last week. On a motion
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to adopt
the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller wanted to respond to Mr. Lightfoot’s concern about way finding
at the nursing home and informed him that he forwarded Mr. Lightfoot’s concern to staff.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and thanked Commissioner Keller for
attending the Community Services program yesterday.
Allen Piper provided public comment and wanted to announce that Dr. Jim
Wyrick is in John Hopkins having surgery and his prayers are with him and his family.
Chairman Keller responded that the Board will be thinking of Mr. Wyrick today.
The minutes of August 21, 2012 and August 23, 2012 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, August 30, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller asked
if the agreement with Pearson VUE for GED testing will now be offered at 2 places since
the Jail also offers GED testing. John Hart, Chief Clerk responded that he’s correct.
The items will be approved Thursday, August 30, 2012.
Ben Rice, Brady Oursler, Kory Alspaugh, Kevin Rhodes, Emergency Services;
and David Donohue, DES Director were present to receive a Letter of Commendation
from the Board for actions responding to the multiple homicide shooting incident and
child abduction in Mont Alto while at the same time there was a mass casualty incident
in Shippensburg. They coordinated over 22 agencies during these events. Their actions
were directly responsible for bringing these events to a successful conclusion and reflect
dedication, pride and professionalism which reflect favorably upon themselves and the
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services. Brian Denham and James
Birgfield were also recognized but could not attend the meeting.
John Hart, Chief Clerk/County Administrator discussed radio system code
changes with the Board. He said over the last several months Emergency Services and
County Administration has been meeting with various police, fire and ambulance
personnel to discuss different talk groups and code changes. The main change being
proposed is looking at putting law enforcement on one zone, fire and EMS on another
zone and special events on a third zone. With this new set up they will be operating on
one zone which makes more sense. Training will be provided to the various entities. It
is anticipated the cost to do this will not exceed $40,000.00. Commissioner Ziobrowski
asked how will this enhance efficiency and safety. Mr. Hart responded that it will be
easier for dispatchers who will deal with one zone instead of various zones plus it will
enhance public safety. Chairman Keller said current configuration radios are different but
now any apparatus will look exactly the same. Mr. Hart responded that this will be
easier on field users to communicate. David Donohue, DES Director said this will
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decrease safety risk but will increase efficiency. Chairman Keller asked what does this
mean from dispatcher’s point of view. Mr. Donohue responded no changes will be seen
by dispatchers but changes will force agencies to work together more. Mr. Hart said that
some entities have asked for changes and this will accomplish 95% of what is being
requested and are reasonable substantial changes. This will increase public safety for
municipal people using radios in the field. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that fire
departments and EMS have had radios longer than we have had 911 and they have
formed comfortable practices that may not be up to us to determine best protocols to
work conveniently for them but there has to be a balance and he approves moving
forward. Chairman Keller asked if the funds are available in contingency? Mr. Hart
responded there were funds set aside for radio improvements or upgrades to the radio
system. Commissioner Ziobrowski said with the reported tornado Sunday, is there
anything that has already been communicated. Mr. Donohue explained how Doppler
radar works but there was no warning for this incident but luckily the tornado was
running through an unpopulated area and jumped over a residential area and when
landed it was in a more rural area so we dodged a bullet with this one. There was minor
property damage. Mr. Hart said the EOC was up and running in a very short amount of
time, had people in the field within minutes to see if there was substantial damage so the
department reacted very quickly. Mr. Hart recommends developing correspondence to
the various entities to advise them of the code changes and the intentions of the County.
Capital Area Communications will develop a contract with the County. Chairman Keller
said need to work with law enforcement, fire and EMS and anyone else as moving
forward to make change as user friendly and useful and for public safety. Need to be
responsible to all county tax payers and Federal Communications Commission since
there are rules and regulations as well. He asked that administration keep the Board
posted and he thanked Mr. Donohue and Mr. Hart.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to enter an executive session at 10:10 a.m. this date for the purpose to review
Tax Assessment Appeals of Waynesboro Trinity House and Cumberland Valley Antique
Engine and Machinery and real estate negotiations. The Board reconvened into regular
session at 10:30 a.m. Action may be taken after the executive session.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor asked for approval to settle the Assessment Appeal
with Waynesboro Trinity House docket #2005-3335. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to enter into an
agreement with Waynesboro Trinity House, Waynesboro School District and Borough of
Waynesboro. The County will refund Waynesboro Trinity House in the amount of
$25,000.00.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor asked for approval to settle the Assessment Appeal
with Cumberland Valley Antique Engine and Machinery docket #2011-5170. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved to
enter into an agreement with Cumberland Valley Antique Engine and Machinery and
Tuscarora School District. The County will refund Cumberland Valley Antique Engine
and Machinery in the amount of $83.00.
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Mary Beth Shank asked the Board to approve a real estate installment
agreement for property at 11 North Second Street, Chambersburg, south of the fire
company building. The sale price will be $175,000 with a term to pay $90,000 upon
execution of this agreement and the balance will be paid next year at settlement. No
interest will accrue. Seller will continue to collect rent from the tenants and will help the
tenants vacate the building. Settlement is scheduled on or before January 15, 2013.
John Hart said the building currently is a modest apartment building and he has had
discussions with the property owner over the past couple months, they actually
approached the County and have negotiated a price agreeable to everyone. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved
the Real Estate Installment Agreement and move forward with the settlement.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:39 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by David S. Keller.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS