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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-06 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, September 6, 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. Chairman Keller asked to include the addition of Chairman’s time prior to public comment to address Sherri Morgan’s editorial in the Public Opinion yesterday as well as general discussion prior to press time. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Chairman Keller wanted to address the concerns expressed in the thought- provoking guest editorial by Sherri Morgan in yesterday’s Public Opinion. Ms. Morgan deserves credit for noting the funding challenges presented by a shrinking state Human Services budget. And, in general, the Commissioners share some of the concerns raised by Ms. Morgan. As to the claim that there has been insufficient public participation, it should be noted that there have been many meetings with stakeholders and Franklin County has addressed any and all questions and it continues to do so, and the Commissioners will not deliberate on whether to proceed with restructuring MH/ID/EI as a non-profit organization until the options are presented in a Board of Commissioners public meeting. It should also be noted that the letter characterizes the reasons for Franklin County entertaining the Block Grant and Non-Profit ideas as being reactive, with an underlying motive to underfund needed services. Chairman Keller said that is not accurate. Franklin County's position is to be pro-active in facing challenges with innovation and flexibility. As to the assertion by Ms. Morgan that a "majority" of other counties are not entertaining these options, it is important to mention that many counties are much smaller. As such, they do not have the experience and expertise to implement the block grant structure. Chairman Keller concluded by saying that Franklin County has been, and will continue to be, a state leader when it comes to finding smarter, more efficient ways to get things done. Ken Jones provided public comment about public comment time before the meeting is good but he asked if the Board feels at this time if they could have public comment at the end of the meeting or before dismissal of the meeting so they could comment on things that happened at that meeting. This gives the public time to comment or question guests who are speaking at the meeting. Allen Piper, President of CRG found the article interesting in the Public Opinion yesterday about the pros and cons related to the MH/ID program and it was interesting to hear the Chairman’s rebuttal to the guest essay. His organization strives and pushes for transparency and found it most interesting when watching the debates last week with the Republican National Convention and now this week with the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Piper asked the Board or Mr. Hart if the meeting being held on Tuesday at the St. Thomas Fire Company concerning the MH/ID Nonprofit if questions or public comments will be allowed by the public attending the meeting. He proposes there should be a question and answer period due to the presentation being done by County Administration, this is only right and proper. But he understands there will be meetings the following week for the public to attend. Mr. Piper asked the Chairman if the same individuals presenting next week will also be at the public meetings the following week. Chairman Keller responded yes and the intent of the meeting on Tuesday is to present the information to Franklin and Fulton County Boards of Commissioners and the MH/ID Advisory Board which is the priority. Once both Boards and the Advisory Board Continued on page 2 members see the information and ask questions or provide comments and if there is any time remaining this would be for members of the public to ask any questions. They want the benefit of the public’s input and that is why there will be public meetings the following week but he expects time will be given for the public comments during the meeting next week as well. Mr. Piper also wanted to concur with Ken Jones about needing time for public comment at the end of the meetings to ask presenters questions or provide comments. Mr. Piper also commented that when he or members of CRG ask questions Mr. Hart will not address them. It’s a courtesy when they ask a question that Mr. Hart direct the answer to them not the Board of Commissioners. Chairman Keller said Mr. Piper mentioned there were times the Board was not open and transparent so he would like to know when that was. Mr. Piper responded he will provide that information to him. 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 28, 2012 and August 30, 2012 meetings. The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Subsidized Adoption Assistance Agreement on behalf of the Franklin County Children and Youth Department to provide a subsidy to adoptive parents to be used for adoptive children with special needs for payment in the amount of $30.17 per day for the period of July 23, 2012 through May 7, 2013 and will include a 2% cost of living increase per year through 2015, in addition a one-time payment not to exceed $0 to cover non-recurring adoption expenses. The different needs of the child determine the cost per month. The County is reimbursed through the Federal Financial Participation program. The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal agreement between the County of Franklin and Waynesboro School District for the School-Based Probation Program. The school district agrees to provide $16,052.00 for the 2012-2013 school year. Franklin County will carry liability insurance for its employees and the program. The term of agreement is August 27, 2012 through June 5, 2013. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal contract between the County of Franklin and KeyTrak, Inc. for maintenance/support coverage for the Jail’s key system-box, including 24 hour phone support service, imperative to the safety and security of the Jail’s daily operations for the period of October 19, 2012 through October 18, 2013 at a cost of $673.00. The Board reviewed Nursing Home matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal contract between Franklin County Area Agency on Aging and Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for emergency placement services to clients of the Protective Services Program, providing inpatient respite services on interim basis pending determination of disposition of appropriate care requirements. FCAAA will reimburse the nursing home up to nine units of care at a current cost of $198.00 per day plus incurred pharmacy costs not covered by consumer’s health insurance during initial three-day period. This contract is for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 with the option to renew annually. Continued on page 3 The Board reviewed Nursing Home matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Chambersburg Hospital to provide pacemaker interrogation services to check the calibration/operation of an individual’s pacemaker paid for by the patient’s private insurance or Medicare. This agreement is for the period of September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013. The Board met with the Human Resources Generalist, the Deputy Controller, District Attorney, Sheriff, Fiscal Director and Human Services Administrator for Salary Board and Personnel matters. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the revised position descriptions for Medicare B Biller/Resident Trust Coordinator, Medicare & Insurance Biller/Resident Financial Coordinator, Medicaid & Private Pay Biller/Resident Financial Coordinator, Human Services Administrator/Drug & Alcohol Administrator, Coordinator of Human Services Information Referral and Training, Drug & Alcohol Specialist, and Human Services Fiscal Specialist. Chairman Keller asked Commissioner Thomas if he had any concerns with the cell phone policy and Commissioner Thomas stated he had reviewed the policy and he has no comments or concern. The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS