HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-13 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, September 13, 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.
The Board attended a Franklin County Prison Board meeting.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Mike Christopher, Washington Township Supervisor provided public comment
and thanked the Board of Commissioners for participating in the radio-thon on Tuesday
for 9/11 at Red Run Park. He said Janet Pollard helped and her knowledge is
phenomenal, the Board should appreciate the fine work she does. He also thanked the
representatives, ministers and WHAG for being involved. He wanted to mention the
serviceman who showed up in full gear when they were closing and gave $20.00 to help
and the little girl with her dad who gave all her money in her piggybank and her dad
matched it with $10.00. Mr. Christopher thanked the Board on behalf of the supervisors
for all three being there and talking on the radio, it made their day.
Ken Jones provided public comment and a couple weeks ago the subject came
up about having public comment at the close of the Board meetings. He hasn’t gotten a
response from them but he is hoping they are considering it. Also, he would like the
Board to refer to the numbers when discussing board actions.
Allen Piper provided public comment and said it was interesting to hear the
comment and remarks from Mr. Christopher. Mr. Piper said, in his moment of silence he
was thinking of the embassy personnel that were killed yesterday. His prayers are with
the families of those who lost loved ones. There are problems over there and things will
be getting worse. Mr. Piper also agrees with Mr. Jones statement about public
comment.
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 September 4, 2012 and September 6, 2012
meetings.
The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and Sheldon Schwartz to provide Ombudsman services, including
quality assurance visits to licensed personal care and nursing homes in Franklin County,
interviews with consumers and ombudsman investigations at a cost of $4,216.00 for the
period of September 13, 2012 through December 28, 2012. This agreement is needed
until FCAAA is able to hire and train a new staff member.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and CenturyLink for
maintenance on the ECS1000 (911 switch) at 911 back-up center located at the Court
House. This contract is for the period of September 13, 2012 through September 12,
2013 at a cost of $26,004.79, covered by Wireline Funds grant.
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The Board reviewed additional 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 PA Emergency Management Agency for
the Emergency Management Performance Grant to reimburse the partial salary and
benefits of the EMA Coordinator position for a grant amount of $50,922.00 for the grant
period of October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.
The Board reviewed Human Services Administration matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
Contract Amendment between the County of Franklin and Contact Helpline to provide
after-hours phone coverage for the County’s Information and Referral phone line. All
Franklin County residents and anyone calling ‘211’ in the Franklin County region benefit
from this service. The cost is being increased by $2,500.00 for a total of $5,000.00. This
increase is needed due to the increased volume of calls. All other terms and conditions
of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect.
In accordance with PA Act 14 notifications, Harold T. Jones notified the County of
a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Obstruction and
Encroachment Permit application being applied to install stream bank protection on
property located in Hamilton Township.
Patrick Evans from Franklin Advisory along with Mike Christopher, Washington
Township and Sam Cressler, Southampton Township were present to provide
information on an intergovernmental cooperative effort related to road projects,
equipment and personnel resources. Mr. Evans said the municipalities could work
together on sharing equipment, road maintenance, staff training, and prevailing wage
determinations. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the context here is the County may
consider participating in planning for multi-municipal cooperation and the County
allocated money in the budget under contingency for multi municipal projects like this.
Someone would need to manage this and Franklin Advisory would facilitate the plan, get
the data and develop a plan for municipalities to work together. This proposal will be
presented to COG members next week. Mike Christopher said COG thinks this is
worthwhile but they need some help to pull together. There are talents in the various
municipalities that could be shared with other municipalities. Bigger townships could buy
equipment to share with other townships. Sam Cressler said trying to save tax dollars,
efficiencies would be greater, and with economy of scales where equipment could be
shared and townships could pay their fair share and be prorated. Mr. Evans said not all
COG members may be interested in participating but could do in layers and add as they
become interested. Mr. Cressler said the program is voluntary and no matter what COG
decides this would not obligate anyone to participate. Commissioner Thomas said we
need to have the expertise and smaller municipalities don’t have the resources to pull
this off so someone needs to pull this information together. Chairman Keller asked if
there are any benefits in terms of safety and Mr. Evans said safety of the employees are
#1 as there will be training on equipment and safety. Chairman Keller said there is
potential to achieve economies of scale and already have some cooperation but this
could take it to another level. He asked what Franklin Advisory would do, their timeline
and costs. Mr. Evans said first concept would be to review capital equipment, what they
have, how old, hours used, etc. and develop a matrix by each municipality. Next would
be the human resource matrix. Once present this information to COG will move to the
nd
2 level to develop a plan of action and work together with the different municipalities
based on demand. This could take 3.5 months with a fee of $45.00 per hour at 20 hours
per week. Would cost approximately $11,000 – 13,000. Commissioner Thomas said in
order to make this happen there needs to be a minimum number of participants from
COG. Mr. Cressler said they should be careful and not make a number too high
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because some municipalities are waiting to see how it goes in the beginning and may
join later. Commissioner Ziobrowski said there are four municipalities interested so far
and his hope is that other municipalities may see that this will make life easier for them
and join. But will know more on Wednesday at COG so should not put a threshold on it.
The Board asked John Hart how to proceed. Mr. Hart said the County would participate
as well. The Board should give a consensus and see what the response is at COG and
then work with Franklin Advisory on a contract and then the Board should deliberate
further. Chairman Keller responded there is consensus to support this plan by
participating and financially depending on response from the COG meeting.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:36 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review Real Estate and Personnel matters. The Board reconvened into
regular session at 11:11 a.m. No action was required after executive session.
The Board discussed appointing the Chairman of the Franklin County
Assessment Appeal Board. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor informed the Board that
pursuant to County Assessment Law it is required that the Board of Commissioners
make the appointment. Chairman Keller would like to appoint Tom Donahue as the
Chairman due to his experience and he would do a good job as Chairman. He spoke to
Mr. Donahue who agreed to serve as Chairman. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Tom Donahue as
the Chairman of the Franklin County Assessment Appeal Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS