HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-18 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, December 18, 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 Chairman’s time to answer a question from last
week. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller wanted to answer the question raised by Mr. Piper last week the
extent of the County’s involvement with the MPMC Connectivity Project. The County
provided assistance in the form of staff support where the Planning Director has
attended the MPMC Workgroup Committee and provided contact information on state
agencies and general information on biking and walking trails. The Grants Management
Director also provided some help. The County’s support for biking and walking trails is
to make the County more safe and concern for the overall health of our citizens. The
Board understands the concern among some folks concerning land rights. The Board
does not agree with taking anyone’s land to create a biking and walking trail. If a land
owner wants to grant an easement or enter into an agreement with any municipality to
facilitate a walking and biking trail that is their right and only their right.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment that he has received a lot of calls
concerning the big raises the Commissioners and other Elected Officials will be receiving
and how they are not giving retirees a 2% raise. Mr. Lightfoot said that Commissioner
Thomas said they get social security but Mr. Lightfoot knows a woman that only gets
$300; let’s see if Commissioner Thomas can live on $300 a month and he bets that Mr.
Thomas will not turn his raise down.
The minutes of December 11, 2012 and December 13, 2012 meetings were
reviewed. After a minor change these will be approved Thursday, December 20, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked about board action #4 to give $15,000 to South Central Community Action
Program for housing, he assumes this is the money that is being moved around from the
block grant process. John Hart, County Administrator, responded that they are able to
provide this service at less cost than the previous vendor. Commissioner Thomas asked
about item #1, the agreement with CenturyLink and Mr. Hart responded this agreement
will identify problems proactively and will generate reports and assist with staffing and
equipment down the road in the 911 center. Commissioner Ziobrowski said action #5,
Dietician contract is a mandated service and it’s cheaper to provide as a contracted
service. The items will be approved Thursday, December 18, 2012.
The Board presented Bob Harris, Veteran’s Director and Lucinda Blevins,
Department Clerk, with the Five Star Service Award they received from the PA
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Office. Franklin County Veteran’s Affairs
has received this award for outstanding recovery of veteran’s benefits for 2011 and
2012. Chairman Keller said the Board is extremely grateful for Mr. Harris and Ms.
Blevins for the benefits of veterans of Franklin County, all credit goes to them for this
award. Mr. Harris stated that the County has 1,791 recipients either for military injuries
or pension and there are 12,900 veterans living in Franklin County and 27% of them use
Martinsburg Veteran’s Center for their healthcare. These are real people and he sees
them daily. Mr. Harris commended Ms. Blevins for her help on quality assurance claims.
Commissioner Thomas said at a CCAP conference this year they voted to make
permanent the Veteran’s Affairs Committee of the CCAP Board of Directors and Franklin
County has been one of the leaders for years. Commissioner Ziobrowski said they can’t
thank warriors enough and they worked very hard to get the job done.
Continued on page 2
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked the Board to enter into an executive
session. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:58 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review the tax assessment appeal of Kimco (Chambersburg Crossing). The
Board reconvened into regular session at 10:09 a.m.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor, asked approval to settle the Assessment Appeal with
Kimco(Chambersburg Crossing) Docket #2010-5414. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to authorize Mary
Beth Shank to enter into an agreement with Kimco and Chambersburg School District.
This will be for assessed fair market value of $37,804,000 for 2011; $36,259,000 for
2012; and $34,507,000 for 2013. The County will refund Kimco in the amount of $10,198
for the year 2011 and $7,600.00 for the year 2012 and will utilize as a credit to their 2013
taxes.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS