HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-10 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, January 10, 2013, 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 said the retirees are upset about the
current employees who got big raises and they only got 2%. They asked him how the
commissioners can get impeached.
Ken Jones from Chambersburg read a message about the county elected and
unelected bureaucrat’s getting raises while the private sector doesn’t and “all they do is
spend, spend, spend and to hell with the consequences”.
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 January 3, 2013 meeting.
The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the service agreement
between the County of Franklin and NAC Communications to provide maintenance on
the fire alarm system at the Greencastle Senior Activity Center at a cost of $300.00 for
the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L.
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Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the revised 4
Quarter report to the PA Department of Public Welfare to show all expenses as well as
revenues for the period of July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. The only change to the
original report is additional federal funds are being submitted for reimbursement.
The Board reviewed Grants Management/Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert
L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the contract
between the County of Franklin and Cinda Liggon, MD PC, to provide psychiatric
Behavioral Health Outpatient Services for participants in the Jail Diversion Program for
the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 for the maximum
encumbrance amount of $3,000.00.
The Board reviewed additional Grants Management matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
contract between the County of Franklin and Peerstar LLC to provide Peer Specialist
Support services to inmates and participants of the Jail Diversion Program as well as
residents of the Franklin County Jail in an amount not to exceed $44,000.00 for the
period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, William A. Brindle
Associates notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Renewal Permit application being applied by Franklin County
Housing Authority for construction of two new multi-family residential structures on
property located in the Borough of Waynesboro.
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Sue Armstrong from the Borough of Greencastle was present to conduct a public
hearing on the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program (LERTA) for the
Borough of Greencastle. The Borough of Greencastle passed a LERTA Ordinance on
November 5, 2012 that gives the ability to abate the assessed valuation of any
improvements to deteriorated properties for a five year period. The Borough is looking
to stimulate new investment and reinvestment into their community in the downtown,
highway commercial and industrial areas in the Borough. There are an estimated 118
properties altogether and no open spaces in this area. The Greencastle Antrim School
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District passed their endorsement on December 6. Ms. Armstrong explained the
process when an applicant wants to apply for the exemption. The last step is each
exemption request is forwarded to the Assessment Office and the Assessor will
reassess the property once improvements are done and notify the Borough of the new
assessment. Ms. Armstrong explained the exemption schedule is 100% the first year,
80% the second year, 60% the third year, 40% the fourth year and 20% the fifth year.
The Borough of Greencastle is asking for the County’s support and hopes the Board will
pass similar legislation. Commissioner Thomas announced he is in support of this.
Commissioner Ziobrowski explained the reason the Board did not act on the Antrim
Township request is because they added green space and they asked for 10 years while
this request is 5 years. He is in favor of this request. Chairman Keller asked if there
was any public comment at this time. Michelle Jansen asked what it means when
asking for the county’s support. Ms. Armstrong said the County would have to pass
similar legislation that would do the same on the County’s side so that the County’s
property tax would be abated the same as the Borough. Ken Jones asked if this
includes reducing the property taxes while doing the improvements. Ms. Armstrong
said it would only be abated on the original taxes of the property owner would have to
pay but they wouldn’t have to pay any more than the original taxes and in five years the
taxes would go to the 100% of what the new assessment is. Chairman Keller said the
Board will wait a week and see if any citizens respond to this request.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:25 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review real estate transaction matters. The Board reconvened into regular
session at 10:58 a.m. No action was required after executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:58 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS