HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-20 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, March 20, 2014, 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 requested to have Chairman's time prior to public comment to
address a few questions that were asked during public comment last week. On a motion
by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to
adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller responded to Mr. Piper's question concerning the Supplemental
Nutritional Assistance Program (formerly known as "Food Stamps" and it may
encompass money for nutrition programs run through SCCAP and others). The County
doesn't administer the program. It is administered by the USDA's Food and Nutrition
Service through state agencies. There is an office in the County but it is state-run.
Chairman Keller also responded to Mr. Piper's question on what the pay adjustment was
for employees and managers for 2014. He said they received 3%. Mr. Piper also asked
about the status of the Jail study. The Contractor has interviewed staff, Judges and
Commissioners. Inmate data has been provided to contractor and he has developed
preliminary findings. The Contractor presented this information to CJAB and Prison
Board and reviewed some of his observations but the Contractor is waiting on the JMI
study and will incorporate information from this study before developing the final report.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and asked if the increase for employees
included everyone including retirees? Chairman Keller responded that elected officials
received a cost of living adjustment of close to 1% and annuitants received a cost of
living adjustment as well but he follow up on that.
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 March 11, 2014 and March 13, 2014 meetings.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved Policy#909.00 to
establish conditions of nontaxable status for uniforms worn by County employees.
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 product and services agreement between the County of
Franklin and CenturyLink to upgrade the Ethernet service between the 911 Center at
390 New York Avenue and the back-up center at 157 Lincoln Way East. This is a
month-to-month contract at a cost of$400.00 per month with a one-time $90.00 fee,
covered by wireline.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the letter of agreement
between the County of Franklin and Hay Group, Inc. to provide actuarial services in
connection with the Post Employment Benefit Plan for 2014 valuation report at a total
cost of$7,500.00 for the period of January 1, 2014 until the date the project has been
completed. The costs are covered by plan assets.
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The Board reviewed Jail 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 Landmark Elevator, Inc. for
the maintenance of the elevator at the Jail, at a cost of$1,730.40 per year for the period
of March 1, 2014 through February 28, 2017.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation to transfer funds in the amount of$65,000.00 from Fund Balance-Housing
Trust Fund to Housing Trust Allotments; to allocate funds for the approved Housing
Trust fund agreements with Peters Township, Greencastle Borough and Valley
Community Housing Corporation. No additional County funds required.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, C.S. Davidson
notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General
permit, being applied by Columbia Gas of PA for the installation of a 4 inch plastic gas
main under Church Hill Road/Johnston Run, located in Mercersburg Borough.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notified the County of a
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General permit being applied to
replace a culvert at Furnace Hollow Road, located in Southampton Township.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2014 expense
and revenue budget performance through January, 2014. Ms. Beckner advised most
departments are under budget except for a few where most variances relate to one-time
or front loaded expenses for the new year. She said general fund expenses are at 8.5%
of budgeted expenses. Ms. Beckner reported that revenue is consistent when compared
to budget as well as prior year performance. Ms. Beckner said revenues are 1.1%
collected of general fund revenue budget. She reported that the biggest share of
revenue comes from property taxes but the tax bills just went out this past month. She
said the 2013 final report will be ready for next month's meeting.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:49 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review Personnel matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at
10:23 a.m. No action was required after executive session.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 1:30 PM as the Election Board for
casting of lots for the General Primary Election.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS