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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-17 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, April 17, 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 asked to include Chairman's time prior to public comment. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Chairman Keller responded to Mr. Lightfoot's question on why the contract for pest control at the Jail has not been bid. The annual cost of services is only$3,000 so this does not meet the threshold to be bid. Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and asked why the Board can't go over each item on the board action listing in detail. Allen Piper provided public comment and asked why the Board is moving forward with the federal mandate at the Jail when there has never been a sexual assault. This is placing thousands of dollars on the backs of taxpayers. Mr. Piper also would like to know what the Commissioners are doing to deter crime in our area since our jail population has risen. 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 the April 8, 2014 and April 10, 2014 meetings. The Board reviewed Aging matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the Food & Beverage Licenses to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the Mont Alto Senior Center, Greencastle Senior Center and the Ft. Loudon Senior Center at a cost of$82.00 each. It is a state regulation to have a food and beverage license renewed annually. There is no increase from last year and it is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Block Grant. The Board reviewed Commissioners' Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Agreement between the County of Franklin and Beidel Printing House, Inc. to print, bind and deliver the ballots for the General Primary Election being held on May 20, 2014 at a cost of $19,185.75. This bid was awarded on March 27, 2014. The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the quote from Stenograph for software support of the Court reporters stenographic machines for the period of May 3, 2014 through May 2, 2015 for a total of$2,970.00. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Day Reporting Center matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Lease Agreement between the County of Franklin and Gary A. Mahon for rental of 550 Loudon Street, Chambersburg to be used for the Day Reporting Center at a cost of$4,700.00 per month or$56,400.00 per year for the period of April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2017. The Board reviewed Early Intervention matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Revised Annual Income and Expenditure Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare for Fiscal Year 2012-13, for Franklin/Fulton Early Intervention. The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Agreement between the County of Franklin and Universal Door and Specialties, LLC. for the purchase and installation of a new exterior door at Juvenile Probation and a bullet resistant interior door to the Juvenile Probation hallway; at a one-time cost of$12,530.33 with 50% being paid through the Franklin County Security Technology Grant year 2. Three quotes were requested but only one responded with a quote. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the agreement between the County of Franklin and PrimeCare Medical, Inc. which provides comprehensive health services for inmates at the Jail with a 2.0% cost of living increase, as well as increasing the facilities average daily population to 400 inmates/patients, for a total of$1,534,658.58 for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect. The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the revised position description for the Director of Veterans Affairs. The Board announced the development of the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant Program. Chairman Keller said during budget time the Board gave direction to staff to develop a process for distributing hotel tax dollars as well as Marcellus Shale impact dollars coming to county to enhance tourism and historic preservation. Marcellus Shale would be used to support efforts of the County's Greenway and Open Space Plan. Phil Tarquino, Planning Director, was present to explain the proposal of how those funds will be distributed. Mr. Tarquino explained how an internal committee prepared a proposal to utilize tourism money the County will receive from the Visitors Bureau and the Marcellus Shale money and combine them for this grant process. The purpose is to enhance tourism and promote overnight stays in Franklin County and improve biking/walking trails in Franklin County. Mr. Tarquino explained this would be an annual program and there is $225,000 available in this cycle for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to be used for: Bike and walking/hiking trails to enhance tourism, connect historic and/or tourism attractions, and promote overnight stays; Preservation and enhancement of historic assets, capital improvements that will preserve, restore, improve or develop historic assets that benefit tourism and promote overnight stays; and bike and walking hiking trails to enhance quality of life experiences of county residents and as a benefit to the community. Mr. Tarquino explained the kick off meeting will be held the beginning of May applications will be accepted through the beginning of June, and then decisions will be made by July 1, 2014. Moving forward application would be on a calendar cycle. The committee will be looking for proposals that align with the County's Comprehensive Plan and Greenways and Open Space Plan. He is proposing a committee to review the applications. Continued on page 3 Planning will send out a notice to all municipalities and appropriate nonprofits that may qualify. He explained the application will be on the county's website and we will have the applications submitted back to the County electronically. Mr. Tarquino said the projects have to be ready to move, which includes having permits, right-a-ways and municipal support to apply. Chairman Keller said there are two sets of funds — hotel tax dollars have to be used to enhance tourism and Marcellus Shale can be spent on hiking/biking/walking trails. Mr. Tarquino said they will look at the process in the future to see if something needs tweaked. He doesn't anticipate there will be a lack of applications. He feels we will have more applications then funding is available. Mike Ross, Director of the Franklin County Area Development Corporation, was present to give his perspective from an economic development standpoint. Mr. Ross says this is progressive thinking and something that will work well. Counties have to create amenities in order to make certain improvements that will bring travelers to our county and spend tourism dollars here. The trail development and quality of life is becoming a more critical factor and there is a direct correlation to initiatives to promote healthy life styles that visitors are looking for. Mr. Ross said promoting quality of life and an agrarian quality of life in important as well as retaining a quaint, rural, small town atmosphere. Through these initiatives he mentioned that we will be able to restore some historic places in Franklin County. This new program is comparable to the CDBG program. Mr. Ross said this is a good use of funds and he can promote it from an economic standpoint. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked what companies are looking at when looking at locating here. Mr. Ross said they are looking at trails, reinvestment of downtown and anything to promote a healthier lifestyle. This fund will help enhance what we already have. Mr. Ross said trail projects being developed in the western end of the county and Greene Township is important and is well received by people wanting to move here, visiting here, and people already here. Pam Anderson, Owner of a Construction Business, and who is active with Franklin County Historical Society was present to lend her support of this new grant program. She is also chair of the Blighted Property Review Committee and President of the United Way. Ms. Anderson said this is an awesome program. Normally if someone wants to give money to nonprofits it's usually on the Human Service side. Ms. Anderson said two weeks from today is the beginning of National Preservation Month so this is a great time to roll out this program. Commissioner Thomas said Ms. Anderson made a valid point; we don't appreciate how much history we have in this county. There are many historic structures in our county. They must be maintained and this is a good idea. Commissioner Thomas asked if the county would be eligible to apply. Mr. Tarquino responded there is no reason the County can't apply and use these funds. Chairman Keller said the Board is not seeking a decision today. There may be additional comment for the Board next Tuesday. He invited anyone in attendance to provide comment today. He said the Board will have public comment again on Tuesday. Allen Piper provided comment. Mr. Piper claimed that previously Commissioner Ziobrowski had indicated that he was not opposed to eminent domain procedures being used for the biking/hiking project in Mercersburg. Mr. Piper is saying that the people in the western part of Franklin County are adamantly against encroaching on their property and they will stand and fight and he will be standing alongside those people as he has done in the past. Any land grabbing by a grant program and encroachment on land will be a fight. Chairman Keller responded that the Board is in agreement that these grant dollars will be not be used to take any land. Any project requires support of local municipalities and the residents. Continued on page 4 Commissioner Ziobrowski responded to Mr. Piper's comment about eminent domain. He said he had no recollection of having made the statement Mr. Piper referred to, and he'd like to see the minutes. Commissioner Ziobrowski said if he did make a comment about eminent domain, it would have been that the county does not have the authority to prevent a municipality or other government entity from using the power of eminent domain, including the Tuscarora School District, whose board includes Mr. Piper. Commissioner Thomas said the policy is clear that any project for consideration must have support of the township or borough and any affected private land owners. Mr. Tarquino responded that we are only looking for projects that are ready to go and have all required permits, and municipality support. Richard Jones provided public comment about an 85 year old lady in the Midwest that the government used eminent domain on her land and she had a heart attack and died. The Commissioners are saying they will not be inferring eminent domain on anyone but we will see. Chairman Keller said this will be added to the agenda on Tuesday for further consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. John A. Hart Chief Clerk/County Administrator FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. Ziobrowski