HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-03 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 3, 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 on the agenda to answer a
question from last week that was asked during public comment. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the
amended agenda.
Chairman Keller answered Mr. Piper's questions concerning the appointment of
Tax Appeal Board members. Last week, Mr. Piper asked how many applications or
letters of interest were received. Chairman Keller responded that three applicants were
received and they are subject to the open records process, except applicants that were
not selected. Mr. Piper asked who determines who gets selected and Chairman Keller
answered that the applicants were reviewed by the Planning Department and the County
Administrator and based on their review they recommended two candidates be
approved. The Board of Commissioners received that recommendation at a previous
meeting and deliberated on the applicant's personal backgrounds and their
qualifications.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked if there is a parcel of land near
the Jail that could be used as a farm for the prison population. She was thinking the
county could teach the inmates how to work on a farm. This would be beneficial to
inmates' learning and they would also get free vegetables, which would increase
nutritional value. Ms. Wertz said this would benefit the inmates and the County to get
them back in society with a viable occupation so they can live a valuable and productive
life in society.
The minutes of the May 27, 2014 and May 29, 2014 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, June 5, 2014.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be
approved Thursday, June 5, 2014.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to reappoint Craig Cordell to the Franklin County Housing
Authority Board for a term of June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2019. This position was
advertised in the Public Opinion on May, 11, 2014. No other applicants applied.
Bonnie Zehler, Franklin County Housing Authority's Executive Director, was
present to provide the Board of Commissioners an update on Wayne Gardens that
Valley Community Housing is constructing in Waynesboro. She provided details on the
one and two bedroom apartments that are being constructed that are close to the Mount
Vernon Terrace units. The new units will be available for seniors with income ranges of
$8,520 to $25,560 for a single person and $9,700 to $29,220 for couples. The rents are
a tiered rent structure, not income based, and monthly rent is from $160 per month to
$520 per month. Rent includes water, sewer, trash and maintenance. Valley
Community Housing pays taxes on the buildings based on income, not building values.
There will be 40 units with 4 units being handicapped accessible. The contractor will use
building materials that are environmentally friendly for each building and solar panels will
be installed. She explained this project is a community effort with the Commissioners
supporting this project with Housing Trust Fund money and Susquehanna Bank is a
Continued on page 2
limited partnership entity who put a lot of equity in the project to prevent Valley Housing
from having a mortgage so the rents can be kept low. PA Housing Finance has
committed a loan to the project. The first building will be completed in March 2015 and
the second building will be completed in May 2015. Ms. Zehler explained that half of the
units at Mount Vernon Terrace have senior residents that will be moving to the Wayne
Gardens units since the new units will be more senior friendly. Chairman Keller asked
what the demand is in the community for these types of apartments? Ms. Zehler said
her experience has been that when they build handicapped facilities they go first, and
demand is high for affordable housing in our area. She said they are not providing more
housing than what is needed in our area. Commissioner Thomas asked why there is not
more ADA units being built? Ms. Zehler said criteria for Valley Community Housing are
to have a certain amount of ADA units and they double that criteria. They will be
improving Mount Vernon Terrace because it's a wonderful resource in the community
but it is expensive to make current facilities handicapped accessible. Chairman Keller
said that the Commissioners supported this project with $10,000 of Housing Trust Fund
money so he is glad to see it is going to good use and he is glad to see Mount Vernon
Terrace being renovated because keeping the older neighborhoods in the county vibrant
is a board priority.. Commissioner Thomas stated that since Bonnie Zehler has been on
board, she has improved a few areas in the Franklin County Housing Authority and her
15 years have been spectacular.
The meeting was adjourned at10:07 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS