HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-24 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 24, 2014, with the
following members present: David S. Keller and Robert L. Thomas. 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 announced that Commissioner Ziobrowski will not be in
attendance today. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by David S. Keller;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz provided public comment that she would prefer the CRG group not
recite the Lord's prayer out loud due to making people with other religions
uncomfortable. People with other religions could recite their prayers out loud which
could turn into a religious shouting match.
Jay Lightfoot asked the Board to elaborate on item #5 agreement with DSI for
inmate telephones. He said as far as the Lord's Prayer, the Supreme Court said anyone
can recite the prayer as long as they don't try to change someone's religion.
Richard Jones provided public comment that freedom of religion has been
established since day one. He stated this is the reason why our nation is as far off
course as it is.
The minutes of the June 17, 2014 and June 19, 2014 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, June 26, 2014.
Richard Wynn, Human Services Administrator, and members of the Block Grant
Committee conducted a public hearing on the Human Services Block Grant for Franklin
County Plan and Process for 2014/2015. Mr. Wynn gave the Board an update on the
block grant process for the past year and provided the 2013-2014 revised reallocation.
He informed the Board that the State will not release the true block grant funds until
October. Plus there may be cuts made by the State due to the State budget so they are
trying to plan for that. He reported if there are additional funds available for 2014-2015
to roll over, they can be used for prevention programs and mini-grant opportunities to
align with the County's core identified human service needs. Mr. Wynn provided the
2014-2015 Projects Summary. Commissioner Thomas said this is a work in progress.
Prior to this process a decision was made in Harrisburg to put funds into a stovepipe and
counties could never move funds. If counties didn't spend it, they would have to send it
back. This process involves local people to discuss the need and make
recommendations on how to spend the money. Several committee members spoke and
provided their support of the block grant process and their support for the
recommendations. Chairman Keller thanked the staff and the committee for their work
during this process. He is comfortable with approving the recommendations on
Thursday. Commissioner Thomas suggested hearing from the public in attendance.
Sheri Morgan said her, her son Charlie, and Alecia are the only public that
attends the block grant meetings. She does not feel the information on the public
hearings was provided properly. The public could not participate and ask questions at
the June 10th hearing. She said this process is not transparent and does not include
people that use these services. She appreciates the constraints these people are
working on with how the budget goes. It's specious at best and is disturbing. She
doesn't know how the county hasn't been sued in this process.
Continued on page 2
Sheldon Schwartz said he did receive the block grant document in advance and
had time to review. But the document was not available for the public to participate on
June 10th as the record said.
Chairman Keller responded that if folks don't feel they are getting information in a
timely manner the Board needs to know this before this comes to a vote. He
encouraged Dr. Morgan to contact the Board ahead of time in the future.
Sherri Morgan said it would be helpful if she had the minutes. She was told
there was no minutes taken of the June 10th meeting.
Alicia Kanelopoulas said when they had the public hearing on June 10th, she
couldn't go because she had a doctor appointment. She asked why they can't have one
hearing during the day and one in the evening so more people could attend. She was
told Rick Wynn said no to this request.
Kim Wertz said she made the motion at the June 10th meeting for that and it was
not Rick Wynn that shot it down but it was all other voting members that voted it down.
Mr. Wynn had nothing to do with that vote.
Commissioner Thomas said he appreciates all of the committee members. He
said one big challenge that we have with public hearings is that not many people show
up. When they don't trust government is when they tend to want to get involve. If a
meeting is a public meeting, the minutes should be posted on the website.
Communication is always the biggest problem.
Chairman Keller said this will be up for formal approval Thursday. Mr. Schwartz
asked since this is a public hearing is the record still open for public comments? John
Hart, County Administrator, responded that the Commissioners will take comments until
9:30 AM Thursday and then the public comments will be closed. The Board will take
formal action Thursday. Mr. Schwartz said he would like a copy of the June 10th minutes
available for anyone who would like a copy.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. James Helper,
Juvenile Probation, was present to explain action item #6 agreement with Tuscarora
School District for the School-Based Probation Program. Mr. Hepler said two members
of the Tuscarora School Board voted against this agreement but after further information
was provided to them, they changed their vote. John Hart, County Administrator,
explained action item #6, contract with DSI for inmate telephones. He said this provides
a service to inmates so they can make calls. . The rates are FCC rates and the County
receives 52% of the fees charged . The County has a long standing history with this
company. The items will be approved Thursday, June 26, 2014.
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, met with the Board to consider a Resolution
and Cooperation Agreement between Franklin County Industrial Development Authority
and Franklin County. Ms. Shank explained in 2011 the Board approved this same
agreement with the Shippensburg Borough Authority. This new agreement is to reflect a
change from the Shippensburg Borough Authority to Franklin County Industrial
Development Authority. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S.
Keller; unanimously approved the resolution and cooperation agreement between
Franklin County and Franklin County Industrial Development Authority with respect to
Cumberland Valley Regional Development Corporation release of$1,500,000
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for site preparation and
construction of certain infrastructure within the United Business Park.
Continued on page 3
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, also requested the Board consider
agreements with Metal Township pertaining to properties owned by Metal Township.
Metal Township Municipal Authority requested waiver of taxes for three properties the
Authority has acquired by sheriff sale. The properties are abandoned and have
delinquent taxes for multiple years. The intention of the Authority is to sell the properties
to a third party purchaser who will care for the property and pay appropriate taxes. On a
motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved an
agreement for each property, 10962 Spruce Avenue, Fannettsburg; 17727 Cedar
Avenue, Fannettsburg; 17307 Cherry Avenue, Fannettsburg. The agreements provide
for waiver of taxes but require the Authority to pay Franklin County the delinquent taxes
if they sell the property for more than their costs.
The meeting was adjourned at10:20 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by David S. Keller.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS