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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-10 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, July 10, 2014, with the following members present: Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. The Board attended the Prison Board meeting. Vice Chairman Thomas 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 G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and asked why the public can't ask questions when a presenter is here instead of waiting till the next week. Allen Piper provided public comment and wasn't able to attend the last three meetings. During last week's meeting, there was a presentation on the purchase of land from Landvest, LLC and spending tax payer's money on the purchase of 1,100 acres of Michaux State Forrest land. Mr. Piper requests someone to approach Landvest and ask them to gift all or part of this land. Mr. Piper had another comment concerning the 2 to 18% increases that were given to top government officials in 2012 and 2013 that he opposed. He would like to know all salary increases given up to this point from 2013 and 2014 and including their benefit packages without filling out a records request form. He objected to giving absorbent raises to top officials in 2013 and he hopes the paper is here today so they can print the information he is asking for. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the minutes of the July 1, 2014 and July 3, 2014 meetings. The Board reviewed Court Administration matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the contract between the County of Franklin and Jury Systems, Inc., to provide maintenance, updates and/or changes to the current jury software system for the period of July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, in the amount of$1,721.99. The Board reviewed Risk Management matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the proposal from Nitterhouse Alarm Communications (NAC) Divisions to upgrade the existing fire alarm system at the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex at a cost of$16,518.98. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Benesch notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection General Permit being applied by PennDOT District 8-0 for the replacement of SR0533 structure over Lehman Run, located in Letterkenny Township. In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Contech Engineered Solutions, LLC notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Air Quality Program Renewal Permit for an Asphalt Dip Coating Operation, located in Chambersburg. Continued on page 2 The Board held a public hearing for the 2013 Competitive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing for Hamilton Township Municipal Authority (HTMA). Phil Tarquino, Planning Director and Sam Thrush, Planner was present to provide information for this hearing. Mr. Tarquino explained the County annually receives funds for entitlement applications from PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This year the County submitted five applications on behalf of municipalities for funding. One application was for Hamilton Township Municipal Authority and DCED advised the County the application did not constitute an urgent need. Mr. Tarquino said this hearing today is to resubmit on behalf of the Hamilton Township Authority. Mr. Thrush explained these funds are in the amount of $85,000 to go for the lateral assistance program for HTMA to help low to moderate income families in the Kensington Height development. These funds will be used to install a grinder pump on the properties and if needed electrical upgrades for the grinder pumps. Vice Chairman Thomas informed everyone in attendance that this hearing was advertised in a local newspaper of general circulation. Sharon Purnell, Manager of HTMA was present to provide more information. Ms. Purnell explained the history that started as Letterkenny Township's Act 537 Plan in the 1970's. HTMA is now involved and has taken over this project. PA Department of Environmental Protection has informed the HTMA that this sewer project must be done in the next five years starting in 2013. It is an urgent need and it needs completed sooner rather than later. She reported there are five individuals that qualify for low to moderate homes out of the 46 homes affected with this project. Ms. Parnell mentioned there are some homes that will also need electrical and plumbing upgrades. She explained further that these homes are the older homes in the development. Newer homes are already connected to the sewer system. The Board had a few questions of Ms. Parnell about the costs and the project. The Board opened the floor for public comments: Diane Coccagna said the manner in which HTMA has chosen to install the sewer line will be costly to all residents along with the maintenance of the grinder of the pumps. She is asking the Commissioners to support this grant to help homeowners that can't afford this. Ms. Coccagna asked if there is anything that can be done to help middle income residents. Mr. Tarquino responded that funding for these projects are tight. Ms. Parnell responded the Authority is waiting for an answer from PA Small Water Grant Program for a grant they applied for to help homeowners pay for it. Jim Papoutsis asked who determines qualifications for low to moderate income. Commissioner Thomas responded the Federal Government determines the qualifications. Ms. Parnell said the Authority sent out two surveys to all homeowners to fill out and provide documentation. If someone's income changes they can relook at it. Mr. Papoutsis asked for a copy of the order from DEP that he has never seen. Mr. Papoutsis said he is happy with his septic system, its functioning and doesn't cost him anything other than being pumped out every three years. He thinks this is unfair. Allen Piper said he is familiar with regional sewer systems since he was a resident when the Borough of Chambersburg had their sewer hookup in 1978. It cost him thousands of dollars and many people fought it and protested. He informed the residents to be careful of all the hidden costs and to attend all the municipal meetings and make phone calls to the municipalities. Mr. Bokeko asked who sold them out from Letterkenny Township to Hamilton Township; he pays his taxes to Letterkenny not Hamilton. Ms. Parnell explained the inter-municipal agreement dated 1981 and explained why the agreement was needed. Continued on page 3 Mrs. Bokeko said they never had any problems with the septic tank and she doesn't mind hooking onto the system but her problem is with the grinder pump. She would like to know what happens if the electricity goes out since her husband has Crones disease. Ms. Parnell responded there is a limited amount of capacity if the electricity goes out. She said there are currently 600 grinder pumps and she has never heard of any major issues when the electricity goes out. Jim Papoutsis asked for clarification why the Authority has to close down the existing septic tanks. Why can't they be used under emergency situations? Commissioner Ziobrowski responded that Ms. Parnell could take that under consideration and discuss further at the Authority's next meeting. Allen Piper said people are here asking for some relief. It's a cost factor and when mandated by DEP or the Federal Government, if anyone has a problem with a mandate they have every right to present themselves and ask questions. Jay Lightfoot said the residents will most likely have to hire a plumber to do work inside since their lines go out the back of the house instead of the front where the system will be going. They need to be aware of the hidden costs. Commissioner Ziobrowski said if he had the power to do so, he would love to put all 46 homes on this grant but they don't have that power. Commissioner Thomas said the rules for the CDBG application are determined by income, he asked if there is anything that would include disability as criteria. Mr. Tarquino said he would have to research that but CDBG requirement has to be used for low to moderate income. These are federal regulations that get passed down to the State and then the County but he will investigate further the disability factor. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Resolution #2014-14, which is attached and made a part of these minutes, for the purpose of Hamilton Township Municipal Authority 2013 Competitive Community Development Block Grant Application Submittal. The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS County of Franklin Resolution No. 2014-14 HAMILTON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 2013 COMPETITIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTAL WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has enacted a State Community Development Block Program; and WHEREAS, said State Community Development Block Grant Program has provided state-wide competitive Community Development Block Grant funds; and WHEREAS, the County held public hearings relative to the proposed use of Community Development Block Grant funds for fiscal year 2013. NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS that: 1. The Franklin County Planning Department is authorized to submit the following application to the Department of Community and Economic Development for consideration of competitive Community Development Block Grant funds: Hamilton Township Municipal Authority—Lateral Assistance Program for identified Low to Moderate Income Homeowners within the Old Kensington Heights project area 2. The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute all required forms and assurances for the application submission to the Department of Community and Economic Development in accordance with Act 179 of 1984. IN TESTIMONY, WHEREFORE, ON BEHALF OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, We have subscribed our names and caused the Official Seal to be hereunto affixed on this 10th day of July 2014. ATTEST: COUNTY OF FRANKLIN oreb , J• . Hart, Chief Clerk/Administrator David S.Keller, Chairman ://.. 5:5><6.:26.____ Robert L. Thomas • -Zi' ----) ..d.! Iri Robert G. Zi• Dr. ski