HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-09 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, September 9, 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.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and is concerned what is happening in
Cumberland County's 911 Center where they can't hire dispatchers because of lack of
funds. She hopes this does not happen in Franklin County. Ms. Wertz stated whatever
the dispatch center needs they should get.
Allen Piper provided public comment and wants to know who is participating in
the training mentioned in board action item #3, agreement with Penn State. Mr. Piper
also said grants are tax payer's money referring to board action items 6®6 grant
agreements for the Franklin County Tourism and Quality of Life Enhancement Grants.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and would like the Board to discuss each
item on the board action list so the audience can comment and discuss the items with
the Board.
The minutes of the September 2, 2014 and September 4, 2014 meetings were
reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, September 11, 2014.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked John Hart, County Administrator, to explain board action item #3 to answer Mr.
Piper's question during public comment concerning the agreement with Penn State to
provide logic model training. Mr. Hart explained that the training is for county staff and
the purpose is to help staff develop budgets that correlate to policy goals and
measurable outcomes. Commissioner Thomas requested Teresa Beckner, Fiscal
Director, be present to explain board action item #4, supplemental appropriation to
record the series 2014 and series 2014®A bond issues. Ms. Beckner explained that the
action is associated with the re-financing of the 2004 bond issue, which was re-financed
with the series 2014 and series 2014®A bond issues. The items will be approved
Thursday, September 11, 2014.
Andrew Benchoff, Attorney; Barbara Channing, Executive Director of Women In
Need; and Dr. Gloria Walker, President of IN Board of Directors, were present to
request the County enter into a cooperation agreement with the Redevelopment
Authority as the applicant on the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
grant application for Women in Need, Inc.'s new shelter construction project. Mr.
Benchoff said the Redevelopment Authority has agreed to serve as an applicant on the
RACP grant but the grant requires that the RDA enter into an agreement with the County
to be the guarantor to ensure that all fees and expenses incurred are deemed eligible
expenses per the grant guidelines. Ms. Channing said the $500,000 grant money will be
used for development of site work so the grant requirements will not impact the whole
project. The cost of the building is estimated at$2.5 M. County Solicitor Mary Beth
Shank said she reviewed the agreement and it's appropriate for approval by the
Commissioners. Chairman Keller responded that the Board defer formal action until
Thursday to give the community opportunity to provide comment at Thursday's meeting
and the Board can take action at that time.
Continued on page 2
Justin Slep, Veteran Affairs Director, provided a presentation on the Franklin
County Veteran Affairs Town Hall Meeting Pilot Project. Mr. Slep explained he is trying
creative ways to get his message out not only to veterans but also family members and
the community. He will be holding town hall meetings at various locations throughout
the county to provide community outreach and education, needs and service barrier
assessments and mobile services. These town hall meetings will be a way for him to
introduce the Veteran Affairs office, educate the audience about the services the office
provides, inform them of additional resources and find out how Veteran Affairs may be
able to reach more veterans. The Board thanked Mr. Slep for his presentation and the
services he is providing and stated that he has their full support. John Hart, County
Administrator, said Justin has maintained the current level of services with signing
veterans up for benefits but his outreach is going above and beyond what veterans have
received in the past. More information will be provided to the board and will be
publicized on where the presentations will be held.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:35 a.m. this date for the
purpose to discuss pending litigation of Nichols v. Franklin County Board of Assessment
Docket No. 2012-4743. The Solicitor will be making a recommendation after the
executive session. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:50 a.m.
Mary Beth Shank, Solicitor, asked approval to settle the assessment appeal of
Kathy Nichols Docket No. 2012-4743. This is a residential property located at 312
Walnut Street in Waynesboro, PA. Ms. Shank is recommending the assessment of
$18,466.00 to equate an implied market value of$138,000.00. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski, seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to authorize Mary
Beth Shank to enter into an agreement with Kathy Nichols, Waynesboro School District
and Borough of Waynesboro.
The Board recessed at 10:53 a.m. and will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. to hold a
Retirement Board meeting.
The Board held a Franklin County Retirement Board meeting.
Michael Shone, Peirce Park Group President, met with the Board to provide a
report of the Franklin County Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Fund.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:28 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS