HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-18 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, September 13, 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 L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and stated he can't understand why the
Board doesn't discuss each item on the board action listing so the audience can ask
questions.
Allen Piper provided public comment and asked the board to do more town hall
meetings so they can educate the people. Mr. Piper also wanted to make the Board
aware of Senate Bill 2451. This is the Local School Board Governance and Flexibility
Act to limit control of the federal government in local school districts. He also wanted to
inform the board that 47.7% of Franklin County households earn $49,000. With one
individual working the household income is less than $49,000. The average family
income is $42,000 to $51,099.
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 September 9, 2014 and September 11, 2014
meetings.
Jack Jones, Manager of the Chambersburg Elm Street Program, provided an
update on the Chambersburg Elm Street Program to the Board. Chairman Keller stated
that there is a contract this week for the Elm Street Program to receive money from the
Housing Trust Fund and invited Jack Jones to today's board meeting to provide an
update. Mr. Jones said the Elm Street Program has a five year contract with
Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and in collaboration with
the Borough of Chambersburg, Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. and BOPIC with the
Borough of Chambersburg being the recipient of the funds and BOPIC administering the
program. They have received $250,000 for bricks & mortar and facade repairs. He
explained the Elm Street area and noted that 71% of the community consists of rental
properties with 67% of the population being Hispanic and Haitian. The project has to
demonstrate the community is involved from the ground u . He said the Housing Trust
Funds are to be used for snatching funds since the owners/occupiers of the property
have to provide a match and most of them are low to moderate incomes and therefore
often need assistance providing the matching finds.
The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Surant Renewal
Application to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for the
STOP Domestic and Sexual Violence Program to cover costs for a specialized Assistant
District Attorney, in addition to cover domestic violence services as well as training for
law enforcement and an additional SALVE nurse. This grant is for an amount of
$125,000.00 per year for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Subgrant Application to
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for the Franklin County
Children's Advocacy Center (CAC)/Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT) to
provide staff the ability to manage cases of victims of child abuse and child witnesses of
crimes through an established protocol. Grant funds will be used for key staff positions
and MDIT training expenses. This grant is for a total amount of$50,000.00 for the
period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
The Board reviewed additional Grants/CJAB matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the pass through
agreement between the County of Franklin and Women in Need allowing the County to
act as the liaison, between the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
(PCCD) and Women in Need, in applying for the PCCD STOP Grant for the period of
January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the revised agreement between the County of Franklin and the
County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) to participate in CCAP's
Unemployment Compensation Program.
The Board reviewed additional Human Resources matters. On a motion by
Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the
Political Activity Policy/Procedure for Merit-Based Hiring, Policy#637.00 to define and
specify the policy and procedures pursuant to political activity engaged in by employees
of the Franklin County Government.
The Board reviewed Information Technology matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the contract between the County of Franklin and County
Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) to provide a secure platform for
hosting the County's website for the period of January 1, 2014 through December 31,
2014 at a cost of$3,971.25.
The Board reviewed Information Technology matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Morefield
Communications for the purchase of networking equipment to connect the Courthouse
with Adult Probation, utilizing the newly installed fiber connection at a cost of
$18,272.00.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant Agreement
between the County of Franklin and the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County
Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park to award $15,000.00 from the Franklin County
Tourism and Quality of Life Enhancement Grant. This grant was created to fund projects
which enhance the quality of life and tourism within the County. The project will continue
efforts to preserve and enhance the park. This will utilize the County's Hotel Tax fund.
The Board reviewed additional Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Housing Trust
Fund Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin and the Borough of
Chambersburg for Chambersburg's Elm Street program to improve low to moderate
income housing conditions in the program area in the amount of$10,000.00. These
funds will provide the local match requirement from the Pennsylvania state allocation.
Continued on page 3
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Sucevic, Piccolomini
& Kuchar Engineering Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection General Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit being
applied by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 6®0 to replace the
structure that carried S.R. 0997 over Conodoguinet Creek, located in Letterkenny and
Lurgan Townships.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Sucevic, Piccolomini
& Kuchar Engineering Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection General Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit being
applied by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 3®0 to replace the
structure that carried S.R. 0997 over Muddy Run, located in Letterkenny Township.
In accordance with PA Act14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, ARRO notified the
County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES Discharge
Permit Renewal application being applied by the Borough of Chambersburg for
operation of the Chambersburg Borough Water Treatment Plant, located in Greene
Township.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2014 expense
and revenue budget performance through July 2014. Ms. Beckner advised most
departments are under budget except for a few where most variances relate to one-time
or front loaded expenses for the new year. She said general fund expenses are at
56.8% of budgeted expenses compared to 56.2% in 2013. Ms. Beckner said revenues
are 84.7% collected of general fund revenue budget compared to 86.5% in July of 2013.
Ms. Beckner reported that the County has received 93% of property taxes collected
compared to 92.5% collected through July in 2013. Ms. Beckner reported that this is the
highest since she has been with the County. The average collection for the past five
years is 91.7%. Ms. Beckner provided an update on the 2015 budget preparations that
are underway. The budget information went to all departments and is being completed
electronically to save paper costs. Ms. Beckner wanted to thank the Information
Technology Services (ITS) for their help on the new process. She also wanted to
mention that each department will be meeting with ITS and Human Resources to
discuss their technology and personnel plans for 2015. More information will be
provided to the Board in the future.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS