HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-14 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 , 2014
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, October 1 , 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 prior to public comment to
respond to Mr. Piper's suggestion to put billboards around Franklin County. On a motion
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to
adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller said the Board would consider billboards that say "You do the
crime, you do the time" but would like Mr. Piper to do some additional homework that
shows where this has been effective in other communities.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked for more information on board
action 1, insurance consulting agreement. She also suggested that we increase the
cost to $7,500 to include the additional costs that are listed separately. Ms. Wertz also
asked where bridge 54 is located, referring to the amendment to the minutes of May 13,
2014.
Allen Piper provided public comment and said with the proclamation today, it's
important because residents do have certain rights and they have a right to have a
reduction in crime. He would be happy to do some research to see what stats he can
provide on the effectiveness of the billboards. He said crime derives most of the
county's budget and the Commissioners are always looking to cut costs; therefore, he
emphasizes putting up the signs and include pictures of a jail or using bold print to catch
the eye of everyone entering and leaving the county. Mr. Piper did state that with all the
signs, he doesn't always have time to read each one.
The minutes of the October 7, 2014 and October 9, 2014 meetings were
reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, October 16, 2014. The Board was also
asked to amend the minutes of May 13, 2014. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to correct the motion taken to
approve the Letter of Interest from Appraisal Review Specialists for the appraisal of four
parcels of land for the right of way acquisitions for Bridge 54 at a cost not to exceed
$4,200.00. The original motion approved bridge 116 which was incorrect. John Hart
responded to Ms. Wertz question concerning Bridge 54 that it's on Store Lane in
northern end of the County.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner
Thomas asked John Hart, County Administrator to explain board action item #1 to
answer Ms. Wertz question. Mr. Hart explained Zimond Company provides insurance
consulting insurance services for the County. He said commercial insurance is a very
complex process and Ruth Morowski is very knowledgeable and she has helped the
county with insurance services for several years. Ms. Morowski helps to write the
application, review policies, terms and coverage based on exemptions. As far as
combining all totals together, it would not save any money because what is due that year
is for that year and the following year is for that year. Mr. Hart said the additional costs
are limited. The items will be approved Thursday, October 16, 2014.
Continued on page 2
David Stoner, Conservation District Director, met with the Board to discuss the
Conservation District 2015 budget request. Mr. Stoner is requesting an increase from
the County this year to help pay the salary of a new technician that they would like to
hire due to new Environmental Protection Agency regulations and a new state
transportation bill that will increase their workload. The District received $50,000 last
year and is asking for a $20,000 increase.
The Board reviewed information regarding Residents Rights Month. Sheldon
Schwartz, Ombudsman volunteer, and Carolyn Lockwood, Supervisor, of the
Ombudsman Program were present to receive the proclamation. Mr. Schwartz read the
proclamation and explained three points listed on the proclamation. The first is to
provide better staffing, better care and to ensure the staff are well trained and
patient/resident directed; the second is they want to make sure the facilities maintain
appropriate staffing ratios; and third is they want to ensure the long term care facilities
maintain an adequate reporting system so they can enter into a dialogue of any issues
with residents' care. Ms. Lockwood explained the role of the Ombudsman program that
was designed to advocate for residents of all long term care facilities. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign
Franklin County Proclamation #2014-11 proclaiming the month of October as National
Long-Term Care Residents Rights Month and that the attached proclamation be made a
part of these minutes. The Board thanked Mr. Schwartz for the volunteer work he
provides.
The meeting was adjourned at10:27 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
National Long-Term Care
Residents' Rights Month 2014
Proclamation #2014-11
Better Staffing: The Key to Better Care
Whereas, there are more than 1.6 million individuals living in 16,000 nursing homes; and 1
million individuals living in 50,000 board and care/assisted living facilities in the U.S.; and
Whereas, there are over 900 individuals living in 7 nursing homes; and over 850 individuals
living in 16 long term care facilities in Franklin County; and
Whereas, the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 guarantees residents their
individual rights in order to promote and maintain their dignity and autonomy; and
Whereas, all residents should be aware of their rights so they may be empowered to live with
dignity and self-determination; and
Whereas, individuals and groups across the country will be celebrating Residents' Rights Month
to emphasize the importance of affirming these rights through facility best practices, public
policy and resident-centered decision-making.
Now, therefore, the Commissioners of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim
October 2014 as Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month in Franklin County, and
encourage all citizens to join us in these important observances.
In Witness Whereof, We have hereunto set our hand and have caused the seal of Franklin
County to be fixed on this 14th day of October, 2014.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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