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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-13 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014 The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, November 13, 2014, with the following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. The Board attended a Prison Board meeting at the Jail. 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 a proclamation for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Franklin County on the agenda. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda. Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and wants the Board to explain all items on the board action list and that the audience can ask questions on each item. He said the Board is spending the tax payer's hard earned money but they don't know what is going on. Jim Wyrick provided public comment and asked with the declaration of homelessness and hunger in the area, does the Board have any idea if the problem is getting better, worse or staying the same over the years. Allen Piper provided public comment on how successful the election was last Tuesday and said it was an overwhelming victory. He said the people have spoken and he hopes the elected officials from all levels of government hear the people. Mr. Piper also said he watched with great interest many of the events for Veterans Day. He said so many people have sacrificed for what we so enjoy. 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 November 6, 2014 meeting. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the proposal from C.S. Davidson to inventory and assess Franklin County's regulatory signs at a cost not to exceed $5,500.00. Signs will be inventoried and assessed during scheduled bridge inspections. The Board reviewed additional Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Amendment to the Lease agreement between the County of Franklin and Greene Township (dated December 9, 2003) for rental of Magisterial District Judge office space at 1145 Garver Lane, Scotland. This amendment will renew the current agreement for an additional term of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2024 at a cost of$2,300.00 per month with a 2% rate increase every two years. The Board reviewed Grants matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Franklin and Over the Rainbow Children's Advocacy Center (OTR-CAC) for the transfer of grant funds, from the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Institute to the OTR-CAC, in the amount of$10,000.00 for the period of June 17, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Continued on page 2 The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the renewal three-year contract between the County of Franklin and Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, a sole source vendor, to provide semi-annual inspections, system calibrations, and repairs of the security system at a cost of$3,562.00 per month for the period of November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2017. The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and Emerson Network Power to provide semi-annual preventive maintenance on the DES critical systems support for UPS units and battery cabinets at a cost of$11,573.76 for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. The Board reviewed additional Property Management matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the County of Franklin and RA Hill General Contractor to provide excessive snow removal at the Courthouse complex, Franklin Farm and the Administrative Annex on an as needed basis at a cost of$3,000.00 for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Daily rates and premium rates are based on the type of equipment used for a specific job. The Board reviewed Tax Claim matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the 2014 Exoneration of taxes on mobile homes that were moved out of the County or destroyed without a tax collector permit. These same parcels will be exonerated for the 2014 County and County Library taxes in 2015 after the 2014 returns are processed by the Tax Claim Bureau. The Board met with the Human Resources Director, the Controller and the Veterans Affairs Director for Salary Board matters. The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Library Board. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Nikki Shew for a term to expire on December 31, 2015. The Board reviewed appointments to the Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance Steering Committee. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to appoint Commissioner David Keller, Steve Nevada, Teresa Beckner, Katherine Beidel, Sheldon Schwartz, Sandi Brown and Richard Wynn to the Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance Steering Committee. These appointments are for the term of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. The Board reviewed information regarding Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Tracy Radtke, Housing Specialist from Mental Health/intellectual Disabilities, was present to receive the proclamation. Carry Gray, Assistant County Administrator, introduced Ms. Radtke and explained that she and Jen Johnson manage the grants for the Housing and Urban Development through the Mental Health program. Ms. Radtke said she has only been here since July 1St but she is concerned with how many folks are homeless or at risk of being homeless in this area. Ms. Gray also mentioned other programs that assist those who are actually homeless to get them back into housing or those who are at risk of being homeless. The HAP program that is run through South Central Community Action Program assists those who are homeless. Ms. Gray explained the Point In Time Count that is conducted in January and August when staff canvas the community to count how many people are homeless. She is hearing in Continued on page 3 the community that homelessness is growing and now they are seeing more families that are homeless, not just individuals. Chairman Keller asked to have a report in January after the Point In Time Count is complete to report on the status at that time. Commissioner Thomas asked if there is any sense that this is getting worse. He introduced Justin Slep, Veterans Affairs Director, who was present to explain the veterans side of homelessness. Mr. Slep said he is working with Veterans Multi-Service Center, Inc. that will be moving to Cumberland County to help get homeless veterans off the streets with their Supportive Services for Veterans Families campaign. Mr. Slep said there were four veterans that were homeless from the Point In Time Count in August but he feels this number will grow in January's count. He said there are programs to also help pay rent or utilities to prevent veterans from becoming homeless. Commissioner Thomas stated there are good organizations that are doing good things to help, not just the government. Ms. Gray reported that we have two homeless shelters in Franklin County that are at capacity and even have waiting lists. Commissioner Thomas said with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we need to remember the true purpose and that when the pilgrims came here they had nothing. We need to be grateful for what we have but remember that there are still those that are in need. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2014-13 proclaiming the week of November 15th through November 23 d, 2014 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Franklin County and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas; seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION #2014 - 13 November 15th though November 23`d, 2014 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Franklin County WHEREAS, food and shelter is essential to everyone's safety, overall physical health and emotional wellbeing; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the proclamation is to educate the public that there are many reasons why people are hungry and homeless including the shortage of affordable housing for very low income residents; and to encourage support for homeless assistance, homeless prevention, rapid rehousing and community support services; and WHEREAS, there are many organizations committed to sheltering and providing supportive services as well as meals and food supplies to people experiencing homelessness in Franklin County including but not limited to Franklin County Human Services, South Central Community Action Program, Maranatha Ministries, Women In Need, and New Hope Shelter; and WHEREAS, Franklin County Human Services recognizes that hunger and homelessness continues to be a serious problem for many individuals and families in Franklin County; and WHEREAS, the National Coalition for the Homeless observes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week every November to raise awareness and understanding of hunger and homelessness. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that We, the Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim November 15th though November 23`d, 2014 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Franklin County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commissioners encourage all citizens to recognize that many people do not have food and housing and need support from the community, nonprofit service entities, government agencies, businesses, schools, and public and private institutions. As the County Commissioners, we encourage our communities to increase awareness and understanding of hunger and homelessness and the need for appropriate and affordable housing for all people experiencing homelessness. In Witness Whereof, We have hereunto set our hand and have caused the seal of Franklin County to be fixed on this 13th day of November, 2014. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman 4.‘„. ./zzS>z.aepe....„ dor Robert L. Thomas I. '7;A&XeeiGd,7t,ttS141. 'S 1 lam • rc. ` - 1• L Robert G. Zio ski