HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-17 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, December 17, 2015, 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.
There was no public comment.
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 December 8, 2015 and December 10, 2015
meetings.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation to adjust the 2015 budget's record keeping to be compliant with the new
911 funding regulations.
The Board reviewed Grants/Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment to the
Human Services Enhancement Grant agreement between the County of Franklin and
Over the Rainbow to allow budget modifications within the grant, so long as the total
project does not exceed the maximum encumbrance of$25,000.00. All other terms and
conditions will remain in full force and effect.
The Board reviewed Human Services matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation to record a funding shift to transfer Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Human
Services Block Grant retained funds into Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Block Grant, for
spending, as reported in the FY2014-2015 Retained Earnings Reinvestment Plan.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement between the
County of Franklin and the Capitol Theatre to award $53,700.00 from the Franklin
County Tourism and Quality of Life Enhancement Grant, utilizing the County's Hotel Tax
Fund. This grant was created to fund projects which enhance the quality of life and
tourism within the county. Grant funds will be used for the construction of the theater's
marquee.
The Board reviewed Planning matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the service agreement with Parsons Brinkerhoff to specify the task of
updating the functional classification map with 2010 census data; including a 2010
urbanized area boundary overlay for the areas of Chambersburg, Hagerstown and
Waynesboro. This is related to the open ended agreement signed by the board on
January 23, 2014. Agreement term is December 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 at
a cost not to exceed $20,000.00, the Unified Planning Work Program with PennDOT and
FHWA will cover 80%.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Tax Services matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the quote from Mercersburg Printing to print County Tax Bills and Per
Capita bills at a cost of$5,127.00. A portion of the cost will be reimbursed by the
townships and boroughs based on the bill count for each. Quotes were requested, four
vendors responded, and this was the lowest qualified quote.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Red Barn
Consultants, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Stormwater Permit being applied by Kirby Hissong for the expansion
of an existing dairy farm, located in Montgomery Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Wm. F. Hill &
Associates, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection Water Quality Management Permit amendment being applied by St. Thomas
Township Municipal Authority to replace the chlorine gas injection disinfection system
with a liquid sodium hypochlorite disinfection system, located in St. Thomas Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Dennis E. Black
Engineering, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES Permit amendment being applied by Service Tire Truck
Centers/DBW, LLC to demolish dilapidated structures, remove construction debris and
grade the property, located in the Borough of Chambersburg.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Wm. F. Hill &
Associates, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection NPDES renewal Permit amendment being applied by St. Thomas Township
Municipal Authority to allow the continued discharge from the waste water treatment
facility, located in St. Thomas Township.
In accordance with PA Acts 14, 67, 68 and 127 notifications, St. Thomas
Development, Inc. notified the County of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection Air Quality Renewal Permit being applied for its portable stone crushing
plant's diesel fired internal combustion engine, located in St. Thomas Township.
John Hart, County Administrator, explained that the budget has been on the
counter for 20 days and on the County's website. He said staff concentrated on public
safety, customer service and gaining efficiencies. This budget includes a 1.95 mill
increase. He said there are a number of items put into contingency. As managers ask
for positions, county administration will look at them a third time and decide whether the
positions are needed to achieve our goals. Mr. Hart said the budget maintains a
reasonable reserve of 90 days. He continued that the budget impasse with the state
continues, and we are paying our vendors and keeping staff on board and providing
services to the most vulnerable. Staff will report back in January where we are currently
at if the budget impasse extends past the end of the year. Mr. Hart mentioned in order
to meet the County's goals t we are continuing with replacing equipment and scanning in
the Archives Department. We are continuing to upgrade the Information Technology
department with various file servers, giving people tools they need to use technology for
efficiencies, and continuing upgrades with software for 911 operations. Mr. Hart said if
there are any questions, Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, is present to answer them. He
said there has only been a few minor changes to the budget presented 20 days ago. He
recommends the Board proceed with adopting the budget.
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The Board presented the 2016 Franklin County budget for adoption this date. On
a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved the following resolution adopting the 2016 budget:
Commissioner Thomas made the motion with a brief comment. He said when
the budget was presented 20 days ago and available for public inspection, the
community was given proper notice. He had a couple folks that presented their thoughts
but once he explained further, they understood. What was on their minds was the
budget impasse and why the state can't get their act together. John mentioned about
our cash status. Commissioner Thomas feels we will have the same problem next July
with no state budget, so we have to maintain and if we don't, who will protect the most
vulnerable. We have no choice but to proceed as presented. Chairman Keller said that
maintaining adequate reserves helps to maintain low bond ratings and also to sustain
vital services whether for human services or services to the public in general. He has
found support in the community for what has been proposed and he supports the budget
as has been presented. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated he agreed.
RESOLUTION #2015 - 13
WHEREAS, the 2016 Franklin County Budget has been prepared in accordance with the
County Code Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130) as amended.
WHEREAS, the 2016 Franklin County Proposed Budget was approved on Tuesday,
November 24, 2015 and was made available for public inspection for at least 20 days.
WHEREAS, the Proposed Budget and date set for the final action on the budget has
been made a matter of public notice.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget does not have increased expenditures of more than ten
(10) per centum in the aggregate or more than twenty-five (25) per centum in any
function over the proposed budget as made available for public inspection.
WHEREAS, the Adopted Budget reflects as nearly as possible the estimated revenues
and expenditures for the year 2016.
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA, to adopt the 2016 Budget as presented
this date.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the following Resolution be adopted fixing the millage rate for
real estate taxes for the year 2016 and the specific sums established to be required for
the specific purposes of County Government; hereinafter, set forth during the current
fiscal year:
RESOLUTION #2015 - 14
BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED, and is hereby resolved and enacted by the Board of
Commissioners of the County of Franklin, PA.
SECTION 1 - That a tax be set and the same is hereby levied on all real property within
Franklin County subject to taxation for the County purposes for the fiscal year 2016 as
follows: Tax rate for general purposes, the sum of twenty-five (25) mills of each dollar
assessed valuation with an additional two and six tenths (2.60) mills for the purposes of
retirement of County debt services.
Continued on page 4
SECTION 2 - That for the expenses of the County for the fiscal year 2016 the following
amounts are hereby appropriated from the revenue available for the fiscal year for the
specific purposes, which amount are fully itemized in the County budget.
SECTION 3 - That any Resolution, or part of a Resolution, conflicting with this
Resolution be and the same is hereby repealed in so far as the same affects this
Resolution.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the following Resolution imposing a total of one and five
hundreds (1.05) mills of real estate taxes for the purpose of the County Library in voting
districts that have approved imposition of such tax by referendum and as authorized
under the laws of the Commonwealth of PA in those voting districts.
RESOLUTION #2015 -15
BE IT RESOLVED, that a tax at the total rate of one and five hundreds (1.05) mills on
each dollar of assessed valuation for the fiscal year 2016 for the County Library
purposes, shall be and the same is hereby imposed upon all taxable real estate in
Franklin County as heretofore authorized by the voters of the various voting districts and
as authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of PA.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS