HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-12 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 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 asked for more information on board
action item #12, grant agreement with PA Department of Transportation and what the six
vehicles are.
The minutes of the January 4, 2016, January 5, 2016 and January 7, 2016
meetings were reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, January 14, 2016.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked John Hart, County Administrator, to explain further the transportation vehicles Ms.
Wertz questioned during public comment. Mr. Hart explained the transportation vehicles
are larger vehicles with lifts. He said the County replaced six vehicles in 2015 from a
PennDOT grant and will receive six more vehicles in 2016 from this current grant. Noll
Wilt, Interim CIO, was present to provide more information on board action item #6,
agreement with CenturyLink. Mr. Wilt explained that the County has been upgrading our
network structure and we have grown considerably. This agreement will make the pipe
bigger to Emergency Services (DES) at Letterkenny and upgrade the circuit to 5 GB,
which is fifty times faster then what they have now. He also said we will now be able to
connect to the Jail from DES and have them use this bigger pipe as well so their system
doesn't go down. He said the backup center is currently at the Courthouse so with this
action we will move the backup center to Letterkenny so we have a better disaster
recovery option. There will be efficiencies with this contract. In regards to board action
#5, Mr. Hart said today the AFSCME contract for correctional officers (CO) is before the
board for approval this week. He explained the following changes to the contract:
starting rate for correctional officers will be $16.04 per hour, which is competitive with
surrounding counties; CO's will participate in the counties health care plan and paid
time off policy just like nonunion county employees; longevity increases are eliminated
and the CO's will receive wage increases based on a schedule; there is a 1% cash
bonus for all CO's if overtime is reduced by 12% on an annual basis; Shift differential of
$1.00 for second and third shift; CO's can earn $150.00 per quarter if they have perfect
attendance and includes a day off if they have perfect attendance for a full twelve
months. Mr. Hart explained this is a good contract and establishes competitive wages
in order to attract and retain good quality people. Commissioner Thomas said this is a
good contract and the overall gain would be less turnover since there is an issue with the
time it takes to train a good correctional officer. Also there are good incentives to keep
correctional officers. The following item was approved today while the remaining items
will be approved Thursday, January 14, 2016.
The Board reviewed Transportation matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute the Grant application between the County of Franklin and
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for replacing six vehicles that meet the
"useful life" criteria as established by PennDOT. This grant is for the amount of
$420,000.00.
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Robert Harris, former Veterans Affairs Director, and Justice Slep, Veterans
Affairs Director, were present to present Lucinda Blevins, Veterans Affairs Coordinator,
the Chaplin of the Four Chapels Legion of Honor award. Mr. Harris provided the history
of the award that is presented every year to six individuals who are nominated to receive
the award at the Shippensburg High School ceremony. Ms. Blevins was nominated in
August 2014 by the American Legion Post 223 in Shippensburg and she was to receive
the award this past November but she was unable to attend the ceremony. Mr. Harris
said Ms. Blevins has been working in Veterans Affairs for over twenty years and is
instrumental in advocating for veterans, their families, and survivors in receiving benefits.
He said many veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare benefits because of her efforts.
She also is very active in her son's elementary school, in her church, and in the
community. Ms. Blevins responded that she is very appreciative in receiving this honor
but she is honoring the veterans. She thanked everyone for the presentation and taking
the time to present this award to her. Chairman Keller said it is important to say the
accomplishment of the Veterans Affairs office has been well documented in terms of
new benefit dollars being brought home to Franklin County through the Veteran's Affairs
office. He said with an office of only three staff that answer many calls, receive many
visits and process many claims, plus they travel all over and are out in the community as
part of an outreach program that Mr. Slep has orchestrated. He said this underscores
Ms. Blevins accomplishments and thanked her again for her efforts.
John Hart, County Administrator, introduced Mr. John Thierwechter as the new
Director of Department of Emergency Services. Mr. Hart provided his employment
background starting as a State Trooper and then Commander of Troop H and continued
through the ranks as a Major. Mr. Hart was impressed with him during the interview
when he said that when he takes over a new job opportunity, he learns the employee's
jobs so he has a thorough understanding of what that individual needs to complete their
tasks. He also is an active listener and likes to have a repoire with people, which is
critical in this position. Mr. Thierwechter will start on January 14, 2016. Chairman Keller
welcomed Mr. Thierwechter and he is looking forward to his leadership in Emergency
Services. He continued that it's comforting to him that Mr. Thierwechter is a first
responder himself for many years in addition to his supervisory experience.
Commissioner Thomas said he was the Commander of the Chambersburg Barrick's in
the 90's and he has great respect from both the fire and emergency services community.
He is thrilled to have him on board. Commissioner Ziobrowski said Emergency Services
is one of the most important functions of county government and he is glad to have him
on board. Mr. Thierwechter thanked the Board for this chance and stated he is looking
forward to serving the citizens of Franklin County.
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, asked for an executive session to discuss
potential litigation matters. She announced there is no action required after the
executive session. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L.
Thomas; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:16 a.m. this date for
the purpose to review potential litigation matters. The Board reconvened into regular
session at 10:39 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:39 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS