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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-24 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 24, 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 what our Children & Youth are doing to avoid situations like what happened in Dauphin and Perry Counties. Chairman Keller asked Ms. Wertz to clarify the situations. Ms. Wertz responded where in Dauphin County the little boy was starved and died and found in poor conditions and in Perry County where a child died in Marysville last year. Chairman Keller said he would respond back to her at a later date. The minutes of the May 17, 2016 and May 19, 2016 meetings were reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, May, 26, 2016. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner Thomas asked if board action #8, contract with Keefe Group, LLC is a new vendor for commissary services at the Jail. Bill Bechtold, Warden, said they are a new vendor and explained the current vendor couldn't provide services that this new vendor can provide. He said Keefe Group will provide a better value for the Jail and better service to inmates. The following items were approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, May 26, 2016. The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Cooperative Grant Agreement between the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and PA Department of Aging (PDA) to utilize federal and state funding to the AAA for the provision of PDA services during the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2021. The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the Letter of Agreement between the County of Franklin and Michael J. Connor, Esquire to provide conflict counsel services for the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging for guardianship proceedings on behalf of the Area Agency on Aging at a cost of$150.00 per hour. Phil Tarquino, Planning Director, was present for a public meeting to discuss a revision to the County's Solid Waste Plan. Mr. Tarquino explained that Planning received a proposal from Wayne Township Landfill prepared by Clinton County Solid Waste Authority to be included in the Franklin County Solid Waste Management Plan for disposal capacity. He said that in Franklin County we have a menu plan so anyone that applies and meets our criteria has been accepted into our plan. He said the proposal was reviewed by our consultant and it meets our criteria. Mr. Tarquino said there has not been any public comment. Chairman Keller welcomed any input from the audience. There were no comments. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the revision to the Franklin County Solid Waste Plan. The Board reviewed information regarding Mental Health Awareness Month. Steve Nevada, MH/ID/EI Administrator, was present to explain that May is mental health awareness month and that mental health wellness is important to every citizen. He said it impacts everyone and touches everyone. He said the third highest reason for people to go to the hospital is mood disorders. Mr. Nevada said one person dies from suicide every thirteen minutes, so this impacts all of us and our communities. He said there is a stigma with mental illness and it's embarrassing to people. He said that people who have mental illness are also Continued on page 2 more likely to become victims of violence. Mr. Nevada thanked the Board for their support. He asked everyone in attendance to go out and promote and support mental health awareness. Kenny Wuertenburg from the Mental Health Association was present and said he appreciates the Board doing this proclamation again this year. He said we are coming to a point in time where recognizing the importance and value of people and addressing their own issues with mental illness is important. He explained some of the initiatives going on in Franklin County and how they are focused on the public health model and bringing together collaborative organizations. He is hopeful that some of the initiatives he mentioned will make some progress and make a dent in mental illness issues in Franklin County. He said the Board's support has been important and he thanked them for that. Commissioner Thomas said he thinks it's important to point out that we need to focus on mental health in the community year round, and he agrees with everything Mr. Wurtenberg said. Commissioner Thomas said that this is a priority of NACO and CCAP. He said Human Services and Corrections are now involved and the Courts and Adult Probation are now on board as well. Commissioner Thomas said there are initiatives coming out of the White House and they are being supported by Congress. He said there are new initiatives coming down the road that will help our County and Mental Health Department to be better funded to help with some of these things. He hopes the bill has bipartisan support and that it will pass. He said there are a lot of good things happening. Commissioner Ziobrowski thanked all in attendance and that this is a labor of love, not just a job for them. Chairman Keller thanked them for being here and working together, reiterating that it's a two-county-wide endeavor. Sheldon Schwartz said there is stigma with mental illness that causes tough problems with folks and sometimes they hide people in their family with mental health needs. He said if we don't catch it early, we can't help them. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2016-12 proclaiming the month of May 2016 as Mental Health month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these minutes. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:15 a.m. this date for the purpose to review Pending Litigation matters. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor said there will be no action required after the executive session. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:46 a.m. The Board recessed and will reconvene at 1:30 PM for a Retirement Board meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION 2016 — 12 Mental Health Month 2016 WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being; and WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives; and WHEREAS, prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental illnesses; and WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research that supports specific tools that all Americans can use to better handle challenges, and protect their health and well-being; and WHEREAS, mental illnesses are real and prevalent in our nation, and WHEREAS, with early and effective treatment, those individuals with mental illnesses can recover and lead full, productive lives; and WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of mental illnesses and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts. NOW THEREFORE, We Franklin County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2016 as Mental Health Month in Franklin County. As the County Commissioners, We also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in Franklin County to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses at all stages. IN WITNESS WHEREOF: We have hereunto set our hands and caused this Seal of Franklin County to be affixed hereto this 24th day of May in the year Two Thousand and Sixteen. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS David S. Keller, Chairman Robert L. Thomas Robert G. 2 owskii