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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-07 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 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. There was no public comment. The minutes of the January 31, 2017 and February 2, 2017 meetings were reviewed. These will be approved Thursday, February 9, 2017. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The following item was approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, February 9, 2017. The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute the agreement between the County of Franklin and Alere Toxicology to provide laboratory toxicology testing for inmates. Cost will vary based on the number and type of testing required. Jeff Conner, Coroner, was present to request an increase in the Coroner fee schedule. Mr. Conner explained that the proposed coroner fees have not been changed in 11 years. He explained that the following reports cannot be increased since the fees are set by County Code: Coroner's View, Toxicology Report and Autopsy Report. Mr. Conner is requesting the following increases: Cremation Release from $25.00 to $50.00; Release Office Fee from $5.00 to $10.00; Photos (8x10) from $20.00 to $25.00 and Tissue Slide from $25.00 to $50.00. He explained that these increases are consistent with York County but the fees are different all over the state. He expects other peer counties to increase their fees in the near future. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the fee schedule as presented. Janet Pollard, Director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, was present to request an increase in the Hotel Tax fee from 3% to 5%. She explained that, in April of 2016, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed Act 16 that allowed for an increase in the hotel room tax. Per the legislation, Franklin County may increase the tax. She explained that York and Lebanon counties increased their hotel tax last year to 5%, while Dauphin, Adams and Lancaster Counties already have a 5% room tax. She said counties south of the Mason Dixon line, including Washington County, MD, Jefferson County, WV and Winchester, VA, hotel taxes are at 6%. Ms. Pollard explained what the increase will be used for: increased promotion including such things as additional information kiosks and signage; creation of a tourism ambassador program; monthly schedule of tours/activities; expanded group marketing; incorporation of booking software to the FCVB website; implementation of geo-fencing at the visitors bureau office as primary gateway and integrate with discount promotional program at tourism partners throughout the county; and expanded Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement Grant Program, which is preserving valuable historic and cultural assets and supporting recreational assets to continue the tourism experience in Franklin County. The grant program has funded more than 20 projects since 2014. Ms. Pollard explained that since the 3% tax was implemented they have generated a lot of information guides about Continued on page 2 Franklin County and even distributed over half a million Visitors Guides. Ms. Pollard is requesting to increase the hotel tax to 5% and her request is on behalf of the Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, which recently voted unanimously to recommend to the commissioners that the tax be increased. Chairman Keller asked about outreach with the hotel community and Ms. Pollard explained that they spoke to the hotel and bed and breakfast community and they responded supportively, and there was no opposition to it. Chairman Keller said that economic impact is key and at one time Ms. Pollard showed what happened over the last ten years and that revenue has continued to increase even in the face of the great recession. He said it is important to note that this sector of the economy stayed strong and continued to help provide good jobs for the county during the last decade even during tough times. Ms. Pollard said that there was a slight decline in 2008 but it has continued to grow since then. She said we are an extension of the Gettysburg military campaign and located along 1-81 so we have great accessibility to travelers. We bring many people to the festivals in Franklin County and have a healthy and robust sports presence here. Chairman Keller mentioned that some people may not realize that 20% of hotel tax goes to the Tourism and Quality of Life Enhancement Grant program that has preserved historical and cultural assets and developed biking and walking trails throughout Franklin County. He said the greatest part of the program is that it has touched every community in Franklin County from Mercersburg to Waynesboro and Chambersburg. To that point promotion and advertising efforts follows the same thinking. Ms. Pollard responded that this is the Franklin County Visitors Bureau and it has been from the beginning. It's not just Chambersburg and we would be weak if we didn't have all the communities involved. Ms. Pollard mentioned some of the historical sites of Franklin County and that we have artifacts that go back 11,000 years. Commissioner Thomas said visitors can come here to visit and have a family or friend take them around to view all the attractions. You can spend a week here and wouldn't think of going anywhere else. There is a lot to be seen here in Franklin County. Ms. Pollard said that the increase to 5% will help to expand what can be done here. Mike Ross, Franklin County Area Development Corporation (FCADC) Director, and a member of the Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, said that right now FCADC is partnering with the Visitors Bureau to help the impacted JLG employees from Ohio that will be locating here. They will be doing the same with Manitowoc employees coming from Wisconsin. He said people are taken aback as to what is here and what they can do here. He said that there are a number of global companies like JLG, Manitowoc, and Johnson Controls that bring in people from all over the world who stay here and frequent local establishments. Commissioner Ziobrowski said that Ms. Pollard made a compelling argument about the economic benefit and he supports this increase. He said with budget cutting at the state level, local counties and school districts have to pick up the slack. He said the state has had to cut funding and later this morning the Governor will announce his budget that has a 3 billion deficit and that he does not want to raise taxes. He sees advertisements for other states on TV but not for Pennsylvania. He wishes PA as a Commonwealth would give the tourism industry more support. Continued on page 3 Commissioner Thomas said that Commissioner Ziobrowski made a valid point that the state does not provide any tourism promotion revenues. If most of us travel anywhere else, we all have to pay this hotel tax percentage and more. He is fine to proceed. An ordinance is needed and Chairman Keller asked the County Solicitor to start the process, to include advertising. The Board gave its unanimous support to move forward with updating the ordinance and thanked Ms. Pollard for a good job in presenting the case. Chairman Keller said there is no negative impact to local residents and it's good for the economy and historical preservation. Chairman Keller added that the Commissioners welcome any feedback from the community in the meantime while the ordinance is being developed. Ms. Pollard suggested that the increase in tax would become effective April 1, 2017. Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, announced a change to the agenda to not include the tax assessment appeal session. She requested to go into an executive session to discuss pending litigation for a personnel matter and that action will be 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 10:21 a.m. this date for the purpose to review pending litigation matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:44 a.m. Ms. Shank said that the Board discussed a settlement during the executive session regarding a former employee. She asked approval of the settlement agreement. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the agreement and authorized Ms. Shank to sign the agreement on their behalf. The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS