HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-16 Commissioner Minutes THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, March 16, 2017, with the
following members present: David S. Keller 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 David S. Keller; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously
approved the minutes of the March 7, 2017 and March 9, 2017 meetings.
The Board met with the Human Resources Director, the Controller and the Court
Administrator for Salary Board matters.
The Board reviewed Personnel matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the revised job description for the
Bilingual Interpreter position.
The Board reviewed information regarding American Red Cross Month. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved
signing Franklin County Proclamation #2017-03 proclaiming the month of March as
American Red Cross Month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these
minutes.
The Board reviewed Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Supplemental
Appropriation in the amount of$287,062.00 to record additional funding received for the
Visitation Program under the Time Limited Family Reunification Grant. The additional
funding increased the FY 2016-17 grant allocation to $385,663.00.
The Board reviewed Commissioners' Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Declaration of
Disaster Emergency due to severe winter weather that impacted Franklin County on or
about March 14, 2017.
The Board reviewed Fiscal matters. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the Letter of Engagement from
Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC for independent audit services for the year ended December
31, 2016 to include an audit of the County's GASB 34 financial statements and the
County's Single Audit, required for all programs receiving federal and pass-through
funds, at a cost of$100,840.00.
The Board reviewed Fiscal/Day Reporting Center matters. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski, seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved the contract
between the County of Franklin and Keystone Rural Health to provide psychiatric exams,
medication management, nurse visits, injections and therapy services to participants in
the Jail Diversion Program with a maximum encumbrance of$12,500.00, for the period
of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
Continued on page 2
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 application being applied by Greene Township for a proposed
extension of Fifth Avenue, located in Greene Township.
Chairman Keller explained that today is the day the Board needs to decide if they
are going to move forward with the recommendation last week from staff to terminate the
contract with Fulton County for jail beds due to lack of space. It is a challenge to
manage the increased jail population with respect to keeping inmates sequestered
properly and other significant issues. We have tried a number of things and there are
several initiatives in place to help reduce recidivism and help with jail population but with
moving inmates to other counties, it will cost us $1.2 million or about$140.00 per inmate
per day. While at the same time receiving revenue from Fulton County in the amount of
$600,000 a year. He continued that we don't want to minimize that Fulton County has
been good neighbors and we have worked with them on other programs and value our
relationship with them. His recommendation is to work with Fulton County to have them
transition their inmates to another facility. Chairman Keller said he hopes it's a
temporary move and in the future we would welcome their inmates back when
logistically feasible. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, said that Chairman Keller
summarized it well and if the decision is made to pause the bed lease, we would make
sure the offenders would be transferred safely and would work with them so that the
assessments will be completed with Drug & Alcohol and Mental Health, as needed. And
we are ensuring compliance with the one grant we wrote that referenced Fulton County
inmates. Deputy Warden Sullen was present and said that Fulton County has reached
out to the Jail already and asked if we would assist them with moving their inmates and
he told them we would.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said it is our hope this housing of inmates in other
counties is not a permanent situation but he would consider keeping Fulton County's
inmates if they offer to increase payment from $71 to up to $140 per inmate, per day, so
we can reduce our costs per day. There are many benefits of housing their inmates
here given the support received by treatment programs.
Chairman Keller said the Board should parallel track this and move forward with
moving Fulton County inmates but at the same time if there is interest in discussing
alternatives or other ideas they may have as far as mitigating the situation to move their
inmates to other areas in PA. He said the door is open and we value our relationship
with them. We will not close the door on them but we need to free up space and
welcome any other ideas they may have. If no other alternatives can be found, we will
help them with an orderly transition. It will take time to develop an agreement and takes
time for the transition of the inmates, and to work out logistics of Drug &Alcohol
treatment.
Ms. Gray confirmed that there will be a letter issued to terminate the lease but if
there are any alternatives Fulton County can propose, we might consider them.
Commissioner Ziobrowski said he is sorry he is throwing a wrench in this but it's only fair
to give them an opportunity to make a "best offer". He can't ask our Franklin County tax
payers to spend an extra $600,000 a year to house Fulton County inmates.
Continued on page 3
Chairman Keller said that Mr. Singer is here and he knows the judges prefer that
Fulton County inmates stay in Franklin County since they are part of the judicial system
but the Board believes this is a prudent course to pursue and the Board will do their best
to keep the court apprised of what they are doing. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski,
seconded by David S. Keller; unanimously approved canceling the contract and
submitting a letter to Fulton County Commissioners while at the same time reaching out
to them to invite alternate proposals that would be considered by the Franklin County
Commissioners should Fulton County decide to submit them.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:16 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by David S. Keller.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH 2017
Proclamation — 2017-03
In Franklin County, we have a long history of helping our neighbors in need. American Red
Cross Month is a special time to recognize and thank our heroes —those Red Cross volunteers
and donors who give of their time and resources to help community members.
These heroes help families find shelter after a home fire. They give blood to help trauma victims
and cancer patients. They deliver comfort items to military members in the hospital. They use
their lifesaving skills to save someone from a heart attack, drowning or choking. They enable
children around the globe to be vaccinated against measles and rubella.
The American Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help and hope during a disaster.
We applaud our heroes who give of themselves to assist their neighbors when they need a
helping hand.
Across the country and around the world, the American Red Cross responds to disasters big
and small. In fact, every eight minutes the organization responds to a community disaster,
providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It collects
nearly 40 percent of the nation's blood supply; provides 24-hour support to military members,
veterans and their families; teaches millions lifesaving skills, such as lifeguarding and CPR; and
through its Restoring Family Links program, connects family members separated by crisis,
conflict or migration.
We dedicate the month of March to all those who support the American Red Cross mission to
prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Our community depends on
the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its
humanitarian mission.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE COMMISSIONERS of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, do
hereby proclaim March 2017 as American Red Cross Month. We encourage all Americans to
support this organization and its noble humanitarian mission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hand this 16th day of March, in the year
two thousand seventeen.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
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Robert G. Ziobr + ki