HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-02 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, May 2, 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.
Larry Funk, representing the Tuscarora School Board, was present to provide a
letter to the Board explaining an ongoing issue with exoneration of taxes on mobile
homes. Mr. Funk provided details on a trailer that was moved out of Franklin County in
2010 by a Realtor without a permit and the County did not find out about it until 2015.
He asked why a sale wasn't conducted in 2013, 2014 or 2015? Mr. Funk informed the
Board that the Tuscarora School District Board will no longer accept letters signed by
staff in the Tax Assessment Office and will only accept them from County Administration,
until they get some action on this. Chairman Keller responded that the Commissioners
will follow up at a later date on Mr. Funk's questions and concerns.
The minutes of the April 25, 2017 and April 27, 2017 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, May 4, 2017.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner
Thomas wanted to point out the grant-in-aid agreement with PA Board of Probation and
Parole is for funding and how if the PA state budget is not passed by the legislature, this
could be an automatic cost to the County. Commissioner Thomas also mentioned the
agreement with Keystone Rural Health Center to provide oversight and training for the
individual that is hired as the Mental Health Co-responder. Commissioner Ziobrowski
asked Mr. Nevada to provide more details of the Mental Health Co-responder Program.
Steve Nevada, Assistant County Administrator, explained that the Co-Responder will
team up with law enforcement in Greencastle, Waynesboro and Washington Township
to help keep individuals with mental health issues out of jail. The hope is to expand to
the whole county and get more grants to help fund the program. The Co-responder will
develop relationships with the individuals and help to reduce calls to law enforcement.
The following item was approved today while the remaining items will be approved
Thursday, May 4, 2017.
The Board reviewed Commissioners/Solicitor 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 Black and Davison to advise and consult
with the County Solicitor on potential claims related to contracts and agreements, at an
hourly rate of$200.00, beginning March 1, 2017.
The Board reviewed information regarding Mental Health Month. Kenny
Wuertenburg, from the Mental Health Association, was present and introduced some of
the members from the Mental Health Taskforce that were in attendance and thanked
them for coming out to support the proclamation. He said he has received lots of
support from everyone in the room and he has received good support from the County
for all the activities that are planned for this month. He mentioned some of the activities
being held: Wellness Conference; Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition
meeting; Community Support Program Art Show; Walk the Walk Advocacy Event; and
the Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony. Steve Nevada thanked everyone for
being here today and thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. He said this is
being done across the country and we have to focus on three things: Stigma, Services
and Community. Stigma because there is still a lot of stigma in the community with
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mental illness. He said people avoid individuals with mental illness and then the
individual becomes isolated which can exasperate their illness. Mr. Nevada said that
service access concerns him due to parity and equal access to healthcare. We need to
make sure that insurers adhere to it so we need to continue to push that we have equal
access to care. He said with community, mental illness affects businesses and families.
He said that people get well through a village. Recovery is a process and there will be
cycles but it takes many people to help. Sheri Morgan said she tracks suicides in the
county and we had 21 suicides in 2016 and there could be more because some family
are not comfortable with reporting their family members' suicide. She said there was a
40% increase from 2015, which is a huge jump and most are by hanging. She explained
there is no way of collecting data to find out specific factors on the suicides. She said
there will be more information in September since September is Suicide Prevention
Month. Dr. Morgan said any and all resources that can help toward this would be
appreciated. Ann Spottswood from Summit thanked the attendees for attending and she
said they all play important roles. We must start early and care for everyone. She
thanked everyone and charged them with improving mental health in ourselves and in
our community. Kim Wertz, Consumer Representative on the Human Services Block
Grant Committee, said her one diagnosis was severe depression and in 2009 she came
close to committing suicide. But because of people here and her getting involved in the
community where she explained her situation, she received the help she needed. She
would be dead today if she wouldn't have gotten involved. Chairman Keller thanked
everyone on behalf of the Board. He wanted to mention there are a lot of other great
partners including Summit, the Mental Health Association, Community Support Program,
and individuals like Ms. Wertz who help on the Block Grant Committee, Healthy
Community Partnership, and folks with the County. He appreciates all that they do. On
a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously
approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2017-10 proclaiming the month of May
as Mental Health Month and that the attached proclamation be made a part of these
minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION 2017 — 10
Mental Health Month 2017
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;
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.
THEREFORE, We The Franklin County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2017
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 the seal of
Franklin County to be affixed this 2nd day of May, 2017.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
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Robert G. Zi�r wski