HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-13 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, February 13, 2018, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. The Board attended the Prison Board meeting held at the Jail. 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.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
The minutes of the February 6, 2018 and February 8, 2018 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, February 15, 2018.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The following item
was approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday, February 13,
2018.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. Shawn Corwell, Greene
Township Supervisor and Chairman of the Emergency Services Alliance, was present to
provide more information on resolution #2018-02. Mr. Corwell explained the purpose of
the Alliance is to provide guidance to fire and emergency services, to keep standards
and to look at the future needs of the county. He explained that volunteers have
diminished throughout the years. He mentioned this is a nationwide issue. They need to
look at gaps and how to improve and keep volunteers from diminishing further. A
committee was formed with representatives from different backgrounds to brainstorm
what can be studied in the county, current amount of volunteers and why they are
diminishing and also to look at apparatus and if we have too little or too much. Mr.
Corwell further explained that PA DCED contacted the Alliance to apply for a grant to
help fund a study. He said that DCED recognizes there is a problem and they want to
help municipalities. DCED is asking for support from the County to apply for the grant.
He explained there is no financial obligation as the Alliance is hoping DCED will fund the
study. At this point he does not know the grant amount but once DCED approves the
grant, they will find the group to perform the study. He mentioned that if the Alliance
does not get the grant the Alliance will explore funding from municipalities.
Commissioner Thomas asked if Adams County did a study a few years back and what
the outcome was of the study. Mr. Corwell said they did do a study and as a result they
combined some stations and saved money and focused more on retention. He
explained that fundraising is a big issue since volunteers are expected to fundraise, take
calls and also do trainings. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if Adams County has a
municipal tax and if the Alliance is considering a municipal tax for our county. Mr.
Corwell responded that Adams County does and that Mercersburg and Chambersburg
have a tax in our county. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked if the study will also be
looking at the emotional impact in relation to opioid overdoses that Emergency Services
encounters. Mr. Corwell responded that the study will only be focusing on the shortage
of paramedics and how we can draw paid EMT's to Franklin County. He did comment
that morale is affecting emergency services but it's not in the study. On a motion by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved
Resolution #2018—02 for the County to be in support of Franklin County Emergency
Services Alliance's application to DCED for funding of a study to evaluate the volunteer
system in county EMS and fire organizations.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed appointments to the Franklin County Housing Authority
Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to appoint Randy Atherton for a term of January 1, 2018 through
December 31, 2022.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Franklin County
Resolution 2018-02
A RESOLUTION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY IN SUPPORT OF
FRANKLIN COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES ALLIANCE'S
APPLICATION TO DCED FOR FUNDING OF A STUDY TO EVALUATE
THE VOLUNTEER SYSTEM IN COUNTY EMS AND FIRE
ORGANIZATIONS
WHEREAS, the County of Franklin,Pennsylvania("County"), is a fourth class county
and municipal corporation, operating under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, eighteen fire departments, fifteen EMS departments and seven ALS stations
are located in the County; and
WHEREAS,the Franklin County Emergency Services Alliance ("Alliance") is a non-
profit organization, organized and operating under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and comprised of representatives from the Fire Chief's Association, Emergency
Medical Services Council, Townships and Boroughs located in Franklin County, Franklin
County Department of Emergency Services, Fire Police Association, Letterkenny Army Depot,
Law Enforcement Organization and the Public Safety Training Board; and
WHEREAS, the Alliance operates to preserve and enhance fire, rescue and emergency
medical services in the County; and
WHEREAS, challenges exist in the preservation and enhancement of fire, rescue and
emergency medical services in Franklin County due to the diminishment of volunteers, and
WHEREAS,the decline in volunteers has decreased the available fire and EMS
personnel able to respond to emergency calls within the County; and
WHEREAS, the Alliance has discussed and endorses the need for a countywide study to
evaluate the present status of fire and EMS organizations ("Study"); and
WHEREAS,the Alliance is in the process of applying for a grant with the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED")to assist in paying for the
Study; and
WHEREAS, DCED guidelines indicate the Alliance is an eligible applicant if authorized
by resolution of the County; and
WHEREAS, the ability of fire and EMS personnel to be equipped with sufficient and
qualified volunteers is critical to the delivery of emergency services to the residents of the
County; and
WHEREAS, the County supports the Alliance's efforts to seek the services of a
professional consultant to provide information on the current status and lifespan of the volunteer
fire and EMS departments and make recommendations to extend the lifespan of the volunteer
system;
NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED, and it is hereby RESOLVED, by the
County of Franklin, Pennsylvania, by its governing body,the duly elected and incumbent Board
of County Commissioners, as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated as though set forth fully herein.
2. The County authorizes the Alliance's application to DCED for funding to assist in the
hiring of a professional consultant to study and make recommendations related to the
volunteer fire and EMS departments located in the County.
3. The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County directs the Chief Clerk, or her designee,
to notify DCED of the enactment of this resolution by Franklin County.
Adopted this 13th day of February,2018 by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.
Attest: Board of Commissioners
A
Carrie Gray, Chief Clctk � David S.2Ul
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Robert L. Thomas, Commissioner
Robert G. Z' ._. •owski, Commissioner