HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-21 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, June 21, 2018, 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.
Chairman Keller asked to amend the agenda to include an executive session to
discuss real estate matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the minutes of the June 12, 2018 and June 14, 2018 meetings.
The Board reviewed Aging Office matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Food & Beverage License to the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture for the Waynesboro Senior Activity Center at a cost of $82.00. It is a state
regulation to have a food and beverage license renewed annually. There is no increase
from last year and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Block Grant.
The Board reviewed On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Professional
Services Agreement between the County of Franklin and Dennis E. Black to provide
Engineering Services for the Courthouse and Courthouse annex project, to include
preparation of a comprehensive twenty-five lot consolidation and public alley
abandonment subdivision plan for the downtown site, separate preliminary/final, land
development plans for downtown and Second Street annex sites, Penn DOT permitting
for closure of alley, PA DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module Exemptions and
NPDES permitting for both sites based upon final sketch plans and other work required
for the completion of said projects, including but not limited to assisting in obtaining
approvals and attendance at all required meetings to facilitate necessary municipal
approvals. At a cost not to exceed $95,000.00.
The Board reviewed Day Reporting Center matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the amendment #1
to the agreement dated April 1, 2018 between the County of Franklin and Maranatha
Ministry, Inc. for Candleheart, Inc. to provide shelter beds for Intensive Reentry Case
Management (IRCM) Grant participants. This amendment is to increase the maximum
2018 contract encumbrance to $20,000.00. All other terms of the agreement shall
remain unchanged.
The Board reviewed Fiscal/Children & Youth matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and 4U Management, LLC. to provide fiscal services to
support Children and Youth due to a vacancy at a cost of $70.00 per hour. Contract
term is June 25, 2018 through December 31, 2018, unless terminated by either party
with 30 days written notice.
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The Board reviewed Veterans Affairs matters. On a motion by Robert L.
Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the agreement
between the County of Franklin and Nolan-Carlson, LLC DBA Good Dog Boarding and
Training for dog training services for Operation Save-A-Vet, Save-A-Pet service dog
program in the amount of $26,000.00, for the period of June 1, 2018 through May 31,
2019. Funded by the Veterans Trust Fund Grant and Veterans Affairs Outreach Fund.
The Board reviewed an appointment to the Franklin County Housing Authority
Board. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to appoint Louisa Cowles for a term of June 1, 2018 through May
31, 2022.
Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director, met with the Board to review the 2018 expense
and revenue budget performance through April, 2018. Ms. Beckner advised that some
areas exceeded 4/12ths. She also reminded the Board that the county makes an
upfront contribution to
impact of the contribution is mitigated. That is the case for 10 departments through April.
Ms. Beckner explained there were also capital purchases, seasonal expenses,
equipment maintenance, and association fees, but at this time she expects them to
balance out over the remainder of the year. She said general fund expenses are at
30.9% of budgeted expenses for April. That compares to 30.4% through April
2017. Ms. Beckner said revenues are 8.9% collected of general fund revenue budget
compared to 11.6% for 2017 year-to-date. Ms. Beckner reported that the tax bills for
property taxes billed for 2018 were recorded in March and amounted to $38,807,767.
That was approximately $187,000 more than budgeted. For 2018, one mill of taxes
assessed brings in $1,464,665, an increase of 0.9%, or $12,538, over 2017. For the 5-
year period 2013 through 2017, the average annual growth rate was 1.2%. We typically
experience a significant amount of collections during the discount period, and this year
has been no different. Although she reported revenue and expense budget performance
through April, she has tax collection information through May. Since 2018 property tax
bills were mailed in early March, we collected about $35.4 million, 87.6% of what was
billed. That is compared with 87.5% through May last year, and a 5-year average of
86.7%.
The Board held a general discussion on the Transource power lines. Chairman
Keller explained the Board was provided information last week during public comment
from folks who are in opposition to the Transource power lines. They also requested
support from the Commissioners, including helping to raise general awareness of the
project and explaining the reasons why folks are not in favor of it. The comments were
well received by the board. He continued that this is the reason for the general
discussion this morning. The Commissioners have received letters in the past on behalf
of farmers, landowners, FCADC, and the Visitors Bureau, who have advocated against
this project. Chairman Keller continued that the Board sent a letter to PUC endorsing
those concerns and asked them to take the concerns seriously. Chairman Keller
recommended that the Board reaffirm its position, formally oppose the project, and
endorse the efforts that are ongoing from Mike Ross, Janet Pollard and others who are
to have a motion
today to formally oppose the project, joining Mike Ross and the Chambersburg School
District, as well as municipalities and landowners that are directly affected by this project
and who have taken formal action to oppose the project. He continued by stating that, in
order to help raise awareness, they could send out a press release today formally
expressing opposition to the project and they could also post an update on the
Facebook page. He asked for a motion today from the Board. On a motion by Robert L.
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Thomas, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to formally oppose
the project and follow up with the actions Chairman Keller mentioned. Commissioner
Thomas said he has said it before but will say it again, this county has raised this
concern to the appropriate authority so this is not a huge shift. He thinks to the point of
the representatives who oppose Transource that were here last week, the one thing the
Board can do is to post the map where towers are to be placed to make citizens aware
of the route. He continued that there will be fundraising efforts with a legal defense fund
the folks are engaged in, most are private funds that are raising the money but the
County tax payers or residents and
be connected here.
John Hart, Project Manager, asked the Board to enter into an executive session
to discuss real estate matters. On a motion by Robert L. Thomas, seconded by Robert
G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:04 a.m. this
date for the purpose to review Real Estate matters. No action will be required after
executive session. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:39 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. with a motion by Robert L. Thomas;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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David S. Keller, Chairman
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Robert L. Thomas
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Robert G. Ziobrowski