HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-02 Commissioner MinutesTUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 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 March 26, 2019 and March 28, 2019 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, April 4, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner
Thomas asked for more information on action item #4, supplemental appropriation for
the Sheriff's Office. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, explained that the Sheriff is
implementing new software. Telesoft will track warrants and sales and this will enhance
their operations. She explained further that this action was brought to the Board in 2018
but it extended into 2019. Commissioner Thomas commented that this new software
will bring greater efficiencies to the Sheriff's Office. The items will be approved
Thursday, April 4, 2019.
The Board reviewed information regarding Reentry Initiatives month. Kim Eaton,
Director of Reentry and Clinical Quality Assurance, explained the following activities for
the month: kick-off with the proclamation today and at 1:30p.m. there is a press
conference at the Coyle Library; tomorrow is the Reentry Summit & Re-entry simulation;
the Outreach Task Force meetings; Comfort Kitchen on the first and last Fridays of the
month at Salem United Brethren Church; Human Service Training Days on April 17th;
Community Film Night is being expanded to Waynesboro showing Healing Justice on
April 11th; Judicial Candidates Panel on April 18th at the Eugene Clark Center; and the
Candlelight Vigil in support of Second Chances on April 30th at the Waynesboro Main
Street Parklet. She said that there is something from the beginning of the month to the
end of the month and she hopes that people will come out to see what is going on.
Chairman Keller opened the floor for everyone to introduce themselves and explain their
involvement with reentry services. Chairman Keller said they are doing God's work and
he appreciates everything they do. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by
Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2019-
02 proclaiming the Month of April as Reentry Initiatives Month and that the attached
proclamation be made a part of these minutes. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he
believes these folks deal with a tremendous amount of frustration and he admires their
tenacity and for keeping up the good fight. Commissioner Thomas explained he was at
an event at the White House yesterday where there were speakers and discussions with
the focus on Reentry and the Second Chance Act. He mentioned some of the ex -
offenders that were present that have made their lives better but it is still a struggle for
them. He continued that we have to get smarter about putting people in jail for mental
illness. He is passionate about this. He was impressed with the program yesterday and
Reentry is on the minds, reform and mental health reform also. This was a good
opportunity and the issues they talked about were many but there is a lot of hope. He
congratulated everyone here on their good work and their passion.
The Board reviewed information regarding the Franklin County Library Week.
Alice Elia, Director of Advancement and Publicity for the Franklin County Library System,
explained the 2019 annual appeal is kicking off during Library Week where they ask the
community to support the library system. They are also including an online appeal this
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year. They are trying to encourage donors to give online since this makes it easier for
the business office. They are also encouraging monthly donations. She said they would
not be here without the support of the community and the Commissioners. Chairman
Keller asked about the annual appeal for 2018. Ms. Elia responded that the library
system exceeded their goal and reached $60,000. They are hoping to exceed it even
more in 2019. Staff from the Library System introduced themselves and explained other
activities that are going on including: having a theme "We are Family" and having a
world map that patrons can tell their journey on how they got to Franklin County; story
time titled "It Takes A Village"; three open houses to showcase the Ancestry.com at the
Coyle Library that is free but you have to use their system in order to use it; Poetry
month activities; In May they are focusing on mental health awareness where the
Franklin County Mental Health Association will have some programs at the libraries.
Chairman Keller asked Amy Wertz to give an overview of the budget situation. Ms.
Wertz explained the budget is over $2M for the whole library system, where half comes
from the County, a portion from the state and the remainder from private donations. She
stated that the County has been great in making up the deficit in the past 10 years. She
continued that they have been frugal with the budget and they make every dollar stretch
as far as they can. Last year they had a deficit of $30,000 so they had to borrow from
themselves to make up the difference. She continued that it's a challenge. Chairman
Keller said that the libraries are trying to make use of space by charging room fees for
meetings by outside parties. Coyle has brought in some money this way and helping to
make ends meet. He commented that there are some challenges with having more
technology, maintaining the equipment and paying for support on an ongoing basis.
They are not employing more people then they need to. He continued that technology
allows us to do more with less. They are providing the best service as efficiently as they
can so he is proud of this. Commissioner Ziobrowski said he sees people wearing
volunteer tags so he asked how many volunteer hours they receive from the various
volunteers. Ms. Elia said there are over 1,000 hours a year with the volunteers of every
branch. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to sign Franklin County Proclamation #2019-03 proclaiming the
week of April 7-13, 2019 as Franklin County Public Library Week and that the attached
proclamation be made a part of these minutes.
On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 10:43 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review real estate matters. The Board reconvened into regular session at
11:39 a.m. No action was required after the executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
Carrie E. Gray
County Administrator/Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. Ziobrowski
Proclamation #2019 - 02
Reentry Initiatives Month
April 2019
Whereas, More than 650,000 men and women leave the nation's prisons every year
and more than 11 million people cycle through the nation's jails, and;
Whereas, An average of 200 individuals are released from the Franklin County Jail each
month, and;
Whereas, People leaving incarceration face a complex transition back into the
community which may hinder their path to productive citizenship due to issues such as
employment, housing, transportation, substance abuse, and mental health, and;
Whereas, The County of Franklin and partnering agencies recognize that the successful
assimilation of returning citizens back into our community, with new skills and attitudes
along with adequate resources, benefits both society and the formerly incarcerated
individuals, and;
Whereas, Franklin Together, the Franklin County Reentry Coalition, focuses on
engaging criminal justice, human service, faith, and other community entities, along
with community members to build a system of care that empowers and supports
returning individuals in achieving success in all aspects of life, while reducing recidivism
and improving the public safety by ensuring a successful transition from incarceration to
being a productive citizen, and;
Therefore, We, the County Commissioners of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, do hereby
proclaim April 2019 as Reentry Initiatives Month and encourage all citizens of Franklin
County to support reentry efforts which foster successful reintegration of returning
citizens into our community as contributing members of our society.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of
Franklin County to be affixed this 2"d day of April, 2019.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Keller, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. Zia6rowski
Proclamation # 2019-03
Franklin County Public Library Week
WHEREAS, the mission of Franklin County Library System is to create learning
opportunities that lead to personal discovery, growth, and enjoyment. A core value of
the Franklin County Library System is inclusion, with a focus for 2019 of Embracing
Differences in Our Community.
WHEREAS, Franklin County Library System strongly believes that access to information
should be free and available to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Libraries
embrace and promote a collaborative learning environment that welcomes
everyone.
WHEREAS, Our libraries maintain up-to-date collections, providing materials to check
out in person and online for education and enjoyment. Franklin County Library System
aims to have something of interest for each of its patrons.
WHEREAS, It is vital that our public libraries offer programs and activities that speak to
all of the members of our community. In line with our 2019 strategic plan of Embracing
Differences, this year's programs are designed to help us better understand ourselves
and others.
WHEREAS, In addition to books, libraries provide access to technologies and electronic
resources: from high speed WiFi and library laptops to ebooks, audiobooks, and dvds.
Many online resources can be accessed directly from the FCLS website: all you need is
a library card!
WHEREAS, Franklin County Library System strives to have modern facilities, inviting to the
public both outside and inside. We take pride in having each of our locations reflect
the history and the progress of each area we serve.
WHEREAS, Excellent customer service and qualified, well -trained staff are essential to
effectively serving our patrons. Every effort is made to treat our guests with respect
and to serve them equally to provide them with a rewarding library experience.
WHEREAS, Franklin County tax dollars are essential to sustain our library services. The
library staff, the board of directors, and our volunteers do their part to be good
stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Funding provided by the county, the state,
private businesses, and individuals allow us to pursue our 2019 objective of embracing
differences and promoting the future of our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that we, the Commissioners of Franklin County,
proclaim Franklin County Public Library Week, April 7 - 13, 2019. All residents are
encouraged to visit their local library this week to celebrate our diverse community.
There is something for everyone at the library.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we hereunto set our hands and cause the seal of Franklin
County to be affixed this 2nd day of April, 2019.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
David S. Kefrer, Chairman
Robert L. Thomas
Robert G. ' rowski