HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-12 Commissioner MinutesTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, November 12, 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 November 7, 2019 meeting was reviewed. These will be
decided upon on Thursday, November 14, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Chairman Keller
asked John Hart, Project Manager, to explain board action items 1-4, the change orders
from Lobar. Mr. Hart explained that item #1 is a change order to provide a natural gas
generator instead of a diesel generator for an additional cost of $74,260.85. Chairman
Keller asked about the difference in benefits between diesel vs. natural gas generators.
Mr. Hart explained that natural gas is more reliable because getting someone to deliver
diesel fuel during an event may be an issue whereas natural gas is in place and more
dependable. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked why just changing the system is more
expensive. Mr. Hart explained that the size of the generator alone is twice the size and
mechanical operation is more complex so it costs more. Mr. Hart explained that board
action item #2 is to remove existing foundations that was discovered downtown for an
amount of $10,248. He explained further that we have no idea what is underground until
the contractors start digging. When the contractors dug they found 2-3 foundations and
basement walls that we did not know were there. Mr. Hart continued that board action
#3 is for permits downtown for the Chambersburg Borough. We put an allotment of
$150,000 for contractors to pay permitting costs of but the permits exceeded the amount
by $16,003.62. Mr. Hart explained that board action #4 is to delete $118,736.00
because we will supply and purchase the x-ray machines for the building; we can do it
for half of the price so we are pulling this from the contract and it will be refunded back to
us. Mr. Hart explained that board action #5 is an amendment with Triad for additional
soil work for the Archives building due to finding a pit where the storm water went
underneath the concrete floor in the middle of the Archives building. This is for
additional testing and work and he asked Triad to test a few more cylinders for an
additional cost of $1,552. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked for more information on
change orders and Mr. Hart responded that the expectation is that change orders can
reach 10% of the budget but he doesn't feel we will get close to that. It is to be expected
that we find things once we start digging. Chairman Keller asked for more explanation
on item #10, agreement with Housing Alliance of PA. Ms. Gray explained that PA 509 is
the name of our Continuum of Care. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which is
federal and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
which is State of PA require people who need housing assistance to come through one
point of contact per county. Steve Nevada, Assistant County Administrator, explained
further that we have had to do coordinated entry which is doing an assessment for
people that need housing help. Housing Alliance of PA is a coalition of housing services
and was awarded a HUD grant to cover us doing the continuum of entry. With the
agreement we have report outs that need completed monthly. He said the grant is
potentially renewable. The following item was approved today while the remaining items
will be approved Thursday, November 14, 2019.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Commissioners' Office matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved the addendum from
Triad for additional work at the archive building to include additional soil testing under
the concrete slab and more concrete strength testing at an additional cost of $1,552.00.
Commissioner Thomas wanted to mention that there was news all over the state
of issues with elections. He said that Jean Byers needs to be commended. The only
thing he heard was the machines were very sensitive but no other issues here in
Franklin County that he was aware of. The election was excellent and ran well. Ms.
Gray responded that when poll workers were turning their ballot boxes in they had
positive feedback and it was the quickest as far as time with the last precinct coming in
just ahead of 10:00 PM. She continued that there was a little slowness when uploading
the results in the computer because of the size of the files but there will be a plan in
place for next year to help with this issue. Commissioner Thomas said there were a lot
of write-ins but with the machines capturing the right -ins it was a better process.
Chairman Keller said kudos to Jean, staff, election workers and the election board.
Commissioner Thomas said sometimes we don't give credit to the good people we have
but we have very good people.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 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