HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-10 Commissioner MinutesTUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. The Board attended a Prison Board meeting. 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 announced that due to state regulations the Board is required to
recess for the Luminest HOME grant request public hearing. The hearing is to occur
separate from the Commissioners meeting. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
Mayor Dick Starliper provided public comment and wanted to provide greetings
from the Mayor of Waynesboro and wish Commissioners, county staff and everyone in
attendance a Merry Christmas.
The minutes of the December 3, 2019 and December 5, 2019 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, December 12, 2019.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Commissioner
Thomas asked if board action #2, grant application to PA Veterans' Trust Fund is a
continuation of the previous grant and Justin Slep, Director of Veteran's Affairs,
responded that it is a continuation of the previous grant. Chairman Keller said that when
individuals renew their license there is a block that they can check to give to the
Veteran's Trust Fund. Chairman Keller asked for more information on board action #5,
agreement with Peerstar. Carrie Gray, County Administrator, explained that the program
is for individuals with a certain type of charge that includes mental health treatment. It
used to be called the Mental Health Jail Diversion Program. She continued that case
managers work with offenders to get the treatment they need while in the Jail and when
they get out of jail. The items will be approved Thursday, December 12, 2019.
Justin Slep, Director of Veterans Affairs, presented a certificate of completion to
a service dog, Liberty, and her handler, Ryan Desmond. He continued that this is the
sixth service dog issued to a veteran since 2015. Mr. Slep explained that Veteran
Desmond served in the U.S. Army from 2001-2005 and he received the following
medals: Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and the Army
Service Ribbon. He also was part of Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005 and served with the
212th First Calvary Division. He continued that Liberty is a three year old lab and that
Mr. Desmond received her when she was two years old and he's been training her ever
since. They are here today to present Mr. Desmond with his certificate. Mr. Desmond
thanked the County, Veterans Affairs and the Commissioners. He said that Liberty has
been a great help for him with his issues and he has two young children that both love
her. She's a great addition to his family. He thanked Helen Carlson, Dog Trainer. He
said if anyone hears the program needs help then they need to give them a hand. Helen
Carlson said that developing a team can be challenging. First they placed Ryan and
Liberty with different partners and something did not seem right. Eventually she switched
the pairs and both teams blossomed. She commended Mr. Desmond for all his hard
work. Chairman Keller thanked Justin for his continued leadership and Helen for her
partnership and Ryan for his service. He continued that this program is funded by the
Veterans Trust Fund and donations from the community. Justin and his team
established a fund that his team could get the community involved and it says a lot about
the residents of this community. Mr. Slep responded that the fund is about to hit the
$200,000 mark. He continued that with this fund they have established a photography
program and next year they are looking to provide scholarships for the community and
Continued on page 2
also possibly starting a riding program. Commissioner Thomas said that Central
Pennsylvania and Franklin County have always been leaders in the state with supporting
the military. He thanked Mr. Desmond for his service. Commissioner Ziobrowski
thanked Mr. Desmond for his service and he thanked Ms. Carlson and Mr. Slep for all
they do.
The Board recessed for a Luminest Home Investment Partnership (HOME)
Program Grant Request public hearing.
The Board reconvened at 10:26 a.m.
Chairman Keller announced that the Board will welcome any further comments
from the public on Luminest's grant request and the Board will approve the application at
Thursday's Commissioners meeting.
The Board recessed and will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. for the Retirement Board
meeting.
The Board reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
The Board held a Retirement Board meeting.
Michael Shone, Marquette Associates President, met with the Board to provide a
report of the Franklin County Other Post -Employment Benefits (OPEB) Fund.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:36 p.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