HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-28 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 28, 2020, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, John T. Flannery 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 John T. Flannery;
unanimously approved to adopt the agenda.
Kim Wertz provided public comment and asked for more information on item #1
and what Bingocize is. She asked if item #5, substantial completion from Stouffer
Mechanical is just preliminary and if #15, agreement with Dr. Zhiping Mo is going to be
The minutes of the January 21, 2020 and January 23, 2020 meetings were
reviewed. These will be decided upon on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. Traci Kline, Area
Agency on Aging Director explained that the Aging Office gets a small amount of federal
restrictive on what they can spend the money on so they found that the Bingocize
program is evidence based and qualifies for the funds. Bingocize benefits the
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week session done in multiple locations. The funds they receive will pay for training and
two years of licensing to provide the program. Chairman Keller said that item #5 refers
to work that Stouffer Mechanical has completed for the Archives project. He said that
the agreement with Dr. Mo is in the second year for physician services. Commissioner
Flannery asked if we are going to ask all elected officials solicitors to log their hours.
Jean Byers, Deputy Chief Clerk responded that there is a meeting tomorrow to discuss a
plan to have the solicitors track their hours. Commissioner Ziobrowski asked Ms. Byers
what the chances are that we will receive more money for the new election equipment.
Ms. Byers responded that this application is asking for 60% for money already spent, in
addition to the HAVA grant money we received a few weeks ago. She said moving
forward there will be a second phase since we have to count absentee ballots centrally
so we need a new scanner which will help on election night with counting the absentee
ballots. Commissioner Ziobrowski explained that no excuse absentees will be increased
due to the new law. He has seen in the last couple of weeks where counties are whining
about purchasing new equipment but he compliments Jean and staff for being ahead
and purchasing the equipment last year. Ms. Byers said that there were no issues last
election with the new equipment but there will be new voters who only vote during
presidential elections but they will see little change. Ms. Byers said that Act 77 requires
the absentees have to be held centrally and not sent to polling places to be counted.
But all the details have not been worked out on how we are going to achieve this.
Chairman Keller wanted to clarify that items 6 & 7 for Department of Emergency
Services is being paid from the Act 12 Universal 911 Surcharge but the funding does not
cover all expenses of 911 funding. About 14% of the operations budget in 911 is
items were approved today while the remaining items will be approved Thursday,
January 30, 2020.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed Commissioners matters. On a motion by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; approved the Solicitor Engagement Agreement
between the County of Franklin and Black and Davison to provide County Solicitor
services at a cost of $9,500.00 per month for ninety (90) hours of work per month to be
paid as a non-refundable retainer. For hours of work beyond 90 hours in a month the
County shall compensate the partnership at a rate of $125.00 per hour after approval by
the County. This agreement shall be effective January 28, 2020. Commissioners Keller
and Ziobrowski voted yes, while Commissioner Flannery opposed the action.
The Board reviewed additional Commissioners matters. On a motion by Robert
G. Ziobrowski; seconded by David S. Keller; approved Resolution #2020-02 to appoint
Black & Davison Group as County Solicitor, effective January 28, 2020. Commissioners
Keller and Ziobrowski voted yes, while Commissioner Flannery opposed the action.
Tiffany Bloyer, Human Resources Director, and members of the STAR (Special
Thanks and Recognition Committee) presented the Employee of the Month award to Mr.
Brady Strite. Mr. Strite has been employed with Franklin County since March of 2019.
He currently serves as a Department of Emergency Services (DES) Telecommunicator I.
The selection for the January 2020 Employee of the Month was determined by the STAR
Committee. There were a total of 10 nominations. The STAR nomination form asks
what recent event or occurrence made you select Brady and the answers stated:
received a 911 call for a female who was in her third trimester of pregnancy and she was
having excruciating contractions. While Brady was obtaining information to send help,
the lady's water broke and she began into heavy delivery labor. Brady calmly gave
instructions to the expectant father in preparation for a delivery until EMS could arrive to
assist. During this time the expectant mother was put on the phone with Brady. Brady
was able to keep her calm and reassured her help was on the way. As Brady continued
speaking with the expectant parents, nature took its course and the delivery began prior
to EMS help arriving. Brady remained calm, kept the soon to be new parents calm and
from his training and protocol, provided step by step instructions for the birthing. Brady's
outstanding actions resulted in the successful delivery of a healthy baby boy! After EMS
arrived, the mother and newborn child were transported to the hospital. Brady's
demeanor, training, and following procedures helped ensure a new life entered this
world safely in much less than desirable conditions! The end result was the baby was
delivered safely and mother and child were transported to the hospital. The parents
along with their 2 year old son came into the 911 Center a few weeks after the delivery
and visited with Brady and his team tha
outstanding characteristics are attributes that have not gone unnoticed by his peers.
The nomination form describes him as being professional, and a team player, with a
positive attitude. We are grateful to Mr. Brady Strite as he exudes a high standard of
customer service, excellence, and respect to the employees and residents of Franklin
County. Mr. Strite said that it was definitely a special moment since he knows the family
expecting to happen at all. He said to his coworkers that it looked like it was going to
happen and they let him go. Commissioner Flannery said he spent some time at the
911 Center and they do great things
Ziobrowski said that apparently he had training to do this, and that many women in labor
realize men can be sympathetic, but not empathic, and often curse at their husbands in
the delivery room. He asked if she was nice to him, and Mr. Strite responded yes.
Commissioner Ziobrowski complimented him and wanted to know if she named the baby
boy Brady and Mr. Strite responded no.
Continued on page 3
John Thierwechter, Emergency Services Director and staff were present to
explain that Andrew Repp completed his requirements for the PA Emergency
Management Agency (PEMA) Professional Certification. He commended Mr. Repp for
getting his certification through PEMA which is the highest certification he can receive.
a lifelong career and making future opportunities available to him. He is happy that Mr.
Repp was able to get his certification. Mr. Repp explained that he has been a supervisor
for 3-4 years and has dispatched for 11 years now but started in Washington County.
He is looking to further his career advancement in the county. Chairman Keller asked if
the courses are online. Mr. Repp explained that half are online and half are in a class
which is not always local. Chairman Keller said he appreciates his hard work.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by John T. Flannery.
Jean C. Byers
Deputy Chief Clerk
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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David S. Keller, Chairman
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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski