HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-27 Commissioner Minutes
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, February 27, 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.
Chairman Keller asked to amend the agenda to include an executive session to
discuss potential litigation. On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G.
Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to adopt the amended agenda.
There was no public comment.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved the minutes of the February 18, 2020 and February 20, 2020
meetings.
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of
the Board to execute change order #2 from Lobar, Inc. for over excavation at the
Administration Building Project. This change order covers both change order request #3
in the amount of $9,039.75 and change order request #4 in the amount of $3,449.05 for
a total additional cost of $12,488.80.
The Board reviewed Emergency Services matters. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the 9-1-1
Statewide Interconnectivity Funding Grant Agreement between the County of Franklin
and PA Emergency Management Agency for the South Central Task Force Dispatch
Protocols Project for a grant amount of $51,912.00 for the period of January 1, 2020
through December 31, 2021. These funds are for emergency fire/medical/police
dispatch) license renewals, platinum service and support a structured protocol call
processing system and quality assurance in public safety communications.
On a motion by John T. Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
unanimously approved to enter an executive session at 9:40 a.m. this date for the
purpose to review potential litigation matters. Action may be required after the executive
session. The Board reconvened into regular session at 10:23 a.m.
Chairman Keller explained that during the executive session the Commissioners
considered a request from Stop Transource to intervene in a lawsuit before the Public
Utility Commission (PUC). He explained that Transource has proposed running a high
voltage power line through Franklin County for purposes of providing electricity to
Washington D.C. and the Baltimore Metro area. Stop Transource was formed
approximately two years ago by Franklin County residents and has been supported by
Franklin County Area Development Corporation and the Franklin County Visitors
Bureau. The purpose of that group is to oppose the proposed transmission line.
Approximately a year and half ago Franklin County Commissioners weighed in publicly
and formally opposed the power line and have publicly and formally expressed support
for Stop Transource to prevent a transmission line coming through Franklin County. He
continued that during the executive session the commissioners discussed whether to
accept the request to intervene in the matter before the PUC. Chairman Keller
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continued that the Commissioners are prepared to pursue intervening in this matter,
subject to review of the final petition to be submitted by legal counsel. This will involve
obtaining special legal counsel or a firm with extensive experience in dealing with these
matters before the PUC. He continued that they are cognitive to the fact that there are
potential legal fees that could be incurred. It is the posture of the board to avoid any
unnecessary legal fees and to partner with Stop Transource legal counsel to avoid
duplication of effort and duplication of expenses. He said the Board is up against a tight
timeline with having a request come to the Board of Commissioners within the last few
days. The County is under a deadline to pull together as much information as soon as
possible and move forward with filing the petition. The expectation is the Chairman will
work with staff and legal counsel to bring this as much into focus as possible and get as
many questions answered as we can prior to filing a petition. On a motion by John T.
Flannery, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to authorize the
Chairman to work with legal counsel to file a petition on behalf of the County to intervene
in the matter regarding Transource and the Public Utility Commission pending final
review by legal counsel.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m. with a motion by John T. Flannery;
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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John T. Flannery
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Robert G. Ziobrowski