BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Transcription

1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 23, 2010 The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners met on Monday, August 23, 2010, 2:04 p.m., Commissioners Hearing Room, Courthouse, Carlisle, PA. Present were Commissioners Gary Eichelberger, Rick Rovegno and Barbara Cross; Dennis Marion, Chief Clerk; Ed Schorpp, Solicitor; Janet Walter, Paralegal, Solicitor s Office; Heather Ilgenfritz, Administrative Supervisor; Controller Alfred Whitcomb; Ted Wise, Bob Shively, Eric Hoerner, Connie Heckard, Linda Hamilton, John Sheaffer, Brian Hamilton, Megan Silverstrim, Claudia Garner, Public Safety; Eric Radnovich, District Attorney s Office; Bonnie Mahoney, Tax Assessment; Jerry Wilkes, IMTO; John Lopp, Maintenance; Pat Slattery, Capital Projects; Earl Reitz, Prison; Joel Hersh, Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team; Dana Best, Finance; Stacy Yurko, American Red Cross; Ray Jones, citizen; Bryan Gembusia, citizen; Luke McKinney, citizen; Mo Mohammed, citizen; Jason Scott, The Sentinel; and Dan Miller, The Patriot News. Commissioner Eichelberger called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Roll Call was taken: Commissioners Gary Eichelberger, Rick Rovegno and Barbara Cross were present. Commissioner Eichelberger asked if there was any public comment. Ray Jones, citizen, Dickinson Township, stated he had concerns about the Reassessment process and the Common Level Ratio in light of economic conditions and number of foreclosures. Mr. Jones spoke about farmland assessed values in Newville. Mr. Jones reiterated that this is not the time for a Reassessment. Bryan Gembusia, citizen, South Middleton Township, said he has read in the newspapers about what outcome is needed regarding the Reassessment. Mr. Gembusia stated because of the state of the economy, the Reassessment results should be scrapped or postponed. If a 10% error rate is used as an example out of 96,000 assessed properties, almost 10,000 property owners are being dealt an injustice and they will have to appeal their property assessment. Commissioner Cross moved to approve the Minutes of June 10, 2010, June 28, 2010, July 8, 2010 and July 22, Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Rovegno moved to approve Personnel Transactions (see attached). Commissioner Cross seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Bob Shively and Linda Hamilton were recognized for their 20 Years of Service with Cumberland County. Stacy Yurko, the Emergency Services and Volunteer Director of the Cumberland County American Red Cross and the Board of Commissioners, recognized Megan Silverstrim of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Ms. Silverstrim was awarded the 2009 Red Cross Emergency Services Partner of the Year Award (see attached). This award is presented to an

2 agency or person who has become a partner in the disaster relief mission of the American Red Cross. Ms. Yurko said that in September and October of 2009, Ms. Silverstrim worked with Ms. Yurko during the H1N1 influenza outbreak. Ms. Silverstrim has provided public education programs to citizens throughout the County. Mr. Joel Hersh, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team (PASART) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Eric Hoerner for his invaluable commitment and dedication to the Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CART) and to the State Animal Response Teams (see attached). The team has been called out for everything from real house fires in Carlisle to cattle truck incidents requiring rescuing animals on the highway. Mr. Hersh said that in Cumberland County the CART is integrated into all police and fire emergency response. The teams know who to call: noting the 911 Dispatchers have done a fantastic job. Mr. Hersh said the Cumberland County Animal Response Team is wonderful. The Cumberland County Commissioners proclaimed September 2010 as National Preparedness Month in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (see attached). Megan Silverstrim of the Department of Public Safety stated that in September, Cumberland County along with Federal and State governments and local emergency management officials will participate in a nationwide initiative to get businesses, families and schools involved, by encouraging them to prepare for any type of disaster, including fires and floods. John Lopp requested approval of Resolution for the sale of County Property including one camper. Commissioner Rovegno moved to approve Resolution Re Sale of County Property (see attached). Commissioner Cross seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Dennis Marion, Chief Clerk, stated that the prospects for the later phases of the prison expansion have been explored for almost a year. A decision to consolidate projects does not necessarily change the County s strategy for financing. The bonds can be issued in two parts. Dana Best said that one bond can be phased in beginning in May of 2011 and because of the timing of the project, it can be deferred until November 2011 or May of She said financing can be completed in multiple ways. There was discussion about the cost saving initiative and setting aside funds from reserve to cover that differential. The major factor is by consolidating the phases it will eliminate twelve months of the renovation time and restore the Prison back to its normal operations. Commissioner Rovegno asked with all of the advantages of this phase consolidation, why was this option selection not made in the first place? Mr. Marion said that when the initial contract was developed, there were no implications of community correction strategies on the jail population. As a growing County with changes in sentencing strategies, there will continue to be pressure on the jail population. The County has managed to take a Prison that was opened up in 1985 with a life span to 2000 and managed successfully for a decade further. Mr. Marion said the original rationale was very sound at the time for doing the renovation in three phases but circumstances have changed over the past year and there is continued pressure on the jail population, a changing economic market, and construction conditions that have attributed to the recommendation. Commissioner Eichelberger questioned affordability and the cash flow aspects of the consolidation with other construction projects being completed at the same time, i.e., the Public

3 Safety building. A discussion was held regarding the structuring of the debt servicing for 2011, 2012, and Commissioner Eichelberger asked about the impact upon the outstanding debt over the lifetime of the payments. Ms. Best said the difference would still be a $1.4 million budget for the two phases, however, because of the change in schedule it should be significantly less. Mr. Marion said there will be a timeline schedule adjustment across the remaining phases. It is the staff recommendation that the Board consider consolidation of Phases II and III. Commissioner Cross moved to consolidate Phases II and III of the Prison project and to move forward with it. Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Mr. Marion stated that several weeks ago he was asked to pursue a strategy for a review of the Reassessment process. Jerry Wilkes, Bonnie Mahoney, Steve Tiley and he have been the ad hoc team to pursue this. Conversations have been held with representatives of the Assessment Association, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania affiliates and more recently with the representatives of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). These standards are used in Canada and the United States. Mr. Marion said that they contacted consultants and gauged what they were recommending as a strategy and the one system that came up during their search on how to evaluate a Reassessment process is the IAAO. There are 16 states that use this same methodology including local jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions use one or more additional statistics. The consultant being considered brings a career s worth of experience and is referred to as an IAAO. Mr. Wilkes stated that the consultant has national credentials having completed reviews for states and counties. Mr. Marion stated this consultant would charge an amount not to exceed $15,000 for the review. Mr. Marion stated that by the next Board meeting he will provide the consultant s work schedule, including a review of the assessment methods utilized by 21 st Century Appraisals, Inc., to ensure compliance with the current IAAO Standards. This is a requirement of the contract. The consultant will provide his observations in an oral and written explanation in layman s terms to the Board in a public meeting of what the assessment measures mean as far as variance and the property tax system. Mr. Marion has identified no other basis to do this review than the IAAO Standards. Commissioner Eichelberger asked about other options other than the IAAO standards that could apply to the County. Mr. Marion said that in this time window for practical consideration, the other possible consultants could not drop their other commitments in the time available to complete this review stating the values need to be certified by November 15, There was a discussion about the Reassessment and how 21 st Century Appraisals, Inc., uses these measures in the development of the neighborhoods and how they develop their models. 21 st Century Appraisals, Inc., is required to provide the County with a set of data at the point the final evaluations are completed. This is the information that will be evaluated. The consultant will compare the results and see how they match together. This kind of review is not meant to reconcile the individual property owner about his or her property value. This is completed in the informal appeal, the formal appeal and then the court appeal process as best suited for the individual. Commissioner Eichelberger asked if there is a disparity of like properties and the overall inflation potential of valuations. Mr. Marion stated the statistical data is a universe of information on 96,000 properties and what they were valued in the core assessment. Commissioner Rovegno said the County is ready and willing to provide the consultant any data that he needs from our data set. Our data set is sales and assessments. Commissioner Rovegno said that we need to have accurate standards of a predetermined performance goals established. The assessments should reflect fair market value. Commissioner Eichelberger asked when the

4 consultant would be available to start. Mr. Marion said the latter part of September with the expectation that he would be able to do an on-site presentation in or around the third or fourth week of October. Commissioner Cross said as part of the presentation at a public meeting there should also be at least one or two evening meetings for the citizens of the western, middle and eastern portions of the County to hear the consultant s findings. Commissioner Rovegno moved to approve a Quality Assurance Review of Reassessment Values to also include Informational Evening Meeting Presentations for County Citizens. Commissioner Cross seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Cross moved to approve the following contracts/grants: a. Agreements for Children & Youth Services: Pressley Ridge, Inc., Parent Works Program Richard M. Dracha, ACSW, Agape Associates Children s Resource Center of Pinnacle Health Hospitals of Community Health Center George Junior Republic in PA Glen Mills Schools, Inc. (Amendment) Family Care Services, Inc. (Amendment) b. Agreement between Aging & Community Services and Virginia Monsted as Project Consultant for the South Central PA Link Network Development c. Agreement between Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Compassionate Care Hospice, Inc. d. Authorize Submission of Grant Application to PA Dept. of Environmental Protection for Reimbursement for Biofuel for Transportation Department e. Authorize Submission of Grant Application to PCCD for a Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Eichelberger moved to approve the reappointment of Robert Weezorak to the MH/MR Advisory Board for a three-year term ending August 31, Commissioner Cross seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Cross moved to approve the contract for the purchase of Six Portable Wheel Load Weighing Devices for District Attorney s Office to Load O Meter Corp., Forest Hill, Maryland in the amount of $26,370. Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Solicitor Schorpp reported that a Bid Opening for relocation of high density rolling shelving in County buildings was held on August 20, Five bids were received. Commissioner Cross moved to acknowledge receipt of the bids (see attached). Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried.

5 Commissioner Rovegno moved to approve the General Disbursement Transfer Authorizations: a. 7/26/10 $ 12, b. 7/27/10 $ c. 7/30/10 $4,722, d. 8/03/10 $ 8, e. 8/03/10 $ 17, f. 8/06/10 $1,932, g. 8/06/10 $ 41, h. 8/06/10 $ 4, i. 8/10/10 $ j. 8/10/10 $ 16, k. 8/13/10 $2,916, l. 8/16/10 $ 10, m. 8/16/10 $ 5, n. 8/17/10 $ 25, o. 8/18/10 $ p. 8/18/10 $2,388, q. 8/18/10 $ 548, r. 8/20/10 $ 16, s. 8/20/10 $1,930, t. 8/20/10 $ 12, Commissioner Cross seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Cross moved to accept the reports of Prothonotary; Recorder of Deeds; Clerk of Court; Register of Wills; Veterans Affairs; Recycling & Waste Authority and Maintenance. Commissioner Rovegno seconded the motion and it unanimously carried. Commissioner Eichelberger reported an Executive Session was held on August 23, 2010, 1:00 p.m. Re Personnel and Potential Litigation Issues. Commissioner Eichelberger asked if there was other business. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laurie J. Mazarella Administrative Coordinator