Jo Ellen Litz

Recipes

People Above Politics

Taking Action, Getting Results.

2501 Cumberland St., Lebanon PA  17042

644-4698

If you demand open government, drop me a note to receive email alerts informing you of meeting highlights that let you know how commissioners vote on issues.  Litz@mbcomp.com

Team Litz:

Honorary Chair:     Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll --a woman who broke the glass ceiling and contributed greatly to PA politics; born in 1930, died November 12, 2008.

Chair:  Jeff Werner

Treasurer:  Richelle Whitman

Meeting Highlights

Votes taken by the Lebanon County Commissioners 2007:  Liaison Assignments  

December 27, 2007

The 2008 County budget passed as proposed on December 6 with no tax increase.  Mills will remain at 15.5.  The General Fund is $33,924,683 of a total $95,666,937 budget.

Hotel Tax Ordinance #35, which raises room taxes on the 40+ establishments in Lebanon County from 2 to 3% also passed final consideration, and will take effect on January 1, 2008.

The Repository of Unclaimed Property received three mobile homes from upset sales on December 10.  Park owners Steven Oliver and Eugene Martin bid $1 each on 47 My Way Dr., South Londonderry Township and both 7 and 31 Stone Hill Park, Annville.

With the exception of resignations from Chris Eisenhower and George Zimmerman, Children and Youth Advisory board members were reappointed.

The Retirement Board convened with the Commissioners, Controller Mettley and Treasurer Neuin.  Actions taken include:

December 19, 2007

Cedar Haven

Commissioner Stohler was absent.

With Wilson Consulting, Commissioners Carpenter and Litz reviewed the need for the Inwood Bridge, and voted to keep the bridge on our MPO replacement list with a completion date of 2010-2011:

1. Flood Plain maps show Monroe Valley Road Bridge is impassible during a storm event;
2. Old State Road in Swatara State Park is closing;
3. Homes would be isolated;
4. Emergency responders could not deliver services; and
5. A time study adds three minutes to responses in non-flood events.

A vote also awarded repair of the Syner Road Bridge to Anskis at a cost of $51,000.  Swift Trucking will be reimbursing the County for repairs, which should be completed within 4-5 weeks.

Wilson also stated that the Wilhelm Avenue Bridge should be completed in July 2008.

Administrator Wolgemuth updated commissioners on continued electrical outages in Rexmont and north of Myerstown.

Prison Board

Census:  543—472 male, 71 female

December 20, 2007

Regular Meeting

Archie Battistelli, Stifel Nicolaus, recommended replacing McHugh Associates, our Large Cap Equity firm, with Rushmore Investment Advisors to protect the retirement fund on the downside.  The change involves $14,800,000 in investments.

CS McKee, Mark Ensimer and Rob Rossi, presented an update on the 50% of the retirement funds they invest for the County.  This year, the average return is 6.47%.  In addition to the sub-prime market problems, oil prices are at an all time high, and the value of the dollar is at an all time low.  To stabilize the portfolio, McKee invests heavily in government securities and callable agency bonds.  A normal turnover in a portfolio is 25%.  Going forward, we can expect 2-2.5% growth.  There is a 30% probability of a recession.  In the sub-prime market, the new focus will be on earnings.  Consumers will cut spending. 

Brett Lentz was present for a Right to be Heard hearing on the 81.98 acre Marlin and Martha Martin farm, which is a crop and dairy operation, located in Jackson Township near ELCO HS.  This is the first farm eligible for the new rate per acre.  The appraised value is $1650 per acre.

Pam Tricamo, director of Habitat for Humanity, provided an update on partnerships and activities for 2007:

1. Habitat built the first handicap-accessible house sponsored by the UCC Churches of Lebanon County.
2. Two properties on Church Street and one on South 5^th Street were donated to Habitat, and gutted in preparation for construction.
3. Community Development Block Grant and DCED funds helped with new construction.

In 2008, expect:

1. A Mifflin street house to be completed by area churches.
2. Completion of a 13^th Street house purchased with ACT 137 funds from the County Commissioners.  Ironically, the house will go to a county employee.
3. Between April and June, Lebanon County Builders Association and “Banking on Our Community” (LFCU, Northwest, Fredericksburg, JBT & and Commerce) will help build a 3rd Avenue house with handicap accessibility.
4. The S. 5^th St. house will go to a family of 9 as part of Thrivent Builds sponsored by Lutheran Churches.
5. Completion of infrastructure on seven townhouses on Worden Street.
6. Acquisition of more rehabs and securing another building lot.

Kevin Schrum, Carol Davies, Melissa Herr, Shem Heller, and Brenda Mettley presented $158,868 in contract amendments for MHMR.

Barry Heckard was reappointed to the COLT board.

Metropolitan Planning Organization

A chart outlining a complete year of expenditures was reviewed and approved.

Tom Kotay reviewed an October 25 ruling concerning the 11^th Avenue Railroad Crossing, which is on appeal in Commonwealth Court.  The current ruling is precedent-setting by imposing upkeep costs and utility costs on the City.

Earl Myer reviewed results of a wetland banking feasibility study.  No mature woodlands can be disturbed.  Vortex Environmental assisted with evaluation of twenty-one sites.  Lead sites include Middle Creek, expansion of the Quittie Wetlands near LCCTC, the banks of the Swatara and Little Swatara Creek jointure in Jonestown, and Snitz Creek recreation area off of Oak Street.

On the recommendation of Tom Kotay, Jon Fitzkee, Bob Taylor and Dennis Lebo, a Congestion Management Process Final Draft was adopted.  Penn DOT is interested in the spreadsheet used to evaluate projects for prioritization in Lebanon County.

Ruth Dietz stated that lives have been lost, and requested that a red-light be placed in Ono at Route 22. From East Hanover Township Supervisors, she was instructed to get a letter supporting her request, and staff will study the issue for inclusion and prioritization on the MPO’s long-range plan.

North Cornwall Township requested that the County take over a leadership role facilitating meetings with developers of 80 acres east of Cornwall Road.  Earl Meyer and Commissioner Carpenter would like to see cooperation move forward after current lawsuits are decided or withdrawn.

Assessment Board

Tom Harlan and Bill Kolovani were on hand for an appeal on the Farmer’s Market.  No professional assessment was provided.  They stated that $3.2 million in private and state funded improvements at 3-4% interest were completed to Mr. Kolovani’s high standards; their $2.9 million appraisal was based on potential, not actual, revenue; and thought the County’s $2.6 million appraised value was too high because the assessment went from $25,400 to $353,300.  Walls were not changed, and this is not a new build.  Staff said they looked at cost with depreciation and potential market sales, but focused on the income approach from rents as the best way to value the property--allowing for a 10% average vacancy.  Kolovani stated that his vacancy rate is 15-20%, and has a 15-year obligation during which time he cannot sell the property without having to pay back the grant.   At his request, in order to give Mr. Kolovani time to pull together his expenses, the hearing was continued until January 17, 2008.

Lebanon Valley Brethren Home representatives were on hand to request tax exemption of their Greenhouse project for skilled nursing care.  Upon the recommendation of Solicitor Snelling, because there is an appeal on the property, no vote took place.

Exempted were Fire Company properties in Cornwall and Fredericksburg as well as North Lebanon Township Lene Lenape Park; St. Sebastian Church Hall; and Jonestown Borough Boat Launch.  However, Briar Lake Home Owner’s Association was not exempted.

December 13, 2007

At no cost to the County, Heather Scales, Audrey Rakow, and Jamie Rokosky were approved for participation in the Pa Board of Probation and Parole’s Graduate Tuition Reimbursement Program, which is only available to Adult Probation officers.

Phil Hall received approval for a $75,774 West Nile Virus 2008 grant application, which includes a State recommended ATV to get to places he couldn’t get into with his truck to spray.  His mission is to “change behaviors of the public to manage their own properties with applications and cleanup of tires….”  Both the City of Lebanon and Palmyra Borough apply their own pesticides.  If everyone treated their own land, Phil could concentrate on public lands.  Two mosquito samples and one human tested positive for West Nile Virus in 2007.  Tire collections will occur at the EXPO on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Commissioners approved a service agreement with Official Payments Corporation for Treasurer Sally Neuin to accept credit card payments for tax bills.  Eventually other departments may be able to accept credit cards too.  Customers using credit cards are charged a 3% convenience fee.

Commissioners approved a contract modification for the Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative.  The five-county collaborative is responsible for administration of a Medical Assistance Program.

Dennis Grumbein was on hand for three actions:

1. Advertising of Ordinance #35 to raise the Hotel Tax from 2 to 3%;
2. A 30’ programmable sign, not to exceed $80,000.  The sign will inform passersby about upcoming events.  Funding will come from $170,000 in Industrial Development Authority funds transferred to the County upon dissolution of the IDA.
3. A replacement resolution for $1,126,000 with West Cornwall Township Municipal Authority.  The bond will absorb debt from a previous addition and a new 23,500 square foot pole barn.  Since August, the EXPO has been trying to obtain an engineering review approval.  North Cornwall Township uses ABI, Ephrata.  Among other things, they’ve had to address firewall issues.  A block knee-wall will support the steel.  The structure will not be a free span or contain office space.  No final design is available, but footers will be poured next week.

Planning Director Earl Meyer; Michelle Brummer, Gannett Fleming; and Frank Chlebnikow, Rettew Associates, were on hand to hear testimony concerning the Comprehensive Plan.  A 45-day comment period has expired.  Of the more than three dozen attendees, the following people verbally supported the Plan:

1. Jonestown Mayor George Kaufman is a Task Force member who would like to incorporate the County Plan into Jonestown’s Plan, and apply for grant funding to complete a Main Street beautification program.
2. Neal Kinsey, DCED, classified the Plan as progressive, forward looking, and a viable guiding document.  He acknowledged State agency funding from DCED, DEP, DCNR, and PennDOT.
3. Representative Mauree Gingrich described the work product and process as excellent.  She said that smart planning is the foundation for everything that we do right.  She saw the plan as a framework for local municipalities and a major resource.
4. Don Heverling expressed North Londonderry Township’s appreciation for the innovative road map.
5. Randy Hoffman, another Task Force member, wants to see the Plan continue through implementation.  He said the Task Force is working with Earl to create a prioritized list.
6. Russ Gibble spoke favorably on behalf of West Cornwall Township.
7. Chamber of Commerce CEO Larry Bowman spoke on behalf of 900+ business enterprises who want to partner with the County.  He believes the Plan will hold Lebanon County in good stead for years to come.
8. Likewise, Susan Eberly, with the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, said they stand ready to partner with the County.
9. Sherri Grumbine chimed in with support from North Lebanon Township.
10. Andy Marhevsky, wearing many hats, including one for the Task Force, hailed the coordination of diverse interests, and the opportunity for County leadership for this public-private partnership.
11. Dennis Grumbein threw the support of the EXPO behind the Plan.
12. Tom Buzby was impressed with the Plan’s responsible conservation tempered with responsible growth and development.
13. Bob Sentz, assistant Planning Director, commended staff like Jon Fitzkee, Tom Kotay, and Kris Troop for their hard work on the Plan.
14. Mayor Anspach thanked commissioners for their political leadership to combine urban, suburban, and rural issues into one cohesive document.
15. Supervisor Rugh Henderson, also on the Task Force, relayed that South Londonderry Township will update and coordinate their Plan with the County’s.  He learned more about the County than he thought he would.
16. Frank Chlebnikow  and Michelle Brummer stated that Lebanon’s Comp Plan is different than other county plans.  We dug into functional aspects.
17. Hearing no further comments, Earl Meyer recommended conditional approval pending State Agency input.
18. Commissioner Stohler thanked everyone for attending.
19. Commissioner Carpenter outlined the County’s intent to provide $1 million in funding toward implementation.
20. Commissioner Litz pointed out that no one spoke against the Plan, and commended the momentum generated by staff, the Task Force, and everyone in attendance, the open process toward consensus, and hopes that momentum will continue to grow as it rolls out into municipalities.

Commissioners unanimously adopted the Lebanon County Comprehensive plan. (For a one-page summary of the Comprehensive Plan, visit 2007 Lebanon County Year in Review .)

December 6, 2007

James Holtry received approval for Children and Youth:  IV-E Placement Maintenance $237,598.51; IV-E Adoption Assistance $43,281.02; Medicaid $847.04; and TANF $109,393.27; for a total of $391,119.84.

Without a tax increase, the 2008 budget was introduced for display and public comment.  Remaining at 15.5 mills, commissioners sought to ease burdens placed upon taxpayers due to shortfalls at the EIT Bureau, which is not a County department.

At $95,666,937, the total County Budget is increasing by $7,509,564 or 8.5% for 2008. 

Expenses

1.     General Fund – up $2,757,033 or 8.8%

a.      Contribution to Employee Retirement Fund of $500,000

1.    Investments in the pension fund pay up to 10%;

2.    Investments in banks pay about one-half or 5%;

3.    Higher pension stock dividends also reduce the County contribution, even eliminate the necessity to make a contribution in some years; and

4.    A payment contribution was recommended by the CPA.

b.     Employee health and prescription insurance premiums are increasing by 6% maintaining an employee deductible of $200/single and $400/family.

         c.     Average employee increases will be 3.5%

d.     New departmental staffing for 2008 as follows:

·        5 FT Correctional Officers at L.C.C.F. where inmates have increased by half (400 to 600 inmates) in the last four years.

·        1 FT Clerk at L.C.C.F.

·        1 PT to FT Clerk at L.C.C.F.

·        1 FT  LPN at L.C.C.F.

·        1 FT Clerk in Sheriff’s Office

·        1 PT Secretary in Public defender’s Office

·        3 FT 911 Telecommunicators

·        1 FT Accountant in MH/MR

e.      General Fund support to agencies is increasing by 15.5% or $590,257(Area Agency on Aging, Cedar Haven, Children & Youth, Domestic Relations, Emergency Management, MH/MR, and Renova Center).

f.       Debt service payments increase by 6.3%, including initial payment for 2008 new borrowing.

Revenue

1.     Real Estate tax collections are increasing by $744,664 or 4.15%.  The millage rate will continue at 15.5 mills, however, a millage increase is likely to be proposed for 2009. 

2.     Court costs and fines collections are going up by $257,350 or 14.4%. 

3.     $1,853,779 from cash and investments will be utilized to balance the General Fund budget. 

4.     County Hotel tax increasing from 2% to 3% (capped by legislation).

5.     Interest income on investments is going down for the 2^nd year in a row by $68,524 due to fewer funds available for investment and anticipated drops in the interest rate.

6.     A $2.8M fund balance would exist at the end of 2007 for the purpose of meeting payroll and expenditures in the first 3 months of 2008.  This is necessary simply because property tax collection begins in March.

 Capital Expenses

(New borrowing)

$2,692,700

·        Completion of EMA Radio System (additional tower sites)

·        Management Information System(MIS) storage, backup, and network hardware

·        Farmland Preservation easement funding

·        County Comprehensive Plan Implementation funding

·        Roof replacement at MH/MR building

·        Replacement of original heat and A/C units at L.C.C.F.

·        Replacement of Court elevator at Courthouse (2006 Capital funding)

2008 Lebanon County Budget - $95,666,937

Mark Chegwidden presented two farms for preservation at a public “right to be heard” hearing.

Mayor Robert Anspach, Councilman Jim Fick, Housing Director Bryan Hoffman, and Andy Marhevsky addressed the board concerning the 7^th and Mifflin Street Development project.  The Authority offered to pay back 2% interest annually as well as 75% of net profits.  It was noted by Mayor Anspach that because of the new bridges scheduled for construction, 85 City families will need to relocate.  Each new home will be assessed around $15,500, and generate over $2000 in taxes annually.  A Carpenter/Litz motion passed to support the project, with Stohler opposed.

Both Brian Kreider and Donald Bollinger were reappointed to the Conservation District board.

Ken Bachem was on hand to verify compliance with specifications for trail widening on the Lebanon County Rail Trail, and commissioners awarded the contract to Country Boy Manufacturing at a cost of $12,780.

Commissioners then met in executive session to discuss personnel.

November 29, 2007 

Ken Bachem reported that low bidder Spotts Bros, Schuylkill Haven, met all requirements including posting a bond and insurance.  Commissioners then awarded the $19,450 contract to Spotts Bros to replace the roof on the Probation building.  At a cost of $2500, an option for a 50-year roof was also approved.

Further, Ken opened bids to widen two bridges near the Lancaster/Lebanon County line on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail: 

1. Patrick Brewer Carpentry, Cleona $20,800
2. Country Boy Mfg., Lebanon $12,780
3. Bertolet Construction, Wernersville $18,300
4. Doug Lamb Construction, Elizabethtown $15,500
5. Lobar, Dillsburg, $25,888

In addition to reappointments, new appointments of Valarie Grimes and Claire Lundberg were made to the Children and Youth Advisory Board.

November 21, 2007

Regular Meeting 9:30AM

Andrew Yavoich received approval to renew a $10,000 Gatekeeper Grant.  In effect since 1999, over 600 first time offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 have worked with volunteer panels to pay restitution, write letters of apology, and complete community volunteerism.  Successful completion of the program results in dismissed charges.  There is an 80% success rate.

Kenneth Bachem opened bids for a new roof on the Probation Office on Oak Street.

Treasurer Sallie Neuin presented requests for Record Improvement Funds to purchase hardware for imaging of records.  Lisa Arnold reported that her office collects between $10-12,000 annually.  She has a $5000 annual computer lease, and $40,000 in the Prothonotary's automation account.  She also needed a rolling file index.  The new program should go live in January.  Commissioners agreed to pay one-half of the requested $40,644.  Likewise, the Register of Wills will receive one-half of a requested $8920 for hardware.  Previous approvals covered software needs.

Fred Wolf’s office requested approval of a not to exceed $1,126,000 resolution for the EXPO board to refinance $400,000 and to fund construction of a 23,500 square foot multi purpose building, bleachers at the track, a poll barn, air conditioning, and rail trail parking.  Commissioner Litz requested drawings or blueprints of proposed construction.  There will be no impact on County ratings or borrowing capacity.

Administrator Wolgemuth updated commissioners on the Syner Road Bridge, which is north of Millard Quarry in North Annville Township across the Quittaphilla Creek.  From a tractor trailer, the stone three-arched bridge sustained damage to 75’ of the parapet wall.  In the interest of safety, an emergency declaration will allow Engineer Mark Wilson to move forward with repairs.  The County will pursue reimbursement from the trucking company's insurance company.

Cedar Haven 10:30AM

Prison Board- noon

Population stood at 611—531 males and 80 females of which:

November 15, 2007

Susan Klarsch and Melissa Heisey presented Tobacco and Treatment Contract Amendments and five Drug and Alcohol contracts for approval.

Bryan Hoffman presented a request to borrow $500,000 at 2% interest ($172,934) over 15 years to redevelop the 7^th and Mifflin Street property, the site of a former textile plant that was demolished on a brown-field.  The loan would come from 1994 Act 137 Affordable Housing funds under the County’s control.  The fund balance stands at $2.2 million.  A private developer pulled out of the project.  Therefore the Housing and Redevelopment Authority was willing to step up to the plate.  The City would contribute the land valued at $65,000 and $100,000 in site improvements like curbs and sidewalks.  Low Income Tax credits in the amount of $2,775,858 would come from the PA Housing Finance Agency with the remainder, $1,394,618 from other sources.  Funding through PHFA is very competitive, and there are a small amount of tax credits available for Central PA.  Act 137 funds would make our application stand out for funding.  The 20-3 bedroom homes would be built to EnergyStar specifications.  Much of the older housing stock in the City do not have energy efficient doors and windows or insulation.

Commissioner Stohler and Carpenter voted to turn down the request.  Commissioner Litz voted to approve the request.

The nay opinion stated that the City was previously given $250,000 and $175,000, and that they wanted to give money to other areas of the County.  Further, the cost to develop the homes would be $200,000+, and they could be built for that price anywhere in the County.  Finally, some of the Act 137 Fund will be used to sprinkler Cedar Haven.

Bryan stated that the price includes recouping mitigation costs.  Site development may be cost prohibitive for volunteer groups like Habitat for Humanity.  Further, two units would be handicap accessible, including elevators to the second floor.

Commissioner Litz stated that:

1.      We have a chance to save farmland by developing 20 homes in the City.

2.      The City is the core of the County, and we need to invest in the City, which will benefit the County. 

3.      Homeowners tend to take pride in their properties, and keep them up. 

4.      In addition to interest, tax revenue would be generated from day one.

5.      A total of $18,000 ($100 per month) per home would be put into escrow towards the purchase price, which would be $35,000-$40,000 after fifteen years.  Therefore, the occupants would borrow approximately $20,000 in 2022.

6.      Previously, Habitat for Humanity surveyed the rest of the County for Affordable Homes to rehabilitate, but could not find any homes.  Traditionally, the abandoned homes are in the City of Lebanon.

Jeff Achey, EMA, and Tom Arminio, Delta Development Group, Inc. were present to update Commissioners on a Lebanon County Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Commissioner Stohler ordered the Plan to be redone.

Commissioners approved a contract amendment for Probation and Parole Grant in Aid and Supervision Funds.

Bev Heishman and Carey Boyer were appointed to the Commission for Women.

Dan Seaman and Carl Stumpf presented a Jackson Township mobile home for assessment appeals.  Allowing for age and depreciation, the assessment was set at $1800 with a fair market value of $13,500.

Commissioners then met in Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

November 8, 2007 

Commissioner Litz attended the Governor’s Conference for Women.

Archie and Michael Battistelli of Stifel Nicolaus as well as Dan Dickherber, First VP, and David Lanson, VP President, of Consulting Services, presented a second and third quarter retirement fund report.

Earl Meyer and Stephanie Harmon presented a request to facilitate a $15,000 DCNR Strategic Planning grant for the Lower Susquehanna Center for Land and Water.  DCNR will provide 90% and local stakeholder organizations, 10 %.

November 1, 2007

On behalf of the County Commissioner’s Association, Commissioner Litz attended the Low Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting in Harrisburg. 

Sally Barry, adult probation chief, presented a $46,583 project modification request extending the end date to June 30, 2008 for the Criminal Justice Advisory Board Planner/Grant coordinator position.

Sallie Neuin presented a request from the Record Improvement Committee to purchase a $69