FINANCE COMMITTEE Kim Clear, Chairwoman Scott Rastetter, Vice-Chairman Carl Anderson, III Erie County Council André R. Horton Mary Rennie View More At: Ellen Schauerman www.eriecountypa.gov Brian Shank
Join Zoom Meeting April 1, 2021 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89787077189?pwd=czZsbHB6WURncnFrdHIzeGZqZzFOZz09 or Call-in: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 897 8707 7189 Passcode: 040121
FINANCE AGENDA
1. Six-month update from the Diversity Council (created from Resolution 43, 2020) – Director of Administration Gary Lee, Planning and Community Development Director
Honey Stempka, & Acting HR Director Amanda Iadeluca and OCY Caseworker Gerald Blanks.
2. Ordinance Number _____, 2021, "_____ 2021 Health Choices Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $700,000 and Creation of New Line Item for Community Based Care Management Program" Additional revenue from the Commonwealth has been awarded to HC for a new program to operate in the County's four homeless shelters. The program will work to reduce preventable admissions and re-admissions of the shelter population into local hospitals. It will offset the cost of four managers who will spearhead the program. Page 4
3. Ordinance Number _____, 2021, "_____ 2021 Public Health Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $370,224 in Additional Grant Funds for Flu Immunizations & COVID-19 Vaccinations" Funds are used to pay for LECOM for professional services needed to administer
immunizations and vaccinations, as well as travel costs for nurses. Page 7
4. Ordinance Number __, 2021, "_____ 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $4,000 PA Humanities Council Grant for Blasco Library Teen Reading Lounge" The funds will be used to buy supplies and improve programming for the Teen
Reading Lounge. Page 12
Page 1 of 67 FINANCE COMMITTEE Kim Clear, Chairwoman Scott Rastetter, Vice-Chairman Carl Anderson, III Erie County Council André R. Horton Mary Rennie View More At: Ellen Schauerman www.eriecountypa.gov Brian Shank
5. Ordinance Number _____, 2021, "_____ 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $2,300 for Donation from Erie Regional Library Foundation”
The donated funds would be used to buy supplies for Blasco Memorial Library Co-Starters Cohorts, which begin this year. Page 20
6. Ordinance Number _____, 2021, "_____ 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $105,500 for Libraries' Historic Newspaper Digitization Project and Approval of a 6 Year Purchase Agreement with NEWSBANK” The Library desires a six year agreement with the NEWSBANK Company, to assist with their historic newspaper digitization Project. This will protect the documents and allow public enjoyment of same. Council must approve agreements that last more than one year. Page 25
7. Ordinance Number _____, 2021, "______2021 General Fund Budget Supplemental
Appropriation of $105,500 for Libraries' Historic Newspaper Digitization Project” The Library desires a six year agreement with the NEWSBANK Company, to assist with their historic newspaper digitization Project. This will protect the
documents and allow public enjoyment of same. Page 35
8. Resolution Number ______, 2021, " A Resolution to Enter into a Letter of Intent with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to Conduct a Countywide Study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services" Study to address the significant recruitment problem for volunteer fire and EMS
services countywide. Page 37
9. Discussion Regarding the Disposition of the Former Pleasant Ridge Manor East Building (Presenting are Procurement Director Chuck "low ball" Crane and Facilities Director Brad "moth ball" Hirschmann)
Page 2 of 67 FINANCE COMMITTEE Kim Clear, Chairwoman Scott Rastetter, Vice-Chairman Carl Anderson, III Erie County Council André R. Horton Mary Rennie View More At: Ellen Schauerman www.eriecountypa.gov Brian Shank
The building located on East Gore Road is currently empty. There has been discussion over several years about its repurpose versus its demolition. County
Council contracted Bostwick Design to conduct an evaluation of County space last year. Their report contains several recommendations. Page 47
10. Possible Sale of a Parcel from the Repository for Unsold Property at Index Number: 07-014-035.0-009.01
An offer of $250 by the City of Corry for the parcel at Elk St 60X303 IRR; Corry, PA. This property is old railroad property that adjoins with property already
owned by the City of Corry. Intention for use is a bike/walking trail. Other taxing bodies have approved the sale. Page 51
11. Resolution Number___, 2021 "Exonerating 2019 County Taxes, Fees and Interest
on 330 East 25th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania"
The Redevelopment Authority acquired a blighted property at 330 East 25th Street through the 2018 Judicial Tax Sale. The blighted structure has been demolished and an adjoining property owner has submitted an offer in the amount of $300 to purchase the vacant lot. The Judicial Sale addressed all the delinquent taxes through 2018, but 2019 taxes were levied against the property.
They would like to have these 2019 taxes forgiven by the taxing bodies. Erie City Council and the Erie School District have both agreed to abate their portions of the 2019 taxes. The outstanding amount to Erie County is $338.04. Upon approval, ERDA will proceed with conveyance of the property. Page 62
12. Analysis of General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance The estimated General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance of $41,860,769, is $22,744,303 above the estimated $19,118,466 required to fund two months of County expenditures and transfers. Page 66
Page 3 of 67 FINANCE COMMITTEE Kim Clear, Chairwoman Scott Rastetter, Vice-Chairman Carl Anderson, III Erie County Council André R. Horton Mary Rennie View More At: Ellen Schauerman www.eriecountypa.gov Brian Shank
13. Presentation by ERIWE, a community building committee working to bring action to Resolution 43, 2020 which declared racism a public health issue in Erie County. Their proposed project would examine the racist practice of Redlining (Autumn Parker) ERIWE is working with a nationally recognized organization called "Designing the We", whose interactive community-building project focuses on helping cities
heal from this disempowering, once federally allowed, sanction through the examining of their Redlined past and its present impacts.
Page 4 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER , 2021 ______2021HealthChoices Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $700,000 and New Line Item for Community Based Care Management Program
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 HealthChoices Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of additional revenue of $700,000 and New Line Item for Community Based Care Management Program (CBCM), are hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 5 of 67 Page 6 of 67 Page 7 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER, 2021 ______2021 Public Health Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $370,224 in Additional Grant Funds for Flu Immunizations & COVID-19 Vaccinations
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 Public Health Fund Budget Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of $370,224 in additional grant funds for Flu immunizations and COVID-19 vaccinations, are hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 8 of 67 Page 9 of 67 Page 10 of 67 Page 11 of 67 Page 12 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER, 2021 ______2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $4,000 PA Humanities Council Grant for Blasco Library Teen Reading Lounge
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of $4,000 and New Line Item from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, for improvement of the Blasco Library Teen Reading Lounge, are hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, the creation of a New Line Item, for the purposes herein is hereby approved.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 13 of 67 Page 14 of 67 Page 15 of 67 Grant ID: 2021TRL12
TEEN READING LOUNGE LETTER OF AGREEMENT
This agreement states the conditions applying to the grant made by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC), located at 230 South Broad StreetSuite 403, Philadelphia, PA 19102 to the Raymond M. Blasco, MD Memorial LibraryErie County Public Library (Grantee) located at 160 E. Front Street, Erie, PA 165071554 for the Teen Reading Lounge program.
GRANT AWARD: $4,000 GRANT PERIOD: November 1, 2020 to August 15, 2021
REPORTS: Final program materials are due no later than August 31, 2021 Final Financial Report is due on September 15, 2021
PAYMENTS:
PAYMENTS AMOUNT DATE Initial Payment $3,600 November 2020 Final Payment $400 After receipt of final program materials and completion of evaluations
PHC may request expense receipts at any time; the grantee is responsible for tracking and retaining documentation for grant monies in case of audit. Please see the Guide to Grant Administration for more information on managing your grant.
Grantee must return unused funds to PHC . Advise Celeste Vargo, Grants Manager and Program Adminitrator, as soon as you become aware of the fact that you may have unused funds, who will provide you with instructions for returning the funds.
MONITORING
PHC will monitor grantee’s use of the award through regular contact (including site visits if needed) and other means to assure that the grantee is administering the award in compliance with applicable laws, regulations. and the terms of this Agreement and that performance goals are being achieved. PHC will prescribe corrective action if necessary.
SITE RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development 1. Ensure the programs follow the official Teen Reading Lounge framework. 2. Recruit a program facilitator to work with the site throughout the project period. Facilitators must have current clearances to work with youth (child abuse, criminal record check and FBI check) prior to the start of the program. 3. Plan, promote and run two 68 week cycles/ 3040 hours total of TRL throughout the project period. Programs must end by August 15, 2021. Returning sites must integrate a civic engagement or service learning project in at least one of the TRL cycles. 4. Recruit, if possible, at least 8 youth to participate in the program. Site must conduct targeted outreach to recruit youth from lowincome communities and/or youth of color to participate in the program. TRL IS NOT EXCLUSIVELY FOR LOWINCOME AND YOUTHS OF COLOR.
Doc ID: e1ce9136ae66a3c7e4361c8bf9efafadc0265330Page 16 of 67 5. Provide PHC with program dates, times, and a brief description of readings and activities at least 2 weeks before the start of each cycle. 6. Site coordinators and facilitators must participate in all relevant trainings/webinars throughout the year. PHC will provide a training schedule.
Program Promotions 1. Ensure all activities or materials (i.e. printed, visual, electronic, and sound materials) related to Teen Reading Lounge display or broadcast the official TRL logo and the following language: Teen Reading Lounge is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the FederalState Partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, developed in part by federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. Changes in this language must be cleared with PHC prior to public use. See Guide to Grant Administration for further information. 2. Notify your State and Federal legislators of your award and provide PHC with copies of the letters. PHC can provide sample letters upon request. 3. Make available to PHC photos taken or video captured at any of your events. Site must collect official PHC photo/video release forms from parents and/or caregivers of minors participating in the program. 4. Cooperate with PHC staff on program communications.
Reporting and Evaluations 1. All sites are responsible for collecting relevant program data such as attendance numbers for programs/activities and demographic information from participants using tools provided or approved by PHC. PHC will provide these materials in advance of programs and sites are required to submit them at the end of their cycles/programs. 2. All sites are responsible for administering youth surveys (online or written) and completing adult surveys (online) after each cycle. In addition, sites are asked to gather youth feedback using tools and/or interviews. Questions/tools will be provided by PHC. 3. Participate in regular community of practice phone calls to share updates and learnings throughout the program year. Note: 2021 schedule will be released in early fall. 4. Provide periodic program updates to PHC staff when requested.
Closeout 1. Return materials (i.e., report/evaluations materials, final budget, signin sheets, copies of all materials produced with PHC funds, promotional materials) by the deadline PHC will set for each cycle. Yearend reports will be due by the deadline set forth in this Letter of Agreement.
Other: 1. Be familiar with the restrictions on grant expenses. These are outlined in the Guide to Grant Administration.
CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT
1. Any change(s) and/or amendment(s) to this Letter of Agreement and/or program responsibilities must be submitted by either party in writing and approved by PHC. Personnel changes, including Facilitators, must be communicated to PHC as soon as they occur. If there is a change in the Facilitator, a copy of his or her resume must be provided to PHC for approval.
2. Grantees are required to match 75 percent of the grant amount stated above either in cash or through in kind contributions. (See Guide to Grant Administration.)
3. The grantee warrants that it is an institution of higher education, local or state government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, institution of the federal government, or nonprofit organization under the following definition: "any State or other public agency, and any nonprofit society, organization, Page 2
Doc ID: e1ce9136ae66a3c7e4361c8bf9efafadc0265330Page 17 of 67 institution, association, museum, or establishment in the United States, whether or not incorporated." The grantee must notify PHC promptly of any change from this status. PHC may request proof of nonprofit status at any time during the project.
4. The grantee shall comply with all pertinent Federal and Pennsylvania regulations and legislation involving civil rights, equal opportunity, affirmative action, labor standards, and nondiscrimination relating to the handicapped, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504).
Certification Regarding the Nondiscrimination Statutes. The grantee certifies that it will comply with the following nondiscrimination statutes and their implementing regulations:
a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. 2000d et seq.), which provides that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the grantee received federal financial assistance;
b) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S. C. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance;
c) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S. C. 1681 et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance;
d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S. C. 6101 et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, except that actions which reasonably take age into account as a factor necessary for the normal operation or achievement of any statutory objective of the project or activity shall not violate this statute; and
e) The Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (28 CFR. 35.10 et seq.), which provides that no qualified person with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.
5. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion — Lower Tier Covered Transactions (45 CFR 1169)
a) The prospective lower tier participant certified, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any federal department or agency.
b) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in the certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
6. Although rights to materials remain with the grantee, PHC, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, retain a royaltyfree, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, the materials produced under any PHC program agreement.
7. Grantee shall secure permissions for all photographs, videos, audio recordings, etc. Photo & video permission forms for minors must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Page 3
Doc ID: e1ce9136ae66a3c7e4361c8bf9efafadc0265330Page 18 of 67 8. PHC retains the right to evaluate projects through visitation (in person or by video conference) by its staff, membership, or other duly appointed evaluators. PHC will inform the site prior to any visits.
9. When collecting information from the public, as by interview or by questionnaire, in connection with a PHCfunded project, the grantee may not, without prior written approval from PHC, represent in any way that the information is being collected by or for PHC, the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
10. The grantee shall hold PHC, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and their representatives harmless and defend and indemnify them against all claims, action, liability, damage, loss and expenses by reason of injury or death to any person or persons or damage to property arising or alleged to have arisen from the acts or omissions of grantee, its employees, agents and subcontractors.
11. This Agreement shall be governed by Pennsylvania law. Any dispute relating to this Agreement shall be finally resolved through arbitration with the American Arbitration Association and its procedures, or any other arbitrator or arbitration service mutually agreed upon by the parties, with any proceedings to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the event government or other grant funding will be used to fund all or any portion of the project, additional rules, regulations or requirements may apply in which case PHC shall provide separate notice of such additional rules, regulations or requirements.
12. The grantee representative, whose signature appears on this document, warrants that he/she has the authority to commit the grantee to the terms contained in this document.
Representative – Raymond M. Blasco, MD Memorial LibraryErie County Public Library:
11 / 09 / 2020 Signature Date
PHC Representative:
11 / 09 / 2020 Dawn Frisby Byers Date Senior Director of Content and Engagement
Page 4
Doc ID: e1ce9136ae66a3c7e4361c8bf9efafadc0265330Page 19 of 67 Audit Trail
Title TRL Letter of Agreement-Raymond M. Blasco, MD Memorial... File Name TRL 2021 Letter o...aymond Blasco.pdf Document ID e1ce9136ae66a3c7e4361c8bf9efafadc0265330 Audit Trail Date Format MM / DD / YYYY Status Completed
11 / 09 / 2020 Sent for signature to Blane Dessy ([email protected]) 13:06:43 UTC-5 and Dawn Frisby Byers ([email protected]) from [email protected] IP: 71.255.101.139
11 / 09 / 2020 Viewed by Blane Dessy ([email protected]) 13:08:30 UTC-5 IP: 209.225.113.98
11 / 09 / 2020 Signed by Blane Dessy ([email protected]) 13:09:39 UTC-5 IP: 209.225.113.98
11 / 09 / 2020 Viewed by Dawn Frisby Byers ([email protected]) 14:41:17 UTC-5 IP: 73.165.53.43
11 / 09 / 2020 Signed by Dawn Frisby Byers ([email protected]) 14:41:37 UTC-5 IP: 73.165.53.43
11 / 09 / 2020 The document has been completed. 14:41:37 UTC-5
Page 20 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER, 2021 ______2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $2,300 for Donation from Erie Regional Library Foundation
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of a $2,300 donation from the Erie Regional Library Foundation for the purchase of programming supplies, is hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 21 of 67 Page 22 of 67 Page 23 of 67 Page 24 of 67 Page 25 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER, 2021 ______2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $105,500 and NEWSBANK Purchase Agreement for Historic Newspaper Digitization Project
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 Library Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of $105,500 for a six year agreement with NEWSBANK to execute the Historic Newspaper Digitization Project, is hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that the six year agreement between the County of Erie and NEWSBANK, is hereby approved.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 26 of 67 Page 27 of 67 Page 28 of 67 Page 29 of 67 Page 30 of 67 Page 31 of 67 Page 32 of 67 Page 33 of 67 Page 34 of 67 Page 35 of 67 ORDINANCE NUMBER, 2021 ______2021General Fund Budget Supplemental Appropriation of $105,500 for Library Historic Newspaper Digitization Project
BE IT ENACTED by the County Council of the County of Erie pursuant to Article II, Section 3B1, 3B2 (f) and Article VIII, Section 8 of the Home Rule Charter; Certified by the County Executive, that the 2021 General Fund Budget Supplemental appropriation of $105,500 for the Library Historic Newspaper Digitization Project, is hereby approved as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.
This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by______, this ordinance was ENACTED AND ORDAINED this ______day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA Attest:
______Douglas R. Smith Carl Anderson, III, Chairman County Clerk
Date:______Kim Clear, Vice Chairwoman
______Andre’ R. Horton
______Approved by: Scott R. Rastetter
______Kathy Dahlkemper, Mary Rennie County Executive
Date:______Ellen Schauerman
______Brian Shank
Page 36 of 67 Page 37 of 67 RESOLUTION NUMBER, 2021 A Resolution to Enter into a Letter of Intent with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to Conduct a Countywide Study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services
WHEREAS, the Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee was established in the fall of 2018, to address the steady decline of personnel in emergency services including volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics that results in an extended delay in the arrival of emergency services to citizens in their greatest time of need; and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee has identified a need for greater coordination in the provision of emergency services; and
WHEREAS, PA DCED offers (SME) consultants in the area of Fire and Emergency Medical Services to study existing conditions, provide technical assistance and recommend best practice solutions; and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee, which is made up of Fire, EMS, Municipal and County leaders, passed a motion to approve the Letter of Intent (LOI) at a meeting on March 9, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the consultants assigned to conduct the study, in conjunction with the Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee will work closely with emergency services and local municipalities across our county; and
WHEREAS, the adjacent counties of Crawford and Warren have requested similar studies of emergency services from PA DCED. The Erie County Recruitment and Retention Committee has committed to working in a collaborative approach with our neighboring counties; and
WHEREAS, the PA DCED requires this Letter of Intent (LOI) be adopted by the governing body to conduct a countywide study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the County Council of Erie County, Pennsylvania to approve the Letter of Intent with PA DCED attached hereto as Exhibit A.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by
______, this resolution was passed on this ______day of
______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
Page 38 of 67 RESOLUTION NUMBER, 2021 A Resolution to Enter into a Letter of Intent with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to Conduct a Countywide Study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services
ATTEST:
______Douglas R. Smith County Clerk
Date: ______
APPROVED BY:
______Carl Anderson, III, Chairman Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie County Council County Executive
Date:______Date:______
Page 39 of 67
To: Members of County Council
From: John R. Grappy, Director
Date: March 10, 2021
RE: Resolution – Letter of Intent (Department of Community and Economic Development)
On behalf of the Erie County Recruitment and Retention Committee, under the auspice of the Department of Public Safety, we are respectfully requesting county council pass a resolution to enter into a letter of intent (exhibit a) with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to conduct a countywide study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
The Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee was established in the fall of 2018, to address the steady decline of personnel in emergency services including volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, often resulting in an extended delay in the arrival of emergency services to citizens in their greatest time of need.
A letter of intent (LOI) is required to be approved by the governing body to request technical assistance in conducting the study by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The consultants assigned to conduct the study, in conjunction with the Erie County Recruitment and Retention committee will work closely with emergency services and local municipalities across our county.
In addition, we have discussed this initiative with our neighboring counties, Crawford and Warren, which have both expressed an interest in conducting a tri-county study of emergency services; a feasibility analysis of a shared or regional system of emergency services across our contiguous counties. There is no direct costs associated with this study to Erie County Government.
For your consideration, this proposal will be placed on the agenda for the next finance committee meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Upon your review, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Jessica Horan-Kunco, Chair, Erie County Recruitment and Retention Committee at her office: 814- 454-1770 or email: [email protected] or contact me directly at my office or email.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Respectfully,
John R. Grappy Jessica Horan-Kunco Director Chair, Recruitment & Retention Committee
Page 40 of 67 Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee: Addressing the crisis of decline Submitted by Erie County, Pennsylvania
Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
ABSTRACT OF THE PROGRAM
The number of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics has decreased across the Commonwealth from over 300,000 in the 1970s to less than 38,000 active members today, according to statistical data. Fewer trained personnel are responding to requests for emergency service, thus challenging overall system performance. Failure to address the problem will ultimately result in expansion of paid staffing and related tax increases.
Erie County is meeting this crisis head-on by establishing a Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention subcommittee. The purpose of the subcommittee is to evaluate ongoing influences leading to the steady decline of first responders resulting in a delay of emergency response to the citizens of Erie County in their greatest time of need.
Long-term solutions will require sharing of resources across municipal boundaries. In order to ensure the highest quality emergency response for all residents, Erie County is approaching this with targeted district and regional approaches, mergers and consolidation.
By establishing this committee, Erie County has identified the problem and educated public officials, raised awareness for the public, and developed a framework to solve the crisis of decline while developing best practice models.
THE PROBLEM OR NEED FOR THE PROGRAM
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services estimates the number of active providers in the system is approximately 17,000 statewide, down from recent estimates of over 30,000. Between Jan. 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018, a total of 1,844 EMS providers allowed their EMS certification to expire, removing them from the Commonwealth’s EMS workforce.
ERIE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA │ FIRE AND EMS SUBCOMMITTEE 1
Page 41 of 67 In Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, the number of emergency services providers include 2,400 fire departments, 1,001 EMS agencies, 616 basic life support and 385 advanced life support providers.
In Erie County alone, there are 32 volunteer fire departments, two career fire departments and five EMS agencies. In 2017, EMS and fire received 61,631 calls for service.
Average EMS response time to 911 calls across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between Jan. 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018, was nine minutes. In Erie County it was nine minutes, 27 seconds from time of dispatch to EMS arrival.
Average Erie City fire response time to 911 calls between Jan. 1, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2017, was five minutes, nine seconds from time of dispatch to fire arrival.
Despite efforts, EMS personnel are experiencing burnout, and paid staff of both fire and EMS are jumping organizations for an increase in salary, benefits or improved working conditions, all creating turnover, training and performance problems. The decline of volunteers in the fire and EMS services is having a significant impact on the ability of municipalities to be able to reliably and safely provide fire and emergency medical services.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
The Erie County Department of Public Safety provides for the safety and welfare of the public through a comprehensive program of 911/emergency dispatch services, emergency management coordination and innovative technology systems while providing the highest standard of customer service with a customer friendly approach, public transparency and accountability.
The Department of Public Safety works closely with our municipal, county, state and federal partners in order to carry out its mission. In an effort to address the immediate concern of turnover, local municipalities and emergency service providers have resorted to partial paid departments, such as West Ridge Fire Department in Millcreek Township supplemented by volunteer firefighters. Other emergency services providers have paid emergency medical technicians during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
In 2016, Summit Township hired 12 emergency medical technicians and firefighters to respond to emergency calls for assistance on a 24/7 basis. And most recently, Kuhl Hose Company (Greene Township) has announced they are currently accepting applications for per diem employees to
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Page 42 of 67 provide staffing during daytime weekday hours. In many cases, the fire departments rely on donated funds (annual fund drives) and have little or no local tax dollars to support their operations.
Although these efforts are commendable, Erie County seeks long-term solutions to provide a timely, efficient response throughout the community – without the added burden of higher taxes for salary, benefits and equipment.
Under the guidance provided by County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, the Erie County Department of Public Safety has established a subcommittee under the auspice of the Public Safety Advisory Committee.
The Public Safety Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 representatives from public safety and community organizations, as well as Erie County residents who have knowledge of telecommunications, technology or systems engineering, or have backgrounds in emergency management and/or emergency preparedness.
The committee’s role is to support and advise the Department of Public Safety, the County Executive and Erie County Council regarding programs, policies and procedures that impact public safety. The committee also provides educational opportunities for residents to understand public safety issues and concerns, and provides a forum to discuss immediate, short- and long-term solutions.
The Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee, on the other hand, is comprised of 16 representatives from public safety, municipal and county officials who have extensive knowledge and/or vested interest in improving public safety services throughout the community. It collaborates, not competes, with the statewide commission (Senate Resolution 6) to address recruitment and retention efforts across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The subcommittee’s vision is to recognize the geographical and community differences within Erie County by utilizing statistical data and community input to develop a strategic and sustainable fire and EMS staffing plan for the region. It will take a three-pronged approach in the process:
• Collect data to understand the status of each agency • Analyze statistical and geographical data • Evaluate best practice models and recommend solutions
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Page 43 of 67 The subcommittee’s role is to address the steady decline of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics resulting in an extended delay of emergency responders to citizens in their greatest time of need.
Erie County officials recognize this as a growing problem across the Commonwealth; however, the steady decline in the first responder community has affected Erie County locally. Therefore, the intention is to facilitate a discussion among the stakeholders across every region of Erie County to educate, identify and offer solutions to address this growing concern on a broader scale.
It is the desire of Erie County for municipalities to be empowered to work more closely with their volunteer fire departments, EMS providers and neighboring departments to provide regional delivery of services. For example, local fire and EMS organizations require assistance with a variety of technical issues. This assistance is best provided by subject matter experts who work regionally and can share best practices across regions and the state. In order to facilitate the access to subject matter experts, the subcommittee has entered an agreement with PA DCED for a countywide study of fire and emergency medical services. This study will provide insights and recommendations on resource deployment, staffing requirements and standards of coverage that will become a roadmap for a coordinated emergency services system for Erie County. In the spirit of regionalism, a simultaneous study has been offered to both our neighboring Pennsylvania counties, Warren and Crawford, with the expectation that some of the best practice recommendations will cross county borders.
Through its research, the subcommittee has learned that local fire and EMS organizations would benefit from assistance with a variety of administrative, financial, personnel and governance activities. The subcommittee is working to advance a pending state legislation that would allow for the creation of Public Safety Authorities in Pennsylvania, which would provide a formal mechanism to assist in these areas.
The Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee is reviewing Pennsylvania’s EMS Act (Act 37-2009), EMS regulations (Title 28), and Volunteer Firefighter Relief Associations’ laws and regulations to determine their relevance and fiscal appropriateness for today. Allowing relief associations to be integrated into existing fire companies could help the organizations to better streamline the process and administration, provided necessary controls and procedures are in place.
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Page 44 of 67 RESPONDING TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
Despite continuing development of property throughout the Commonwealth, relief revenue continues to decline, creating a significant financial hardship to both volunteer and career fire departments. In addition, there is inadequate EMS system funding. There is inadequate payment or reimbursement for EMS services rendered, lack of funding for readiness, and lack of payment for non-transport outcomes. Many local governments are not well-versed in the needs of the fire and EMS providers, including critical support functions such as finance, administration, human resources, legal, information technology or other related areas. Improved lines of communication between all public safety entities is needed. Currently, there is no standard level of training for Commonwealth fire services.
Paying for fire and EMS training is a major obstacle to establishing a basic level of training for firefighters and EMTs statewide, and for volunteers to participate in this training. Travel to training sites is another obstacle. Legislation is needed to provide incentives to foster the ability for new and current volunteers to complete basic fire and EMS training.
The funding formula used to provide funding to community colleges was changed, and full-time equivalency reimbursement (FTE) was removed from the equation. The FTE had provided the reimbursement to community colleges who provided public safety training for emergency services. The Commonwealth has no protocol to prevent, mitigate or treat the mental and psychological wounds that may be inflicted on emergency responders in the course of their work.
THE COST OF THE PROGRAM
The Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee was established in the fall of 2018. Under the auspice of the Department of Public Safety, it respectfully requested Erie County Council to pass a resolution to enter into a letter of intent with the PA DCED to conduct a countywide study of fire and emergency medical services.
The consultants assigned to conduct the study, in conjunction with the subcommittee, will work closely with emergency services and local municipalities across our county and our neighboring Pennsylvania counties. There is no direct cost to Erie County government for this study. The greatest cost of the program is the time commitment from the many volunteers and municipal
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Page 45 of 67 leadership from all 38 municipalities, the Erie Area Council of Governments and Erie County government.
Some departments have provided incentive programs for members such as live-in (rent-free), pay- per-call, paid training, and tuition reimbursement that have not resulted or proven to have long- lasting benefits. Local municipalities are ultimately responsible for fire protection and emergency medical services within their jurisdictions.
If not for the many dedicated volunteers of the public safety community, municipalities would be required to hire paid (career) full-time staff. This would result in higher local and/or county taxes for Erie County residents. In 2001, the value of service that volunteers provide nationally was estimated at $6 billion. That figure may be as high as $10 billion today.
THE RESULTS/SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM
Local municipalities and emergency service providers have resorted to partial paid departments supplemented by volunteer firefighters. Other emergency service providers (i.e., Crescent, Edinboro, Fairview, McKean) have paid emergency medical technicians during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. In 2016, Perry Hi-Way Hose Company in Summit Township hired 12 emergency medical technicians/firefighters to respond to emergency calls for assistance on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year. As of today, Summit Township provides over $800,000 annually to support the Perry Hi-Way Hose Company – EMS & Fire.
Investing in emergency services by a shared or regional approach across Erie County will ensure a timely and efficient response to citizens in their greatest time of need. Our recruitment and retention subcommittee has been studying this for the past 2½ years, and PA DCED’s independent, tri- county study to assess and evaluate the state of emergency services in Northwestern Pennsylvania will add significant value to the project overall.
Moreover, we have a vested interest in Pennsylvania SB 1274, which would allow counties and/or municipalities to create a public safety authority. If/when this bill passes, we would propose the county establish a public safety authority for the coordination (governance) of service delivery including administrative support and financial services related to fire protection services and emergency medical services. The municipalities would have an opportunity to opt in to the public safety authority; however, if they opt out, they would have to meet or exceed the same standard or
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Page 46 of 67 level of service established by the authority. SB 1274 will be reintroduced with bipartisan support in the Session of 2021.
WORTHINESS OF AWARD
Erie County government is meeting this crisis head-on with the establishment of the Fire and EMS Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee. The number of volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics has decreased across the Commonwealth from over 300,000 in the 1970s to less than 38,000 active members today, according to statistical data.
The subcommittee was established in the fall of 2018 to address this steady decline of personnel in emergency services including volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, often resulting in an extended delay in the arrival of emergency services.
Our success will be the implementation of our strategic plan for a coordinated system of emergency services across Erie County, ensuring the timely and efficient response of emergency services to our community in their greatest time of need.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
• Erie County Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee (2018) • Erie County Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee – Status of EMS & Fire (2020) • Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS (2020) • Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute (2020)
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Page 47 of 67 Page 48 of 67 Page 49 of 67 Page 50 of 67 Page 51 of 67 Page 52 of 67 Page 53 of 67 Page 54 of 67 Page 55 of 67 Page 56 of 67 Page 57 of 67 Page 58 of 67 Page 59 of 67 Page 60 of 67 Page 61 of 67 Page 62 of 67 RESOLUTION NUMBER, 2021 Exonerating 2019 County Taxes, Fees and Interest on 330 East 25th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, Parcel 18-050-015.0-227.00
WHEREAS, the Erie Redevelopment Authority acquired the blighted property at 330 East 25th Street Erie Pennsylvania; Parcel Number 18-050-015.0-227.00 in 2018, cleared an old structure and wishes to convey the property to a bidder for $300; and
WHEREAS, Erie City Council, and the Board of Directors for the Erie School District agreed on November 4, 2020, and December 9, 2020, respectively, to exonerate 2019 taxes, penalties, fees and interest on parcel Number 18-050-015.0-227.00.
RESOLVED by the County Council for the County of Erie that the Erie County Revenue and Tax Claim Bureau is hereby authorized to exonerate 2019 taxes, penalties, interest and fees on the property listed above.
I hereby certify that on the motion of ______, seconded by
______, this resolution was passed on this ______day of
______, 2021 by a vote of ______to ______.
ATTEST:
______Douglas R. Smith County Clerk
Date: ______
APPROVED BY:
______Carl Anderson, III, Chairman Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie County Council County Executive
Date:______Date:______
Page 63 of 67 RUN DATE: 03-15-21 ERIE COUNTY TAX CLAIM BUREAU RUN TIME: 14:51:24 140 W. 6TH STREET, RM 110 PAGE NUM: 1 RUN USER: sletzelt ERIE, PA 16501-1011 RPT ID: TCB_STMT
(814) 451-6206 A.V. OWNER: REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY PARCEL: 18-050-015.0-227.00 5400 626 STATE ST LOCATION: 330 E 25 ST 40 X 135 RM 107 DESCRIPTION: ERIE PA 16501 DISTRICT: CITY OF ERIE WARD 5
------STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT ------
TAX YEAR 2019 FACE PENALTY INTEREST COST TOTAL PAID/EXON BALANCE ======COUNTY 208.41 20.84 25.79 83.00 338.04 0.00 338.04 TWP/BORO/CIT 425.23 42.52 52.62 0.00 520.37 0.00 520.37 LIBRARY 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SCHOOL 92.90 9.29 11.50 0.00 113.69 0.00 113.69 SCHOOL LIBRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 ======BALANCE DUE 2019 972.10
======IF PAID BY 04-30-2021 (INTEREST CHANGES MONTHLY) TOTAL BALANCE DUE 972.10
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Agenda Item Details
Meeting Dec 09, 2020 - Regular Board Meeting
Category 6. New Business - School District (Roll Call). That the following recommendations of the Superintendent be approved:
Subject 6.44 Abatement and Exoneration of Taxes - 330 East 25th Street, Erie, PA (Parcel #18-050- 015.0-227.00).
Type Action (Consent)
Recommended Action Resolved, by the Board of School Directors of the School District of the City of Erie, that the request by the Erie Redevelopment Authority to abate and exonerate the unpaid school taxes for tax year 2019 in the amount of $92.90, including any accrued penalties, interest and fees, on the certain property known as 330 East 25th Street, Erie, PA (Parcel #18-050-015.0- 227.00), be hereby approved.
Resolved, by the Board of School Directors of the School District of the City of Erie, that the request by the Erie Redevelopment Authority to abate and exonerate the unpaid school taxes for tax year 2019 in the amount of $92.90, including any accrued penalties, interest and fees, on the certain property known as 330 East 25th Street, Erie, PA (Parcel #18-050-015.0-227.00), be hereby approved.
330 E. 25.abate.pdf (53 KB)
Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert's Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all Board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.
Motion & Voting Resolved, that the Board of School Directors of the School District of the City of Erie approves the New Business: School District, as presented.
Motion by John Harkins, second by Thomas Spagel. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Sumner Nichols, Lori Pickens, Rosemary Sheridan, Thomas Spagel, Gwendolyn Cooley, Darlene Feeney, John Harkins, Tyler Titus
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