HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 15 - 4-8-1976 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN. EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Minute No. 15
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa., April 8, 1976
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following
members being present: Commissioners Paluso and Morgan. Absent being: Com-
missioner Flynn. Also being present: Chief Clerk Brady, Solicitor Diamond, and
Attorney Daniel Long.
Chairman stated for the record that two Commissioners, the Chief Clerk
and the County Solicitor were in attendance.
Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to
Minute No. 14, each member having received a copy.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that Minute No. 14 be
approved as read.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Correspondence:
Chief Clerk infor e,d the Board of the receipt of the following checks:
(1) Pittsburgh National Bank - ck. # 775271 dated 3/31/76
C.D. # 1388 - 30 day investment at 5% interest
Principle $750, 000. 00
Interest $ 3,125.00 (General Fund)
TOTAL $753, 125. 00
(2) Commonwealth of Pa. - ck. # 95-71135 dated 3 / 16 /76
Commonwealth's share of partial billing in connection with
the Chartiers Creek Local Flood Protection Project -
Canonsburg -Houston Reach - $20, 342. 77
(3) Commonwealth of Pa. - ck. #53-723634 dated 3/31/76
Day Care - Feb. Actual, April Estimate - Contract
# 2915 - $10, 341. 20
(4) Mon Valley Health & Welfare Council - ck. # 1690 dated
3/31/76 ($5, 490. 99) Feb. reimbursement ck. # 1714 dated
3/31/76 ($7, 932. 60) 50% M. V. reimbursement, United
Health Services (Feb.) - $13, 423. 59
(5) V. Bigler, WCPC - ck. #30816 dated 3/31/76 - Pitt.
Regional Planning Assoc. for 208 Program - $4, 409. 34
(6) Pittsburgh National Bank - ck. #775379 dated 4/5/76
Weekend Investment at 4% interest
Principle $500, 000. 00
Interest $ 166.67 (General Fund)
TOTAL $500, 166. 67
(7) Treasurer of the U. S. - ck. # 13, 541, 903 dated 4/5/76
Revenue share for first quarter of 1976 - $328, 409. 00
112 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN, EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk then presented the following bills to' the Board for their considera-
tion and approval:
(1) Observer -Reporter - expense incurred by the OEDP Office - $60. 00
(2) Wallover & Mitchell, Inc. - billing for February, $4,892.79 and
light billing for month of March, $4, 892. 79 - $9, 785. 58
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the foregoing bills be
approved for payment.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board a General Resolution of Condemnation
prepared by Attorney Zeman, in regards to Chartiers Creek Flood Protection Project,
Unit 2.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso stated that this is a general resolution to save time in case they need the
condemnation authority between now and July 1.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the General Resolution
of Condemnation requested by Mr. Zeman be approved.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk stated that the next item concerning the Chartiers Creek Flood
Protection Project is in regards to the DeMarino Matter. Chief Clerk stated that he has
received a copy of Petition For Appointment of Viewers and Order of Appointment in
the above matter. from Attorney Zeman.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated April 1, 1976, from the Mid -Monongahela
Valley Council of Governments, addressed to Chairman Morgan. Said letter stated that
a contribution from Washington County has not yet been received, and because of the
operational costs, they would appreciate that this matter be expedited. Chief Clerk
stated that they have requested an allocation of $3, 535. 00.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan,.'that the Board approve the
allocation of $3, 535. 00 to the Mid -Monongahela Valley Council of Governments.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read a copy of a letter dated April 4, 1976, addressed to
Mr. James Puchany, Borough Manager of Canonsburg, from Clay Graham, Land Acquisi-
tion Agent. Said letter informed Mr. Puchany that the Army Corps of Engineers has
MINUTE B❑OK 113
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN, EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
1
1
requested a supplemental change on a lateral sewer line belonging to the Borough within
Unit 2A, Chartiers Creek. This is a 12" diameter sanitary line on the right bank from
Station 132+80 to Station 134+80. The adjustment will be done at County cost and within
the confines of the current permanent easement currently held by Washington County.
Said letter stated that there is about 200 feet of sewer that will be relocated several
feet landward so as not be be exposed by the ,final improved channel side slope. This
adjustment is in accordance with the local co-operation assurances which the County
and the Borough have assured the Army. Said letter also stated that assuming that the
Borough has no objection to this request, the County will proceed to authorize the Army
Corps of Engineers and the Ram Construction Company to make the necessary changes
beginning April 10, 1976.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated April 4, 1976, addressed
to the Board of Commissioners, from Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent. Said letter
requested authorization from the Board for C. Vance DeiCas, doing business as McDonald
Associates Engineering, Inc., to proceed with a study and a cost proposal to be presentee
to the Board at his earliest convenience on the proposed relocation and adjustment of the
sanitary sewer manholes of the Canonsburg -Houston Joint Authority within the confines
of Chartiers Creek Unit 2B. Said letter also stated that this is part of the contractual
arrangement of Washington County with the Army Corps of Engineers and is very similar
to the procedure that was followed in Unit 2A relative to the manholes, and the three -
party agreement that was ultimately entered into.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that McDonald Associates
be authorized to prepare the relocation of the subject sewer line of the first letter, and
to do the necessary engineering work to relocate the manholes and the new elevations on
Unit 2B.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that McDonald Associates has been the engineering firm that has been
working on this, and this is just a continuation of the project engineering work.
Mr. Paluso stated that these are both minor expenses, cost -wise; but they have to be
done now.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter directed to the Commissioners,
dated April 1, 1976, from Charles O. Bohner, Executive Director of the Office of Civil
Defense. Said letter requested permission to attend a State Seminar for County Civil
Defense Directors and Civil Defense Preparedness Agency Staff College Phase I course,
to be conducted at Lamar, Pa., from May 10 through May 14, 1976.
114 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN. EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso stated that this is a standard up -date each year for the Director of Civil
Defense. Mr. Paluso also stated that the cost is borne entirely by the Federal Governme t.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that Mr. Bohner be permitted
to attend said conference as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk advised the Board of a letter dated March 31, 1976, from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Welfare, which was addressed to
Mr. Charles Crouse. Said letter stated that they were in receipt of Washington County's
application for monies from Act 123A Day Care for Adults and Children for the calendar
year 1976. Said letter stated that a financial report for monies allocated and spent during
1975 was not included.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso suggested that this be turned over to Mr. Gillespie and have him do the
necessary research.
Chief Clerk stated that the next item is in regards to a previous request in
regard to Ten Mile Creek which was referred to Michael George, Director of Parks and
Recreation. Mr. George stated that he sees no problem in opening Ten Mile Creek
around the middle of April. Chief Clerk stated that it was requested that the fishermen
be permitted in the Park.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that the Board should designate -a date for the Park to be opened, par-
ticularly for senior citizens. Chairman asked if Mr. George will have the necessary
staff. Chief Clerk stated that Mr. George indicated that he will need some additional
staff; at this time of the year, he can get by with one maintenance position and one
policeman. Chairman stated that he could get the staff needed from Mingo Park.
Mr. Paluso suggested that the Chief Clerk inform Mr. George to transfer whatever per-
sonnel necessary from Mingo Park to Ten Mile Park, and try to have the Park opened
at least by April 12; in any case, no later than next week.
Chairman recommended that the Board give Mr. George a definite date so that it is a
matter of public record that this is the day that we would like to have the Park opened.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the Board direct
Mr. George to have the Ten Mile Park opened the morning of April 14, 1976.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter directed to Michael George, Director
of Parks and Recreation, from H. F. McCloy, Director of the Real Estate Department of
1
1
1
the United States Steel Corporation. Said letter advised that U. S. Steel shall convey
that certain 6.33 acres tract and residence located thereon, adjacent to Mingo Park,
MINUTE BOOK 115
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN, EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Washington County, upon the County's required grant of right-of-way to Equitable Gas
Company. The lease agreement between U. S. Steel and Mr. and Mrs. Lindley will
also be assigned to the County. Upon making the appropriate grant to Equitable, the
Solicitor of Washington County is to contact Attorney James C. McCreight who is pre-
pared to make said conveyance.
Remarks:
Mr. Morgan: In the way of an explanation for those in attendance, the Equitable Gas
Company is relocating a main gas line serving the Pittsburgh area and they need to cross
a corner of Mingo Park. After many diffe.izent drawings, we believe we've come up with
the best location for the relocation of the line. United States Steel is the firm who wants
the line relocated. They in turn are giving the County, in consideration of us letting
them bring this gas line across the corner of Mingo Park, they are giving the County a
house and a little better than six (6) acres of ground in exchange for the easement of
the relocation of the Equitable Gas line.
Mr. Paluso: I think it's a good negotiation for the County because we're only going to
be giving over 200 feet of our property and we obtain six (6) acres and a house in return
I think it's a good deal for a change. That has been approved by Mr. Ceisler, the
Solicitor for Parks and Recreation; because it was moved at the last meeting that the
agreement be approved subject to the approval of the Solicitor of Parks and Recreation
so the agreement has been approved and the matter has been taken care of.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the Board accept
the 6.33 acres and the house from U. S. Steel as the payment for the easement for the
gas line as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk advised the Board of a memorandum from Michael George,
Director of Parks and Recreation, addressed to the Board of County Commissioners,
recommending that they consider advertising for a food concession operation at Mingo
Creek and Ten Mile Creek County Parks. If authorized, Mr. George would prepare
specifications for further consideration by the Board.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso: Several years ago, Mr. George recommended that some sort of refresh-
ment concession be bid out for the Park. At the present time, it is impossible, unless
you bring your own hotdogs, so to speak, to buy anything. It has been his sliggestion
that something on this order be done for several years and enhance the usage of the Park'.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that Michael George be
authorized to prepare specifications for soliciting proposals for concessionaires for the
consideration of the Board as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read a letter addressed to the County Commissioners from
Engelhardt -Powers and Associates, Inc., in regards to Cross Creek Flood Control Project,
Revision of Plans for Sites 659 and 660 Road Reconstruction Project. Said letter submittei
116
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICHAEL R. FLYNN, EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
a proposal relative to the revision to the plans for the road reconstruction project for
Sites 659 and 660. The required revisions are those necessary for redesign of each
road from a flood stage elevation equal to that of a One Hundred Year Storm to that of
a Twenty -Five Year Storm. Also to be incorporated within the revisions of 659 will be
the alteration of design standards from PennDOT requirements to those provided in the
Geometric Design Guide for Local Roads and Streets Part I, as published by the
American Association of State Highway Officials. Site 660 will continue to incorporate
the standards of PennDOT. Said letter further stated that for the work and services
required to provide the above -captioned revisions, their firm will consider this proposal
to be an extension of the base, contract dated February 5, 1975, and will further conslde
it to be an amendment thereto. All work and services shall be performed in accordance
with the above -stated agreement and in accordance with the terms delineated therein.
Compensation for work and services required to make the necessary revisions to the
drawings shall be made to the Engineer on per diem basis in accordance with attached
Fee Schedule in an amount not to exceed $5, 500. The Engineer shall submit monthly
invoices for progress payments and shall receive compensation within thirty (30) days
of receipt of each invoice. Said letter also stated that outstanding services due to be
completed under the February 5, 1975 contract is the preparation of Contract Specific
and Bid Tabulations as required. The total cost for the outstanding services is $2, 558.
which shall be payable upon completion of the requirements of the Engineer.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso stated that this refers to the discussion held last week with Mr. Ostop and
several other citizens from that area at which time we told them that we were waiting
on this proposal.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the Board accept the
proposal relative to the revision to the plans for the reconstruction project for Sites
659 and 660 of the Cross Creek Flood Control lb-�oject.
Remarks:
Mr. Morgan: I think it should be clarified to all in attendance that this additional work
was initially specified to Engelhardt and Power to be done on a One Hundred Year
Flood Plan Basis and the design was going to cost - the difference between a Twenty -
Five Year Flood Plan, and a Hundred Year Flood Plan for us to relocate three roads,
was approximately $600, 000. And we asked for relief from that and we did get per-
mission to design the roads on the basis of a Twenty -Five Year Flood Plan, whereby
in three dam sites, saved an estimated construction cost of $600, 000.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso suggested that Mr. Sember be contacted and get a status report on the
engineering work for Site 662, the 70-30 arrangement with PennDOT, and see if they've
made progress with that because when Engelhardt and Power get this part done, we
certainly want the other engineering work to commence as soon as possible because they
all tie together.
MINUTE BOOK 117
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN, MICNAEL R. FLYNN. EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
0
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter directed to the Board of Com-
missioners from Jack B. Wagner, Director of Elections, which requested that the Board
appoint a recount board for the April 27, 1976 Election.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that this will be taken care of at the next meeting.
Chairman stated that there were two people whose terms have expired on the
Mental Health -Mental Retardation Board. Chairman stated that he believes it to be in
order to re -appoint both of these,- _men because there are certain criteria for those se
on the MH/MR Board. Chairman stated that we are required to have a psychiatrist and
a pediatrician, and that Dr. Benton and Dr. Siegel are both available.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that Dr. Benton and
Dr. Siegel be re -appointed to serve on the Mental Health -Mental Retardation Board for
a three-year term expiring in 1979.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk then requested authorization to advertise for bids for new auto-
mobiles. Chief Clerk stated that we have some cars that should be traded in.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, thatthe Chief Clerk be
authorized to advertise for bids for new automobiles as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval two
(2) On -The -Job Training Contracts with the Automotive Services Council of Pennsylvania
for Earl J. Lohr and Stephen Milton as Mechanics.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the Board approve and
execute the two (2) On -The -Job Training Contracts as per above.
Solicitor:
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
County Solicitor Diamond stated that on March 6, 1975, the Board of County
Commissioners conveyed by deed dated that date, approximately one -seventh of an acre
of land in Canonsburg to the Greater Beneficial Union of Canonsburg, Pa., District No.
454. That deed contained a reverter clause in it which required that the grantee complete
a substantial building on that lot within one year from the date of obtaining a building
4118 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MALCOLM L. MORGAN. MICHAEL R. FLYNN, EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
permit, which building permit was to be obtained promptly. Mr. Diamond stated that he
has been advised that the grantee has erected a building on that lot, that it is substantial
complete, but that it is not fully completed and therefore, they are faced with a dilemna.
Mr. Diamond stated that they have asked for relief from that reverter clause, and that
he believes that good conscience and good business dictates that they be given this relief.
Mr. Diamond stated that they have prepared a resolution which would have that effect and
which could be certified and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, which would give them
some additional reasonable time, not to exceed six months from the date hereof, to
complete the building. Mr. Diamond stated that the attorney for the G. B. U. , Mr. Daniel
Long, is present and would like to state for the record what the situation is there and
why they
need this. Mr.
Diamond
stated that he has a resolution which Mr. Long pre-
pared and
he has modified
to affect
that purpose.
Remarks:
Mr. Long: As Mr. Diamond indicated, at the time the Commissioners deeded this
property to the G. B. U. , they began the building. They ran into a real dilemna. The
dilemna was the rising costs, primarily in materials. They put up a building with
diligence; however, they were using their own money, they didn't have a mortgage. They
ran out of money and because it was partially, even though substantially completed, they
had trouble finding a mortgagee. They did find a mortgagee in their parent fraternal
organization which was the G.B.U. of Pittsburgh. The G.B. U. has made a commitment
for a mortgage to complete it, however, they have asked us to request the Commission
to give them a resolution to, in effect, clear the title with respect to the reverter clause.
This is the reason we are here.
Mr. Paluso: You might also note, Mr.
Long, that
they had a little
bad luck. They had
a fire there that helped to prolong the
agony of the
new building.
I think this is a
reasonable request. They have shown
good faith in
their activities
so far.
Solicitor Diamond then read the proposed resolution.
(Discussion was held.)
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Morgan, that the -,Board adopt the
aforesaid resolution as read by Mr. Diamond.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Paluso stated that we have received a partial shipment of the materials
needed to bring the airport into compliance so we can hopefully get the $9, 000 from the
Federal Government. Mr. Paluso stated that these materials are in the process of being
installed.
Meeting adjourned.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED:
8 1976