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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 152 - 1-30-1975 - COMMISSIONERMIAE MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 152 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa. January 30, 1975 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also being present: Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; Administrative Assistant Fetcko; Deputy Controller Daniels; County Solicitor Bigi; Assistant Solicitor Gilmore; Mr. Robert Umstead of Community Development; Dave Budinger of The Observer -Reporter; Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Dave Baker of The Daily Notes and Mrs. Miller of The League of Women Voters. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 151, each member having received a copy. as read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 151 be approved Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Retort: Mr. Jones - Public Disaster Plans Regarding a meeting which was held on January 27, 1975 in Belle Vernon, Mr. Jones reported that he had met with representatives from Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania, West Penn Power Co. , Washington Co. Civil Defense, Westmoreland Co. Civil Defense, Fayette Co. Civil Defense, Allegheny Co. Civil Defense, The American Red Cross, Mon Valley C. O. G. and the Pennsylvania State Police to discuss and determine what must be done to better prepare for and possibly prevent a reoccurence of the problems resulting from the storm of December 1. Mr. Jones stated that each of_theautility companies, along with the Civil Defense, has their own disaster plan, and the purpose of the meeting was to discuss a master plan which would include all of the organizations so that they could better help each other in case of disaster. Mr. Jones further stated that a meeting has been tentatively set for February 7, 1975 for a presentation and study of each organization's plan. Following this meeting, Mr. Jones reported that a meeting has been set for February 14 to finalize and adopt a master p1 an. Mr. Jones added we cannot help what has happened in the past, but we can try to prevent further disaster in the future. Correspondence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following check: 1. Pittsburgh National Bank - Proceeds of Loan - ck. #560966 $500, 000. 00 - General Fund Account MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 E (Bills) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for payment: 1. Albert R. Powell - Uniform Relocation Act - $200. 00 2. Pennsylvania State Association of County Commissioners Association Dues for 1975 - $1,143.18 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 27, 1975 from Congressman Thomas E. Morgan directed to Mr. Flynn in regard to Mr. Flynn's letter expressing concern over the high rate of unemployment in Washington County. Congressman Morgan stated that he had been in close contact with the state Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Power Commis sion, in an attempt to alleviate the severity of the natural gas shortage. In regard to Washington County's problems in. obtaining adequate funds under the Comprehensive Employme and Training Act and the Emergency Jobs Act, Mr. Morgan agreed that the use of Sept. , Oct. , and November unemployment statistics has resulted in an unjustifiably low allocation of funds for Washington County. Mr. Morgan further stated that he has contacted the appropriate officials of the Department of Labor's Manpower Administration to express his sentiments, and would inform the Commissioners of all information received by him. emarks: Mr. Flynn stated that he had written Congressman Morgan asking him to intervene on behalf of Washington County regarding Title 6 of the Manpower Program. Mr. Flynn referred to the $506, 000 allocation made to the Washington County Manpower Office, and announced today that this amount had been reduced to $434. 825 resulting in a reduction of $71, 739. 00. Mr. Flynn i further stated that this will now provide for only 72 positions with a annual salary of $6, 000.. Mr. Flynn added that Mr. Piganell will proceed with the instructions given previously by the Board and will hire the people under the different categories, with the understanding that when the money is no longer available, they will no longer be employed. Relative to the Ferry Commission grant application which had been submitted Penn Dot under the joint sponsorship of Washington County, Fayette County and the Ferry Commission, Mr. Whalen read a memorandum dated January 23, 1975 from William P. Sember. id memorandum informed the Board that a single body must be designated as the applicant efore further processing by Penn Dot. Mr. Sember stated that Penn Dot will not issue a pital grant to both Washington and Fayette Counties and gave three possible solutions to this oblem. Said memorandum also stated the the Ferry Commission can only be the applicant it is legally determined that they can receive and disburse funds under Acts 7 and 8 of 1968. emarks : Mr. Flynn stated that as a result, he and Mr. Jones attended a meeting held last Thursday in Bfrownsville with the Ferry Commission, and related to them the contents of this memorandum. It was decided that the Ferry Commission would be the applicant, would receive and disburse the money and they would be delegated to operate the ferry sjxstem. Mr. Flynn also stated that 40 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Washington County, in our Bond Issue, had set aside $100, 000 as our share toward the initial opening and operation of the ferry system. It was related to the Ferry Commission that when the $75, 000 grant application was approved, Washington County,s share to the Commiss would be in the amount of $37, 500. It was felt at the meeting with the Ferry Commission, that progress was finally -being made. Mr. Flynn stated that the Board was readyto give approval at today's meeting for the applicant to be the Ferry Commission stemming from a legal opinion of Solicitor Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore stated that he had been informed by Mr. Sember that Penn Dot does not recognize the Ferry Commission as a eligible applicant, and it now appears that one of the two counties will have to be applicable. (Dave Posner entered meeting. ) Further discussion was held. Mr. Flynn stated that we now have no recourse but to table this matter, until further clarification on this. He also stated that he preferred to wait until he had a chance to talk to Fayette County. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 21, 1975 from Kay Fox, Account Executive of Deferred Compensation Corporation of America thanking Mr. Flynn and the members of the Pension Board for the interest and courtesy extended to her at their last meeting. Said letter further stated that she was looking forward to a affirmative decision in adopting the Deferred Compensation Plan for the employees of Washington County in the near future. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 18, 1975 from Gene P. Amanati, Realtor regarding additional office space needed by the Manpower Planning offices. Mr. Amanati stated that he had made a survey of available office space within a three block area of the Courthouse, and recommended the building at 28 E. Maiden Street which is the present office of the Bureau of Employment Security. Mr. Amanati listed his reasons for recommendation of this property. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that Mr. Piganell had looked at three different sites, and had suggested that Mr. Amanati visit the sites and give his recommendations. Mr. Flynn added that this will be funded by the Manpower Administration as long as money is available, and will be on a year to year basis. Mr. Paluso stated that he was not convinced, and wondered what was wrong with their present facilities. It seems like this involves a lot of money. Mr. Jones stated that he remembered talking to Mr. Piganell about the training program and he had asked for additional space. Mr. Flynn stated that this has been pending for several months. The money is being held available, and Mr. Piganell did submit a plan and sent a copy to each of the Commissioners. Mr. Whalen stated that Mr. Piganell also needs additional staff for this program. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the location at 28 East Maiden for additional office space needed by the Manpower Administration, per recommendations by Gene P. Amanati in his letter of January 18, 1975. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried, MINUTE BOOK V/ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated January 28, 1975 from William P. Sember regarding The Daily Herald, Progress Edition. Said memorandum stated that the Daily Herald will be publishing a Progress Edition in February. Mr. Sember stated that he has been contacted by the newspaper personnel regarding the County's participation in the Herald's publication, and he asked that the Board ascertain whether or not the Planning Commission should participate. Cost is $344.00 for a full page advertisement. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the participation in The Daily Herald's Progress Edition by the Planning Commission as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 24, 1975 directed to the Commissioners from Benedict L. Dangelo, Planner, Southwest Regional Planting Council of the Governor's Justice Commission. Mr. Planner stated that as the Civil Rights Compliance Officer for the Commission, it was necessary that he meet with the Board and our compliance designate to discuss Washington County's compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity program. Said letter stated that this program is a segment of Washington County's recent subgrant for Governor's Justice Commission funding. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 28, 1975 from Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent, requesting permission to hold a public meeting on February 24, 1975 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cross Creek Township Municipal Building in Studa, Pa. Said letter stated the purpose of this meeting would be for the proposed abandonment of LR 62035, within the confines of LR 62037 and LR 62039. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the request made by Clay Graham to hold a public meeting on February 24, 1975 for the pro- posed abandonment as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 24, 1975 from the Nottingham Township Supervisors regarding Mingo Creek County Park. Said letter stated that a sident has asked that the old foundations and walls remaining from houses that have been emolished in the Mingo Creek County Park, either be filled in or torn down, as they represent a possible danger to the children playing in the park. Said letter requested that he Commissioners give this consideration. emarks: IMr. Flynn suggested that instructions be given to Mr. George for the County to take care �* MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS of this matter. Chief Clerk read a letter dated January 27, 1975 directed to C. H. McConnell Deputy Secretary, Resources Management, Department of Environmental Resources, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, regarding the DER's interest in assisting the Washington County Commissioners with the Cross Creek Project. Said letter stated that the Soil Conservation Service would take in trust any funds which the DER would like to contribute toward Washington County's share of the cost of construct- ing Site PA-661. Letter also requested the DER to set forth the specifics of how and for what purpose DER wishes the trust money to be expended, and after receiving these documents, the Soil Conservation Service will be able to prepare the trust fund agreemen . Chief Clerk informed the Board of a notification received from the Department of Community Affairs announcing a seminar to be held in Uniontown on Wednesday, February 26, 1975 at the Holiday Inn, regarding Uniform Standards Code for Mobile Home . Mr. Whalen recommended that the Chief Assessor, Richard Gubanish be authorized to attend this seminar. I, I Remarks: Mr. Paluso suggested that a copy of this notification be sent to Coroner Jackson, since he has been involved with the standards for mobile homes. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the Chief Assessor, Richard Gubanish to attend the seminar as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a notification dated January 20, 1975 from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission stating that the Commission is considering application of Dean Mori for approval of the right to begin to offer, render, furnish or supply sanitary sewag collection and disposal service to the public in a portion of the Borough of California, including the Hi Point Plan of Lots, Washington County. Said letter advised the Board that the Commission may consider the application without hearing, provided no protests are filed on or before February 14, 1975. Chief Clerk stated that he had discussed the rate for federal prisoners in our County facility with Warden James Roupe, and it was Warden Roupe's recommendation that the County make application to the federal officials to increase our per diem rate from $7.42 per day to $9.19. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the application to federal officials for an increase of the per diem rate for federal prisoners from $7.42 per day to $ 9. 19. MINUTE BOOK it BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated January 23, 1975 from Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. directed to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers notifing them that a pre -final inspection of the Jefferson Avenue Bridge over Chartiers Creek, Canonsburg, Pa, is to be held January 29, 1975 at 10s00 p.m. Chief Clerk informed the Board of an invitiation received from The Future Business Leaders of America of Washington Jr. Sr. High School requesting the attendance of the Commissioners or a representative at their 2nd Annual Businessmen's Breakfast on February 12, 1975 at 8:30 a.m. in the Washington High School Cafeteria. Chief Clerk informed the Board that the Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. has announced that a draft Emergency Medical Services Plan for Facilities, Field Response and Transportation is now available for input from interested parties within the 12-county region served by the CHPA. Announcement stated that draft regional plans for a particular health service are made available to the public so they may have the opportunity to review and make recommendations within a 30-day period, which should be submitted no later than February 21, 1975. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated January 21, 1975 from the California Public Library requesting financial assistance for 1975. Mr. Whalen stated that this library has been included in the budgetary proposal for 1975. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve a $550. 00 County aid check to the California Public Library. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented to the Board a resolution prepared by Assistant Coun Solicitor Gilmore regarding the Cross Creek Project, which read as follows: RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Washington County, together with state and federal agencies, is engaged in a flood protection project situate in Washington County known and designated as Cross Creek Watershed Protection Project and, WHEREAS, in connection with said project there will be a flood water retarding dam known and designated as Site PA -661 and, WHEREAS, the County desires the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources to cost share in said project. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the County of Washington by and through the authority of the Board of County Commissioners does hereby request the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources to cost share in the Cross Creek Watershed Protection Project Site PA-661 in the amount of 35% of the construction cost of the said Site PA -661. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board adopt the Resolution regarding Cross Creek Watershed Protection Project Site PA-661 as per above. 44 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN. FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. In connection with our Commonwealth Conservation Account, Mr. Whalen stated that we had approved invoices to Frank Irey, Jr., Inc., Domenic Parente Contractors and Black Top Paving, and he requested that the Board authorize the transf of $60,,000 from the Bond Fund Account to Commonwealth Conservation Account to meet these obligations. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the transfer of $60, 000 from the Bond Fund Account to Commonwealth Conservation Accou�t, as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. In connection with our Repurchase Agreement on the General Fund Account, Mr. Whalen stated that as soon as he gets a determination on the applicable amount, we will arrange for that investment. Mr. Whalen noted that although this investment will be borrowed funds, the investment -of these funds comes under the F Arbitrage Act and the County can only receive 1/8 of 1% over the borrowing rate. Mr. Whalen added that currently our borrowing rate is 5.07, which plus .125, would make our return rate 5.195. Remarks: Mr. Flynn: This raises a very good question. When we borrowed money at the time, was it necessary then? Mr. Whalen: The balance on our General Fund Account was $257, 000, and coming immediately from that would be payroll costs of $140, 000, so we were down to the point where we definitely needed additional funds in the General Fund Account, and executed the loan. Mr. Flynn: On the figures you have there, you find it is necessary? Mr. Wh91len: I don't know yet. I have not received the report from the Controller's office as to what the current net balance is. NIr. Paluso: The rate went down from the time we made the bid from 5.3 to 5.07. Has it changed? Mr. Whalen: The prime rate has come down, and it has come down again today. The current C. D. rate is now 6. % as compared to a high of 12% that we had experien Mr. Flynn: The question I am trying to bring up is, although I know the need would eventually be here, was it necessary to borrow when we did? (Mr. Flynn made reference to last week's meeting concerning Mr. Paluso's remarks regarding investments I looked into the matter further, and found that we were not quite certain what our bank balance was, and we could very well be taken to task by a criminal act if we invest money that we don't have. Redevelopment Authority - Community Agreements Mr. Robert Umstead made reference that we had authorized submission to MINUTE BOOK 11 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS n the Department of Housing Urban Development of the County's intention to qualify as a urban county under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and he stated that under the provisions of that act the County could be eligible to receive, over the ne three years, 4.1 million dollars. Subsequent to the Board's action, Mr. Umstead stated they had met with the Pittsburgh area office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urb; Development and developed a resolution that we sent out to each of our 66 municipalities asking them to adopt. We had a very speedy and positive response from all the 66 municipalities and were able to submit the resolutions to the Department of HUD prior to the deadline date that had been established. These resolutions were also forwarded to the agency's central office in Washington, D.C., and subsequently the central office determined that the resolutions were not acceptable; and what were required were bi- laterally executed cooperation agreements between the Board of County Commissioners and each of the municipalities. Consequently, on January 13, 1975, we sent letters of explanation along with the cooperation agreements to the municipalities asking them if 1 would provide us with a executed cooperation agreement. All of the municipalities did this, and the agreements have been submitted to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Umstead then requested the Board to adopt the resolution authorizing the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the cooperation agreements on behalf of the County. Mr. Umstead also announ(�ed that under the provisions of the federal Community Develop- ment Act of 1974, a public hearing will be held on February 3, 1975 at 7:30 p.m. in the Meadow Lands Hilton Inn, to receive the community's suggestions and opinions on how the funds should be used. Mr. Flynn then requested that the Solicitor read the proposed resolution: RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 authorized funding for Urban Counties to undertake essential housing and community development activities upon proper qualifications, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Washington wishes to obtain the Urban County designation so that they may apply for funds so authorized by the Act in order to provide such housing and community development assistance to all units of general local government in the County, and WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment (HUD) has determined that the County must enter into Cooperation Agreements with such units of general local government whose combined population is 200,000 or more as a prerequisite to qualification, and WHEREAS, the County has received executed Cooperation Agreements from each of the 66 units of general local government in the County whose combined population exceeds 200, 000, and WHEREAS, the County Commissioners wish to direct the Washington County Community Development Agency to submit fully executed copies of the Cooperation Agreements to the HUD Central and Area Offices as the next stage in the Urban County qualifications process. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Washington that the 66 Cooperation 46 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Agreements be accepted and that the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners hereby authorized and directed to execute said Coopera- tion Agreements and that the Washington County Community Development Agency is hereby authorized and directed to Bubmit fully executed copies of the Cooperation Agreements to the HUD Central and Area Offices as the next stage in the Urban County qualification process. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board execute and adopt the resolution regarding the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi then read the following notice: In compliance with the provisions of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on Monday, February 3, 1975, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Inn Meadowlands. The public hearing will be held by the County Commissioners for the purpose of reviewing the Act and the implications thereof on the improvement of the County of Washington. Interested citizens may present their questions or comments. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board adopt the date of February 3, 1975 for the public hearing as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (-Tax Refunds) Solicitor Bigi presented the following three (3) tax refunds to the Board for the consideration and approval: Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Tax Assessment ffice be authorized to prepare the following tax refunds due to either duplication, over ment of real estate or personal property taxes: 1. First Federal Savings & Loan Association (1974 County Tax) (for Frank A. & Laura V. Johnson) 77 S. Main Street Washington, Pa. 15301 District: North Franklin - Deed Book Reference: 1435-0150 District Number: 510 - Section Number: 5 - Parcel Number: 86 & 92 Amount: $8.62 2. The Union National Bank of Pittsburgh (1974 County Tax) ( for Matthew & Marie J. Kramer) 704 Main Street Bentleyville, Pa. 15314 District: Cokeburg - Deed Book Reference: ? District Number: 20 - Section Number: 8-20 8 - Parcel Number: 4 Amount: $17.50 3. Zimmerman, Sherri H. & Jon Michael (1974 County Tax) R. D. 2 Burgettstown, Pa. 15021 District: Cross Creek - Deed Book Reference: 926-626 District Number: 210 - Section Number: 4 - Parcel Number: 20 Amount: $50.63 3 1 1 1 MINUTE BOOK 47 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Big! presented to the Board a Declaration of Taking concerning Washington County, Condemnor, vs. Buffalo Gas Coal Company, individually, and Buffalo Gas Coal Company, an affiliate of Hillman Coal and Coke Company, Condemnees, which authorizes Washington County to acquire property by eminent domain proceedings for park and recreation purposes. Mr. Bigi stated that this involves Cross Creek, and that he has reviewed the Declaration of Taking along with the notice and recommended that the Board execute them. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board execute the Declaration of Taking and Notice of Filing by Solicitor Bigi as per above. presented Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi presented a Petition for Appointment of Viewers to the Board concerning Washington County, Condemnor, vs. Goodwill Hill Fishing Club, Condemnee. Mr. Bigi stated that a Declaration of Taking had been set forth previously concerning the property owned by Goodwill Hill Fishing Club, and this Petition is for appointment of viewers for the property, which is approximately 173.26 acres located in Hanover and Smith Townships. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Regarding matters which concern Stanley Brovey, Andrew Dezack , - Blanche Coleman and S. E, I.U. Local 585, Mr. Bigi stated he had just received a Petition to Compromise Outstanding Claims. Mr. Bigi added that he had reviewed this matter, and suggested that this not be acted upon, but be tabled until further review and discussion could be undertaken. Concerning the reassessment program, Mr. Flynn stated that he had done some research on'p-roperty tax assessment and made reference to an article in the Washington Post concerning President Fort addressing a meeting of the Businessmen's Council in regard to the nation's economic situation. Mr. Flynn also made reference to an article in the Pittsburgh Press dated January 5, 1975, - which stated that the maj-orit; Commissioners of Allegheny County were making plans to introduce legislature to freeze the real estate assessments for three (3) years, which would be a anti-inflationary measure. Mr. Flynn further stated that they are also backing a constitutional referendun 48 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .ZONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS to permanently freeze property assessments for citizens past the age of 65. Mr. Flynn added that this would involve, in our County, around 35,000 people. Mr. Flynn went on record to say that when the Commissioners approved the issuance of the $5, 000, 000 Bond Issue, provisions were made for $1, 000, 000 to reassess this County. The reason this was done was because at that time, from the information that we gathered, that the cost of reassessing this County would be in the neighborhood of $3/4 million to $1 million. Mr. Flynn pointed out that up to this point not one dollar of this money has been touched, and that this money has been earning sizable interest since June of 1974. Mr. Flynn also pointed out that not one penny of this money will be touched for any purpose than tax reassessment, unless a public ordinance and proper procedures are followed to re -allocate -this money. Mr. Flynn also stated that he had been informed that we can, under statue, invest this money for three (3) years. Mr. Flynn said there were rumors that he wanted to use the funds for the construction of the new county home and he admitted that they were probably right. Mr. Flynn expressed sincere hope that the money will never have to be used, and that within the next two or three years, we will see a revision concerning the property tax system. Mr. Flynn stated that he has discussed this matter with other public officials, state legislators, etc. and it seems that �,rnost are in agreement. Now we must make a concerted effort to get the wheels in motion. I think the position taken by Allegheny County could serve as a lesson to us also, and I would like to think that we have in foresight to take this into consideration. Mr. Flynn referred to the efforts made by the Tax Assessment Office to make assessments on a fair and equitable basis, and stated that these efforts proved to be futile. Mr. Flynn said since 1969, there ha been 50 appeals taken from the county appeal board to the courts, and of these appeals, the county has won two, while in another 46- the county was ordered to reduce its reassessment. Mr. Flynn stated that to pursue a county -wide reassessment at this time might be a waste of taxpayers money, and suggested that the Board either make a motion to get the reassessment underway or take other action. Mr. Flynn recommended that the Board instruct the Solicitor to draft the necessary petition to the entire Court for a stay of its order that a tax reassessment program be undertaken for the entire County. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board authorize the Solicitor to petition the court for a stay of its order that a tax reassessment program be undertaken for the entire County as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried Regarding the December 1 disaster, Mr. Jones expressed his objections concerning the handling of the public hearing, which was held on Tuesday, January 28, 1975, MINUTE BOOK 49 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1� 1 E r- by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Mr. Jones stated that Washington County had provided Courtroom No. 1 for the hearing, but after receiving information on the number of people attending the hearing, it was suggested that the Courtroom would be too small. Mr. Jones stated that the PUC examiner was contacted twice the week before the hearing informing him of the additional space that might be needed, and suggested that a larger facility be found. The PUC did not change the schedule, and Mr. Jones stated that the hearing was very overcrowded and many people were not able to testify, and also that the PA system hampered the proceedings. Mr. Jones then recommended that the Board request the PUC to schedule another hearing in the county with better facilities. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that there had been rumors blaming the Commission r-s for -the problems. Mr. Flynn added that we were asked by the PUC to provide a meeting room, and the Commissioners provided the largest space available. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record requesting the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to schedule another public hearing with better facilities as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: A TT-+SjF: January 30,, 1975 CHIEF CLERK