HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 154 - 2-13-1975 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS
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Minute No. 154
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa. February 13, 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; County
Solicitor Bigi; Assistant Solicitor Gilmore; Mr. Wayne Concilus. of Diskriter, Inc.; John W.
Cadez of Engelhardt -Power & Associates, Inc. ; John Drake of the Senior Citizens, Charles
Snitger and Thomas Bontempo of Wallover and Mitchell; Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Bob Robertson
of Observer -Reporter; Mrs. Miller of the League of Women Voters and Jerry Kolanic of
WWVA.
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. 153, each member having received a copy.
as read.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 153 be approved
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Special Order of Business:
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board execute the
contracts for the construction of the new Washington County Extended Care Facility as spe
at last week's meeting.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Report: Mr. Jones - League of Women Voters - Registrations
Mr. Jones reported that 27 field registrars from the League of Women Voters
had been sworn in and instructed this past Monday. Mr. Jones stated that these women will be
carrying on the voter registration activities at various sites and times which will be announced
shortly. Mr. Jones also stated that 25 more will soon be sworn in,and will receive the same
instructions as the other women.
Correspondence:
Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks:
1. Commonwealth of Pa. - Protective Care - for month of November
1974 - Contract #2377 - ck. #32-0805083 - $6, 243, 67
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
(Bills)
2. First National Bank & Trust Co. - Redemption of C. D. #7025
cks. #56351 & 28527 - Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund Account
Principle $320, 000. 00
Interest 2,386.85
TOTAL $322, 386. 85
3. First National Bank & Trust Co. - Redemption of C. D. #7030
cks. #28528 & 56340 - Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund Account
Principle $600, 000. 00
Interest . 4,136.30
TOTAL $604,136 . 30
4. Pittsburgh National Bank - Weekend Repurchase Agreement
ck. #561194 - General Fund
Principle $600, 000. 00
Interest 256.25
TOTAL $600, 256. 25
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be
authorized for payment:
1. GAL Construction, Inc. - Jefferson Avenue Bridge - $59, 297. 82
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 12, 1975 dfrected to Mr. Flynn from
Ithe Mid -Monongahela Valley Council of Governments, President Edward J. Lyons. Mr. Lyons
advised the Board that the dues for 1974 were $3, 535. 00 and the current year's dues which
I commences July 1, 1975 are for an equal amount of $3, 535.00. Said letter also stated that no
I COG staff member will actively participate in politics, which is a job requirement and will be
strictly enforced.
I Remarks:
Mr. Flynn stated that he and Mr. Jones had met with Mr. Lyons to register their complaints
as far as political activities are concerned. Mr. Flynn stated that he had suggested that
Mr. Jones again meet with Mr. Lyons to discuss exactly what these dues are and how they
function in the fiscal year, Mr. Flynn further stated that it had been understood by Mr. Lyons
that the Board would go on record approving, for our calendar year, the sum of $3, 500. 00'-to
be paid in quarterly installments with the understanding that if and when they do become engaged
in political activities, the installments would cease. Mr. Lyons had given his assurance that
this would be the case. Mr. Flynn then recommended that the Board approve the sum of
$3, 535. 00 for our fiscal year 1975.
Mr. Whalen that this should include a provision that we be given the latitude to make the proper
budgetary transfer because currently there is no money appropriated for that purpose.
Mr. Flynn stated that he was aware of this, but suggested that it be held in abeyance.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record
approving the sum of $3, 535. 00 for dues to the MidmMonongahela Valley Council of
Governments for fiscal year 1975 as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
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MINUTE -..
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a telegram received from Congressman
Thomas E. Morgan announcing that the City of West Brownsville has qualified for enrollment
in the Department of HUD's Flood Insurance Program when it agreed to adopt land use and
control measures that will minimize flood damage to future construction.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 5, 1975 from Congressman Thomas E.
Morgan in response to the inquiry made by the Washington County Office of Civil Defense
regarding the availability of emergency equipment to be used in disaster situations such as the
December 1 snowstorm and the annual flooding along the Monongahela River. Congressman
Nkbrgan stated in his letter that he had contacted the appropriate officials of the Federal Disaster
Assistance Administration of the Department Housing Urban Development, they
of and and
informed him that there is a stockpile of supplies on a limited basis, available on loan to
counties as they are needed. Mr. Morgan also stated that the Pennsylvania State Office of
Civil Defense indicated that they, too, have supplies on a loan basis to the counties. Mr. Morga
further stated that Chairman Reuss of the House Committee on Banking, Currency and Housing
had informed him of the possibility of legislation to increase the availability of disaster relief
equipment to counties in times of need, and that he has also been considering legislation of this
nature.
emarks:
Mr. Jones stated that we were having problems with the power failures that we have had, and
the reason he had written to Congressman Morgan was to get a supply of the emergency equip-
ment for each county and one central station within our County. Mr. Jones added that the
generators and pumps were stockpiled in places where it would take 4 or 5 hours to go and get
them. Mr. Jones also referred to a recent accident which occurred on one of our highways in
which a truck carrying chemicals was involved. Mr. Jones stated that this situation was taken
care of, but that we should have emergency equipment near at hand when a disaster does take
place.
r. Paluso asked if anyone could enlighten him on how to buy the flood insurance. He stated
at several people had asked him, and he personally went to several insurance agents, but
> one knows anything about it.
. Jones suggested that Mr. Paluso contact Mr. Sember because he had been involved in this
:r. Bigi stated that as far as the insurance itself is concerned, all the pre -requisites have be
)ne prior to the ability to underwrite the type of insurance to cover these flood prone areas.
e also stated that he could contact Mr. Sember and see what he could do.
r. Flynn suggested that Mr. Whalen contact Mr. Sember and request his attendance at the next
.eeting so that he could enlighten the Board concerning this matter. Mr. Flynn referred to
recent news report which stated that Pittsburgh had no sirens or alert procedures, etc. for
number of years, and he stated that from a national, state and political subdivision standpoint,
e are definitely unprepared in case of a disaster.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a copy of a letter dated February 7, 1975
irected to the Division of Emergency Health Services from J. Bracken Burns of the Emergency
edical Services concerning the grant to purchase equipment for Emergency Medical Services.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
In this letter, Mr. Burns referred to a statement which appeared in the instructions which
accompanied the application forms for the 70-30 matching grant received recently by
Washington County for the purchase of paramedical training equipment which said, "No
substitution or deletion of items of equipment will be authorized unless authorized in writing
by the Division of Emergency Health Services". Said letter enclosed a list of equipment and
supplies which deviates in part from the recommended inventory, and Mr. Burns stated that
they believed that total equipment costs would remain within the $9, 690. 75 limit. Letter
further explained what they were requesting for the substitutions and deletions.
Mr. Whalen stated that this is merely to keep the Board updated on the progress being made,
and that it has been necessary to make some changes in the equipment that is available.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 7, 1975 from the Juvenile Court Judges'
Commission. Said letter stated that the State -County agreement under which we receive
Juvenile Probation Grant funds requires recipient counties to submit a year's end financial
statement to show how State Grant funds have been expended. Enclosed with this letter were
five copies of the Financial Statement Submittal Form, and the Commission requested that
this form be completed and returned by February 28, 1975.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 8, 1975 from the Donora Public
Library and referred to a letter previously written by Mr. Whalen, dated January 24, 1974,
which informed the Library that each public library in Washington County was appropriated
$500. 00 by the County Commissioners. In their letter of February 8, they stated that they
never received their $500. 00 for 1974, reason being that they had made no request for this
money in writing. They had understood the policy was that once the money was placed in
the budget for this purpose, no letter requesting such funds was necessary. Said letter
requested that the $500. 00 appropriated for 1974 to the Donora Public Library be remitted,
and that this letter be regarded as their request for remission of $550. 00 in the near future
for their appropriation for 1975.
Remarks:
Mr. Whalen stated that the correspondence he had with them endorsed the concept of library
contributions in the amount of 25� per capita. He stated that after asking Mr. Fetcko if we
had received any other correspondence from Donora Library, he had been informed that we
did not. Mr. Whalen referred to several discussions concerning the library, plans, and thro
the efforts of the Citizens Library in Washington, they had been informed that Washington
County would not participate in the 25� per capita.,
Mr. Flynn,stated that in the past years appropriations were based upon requests submitted
to us, and there is no statutory requirement that we must appropriate this money. Mr. Flynn
asked Mr. Whalen if provisions had been made in the budget for Donora Library this year.
Mr. Whalen replied that provisions were made for all of them, but not on a blanket basis.
The money has been included in the budget, but it was understood that it would be remitted on
request.
Mr. Flynn stated that it has always been this way, and they should be informed of such.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated January 27, 1975 from the
Department of Environmental Resources regarding the certification of Sewage Enforcement
MINUTE BOOK
71
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Officers under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, as amended by Act 208 of 1974.
Said letter stated that on March 15, 1975 all municipalities in Pennsylvania will be required to
have a certified Sewage Enforcement Officer. Said letter enclosed a list of certified Sewage
Enforcement Officers, and Mr. Whalen suggested that this be forwarded to Mr. Sember of
the Planning Commission.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 5, 1975 from the Department of
Transporation regarding the County Liquid Fuels Tax Fund Report, which we had previously
sent to them. Said letter stated that they had reviewed this report and found it to be in order
and have forwarded one copy to the Department of the Auditor General for audit.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 6, 1975 from the Department of
Agriculture regarding House Bill 1056, "Clean and Green Legislation, which has become
Act #319 mandating certain administrative responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture.
Said letter stated that this Act would given an opportunity for the Department to more closely
work with the County Board of Assessment and the County Assessors to more effectively
implement the Act. Letter also stated that the Office of Planning and Research has been
actively seeking inputs from groups who have shown interest in the Act over the last several
years, and that they have met with several associations connected with this. It is anticipated
that a preliminary set of rules, regulations and applications will be ready for distribution to
interested parties on or about the last of February, and the final set will be printed in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin and then be accepted by the public before official action could be taken.
Remarks:
Mr. Flynn suggested that this letter be forward to Mr. Gubanish because of the complications
concerning this Bill. Mr. Flynn also suggested that a copy .of of this letter be sent to
Mr. Sember.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 5, 1975 directed to Eugene Tenaglia,
Bridge Engineer from the Department of the Army, Pittsburgh District, Corps of Engineers
regarding the Chartiers Creek Flood Protection Project, Canonsburg -Houston Reach, Unit
2A; New Jefferson Avenue Bridge. Said letter stated that they appreciated the opportunity
to participate in the pre -final inspection of the new Jefferson Avenue Bridge on January 29,
1975. Letter also stated that it appeared that the structure was constructed according to plan,
but they requested additional work on the banks on the upstream side of the bridge abutments,
and gave reasons for such a request. Mr. Whalen stated that a copy of this has gone to
Michael Baker, Jr., Inc.
Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated February 7, 1975 from Mr. William P.
Sember of the Washington County Planning Commission regarding the Ferry Service.
Mr. Sember stated that he has contacted Representative Demedio in relation to re -introducing
HB 2557 (1974), which deals with utilizing liquid fuels funds for construction, operation and
maintenance of ferry board operations, and also stated that Mr. Demedio had informed him
that he has already taken steps to have the bill re -introduced.
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711NUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 4, 1975 directed to Mr. Jovan
IVukmaravich, Regional Representative of the Department of Commerce from the P-F Area
Water Association. Said letter was written to thank the Department of Commerce for its
Icontribution of $35,000.00 for the P-F Area Water Association's water -line extension project.
Remarks:
Mr. Flynn stated that we had received a copy of this letter because the Washington County
Planning Commission was very instrumental and helpful in making application to the necessary
agencies to receive this money.
Chief Clerk read a letter dated February 4, 1975 from Job Fab, Inc. regarding
a certified check in the amount of $2, 288. 50 which was sent to the Commissioners on November
30, 1972 as a bid deposit on the recreation area of the County Jail. Said letter was written
to apply for a refund of this check. Letter also stated that as the contract now stands they have
$6, 865. 50 yet to be paid under the contract, this being the contract price of $22, 885. 00 less
payments to date of $16, 019. 50.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso asked if this was legal to do this and recalled that I! years ago we had a request
from these same people to put that escrow money in a savings account or something, because
it had been tied up for some time. The man's money has been tied up for almost 22 years now.
Mr. Gilmore stated that once the bid is awarded and work has begun, you can return it or
apply it toward a payment, but reserve the 1010 pending final completion.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve the
return of the certified check in the amount of $2, 288. 50 to Job Fab, Inc. upon recommendation
of the Assistant County Solicitor 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 February 6, 1975 from the Child Welfare
Services informing the Board the Mr. Bernard J. Tychinski has accepted a position with Child
Welfare Services of Washington County. Said letter stated that he will be transferring from
Child Welfare Services of Allegheny County in the position of Caseworker Trainee, effective
February 17, 1975 at an annual salary of $8, 743. 00.
New Business:
Chairman stated that in observance of Washington's Birthday, the Courthouse
ill be closed from 4:30 p. m. , February 14, 1975 to 9:00 a. m. February 18, 1975,_ in accordanc
ith our existing Union Contract.
Chairman announced that nominating petitions for the upcoming primary election
are available, as of today, in the Courthouse Election Office. Mr. Flynn further stated that
as in previous years, each candidate will receive a maximum of 10 petition forms, and that
petitions must be filed no later than March 11, while March 18 is the last date on which a
candidate, who has filed nominating petitions for public office, may withdraw his name as a
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MINUTE BOOK
"73
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYL.VANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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candidate for any such office.
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso asked when do the functions of the Election Board become the functions of the
Court.
Mr. Gilmore stated that on the election days which the Commissioners are running, the Court
acts as the Board of Elections, and there are no provisions for it to act at any other time.
Mr. Paluso requested that the Legal Department do some research on this information, for
no other reason than to inform the Court and Election Board.
Solicitors:
Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore stated that proposals had been requested
engineers for certain work to be done on the Cross Creek Flood Control Project. Mr. Gilmor
stated that proposals had been received from McDonald Associates and Engelhardt -Power
and Associates, Inc. Mr. Gilmore further stated that these had been reviewed by he and
Mr. Clay Graham, and based upon the two proposals, the same work is offered to be done
cheaper by Engelhardt -Power & Associates, Inc. Mr. Gilmore added that he had gene over
their proposed contract and found it to be in order; and he recommended that the Board
accept the proposal from Engelhardt -Power & Associates and execute the contract.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board accept the
proposal from Engelhardt -Power & Associates, Inc. and execute the contract for work
on the Cross Creek Flood Control Project, upon recommendation of the Assistant County
Solicitor as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County
Board of Commissioners award the contract for Fleet Insurance to James E. Simon, in the
amount set forth,, -in their bid - $5, 722.10, said bid being the lowest bid and in accordance with
the specifications. Said action based upon the recommendation of the County Solicitor Bigi
and Assistant Solicitor Gilmore.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County
Board of Commissioners award the contract for furnishing and delivering of flags for
veteran' graves to Collegeville Flag and Mfg. -Co., in the amount set forth in their bid -
$3, 366. 00, said bid being the lowest and only bid received in accordance with the specificati
Included in this motion was the awarding of the contract for the furnishing and delivering of
markers to Frank H. Detwiler & Sons, Inc., in the amount set forth in their bid - $2, 756. 60,
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
said bid being the lowest and only bid received and in accordance with the specifications.
Said action based upon recommendation of the County Solicitor and Assistant County Solicitor.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County
Board of Commissioners award the contract for transcribing and dictation equipment for the
Washington County Child Welfare Agency to Diskriter, Inc. , for the amount set forth in their
bid - $1, 811. 40, said bid being the lowest and only bid received and in accordance with the
specifications. Said action based upon recommendation of the County Solicitor and Assistant
County Solicitor.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Solicitor Bigi informed the Board of a meeting with the Joint Monongahela
Ferry Commission scheduled for February 13, 1975 at 7:30 p. m. and stated that he had
','Vrepared an agreement between the Fredericktown Ferry Company and Washington County
for conveyance of property situate in Fredericktown, East Bethelehem Township. Mr.
Bigi further stated that this conveyance is conditioned on the County of Washington
receiving approval from the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Bigi also stated that he will
present the agreement to the Ferry Commission and have the Fredericktown Ferry
Company execute it, and then he will review it with the Commission and make his
recommendation at that time. Mr. Bigi added that they are moving as rapidly as
possible on this project.
Meeting adjourned.
FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED:
February 13 , 1975
CHIEF CLERk
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