HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 164 - 4-23-1975 - COMMISSIONER174 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN. FRANK JONES. JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Minute No. 164
Office of the County Commissioner
Washington, Pa., April 23, 1975
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following
members being present: Commissioner Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also being present:
Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; Administrative Assistant Crouse; Solicitor
Gilmore; Fred Huysman of the Valley Independent; Bob Robertson of the Observer -Reporter;
John Drake of the Senior Citizens Center; John W. Cadez of Engelhardt -Power Associates;
Jay Mitchell of WJPA; Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Mrs. Helen Miller of the League of Women
Voters; Steve Wiencek and Kerry McAmbley of the Industrial Development Agency; Bob,
Patterson, Barbara Roop, William Watson, Robert Buth, Thomas Sorrmaskie, Paul
Giovannini, George Allen, Arthur Hackinson, of the Pittsburgh Flexicore Company; W. H.
Kreuter and Albert Svrcik of the Teamsters Local 872; John Pirskarich of Teamsters Local
#UC; Frank Costello of Laborers Local 286; Al Reichel of Patterson Construction Company;
Richard M. Phillips, Consulting Engineer; Charles S. Pryor, McAnallen Brothers, Inc.;
and Dave Baker of the Daily Notes, and Robert C. Arthurs of the Greater Charleroi
Industrial Development Corporation.
read.
Meeting called to order 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.
each member having received a copy.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that Minute No. 163 be approved as
Roll call vote taken:
Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Special Order of Business: Greater Charleroi Industrial Development Corporation
Chairman presented a check to Mr. Robert C. Arthurs, Chairman of the Greater
Charleroi Industrial Development Corporation, in the amount of $125, 000. 00 for the purchase -
of land known as the Morgan Tract, located in Speers Borough, Washington. County,
Pennsylvania.
Mr. Arthurs stated that on the behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater
Charleroi Industrial Development Corporation he would like to thank the County Commissioners
for their foresight and planning in developing this program. Acquiring this property is a first
step in farsighted development as far as the County and industrial development is concerned.
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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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Mr. Arthurs went on to state that previously Kerry McAmbley had made a study pin-
pointing certain tracts of land in the County that would be appropriate for the County to acquire
in advance of the need to develop these grounds for industrial sites. This was done for several
reasons. First, the ground was reasonably priced and second,. to put it in reserve for the very
purpose of the program - to aid industry in the county.
Mr. Arthurs stated that this is not in the nature of a grant. This is, in essence, a loan
to'1he Greater Charleroi Industrial Development Corporation; they would acquire the land, and
the County would take title to it. As the tracts of land were sold to industrial developers the
County would be reimbursed. This would go into a revolving land bank which would then be
available for use of additional purchases throughout the county.
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Mr. Arthurs went on to state that the Greater Charleroi Industrial Development
Corporation is very appreciative of this gesture on the part of the County and that the County
would be repaid in terms of jobs and additional taxes.
Mr. Arthurs once again thanked the Commissioners for their foresight and wisdom in
proceeding and .carrying this program forward.
Remarks:
Mr. Flynn stated that this is a first,in the history of the county to purchase land in
the revolving fund,
Old Business: None
Correspondence:
Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: 'f•
(1) First National Bank & Trust Co. - Redemption of'C. D. #7924
- cks. # 63,533 and-32424 - Fiscal Assistance_ Trost Fund Account
Principle $700, 000. 00
Interest $ 3,492.81
TOTAL $703, 492. 81
(2) First National Bank & Trust Co. - Redemption of C. D. #7923
- cks. #32425 and 63534 - Liquid Fuels Escrow Account
Principle $150, 000. 00
Interest $ 748.46
TOTAL $150, 748. 46
(3) Commonwealth of Pa. - Board of Probation & Parole
ck. #53-486985 - $15, 126. 00
(4) Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C. D. #1168
Ck. #606540 - 1974 Bond Issue Account
Principle $2, 225, 000. 00
Interest $ 11, 273. 33
TOTAL $2, 236, 273. 33
MIN U T E
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
B❑❑K
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
(5) Commonwealth of Pa. - Protective Care - month of
February 1975 - Contract #2377 - ck. #44-0872380 -
$3, 590. 41.
(6) Commonwealth of Pa. - Wash. - Greene Community Action Corp.
- Feb (Actual) and April (Estimated) - ck. #44-0872332 -
$9, 454.27.
(7) Pittsburgh National Bank - Weekend Repurchase Agreement
ck. - #606553 - General Fund
Principle $500, 000. 00
Interest $ 203.13
TOTAL $500, 203. 13
Moved by Mr. Jones; seconded by Mr. Paluso that the following bills be
lauthorized for.payment.
(1) Andrew M. Morrison - ME - 9 - $15, 000, 00
(2) Lloyd Kimple - ME-15 - $15, 000, 00
(3) Olga Woodward, Recorder of Deeds, recording fee
For Easement - $9. 00
(4) William H. Miller - Demolition of all buildings located on the
property known as the Donaldson Supply Company; located on
Jefferson Avenue, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania - $2, 775. 00
Remarks:
Chairman asked if the check to William H. Miller is for the completion of the
contract. Mr. Whalen stated that it has been completed and approved.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter addressed to Thomas E. Morgan from the
Department of Health, Education and Welfare informing him of the action on the application for
Federal Assistance for current expenditures submitted by the Peters Township School to
provide financial assistance for schools in federally affected areas. Said letter gave notifica-
tion of action and a check would be forwarded to the Peters Township School District within a
week or so. Mr. Whalen stated that the certified amount was for $18, 092. 00.
Chief Clerk stated that notification went out to,all municipal officials, judges of
elections and election inspectors that there would be a Municipal Officials Training Program
on Wednesday, May 7, 1975, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Ramada Inn, West Chesnut
Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. The program was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Departme
of Community Affairs, Washington County Commissioners,. Washington County Overall
Economic Development Prog, (OEDP) and West Penn Power Company. The session will be
entitled "Election Code, Voting Policies and Procedures." There will be no registration fee for
this program.
Chief Clerk further stated that in connection with the judges - they have been
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specifically invited to attend and the request had been made for the Board of County Commiss
to approve and permit the payment of the judges' travel mileage to and from this seminar. This
would cover the judges of election only.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Moved by Mr. Jones; seconded by Mr. Paluso that the travel mileage for the judges
be approved.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Whalen then read a letter dated April 16, 1975, from Blue Shield/Blue Cross
of Western Pennsylvania which thanked him for the time that was spent discussing the Blue
Cross/Blue Shield Centerville Health Plan that had been introduc'ed in this area a short while
ago, Also, Blue Cross/Blue Shield requested that the Board of County Commissioners grant
them permission to present a new program to the county employees.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that it would be to the employees benefit to have such a program
presented.
Moved by Mr. Jones; seconded by Mr. Paluso that Blue Cross/Blue Shield present
their program to the county. employees as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk then stated that notification had been received dated April 16, 1975, fron
the Governors Office, Office of the Budget on Project Notification Review Clearance regarding
Community Development in Washington County, They have reviewed -the application by the
County and will submit their comments at a later date.
Chief Clerk read a letter posted April 15, 1975, from the Greater Canonsburg Area
Senior Citizens Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, which presented the following resolution:
The Greater Canonsburg Area Senior Citizens Board of Advisors and
Building Fund Committee to hereby concur with the resolution of
Canonsburg Borough of Council and Washington County Commissioners
to the effect, that the Canonsburg Area Senior Citizens Center will not
be relocated until new headquarters are provided. We further agree,
that the Senior Citizens Center would accept temporary headquarters ,
if necessary, due to unforeseen problems, provided however, that
permanent ,quarters have been definitely acquired, but not ready for
immediate occupancy.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that the Board gave the assurance that it was not the Board's
intent to demolish the building without getting the center relocated, Mr. Paluso stated that
we gave those assurances at the Public Meeting on the Elderly Housing Project in Canonsburg
one month ago.
Chairman further stated that acknowledgement of the letter is necessary and an
explanation from the Board assuring the Senior Citizens Center that it would not be closed to
facilitate construction of a high rise housing complex for the elderly until new quarters have
been provided,
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk read a letter from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning
Commission dated April 15, 1975, concerning Title I Modification Increase in Funds for the
manpower program. Said letter acknowledged the County's application for Federal financial
assistance; however, after evaluation of the proposal, it was found that the project would not
have a direct impact upon the development of the region and the Southwestern Pennsylvania
Regional Planning does not need to formally review the project.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development dated April 16, 1975, which granted the Board their request for an extension to
May 15, 1975, for the Community Development Block Grant Program, 24, CFR 570. 300 (a) .
Mr. Whalen then read a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Subject: Restoration of Ferry Service.
We are pleased to announce this Department's approval of the first phase of the
subject project, the Fredericktown Ferry, for a State capital grant in the amount of $76, 750.
This represents one half the estimated total cost, $153, 500, of implementing this phase of
the project as indicated on the enclosed approved budget.
The Counties of Washington and Fayette must provide $76, 750, in local matching
funds. In the application dated December 19, 1974, Exhibit V indicates local matching
funds totaling $75, 000, or $37, 500 from each county. Please revise this exhibit to show
that $38, 375 is available from each county. The revised exhibit should then be submitted
to the Bureau of Mass Transit Systems.
By copy of this letter I am directing the Bureau of Mass Transit Systems to have the
necessary legal documents for the project prepared. The Department's approval of restora-
tion of the Fredericktown ferry service is contingent upon full execution of these documents.
Respectfully yours,
E. L. Tennyson
Deputy Secretary
Local and Area Transportation
Mr, Whalen further added that the Department of Transportation had informed Mr.
Sember of the Planning Commission that the legal documents have been prepared and have
been forwarded to Mr. Sember.
Chief Ckrk added that it would then be necessary for both Washington and Fayette
Counties to execute these documents.
Chairman stated that the Board must also come up with the $3$, 375. 00.
Chief Clerk then read a letter dated April 16, 1975, from Robert P. Casey, Auditor
General which transmitted a copy of the audit report of the Liquid Fuels Tax Fund administe
by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, for the period January 1, 1974
to December 31, 1974.
Chief Clerk stated that the only exception that the Auditor General had was:
Our audit disclosed that the County of Washington complied with the
recommendations outlined in our 1973 audit report by setting up and
establithing a system of adequate internal control of Liquid Fuels
funds.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR.. EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
The current 1973 audit of expenditures amount to $864, 954. 06 includes
$20, 000. 00 which was paid for the reconstruction of a road at the
County Airport, for which plans were not submitted to the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation for approval in accordance with section
10, paragraph -(a), Act 105 approved May 21, 1931, P. L. 149 as amended,
which states:
"That no expenditure from County Liquid Fuels Tax
Fund shall be made by the County Commissioners for new
construction on roads or bridges without first having obtained
the approval of the plans for such construction from the
Department .of Transporatia n."
We recommend that the Commissioners of Washington County reimburse
$20, 000. 00 to the Washington County Liquid Fuels,Tax Fund account.
Chairman stated that this was a matter of interpretation... what is maintenance
and what is new construction? The Board of Commissioners interpreted this as maintenance
and the contract was awarded . as such. After maintenance was completed the State informed
the Board that they classify it as new construction.
Solicitor Gilmore stated previously he had verbal messages with the State over
the telephone and the State informed him if all the County was doing teas resurfacing then
there should be no problem.
Mr. Paluso stated that he did not feel that we should arbitrarily accept the State's
interpretation, but should appeal their interpretation. Mr. Paluso went on to state that we
did not build the road, it was already there, it was merely resurfaced, The State calls that
maintenance when it is done on Route #70. Chairman stated that the Board would make the
effort to appeal this, but if the state insists that the County reimburse the Washington County
Liquid Fuels fund then we will have to do it.
Mr. Whalen advised that the last item on the agenda was a request for a sixty
day leave of absence from Andy Pagac, Purchasing Agent.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that Mr. Pagac be granted a sixty
day leave of absence effective April 25, 1975.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman stated that in Mr. Pagac's absence Ms. Florence -Ritacco be appointed
acting purchasing agent.
Moved by Mr. Paluso; seconded by Mr. Jones that Ms. F. Ritacco be appointed
acting purchasing agent as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Washington County Extended Care Facility
Mr. Paluso stated that on Friday, April 18, 1975, he had been invited to meet
with Mr, William H. Watson, Vice President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Flexicore Company of Monongahela along with two (2) gentlemen representing, the unions
involved in the plant - which has been having problems. These union officials were Mr.
William H. Kreuter, Teamsters Local 872 and Mr. Frank Costello, Laborers Local 286.
Mr. Paluso further stated thA Pittsburgh Flexicore had been turned down as a supplier
for pre -stressed concrete planking for the new extended care facility.
Mr. R. M. Phillips, structural and civil engineer, for R. M. Phillips Associates, Inc.,
located in McMurray, was present at the meeting. He specializes in precast concrete and
concrete planking.
Mr. Paluso stated that this matter had been brought to his attention and he would like to
bring it to the Board's attention in hopes that something could be worked out. Mr. Paluso
stated that Flexicore had been experiencing a high rate of unemployment and could use the
contract to keep its employees working.
Materials for the new Extended Care Facility in Arden are beingpurchased from a firm in
Ohio when the materials are available from the Pittsburgh Flexicore Company in Monongahela,
at a comparable price. Mr. Paluso further stated that the General Contractor, McAnallen
Brothers of Washington, had originally intended to purchase the concrete plans from the
Pittsburgh Flexicore Company but had been told by Wallover and Mitchell, Inc, , project
architect and engineer, to deal with Spancrete Northeast of Ohio.
Mr. Phillips was retained by Pittsburgh Flexicore Company to determine if their
prestressed concrete plank floor system was equal to Spancrete for the extended care facility.
Mr. Phillips stated that his conclusion was that approximately 98% of the total floor and roof
area involved could be supplied with Flexicore's system and has been proven equal to Spancreti.
Materials for the remaining two percent could not be supplied by either firm which would mea
reengineering as stated by Mr. Phillips.
It was brought to Mr. Paluso's attention that the local company in Monongahela has
practically been shut down resulting from loss of work for 32 of the 79 employees. This
particular order for the new Extended Care Facility would enable this local industry to remain
in production for approximately seven weeks.
Mr. Paluso stated that the county should spend taxpayers money whenever possible, in
the county of Washington, or at least in the state of Pennsylvania , especially when there is
no apparent reason to do otherwise.
Statements were made by Mr. William H. Watson, Vice President and General Manager
of Pittsburgh Flexicore of Monongahela; Mr. Frank Costello, Business Agent for Laborers
Local 286, and Mr, William H. Kreuter, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 872 and various
employees from the Pittsburgh Flexicore Company.
Mr, Paluso stated that the engineer for Wallover and Mitchell seems to insist on
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Spancrete products. Mr. Paluso stated that he was puzzled by this because both firms are
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
equal on 98% of the project and Flexicore should be favored because it is a county firm.
Chairman stated that it is not the Board's prerogative to tell McAnallen
Brothers where to purchase their materials. It was further stated that the Commissioners
have signed contracts and cannot dictate to the contractors from 'Miom they should buy their
supplies.
Mr. Paluso suggested that the project architect and engineer explain to the
Board of Commissioners why this order was given to McAnallen Brothers.
Chairman stated that the deadline according to the contract must be completed
by August 31, 1976u and further stated that.Mr. Phillips is an .engineer but he is.not retained
by the County. Naturally, when he formulates an opinion, we must accept it but we cannot
accept- it from a valid standpoint because our contract is with Wallover and Mitchell and
we must accept Wallover and Mitchells' engineers advice. Chairman asked what is the use
of having an engineer from Wallover and Mitchell if the Board is not going to take his advice.
Mr. Jones commented that when the County Commissioners met with Wallover &
Mitchell it was decided that if the products for the new home were available in Washington
County then the matbrials should be purchased in Washington County.
(Further discussion was held. )
Chairman referred to a letter dated April 10, 1975, addressed to Mr. Paluso
from Lou Waller, President of McAnallen Brothers, which stated that McAnallen Brothers
was going to sign the contract with Spancrete Northeast.
Mr. Paluso stated that the contract has not yet been signed.
Chairman stated that yesterday at the Agenda Meeting was the first that he and
Mr. Jones were aware of the situation. No previous knowledge of the situation was known
to either Mr. Flynn or Mr. Jones until late Tuesday morning.
It was suggested by Mr. Jones that the Board talk with Wallover and Mitchell and
find out why this decision was made.
Chairman asked Mr. Paluso why he did not bring this matter before the Board
previrpusly.
Mr. Paluso stated that he was not sure that Flexicore had a legitimate complaint
until last Friday and was unable to contact Chairman until Tuesday becaus e Chairman was out
of town on business. It was further stated by Mr. Paluso that he wanted to be sure that
Flexicore was not just another disgruntled supplier.
(Further discussion was held).
Chairman stated that the Board would definitely contact McAnallen Brothers to
determine whether or not the agreement had been executed. If it has not been executed, the
Board would proceed from there.
11:00 A. M. - Opening of Bids for EMS Equipment.
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Deputy Controller Daniels reported that no bids were received.
Aso MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Solicitor Gilmore presented a contract for a -study of the Incidence and Prevalence
of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction in Washington and Greene Counties. Mr. Gilmore recommenl
that the Board enter into the agreement. The State is paying for everything except a few
hundred dollars of the cost. The contract involves $320. 00 of county funds already in the D/A
Budget and would involve $123. 00 of County funds in the upcoming 1975-1976 budget.
Moved by Mr. Jones; seconded by Mr. Paluso approving said contract as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes;,Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
(Solicitor added that Mr. Flynn has the authority to sign on behalf of Washington County. )
Meeting adjourned.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED:
April 23 , 1975
IEF CLERK sz
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