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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 169 - 5-29-1975 - COMMISSIONER4JU MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 169 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., May 29, 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 Gilmore; John Drake of the Senior Citizens Center; John Stevens of the Observer -Reporter; Jay Mitchell of W. J. P. A. Radio, Earl Bugaile of WKE,G; Mr. Roland Bourke and Mr. Robert Umstead of the Redevelopment Authority; Mrs. Helen Miller of the League of Women Voters; Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent; and Mrs. Harold McKenna, Mildred McCracken and Nellie Ge re in. Meeting called to order and roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 168, each member having received a copy. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 168 be approved as read Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Special Order of Business - Redevelopment Authority - RE: Monongahela Business District Chief Clerk stated that Mr. Roland Bourke from the Redevelopment Authority was at the ting to present a resolution for the Monongahela Business District. Mr. Roland Bourke stated that under state law the county commissioners are required to approve or disapprove a proposal for any community in the county prior to contract. The city of Monongahela has made proposal to the Redevelopment Authority to acquire 64, 000 feet of land adjacent to the new e hall for the purpose of building a new city hall. (Mr. Bourke presented visual aids of the oposed buildings. ) Mr, Bourke added that these buildings should be a compliment to the ntire downtown area. emarks: Chairman, asked Mr. Bourke if he is requesting that the Board adopt the necessary proposal. Also, Chairman asked if all the necessary agencies have approved this proposal. Mr. Bourke replied that it has been approved by all the required agencies. F� MINUTE :■■ 2;31 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS J u RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF DISPOSITION PARCEL NO. 10 IN THE MONONGAHELA BUSINESS DISTRICT URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT, PENNA. R-355, BY THE CITY OF MONONGAHELA AND THE FORM OF THE REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT WITH SAID DEVELOPER WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington has executed an amendatory Loan and Capital Grant Contract with the United States of America, dated January 17, 1973, providing for financial aid to the said Authority under Title I of the Housing Act of 1949 as amended by all amendatory acts including the Housing Act of 1954, which project is known as the Monongahela Business District Urban Renewal Project, Penna . R-344, and WHEREAS, in the execution of said Project, the said Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington has received a proposal from the City of Monongahela for the redevelopment of Disposition Parcel No. 10, and WHEREAS, the said Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington has submitted the proposal and the form of redevelopment contract for approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and said contract is in substantial conformity with the proposal heretofore approved by the County Commissioners of Washington County. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso adopting said resolution as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Mr. Bourke and Mr. Umstead left the meeting at this point. ) Old Business: Brovey - Dezack - Coleman The Court Disposition of the Brovey-Dezack-Coleman issue was presented to the Boar Chairman stated that the Union, on behalf of Brovey-Dezack-Coleman, have filed suit against the County for non-payment of back wages. The Union has agreed with the Court that these gentlemen should be paid back wages as long as the money does not come from the Courts. (A brief discussion was held, ) Mr. Paluso suggested that County Solicitor Gilmore negotiate a settlement for the suit entered against the County on behalf of Brovey-Dezack and Coleman. Chairman asked if authorizing Solicitor Gilmore to negotiate a settlement was a proper approach to take. Solicitor replied that this was proper. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones authorizing Solicitor Gilmore to negotia settlement for the suit entered as per above. Remarks: Chairman asked if the Board authorizes Solicitor Gilmore to negotiate a settlement coul it not exceed the original request. County Solicitor Gilmore commented that he did not quite understand the question. Chairman asked if the negotiations would remain within the frame- work of the original demand. Solicitor replied Yes. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 432 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS orresponclence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: (1) _, Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C. D. #1185 ck. #606888 - 1974 Bond Issue Account Principle $2, 500, 000. 00 Interest $ 12, 500. 00 TOTAL $2, 512, 500. 00 (2) Commonwealth of Pa, - for Volunteers -In -Probation ck. #81-0898441 - $1, 283. 00 (3) Pittsburgh National Bank - Weekend Repurchase Agreement ck, #606957 - General Fund Principle $700, 000. 00 Interest $ 311.11 TOTAL $700, 311. 11 Chief Clerk then presented the following bills to the Board for their consideration and approval: (1) Badzik Printing Service - $16, 939. 15 - ballots for Primary Election (2) Badzik Printing Service - $8, 403. 26 - Special Question Ballots (3) Ramada Inn - $262. 95 - Election Conference Expense (4) Washington County Conservation District - $8, 000.00 - budget item (5) Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission - $9, 990. 00 representing 50% of Washington County's share of the 1975 budget (6) William C. Porter - $105. 75 - Cross Creek Site 659 (7) William C. Porter - $142, 50 - Cross Creek Site 659 (8) Gordon Office Equipment, Inc. - $2, 750. 00 - balance billing on Installation of steel shelving and related material for Law Library (9) Cooperative Extension Service - $7, 000. 00 - budget item (10) Aspect Four, Inc. - $1, 062, 50 - (50% of $2, 125, 00) - Sewage Lift Station Study - Industrial Development Revolving Fund Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the above bills be approved for payment. Remark.q Mr. Paluso suggested to the Chief Clerk that he send a xerox copy of the County's half payment check to Superior Valve because previously there has been some misunderstandin Chairman asked what was the end result of*the meetings. Chief Clerk stated that a meeting has been arranged for all parties involved in the Arden facility because it is apparent that there is going to have to be a capital expenditure of $35, 000, 00 to $50, 000. 00 spent to correct the problem. Chief Clerk further stated that at some future date it is the intent of the sewer authority to construct some new lines to handle the problems., All of these have to be coordinated before any capital expenditures should be made. Chief Clerk added that Mr. McAmbley is setting up a meeting with all parties involved. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE B❑❑K �33 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 received from Wallover and Mitchell dated May 27, 1975, concerning Mr. Ralph Ogden, .Resident Inspector.for the Extended Care Facility. Wallover and Mitchell have approved Mr. Ogden's time sheets for the weeks commencing April 19 through May 16 and they are recommending payment. Chief Clerk requested approval from the Board for payment and then it would be computed on the basis of his contract. Moved by Mr. Jones,. seconded by Mr. Paluso approving, payment for Mr, Ralph Ogden as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board that on May 30th Washington County will publish their Planned Use Report for the General Revenue Sharing for the entitlement period beginning July 1, 1975 through June 30, 1976. During that period of time it is estimated tYa t the County will receive $1, 313, 637. 00 from these funds. These funds are allocated in entirety to the construction of a new home for the aged, Next, Chief Clerk advised the Board that Mr. Showalter, Superintendent of the Womens Home, has requested permission to attend a long care facility management seminar at Penn Center, Holiday Inn, Philadelphia on September 8, 9 and 10, 1975. Also, Chief Clerk further stated that another request was received from Mr. Showalter to attend the American College of Nursing Home Administrators in DuBois, Pennsylvania, on June 3, 1975, Mr. Whalen recommended that Mr. Showalter's requests be approved. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso approving Mr. Showalter's request to attend the above named seminars. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Chief Clerk read a letter dated 19 May 1975 directed to Congressman Thomas E. Morgan regarding Raccoon Creek Basin, Water Resources Development, Raccoon Creek Basin runs through the northern section of Washington County. Said letter stated that notice would be distributed to all interested parties. Chief Clerk informed the Board that a request was received from Mr. William Sember Executive Director of the Washington County Planning Board, dated May 22, 1975 to attend a Public Resources Seminar sponsored by SPEDD to be held at Seven Springs, Somerset County relative to grants- in -aid programs available at the State and Federal level. The seminar will be held on June 11, 12 and 13, 1975. Chief Clerk recommend that Mr. Sember be authorized to attend this seminar. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso approving Mr. Sember's request as per above, 4"� MINUTE ■ ■ a 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. On April 28th, Chief Clerk advised that he sent a memorandum to the Commissioners concerning an expense reimbursement policy to be studied in connection with the field personnel in the Tax Assessment Office. Chief Clerk stated that he and Mr., Gubanish, Chief Assessor, have worked together on this project. Mr. Gubanish has found a control for his field personnel in which he will schedule them on a weekly basis. He will know exactly what their travel re- quirements are for each and every week. These field men will be required to repgrt on a daily basis the name and address of the properties they have visited for assessment purposes, Mr. Whalen recommended that the Board approve the suggested expense policy for the field personnel at the Tax Assesment Office. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones that the Board approve the suggested expense policy as per above. Remark.q- Mr. Paluso suggested that someone should monitor this system for a month or two to see if it works. Chief Clerk stated that he would monitor the system for one month. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter from the Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Company dated April 24, 1975, inviting the commissioners to attend their Fireman's Parade on June 20th, Chief Clerk read a letter from the Department of Housing and Urban Development dated May 20, 1975. We have received the enclosed application from the State Housing Finance Agency proposing assisted housing in your jurisdicitiori to be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 'Pursuant to Section 213 (c) of the Housing and Community Development Act ,of 1974, we must determine whether or not there is a need for such housing assistance, taking into consideration any applicable State housing assistance plan, and that there is or will be available in the area public facilities and services adequate to serve the housing proposed to be assisted. An application may be approved only if our determination is in the affirmative. Remarks: Chairman suggested that,this be forwarded to Mr. Stefan, Executive Director of the Housing Authority. They would be more in a position to answer this than the Commissioners. Mr. Paluso suggested a copy being sent to Mr. Sember of the Planning Commission and also to the Redevelopment Authority. Chairman suggested that all three agencies should receive a copy of this letter. MINUTE ■■ 400 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA _ MICHAEL R FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 1 Chief Clerk advised that the Board received an invitation from the Department of Labor to attend an Open House at 75 East Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania, on June 5, 1975, between 10:00 and 12:00. Chairman stated that the Board would be in session at that time. It was suggested that the Department of Labor and Industry be notified of receipt of said invitation and extend the Board's thanks but that is the scheduled time of the weekly Regular Meeting. Chief Clerk advised the Board of receipt from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, the Project Agreement concerning the construction of flood water retarding structure site PA 485-Harmon Creek Watershed, Washington, Pennsylvania. They are moving to have this project bid and the estimated cost of construction is $1, 100, 000. Chief Clerk further advised that the County is the sponsor and the Project Agreement is to be executed by the Board of County Commissioners. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso authorizing chairman to execute Project Agreement on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones- Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk advised that along with the Project Agreement, is the Operating and Maintenance Agreement for Structural Measures concerning the dam when it is completed, The County is responsible for the maintenance of the dams once they are completed and turned over to the County. This Operation and Maintenance agreement must also be approved Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso authorizing chairman to execute Operating and Maintenance Agreement on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk then read a letter from the Department of Labor and Industry dated May 21, 1975, addressed to Mr. Flynn advising that a hearing is to be held before the Industrial Board in reference to the Washington County Home for Women. Remarks Chairman asked what is the status of the County getting reimbursed from the Department of Welfare. Chief Clerk stated that two months ago the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Welfare informed the County that their plan of correction for the Womens Home Facility had been rejected by Labor and Industry, In the same mail the Board received formal notification from the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare that they would no longer reimburse the County for patient care at that facility. At the Board's direction both decisions were immediately appealed. Chief Clerk further stated that on April 21; 1975, Chairman and himself appeared before the Department of Labor and Industry Office in Harrisburg to discuss the entire problem. At that time Chief Clerk and Chairman filed an amended statement of deficiencies and correction which was fully acceptable to the Department of Labor and Industry. However, the final disposition on 436 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS statements of deficiencies and corrections must dome through the Industrial Board itself, Chief Clerk added that the Board filed a protest on the Department of Welfare's attitude on refusing to reimburse the County, On Friday, May 23, 1975, Mr, Showalter and Chief Clerk attended a hearing at the State Office Building in Pittsburgh. The Department of Welfare's file was incomplete. They had no knowledge that Washington County had filed a new stat ement of deficiencies and corrections and they were quite embarrassed, The Department of Welfare has now withdrawn all of their objections and the County is back in good graces with the Department of Welfare as far as payments are concerned. from the Department of Housing & Urban Developrr Chief Clerk read a letter dated May 20, 1975,/ addressed to Mr. Roland Bourke concerning some alleged deletions from the urban county application, Chief Clerk was directed to refer this matter to Mr. Bourke for explanation, Chief Clerk advised that in response to letters Mr. Flynn had sent to various Senators and Representatives concerning the Section 701 Planning Programs replies were received - from Senator Scott and Senator Birch Bayh. Both letters thanked Mr. Flynn for his comments, Senator Bayh expressed- his appreciation for strong support for adequate funding for the 701 Planning Assistance Program, Chief Clerk read a letter from Senator Scott dated May 22, 1975, in reference to the Federal Insurance Administration, Under 'the direction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development the Federal Insurance Administration has madeFederal Flood Relief Insurance .available to communities which have special flood hazards. SeverSl communities in Washington County are available for this Federal Flood Relief Insurance and have not applied as of yet. Remarks: Mr. Jones commented that this has been publicized several times, Mr. Whalen commented that several communities on the list are flood prone areas. Mr. Flynn suggested that the news media might wish to advertise this again. The deadline to apply is July 1, 1975, Chief Clerk read a letter that was received from the Department of Public Welfare, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under date of May 19, 1975, directed to Mr, Flynn, Said letter served as an introduction from Mrs. Anna Bell Calloway, the new Regional Deputy Secretary of Welfare. Chief Clerk read a letter from Allegheny Power Service Corporation dated May 21, 1975, Allegheny Power has been involved in preliminary planning for a new transmission corridor for West Penn, The proposed project will include construction of approximately r 65 miles of transmission facilities within Pennsylvania. Said letter notified of a meeting to be held on June 5, 1975, at the West Penn Power Company in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, at 7:30 P.M. to explain the proposed route to all officials from involved counties, townships and boroughs. Chief Clerk suggested that Mr, Clay Graham attend this meeting on June 5, 1975. .ent i E 11 MINUTE BOOK 401 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS E 1 Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration an On -The -Job Training Contract from the Office of Manpower Planning, for the Al Barry Dodge Company, Charleroi, Pennsylvania, for Jaime Pacheco as an automobile mechanic., This has been approved by both the Manpower Office and the Bureau of Employment Security. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the Board approve and execute the O-J-T Contract with the Al Barry Dodge Company as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Palusro-Yes;; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk advised that the next matter on the agenda was the proposed agreement between the County of Washington and the Canon -McMillan School District. Chairman called upon Mr. Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent, to relate the differences between the proposed agreement and the 1974 agreement that presently is in effect. Mr. Graham pointed out that there were significant differences in the agreements - monetary differences for one and specifically the school board has added requirements that they feel should be adhered to by the county, specifically involving the road. Mr. Graham further stated that the school board is requesting that the new physical improvements regarding the road be completed within 90 days which is impossible for the construction crews. Mr. Graham added that he had spoken with Bob Zeman, who had reviewed the current agreement and his advice was not to enter into the new 1975 agreement until further discussion had been held. The 1974 agreement is a binding agreement between the County of Washington and the School District. Remarks - Mr. Jones stated that the County has a valid agreement with the School District and that agreement should be kept. Mr. Paluso stated that there is a third party involved in the agreement and that is the Borough. Perhaps a meeting should be held between all parties involved. Mr. Graham stated that he feels what is needed is a meeting between the County, the School Board and the Council to iron out their difference-s. Mr. Paluso further stated that the original agreement called for $20, 000; the amended agreement with all of the additional expenses to the county only costs $7, 500. He further stated that he would be interested in the reasons behind the changes. Chairman stated that Mr. Paluso raised a good point. The Board has attended numerous meetings and to no avail. Chairman stated that the fiscal year ends June 30th. The Corp of Engineers have been insisting that they must have the unqualified right -of - entry for Section 2A. They are not going to tolerate this much longer. As far as the School Board is concerned, Chairman stated there has been little or no cooperation from them. Chairman suggested the Board follow Mr. Paluso's suggestion and have a sit down meeting. Mr. Graham stated that he was concerned that if the problem was not settled by the end of the fiscal year, the Federal Government might ask for some of the project funds back. He further stated that he would try and set up a meeting for all parties involved. Chairman authorized Mr. Graham to set up said meeting. Chief Clerk advised the Board of Mrs. Carmella Jeffers resignation to be effective June 6, 1975, as the switchboard operator, New Business: Chief Clerk advised that there were a few items in connection with the Election Department. First, acknowledgment of a petition filed with the Election Department in 4238 'nINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS connection with the nomination for office of City Treasurer, Monongahela, Penna. for the accumulation of votes cast on the Republican Ballot. I, Helen Marie Doty of 109 Third Avenue, Monongahela Washington County, • Pennsylvania, being duly sworn certify that the names, Helen Marie Doty, Marie Doty, and H. Dotte are one and the same person, and affiant requests that all votes be accumulated under the name Helen Marie Doty. Helen Marie Doty Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd day of May, 1975 This has been duly filed with the Election Board, Chief Clerk stated. Next, Chief Clerk advised of the certification to the State Board of Elections for military ballots cast of which there were 53 which the County has reimbursed at the rate of 11 $. 40 each amounting to $21. 20. This must be executed by the County Board of Elections, Chief Clerk advised of the listing of absentee ballots that were requested and this also must be executed by the Board of Elections and filed with the State Board of Elections. Chairman recommended approval of both the military and absentee ballots as per above. allots. Solicitor: Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso approving both absentee and military Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned.. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: Mav 29 , 1975 C 1