HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 186 - 10-9-1975 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE Bob
451
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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Minute No. 186
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa., October 9, 1975
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following
members being present: Commissioners Jones, Palu-so and Flynn. Also being present:
Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; County Solicitor Gilmore; John Drake of
the Washington Area Senior Citizens; John Cadez of Engelhardt -Power and Associates, Inc.
Bob Robertson of the Observer -Reporter; Earl Bugaile of WKEG Radio and Phil Angelo
the Daily Notes.
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. 185, each member having received a copy.
as read.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 185 be approved
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business:
a. County Office Building - Arden
Chief Clerk stated that he reported sometime ago, that he was having the Depart-
ment of Labor and Industry make an inspection of the county office building at Arden with
the thought of getting the Child Welfare Services moved into that building. Chief Clerk
stated that the Department of Labor and Industry has made their preliminary inspection
and in order to comply fully with the items, we must submit the plans to the Building
Division of the Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg, showing the floor plans,
building elevations, means of egress, as required by Section 201 of the Building Regula-
tions. Chief Clerk stated that in order to do this, we are going to require the services
of an architect. Chief Clerk recommended that the Board so authorize an architect to do
this particular job.
Remarks:
Mr. Jones stated that we definitely need this space.
Chairman stated that in view of the fact that we have already retained Wallover & Mitchell
for the homes, he would recommend that the Board negotiate a contract, with an estimate
of the amount of money that is going to be involved to draft these plans, subject to the
Board's approval or refusal at the next meeting.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board negotiate a con-
tract with Wallover & Mitchell to draft the necessary plans as required by the Department
of Labor and Industry as per above.
452 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
emarks:
r. Paluso stated that this is not that big of a job, and further stated that he was in
vor of getting a local architect to do the job.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried.
b. Dry Run Creek
Chief Clerk then referred to the flooding problem at Dry Run Creek, and stated
hat the inspection by the Department of Environmental Resources was delayed; however,
inspection has been made as of September 30, 1975, and they will file a report with
it office with a copy to the Commissioners as soon as the report is drafted.
orrespondence:
Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks:
(1) Mon Valley Health & Welfare Council, Inc. - for senior citizens
August reimbursement - ck. # 984 - Acct. 6-6-16 - $1, 412. 29
(2) First National Bank & Trust Company - Redemption of C.D. #8455
cks. #74370 and #41141 - Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund
Principle $1, 280, 000. 00
Interest $ 16, 412.05
TOTAL $1, 296, 412. 05
(3) Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C.D. # 1282 - ck. #684160
General Fund
Principle $250, 000. 00
Interest $ 1,302.08
TOTAL $251, 302. 08
(4) First National Bank & Trust Company - Redemption of C.D. #8510
cks. #74371 and #41143 - Parks and Recreation
Principle $200, 000. 00
Interest $ 1,006.85
TOTAL $201, 006. 85
(5) Commonwealth of Pa. - Public Utility realty tax - Ck. #47-606673
Acct. 9-E - $38, 753. 00
(6) Pittsburgh National Bank - Weekend Investment - General Fund
Principle $300, 000. 00
Interest $ 137.50
TOTAL $300, 137. 50
(7) Treasurer of the U. S. - Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund -
Third Quarter Entitlement - $328, 409. 00
(8) Commonwealth of Pa. - Child Welfare - June 1975 - $3, 840.47
(9) Commonwealth of Pa. - Grants and Gifts Account
Southwestern Pa. Easter Seal Society - $4, 960. 00
United Cerebral Palsy - $4, 747. 00
United Cerebral Palsy - $9, 493. 00
$19, 200. 00
:emarks:
'hief Clerk referred to Item (5) and stated that our budget for 1975 was based on an
stimated income of $37, 500. 00. Chief Clerk then referred to Item (7) and stated that this
ntitlement is up approximately $7, 000 over the previous entitlements.
MINUTE BOOK 453
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk then presented the following bills to the Board for their consider-
ation and approval:
(1) Washington -Greene County Mental Health/Mental Retardation
Program - for quarter of April 1 - June 30, 1975 - $34, 515.04
(2) Fergus, Martin & Fergus, Attorneys at Law - under Public
Defender Act for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs.
Robert William Hull - $1, 814. 50
(3) Engelhardt -Power and Associates, Inc. - Harmon Creek Site
480 -- $26. 00
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso asked who Robert William Hull was Mr. Gilmore stated that he was
charged with murder.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the above bills be approved
for payment.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated October 2, 1975, from the
Department of Environmental Resources which enclosed an original and six copies of an
Amended Agreement between the Department of Environmental Resources and the County of
Washington, encumbering an additional $200, 000. 00 to Flood Control District No. 40, for
the Chartiers Creek Local Flood Protection Project, Canonsburg -Houston Reach, Washing-
ton County.
Remarks:
Chairman stated that this means an additional $200, 000 for Washington County.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Amended Agreement
between the Department of Environmental Resources and the County of Washington be
approved and executed 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 September 30, 1975, from the "Washington
Association of Downtown Enterprisers," which stated that they are now in the process of
making plans for their Old Fashion Bargain Days Event which will take place on
October 23, 24 and 25, 1975. Said letter stated that for one of the events, they are
running a contest, for which they will need something in which to put the coupons in.
Said letter then asked if it would be possible for them to use two of the voting ballot
boxes for this". `purpose.
Remarks:
Chief Clerk stated that he has checked this, and we do have surplus boxes available.
454 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk then read a letter dated October 3, 1975, from the Department of
Public Welfare which stated that the Office of Youth Services has been pleasedwith the
progress that Timothy Harrison and the Detention Home Staff have made at the facility.
Said letter further stated that they intend to re-evaluate the facility in the near future and
that they are expecting to find a much improved program at the detention home. Said
letter then stated that an outstanding need that remains is the acquisition of recreational
equipment for the program.
Remarks:
Chief Clerk stated that the equipme nt would cost approximately $1, 500, which would include
ping gong tables, etc. Chairman stated that we would look into the matter.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated October 3, 1975, from the
Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, regarding the requirements
of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Acquisition Act of 1970. Said
law applies to any and all land acquisition, including easements, on or after January 2,
1971, for which federal funding is provided, or upon which any federally funded constructioi
takes place. Since this requirement to comply with this law has a major impact upon
federal funding for airport development, they believe that a one -day seminar on the law may
be beneficial. Said letter stated that if there is support for such a seminar, they suggest
that those persons who will be directly responsible for land acquisition attend.
R emarks :
Chairman suggested that we reply affirmatively to this letter.
Chief Clerk stated that we now have the agreements with the Department of
Public Welfare in connection with the operations of the Washington County Home for Aged
Women. Chief Clerk stated that it is a Medical Assistance Program Intermediate Care
Facility Agreement which is to be executed by the Chairman of the Board of County Com-
missioners.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Chairman of the Board
be authorized to sign the agreement with the Department of Public Welfare as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a notice from the Department of Transportati
which stated that a regional rail meeting for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Region will be
held on Thursday, October 16, 1975, at the Pittsburgh State Office Building. Said letter
stated that this meeting will concern rail service in the county. The purpose of the meetir.
will be to determine alternatives for the continuation of rail service on those branch lines
which have not been included in the Final System Plan of the United States Railway Assoc-
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MINUTE BOOK 455
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
_ MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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R emarks :
Mr. Jones asked if Mr. Sember received a copy of this letter. Chief Clerk stated that
he did not. Mr. Jones stated that he thought Mr. Sember should go to the meeting.
Mr. Paluso stated that Mr. McAmbley should also attend the meeting.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Mr. Sember and
Mr. McAmbley be authorized to attend the regional rail meeting on October 16, 1975,
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 September 24, 1975, from the University of
Pittsburgh, Department of Anthropology. Said letter stated that in the summer of 1975,
a University of Pittsburgh Archeological Field School was conducted in the Cross Creek
Impoundment Area under permits granted by Mr. Michael George, Director of Parks and
Recreation. The field school was conducted by Dr. James M. Adovasio and Jan A
Chief Clerk stated that it has come to the attention of Dr. Adovasio, through Mr. Fowler,
a park,.employee, that Mr. Stacco, the farmer who previously leased the site for cultivatio
intends to take a deep dragline plow through the excavation area. Said+ letter further statec
that any action of this sort would destroy a major portion of the site and would constitute
an act of irrepairable vandalism, since this is a federally funded project and the- work
cannot proceed with these sorts of things occurring. Said letter asked the Commissioners
to use any measures within their power to insure that this particular act of vandalism does
not occur, and to impress upon Mr. Stacco that he has no legal right on that site, and
he is, in essence. tampering with a legitimate project sponsored by the Federal Govern -
meet.
Remarks:
Chief Clerk stated that Mr. Stacco has made application to lease, on an annual basis, the
farmland there, but he did not return the signed agreements, and he did not fulfill the
agreement by paying the fee, and he did not file an insurance certificate, so he doesn't
have any legal basis on which to even be on the property. Chief Clerk stated that
Mr. Stacco is actually trespassing. Chief Clerk stated that after reviewing this with
Mr. George, he believes that Mr. Stacco should be put on whatever legal restrictions
that are necessary to stop him from tampering with this project, since it is a federal
project. Chief Clerk suggested that this matter be referred to Solicitor Gilmore for
whatever legal action is necessary.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request to change the polling place in
anonsburg, Third Ward, Fourth Precinct, from Canonsburg Junior High School to St.
ichael's Social Hall, located on Vast College Street. Chief Clerk stated that the school
advised that they do not want the polling place there anymore. Chief Clerk also
stated that we do have the signed permission for the use of the hall.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the polling place for
456 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Canonsburg, Third Ward, Fourth Precinct, be changed from Canonsburg Junior High
School to St. Michael's Social Hall.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk then read the official question that is to be a part of the November
ballot. Said question reads as follows:
Shall Article 8, Section 17, of the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended
so that the General Assembly may provide for tax rebates, credits, ex-
emptions, grants-in-aid, State supplementations, or otherwise provide
special provisions for individuals, corporations, associations or nonprofit
institutions, including nonpublic schools (whether sectarian or nonsectarian)
in order to alleviate the danger, damage, suffering or hardship caused by
great storms or floods of 1974 or 1975?
Remarks:
Mr. Paluso stated that this is a part of the bond issue. Chief Clerk stated that this is
a part of the bond issue, but it isn't very clear.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, three
(3) On -The -Job Training Contracts with the Automotive Services Council of Pennsylvania
for Charles F. Edwards III, Kerry L. Kiefer, and Robert N. Shader as mechanics.
Chief Clerk stated that these positions have been approved by the Manpower Office.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve and
execute the three (3) On -The -Job Training Contracts as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a Statement of Community Services Admini-
stration Grant; said grant action deletes the termination date assigned in the previous
grant 75-01. No funds in grant action 75-01 shall be expended to defray expenditures for
project activities beyond September 30, 1975. Chief Clerk stated that they need the signa-
ture of the Chairman for the approval of the grant.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Chairman of the Board
be authorized to sign the grant agreement as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk then read a letter dated October 7, 1975, from the Pennsylvania
Army National Guard regarding the distribution of monies. Said letter stated that a
check in the amount of $3, 500 was received and distributed as follows:
$1900. 00 Hq 2d Bde Washington, Pa.
300.00 Hq Co 2d Bde Washington, Pa.
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MINUTE BOOK
45'7
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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$300. 00
Troop D
1 / 104th Cav
Washington,
Pa.
300.00
Company
C 1 / 110th Inf
Finleyville,
Pa.
300.00
Company
B 1 / 1 loth Inf
Canonsburg,
Pa.
300.00
Company
D 876th Eng
Finleyville,
Pa.
100.00
Det 2 28th AG Co
Washington,
Pa.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated October 6, 1975, from the
Governor's Justice Commission, regarding "Group Homes for Boys." Chief Clerk stated
that we received the initial award on this project in the amount of $46, 305. 00. Chief
Clerk further stated that the one condition in this grant is that the project must be
approved by the Department of Public Welfare prior to the release of any funds, so there
have been no funds received as yet.
Chief Clerk then read the following letter dated October 9, 1975, from Joseph F
cko, Administrative Assistant, regarding the Extended Care Facility:
As you are aware, a difficult situation has arisen concerning the Site
Preparation for the above captioned project. On Wednesday, October 8,
1975, Mr. Wildman of Wallover and Mitchell, Mr. Clay Graham and
myself met at the site to discuss this situation.
The problem at hand concerns certain work which was to be per-
formed by Ram Construction Company both on the site and on the ad-
joining property owned by Mr. Proudfit. Specifically the issue at hand
concerns inadequate and improper erosion and sedimentation control
measures relative to the site property and the neighboring Proudfit area.
The work involved must meet criteria developed by the Soil Conservation
Service, and currently, because of the improper work performed, this
situation is approaching a rather critical point. Because the original
site plan contours were altered by Ram Construction, it has become
necessary that further surveying be undertaken at this time in order to
determine the correct plan to follow in remeding this situation.
Engelhardt and Power, Inc., have informed Mr. Graham that this
work can be performed beginning October 13, 1975, therefore, it is
the recommendation of Wallover and Mitchell that the Commissioners
authorize this work to be performed by Engelhardt and Powers on a
emergency basis. No concrete figure as to cost is available, however,
it is safe to say that this work will entail several hundred dollars in
cost. Would you please discuss this matter with the Board of Com-
missioners and present it for their consideration.
R emarks :
Chief Clerk stated that Mr. Gilmore was also in this conference yesterday.
Chairman stated that the money for the cost of the survey would be taken from the money
held in escrow due Ram Construction Company.
Mr. Gilmore stated that they will be paid from the Extended Care Facility Account.
Chairman stated that the project, insofar as Ram Construction is concerned, is not
completed. Chairman stated that there is money being withheld. Chairman stated that
they have not lived up to the provisions of the contract, and that they have been so notil
that they have a seven-day period to comply. Chairman stated that the Board has no
recourse but to proceed.
(Jerry Kolanic of WWVA Radio entered the meeting.)
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize
Engelhardt and Power, Inc., to perform the necessary survey at the Extended Care
Facility on an emergency basis as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
A 0
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman stated that Mr. Cadet, a representative from Engelhardt and Power, Inc., is
present. Chairman stated that Mr. Cadez should take this as authorization to proceed,
and that a letter will follow.
New Business:
Chief Clerk stated that the Courthouse will be closed from 4:30 p.m., Friday,
October 10, 1975, until 9:00 a.m. , Tuesday, October 14, 1975, in observance of ColumbuF
Day.
Solicitor:
County Solicitor Gilmore presented to the Board for their consideration and
approval a resolution on Chartiers Creek for the preparation, execution and delivering of
deeds in regard to the properties that we received court approval to convey and receive.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board execute said
resolution for the preparation, execution and delivering of said deecb as per above.
Roll call vote take.:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Flynn: Fort he record, we do have an election coming up as of November 4, and our
concern as the Election Board is the printing of the ballots, particularly the absentee bal-
lots. As we are all aware, the absentee ballots must be mailed out and returned to the
Board of Elections no later than 5:00 p.m., on October 31, 1975, when the ballot boxes
will be distributed. The absentee ballot boxes will be inserted in respective precinct
boxes and distributed to the precincts. Again, getting back to the time element, we are
getting to the point now where we no longer can delay the printing of the ballots and
everybody is aware of the fact that it is the case insofar as Mr. Jones and Mr. Yoney
are concerned, the contestants. The case is pending in the Supreme Court; the case was
heard in Supreme Court on September 25, 1975. Now, the Board of Commissioners -
Mr. Paluso and myself, although Mr. Jones was aware of this, he did not participate in
view of the fact that he is a contestant - we did make inquiries. We called Harrisburg,
Department of State, Bureau of Elections, and talked to Mr. Mett. Mr. Mett informed ME
that this court has certified to the State Election Bureau that Mr. Yoney is considered the
winner, and therefore, the responsibility is on our shoulders. I also called the Prothono-
tary's Office of the Supreme Court in Pittsburgh, the day before yesterday, and the lady
I talked to called Philadelphia, she checked the dockets, etc. , and she informed me that
there was no opinion as yet handed down. I wanted to make it plain to her that as Chair-
man of the Election Board, I wasn't finding fault with the Supreme Court, but I wanted
her to note for the record the dilemna we're in. And we must make a decision. The
lady told me she would call me as soon as the decision was handed down. Well, as of
now, we have had no call from the Prothcn.otary's Office of the Supreme Court of the
Commonwealth. As a result thereof, in all fairness to everybody concerned, we met
yesterday and we discussed with Mr. Jones' legal counsel, Mr. Panepinto, and told him
what we must do under the election code, and we were reminded that we had taken an
oath of office and it is our responsibility to uphold our obligation; and because of the
delaying in the printing of the ballots, if anybody would be disenfranchised, we could be
held responsible, and understandably so. I was also reminded that the Election Code of
the Commonwealth is a mechanism established by the General Assembly to govern the
election process, and we are to govern ourselves accordingly. As a result of meeting wit]
Mr. Panepinto, Mr. Panepinto will petition as of this morning, the Supreme Court in
Pittsburgh, on behalf of Mr. Jones' petition for supersedeas. Now a copy of the petition
according to communications I have - a copy of the petition was mailed certified mail to
Mr. John Yoney's counsel, Mr. Gustave Diamond on October 8, 1975, a copy of the letter
transmitting petitions attached hereto. Now the Prothonotary's Office in Pittsburgh,
according to Mr. Panepinto advises that they will consider the matter as expeditiously
as possible. Now, after the meeting with Mr. Panepinto yesterday, in all fairness to
everybody involved, let it be known that we would be gracious enough to wait one more
day, but come tomorrow morning, if we have no notification of any sort from the Supreme
Court, we will proceed to print, the ballots as certified by the local ballots.
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Mr. Paluso: We are going to print enough ballots for the absentee ballot obligation to be
fulfilled and hopefully, prior to the mass printing, which is really the expense, we will
have a definite decision on exactly what to do.
MINUTE :■■
459
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK .ZONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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Mr. Flynn: Our biggest concern is the absentee ballots, and we must get those absentee
ballots out. We're told that if we notify them tomorrow morning, at 9:30 those ballots
will be ready to be mailed out on the 20th of this month, which would give them a two
week period of time to be mailed out and returned. Those going overseas will be mailed
out by airmail. I want it for the record, tomorrow morning...
Mr. Paluso: I move that the Chairman be authorized to inform the printer that at 9:00
or thereabouts, Friday, October 10, 1975, to proceed with the printing of sufficient ballots
to fulfill the absentee ballot obligation of this County and to not proceed with the general
printing of the election ballots until further notice.
Mr. Flynn: Mr. Jones will abstain from voting because he is one of the contestants.
Mr. Paluso: Once the ballots are authorized to be printed, exclusive of this particular
item, there are no other changes allowed for any reason, including death.
Mr. Flynn: As I understand the motion, this gives the Chairman the authority to call the
printer tomorrow morning at 9:00 or shortly thereafter, and notify them to proceed with
the printing of the absentee ballots. I might say for the record, I would also notify the
gentleman that this is natuiially a verbal instruction, and will be followed up with a letter
confirming our conversation.
Mr. Paluso: I would suggest that the exact time and the date of the authorization to
proceed be duly noted and witnessed for the protection of the County.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that -.the Chairman be authorize(
to inform the printer that at approximately 9:00 a.m. , Friday, October 10, 1975, to
proceed with the printing of sufficient ballots to fulfill the absentee ballot obligation of the
County and not to proceed with the general printing of the election ballots until further
notice.
Roll Call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Abstained; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried.
Mr. Whalen: We have a situation as far as ballot boxes are concerned. We have two
complete sets of ballot boxes. The first set contains the 1972 Presidential Election
material. The law calls for retaining those intact for 22 months after the election. We'r(
far beyond that. Now to plan for this election, we are going to have to clean those boxes
and get them ready. They have to be emptied and cleaned. The second set of boxes
contains the 1975 Primary Election materials, and they're all stored in the same room.
So, of necessity, we have to take the first set of boxes out of that room so that we can
empty them and clean them. And the question is what satisfactory security are we going
to talk about to go in there and remove this one set of ballot boxes from that room.
Mr. Flynn: Well, when you're speaking of security, it would be my thinking that in view
of the fact that those -boxes aren't impounded, there's no guard on them now, I think it
would be up to the two contestants, if they so desire, it would be their responsibility;
otherwsie they will have to trust the integrity and honesty of the people getting the boxes
out.
Mr. Paluso: But, with the stipulation that the Director of Elections will be personally
responsible for the supervision of this job. Because conceivably, with the number of
boxes in it, they can accidentally take the wrong boxes, and there would be no way then
to unscramble them. So I would say that the Director of the Election Office personally
supervises the operation for the protection of Mr. Jones and Mr. Yoney.
Mr. Flynn: I think your point is well taken and I would further suggest along the same
lines that we've been notified of the parties... John Doe and Jim Smith are going in to
remove those boxes - that's the only two that would be authorized to go in there.
Mr. Paluso: Under the personal supervision of the Director of Elections. And the two
concerned parties have the right to have an observer if they so desire.
Mr. Flynn: That is correct.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the 1972 Presidential
460 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Election ballot boxes be removed and that Mr. Jones and Mr. Yoney be permitted to
designate someone to represent them at the removal of the ballot boxes, and that
Mickie Farrah, Director of Elections, be personally responsible for supervising the -
removal of said ballot boxes.
Roll Call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED:
October 9 1975
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CHIEF CLERK sh
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