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Home My WebLink AboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 3 - 1-15-1976 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK 609 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR.. EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS E 7 1 Minute No. 3 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa. , January 15, 1976 The Board of County Commissioners met inregulr session with the following members being present: Commissioners Flynn, Paluso and Morgan. Also being present: Chief Clerk Brady; Solicitor Diamond; Dominick Divincenzo, Harry McConnell and John Drake of the Washington Area Senior Citizens; John Cadez of Englehardt & Power Associates; Mrs. Helen Miller of the League of Women Voters; Bob Robertson of the Observer Reporter; Philip Angelo of The Daily Notes. Chairman stated for the record that all three Commissioners and the Chief Clerk were in attendance. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 2, each member having received a copy. Mr. Flynn referred to the Continuing Investment Resolution which was adopted at last week's meeting (Minute No. 2, Page 607) and requested that it be amended to read as follows: .... that the Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to P. S. Section 511 - County Code, authorize the Chief Clerk, in conjunction with the County Controller to invest monies from time to time on a continuing basis in the form of Repurchase Agreements and Certificates of Deposit, at the most favorable rate. It is understood that all investments must be made according to the voucher check system and not on a debit and credit memo basis. Moved by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Continuing Investment Resolution be amended as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Special Order of Business: Mr. Morgan Mr. Morgan referred to the controversy over the relocation of office space for Magistrate Albert Ferralli, -District #13, and stated that the landlord has repeatedly asked that the County vacate. Mr. Morgan stated that a facility has been located which has met the requirements of the courts, and then read a memorandum dated January 13, 1976 from Judge Charles G. Sweet which stated that Magistrate Ferralli's office should be located in Canton Township on Route 844 between Wolfdale School and intersection LR-62134, no -further than 300 feet from the highway. Mr. Morgan then stated that he has just received the lease prepared by Solicitor Diamond which has been executed by the landlord. Mr. Morgan added that the rent for this facility will be $425. 00 per month and a plan of the new layout is attached and has been approved by the courts. F 610 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Remarks: I Solicitor Diamond stated that the rent would be $212. 50 until the renovations as specified on the attached specifications have been completed, and thereafter the rent would be $425. 00 per month. Mr. Diamond also stated that this lease is the same as our standard magistrate I leases except that in view of what has occurred here, he has inserted an additional clause which gives the County the option to extend the lease an additional 60 days after the lessor is notified in writing within 30 days of the expiration date of the lease. Mr. Diamond recommend ed that this clause be inserted in all of our magistrates leases in the future. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board adopt the lease for office space for Magistrate Albert Ferralli as recommended by Solicitor Diamond. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Correspondence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: 1. Commonwealth of Pa. - Balance Due - Public Utility Realty Tax (from State) Pro-Rata Share for 1975 - $1, 209. 00 2. Commonwealth of Pa. - Design and Implementation for Communication System - Full Payment ck. #430783 - State Buy -In $ 454.00 ` ck. #430785 - Federal Funds $8,180.00 TOTAL $ 8, 634. 00 3. Commonwealth of Pa. - Department of Public -Welfare Public Assistance Payment for Foster Home & Institutional Care Costs - ck. #431687 - $5, 337. 57 approval: Chief Clerk presented the following bills to the Board for their consideration and 1. U. S. Geological Survey - $12. 00 2. I. Br M. - $11. 79 3. American Right of Way Association - $35. 00 4. Prothonotaries and Clerks of Courts Association - $100. 00 Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the foregoing bills be approved for payment. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board that a notice has been received dated December 9, 1975 from Addressograph Multigraph Services Division. Said notice stated that our maintenance agreement will soon expire on our AM equipment and a renewal notice was included for the period of February 1, 1976 to January 31, 1977 at an annual rate of $177. 00. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve and execute the renewed Maintenance Agreement with Addressograph Multigraph as per above. C 1 1 1 1 1 MINUTE BOOK 611 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated December 22, 1975 from Penn's Southwest Association in reply to Mr. Whalen's letter of December 15, 1975 which indicated that Washington County could not provide financial support to the Association. Said letter pointed out a few instances in which they have been of assistance to the County in the past in hope that their future fund requests may be looked upon more favorably. Said letter stated that they would continue to do all that they could in support of the fine Washington County Economic Development effort and were hopeful that they may again deserve and receive the County's financial support. Regarding Medical Practice Arbitration, the Chief Clerk stated that Section 304 of Act 111 of 1975 requires that all health care providers practicing in Pennsylvania pay the annual fee set for their classification. Mr. Brady stated that our classification would require a fee of $100. 00, and that this item has been approved by the Solicitor. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the annual fee of $100. 00 set for the Washington County Home and Hospital as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimoulsy. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a memorandum dated January 6, 1976 from The Pennsylvania State University, Cooperative Extension Service which announced an education program on local government with the first session being held on January 21, 1976 at 7:30 p. m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Third U. P. Church, Washington, Pa. Said notice stated that there will be eight sessions in all,each approximately 2 1/2 hours in length. Mr. Brady stated that copies of this memo would be available to any interested citizen. Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated January 13, 1975 from the Washington County Commissioners to the elected heads of local government. Said memorandum stated that the Commissioners have accepted a proposal from the State Council of Civil Defense, Harrisburg, to conduct a Civil Defense Conference for Elected Officials of Washington County and its Local Governments in Washington City on January 29, 1976. Said memo also stated that the two-hour conference will be devoted to a discussion of the emergency responsibilities of State, County and Local officials and help available,both while preparing a civil defense organization and in time of disaster. The session will be Thursday evening at 7:30 p:m. on January 29, 1976 at the Court House, Chief Clerk stated that a letter dated January 8, 1976 had been received from _10. I 612 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS the Washington Area Senior Citizen Center, Inc. and introduced Mr. D. Divincenzo, who was on hand today to address the Board. Mr. Divincenzo then read the following letter: Dear Sirs: The Third Ward School building, which houses Washington Area Senior Citizen Center, Inc. may be sold by the Washington School District to McAnallen Brothers, Inc. Therefore, the Center needs now: 1. A site to be used as a Multi -purpose Senior Citizen Center. 2. Donations of vehicles, drivers, and supervisors to move kitchen stoves, refrigerators, freezers, compactor, small items of equipment, and supplies; dining room tables, chairs, serving equipment and small items; arts and crafts tables, sewing machines, storage cabinets, chairs and other items; lounge funiture, piano, record players, books, and racks, pool table, billiard table; wood shop equipment and supplies; office furniture, machines, and supplies. 3. Any one to help pack, load and unload the above. 4. Funds to renovate a new site to Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry standards. The Washington Area Senior Citizen Center is designed through its programs and activities to meet many of the needs of the elderly citizens of our community, enabling them to maintain a higher level of personal independence, to remain active, and live out their lives in dignity. Our Center is a friendly, active place where older citizens come to share a hot , meal and engage in numerous activities and educational classes. We offer free transportation to all their medical appointment shopping, and center activities. Meals -on -Wheels are provided to those confined in their homes. Increased efforts are reaching more of the isolated, physically handicapped minorities. All of these services will be lost if a new site is not found and set up immediately somewhere near the downtown section of Washington. We feel these services are the rights of all elderly persons. State and Federal funding provides most of the money for program operation. Our Center has grown to over 1400 members with little or no assistance from local government. Now we need your help. We can use your time, talents, trucks, money or any type of aid for this move. If you can help, call 222-8566, or contact Mrs. Clarlew Duke, Executive Director of the Center. / s/ Harry L. McConnell, President Board of Director / s / Clarlew S. Duke, Executive Director, Washington Area Senior Citizen Center Remarks: Mr. Morgan stated that the Commissioners would do their best in assisting in any way that they could. Mr. Paluso suggested that Anthony Luppino of Adult Welfare Service be made aware of this situation to see if he might be of some assistance. Mr. John Drake, who is also a member of the Board of the Washington Area Senior Citizens Center, stated that they had given a similar letter to the City Council and the Washington County Redevelopment Authority because there are Community Development funds that are J L� MINUTE BOOK 61.3 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK ,TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS available and have been promised to them previously for 1976. Mr. Drake also stated that they are hoping that they can generate enough activity to put the pressure on Mr. Bourke to do something similar as to what was done -in Canonsburg. Mr. Paluso stated that the Community Development funds are to the City of Washington, not the County. He further stated that the Redevelopment Authority cannot make any determination of their use, and that this is up to the Mayor and the City Council. Chief Clerk stated that Mr. Gilmore would make a progress report on the Home Rule Charter for the Government Study Commission at next week's meeting. Mr. Brady added that Mr. Gilmore had been scheduled to appear today, but was unable to attend this meeting. Chief Clerk read a letter of resignation from Charles Hrutkay. Mr. Hrutkay stated that upon being elected Supervisor of West Pike Run Township, he would like to resign as Assessor of this same township effective December 29, 1975. Remarks: Mr. Morgan suggested that Mr. Richard Gubanish be contacted in order to fill this vacancy. Mr. Paluso stated that with all due respect to the local government there, that we should formally request that the Supervisors themselves recommend someone to fill their vacancies. i Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request dated January 12, 1976 from Louise Abel, Child Welfare Services, to attend the Pa. Council of County Child Welfare Administrator ". to be held at the Host Inn, Harrisburg, from Wednesday, February 4 through Friday, February 6, 1976; at a total cost of $98. 37. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the attendance of Louise Abel at the Pa. Council of County Child Welfare Administrators as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a Transfer Agreement from Adult Welfare Services. Mr. Brady stated that this is the second such agreement presented to the Commissioners, with the first presented on October 30,1975 which was approved. Mr. Brady also added that this Agreement authorizes the transfer of Sophie Krivonic from the County Home for Women to the United Cerebral Palsy Group Home. Moved by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the Transfer Agreement as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk stated that two items of correspondence had been received tft regard to our libraries.- , Mr. Brady stated that the first item was Library Mobilization Bulletin #4 which enumerates the objectives of a Washington County Library System. Mr. Brady then read 61.4 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS a letter from Mark Asire, Principal of the Grace Bible Church in West Middletown, Pa. Mr. A sire stated in his letter that he has relied heavily on libraries in the past and having six semester hours of Library Science on the University Level, he understood the importance of a good library system. Mr. Asire mentioned the current petitioning to appropriate $157, 000 for libraries in 1976, and was especially interested in the proposed plan using these monies and State and Federal aid made possible by these appropriations, and it would among other things, provide for a library in the Avella School District. Mr. Asire asked the Commissioner s to strongly consider the possibility of making these funds avilable. Remarks: Mr. Morgan stated that this would be taken into consideration in the redoing of the Budget. Chief Clerk stated that a memorandum dated January 9, 1976 had been received from the Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pennsylvania. Said memo stated that there being no business requiring action by the Council, the meeting of the Fayette - Greene -Washington CHP Council scheduled for January 16, 1976, has been cancelled, and that the next scheduled meeting will be held on March 19, 1976. Chief Clerk read a letter from Mrs. John F. McMurtry commending Commissioner' Flynn, Adult Welfare Services and Jospeh Fetcko for their assistance in aiding a 94 year old woman, who had no known relatives and was living along. Mrs. McMurtry explained in her letter the type of assistance rendered by Mr. Flynn and the others, and that suitable living conditions are nowtrying to be located for this woman. Mrs. McMurtry added that she was grateful to know that such dedicated, caring and loving people are employed by our County and suggested that these people be commended publicly for their unselfish dedication. Mr. Morgan stated that those who were involved with this situation should be highly commended. New Business: Chairman recommended that while the Commissioners and the Solicitor are attending the conference of the Pa. State Association of County Commissioners held on Sunday, January 18 through Tuesday, January 20, 1976 in Harrisburg, Mr. Charles Gillespie be appointed as Acting Chief Clerk for this time. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the appointment of Mr. Charles Gillespie as Acting Chief Clerk as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; ; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. ( Meeting recessed until 11:00 a. m. for Opening of Bids. ) (Mr. Mascara and Mr. Bontempo entered the meeting.) MINUTE BOOK 615 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS F 1 1 11:00 A. M. - OPENING OF BIDS DENTAL EQUIPMENT FOR EXTE DED CARE FACILITY Controller Mascara opened and read the following bi : 1. Name of Bidder: Triangle Dental Equipment Company Address: 1400 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. Amount of Bid: $13', 569. 00 A bid bond w ith the Home Indemnity Company in the amount of 10% of the total bid accompanied the bid. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the foregoing bid be tabled until such time that the County Solicitor and Mr. Bontempo of Wallover & Mitchell have a chance to make a further perusal, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Flynn - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Morgan - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED: Jury 15 1976 ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK /% bg 616 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 'i MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1