HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 98 - 12-13-1973 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE B00K 195
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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Minute No. #98 Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa., December 13, 1973
The Washington County Board of Commissioners met in regular session with the
following members being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also present
being: Acting Chief Clerk Charles A. Crouse; County Solicitor Oliver N. Hormell; Mr. Metro
Petrosky, Jr. - Director of Adult Welfare Services; Mr. Bob Robertson of The Observer -
Reporter; Mr. John Merdian - WJPA Radio; Mrs. June Lilley of The Daily Notes; and Ms.
Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters.
Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken:
Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present.
Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minutes No.
#96 and #97, each member having received a copy.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minutes No. #96 & #97 be approved,
as read.
Roll call vote -taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Reports - None
Old Business:
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of a confirmation received from the Department
of Environmental Resources on the Chartiers Creek Local Flood Protection Project, Canons-
burg -Houston Reach, encumbrance in the amount of $100, 000. 00, which brings the total en-
cumbrance up to $145, 000. 00.
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board that upon contacting Mr. James Gregg,
Custodian of the Juvenile Detention Home, for a compilation on the number of juveniles detainee
in the Washington County Detention Home from Greene County, that he would recommend that
the sum of $15. 00 per day be approved by the Commissioners for the maintenance of Greene
County juveniles in the Washington County Juvenile Detention Home.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
Commissioners approve the sum of $15. 00 per day for the maintenance of Greene County
juveniles in the Washington County Juvenile Detention Home. Said action based upon the
recommendation of Acting Chief Clerk and Administrative Assistant Charles A. Crouse.
Roll call vote taken: t
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr—Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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Correspondence:
(bills)
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks:
(a) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $2209. 03 - State Council of Civil Defense -
Personnel and Administrative Reimbursement.
(b) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $2091. 00 - Service Purchase Contract - Housing
Conference - full payment.
(c) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $1282. 93 - Mon Valley United Health Services -
Month of September, Contract #1761.
(d) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $1439. 13 - Public Assistance payment for Child
Welfare Services - foster home and institutional care costs - month of September.
(e) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $2274. 44 - Public Assistance Payment for Child
Welfare Services - month of September.
(f) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - $540. 00 - Coordinating Service SPAG - Invoice 2 -
McGuffey Area.
(g) Department of Community Affairs - $25, 646. 00 - Land Acquisition Recreational
Project for Washington County (partial payment).
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for
payment:
(a) Boston, Mutual Life Insurance Company - $1867. 30 - prepayment on first monthly
premium for Life Insurance Contract recently awarded.
(b) Southwestern Pennsylvania Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children & Adults, Inc. -
$45. 00 for physical therapy evaluations for John Furness, James C. Brusco and Edward
Kobierski at the Men's Home.
(c) John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - $740.40 for professional services rendered in
reference to recent PLR,B Hearing .
(d) Domenic Parente Contractors - $116, 130. 00 - site development contract at Mingo
Creek County Park - Project #42-00153 - estimate #3.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of a memorandum under date of December 13,
1973, directed to all Department Heads and Elected Officials informing of a meeting to be held
at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom #3, on December 21, 1973, with reference to the proposed budget
for 1974.
Acting Chief Clerk read a copy of correspondence under date of November 30, 1973,
from William R. B. Froehlich, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional
Planning Commission directed to Mayor George Stewart, with reference to comments on the
City of Washington's intention to file a preliminary application to the Urban Mass Transportation.
Administration, United States Department of Transportation, for planning funds to undertake a
transit feasibility study ,for the greater Washington area. Correspondence stated that as a result
of a review of said proposal, that the SPRPC encourages the City of Washington to prepare and
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MINUTE BOOK
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
submit said, application to undertake said proposed transit study. Correspondence further
recommended that said study be closely coordinated with the SPRPC and that a check -point
meeting be held shortly after authorization to. proceed with said study has been given by the
Federal ,agency. In conclusion,_ the SPRPC requested the opportunity to review the draft
report prepared as part of said project in sufficient time to have comments considexed prior
to the publication of a final report.
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of House Bill No. #1237 which
is in reference to counties which have adopted or will be adopting a Home Rule Charter.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 5, 1973, from H. E.
Myers,, Director of the Bureau of Municipal Services, which stated that due to a tremendous
work load, the representative from said Bureau who visits Washington County concerning the
administration of Liquid Fuels Tax Funds and other matters may not be able to visit Washingtoni
County prior to December 31, 1973.
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of Senate Bill No. #1332 which was
in reference to a proposal for a Nottingham Township Road as a State Road.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 5, 1973, from,A. E.
Molinski, P. E., District Engineer - Department -of Environmental Resources, directed to
William Sember, Director of the Planning Commission, which advised that as soon as official
word is received from Harrisburg with reference to the construction of a treatment facility
at the Catsburg Mine along Pigeon _Creek, Carroll Township, that Mr. Sember will be contactec..
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 5, 1973, from Dan
Guynes, Assistant to the Publisher, The Daily Notes - which informed the Commissioners that
Mr. Guynes will be contacting the Commissioners in the near future with reference to the
Review and Forecast edition for 1974.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence from William R. B. Froehlich, Executive
Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission to the Commissioner3
which advised that no increase is anticipated for 1974 against the County Budget; therefore the
amount of $19, 980. 00 is requested.
Eric Bugaile entered the meeting.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 4, 1973, from Charles
Chattaway directed to the Board of Commissioners which requested a meeting with ,the Board
relative to the program of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. Chairman suggested that
Acting Chief Clerk acknowledge said letter and arrange for a meeting after the holidays with
the Commissioners.
Acting Chief Clerk read _correspondence under date of December 10, 1973, from Judge
Paul A. Simmons, which, recommended that a part-time nurse be hired to coordinate the health
assessment of each child under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. - Correspondence attached
a letter from Dr. Kathryn H. Lewis of the Children's Hospital of, Pittsburgh which was also read
MINUTE ■ ■
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
read by Acting Chief Clerk. A discussion was held and the Board was of the opinion that Dr.
Lewis was of the misunderstanding that juveniles were kept in the Detention Center for an in-
definite period. It was noted that all juveniles are held in said Home up to forty-eight (48)
hours. Chairman recommended that Acting Chief Clerk acknowledge receipt of Judge Simmons
request and advise that the Commissioners have taken said request under advisement.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 4, 1973, from
the Department of Transportation, H. E. Myers, Director of the Bureau of Municipal Services,
which advised of a forthcoming check in the amount of $269, 669. 57 representing the County's
December payment of the 1973 Liquid Fuels allocation.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 10, 1973, from
Edward Fibbi - Director of the Mon Valley Area Vocational -Technical School, which requested
any supplies such as cards, paper, forms, disc-paks, etc. that are no longer being used by
the County due to NCR payroll service at one time for employees.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
or supplies
Commissioners go on record approving any obsolete material/in the possession of Washington
County to be transmitted to the Mon Valley Area Vocational -Technical School.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Pa].uso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 6, 1973, from
Robert D. Graham, R. A. - Administrative Architect/Carl G. Baker Architects, which
informed the Commissioners that as a result of a rre eting held on December 4, 1973, with
Director John F. Dwyer of'the Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, concerning the
recent request for a waiver on some of the statements of deficiencies based on the waiver re-
ceived from the Industrial Board prior to July 1, 1973, that it will be necessary that a SSA
Form be filled and a discussion beheld on the request for waivers on various items. Acting
Chief Clerk states( that Mr. Graham will be meeting with Mr. Crouse ,on Monday, December 17,
1973, at 1:30 p.m.
Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 7, 1973,, from the
Greene County Board of Commissioners, which advised that Mr. Al Jarek, R. D. #1, Box 187.
Rices Landing, has been appointed as a Greene County member of the Washington -Greene County
Drug and Alcohol Planning and Implementation Council for a two (2) year term.
Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of a telegram received from Congressman
Thomas E. Morgan under date of December 10, 1973, which advised the approval of a grant
by the Office of Economic Opportunity in the amount of $21, 500. 00 to the Washington -Greene
Community Action Corporatio.n in Washington, Pa., to begin January 1, 1974 for a six-month
period with the delegate agency to be the Washington -Greene County Legal Aid Society. Said
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MINUTE BQUK*
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS
grant will provide services to Washington and Greene counties and is to provide legal services
counseling and representation at the trial and appellant level as well as before administrative
agencies - two attorneys will be operating out of one (1) office.
Acting Chief Clerk requested that the records indicate that as per Minute No. #95
dated November 29, 1973, the Agreement and Statement of Safeguards -have been forwarded
to the Department of Revenue with reference to reimbursement for and use of data from 1972
Federal Income Tax Returns. The following represents the Confidential Tax Data Security
Control Statement:
December 12, 1973
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 15301
CONFIDENTIAL TAX DATA SECURITY CONTROL
In connection with the County of Washington application for use of data from 1972 Federal
Income Tax Returns, the following Security and Confidential Safeguards shall be effective
and in full force.
A. Personnel:
1. County Administrator and Chief Clerk F. D. Whalen shall be responsible for enforce-
ment of safeguards.
2. Access file containing Federal Income Tax Data shall be limited to authorized personnel
only.
3. Authorized personnel shall be limited to the fewest possible trustworthy employees,
not exceeding three (3) such employees and they shall be duly designated in writing by the
County to be: Kay Lawrence, Ann Golmitz and Philomena Chuey.
4. Should the occasion arise for other than originally designated authorized personnel to
have access to these files, such access shall be duly authorized in writing for such specific
purpose.
5. Persons having access to- these files shall be duly apprised of the penalties per Section
7213 IRS Code 1954.
B. Physical Facilities:
1. Confidential tax data shall be stared in locked files.
2. Room containing confidential tax data shall be locked when not in use and access shall be
controlled by and limited to authorized personnel.
C. Utilization of a commercial computer service company shall'not be used or permitted in
processing any part of the Federal Tax Data.
D. Miscellaneous:
1. Special care will be given to prevent any unauthorized duplication of confidential tax data.
2. This data shall in no manner be used for "Mailing list" preparations.
3. Social Security numbers shall not be included in any address label or envelope address of
any taxpayer.
The County of Washington agrees to abide by and enforce thei foregoing saftguards in connectior.
with the handling,of J. R. S. tax information to be furnished this County.
Michael R. f lynn / s /
Michael R. Fl m, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST: Frank Jones, Jr. /s,/
Frank Jones, Jr. - Commissioner
Edward M. Paluso /s /
Edgard M. Paluso - Commissioner
200 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Controller Elish entered the meeting.
New Business:
Mr. Metro Petrosky, Jr. - Director of Adult Welfare Services, made a presentation
to the Board with reference to the future of Title III funding of the Older Americans Act'. A
discussion was held by the Board members following said presentation.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington'County Board of
Commissioners go on record approving Washington County's participation in the planning' and
service area designated by Western Regional Department of Public Welfare. Said action based
upon the recommendation of Mr. Metro Petrosky, Jr., Director of the Adult Welfare Services.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes, Mr—Paluso "-Yes.; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman read a memorandum under date, -.of December 12, 1973, from County
Controller Elish in reference to the 1972 Tax Duplicate Charge. Memorandum recommended
that Malcolm L. Morgan, County Treasurer, be exonerated from -any additional responsibility
in connection with the 1972 Real Estate Tax Duplicate. Memorandum enclosed a schedule of
liens for personal and real property on all uncollected taxes.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
Commissioners exonerate Malcolm L. Morgan, County Treasurer, from any additional re-
sponsibility in connection with the 1972 Real Estate Tax Duplicate; said action based upon the
recommendation of County Controller Elish.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Palusa - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman recommended to the Board that the Washington County Mental Health/
Mental Retardation Clinic Board be abolished due to the recent election held whereby Washington
County was declared the employer and the County was notified by the Pennsylvania Labor
Relations Board that an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union was certified as
the bargaining agent.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
Commissioners abolish the Washington County Mental Health/Mental RetardatiohiClinic Board
effective January 1, 1974.
Remarks:
Mr. Flynn: For the record - the present members are Mr. Thomas Knight; Mr. Clarence
Crumrine; Dr. Guy Frisk; Dr. Joseph Siegel; and Mrs.'Cora rant; Michael R. Flynn - and"
they will be so notified by letter of said action.
Roll call vote taken:
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Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE BOOK 201
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Solicitor:
County Solicitor Hormell recommended that the one (1) bid received from M & M
Equipment Sales Company for the Stream Clearance at Chartiers Creek, Phase I, Canonsburg -
Houston, Reach, be rejected and that said project be readvertised due to (l) the bid was addressed
to the wrong person although it was ultimately received by the Controller; (2) the bid was
submitted dependent upon diesel fuel being available; and (3) the bid, did not contain the bid
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
Commissioners reject the bid as submitted by M & M Equipment Sales Company as per above
based upon the recommendation of the County Solicitor;• and that said bid be readvertised
for bidding.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn -( Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Board of
Commissioners approve and execute the Notice of Filing of Declaration of Taking with
regard to the property of Andrew M. Morrison,, May Morrison his wife and Kenneth Lusk
situate in Nottingham Township, Washington County, containing 83. 043 acres; said property
being condemned for recreation, conservation and historical purposes. Said action based
upon the recommendation of County Solicitor Hormell.
Roll call vote taken: . r r , • • , r,, - _
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes;'Mr. Flynn -Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
County Solicitor Hormell presented a, requisition for payment,of •$1,51; 000. 00 to William
C. Porter, Esq. to cover the cost of the acquisition of the Robert H. Muir et ux property
in Mingo Creek Park.
Mr. Hormell: On those acquisitions of property by the County through condemnation and other-
wise, it has been the policy of the Commissioners to aid and assist local taxing authorities
by assuming a pro -rated share of the local taxes during the current year that the property
was acquired. This policy has been in existence for some years. It is my recommendation
that this policy be continued and implemented in that- when a requisition is made for monies
to be used in acquisition - that the requisition also include a projected cost figure as to what
our obligation for those local taxes for the current year might be and that the attorney closing
the transaction would use these funds for that purpose and setting forth in the settlement sheet
which he submits to the County after closing the fact that these funds were distributed for that
purpose and the amounts so distributed.
202 MINUTE BOOK
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, to continue the longheld practice
of helping local municipalities for the current year's taxes and to accept the. recommendation
of County Solicitor Hormell in that requisitions for such purposes be made at. the time the
requisition for the purchase price is made,based upon estimates which the closing attorney .
will make; also - that the sum of $15, 000. 00 be approved and made payable to William C.
Porter, Esq. to cover the cost of acquisition of the Robert H. Muir et ux property in Mingo
Creek County Park.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. -Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
County Solicitor Hormell informed the Board of a memorandum under date of
Nomember 5, 1973, from George Kubovcik, Chief Adult Probation Officer; .which attached
seven (7) applications in the amount of $5. 00 each representing yearly dues for the Penn-
sylvania Association on Probation, Parole and Correction.! � County Solicitor Hormell stated
that he is of the opinion that dues or membership in said organization is intended only to
benefit the individual and is no ;,different than the Bar Association or Medical Society - and
that tax money should not be used to pay said dues.
Moved by Mr. Jones; seconded by Mr. Paluso, that ,the request submitted by Mr.
George Kubovcik as per above be rejected'due to the reasons stated above by Mr.-Hormell
and that all future applications for payment of professional society dues not be granted except
those specified and enumerated by statute or law or by court order. Said action based upon
the recommendation of County Solicitor Hormell.
Roll call vMe taken:
Mr. Jones -Yes; Mr. Paluso'-Yes; Mr� Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously. ' • 1- .1 ° , -
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the meeting adjourn.
Meeting adjourned.
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THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED:
December 13 1973
ATTEST:aA&,6._Q
ACTING CHIEF CLERK, "
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