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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 114 - 4-11-1974 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE B❑OK 313 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 114 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., April 11, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members) being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also present being: Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; Administrative Assistant Crouse; Assistant County Solicitor Gil- more; Controller Mascara; Deputy Controller Daniels; Grant Liesch of The Brownsville Tele- graph; Mrs. June Lilley of The Daily Notes; Dave Budinger of The Observer -Reporter; Jack Merdian of WJPA Radio; Earl Bugaile of WKEG Radio; and Mrs. Miller of The League of Wome Voters. Also being present was Representative Roger Raymond Fisher. 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 Minute No. 113, each member having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 113 be approved, as Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Reports - None Old Business - None Correspondence - Mr. Whalen Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following check from the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania: (Bills) bills: Washington -Greene Community Action Corporation, For the Month of February 1974 Amount: $11, 775. 32 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing the payment of the following 1. Nottingham Township Supervisors - $1, 400. 00 RE: Mingo Creek Park Road Maintenance 2. Co le- Layer -Trumble Company - $9, 213.'32 ]RE: Data Processing Services 3. John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - $1, 470. 00 RE: Professional Services Rendered 4. Carl G. Baker/Architects - $467.82 - for architectural services - RE: Washington County Homes 314 MINUTE BOOK 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. Chief Clerk read letter dated April 2, 1974, from William P. Sember, Executive Direc- tor of the Washington County Planning Commission, regarding the presentation of Regional Development and Transportation Plans. There will be a county -wide public meeting held on Monday, April 15, 1974, at 8:00 p. m. in the Chapel (Old Main) of Washington & Jefferson Col- lege, Washington, Pa. The purpose of the meeting is to inform Public Officials and interested citizens of a Regional Development and Transportation Plan for Southwestern Pennsylvania, especially in Washington County. Primary emphasis will be placed on future open space, water and sewer facilities, and transporation routes. Chief Clerk read letter dated April 3, 1974, from Mr. Ronald J. Godava of Engineered Communications, Inc. Said letter was in reference to Mr. Godava's letter of October 18, 1973, concerning a contract service policy on the communications equipment now in use by the Sheriff Detectives and Coroner. At that time, Mr. Go dava quoted a monthly cost of $173. 95. Discus- sion was held on the matter. Commissioner Flynn stated that this was a good investment and recommended that the Board act on the contract service policy. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the service policy contract as per above be adopted. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated April 3, 1974, from the Governor's Justice Commission which enclosed an "Equal Employment Opportunity Program Certification.' The Governor's Justice Commission is required by law to secure this certification from each county and municipality within the Southwest Region who have received or plan to receive funds from said Commission. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board comply with said request and fill out the "Equal Employment Opportunity Program Certification. " Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of April 9, 1974, from the Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., concerning a request for the Co participation in the Governor's Health Conference for Western Pennsylvania. The date of the Conference is April 25, 1974; and it will be at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh from 1:00 p. m. to I r' E MINUTE BOOK 315 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 4:00 p. m. There will be a panel composed of Senators, House members, County Commissioners, local government officials who will hear a series of five-minute statements by residents and ex] perts from Western Pennsylvania regarding the status of Emergency Medical Services in Penn-1 sylvania. Mr. Flynn stated that Mr. Whalen will be representing Washington County on the Governor's Panel at this Conference. Chief Clerk informed the Board of communication received from the Interstate Commer� Commission dated April 5, 1974, which announced the location and times of the hearings it will) conduct in Altoona, Pa. , as part of the recent Congressionally -enacted railroad restructuring program now underway. The hearings will commence at 9:30 a. m. on Friday, May 17, 1974, at Roosevelt Junior High School Auditorium, Altoona, Pa. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing Mr. Keery McAmbley to attend the above hearing on Friday, May 17, 1974, in Altoona, Pa., and make a presentation on behalf of the Washington County Commissioners. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a News Release from Congressman Thomas E. Mor- gan which announced the approval by the environmental protection agency of three grants to local communities to pay for waste -water treatment plants constructed between 1966 and 1972. The grant concerning Washington County is in the amount of $88, 120 to the Peters Township Sanitary Authority with an additional $66, 080 going to the state for their .contribution in the project. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 8, 1974, from Senator Richard S. Schweiker concerning S. 1541 which involves the proposed annual funding for revenue sharing. Senator Schweiker stated that he does not think these provisions should be used as an excuse for smothering the existing revenue sharing programs in bureaucratic red tape and was glad the Senate voted to exempt revenue sharing from the provisions of this bill, with his strong suppo Chief Clerk informed the Board of correspondence under date of April 8, 1974, from the,Air Force Association - Joe Walker Chapter - inviting the Board to its Third Annual Anni- versary Dinner on April 27, 1974, in the George Washington, Washington, Pa. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 5, 1974, from Eugene Tenaglia, Bridge Engineer, advising the Board that the cut-off date for accepting applications from muni- cipalities for Liquid Fuels money is May 15, 1974. Letter stated that all municipalities have been notified of this date. 316 MINUTE B❑❑K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 4, 1974, from William L. Carl, D/A Specialist, Washington -Greene County Addictive Disease Program. Letter stated that the Planning Council would like to submit the name of Mrs. Janette Kuntz to replace Miss Judith Alcock who has resigned from the Planning Council. Mrs. Kuntz would be filling the category of Health Care, Para -Professional on the Planning Council for a term of one year. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, appointing Mrs. Janette Kuntz to re- place Miss Judith Alcock on the Planning Council of the Washington -Greene County Addictive Disease Program. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 3, 1974, from C. Robert Budd, Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Association of County Commissioners. Letter stated that House Bill No. 1748, which is referred to as the "Pennsylvania Jury Selection and Com- pensation Act, " was introduced by 24 members of the House. Among other points, the Bill increase the compensation of jurors from $9. 00 to $20. 00 per diem and mileage from 7� to 12� per mile. The chief sponsor of the bill states that there will be no relenting on the compensa- tion provision. A questionnaire was enclosed with said letter, and Mr. Whalen advised that we are completing and returning it. Chief Clerk informed the Board of the Second Annual Statewide Planning Conference to be held on April 22 - 23, 1974, at the Host Inn, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing Messrs. William Sember and F. D. Whalen to attend said Conference as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 1, 1974, from Mrs. Norma So - males, LPN, which enclosed a poster pertaining to Licensed Practical Nurse Week - April 21- 28 inclusive. Mrs. Somales asked if the Board would please take into consideration procla county -wide that April 21-28 as Licensed Practical Nurse Week; and, if possible, she would like news coverage and pictures with the Commissioners. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, proclaiming the week of April 21-28, 1974, as Licensed Practical Nurse Week. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE BOOK 317 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR.. EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 Chief Clerk informed the Board of correspondence under date of April 5, 1974, from the Southwest Regional Planning Council of the Governor's Justice Commission stating that public hearings will be held in eight counties in order to provide said Council with new and innovative ideas which can effectively be put into use to reduce crime and improve the criminal justice. The hearing scheduled for Washington County will be held on May 23, 1974, at 9:00 a. i in Courtroom #3. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 8, 1974, from William P.. Sember, Executive Director of the Washington County Planning Commission regarding Resource Recover System Development. Mr. Sember stated that he sees no harm in Washington County participa- ting in said program. Mr. Sember was assured by Harold Huckestein that no county funds will be involved and that Washington County will review any final scope of service contracts that are signed. An intent letter was enclosed with said correspondence. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board submit a letter of intent certifying that they intend to co-sponsor with Allegheny County an application to the Pennsyl- vania Department of Environmental Resources for a study of the potential markets for recycled materials. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of April 2, 1974, from Computer Election Systems - RE: House Bill #536 Providing for Electronic Voting Systems. Letter stated that House Bill #536 is permissive or "may" legislation and that 15 counties in the Commonwealth have passed individual resolutions asking for passage of this legislation at the state level. Letter encouraged the Pennsylvania legislators to contact the enclosed references for verifica- tion about the security, economy, and successful use of punch -card voting systems throughout the United States. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, adopting the necessary resolution in support of House Bill #536. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk then read letter dated April 9, 1974, from Charlotte K. Lane, Executive Director of Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency, stating that she would like to apply for $1, 000 for the National Pike Festival to be held on May 4th and 5th. The estimated expenditures for this festival is $997. 80. Mr. Flynn suggested that this letter be held in abeyance. n. ;31 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Flynn stated that he and Mrs. Lane are to arrange a meeting with the different storical associations and interested citizens of Washington County. Mr. Flynn then elaborated on his trip to Hershey, Pa. , relating to the Bicentennial Commission, which is formulating plans for the Bicentennial celebration. The Commission s adopted slogans relating to the celebration, pins, insignias, news releases, and the rbal theme for the 1976 Bicentennial celebration being, "So your children can tell their children. " Chief Clerk then informed the Board of the resignation of Carl Phillips, Tax Assessor of West Bethlehem Township. The resignation was accepted and referred to the Tax Assess- ent Office. (Field Registration) Chief Clerk then informed the Board of the following additional Field Registrations: April 16, 1974 South Franklin Twp. Twp. Building I. to 5 & 6 to 9 p.m. April 17, 1974 Stockdale Fire Hall 1 to 5 & 6 to 9 p. m. April 19, 1974 Donegal Twp. Twp. Building 1 to 5 & 6 to 9 p. m. (previously approved) New Business: Chief Clerk discussed a memo regarding Microfilming in the Prothonotary and Register of Wills offices as part of the capital program for 1974. Since space in these offices is a serious problem, Chief Clerk recommenddd that this proposal be acted on immediately. Chairman suggested that the C. Edwin Hultman Company arrange a meeting with their representatives, Mr. Marino, Mr. Franks, and the Board of Commissioners to discuss this program. Chief Clerk then informed the Board of an entitlement check received from the Federal' Revenue Sharing in the amount of $334, 801. 00, which will be invested accordingly. ControllerDjascara then requested that the Board authorize the Controller and Chief Clerk to investigate the feasibility of investing county funds laying idle in checking accounts for a period of 25 hours or less. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Controller's request as per above be approved. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Mascara the informed the Board of an extension of the Controller's Report due April 1, 1974, extended to April 15, 1974, due to the illness of the Controller. Solicitor Bigi entered the meeting. Mr. Paluso then informed the Board that he attended a Citizen's Meeting concerning J the Home Rule Study question and its placement on the ballot. The Allegheny County League Women Voters have prepared a non -partisan explanation of the pros and cons of a "yes" or MINUTE BOOK 319 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA — MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 I1 "no" vote on the Home Rule question on the ballot. Mr. Paluso moved that the Board authorize payment for printing of 30, 000 - 40, 000 of these pamphlets for Washington County for approximately $700 - $800. Motion died for lack of a second. Chairman suggested this matter be taken under consideration. Representative Roger Raymond Fisher stated that he is asking the State to give Washington County $750, 000 to cover the cost of the Yablonski trials. Mr. Fisher asked the Commissioners to contact their colleagues and other county commissioners throughout the state to raise support on this issue. Ch&irman suggested this issue be held in abeyance. qnl i ni trnrc Solicitor Bigi stated that he met with Mr. Gilmore and the Board of Commissioners concerning the Washington Mall Tax Assessment Appeal. Mr. Bigi made reference to prev appeals which were contested by the Commissioners. It was recommended that the Board of Commissioners not make an appeal on the reduction stated in the Opinion and Order made by Judge DiSa l le . Moved by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board accept the Opinion and Order of the Courts as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi brought to the attention of the Board, the applications for Washington County Veteran's Burial Allowance and base for a Government grave marker for Leroy D. Lil deceased. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve said applica- tions upon the request of Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi informed the Board of his contact with the Historical Society of Washingt6n, stating that they were in favor of the dismantling, re -location and preservation of the Ebenezer Covered Bridge for historical purposes. Mr. Bigi requested permission to petition the Courts for dismantling and re -location of said bridge. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board grant Mr. Bigi per- mission to petition the Courts concerning the Ebenezer Covered Bridge as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. 320 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Motion carried unanimously. to the Board County Solicitor Bigi presented one (1) tax refund/for their consideration and approval. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorized to prepare the following tax refund due to over -payment of personal property tax: 1. Taylor, William L. (Mrs.) 110 Thomps onville Road McMurray, Pennsylvania 15317 Amount: $153. 70 Said refund to cover Personal Property tax filed and paid for 1972 and 1973. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso -"Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Holiday) Chairman informed all those -present that the Courthouse would be closed from 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 1974, until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 1974, in observance of Easter. Meeting adjourned, THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: April 17 1974 ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK 1