HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 120 - 5-23-1974 - COMMISSIONER376 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Minute No. 120
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa., May 23, 1974
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following me
bers being present: Commissioners Paluso and Flynn. Absent being: Commissioner Jones. -
Also present being: Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; County Solicitor Bigi; Assis
tant County Solicitor Gilmore; Deputy Controller Daniels; Mrs. June Lilley - The Daily Notes;
Mr. Earl Bugaile - WKEG; Mr. Bob Robertson of The Observer -Reporter; Mr. Jack Merdian o
WJPA; Mrs. Helen Miller and representatives of The League of Women Voters; and Mayor Vir
gil F. Puskarich of Bentleyville.
Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken:
Mr. Jones - Absent; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present.
Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute
No. i197-_ each member having received a copy.
as read.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that Minute No. 119- be approved,
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Reports: None
Old Business: None
Correspondence:
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the following bills be authorize
for payment:
1. Griswold, Winters, Swain & Mullin - Landscape Architects
for Mingo Creek Park - $262.53
2. Mr. Raymond Hirschinger - for Feasibility Study - $126. 85
3. The Observer -Reporter - for Bond Ordinance advertising - $110. 00
4. California Public Library - Budgetary Item - $500. 00
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read correspondence dated May 14, 1974, from Byers Memorial Li-
brary thanking the Commissioners for the allotment of $500 which would allow them to continue
library service to the citizens of Monongahela and New Eagle.
Chief Clerk read correspondence dated May 10, 1974, from Honorable Thomas E.
Morgan. Said letter thanked the Commissioners for their recent letter expressing support for
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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responsible and effective legislation. Letter also informed the Commissioners that the Senate
recently passed S. 3066, and the House Committee on Banking and Currency was considering
the merits of a similar bill.
Chief Clerk read a portion of a letter from Attorney John F. Bell, Special Bond
Counsel, dated May 15, 1974, regarding Proposed Ordinance In R,e Debt Authorization for
$5, 000, 000 General Obligation Bonds - Washington County. Chairman recommended that this
letter be recorded in the minutes in its entire form.
Dear Chairman Flynn:
With reference to the above bond issue of Washington County,
you questioned Section 14 of the proposed ordinance which states as
follows:
"All moneys derived from the sale of said Bonds
are hereby appropriated to the purposes herein stated
and shall be deposited in a separate account of the
County designated the "1974 Bond Fund Account" and
expended therefrom for the purposes herein appro-
priated, and shall not be used for any other purposes. "
It is my understanding that you were concerned about whether
or not under Section 14 the moneys derived from the sale of said bonds
could be used for any purpose other than those stated in the ordinance.
After conferring with Craig Kuhn, Bond Counsel, it is our con-
sidered opinion that the moneys from said bond issue be used only for
the projects as outlined in the ordinance. However, if other unforeseen
project priorities should arise or the proposed project should fail by
reason of lack of Federal Government approval, then the moneys
allotted for these projects could be used for other projects after a
resolution/ordinance by the Washington County Commissioners at a
duly constituted meeting has been passed and advertised as required
by law.
I trust that this answers your questions. However, if I can be
of any further assistance, please contact me.
Very truly yours,
/s/ John F. Bell
Special Bond Counsel
Washington County Commissioners
Chief Clerk read letter dated May 15, 1974, from the Tri-Community Ambulance
Service thanking the Washington County Commissioners for their check in the amount of $1, 700
for the radio installation.
Chief Clerk read correspondence dated May 14, 1974, from Equitable Gas. Said
letter requested permission from the County of Washington to install 95' of 3" steel case distri-
bution main line by attachment on the bridge structure spanning Pigeon Creek in the City of
Monongahela. Attached to the letter was a construction print #D73-80 giving detailed informa-
tion on said bridge installation. Mr. Paluso suggested that the solicitors add one condition to
this approval - that at any time in the future, if the gas line should have to be removed for any
reason, such as construction of the bridge, remodeling or replacement, the expenses would
fall upon the Equitable Gas Company. Mr. Bigi stated that they would put the additional clause
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
in the contract.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that after the additional clause is adde
as per above, the Board approve the installation of 95' of 3" steel case distribution main line
on the bridge spanning Pigeon Creek in the City of Monongahela.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk reviewed letter dated May 15, 1974, directed to Frank Mascara, Controller,
from Merico S. Lignelli, Chief Assessor. Said letter certified that the total valuation of Real
Estate for assessment purposes in the County of Washington for the year 1974 and the taxes
thereon, with which collection the County Treasurer has been duly charged, are as follows:
Assessed Valuation -Real Estate . . . . . . $250, 765, 495
Taxes -Real Estate (019 Mills) . . . . . . $ 4, 762, 644.40
Chief Clerk read correspondence from Senator Richard Schweiker dated May 14, 1974,
regarding recent proposals for rail reorganization in Pennsylvania and the possible discontinu-
ance of essential rail service. Senator Schweiker had expressed his concern in a testimony to
the Interstate Commerce Commission over the Secretary of Transportation's Report on rail
service in the Northeast. Senator Schweiker also stated that if a suitable railroad was taken
away, the area would not be able to compete in economic development; and he would continue to
follow this matter closely and work for a realistic reorganization plan for adequate rail service
throughout Pennsylvania.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a communication from the American Glass and Mir
ror Company. Said communication stated that they are celebrating twenty-five (25) years of
business and wish to extend their sincere appreciation to the people who had made it possible.
Chief Clerk read letter dated May 15, 1974, addressed to Mr. Flynn from the Twilight
Borough Council regarding Revenue Sharing. Said letter stated that they were planning to use
their Revenue Sharing money to construct a new municipal building and would like to meet with
a member of the committee that was set up to assist local boroughs in this program. Mr. Fl,
suggested that the Board acknowledge receipt of the letter and notify them that they Board has
forwarded said request to Mr. Roland Bourke of the Redevelopment Authority, who has been the
designated agency to handle these affairs.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request from Bell Telephone Company for a right-
of-way and easement to install an underground telephone cable to the Star Engineering Building.
Mr. Whalen stated that this was originally suggested that their right-of-way would cross an o
parcel of land, and Mr. McAmbley and his department had them adjust it to keep the right-of-
way confined to the area that won't be affected by fur$ier development, which would cause them
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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move the cable. Mr. Paluso stated that they had experienced the very same problem in the
Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project, and the County was required to pay the expense of
moving a cable. He also stated that an addendum should be applied to any requested right-of-
way or easement so that in the future, the County would not be obligated to pay the expense of
moving a telephone cable.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the reque
right-of-way and easement by Bell Telephone Company as per above with said addendum as
recommended by Mr. Paluso.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of an estimated receipt submitted by Cox's for
drapes for two (2) sun porches at the Washington County Home for Men. Mr. Whalen stated
that the previous drapes had to be taken down because they were not 10016 flameproof, and the
total cost for new drapes was $1, 359. 00. Mr. Whalen also stated that these drapes were
necessary for the comfort of the patients; and after reviewing the matter with Messrs. Mas-
trangelo and Crouse, they had agreed that this recommendation be made for the drapes. Mr.
Paluso stated that the flameproof drapes would last longer, and the same drapes could be used
in the new facility.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the making
of said drapes by Cox's for the Washington County Home for Men at the estimated cost of
$1, 359. 00 as per above.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated May 20, 1974, from the Washington County
Planning Commission regarding Washington Area Transit Study. Said memorandum stated
that Mr. Bill Sember had been in contact with the Region H4,(Philadelphia) Office of the Urban
Mass Transit Administration to determine what is delaying final approval of the application.
Nor. Sember also stated that it, would be at least another two to four weeks before final
review is undertaken and that the Board of Commissioners would be kept informed.
Chief Clerk read correspondence from Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. dated May 16,1974
regarding the New Jefferson Avenue Bridge Completion Date. Said letter stated that the
completion date agreed upon by Mr. Tenaglia and Mr. R. S. Capp of Michael Baker, Jr., Inc.
was December 10, 1974; and that this allows for the 70 day delay which elapsed in beginning
construction. Mr. Flynn requested that a copy of the contract and letter be sent to the
Controller's Office.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS
Chief Clerk reviewed a matter concerning the office facilities at Mirigo Park and
stated that at the last meeting, it was recommended that an architect be employed to do some
rough sketch and planning work there to comply with the Labor and Industrys�, requests.
Mr. Whalen also stated that it appears there is no alternative but to comply and submit plans
in triplicate.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded'by Mr, Flynn, that the Board approve the work
concerning the office facilities at Mingo Park by a qualified architect.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk informed the Board of a matter concerning the Jefferson Avenue Bridge
in Canonsburg in which concrete testing was necessary. Mr. Whalen stated that it was
recommended by Michael Baker, Jr. , Inc. that a purchase order be made to Pittsburgh
Testing Laboratory for the testing services on the new bridge.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Pittsburgh Testing Laborat
be authorized to do the concrete testing for the new Jefferson Avenue Bridge.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes
Motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Chief Clerk read a News Release announcing that Planning and Design of the
proposed 250 Bed Skilled Nursing Home for Washington County was progressing on schedule.
Mr. Whalen also presented to the news media copies of the artists' drawing of the proposed
facility.
Chief Clerk read a News Release announcing that the County had received notificati
that it will receive $1, 216, 895 for manpower employment and training programs in Washington
County.
Chief Clerk read a statement to the Governor s Justice Commission which was
presented by Mr. Crouse on behalf of the Commissioners at a Public Hearing. Said statement
was a request of the Commissioners to explore with the Governor's Justice Commission four
(4) present areas of major concern, which were as follows:
1. The Washington County Commissioners, as a result of a prior meeting
with officials of the Regional Office of the Governor's Justice Commission,
hereby requests consideration for an indepth study to be performed by
the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the existing emergency
communication system within Washington County.
2. The County of Washington is presently considering application to the
Governor's Justice Commission for a program designed to increase
the effectiveness of Court Room Security.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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Solicitor.
3. The Commissioners directed a question regarding the financial
payment schedules of federal and state shares for programs
approved by the Governor's Justice Commission.
4. The office of the Washington County Commissioners wish to inquire
into matters of financial and administrative guidelines as set forth
by the Governor's Tustice Commission in the operation of programs
under their jurisdiction.
County Solicitor Bigi presented the following fifteen (15) Tax Refunds to the Board
for their consideration and approval.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Tax Assessment Office be
authorized to prepare the following tax refunds due to eider duplication or overpayment or
real entate taxes:
1. Frank K. Noll et al c /o Norman P. Bedillion
301 Oak Spring Road, Wash, Mall
Washington, Pa. 15301
District: South Strabane Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1265-0735 1271-OK
District Number: 60 - - Section Number: '3 -- Parcel Number: 8-1
Amount: $5, 814. 00 Plus Interest
(Remarks`
Concerning the tax refund listed above, Mr. Bigi stated that there was a letter
attached in which they were also requesting interest from the date of overpayment. Mr. Bigi
stated that there was some question in his mind as to when the interest of tapes and the date
this was computed from; and that he would like an opportunity to look into the interest, but
requested that the refund of $5, 814. 00 be paid.
2. Sally Bona s si
116 Locust Strebt
Harrisburg, Pa. 17101 1260-0853
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1260-0857
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 6 -- Parcel Number: 189 62
Amount: $2.89
3. Dorothy & Henry E. Dietz
Box 317
Avella, Pa. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township --Deed Book Reference: 1289-0093
District Number: 21 -- Section Number:6 -- Parcel Number: 1?0
Amount: $2.17
4. James V . & Eileen G. Cline
R. D. 2
Avella Pa., 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Bood Reference: 1246-1128
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 5 -- Parcel Number: 36-1
Amount: $ .90
5. M. Steve & Irene Brinsky
Box 315
Avella, Pa. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1295-0639
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 6 -- Parcel Number: 165
Amount: $1, 81
6. Frank J. and Jennie Bozynski
Y
R. D. 3
Burgettstown. Road
Avella, Pa. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book-RefereAce: 1415-0251
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 6 -- Parcel Number: 280
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MINUTE BOOK.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
7. Jesse W. & Shirley Eakin
Rea, Pa. 15356
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1022-0143
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 9 -- Parcel Number: 22
Amount: $2.17
8. MichaelIhnat
R. D. 2, Box 27L
Burgettstown, Pa. 15021
District Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1273-0679
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 1 -- Parcel Number: 46
Amount: $1.63
9. Warren L. Malone & Edith T.
Box 52
Cross Creek, Pa. 15021
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1027-0693
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 1 -- Parcel Number: 76
Amount: $3.25
10. A. W. Schafer
R. D. 1
Hickory, Pa. 15340
District: Cross Creek -- Deed Book Reference: 0892-0040
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 13 -- Parcel Number: 18
Amount: $3.79
11. Walter C. Lee
R. D. 4
Burgettstown, Pa. 15021
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 0437-0323
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 1 -- Parcel Number: 9
Amount: $23.47
12. Steven & Dorothy Soltesz (new Owners
R. D. 3
Avella, Pa.. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 0957-0324
District Number: 21---Sectian Number;= 6 -- Parcel Number: 85
Amount: $2.70
13. Frances E. & Charles R. Schulte
Box 27 C R. D. 2
Burgettstown, Pa.. 15021
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 0683-0569
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: l -- Parcel Number: 63
Amount: $1. 71
14. Betty Jeanne Pirillo
Box 74
Avella, Pa. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 1115-0682
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 6 -- Parcel Number: 216 296
Amount: $1.72
15. Elizabeth Ortitay
Avella, Pa. 15312
District: Cross Creek Township -- Deed Book Reference: 0934-0349
District Number: 21 -- Section Number: 6 -- Parcel Number: 80
Amount: $1.72
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes
Motion carried unanimously.
Solicitor Bigi presented an O. E. D. P. Lease with the Trades and Labor Building
for lease of office space for a period of 8 months from May 1. 1974 to December 31, 1974 for
a total rental of $1, 200. 00. Mr. Bigi stated that there was one provision in the lease with
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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respect to liability on the part of the County for injuries, property and person which he would
like to adjust with the leasor, but recommended that the lease be approved after adjusting the
liability clause.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board approve the above -
mentioned lease with the condition that the liability clause will be adjusted.
Roll call vote taken
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore brought up the matter of the Washington Trust
Building and stated that they had the intention of taking up an appeal in this case. Mr. Gilmor(
stated that it was a compromised verdict, the same as in the Washington Mall Case; and that
the Judge had found the assessment to be $270, 000. Mr. Gilmore recommended that the
not
Board /make an appeal against the decision of the Court.
Mr. Flynn: Since we are under court order, and we do not want to be held in contempt of cou
at this time, therefore, we will abide by the decision of the court and not take an appeal.
However, I am sure that the citizens of this county are aware of the fact that we are under
court order to have a reassessment in this County. The only problem is that in order to under
take a reassessment of a County such as the size of Washington, it is time consuming and
take within the period of one year to 18 months W complete the program. By the time the
project was completed, the market value of my property could change considerably. Therefor
once we receive the money from the Bond Issue, then we will go into a overall reappraisal of
the property in this county. Then it is up to the Commissioners to set the ratio of assessment
to market value and adopt the necessary millage to meet the requirements of the people of
this county.
Assistant Solicitor Gilmore brought before the Board a previous matter which was
taken up at last week's meeting concerning an application for surface mining drainage permit
by KES Enterprises, Inc. to operate a mine in North Bethlehem Township, Washington County.
Mr. Gilmore read a letter dated May 21, 1974 from Ellsworth Borough asking for support from
the Commissioners of Washington County to join with them in opposing this mining, as it would
cause contamination of their water- supply. Mr. Gilmore then suggested that the Board should
at least convey that they wish to participate in the hearing.
Moved by Mr. Flynn, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve joining with
Ellsworth Borough in the objections they have filed with the Department of Environmental
Resources as to the surface mining by KES Enterprises, Inc.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Flynn stated that he was very much concerned with the apathy of the people wh
c-Ame -to voting, and is concerned about some of our election boards. Mr. Flynn was sure tha
everyone was aware that the law requires that during the period of the day set aside for the
election, the law requires that a Commissioner be on duty when the polls are open until the
last ballot boxes are brought in. And the law requires that a Judge be available from the time
the polls open until l hour after the polls close. The Board of Commissioners divide up the
time, and the purpose of this is to receive complaints and to try to correct them. Nor. Flynn
said that during his time of duty he received several calls and some of them were shocking.
Somes places could not get clerks to serve on the Boards, and at some precincts they
threatened to walk out. Mr. Flynn reminded those that called him; that they were under oath
and that under no circumstances do they walk off the Board. Mr. Flynn stated that he had no
control over the salary they receive and referred to Senate Bill No. 285 concerning the
salary of election board members. Mr. Flynn also batd, that he was concerned over the
attitude of people on the election board and could remember when it was considered a
privilege to serve on the Board.
Mr. Paluso was concerned with the count of votes in one certain precinct, which was not
mentioned in the meeting, and suggested that the Solicitors draw up a petition ordering a
count of votes for the offices of County Government Study Commissioner and Government
Study Commission.
Mr. Flynn stated that they should confer with Mr. Joseph Muscaro concerning -this
petitioning for a count of votes.
Meeting adjourned.
THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED
May 23, ,1974
ATT
CHIEF CLERK