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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 123 - 6-13-1974 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK 401 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS �1 I 0 Minute No. 123 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., June 13, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following mem- bers being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also present being: Chief Clerl & County Administrator Whalen; County Solicitor Bigi; Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore; Mr. Ben Wilt of Cole -Layer-Trumble Company; Mrs. June Lilley of The Canonsburg Daily Notes; Mr. Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Mr. Bob Robertson of The Observer -Reporter; Jack Merdi of WJPA; and Mrs. 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 Minute No. 122, each member having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 122 be approved, as Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Special Order of Business: Mr. Davies of the Washington County Office of Civil Defense presented to the Board for their approval a summary, recommendations and schedule of planned actions regarding the operational readiness and capability of government and non -government forces in Washington County. Mr. Whalen then read the following proposed resolution: "WHEREAS, the Washington County Office of Civil Defense, the Pennsylvania State Council of Civil Defense, and the Federal Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, jointly conducted a survey in Washington County and prepared a Summary and Recommendations and schedule of planned actions; and, WHEREAS, this survey is designed to determine the current emergency operational readiness and capability of government and non -government forces in Washington County to take organized action aimed at the protection of life and property and the maintenance, or restoration, of essential services and facilities, both under enemy attack and in natural disasters, or other occurrences; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, upon motion by Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner and unanimously approved that the County of Washington adopt and approve the Summary and Recommendations and schedule of planned actions, as presented June 13, 1974. " Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board adopt and execute the above Resolution. Roll call vote taken: 402 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Correspondence: (Bills) Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following check: 1. Washington County Payroll Escrow Account Overcharge to Payroll - Period: May 11 - May 24, 1974 Amount: $1.314.83 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for payment: 1. Donora Lumber Company - $462. 11 - Men's Home ,' 2. Gene P. Amanati - $800. 00 - Appraisals 3. Juvenile Court Judges' Commission - $57. 95 - Refund 4. Wallover & Mitchell, Inc. - $31, 500. 00 - Architectural Services, Washington County Extended Care Facility Preliminary Design 5. Carl G. Baker/Architects - $950. 25 - Architectural Services in connection with Washington Co. Homes, Code Update, Supervision 6. City of Washington - $315. 00 - RE: Pest Bird Control Services 7. Mackenzie Electric Service - $903. 00 - Airport Services 8. Crane Truck Service Company - $385. 00 - Removing old light and installing new beacon light at Airport Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing the following action regard ing the 1974 Bond Fund Account: 1. Payment of Loan 2. Reimbursement to General Fund 3. Authorize transfer of $100, 000 to Parks & Recreation Account for Mingo Creek Park Acquisition 4. Authorize transfer of $200, 000 to Capital Reserve Account for Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project Remarks: Mr. Whalen reported that following last week's meeting, the balance due on the municipal loan obligation in the amount of $1, 020, 000 was paid to Pittsburgh National Bank; and the 1974 pay- ment on this loan in the amount of $340, 000 had been advanced out of the General Fund Account. That amount was reimbursed to the General Fund Account. Mr. Jones asked if this money was being transferred into the right accounts. Mr. Whalen assured him that it was and that there would be no money disbursed other than through normal channels out of these two particular accounts. Mr. Whalen also stated that this was merely a transfer from the Bond Fund Account to the accounts in question, but then it will be disbursed through those accounts for the purposes outlined in the Bond Issue. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE BOOK 403 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C [7 1 Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request from Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent, for permission to attend a Regional Personnel Services Seminar on June 26, 27 and 28 at Seven Springs. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve Mr. Graham'; attendance at said Seminar. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read letter dated June 5, 1974, from the Department of Military Affairs. Said letter listed seven (7) veterans from Washington County who were found in need of Real Property Tax Exemption. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve said listing seven (7) veterans for Real Property Tax Exemption. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read letter dated June 4, 1974, from the Smith Township Supervisors concerning the creek problem in the Slovan and Francis Mine area. Said letter requested that the County erect a guard rail on the new bridge to be built between Robinson and Smith Town- ships in Midway, Pennsylvania. Mr. Whalen stated that it should be explained that the County does not carry this railing in stock. Mr. Jones stated that he had sent Mr. Eugene Tenaglia to investigate the problem and to explain the situation to them and that Mr. Tenaglia was to con- tact the Department of Environmental Resources. Chief Clerk read a telegram dated June 7, 1974, from Congressman Thomas E. Mor• gan announcing that the Office of Child Development of the Department of. Health, Education & Welfare has approved a $17, 000 grant for California State College which will assist local head - start program personnel to obtain college credit courses for approved competency based tra Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter from Land Acquisition Agent Clay Grah dated June 7, 1974, regarding the Harmon Creek, Site 483, Gilliam. Said letter informed the Commissioners that an access road and two stream crossings had been built and three hundred feet of wire fencing erected on the Gilliam property, and listed the actual cost as $192. 29. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request from George Messerotes, Director of the Department of Weights and Measures, dated June 7, 1974,. for he and Mr. William Kovach to attend the Training Seminar for County Weights and Measures Officials in Regions I and IV be held in the Gold Room at the Court House in Pittsburgh on June 19, 1974. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the above request for Messrs. Messerotes and Kovach to attend said Training Seminar on June 19, 1974. r l r 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 informed the Board of two complementary reports received from Elm Grove School concerning their fibld trips taken at Mingo Creek Park. Said reports stated that they had enjoyed a very educational day at the Park and hoped to participate in many more such trips. Chief Clerk read a News Release announcing that the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation will be sponsoring a family day at Mingo Creek County Park on June 16, 1974. Chief Clerk read the following notice, which was sent to the Observer -Reporter to appear in the paper one time per week during the month of June 1974: NOTICE Washington County Personal Property Tax notices for 1974 were mailed on May 30, 1974. These notiees inadvertently omitted the following schedule of dae dates: Payable at discount to and including July 1, 1974 Payable at face to and including September 3, 1974 Payable at penalty an and after September 4, 1974. (Remarks) Chairman Flynn stated that the responsibility of these notices was with the majority Commissioners and that they would accept the blame for the omittance of these dates. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones that the Board approve advertisement of the above notice. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes Motion carried unanimously. (Authorization to Advertise) Chief Clerk informed the Board of a proposal dated June 10, 1974 from Contractor C. Kosey concerning the stone wall on East Beau Street. Said proposal listed the budget cobt of repairing the wall at $2, 500. 00. Also, repairs are needed on the west side of the Legal Aid Building and the stone retaining,w,all in parking lot. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Commissioners be authorized to advertise for bids for repair of the stone wall on East Beau Street and including the Legal Aid Building. Said bids to be received in the Office of the County Controller until 11:00 a. m. , Prevailing Time, Thursday, opened immediately thereafter in the Office of the County Commissioners. Roll call vote taken: ,1974, and n 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 L r J 1 Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request from the Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. asking Washington County to become a financial contributor to their operation. Mr. Whalen stated that this involves a 12-county region and is set up on a percentage basis related to population. Mr. Whalen also stated that he explained to CHPA that it might be an impossibility to bill this into the 1974 budget, since the budget is almost halfway through; but if the County is agreeable to pArticipate, they would receive the 1974 allocation the first quarter of 1975. Mr. Whalen stated that the County had already received substantial benefits through the CHPA regarding the new county home, and suggested that the County make an unofficial commitment to CHPA for financial participation. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the request from Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pennsylvania for Washington County to become a financial contributor to their operation. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter from Stanley Gustic, Secretary of West Pike Run Township, regarding the removal of remains of burnt buildings. Mr. Gusti.cestated that the Supervisors had asked that this matter be referred to the Washington County Commissioners. Mr. Paluso stated that unfortunately it was their responsibility and the Commissioners have no authority to do anything. Mr. Jones suggested that we investigate this problem and find out what properties were involved. New Business: Regarding the Primary Election, Mr. Flynn stated that since the election, there has been a lot of criticism received regarding the way the election was held. Mr. Flynn requested that Mr. Whalen read one specific article which appeared in the paper regarding election pay, comments made by Mr. Flynn concerning the operation of the election boards, and slowness in receiving their pay for serving on the boards. Mr. Flynn stated that at no time did he criticize the election board for being slow or inaccurate, and that he had nothing but respect for these boards and they worked long and hard hours. Regarding those calls which he received from persons threating to walk off the board, he did remind these people that they had taken an oath and it was their obligation to stay. Regarding the checks, Mr. Flynn stated that the Commissioners had no control in issuing the checks. Chief Clerk read letter dated June 10, 1974 from Herbert Fineman, Democratic Floor Leader. Said letter announced that House Bill 2207 appropriating $410, 000 to Washington County for the purpose of defraying expenses of the Yablonski trials ,had ppssed the House. Mr. Whalen also read a letter under date of June 10, 1974 from Senator Austin J. Murphy regarding House Bill 2207. Mr.,*Murphy stated in his letter that they were interested in MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS cooperating in any way possible with the Board to secure some reimbursement of the trial costs from the state government. Mr. Jones stated that the County could use all the help it could get in getting reimbursed for this money. Mr. Flynn stated that the necessary data would be referred to Senator Murphy. (Holiday) Chairman informed the Board and all others present that the Court House will be closed from 4:30 p. m. Thursday, June 13, 1974, until 9:00 a. m. Monday, June 17, 1974, in observance of Flag Day. �nl �iritnrc• Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board an Order signed by Judge Richard DiSalle regarding Frank Gavlik & Sons, Inc. vs. County of Washington, Pennsylvania, which read as follows: AND NOW, this 6th day of June, 1974, following hearing in this matter and based upon the stipulation and agreement of counsel for the respective parties, and the approval of the County Controller, the Petition to Compromise is approved and payment by the County of Washington to Frank Gavlik & Sons, Inc. , in th amount of $13, 955. 63 is hereby authorized and approved. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve payment of $13, 955. 63 to Frank Gavlik & Sons, Inc. , in said Order by the Court. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi brought before the Board business concerning the Washington Trust Building Appeal. Mr. Bigi stated that according to the Opinion and Order from Judge DiSalle, the assessment was set by the County at $357, 900 and the Court lowered that assessment to $270, 000. Mr. Gilmore had the opinion in the last hearing that in view of the Washington Mall case, that no appeal be taken; however, the solicitor s had received notice that the tax payer, (the Washington Trust Building) has taken an appeal. Mr. Bi.ki recommended that since they have taken an appeal, and in order to protect the County, that they should take an appeal and state their position that the assessment be as it was at $357, 600. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the Solicitors to make an appeal against the appeal made by the Washington Trust Building as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones,- Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bigi presented to the Board a Pipeline Right -of -Way Agreement by Equitable Gas regarding the gas pipeline installation.in Monongahela. Said agreement included an additional clause requested by the Commissioners in a previous meeting which stated that r - u 1 MINUTE NTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS ild be liable .for any and all costs in the event the pipeline would be removed virtue of County of Washington action. Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve and execute of -Way Agreement as presented by Equitable Gas. ote taken: ,- Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Tied unanimously. formed the Board of a letter dated June 5, 1974 from C. R. Moore, Branch nv�r��r Engineering concerning an IBM Service Agreement. Said letter stated that service was performed on Typewriter/Dictation Equipment, Serial Number 8462956, on March 8, 1974; and according to their records, this equipment was not under an IBM Service Agreement. Said letter also enclosed a Service Agreement prepared for the Commissioners signature. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve and execute the IBM Service Agreement between the International Business Machines Corporation and Washington County. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Assistant Solicitor Gilmore stated that there had been a Complaint filed with the Public Utility Commission regarding a bridge in Avella, Pa. , and Washington County was named on the Complaint. Mr. Gilmore further stated that the bridge involved is in deterioratir condition. In a recent discussion, Mr. Paluso had asked if this was Washington County's bridge. After contacting Eugene Teneglia, it was found that the bridge did not belong to Washington County, but was a private bridge owned by the railroad company. It was suggested that an appropriate reply be drafted stating that it is not our responsibility, bulgthtit we want to see that the necessary steps are taken in repairing the bridge. Mr. Ben Wilt of Cble-Layer -Trumble Company presented a proposed contract to the Board concerning equipment used by the County, which would cover the same services over the past year. Mr. Wilt stated that the cost of the yearly service had gone down, and therefore, the coming year contract price would be $97, 000. The price over the last year was $110, 560, which is about $13, 000 more. Mr. Wilt reported that in addition to the equipment across the hall, which is being leased and paid for by the County, within the terms of the $97, 000 contract they would assume financial responsibility for the equipment rental which is $12, 000 a year. So that $12, 000 plus the $13, 000 in direct reduction of costs, amounts to a savings for the County of $25, 560. The equipment available is for the County to use in any way they see fit; and if there is a change in industyy toward better equipment, they would replace it. Mr. Flynr. 408 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS asked if this would be incorporated into the agreement, and Mr. Wilt assured him that it • r would., Mr. Flynn suggested that the legal department peruse the agreement and then take action on it next Thursday. Mr. Wilt stated that he would be available at next Thursday's meeting if there are any questions. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: June 13 .1974 1 i u