Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 126 - 7-18-1974 - COMMISSIONER436 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 126 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa. July 18, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also being present: I Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen, Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore; Controller Mascara; Deputy Controller Daniels; Mrs. June Lilley - Daily Notes; Mr. Bob Robertson - Observer Reporter; and Jack Merdian - WJPA. Meeting call to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr. .Jones - Present; Nor. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Ghtirman�asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute No. 125, each member having,,received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 125 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: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following check: 1. Commonwealth of Pa. - Reimbursement of Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project Amount: $6, 552.13 Moved by Mr. Tones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for payment: 1. Donora Lumber Company - for County Home - $ 5�84. 68 2. .John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - services - $1, 533. 20 3. GAL Construction, Inc. - Jefferson Avenue Bridge - $13, 095. 00 4. Michael Baker, .Jr. , Inc. - Jefferson Avenue Bridge - $1, 037. 66 5. Citizens Library - budget item - $5, 000. 00 6. Carnegie Natural Gas Co. - Relocation of pale line - $6, 641.18 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Tones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read letter dated .July 12, 1974 from Metro Petrosky, Tr. requesting permission to attend a meeting on Tuly 24, 1974, in Harrisburg. Said letter stated that the meeting was being held in order to discuss certain changes in the Foster Home Program. L C I I Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board authorize the VINUTE BOOK 437 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS �J C attendance of Metro Petrosky at the meeting held in Harrisburg concerning the Foster Home Program on July 24, 1974. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a News Release from the Washington County Planning Commission announcing that a State Planning Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affair; in the amount of $11, 750 has been approved for Cokeburg Borough and the Townships of North Bethlehem, and West Pike Run. Chief Clerk informed the Board that he -had received the Feasibility Study for Sewera Collection System in the Washington Industrial Park, Arden, Pennsylvania. Said study enclo a memorandum from Administrative Assistant Charles Crouse stating that Mr. -McAmbley had requested his attendance and Mr. Whalen's at a meeting on July 30, 1974 at 2 p.m. at the County Home for Aged Men in order to meet with industrial representatives and discuss the findings and recommendations of this study. Mr. Whalen stated that since this is part of the Study Program for the new County facility, the architectural firm of Wallover & Mitchell will be attending also. Chief Clerk read a copy of a letter dated .July 11, 1974, addressed to Andrea Wilson, Assistant Drug and Alcohol Specialist from John Saweikis, Director of the Bureau of Program Planning. Said letter confirmed receipt of notification of Mrs. Wilma Johnson's appointment to the Washington -Greene County Planning Council. Chief Clerk read letter dated July 10, 1974 from the State Conservation Commission regarding the Harmon Creek P.O. 566 Project. Said letter stated they had received a claim for reimbursement under their watershed agreement for land acquisition costs attributed to Harmon Creek P. O. 566 Project; and they will review the claim and after reviewing the claim they will then process for payment. Letter also stated that the General Assembly of Penna. had approved the Governor's budget requests for 1974-75 which includes a special appropriatio for the support to small watershed projects, and is funded at $75, 000 statewide. Chief Clerk informed the Board of an invitation to a special symposium from The Pennsylvania State University on September 17-and 18, 1974. Said invitation included the County Commissioners, the Chief Clerk and the County Solicitor, and stated the purpose of this symposium was to demonstrate the significance of the County Extension office; to show tha, it is an integral part of the Pennsylvania State University; and to indicate how important our funding,is to their total Expension Program. Nor. Flynn stated that no action was necessary on this matter, and it was up to the individual Commissioners if they wished to attend. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of a notice from the Department of Labor and Industry dated Tuly 9, 1974 regarding Service Employees International Union #663. Said notice declared that Mediator Hyman Richman would be assigned to the dispute and would aid in achieving mutual agreement. Mr. Whalen stated that this was in connection, with the negotiations with Child Welfare and Mental Health/Mental Retardation. Mr. Flynn stated that the State Association of County Commissioners hd.d gone on record to adopt the necessary resolution taking the position that they are opposed to the duel coverage by the employees unde Civil Service status and also under_ the provisions of Act 195; and that Mr. Richman, was tryin to bring both parties involved to a mutual agreement. Chief Clerk read letter dated .July 2, 1974 from Mrs. Helen Wohlgemuth, Secretary, I t Department of Public Welfare. Said letter informed the Board of an interim payment for the first quarter of fiscal year 1974-75 for our County Mental Health,/Mental Retardation Program in the total amount of $328, 478. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter dated June 26, 1974 from the Volunteers in Probation regarding the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission. Mr. Whalen stated that they had made a grant to Washington County in the -amount of $1, 500 to do certain studies in con- nection with the establishment of a halfway house for the juveniles in Washington County; and the V. I. P. had been contracted to gather data and process data, which has been done prior to June 30, 1974. Mr. Whalen further stated that a question was raised whether or not it would be proper to make payment to the V. I. P. for this work, and that they were requesting the sum of $1, 370. Mr. Whalen reported that it was recommended by Judge Simmons and Mr. Harrison and confirmed by Mr. Christian Zander that it would be possible to make payment. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize and approve the payment of $1, 370 to Volunteers In Probation for services rendered in connection with the juveniles in Washington County. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter directed to Mr. .Tones from Mr. Norman F. Monack regarding a County flag. Said letter enclosed a County Flag Resolution executed by Peters Creek Historical Society, Inc. , and requested the Commissioners to take some form of formal action with respect to the design and adoption of a County flag. Mr. Jones stated that they had discussed this with Mr. Monack and had requested the approval of the flag by the historical societies in Washington County, and this was one of the approvals that had come' l . Mr. Jones suggested that the Board delay action on the flag until the rest of the approvals come in. Mr. Flynn recommended that they acknowledge receipt of said letter from Mr. Monack. Before proceeding with further business, Mr. Jones referred to the recent meeting MINUTE BOOK 439 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS F [l 1 in Brownsville regarding the Ferry Commission. Mr. Tones reported it had been agreed at the meeting that he should get in touch with legislator, Jacob Kassab in regard to the Ferry Commission and monies for it. Washington County and Fayette County have approved so much money within their budget to form this commission. Mr. .Jones stated that he and Mr. GilmorE reviewed the County Code to see if the Liquid Fuel monies could be used for this purpose, and after several communications with PennDot, they are going to take another look at the possibili of using the Liquid Fuels money. Mr. Jones further stated that a meeting has been arranged of Tuly 22, 1974 in Harrisburg with Mr. Sam Hayden, Mr. Kassab and Mr. ToTcNealy regarding the use of the Liquid Fuels money, and after the meeting they will give their opinion. Now Business: Chairman Flynn discussed matters concerning investment of County funds; and over the past several months there have been several different interpretations and difference of opinions regarding investment of County funds, the Debit and Credit System and the Voucher Check System. Mr. Flynn suggested that after several meetings and communications with everyone involved, the Board should take definite- action to resolve this matter. Mr. Flynn then suggested that in accordance with statute, the Chief Clerk, who as representative of the County Commissioners, be authorized to invest monies under the Voucher Check System, and all previous resolutions relating to the investments by the County be rescinded and nullified, and that all certificates of deposit, or any original documents of investments, be retained by the various depositories who we have designated (PNB, Egiaibank-, First National Bank). Discussion was held. Moved by Mr. Tones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving and authorizing that all previous resolutions or motions inconsistent with this resolution relating to the investments by the County are hereby nullified and rescinded; and in accordance with the statute, the Chief Clerk as the representative of the Washington County Commissioners, be authorized to invest monies ,under the Voucher Check System and that all certificates of deposit and original documents of investments will be retained by the various depositories as trustee agents for the Commissioners in accordance with Section 511 of the County Code. Solicitor: Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore informed the Board of an Agreement between Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and the County of Washington regarding the cost of relocating a pipeline across certain lands belonging to the County. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso�- that the agreement between Columbia Gas and the County of Washington be approved and executed. AI BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Roll call vote taken: Mr. Tones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Flynn asked Mr. Gilmore what progress was being made on the Keith Melenyzer case. Mr. Gilmore stated that the litigation had been completed around the first of the year, and that he had presented an Order to the Court in April directing payment of the money, but as of yet, it has not been returned to him signed. Mr. Flynn stated that some opinion should be forthcoming and that Mr. Melenyzer had been off the payroll since December. Mr. Flynn requested that Mr. Gilmore investigate this matter and draw some opinion. Chairman Flynn also asked Mr. Gilmore of the status on the contract that was approved with the airport. Mr. Gilmore stated that we never executed the contract, and that he has sent it toJetcraft for their approval. While on the discussion of the contract, Mr. Tone wanted to know what had been done concerning the lighting. Mr. Gilmore reported that the Board had not come up with a final firm agreement. Mr. Tones stated that this was a dangerous situation with the lights out, and they they should take some temporary measures until the contract is finalized. Mr. Paluso requested that this matter be held in abeyance until he had a chance to look over the situation at the airport. It was suggested that a resolution be proposed to repair any lights that are presently out of order. Moved by Mrs. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize Mr. Palu visit to Washington County Airport to review the needed repairs. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Flynn discussed the situation regarding the plans for the new County Home and referred to the meeting with the architects on July 2, 1974 in which the cost had increased. It was reported at this meeting that the construction cost had increased from Tanuary to June 3 at the rate of 251r. Based on construction costs, the estimated increase was in the neighbor of 3% per month. Mr. Flynn stated that because of the increase, the Board had to make a decision. They had decided to send the architects back to the drawing board to reconsider and see what changes could be made. One .July 2, 1974, the architects had itemized in detail every projected cost on a turn -key basis. On July 12, 1974 they presented an itemized report of proposed changes that could be made, so the the County could advertise for bids. The estimated cost was projected at $6, 600, 000 as related to $7, 000, 000, which represents a savings of about $400, 000 to $600, 000. After consulting with his associates, Mr. Flynn stated it was recommended that the Commissioners take all financial measures necessary to insure construction of the facility as originally proposed by the architects. Also, it was suggested that the bidding date be moved forward to October 1974; to direct increase regarding the pros s 1 1 MINUTE :■■ 441 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 and cons of setting up the new facility under private, non-profit corporation groups; and to remove from the original contract all buy -out -items and bid each item separately, Mr. Flynn stated that if they went ahead with the suggestion to make revisions, then it would only delay the bidding date and be a major increase in the cost. Mr. Flynn recommended that the Board go on record authorizing to proceed as agreed upon, to bid in October 1974, and to remove all buy -out -items under the terms of the general contractor. Discussion was held. Mr. Paluso requested that he be given time to go over the new plans set up by the architects at the July 12, 1974 meeting, which he was unable to attend. Mr. Flynn posted the plans for Mr. Paluso in the meeting room and described the proposed revisions. Mr. Paluso stated that we should have a plan as to how we are going to pay for this project before a final decision is made, Mr. Flynn stated that we have been notified by the federal government that we would receive $6, 200, 000; and as of this date, we have transferred from the General Revenue Sharing Account to the Capital Reserve Account the sum of $700, 000, so this means that we would have $5, 500, 000, Assuming that the home is under construction in November, we know that we have $5, 500, 000, and we need $6, 500, 000 or $7, 000, 000; so we know that we have to worry about $1, 500, 000. Mr. Flynn further stated that we are uncertain of what the U. S. Congress is going to do as far as the General Revenue Sharing is concerned, but we do know we are eligible -to participate in Special Revenue Sharing. Mr. Paluso again stated that we should have some tentative financial plan. Mr. Flynn stated we could not come up with a financial plan in a week s time. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board authorize and proceed with the original plans agreed upon at the meeting on July 12, 1974, concerning the new County Home. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr, Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried, Meeting adjourned, THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: Addition: July 18, 1974 / s5 , 1974 Chairman Flynn reported that investments under certificates of deposit matured as of July, 1974 in the amount of $125, 000 - Liquid Fuels Escrow Account, and as of July 20 442 MINUTE B❑❑K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS the amount of $135, 000 - Fiscal Assistance at First National Bank. Mr. Whalen stated that at this time, our receipts in the General Fund Account are such that he recommended that we invest $500, 000 in a certificate of deposit for a 30-day period out of the General Fund, and $500, 000 in a certificate of deposit for a 60-day period. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the Chief Clerk to invest $125, 000 under Liquid Fuels Escrow Account and $135, 000 under Fiscal Assistance Account. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluse, that the Board authorize the Chief Clerk to invest $500, 000 for 30 days for a certificate of deposit under the General Fund Accoun and $500, 000 for 60 days for a certificate of deposit under the General Fund Account. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 1