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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 129 - 8-8-1974 - COMMISSIONER462 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 129 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa. August 8, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners •Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also being present: Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen, County Solicitor Bigi; Deputy Controller Daniels Mrs. June Lilley - Daily Notes; Mr. Bob Robertson - Observer Reporter and Jack Merdian - WJ PA . 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 #128, each member having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute #128 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 checks from the Commonwealth of Pa. 1. 1st National Bank and Trust Co. - Redeeming interest of C of D #4921 - $100, 000. 00 2. 1st National Bank and Trust Co. - For interest earned on C of D #4921 - $934, 25 3. Pittsburgh National Bank - Return of principte $3, 025, 000. 00 Interest earned 29, 044. 210 Total $3, 054. 044. 20 4. Pittsburgh National Bank - Weekend investment Return of principle $750, 000. 00 Interest earned 500.00 Total $ 750, 500. 00 5. Michael George - Parks and Recreation Receipts for July 3 to July 11, 1974 - $646. 75 6. George Coleman - Municipal Officials and Service Training $480. 00 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for payment: 1. Wallover & Mitchell, Inc. - $109, 925. 86 - for architectural services. 2, industrial Appraisal Company - $16, 255. 00 a MINUTE BOOK l BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 F� 3. John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - $1, 515. 00 - for MH/MR negotiations and research 4. Cole Layer Trumble Company - $8, 083. 33 - data processing services. 5. Carl G. Baker/Architects - $145.38 - County Homes 6. Carl G. Baker/Architects - $954. 24 - Mingo Park 7. Cooperative Extension Service - $5, 000. 00 - Budget Item Remarks: Mr. .Jones asked how far along we were concerning the architectural services by Wallover & Mitchell. Mr. Whalen stated that it was 45% completed. 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 Board approve the contract with the Bureau of Employment Security for the CETA Training to be conducted under Title I. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated .July 30, 1974 from the �`tate Conservation Commission regarding the Change Order Agreement (Harmon Creek Project) which was executed last month. Said letter was written to thank the Commissioners for executing the Agreement and enclosed a fully executed copy which had extended the date from June 30 to July 31, 1974, Chief Clerk reviewed a letter dated July 30, 1974 from William P. Sember, Executive Director of the Washington County Planning Commission. Said letter outlined the proposals for the reconstruction of Interstate 70 beginning at the intersection of Interstate 70 & 79 east of Washington. Mr. Whalen stated that a hearing has been scheduled and that we would be represented at this hearing. Chief Clerk read a letter addressed to Mr. Flynn dated August 6, 1974 from Mr. Sember of the Planning Commission regarding the National Flood Insurance Program. Said letter stated that very few communities had taken advantage of the studies made to become eligible under the National Program. Letter also stated that many communties have not undertaken the Program because of not being fully informed, or lack the information necessary to fully evaluate the benefits of the Program. Said letter listed the 15 communities in the County that have been officially designated as partially flood prone. Mr. Sember proposed in his letter that the Commissioners assign the Planning Commission the responsibility of making certain that the applicable communities in our County have the information necessary for them to take advantage of the Program, and stated that this would be at no cost to the � '1 1� BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS local governments involved. Remarks: Mr. Paluso suggested that the Planning Commission make a major effort to inform the different communities that this is not something that would cost them money, but is a Program to protect the residents of the community. Mr. Paluso further stated that this was one of the better federal programs and that the Commissioners should make it encumbent to inform the communities prior to the deadline because if not, a lot of people would suffer. Mr. Jones stated that he had worked with Mr. Sember in informing the communities and several letters had been written notifying them of this plan, and that it would be at no cost to them. Mr. Flynn stated that Mr. Sember had indicated that he had contacted 15 communitie and as a result of a year's work only two of them have met the Program's eligibility require- ments. Mr. Sember also stated that the main,,,purpose of this eligibility is to make low-cost subsidized flood insurance available to the individual home owners who live in flood hazard areas. Mr. Flynn stated that in the event there is a series of floods and property damage, that it .should be on record that the Commissioners did make an effort to bring the necessary information to the Communities of this Program. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record designat to the Planning Commission the responsibility of making certain that the Communities involved have the necessary information to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated July 31, 1974 directed to Penn Central Railroad from Zeman and Zeman regarding the Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project. Said letter referred to the flood control easement, in relation to Penn Central Is right of way in the vicinity of Central Avenue in Canonsburg. Letter also stated that the U. S. Corps of Army Engineers were pressing the Washington County Commissioners for status reports and contemplated acquisition dates of the several easements; and Mr. Zeman asked for a report on the progress of this matter with the Railroad and an estimate of the time that a grant of easement might be cleared. Chief Clerk read a letter dated August 6, 1974 from Controller Mascara advising the Board of the appointment of Mrs. Nancy Criquellion as Acting Deputy Controller effective August 11 through August 15, 1974. Said letter also stated that Controller Mascara and Deputy Controller Daniels would be attending the State Controller's Convention at this time. Chief Clerk read a letter dated August 6, 1974 from the Service Employees International Union Local 585 concerning problems being encountered with the dues payments 1 from Washington County. Said letter stated that there was a $534. 01 shortage in the February dues, and they still have not received the dues for the months of June or July. Mr. Flynn MINUTE :.. 465 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 asked Mr. Whalen the reason for the delay, and Mr. Whalen replied he had no idea. Mr. , stated that every payday money is transferred over into the payroll account from the General Fund, and Mr. Whalen stated that PNB furnishes a printout of all payroll deductions at the end of each pay, and that he had inspected these printouts and found them to be very clear. Mr. Flynn stated it was the Commissioners responsibility to find out why they haven't been paid since the Commissioners had executed a contract with S. E. I. U. Deputy Controller Daniels stated that their records did not show any shortage, and felt that they did not owe the Union $500. 00. Mr. Flynn stated that a copy of the letter would be sent to the Controller's office and a answer should be given to the S. E. I. U. Chief Clerk read a letter dated August 5, 1974 from Mr. Thomas Roberts of Muse, Pa. Said letter informed the Commissioners of Mr. Roberts resignation as •Judge of Election at Cecil 7, Muse, Pa. Said letter was forwarded to the Election Office. Chief Clerk reviewed a letter dated July 30, 1974 from the Department of the Army regarding Raccoon Creek Watershed. Said letter advised that they had terminated the Watershed study, and they had made the decision after determining that the water resource needs and problems in the basin are not of the type and magnitude that could be ameliorated of by the construction / Corps of Engineers projects. Said letter also included a resolution adopted by the Committee on Public Works of the House of Representatives on October 3, 1968. Chief Clerk then read a list of watershed problems, studies and projects on which the Commonwealth has been working on. Said letter stated that the foremost need in the Raccoon Creek basin is the abatement of acid from abandoned mines. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that he understood the letter to say there was no point in trying to undertake the project as long as this condition of mine acid drainage exists. Therefore, it is encumbent for the Department of Environmental Resources to correct the situation before they move in. Mr. Flynn suggested that we contact the Dept. of Environmental Resources and see if they have these projects programmed for the future. Chief Clerk read a letter dated August 6, 1974 from the Dept. of Environmental Resources regarding an Amended Agreement with the County of Washington transferring and encumbering $6, 687. 92 from Flood Control District No. 51 to Flood Control District No. 4p. Said letter requested the appropriate County officials to execute the enclosed 6 copies of the document. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board execute the above said Amended Agreement between the Department of Environmental Resources and the County of Washington. 4 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. IU i BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Cbunty Solicitor Big! presented to the Board for their approval the following (3) resolutions regarding Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project prepared by Zeman & Zeman. 1. Resolution offering to pay the Condemnees of the Potts Estate Property the sum of $15, 000, 00, 2. Resolution offering to pay the Condemnees in the William L. Potts property $6, 000, 00, 3. Supplementary Resolution of Condemnation and Acquisition relating to the properties of Impexatore,Canon Auton Parts and Forbes Steel Corporation. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the (3) said resolutions presented by County Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Tones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Solicitor Bigi presented a Petition for Court Approval to purchase a certain parcel of property known as Abex Corporation situate in Chartiers Township, and Mr. Bigi stated the price for purchase was $4, 615. 00. Mr. Bigi recommended that the Board execute the Petition for Court Approval and approve the Petition. Remark's: Mr. Flynn asked if this was being invested. Mr. Bigi replied yes and that Washington County desires to obtain title to the subject premises in order to develop said parce for the purpose of access to property presently owned by the County in Chartiers Township. Mr. Bigi stated that we have to have Court approval to do this. l\/'oved by Mr. Jones, seconded by 'k1r. Tones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board resolve to execute the Petition for Court Approval and approve the Petition. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Tones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Concerning old business, Mr. Bigi reported that he had answered the letter from Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation; and before answering the letter from Alagistrate Daryl Azorsky, he would like to review the lease before issuing any reimbursement for the repairs on the Magistrate's office. Mr. Bigi also stated that he had answered the letter concerning the George Lawrence property in West Bethlehem Township regarding demolition. Concerning the matter of the request by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Charleroi for funds for the Veterans Day celebration, which was tabled at the last meeting because of the ambiguity of the stat�utez pertaining to memorial observances, Mr. Bigi reported that he had read the at.tute and found that we could appropriate $300. 00 for the celebration to aid in expenses for this celebration. Moved by Mr. .Tones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board appropriate the sum, of $300. 00 to the Mon Valley Veterans Lay Celebration upon the opinion and recommenda of the County Solicitor. MINUTE Bo0K 46/ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS J 1 u Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Concerning the Agreement between Fayette County, Washington County, and Robert Simpson regarding the re-establishment of ferry service, Mr. Big! reported that the Agreement was approved by us, but he had not heard from the Fayette County Commissioners concerning what they were going to do with the Agreement. Mr. Bigi stated that we have done all we could do concerning the Agreement, but he would make another call to Fayette County to resolve this matter. Chairman Flynn referred to the meeting he attended in Harrisburg on August 1, 1974 with the State Association of County Commissioners. Mr. Flynn stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the impact of the Supreme Court decision that the courts, not the Commissioners, have control over hiring and firing of their employees and supervising their performance. Among the questions raised at the meeting were whether court -related employees who are included in current contracts will be eligible to receive the next salary increment, and whether they should be considered when future contracts are negotiated. Mr. Flynn reported that a hearing before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board is set for September 11. Chairman Flynn referred to the action taken at the meeting on Monday, August 5, 1974 relating to the position in joining with Allegheny County in the suit that they are bringing against the Department of Public Welfare. Mr. Flynn stated that the proposed course of action was to require the Department of Public Welfare to reimburse the counties for services to Medicaid patients in the same manner that they reimburse private nursing homes and require the Department to comply with the provisions of the MH/MR act that calls for full payment of cost for maintenance- of persons in interim care, which they are not doing. (Discussion was held. ) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board support the position as taken by the State Association of County Commissioners concerning the Supreme Court's decision and their stand on Medicaid reimbursement to public institutions. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Flynn discussed the new legislation governing election officials salaries which sets the maximum compensation at $45 per day and the minimum at $25. 00 daily. Formerly, the officials could make a maximum of $39 based on the number of votes counted, but the new measure makes no such provision. 468 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Remarks: Mr. Paluso suggested that the election office compose a sliding scale of salaries based on the size of individual precincts. Mr. Flynn stated that this should be turned over to the election office to make recommendations based on a sliding scale, and suggested that the Board go on record implementing the provisions of Act #122 which raises the salaries of local election officials in various election districts. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record implementing the provisions of Act #122 of 1974, which increase compensation of elected officials in various election districts. 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 meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED August 8 1974, ATT CHIEF CLERK 1