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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 132 - 8-29-1974 - COMMISSIONER482 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. # 132 Office of the County Commissione Washington, Pa., August 29, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following membe�s being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso, and Flynn. Also being present: Administrative Assistant Crouse; Mr. Fetcko - Assistant to the Administrative Assistant; Mr. Gilmore - Assistant Solicitor; Deputy Controller Daniels; Mr. Jack Merdian of WJPA; Mr. Dave Bake of The Daily Notes; and Ms. Helen 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. 131, each member having received a copy. ad. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. # 131 be approved, as Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Id Business: None eports: 'Special Report by Commissioner Jones Commissioner Jones gave a report concerning the MH/MR Program involvement with services itting/for children 6 months to 6 years old. Mr. Jones stated that he had talked with r. John Fantz and several different mothers- regarding the training of babysitters to accustomed to the children. Mr. Jones reported that the mothers have agreed to ticipate in a program for the training of babysitters, and PARC will provide payment for babysitters. Mr. Jones also stated that there was a problem with transportation to the pital for children who have become ill. There is a problem with not having a driver on all, and the ambulance is not always available. Mr. Jones said he would meet with Mr. antz, Mr. Jim Ingram and the mothers to see if a solution to these problems could be Correspondence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of receipt of the following checks: 1. Commonwealth of Pa. - WIN Program Participation Amount: $540.00 2. Commonwealth of Pa. - Public Assistance Payment for Foster Home and Care Costs Month of May 1974 Amount: $1, 423. 33 3. Commonwealth of Pa. - Public Assistance Payment for CWS Services Month of May 1974 Amount: $6, 170. 87 0 MINUTE BOOK 483 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA _ MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS it 4. 1st National Bank and Trust Co. - Purchase of C of D Principle $135, 000. 00 Int. _Earned $ 1,261.23 (Fiscal Assistance Total $136, 261.23 Trust Fund) 5. PNB - Weekend investment repurchase agreement Return of Principle $500, 000. 00 Int. Earned $ 444.44 (General Fund) Total $500, 444.44 6. Michael George - Receipt from Parks and Recreation from August 19, 1974 to August 25, 1974 Amount: $156.00 7. Commonwealth of Pa. - Wash. -Greene Community Action Contract Numbers 1936 and 1936A dated 11/1/73 to 6/30/74 Amount: $18, 471. 21 (Recommend motion to amend last week's motion on $30, 000. 00 loan) NOTE* *Concerning the check from Washington Greene Community Action, Mr. Crouse stated that this check bears some relation to last week's meeting in which a temporary loan was authorized to Community Action under existing contracts due to tardy payments by the Department of Public Welfare in the amount of $30, 000. 00. Mr. Crouse reporter that upon receipt of this check he notified the Community Action Corp. that we would out that forward this payment to them. As per their letter, they pointed/these monies were encum- bered prior to July 1, 1974; and they asked that last week's motion be amended to read $12, 000. 00. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board amend the motion of August 22, 1974 changing the amount of the temporary loan from $30, 000 to $12, 000. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Bills) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing payment of the following bills: 1. Washington County Firemen's Association, Inc. - $2, 300. 00 Budgetary Item 2. Engelhardt -Power and Associates, Inc. - $1, 552. 00 (As per agreement) 3. Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission $5, 794.00 (Final Installment) 4. R. C. A. (Chartiers Fire Department Base Station) - $571. 88 5. J. Buberniak Company - $459. 00 - Bill No. 2 - $4, 913.46 (As per Agreement) 6. Commonwealth of Pa. - Department of Public Welfare - $2, 3-96..2 (Budgetary Item) 7. Donora Lumber - $ 240. 02 484 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. (Bills Continued) 8. Griswold, Winters, Swain & Mullin - $585.85 (Also authorization to transfer $10, 500 from 1974 Bond Fund Account to Commonwealth Conservation) NOTE* *Concerning the above bill, Mr. Crouse stated that this covers an existing contract for at Mingo Park, and that there have been bills authorized /which sufficient funds are not in e Commonwealth Conservation Account; and in order to meet these prior bills, Mr. Crou suggested the Board transfer $10, 500. 00 from the 1974 Bond Fund Account to the Common- ealth Conservation Account in accordance with the previously adopted Bond Ordinance. M rouse further stated that the $10, 500 transfer will be sufficient money to cover all outstan ing requisitions against Commonwealth Conservation and pay our bills up to date. Mr. Crouse stated that he had two (2) bills from November 30, 1974 which were apparently not paid, but had been approved by the Board. (Discussion was held) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board authorize the transfer $10, 500 from the 1974 Bond Fund Account to the Commonwealth Conservation Account as above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve the payment If outstanding debts to Griswold, Winters, Swain & Mullin up to date as of August 29, 1974, ncluding the present requisition of $585.85. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The Acting Chief Clerk reviewed a letter which he had sent to Mr. Whalen dated August 20, 1974 regarding the 1974 Grant -in -Aid Program adopted by the Board of Washington County Commissioners in May of 1974. Mr. Crouse stated in his letter that no obligation would be met until receipt of 1974 funds, which were received in the amount of $24,114. 00, and that he had completed a study of applicable regulations, contractual obligations and present salaries of individuals affected by this grant allocation. Mr. Crouse requested that the Board direct the Personnel Director to implement the following changes: 1. Jncrease the annual salary of Thomas Stapulis, Ann Kruczek and Pamela Siegel from $ 9, 453. 52 to $9, 923. 00, retroactive to January 1, 1974. (Code P.O. I. (B)) 485 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS L 0 2.Increase the annual salary of Timothy Harrison from $11, 500. 00 to $11, 995. 00, retroactive to March 1, 1974. (Code P.O. III (A)) Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that this does not require Salary Board action, but is mandatory on the part of the Commissioners, and that the positions in questions are subsidized by the State. In order to meet the requirement, we are mandated to pay these minimum salaries. Mr. Crouse stated that these are the minimum incremental salaries which we must meet on the anniversary date of the grant. Mr. Paluso stated that in order for us to continue to participate, we have to pay the salaries, and asked Mr. Crouse about increments. Mr. Crouse stated that there are anniversary increments for any new personnel that come in after the Grant -In -Aid Program is approved. They have anniversary increments which could come at any time of the year. However, for those employees who were already employed at the Juvenile Probation offices when this Program was originally instituted in 1973, their salaries had to be brought up to the first year levels. Upon receipt of our 1973 Grant -in -Aid, they were brought up to these levels. The average increase down there exceeded the 3-year total package that other employees were getting under the Union contract. Nevertheless, participating in this program, their salaries were brought up to that. The anniversary date is considered January 1, 1974 for subsequent grants. That's the incremental increase. If any one of them should be promoted to a different P.O, classification, there's also an incremental increase there. Mr. Paluso asked if they continue in the same job classification, do they get an automatic increment raise. Mr. Crouse answered once a year they receive a raise. Mr. Paluso asked what the County share would be for participating in this program. Mr. Crouse stated that from an economic standpoint, you are getting in more than you have to pay out. Once this program begins, you are just required to meet the various obligations of the Grant -in -Aid. It is designed to improve the quality and quantity of the Juvenile Court Probation services. It falls into 2 areas - you have to make their salaries standard and certain percentages of the grant monies have to be allocated for the training and so forth. ✓Ir. Paluso stated the point he was trying to clear up was the taxpayers money is not being used o pay these people additional increments that the other employees who are paid by tax money Lre not getting. Is that correct? . Crouse stated that this was correct. . Paluso asked if all of these salaries are paid by the State grant money. . Flynn replied no. . Crouse further explained not all their salary, but a larger salary would have to be picked by the County if we choose not to participate in the program. Ir. Flynn stated that ever since the Program has been instituted, he has always been somewhat .�eptical of it. Number 1 - being it is administered by the Juvenile Court Judges Commission id the money granted is contingent upon the money appropriated by the legislature each year. he Juvenile Court Judges Commission have governed themselves with regulations on how much :)u should pay this employee and etc. , and next year it could be different. Is that correct? r. Crouse stated that was correct. Next year if we want to participate in the FY 75 Program grant application will have to be filed and another, increment if they remain in the same job assification. In the meantime, if they are transferred by merit to a different P.O. classifica- :)n an incremental increase is also granted. VIr. Paluso asked if there was a limit to this. As an example he stated that if a person has been sere 20 years and got a $1, 000 raise increment every year, and he started out making $15, 000 i year he would eventually be making $35, 000. The legislature said they were going to appropriate only 50% of the money they appropriated last year, so they pick up half of $45, 000. [here has to be a limit somewhere. 486 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYhVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Flynn stated that this was a contractual arrangement by the County approved by the Courts and that he had taken the position of being opposed to it, but the courts insisted upon it. The Judges must sign when we agree to participate, and we as the Commissioners must sign. Mr. Flynn stated there was an unfairness about this, and that we have cases existing in this County. For an example, Mr. Flynn stated that if., a certain employee of the Probation offices such as a caseworker, had worked for 20 years and a new employee could come on the job tomorrow and receive the minimum requirement, which would be greater than what the caseworker was receiving now after 20 years of service. Mr. Paluso requested that this discussion be transcribed in the record books because he anticipated negotiations would be taken on this perhaps next year. Mr. Crouse stated he would like to point out that when we were requested to file this 1974 Program, the Board went on record expressing concern to the Juvenile Court Judges Commission about some of these very matters. One of the most specific points was that we negotiate a Union contract for County employees and their total 3-year package was $1, 250. 00. In order to get in on this program in 1973, the average increase granted in one year was in an excess of $1, 500. 00 which exceeded the 3-year package. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board accept the mandates of the Grant -in -Aid Program. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a notice received from the Pa. Association of County Hospital Administrators advising the hospital administrators that their annual convention will be held Tuesday, September 10 thru Friday, September 13, 1974 in Hershey, Pa. Mr. Crouse stated there would be several people speaking on projects we -have been ` involved in, such as existing facilities and the plans for the new facility, and he requested permission to attend. Remarks: Mr. Paluso suggested that Mr. Joseph Fetcko be given permission to also attend. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve the attendance of Mr. Crouse, Mr. Fetcko and Mr. Showalter at the Pa. Association of County Hospital Administrators Annual Convention, as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes - Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Crouse read a letter dated July 29, 1974 from Merico S. Lignelli informing the Board of his resignation as Chief Assessor to be effective September 15, 1974. Said letter stated that due to his personal business demands, he would not be able to serve the County on a full time basis. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a request from the Child Welfare Department for a proposal in the amount of $1,493.40. Mr. Crouse stated that this proposal concerns the replacement of the existing dictation and transcribing equipment in their office, which is in poor condition. Mr. Crouse also stated that this would have to be honored from the Capital Reserve, and that there were trade-in allowances for existing equipment totaling $80. 00. 7_7 L✓ C 1 MINUTE BOOK 487 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS r j 1 1 Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board authorize the Chief Clerk to advertise for bids for the dictation and transcribing equipment for the Child Welfare 'Office; said bids to be received in the Office of the County Controller until 11:00 a. m. , Local Prevailing Time, Thursday, the Office of the County Commissioners. Roll call vote taken: ,1974, and opened immediately thereafter in Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following names be appointed as Field Registrars for the forthcoming General Election to be held on November 5, 1974: Thomas Puglisi - Mr. Flynn Joan Douglas Patricia Fratini Emily Stotka - Mr. Jones Betty Smut ney Bea Angerman (Temporary) Norma Jones - Mr. Paluso Edna Miller Elizabeth White Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a letter of appreciation dated August 23, 1974, from the Chartiers Houston Community Library. Said letter thanked_ the Commissioners for their $500.00 budgetary allocation of 1974. Mr. Crouse i-ead letter dated August 26, 1974, from the City of Monongahela urging the Commissioners to appropriate 25� per capita in support of the Library in the City of Monongahela. Mr. Crouse informed the Board that they had received Change Order No. 1 prepared for the Jefferson Avenue Bridge, by GAL Construction, Inc. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Board approve Change rder No. 1 from GAL Construction, Inc., for the Jefferson Avenue Bridge upon recom- tion of the Solicitor. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Mr. Crouse read a letter dated August 23, 1974, from the County Controller ascara regarding court related employees and the S. E. I. U. Said letter stated that the ontroller's office had been requested by the court related employees that are members 488 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS of the B. S. E.I. U. to discontinue withholding union dues from their pay effective with the pay period ending August 30, 1974. Letter ,also stated that this request was gene -rated by the Supreme Court decision. Controller Mascara stated in his letter that no action will be taken on this matter pending a unilateral decision by the Board of Commissioners or a bi-lateral decision based upon consultation with Judge Sweet, or a multi -lateral decision in which the union is a participant. (Discussion was held.) Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that in view of the confusing legal decisions on the status of court employees, the Commissioners would have to decline to make a decision and would refer the matter to the union and its legal counsel for their consideration. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a telegram from Congressman Thomas E. rgan announcing that -the _office of Child Development of the Department of Health, Educati n Welfare has approved a $14, 116 Training and Technical Assistance Grant to California tate College. Said telegram also stated that the grant will be used to provide assistance local Head Start Program personnel to obtain credit courses or approved competency- ased training. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a request from Keery McAmbley of the ndustrial Development Agency. Mr. Crouse stated that there had. been a meeting concer e sanitary sewage system in the Industrial Park in the area of our County Homes, and it as agreed that if it was agreeable to the Board of Commissioners that a study should be nducted on the present situation on our sewage pump house which now presently serves e County Home for Aged Men, the Planning Commission, and the Superior Valve Company n order to determine the condition of these pumps and recommendations as to whether they �hould be replaced. The total cost of this study was agreed not to exceed $2,125. 00 and • hat the people selected to do the study meet with the approval of the County and Superior alve, and that Superior Valve pay at least 50% of the cost. emarks: r. Flynn suggested that this matter be tabled until the next regular meeting and arrange meeting with everyone concerned with this project. Mr. Crouse read letter dated August 21, 1974, to Mr. Whalen from Mr. Crouse ncerning the scheduling of periodic departmental meetings with the Board of Washington ounty Commissioners. Said letter listed four {4) dates suggested for the remainder of 74 to be held from 11:00 a. m. to 12:00 noon: September 10, 1974 November 5, 1974 October 8, 1974 December 3, 1974 r. Crouse also listed the department heads who should be required to attend these .eetings and suggested a schedule of events for each of these meetings. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 n C Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board adopt the recom- mendations and dates set up by Mr. Crouse for periodic departmental meetings with the Board of Commissioners as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of a letter dated August 13, 1974 from Carl G. Baker; Architects concerning the proposed interim corrections at the Washington County Home for Aged Men. Said letter proposed two change orders for the electrical work being done at the Home. Mr. Crouse stated that this was necessitated by the fact that a water cooled generator is not obtainable and by using an air cooled generator, additional duct work will have to be installed. Said letter stated that this work must be performed by the Electrical Contractor (J. Buberniak Company) and not by County personnel due to the necessary expertise needed to perform this type of special work, and because there is an insufficient number of County personnel to perform this work, thus deterring the final completion of the project. Mr. Crous, further stated that the Contractor has submitted a comprehensive proposal to cover this work at a cost of $2, 859. 00. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the Board approve the proposed two change orders by Carl G. Baker concerning the electrical work to be performed by J. Buberniak Company at the Washington County Home for Aged Men as per above at a cost of $2, 859. 00. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of another letter from Carl G. Baker dated August 13, 1974 concerning the proposed kitchen renovations at the Washington County Home for Aged Men. Mr. Crouse stated that there was a question concerning the previous proposal which was submitted and approved, as to whether it meets with the NFPA 96 subdivision of the Life Safety Code. Mr. Crouse stated that the go ahead has not been given on the previous submitted proposal contingent upon approval from the insurance service office, a letter of approval for the submitted plan, and a letter from the Department of Labor and Industry approving the plan as submitted. Discussion was held. It was suggested that this be held in abeyance until approval is made to continue with the previous submitted plan. Mr. Crouse informed the Board of two letters from Clay Graham dated August 23, 1974, addressed to the Department of Environmental Resources. Said letters stated that MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Graham had submitted two separate invoices to C. H. McConnell, Deputy Secretary, requesting our 5010 reimbursement as per existing contracts for expenses incurred in the Chartiers Creek Flood Protection Project. New Busines: Chairman informed the Board and others _present that the Court House will be closed from 4:30 p, m. Friday, August 30, 1974, until 9:00 a, m. Tuesday, September 3, 1974 in observance of Labor Day. Solicitor: Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore reported on the situation concerning the Avella bridge. Mr. Gilmore has just returned from a discussion in Court and stated that the railroad are willing to put up some amount of money if the state, township and county put up something and come up with a plan to take care of the problems in the future. Chairman Flynn informed the Board of a copy of three letters which he had received from Blanche Coleman, Law Librarian. One letter was from Judge Sweet informing Ms. Coleman of her termination as Law Librarian as of August 31, 1974, one was from Rogert Eakert, Esq. to Attorney Robert Zeman which related to her position as bookkeeper for the Law Library Committee, and one letter from Judge Simmons. Ms. Coleman requested the Board of Commissioners to instruct the Controller's Office to perform an audit on all previous bookkeeping concerning the account of the Law Library Committee. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: August 29 , 1974 ATT CHIEF CLERK E