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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 135 - 9-19-1974 - COMMISSIONERM11NUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALusO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 135 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., September 19, 1974 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also present being: Chief Clerk and County Administrator Whalen; Controller Mascara; Deputy Controller Daniels; Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters; _Jack Merdian of WJPA; Dave Baker of The Daily Notes and Earl Bugaile of WKEG. Also present: County Solicitors Bigi and Gilmore. 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. 134, each member having received a copy. as,read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 134 be approved Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Reports - None Old Business: Mr. Whalen reviewed a matter concerning the changing of a polling place, which was tabled at the last regular meeting on September 12, 1974. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the Board authorize,the Voting of two precincts in Peters Township to be performed in St. Benedict's Church Hall at a rental fee of $35. 00 for each precinct. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen reviewed a memorandum from the Commissioner of Elections regarding the removal of the numbered stub on paper ballots. Mr. Whalen stated that the headline of a news release was misleading, and that this should be further clarified for the benefit of the voters. Chairman Flynn discussed a previous matter concerning the Bureau of Elections in which the Board approved a new schedule of payment for the election officials on August 15, 1974 (Minute No. 130) in compliance with Act 122. Mr. Flynn stated that the legislation, known as Act 122, would permit judges, inspectors and clerks to receive a maximum of $45. 00 per L� day, however, the state constitution provides that no elected official may receive a pay MINUTE ■■ 'BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C LJ increase during a current elected term. Mr. Flynn further stated this would mean that appointed personnel such- as clerks and deputy constables, who are not effected by the constitutional provision, would make more than the elected officials, which would cause considerable confusion. Mr. Flynn recommended that the Board rescind the motion made on August 15, 1974 and adopt a salary schedule of $21. 00 for judges, inspectors and clerks, and they will be paid $2. 00 per each 50 votes cast after the first one hundred votes, but that total compensation shall not exceed the sum of $39. 00 for any one primary or election. Also, Mr. Flynn recommended that the salary of constables now receiving $10. 00 shall receive no more than $20. 00 per day. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the Board rescind the motion made on August 15, 1974 (Minute No. 130) concerning the schedule payment of election officials. 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 adopt the salary schedule for election officials as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen again reviewed a letter from the News Election Service dated September 3, 1974 which requested the Board to instruct the judges of elections, in each of the polling places of the County to make a collect call to News Election Service in New York after the ballots are counted. Mr. Whalen stated that -it was suggested that a bulletin be put in with the election supplies giving them the option to do this if they so desire. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize our Election Bureau to notify each judge of election (205 Precincts) that it is optional for them to make the call collect as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board that we had received additional requests for field registrations, and he requested permission to review these and set them up if such procedure is warranted. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the Chief Clerk to review the additional requests for field registrations as� per above. 510 MINUTE :■■ 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. Mr. Whalen informed the Board of a letter from the Washington County Industrial Development Agency requesting the Washington County Commissioners to purchase approximately 119 acres of land located in North Strabane Township at a price of $193, 750 for inclusion in the Industrial Land Bank Program under the authority of Act. No. 230, and agreed to repurchase the property at the end of two years. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the request made by the Washington County Industrial Development Agency regarding the purchase of land as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes, Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Flynn discussed the court order concerning the D. Keith Nlelenyzer vs. Washington County case. A-ssistant Solicitor Gilmore read the court order down on August 29, 1974 which dismissed the case on the grounds that there was no longer a controversy. Mr. Gilmore summarized the case stating that Mr. Melenyzer was suing the County for back wages for a period of about 7 or 8 months when he was on the Tax Appeal Board. Mr. Gilmore recommended that since this matter had been dismissed by the Court, that the Board authorize payment to Mr. Melenzzer. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that in view of the fact that there was no case, it was the responsibility of the Controller and County Commissioners. Mr. Flynn further stated that Mr. Melenyzer had performed the services and was dismissed illegally. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Board authorize the payment of all back wages for the year of 1973 earned and due Mr. D. Keith Melenyzer. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No;- Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried, - Correspondence: - Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: 1. Commonwealth of Pa. - Protective Care Contract #1976 Check #31-350362 - Period: 9/1/73 to 8/31/74 Amount: $1, 549. 01 2. Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C. D. #1017 - General Fund Principal $500, 000. 00 Interest $ 9,791.66 TOTAL $509, 791.66 1 MINUTE BOOK 511 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA i MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 (Bills) following bills: 3. First National Bank & Trust Company - Redemption of C. D. #5514 Principle $200, 000. 00 Interest $ 1,974.66 TOTAL $201, 974. 66 4. Pittsburgh National Bank - securities - weekend repurchase - General Fund Principle $450, 000. 00 Interest $ 300.00 TOTAL $450, 300. 00 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing payment of the 1. Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency $6,175. 00 Fourth quarterly allocation 2. Clifford Tustin - $9.195. 85 - Chartiers Creek 3. Donald E. York - $550. 00 - Appraisals - Mingo Park 4. Sam E. Anthou - $5, 200. 00 - Chartiers Creek Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a telegram dated September 11, 1974 from Mrs. Julia Labazzo announcing that she would be attending the regular meeting on September 19, 1974. Mr. Whalen noted that she was not in attendance at today's meeting. Chief Clerk read a letter dated September 16, 1974 from the Fayette County Commissioners. Said letter enclosed the agreement between the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission, the County of Washington, the County of Fayette and Robert L. Simpson, which had been executed .by the Commissioners of Fayette County. Letter also requested that the other parties concerned execute the agreement. Chief Clerk read a letter dated September 13, 1974 from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh requesting that the week of November 10th be held as Youth Week. Chairman Flynn suggested that this be held in abeyance until further investigation has been completed regarding this matter. Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated September 16, 1974 from the Washington County Planning Commission regarding the Annual Planning Conference to be held on October 4, 1974. Said memo enclosed a- copy of a Service Contract from the Department of Community Affairs for the Planning Conference, and announced that the DCA would give them a grant of $500. 00 to cover the expenses. -Chief Clerk read a letter dated September 11, 1974 from Clay Graham directed to Robert L. Zeman, Attorney regarding Chartiers Creek. Mr, Graham requested that all completed title certificates for 2A, necessary agreements, deeds and other material from those organizations involved in this project, be sent to him. 512 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated September 11, 1974 from William Sember of the Planning Commission which enclosed copies of the Washington County Highway Program and Community Development Legislation. Said letter also noted those projects which are identified on the County's recommended six -year program. Letter stated that the six -year program has not been adopted by the SPRPC. Letter also enclosed some preliminary figures for five communities in Washington County under the Better Community Legislation, but stated these fiqures were not final. Remarks: Mr. Jones reported that he was scheduled to attend a meeting on September 23, 197 with Mr. Kassab and Mr. Bill Sember. Chief Clerk informed the Board of three letters dated September 10,11 and 12, 1974 from libraries in Washington County. A letter from McDonald Free Library Association requested that consideration be given to the recommendation of the District Library Center. Also received was a letter -from the City of Monongahela requesting the Commissioners to appropriate 25� per capita in support of the Byers Memorial Library in their city, and a letter from- resident George E. Watkinson requesting the support of the libraries of Washington County at 25� per capita in the next year's budget. Mr. Flynn stated that these requests will be taken under consideration and would provide the necessary monies that are available. Chief Clerk reported that it had been suggested by the Election Department that consideration be given of having two seminars in the County for the benefit of the Judges of Election and including any members of the Election Board. Mr. Whalen stated that the purpose of these seminars would be to bring the members up to date on any and all requiremen concerning the Election Board. Mr. Whalen further stated that these seminars were held in 1970 and a very good response was received at that time. He also reported that the only expense was that the Judges of Election would be entitled for reimbursement of mileage to and from the seminars. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the scheduling of two seminars for the benefit of the Judges of Election and member of the Election Board as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk reported on the problem concerning ventilation in the kitchen area of the Men's Home. Mr. Whalen stated that a representative of Curran -Taylor, Inc., said the problem could be corrected on an interim basis for $7, 500, but would not meet with the requirements of the Life Safety Act of 1967. He further stated that in order to comply 1 with the federal legislation, the cost could run as high as $75, 000. Because the County is only making interim repairs in anticipation of a new extended care facility, Mr. Whalen stated that MINUTE ■■ 513 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 LJ iJ an attempt will be made to obtain a waiver from the State Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg. Nfr. Whalen stated that Mr. Don Adams has volunteered to travel to Harrisburg asking only for reimbursement of his travel expenses. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize permission for Mr. Don Adams to travel to Harrisburg for approval of a waiver regarding the requirements of the Life Safety Act of 1967 as per above. - Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a memorandum received from the Planning Commission dated September 16, 1974 regarding the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974. Also enclosed was a memorandum from the National Association of Counties relative to a briefing session that is being conducted by NACo in Washington- D. C. on September 27, 1974. Mr. Sember stated in his memo that this legislation could prove to be very beneficial and suggested that we be represented on September 27. Mr. Whalen stated that he had discussed this with Mr. Sember, and that Mr. Sember had agreed to attend this session, if it was agreeable with the Board of Commissioners. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize Mr. Bill Sember to attend the briefing session conducted by NA Co in Washington D. C. on September 27, 1974. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a letter dated September 18, 1974 from Louise Abel of Child Welfare Services. Said letter requested authorization to attend the Fall Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Child Welfare Administrators to be held on Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11, 1974. The approximate expense would be $21. 00 a day plus travel and turnpike expense. Mr. Whalen stated that there were provisions in the budget for this request, Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the attendance of Miss Louise Abel at the Fall Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Child Welfare Administrators on October 10 and 11 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 September 17, 1974 from Attorney Thomas J. Terputac. Attorney Terputac stated in his letter that he represented the Board of Supervisors of East Finley Township, and enclosed, a petition and resolution to have Clarence 514 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Coen appointed as Assessor for'East Finley Township. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board execute the resolution appointing Clarence Coen as Assessor for East Finley Township. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes: Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read two telegrams from Congressman Morgan. One telegra announced the FHAAIs approval of a $200, 000 loan repayment period - 40 years; interest rate - 5% - to the Monongahela Fire Company, Inc. to rebuild a fire hall. The second telegram - announced the U. S. Postal Service has posted invitations for bids to construct a new post office at New Eagle. New Business: (Authorization to Advertise)' Moved by Mr. Jones, 'seconded by Mr. Paluso; that the - Board authorize the Chief Clerk to advertise for bids for the furnishing and delivering of rough oak bridge timbers for the Washington County Bridge Department. Said bids to be received in the office of the County Controller until 11:00 a. m. , Local Prevailing Time, Thursday, October 3, 1974 and opened immediately thereafter in the office of the County Commissioners. Also included in the motion, that the Board authorize the Chief Clerk to advertise for bids for the asphalt paving at the County Jail. Said bids to be received in the office of the County Controller until 11:00 a. m. , Local Prevailing Time, Thursday, October 3, 1974 and opened immediately thereafter in the office of the County Commissioners. Personnel Policy Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Motion carried unanimously. Due to a recent illness of Joseph Muscaro, head of the Election Office, Mr. Flynn recommended that 'Mr. Muscaro's sick leave be extended 30 working days, since he has already used up all his'sick leave this year. Mr. Flynn stated that the Commissioners have the executive power to granf an extension. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the extension of sick leave to 30 working days for employee Joseph Muscaro as per above. Solicitor: Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. County Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board four (4) resolutions prepared E I by Attorney Robert L. Zeman concerning the Chartiers Creek Flood Protection Project. MINUTE B❑❑K 515 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .ZONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 0 Mr. Bigi stated these resolutions deal with properties which have been condemned and that figures of settlement had been reached with the following condemnees: Louis Krajicek - $450. 00; Elva Jones - $2, 000. 00; William Smittle - $1, 150. 00; and Stanley F. & Catherine Czarnecki - $1, 300. 00. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the four (4) said resolutions as presented by County Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board an Agreement and Resolution between the Borough of Canonsburg and the County of Washington relating to participation in the Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve and execute said agreement and resolution as presented by Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. . Motion carried unanimously. Remarks: Mr. Flynn requested Mr. Whalen schedule a meeting with the Borough officials of Canonsburg, the Washington County Commissioners and their Special Counl, and Clay Graham. Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board a resolution concerning properties located within the Chartiers Flood Control Project. Said resolution requested from the Department of Environmental Resources an additional 5010 Cost Share for the property acquisition of the following properties: Donaldson Supply Company Parcel No. 1 $310, 000. 00 Greater Beneficial Union Parcel No. 2 $ 24, 500. 00 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve the said resolution presented by Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi read the following resolution: Be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington Pennsylvania, that the Emergency Medical Technician II Program be, and is - hereby, endorsed by the County of Washington. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the Board approve the above resolution as presented by Solicitor Bigi. 516 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. Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board an agreement between the County of Washington as "Owner" and Edward Tonetti as "Contractor" regarding removal of an abandoned building situated in Ten Mile Creek Park, East Bethlehem Township in Washington County. Said Contractor wishes to remove the building in exchange for salvage rights and to pay the Owner the sum of $25. 00. Mr. Bigi-stated that'he had received a Certificate of Insurance from Mr. Tonetti and after reviewing the certificate, had found it sufficient to approve the contract. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board approve said agreement as presented by Solicitor Bigi. (Tax Refund) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes; Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi presented the following Tax Refzand to the Board for their consideration and approval. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorize to prepare the following tax refund due to either duplication or overpayment of real estate taxes: Merle Hull R. D. 4 Washington, Pa. District: Amwell - District Number: 020 Amount: $53.20 Roll call vote taken: (1974 County Tax) Deed Book Reference: 0655-0325 - Section Number: 10 - Parcel Number: 2 Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi reported that the Court Order regarding the Petition to remove the Ebenezer Covered Bridge situate in Fallowfield Township, had been signed and approved by Judge Gladden. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that Eugene Tenaglia would now be authorized to proceed with this project. Solicitor Bigi reported that Act 175 know as the "Sunshine Bill" would become effective today, September 19, 1974. Meeting adjourned. L THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: September 19, 1974 , 1974 ATT. CL