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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 138 - 10-17-1974 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK 'BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS n Minute No. 138 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., October 17, 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; Administrative Assistant Crouse; Solicitor Bigi; Dave Posner, Court Administrator; Deputy Controller Daniels; Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Mr. Merdian of WJPA; Jerry Kelanic of WWVA; Grant Liesch of The Brownsville Telegraph; and Mrs. Gross 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. 13' each member having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 137 be approved, as Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - ; Mr. Paluso -on Mr. Flynn - Motion carried unanimously. Old Business: Chief Clerk stated that Mrs. Julia LQbozzo appeared before the Commissioners on October 3, 1974, at which time a conference was set up to meet with her on October 15, 1974, to fully discuss her program and to determine if the Board of County Commissioners could assist. Mr. Flynn, Mr. Whalen, Mr. Crouse and Mr. Fetcko met with Mrs. Lbbozzo and compiled all available information and will make inquiries in her behalf to all agencies that could be involved. Mrs. Lrobozzo will be kept fully informed. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 1974, at 10:15 a. m. in the Public Meeting Room with representatives of the SEIU in regard to the pay scale for female jail guards. Chief Clerk then referred to the previous meeting when a question was raised whether or not the Mon Valley Area Vocational Training School would be included in the Vocational - Education Program. Chief Clerk read a letter addressed to Mr. Piganell from the MVAVTS I which stated that they would not be able to offer this program during prime time and suggested that classes be held at other training institutions. Chief Clerk then informed the Board of a meeting of the Bicentennial Commission to be held in the George Washington Room of The George Washington Hotel on Tuesday, October 22, 1974, at 8:00 p. m. under the direction of Charlotte K. Lane. ;147RVA MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS R.Pmarks! Mr. Flynn read an excerpt from Minute #183, dated September 16, 1971, which stated that Mrs, Charlotte K. Lane be appointed as liaison agent for Washington County to be responsible for the Bicentennial planning within the County for the nation's Bicentennial 1976. As a result of her appointment, Mrs. Lane has been acting as agent. Chairman stated that Washington County has joined the Southwestern Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission, which is compiled of ten (10) counties. Chairman instructed Mrs. Lane to send out registered letters to each of the 66 muni- cipalities in this County asking them what their intent was as to working in conjunction with the County to form plans for the Bicentennial celebration. Chairman also stated that at the meeting officers will be appointed of the groups that indicate that they are interested in participating in the County affair. Reports - None Correspondence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following ehdcks: 1. Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C. D. #1043 - 1974 Bond Issue Account Principle $2, 800, 000. 00 Interest $ 28, 000. 00 TOTAL $2, 828, 000. 00 2. Pittsburgh National Bank - securities - weekend investment - General Fund Principle $400, 000. 00 Interest $ 266.67 TOTAL $400, 266. 67 3. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Partial Billing No. 9 - Chartiers Creek Local Flood Protection Project, Canonsburg -Houston Reach Amount: $3, 175. 00 4. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Protective Care - Month of July 1974, Contract #19 76 - Period: 9 / 1 / 73 to 8 / 31 / 74 - Amount: $ 2, 490. 42 5. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Washington -Greene County Community Action Corporation - Contract #2313 - for months of July (Actual), September and August (Estimated) - Amount: $28, 903. 49 6. Washington County Project Account - Closeout - Governor's Justice Commission Account - Amount: $26, 610. 60 (Bills) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be authorized for payment: 1. Donn Adams - expenses for conference in Harrisburg - RE: Kitchen in Men's Home - $90. 30 2. Hilton Inn - Planning Conference - $1, 082. 43 (Chief Clerk stated that the County will be reimbursed by the Department of Community Affairs for $500.00) 3. Cole - Layer- Trumble Company - balance - Mapping Contract - $24, 450. 00 4. Cole -Layer- Trumble Company - balance - Data Contracts - $25, 262. 26 (Chief Clerk stated that Messrs. Crouse and Fetcko have done an extensive study and found that our records conform with those of CLT. ) 5. Michael Baker Jr. , Inc. - General Inspection - Jefferson Avenue Bridge Amount: $668.44 6. Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. - Revision - $858. 63 7. GAL Construction - Jefferson Avenue Bridge - $57, 618. 00 8. Cooperative Extension Service - budget request - $6, 294. 00 MINUTE BOOK W5 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS u 1 _ 9. William C. Porter - for Mary Patterson condemnation property - $135. 00 Mr. Jones asked why the County got so far behind in regard to payments to CLT, and Mr. Crouse answered by explaining how he and Mr. Fetcko did the research. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jore s - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Dave Baker of The Daily Notes entered the meeting. ) (Transfers) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the following transfers: 1. From Bond Issue Account to Parks & Recreation $10, 000. 00 2. From Parks & Recreation to General Fund $50, 000. 00 3. From Capital Reserve to General Fund $ 3, 500. 00 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board of the following official report, to date, for Voter Registration in Washington County: MEN WOMEN TOTAL Democrats 32,824 34,124 66,944 Republicans 13,891 15,210 29,101 (205 Voting Districts in the County) Constitutional 107 116 223 Other 770 756 1.526 TOTALS 47,592 503,202 97,794 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record as certify- ing the report as submitted by the Bureau of Elections. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board that the County has been served with a Notice of a charge of unfair labor practices filed against them by the Pennsylvania Social Service Union SEIU, Local 668, in connection with Child Welfare and MH/MR. The Labor Relations Board established Monday, November 18, 1974, at 10:00 a. m. in Room 1512, Pittsburgh State Office Building, as the time and place of the hearing. Chief Clerk then stated that in recent weeks, the Board of Commissioners have met with the Suburban Bus Lines who has a problem which involves the Port Authority Transit System. In agreement with Suburban Bus Lines officials, the Board of Commissioners are BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS trying to arrange a joint meeting with the Allegheny County Commissioners, Washington County Commissioners and Suburban Bus Lines and have made a formal request to Mr. Carpenter, Chief Clerk of Allegheny County, to arrange a meeting as soon as possible. Chief Clerk read a letter from the League of Women Voters requesting that the Com- missioners declare the week of October 20, 1974, as "League of Women Voters' Week" in Washington County. Chief Clerk stated that during this week, the League will publicize some of the special non -partisan services that they provide and take this opportunity to seek com- munity support. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the week of October 20, 1974, be declared "League of Women Voters' Week" 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 request from Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Co. #2, Muse, Pa., for an increase in polling place fee for the 7th precinct of Cecil Township from $20. 00 to $35. 00. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the request of Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Company #2 be approved as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk then informed the Board that a letter has been sent to Superior Valve in connection with the sewage problem in the Arden area asking them if they wish to send any form of counterproposal for the study of the Pump Houses at the Washington County Homes. Chief Clerk read a letter dated October 7, 1974, from Metro Petrosky, Jr., Director of Adult Welfare Services, requesting that he and Mrs. Patricia Cook be permitted to attend a conference on Thursday, October 31, 1974, at the Dauphin County Home and Hospital in Harris- burg. The purpose of the conference is to discuss the aspects that directly effect the foster home program and review and comment upon the proposed regulations that the Department of Public Welfare has developed to regulate the Foster Home Program. Mr. Petrosky stated that there are sufficient funds in both the Protective Service Account as well as his own to cover these expenses. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Metro Petrosky, Jr., and Mrs. Patricia Cook be -permitted to attend the conference at the Dauphin County Home and Hospital as per above. Roll call vote taken: MINUTE BOOK NV/ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS L J 1 Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk next read a letter dated October 2, 1974, from President Judge John V. Diggins of Delaware County stating that arguments on post trial motions in the case of the Com- monwealth v. W.A. "Tony" Boyle are scheduled to begin on December 19, 1974, and hopefully will not exceed two to three days. Letter also stated that they will take precautions for securi and proper safekeeping of the defendant while in Delaware County; and as previously arranged with Washington County, the costs involved will be carefully documented and billed to Washing- ton Co unty. Chief Clerk then read another letter dated September 30, 1974, from the League of Women Voters in regards to the League participating as field registrars. Said letter stated that the authority for these appointments is contined in P. L. 487, No. 115, Section 5 and John- son Election Code, Section 3005, which states "The Commission shall have the power to appoint such assistants and employees as from time to time it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act... " IN-300MWqu Mr. Flynn stated that he did not understand the letter and has never spoken about field regis- trars to any member of the League. Mr. Jones stated that this was discussed when Mr. Flynn was on vacation. (More discussion followed. ) Chief Clerk stated that the County of Washington has been notified by the Department of Public Welfare that our application for funding under The Old Americans Act in the amount of $11, 851. 26 has been approved and will be forwarded within the next two or three weeks. Chief Clerk read letter dated Cctober 15, 1974, from William P. Sember, Executive Director of the Washington County Planning Commission, regarding the Catsburg Project. Said letter stated that DER. will begin design of the mine drainage facility as soon as they receb word that the necessary land is in public ownership. Remarks: Mr. Paluso asked who is going to draw the contract with Mr. Fritch to buy the property and stated that he thought this could be done now. He also asked who is going to own the land. Mr. Flynn answered that it will be a joint effort, but the City of Monongahela will hold the title. Mr. Paluso stated that since Washington County's money is involved the most, we should draw up the contract; and stated that Mr. Sember was under the impression that the County Solicitor would draw up the contract. Mr. Paluso thought that the Planning Commission would. Chair- man stated that this would be resolved and then instructed Mr. Bigi to take care of this matter. Chief Clerk then stated that on October 8, 1974, a conference was held with the W ton County Commissioners and the Greene County Commissioners regarding the Hawkins Bridge #5; and the result was a consensus of opinion that the two Boards should adopt a joint resolution abandoning the Hawkins Bridge #5 as it relates to Washington County and Bridge #88 as it re- lates to Greene County. Chairman stated that Washington County and Greene County each were to instruct their Solicitors to get together and draw up the necessary resolution to present to i WINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS the Court for approval for the abandonment of the Bridge. Chairman also stated that there are other bridges that can be used. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board go on record authoriz the Solicitor, in conjunction with the Greene County Solicitor, to draw up the necessary resolu- tion abandoning Hawkins Bridge #5 as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a memorandum dated October 1 1, 1974, from William Sember, Executive Director of the Planning Commission, regarding Community Development Legislation Mr. Sember stated that he would like to arrange a meeting with the Board of Commissioners as soon as possible to discuss the alternatives and strategies available to the County under the Community Development Act. He also stated that he would like to obtain the Board's feelings and opinions on what, if any, action the County should take relative to applying for discretion- ary funds under this program. Chairman stated that this meeting should be set up as soon as possible. Chief Clerk stated that he would arrange the meeting for October 18, 1974, at 10 a. Chief Clerk read a letter dated October 3, 1974, from Wallover & Mitchell, Inc., which stated that they are including a copy of the letter of final approval received from the State Art Commission for the Washington County Extended Care Facility. Chief Clerk read a second letter from Wallover & Mitchell, Inc., dated October 11, 1974, regarding the Extended Care Facility Site Preparation. Said letter included an Invitation to Bid for Contract SP-1, "Site Preparation Work. " Letter also recommended that Washington County authorize the advertising for Construction Bids for this contract. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Commis- sioners be authorized to advertise for bids for Contract No. SP-1 - "Site Preparation Work" on the site for the future construction of a new Extended Care Facility for the County of Washington; said bids to be received in the office of the County Controller until 11:00 a. m. , Local Time, November 14, 1974, and immediately thereafter will be publicly opened and read aloud in a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Washington County. Motion also included the appro- val of the tentative schedule. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Regarding Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project, Chief Clerk informed the Board of a scheduled meeting between the Borough of Canonsburg, Borough of Houston, Canon -McMillan School District and Washington County, which is to be held on October 23, 1974, at 8:00 p. m. i the Public Meeting Room. MINUTE 1300K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 11 a 1 Chief Clerk stated that in compliance with the Election Code, Washington County Com- missioners have published a notice of General Election for November 5, 1974, including the polling places and the instructions to the various Election Boards. Chief Clerk then stated that the Commissioners have released to all departments the 1975 budget forms and the schedule of budget hearings and that conferences have been establish( Chief Clerk also stated that Mr. Crouse and Mr. Fetcko have been working on this project and have a completed schedule available. Mr. Crouse stated that the return date on the forms is October 25, 1974. Chief Clerk informed the Board of a communication from the Greater Washington Area Chamber of Commerce inviting the Commissioners to their annual banquet on Wednesday, October 23, 1974, to be held at the Hilton Inn. Chairman stated that this would be hard to fit into their schedule because of other meetings; however, he recommended that the Commission- ers purchase a table for $100. 00 since they cannot attend. No action was taken, and Chairman instructed the Chief Clerk to inform the Chamber of Commerce that no action was taken on this matter. New Business: Chairman elaborated on the Supreme Court's Order reversing the decision of the Com- monwealth Court and stated that an, appeal has been taken. The hearing is scheduled in Harris- burg for October 23, 1974, with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. The State Associatio of County Commissioners has filed a Petition to the Supreme Court under Rule 58. Mr. Flynn also discussed the Commissioners' obligations with regard to the SEIU contract. (Malcolm L. Morgan entered the meeting. ) Chairman then commented on House Bill #2161 which states that the County Commis- sioners of the 67 counties must pay the expenses of the Justices of the Peace in going to m of their associations, which would include hotel bills, mileage, etc. , expenses, not to exceed $35. 00 per day. Chairman stated that he opposed this because the Justices of the Peace are under the same category as the Judges, under the judicial system, and are employees of the state. Chairman also commented on House Bill #1779 which would make it mandatory for W ington County to pay $250. 00 per year to put into funds to provide for the State Association of District Attorney's Headquarters. Chairman stated -that he thought this was going to extremes because they ask the County to pick up a tab that won't even benefit our County. (Controller Mascara entered the)meeting. ) Chairman then stated that on October 16, 1974, there was ,a meeting in Courtroom #1 with the Judges of Election of the 205 election districts in the County of which 119 were present. Chairman stated that at the meeting, the Commissioners explained in detail how they intended t MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS the Judges of Election according to Act #122. Chairman stated that on September 19, 1974, Commissioners adopted a resolution putting into effect the provisions of Act #122. Mr. ised that communications have been received from the State Association and the Justice De- artment regarding the constitutional legality of whether the Judges of Election, Majority and .nority Inspectors are constitutional offices and -th at,, they cannot receive any increases or during their current terms creases or any other emoluments that go with the officg(. Mr. Flynn also stated that the Boa rescinded that action of that date and adopted a formula'under present statutes. Mr. Flynn rred to a letter dated October 11, 1974, from Melvin Shuster, Deputy Attorney General, of Justice, which stated that no public officer shall increase or diminish his salary r his election or appointment. Mr. Flynn then read part of Mr. Shuster's letter to Mr. Bigi stated that it should also be made clear that this memorandum is advisory only and should/be ddered an official opinion of the Department of Justice. The County Commissioners should eek the advice of their County Solicitors for further guidance in this matter. Mr. Flynn further tated that the Board has adopted the provision whereby the minimal amount of money would be 21. 00 and the maximum amount would be $39. 00 under existing statutes. itor: Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board for their approval a Group Home Contract for mmunity Living Arrangements for the Mentally Retarded�Persons between Washington County the United Cerebral Palsy of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Inc., as provider. Mr. Bigi sta t this is the same type of contract that has been executed in the past. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the Group Home Contract r Community Living Arrangements for the Mentally Retarded Persons as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board for their consideration a Resolution to Amend clarationsof Taking which wire previously executed and which should include the following as equired by law: "Such property should be acquired with Grant -In -Aid assistance provided by Pennsylvania's Land and Water Conservation Reclamation Fund Act No. 443 of 1967 for recreation, conservation and historical purposes. " Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the Amendments to the clarations of Taking as per above; said action based on the recommendation of Solicitor Bigi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE BOOK 541 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 A Solicitor presented to the Board for their consideration an Agreement between Columb Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc., and the County of Washington for the relocation facilities in connec- tion with Chartiers Creek Flood Protection Project, Canonsburg -Houston Reach, Unit 2A. Solicitor Bigi stated that Columbia Gas wants the County to pay for 10016 of the relocation costs, Discussion was held, and Chairman• recommended that Clay Graham be consulted. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the Agreement between Col Bia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc., and the County of Washington subject to any exceptions and cost estimates by Clay Graham. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Tax Refunds) Solicitor Bigi presented the following four (4) tax refunds to the Board for their consider ation,and approval. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorized to prepare the following tax refunds due to either duplication or overpayment of real estate or personal property taxes: I. Dorothy Corgnati 1974 County Tax R.. D. #3, Knox Plan Avella, PA 15312 District: Cross Creek ---Deed Book Reference: None District Number: 21 --- Section Number: 11--- Parcel Number: 3-1 Amount: $1.45 2. Edgar R. & Ethel M. Miller 1974 County Tax R. D. #2 Claysville, PA 15 323 District: Independence ---Deed Book Reference: 0724-0549 District Number: 370---Section Number: 24---Parcel Number: 2 Amount: $3.25 3. Stanley H. Brady Personal Property Tax 645 North Wade Avenue Washington, PA 15301 Amount: $65.72 4. James N. Hamil Personal Property Tax 245 Allison Avenue (Check to be mailed to Mellon Bank, N.A. , Washington, PA 15301 Guardian of Est. of James N. Hamil, South Amount: $80. 00 Main St. & Cherry Ave., Wash. Pa. 15301) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Bigi presented to the Board a Proclamation making October 20 - 26, 1974, National Drug Abuse Prevention Week in Washington County. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, adopting the above Proclamation as recommended by Solicitor Bigi. 542 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 then stated that he has been in contact with the Solicitor, of Fayette County, and they have agreed to form a joint authority in regard to the Ferry Commission. Mr. Bigi stated that .he is in the process of preparing a joint resolution to form the authority which must be signed by both Boards of Commissioners. Then they must draw up articles of incorporation for the authority, name the board, terms of office and get a certificate of incor- poration by the State which they are presently working on. (Discussion followed. ) More Discussion was held on the unfair labor practices filed againstthe Commissioner�,and the decision handed down by the Supreme Court. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTE£Ofw October 17 1974 CHIEF CLERK