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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 141 - 11-7-1974 - COMMISSIONER570 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS _ Minute No. 141 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., November 7, 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; Solicitor Bigi; Administrative Assistant Fetcko; Deputy Controller Daniels; Controller Mascara; Court Administrator Posner; Clay Graham, Land Acquisition Agent; Earl Bugaile of WKEG; Jack Merdian of WJPA; Jerry Kolanic of WWV*; Dave Baker of the Daily Notes; Bob Robertson of the Observer -Reporter; and Mrs. 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. 140, each member having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 140 be approved as Roll call vote ten: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Reports: Mr. Jones - Adult Probation Mr. Jones first stated for the record that in no way was he trying to usurp the powers of the Courts, but was only trying to expedite matters. Mr. Jones stated that he talked with Mr. Lou Wilson, Chief Domestic Relations Officer, today, regarding the matte of late support payment checks. Mr. Jones stated that allAate checks have been brought up to date. Mr. Jones stated that the new girl who learned how to operate the machine in the Domestic Relations Office is doing very well. Mr. Jones informed the Board that as soon as the checks are received in the Domestic Relations Office, they are stamped w the date, and they go out. Mr. Jones stated that now the chehks go out a lot sooner, most of them the next day. Mr. Jones stated that this office has done a very good job in settli the problem of late support checks. Old Business: (Somerset Township Bridge) Solicitor Bigi stated that he has dictated the necessary petition to the Court of Common Pleas for court approval to abandon the bridge relating to 1-70 and the slight re -location of 802. That bridge will be left isolated and the Township wants to retain it is a historical site. MINUTE BOOK 5`71 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS (Hawkins Bridge) Mr. Bigi stated that there will have to be a type of joint petition between the Counties of Washingtonr and Greene, and the Greene County Solicitor has been contacted. Mr. Bigi stated that he has also dictated a petition, and upon completion, a copy will be sent to Greene County for them to draft a petition similar to ours, and from there a court order will be necessary. (Joint Ferry Commission) Mr. Bigi then stated that he has talked with the Chief Clerk of Fayette County; and as he advised the Board before in the articles of incorporation, both Counties must set forth any existing authorities that they may have. Mr. Bigi stated that he is now waiting for word from the Chief Clerk of Fayette County. (Smith Township Demolition) Mr. Bigi stated that Mr. Gilmore has been in contact with the Tax Claim Bureat and is waiting resolutions from the municipality as well as the school district approving the demolition. Then a petition to the Court will be necessary. Remarks: Mr. Jones stated that it is a good idea to tear down these old buildings which can be a fire hazard as well as a health hazard. Mr. Jones also stated that the old buildings bring down the assessment of surrounding properties. (Law Library) Mr. Whalen stated that the bidding specifications for shelving are in the process of being prepared. Mr. Whalen stated that Attorney Beck, who is the Chairman of the Law Library Committee, is working with Gordon Small in this regard, and as soon as the3 receive than, we will be able to review them and then take action on authorization to bid. (Public Utility Commission Hearing) Chief Clerk informed the Board that the hearing involving Washington County has been turned over to Mr. McAmbley, who has written a letter confirming that he will attend the subject field conferences and then report to the Board of County Commissioners. orrespondence: Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: 1. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - ck. #48-371555 - Special Project Grant Funds - $2, 500.00 2. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - ck. #43-712981 - Yablonski Court Cases Reimbursement - $410, 000. 00 5 74� MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO. COMMISSIONERS (Bills) 3. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - ck. # 77-281756 - Washington - Greene & Fayette Counties - State Aging Funds - ME #48 - $11, 851. 26 4. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Ck. # 77-381757 - Washington - Greene & Fayette Counties - State Aging Funds (FY-73) Me #43- $9, 237. 50 5. Pittsburgh National Bank - Redemption of C.D. # 1063 - ck. # 524029 Principle $2, 800, 000. 00 1974 Bond Issue Acct. Interest $ 24, 412. 50 TOTAL $2, 824, 412. 50 6. Pittsburgh National Bank - weekend investment - ck. # 524034 General Fund Principle $750, 000. 00 Interest $ 468.75 TOTAL $750.468. 75 Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following bills be auth- brized for payment: 1. John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - for professional services rendered - $450.00 2. Cole -Layer -Trumble -'for data processing services as per contract $11, 361.33 3. Abex Corporation (Industrial Development) - $4, 650. 00 Remarks: Mr. Whalen stated that this has been approved by the Court and is now ready for payment out of the Industrial Develop- ment Fund. 4. Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. - obtaining and framing two prints of the Jefferson Avenue Bridge - $74.00 5. Gene P. Amanati, Realtor - Re: Harmon Creek Flood Control Project, Hanover Township - $400.00 6. Gene P. Amanati, Realtor - Re: Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project, Unit 2, Canonsburg, Pa. - $1, 150. 00 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk informed the Board of another notice from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on a hearing on the application of the Penn Central Transportation Company for approval of the alteration of the -crossing, at grade, by the construction of a siding track to serve MacPlastics, Inc., where the track of said company crosses State Highway Route 62162 (Johnson Road), in the Borough of Houston, Washington County. Mr. Whalen stated that this hearing will be on Tuesday, November 12, 1974, at 1:00 p.m., and that Mr. McAmbley will be given a copy of this letter. Chief Clerk read a letter dated October 25, 1974, from Walter A. Lyon, of the Department of Environmental Resources, regarding Comprehensive Water Quality Management Planning Program (COWAMP). Said letter stated that COWAMP is a program 1 1 MINUTE BOOK 573 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICMAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 C which will consider economic and social aspects of water quality planning, as well as the technological, environmental and management aspects. Enclosed with the letter were the details of the time, place and the agenda. Chief Clerk stated that he discussed this with Mr. Sember of the Planning Commission who stated that he will have a representative present at the meeting. Chief Clerk next read a letter dated October 16, 1974, from the Department of Community Affairs which stated that the Bureau of Local Government Services has recently) purchased an excellent workshop on "Cost Reduction ''techniques and Benefit Evaluation for Local Government". Said letter stated that the Workshop will be held at the Hershey Convention Center, on November 12-15, and attendance is limited to 25 persons. Chairma stated that attendance is optional. Chief Clerk read the first of two telegrams from Congressman Thomas E. Morga which stated that the Office of Economic Opportunity has provided Washington -Greene Community Action Corporation with a 3-month refunding grant in the amount of $17, 250. 00, to enable Washington -Greene CAC to continue administration and services of their program.] Chief Clerk read a second telegram from Congressman Thomas E. Morgan which stated that the Montgomery House, which is owned and inhabited by the Grace Montgomery family and located on W. Main Street, Claysville, Pa., has been entered in the National Register of Historic Places as authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 P. L. 89-665. The House received this recognition due to its architectural contribution to Washington County. Chief Clerk then informed the Board of correspondence from Jan Richard Garda, from the Trinity High School. Mr. Garda, who is the Career Placement Coordinator for the school stated that they have a "Career Placement" (work study) program for seniors, and asked whether or not the County would like to participate in this program. Mr. stated that all students awe to be paid a monetary wage and a waiver can be arranged if extensive career, training is involved. Chairman suggested that this letter be given to Mr. Piganell. Ch3$f• -Clerk then read a letter dated October 31, 1974, from Samuel L. Rodgers, Attorney for the Greater Beneficial Union of Canonsburg. Said letter stated that in accord- ance with the discussion at the meeting in the Courthouse on October 23, 1974, it is the intention of the Officers and Members of the GBU to use the proceeds received from policies of insurance on the present Clubhouse Building, which was damaged by fire on October 10, 1974, to repair and replace the damage done by that fire. (Discussion was held with Clay Graham.) Mr. Graham stated that he thought that the County should conclude dealings with':the GBU 574 MINUTE Bo -OK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS and recommended that the Board approve the transaction subject to the approval of the Solicitor. Mr. Paluso suggested that all documents relating to this matter be signed at the same time. (Discussion was held. Mr. Graham further elaborated on this matter.) Chairman recommended that this be tentatively approved subject to the perusal of the Solicitor. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board tentatively a the transaction with the GBU as per above, subject to the approval of the Soliditor. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence dated November 1, 1974, from Clay Graham, regarding Cross Creek Park, concerning the disposition of the various re -location routes, and it was concluded by Mr. Whalen, Mr. Gubanish and Mr. Graham, that the first step should be to have the proper engineering firms investigate the necessary re -location and the necessary costs of said roads as per the Soil Conservation Service engineering pro- jections and requirements. Said letter asked the Commissioners to consider this request and advise if this is the procedure they wished followed; and if so, what engineering firm: should be contacted. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that this is a must in the Cross Creek area. Mr. Jones asked how many miles of road this involved. Mr. Graham stated that a small re -location of State Highways of approximately 800 feet, and on Sites 660 and 662, 1 mile combined. Mr. Graham stated that he thought this was a potentially costly item, projected at $250, 000.00 for 1970. Mr. Paluso suggested that several engineering firms be contacted for some idea of an estimated cost. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing Mr. Graham to contact the engineering firms of McDonald Associates and Engelhardt & Power, to get some idea of an estimated cost, upon the recommendation of the Chairman. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read another letter dated October 31, 1974, from Clay Graham, concerning the acquisition of the Raymond Wright property at Mingo Park, Mr. Graham stated that the reason that these properties were not acquired before was due to the good condition and the thought not to displace families unnecessarily. Mr. Graham stated that this property is now for sale and he and Mr. George feel that it should be acquired. Mr. Graham further stated that he has talked to the State Department of Community Affaits 1 MINUTE B❑❑K 575 E30ARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C� and they informed him that they see no reason why they couldn't fund at least 30% of this acquisition. Mr. Graham also stated that he has gone through the house and made Mr. Wright aware that if the County should acquire his property, he- would not be entitle to any re -location or moving benefits. Mr. Graham requested that the Board consider this situation and let him know if they decide to acquire this property; if they do, he thinks it should be appraised. (Discussion was held.) Remarks: Mr. Graham stated that he assumed the house was in the $20, 000 range. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Raymond Wright property be appraised, upon the recommendations of Mike George and Clay Graham. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence dated October 30, 1974, from Wallover & Mitchel in which they advised that on October 21, 1974, they had a final review with the Depart- ment of Labor & Industry and the Department of Health, at which time they obtained the final approval from both agencies for the Washington County Extended Care Facility. Having received these final approvals, along with the final Art Commission approval was obtained earlier, they are now in a position to advertise for construction bids. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Com- missioners be authorized to advertise for bids for the following Contracts for the const of a new EXTENDED CARE FACILITY for the County of Washington, Washington, Penn- sylvania, to be received in the office of the County Controller of Washington County, Court House, Washington, Pennsylvania, until 11:00 a.m. , Local Time, December 19, 1974 and immediately thereafter will be publicly opened and read aloud in a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Washington County: Contract No. 1 - Contract No. 2 - Contract No. 3 - Contract No. 4 - Contract No. 5 - Contract No. 6 - Contract No. 7 - Contract No. 8 - Contract No. 9 - Contract No. 10 - Contract No. 11 - Roll call vote taken: General Construction HVAC Construction Plumbing Construction Electrical Construction. Food Service Equipment Laundry Equipment Hospital Casework Woodworking Equipment Pharmacy Equipment Dental Equipment Hydraulic Elevate+ Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Plan Deposit per Set $100.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 25.00 25.00 50.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 M tion Motion carried unanimously. 576 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA F MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk then informed the Board of a letter from Judge Sweet stating that understands that the Manpower Commission has money available for extra help, and, there fore, requests that two (2) such employees be assigned to the Domestic Relations Office for at least a period of 4 weeks while the present bookkeeper -supervisor Josephine Passarella is on vacation. Remarks: Mr. Flynn stated that both he and the Judge have contacted the Manpower office and were informed that there is no such thing as a temporary employee under the Manpower Progra . Mr. Flynn also stated that the Judge has been notified. (Discussion was held with Court Administrator Posner.) Chief Clerk next informed the Board of correspondence dated October 1, 1974, from Charles Crouse, regarding Judge Simmons and the Grant -in -Aid Program. The Program which became effective on January 1, 1974 included Sidney Manning, who has die Judge Simmons has called it to the attention of the Board that in the implementation of salary disposition in that office as a result of that grant, he feels that Mr. Manning's estate shouldf be reimbursed for the comparable time that he was there while this grant program was in effect. According to records, Judge Simmons stated that Mr. Manning accrued 292 hours in 1974 in the Juvenile Probation Office for a total amount of $81.12. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that $81.12 be paid to Sidney Manning's estate as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. P-.luso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. New Business: Chief Clerk informed the Board of a letter of resignation from Joseph Muscaro, Director of Washington County Elections, due to poor vision and ill health, effective on October 28, 1974. Remarks: Chairman stated for the record that they accept the resignation with regret and instructed the Chief Clerk to draft a letter commending him for his loyal service. Mr. Paluso, being the Chairman of the Veteran's Day Committee in Charleroi to receive and invite all public officials, stated that he would like to remind everyone in the County that on Monday, November 11, the celebration will be held at the honor roll in Charleroi; at 12:00, a reception will be held at the VFW on Sixth and McKean; and at 12:30, a luncheon, followed by speeches and a bhort program. Mr. Paluso invited everyone in the County to attend the celebration of a "legitimate" Armistice Day. Chairman then stated that the Courthouse will be closed from 4:30 p.m., on Friday, November 8, until 9:00 a.m. , Tuedcay, November 12, 1974, in obreervance of iJ Veteran's Day. MINUTE BDOK 577 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYL,VANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk then informed the Board of a request from Controller Mascara that the Board take action to make a budgetary transfer to the Constables Account 163, from Account 1499 in the amount of $4, 000. 00. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Board authorize the transfer of $4, 000. 00 from Account 1499 to Constables Account 163, as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: November 7 1974 ATT CHIEF CLERK