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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 27 - 6-29-1972 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK 219 BOARD OF_COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 Minute No. 27 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., June 29, 1972 ` 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 Murphy; Administrative Assistant Whalen; County Solicitor Capano; Mrs. Day and Mrs. Schaeffer from the League of Women Voters - Peters Township; Mike George, Director of Parks and Recreation; Clay Graham - Land Acquisition Agent; John Kossar - Parks `and Recreation; Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter; Reporter Roule of The Monongahela Publishing Company; and Reporter Liesch of The Brownsville Telegraph. Meeting called to order by Chairman `and roll call taken: Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr, Flynn - Present. Cnairman asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute No. 26, each Commissioner having received a copy. as read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 26 be approves, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso -- Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Report: Mrs. Schaeffer and Mrs. Day - League of Women Voters - Peters Township Mrs. Day: Our league is the League of Women Voters of Peters Township and Washington area. We are here as a result of a consensus we have taken on the election procedures. First of all, we would like to thank you for allowing us to come, and this is the first time we have had our consensus out in public. (Mrs. Day passed out to the Commissioners copies of the consensus. ) This is the position we have taken and will share with you. Mrs. Day read the following "position" of the League: "The League of Women Voters of Peters Township - Washington Area - has reached consensus on the following procedures that we consider essential to improving the democratic election process in` Washington County: ` 1. A periodic, dependable method of purging the rolls of delinquent voters. 2. Training classes for election officials. 3. The use of voting machines for accuracy and efficiency in tallying ballots. The League realizes that the expense of purchasing, storing; and servicing voting machines is an obstacle to be overcome but feels the results of fair honest elections far outweighs the cost of providing the machines in the long run. Mrs. Day: Mrs. Schaeffer has some additional information. Mrs. Schaeffer: This past year the League of Women Voters undertook a study to find out why the American public does not vote. Fortunately, Peters Township, as part of the 220 MINUTE :■■ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Pittsburgh area, was asked to participate in a portion of the survey and because we did and because we feel it is`very important we would like to give you a copy of the results of the survey. The survey was undertaken by the League of Women Voters Education Fund, which was funded from a Ford Foundation grant. One of the things they mentioned is that in the presidential election of 1968, 73 million Americans or approximately 60% of the total populat- ion of voting age actually voted; 47 million or approximately 40% did not cast a, ballot. Millions of American citizens fail to vote not because they are disinterested but because they are disenfranchised by the present election system. In the case of minorities - the poor, the uneducated, and the aged - the system imposes complicated requirements which exclude them from the electoral process. Ironically, millions of other Americans lose their right to vote not because they are part of a minority or because they are poor, but because they are part of the mainstream of American society. Moving to a better neighborhood, accepting a company transfer, going to college, getting married, serving their country and exercising other rights, freedoms and obligations to their country all too often has had the effect of denying citizens their right to vote. And I think you will all agree. I think all of you gentlemen will be anxious in reading a, copy of this. I will also say that it must be difficult for an aged person to come from the southern most part of the county to register to vote at the Courthouse when they have to park their car realizing that there are field registrations. But I understand that there are bills in the state legislation at the moment that would entitle people to go to their municipal building to register, which to me I think would be much easier and a lot more people would take the opportunity to register to vote. I thank you for your time. Mr. Paluso: I think you are right about that municipal building. That's the best ideal of all. Mrs. Schaeffer: We are also asking is possible regarding our consenses that if we intend to have voting machines by the next primary as was suggested at a previous meeting that we really have to get going on this; and I wonder if you have made any -Plans to get started on checking back on that referendum that was in question. Mr. Flynn: By coincidence, representatives from the Automatic Voting Machines Compan- have been doing some research and study for some time in this County. At the present time, they have been in our County since Monday working with our Election Bureau doing some re- search and hoping to be prepared to make recommendations to us insofar as the machines are concerned. (Mr. Flynn then gave his comments on the League's "position" and more discussion was held). Jack Merdian - WJP.A - entered the meeting. Assistant County Solicitor Hbrmell entered th'e meeting. Commissioner Paluso read the following excerpt from Minute No. 26, dated E June 22, 1972, for the information of Mrs. Schaeffer- and Mrs. Day: MINUTE _■■ 221 BOARD OF-LCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C F_� 1 "Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 14, 1972, from Mr. Charles E. Beckstrand, Automatic Voting Machine Divison requesting that he spend a few days time with Mr. Muscaro and Mr. Murphy to gather information needed to com- plete the survey being made for Washington County. Mr. Murphy made note that Mr. Beckstrand will meet with Mr. Muscaro the week of June 26 and that the survey for the County should be completed very soon. Old Business: Mr. Jones - County Flood Conditions Mr. Jones: As you know, .last week we had a flood condition. Pennsylvania was designa- ted as a complete state disaster area. While Mr. Murphy and I were in Washington, D.C. , we talked about this with Congressman Morgan. He informed us that due to the last disaster back a few years ago that there was still $91 million left in the budget for disaster. He was going in with all the Congressmen and Senators along with Governor Shapp from Pennsylvani.,. trying to get some help from Federal aid. He was going to ask approximately $250 million for the flooding disaster in Pennsylvania. I asked Congressman Morgan that even though Washington County wasn't designated as a specific disaster area and even if one person had a flood disaster to please help., This was the impression that we. left under. As late as yesterday, we received correspondence .from the U,, S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the newspaper, there were different numbers that you were to call if you had a disaster from the flood. Commissioner. Jones read the following Notice that he received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dated June 26, 1972. SUBJECT: Flood Information Centers In reference to our Notice dated June 24, 1972, concerning flood disaster activities in the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Area Office, we are enclosing a list of State Flood Information Centers. If you wish to offer or receive assistance, please contact the Center in your immediate area, Mr. Jones: They have a list of Counties and the people you are to call, but Washington County is not designated. Right away I got a hold of Mr. Bohner and asked him what has been going on since we left, and he brought me up to, date. I think we are getting the so- called "run around. " I talked to our Civil Defense officials this morning - Mr. Bohner and Vlasta Draper. They are calling a southwestern regional meeting tomorrow night at Indiana University. Mrs. Draper is going to attend the meeting along with other officials from our surrounding counties, and they are going to sit down and talk about this matter. I told them that our position is that if you have to get a little boisterous, get it, because we have one person in trouble in Washington County that we want taken care of. Mr. Bohner is out again today reviewing the disaster area that we have estimating damages. He will give Mrs. Draper the information that she needs to attend the meeting tomorrow night. Commissioner Jones, referred to the following excerpt from Minute No. 177, dated March 9, 1967, regarding the flood due to the heavy snow in Monongahela Valley: 222 VIUUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS "Mr. Bohner further stated that working with the advice of May Beatty of the State, Health Department, he has notified all officials in these stricken areas that they may purchase the type of lime specified by the State Health Department and, the County will reimburse the governing bodies for it. Mr. Bohner has warned all the officials of the danger involved if the lime is not.used properly and that the County in no way could be responsible for damage created by its misuse. He further explained to all of these, officials that this lime is to be used only to counteract any problems or diseases that could result from the flood conditions. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing Mr. Charles Bohner, Civil Defense Director, to proceed as he has in the past in supplying all the services and necessary materials in order to overcome said flood conditions. Remarks: Mr. Jones: I also suggest that we send a telegram to Mr. Scott, Dr. Morgan, Mr. Schweiker, and Governor Shapp telling them of our problems here even though they haven't designated us as a disaster area. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Airport Report: Mr. Jones: On Monday and Tuesday, Mr. Murphy and I went to Washington D.C., to see how feasible the expansion of our airport would be. We made arrangements with the Federal Aviation people for the extension of our airport. When we were there, we talked to a Mr. Lawrence Walsh who is Chief of the Airport District for Terminal Building, Capital City Airport, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. We wanted to find out approximatel;T how much money it would take, how we would go about it, and whether we are eligible for funds, and whether it would be feasible to do this. The report was very favorable - "Washington Airport is reliever airport and it is a member of the National Airport Systems Plan; and is therefore, eligible for Federal assistance. " We are making arrangements to meet'.with these people from New Cumberland. Mr. Flynn: Do you have a specific time for an appointment? Mr. Jones: He said some day next week. He will call and let us know. Correspondence: Mr. Murphy Chief Clerk read the following Court Order signed by the Honorable Judge Charles G. Sweet - IN RE: Commonwealth vs. Sean Naser: "AND NOW, this 22nd day of June, 1972, after thorough discussion of the attached statement with Attorney John Pettit and conference with my colleagues, I am of the opinion that the fair fee, bearing in mind the importance of the case, its involvement with other murders, the excellent result obtained, should be and is in the amount of . $2, 450. 00 and hence make the following order: L 1 1 MINUTE B❑❑K 223 BOARD OFrCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS The fiscal officers of the County of Washington are directed to pay Attorney John Pettit a fee in the amount of $2, 450. 00 and expenses of $32. 40, total disbursement in the amount of $2, 482. 40. " Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the sum of $2, 482. 40 be paid to Attorney John Pettit as per the above court order. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Budget Items) Chief Clerk informed the Board of the Washington County Overall Economic Development Program Committee's request for the third quarterly payment of $4, 143. 75 for the combined Washington County O. E. D. P. and Washington County Public Employment (P. E. P.) Program 1972 Budget. Chief Clerk informed the Board of the Washington County Agricultural and Home Economics Extension Service's request for an allotment of $5, 000. 00. (Bills) Chief Clerk read correspondence from Robert L. Zeman, Special Counsel, RE: Condemnation of Property of Richard Construction Company, Inc. Correspondence enclosed statements of services rendered by Gene P. Amanati and Donald E. York for their appraisals conferences, and testimony in the captioned case. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing the payment of $300 to Donald E. York and $300 to Gene P. Amanati for work as described above. Also included in this motion was the authorization to pay the sum of $6, 860.35 to Engelhardt -Power and Associates, Inc. , for billing relative to Cross Creek Park from 3/24/69 to date; said bill having been approved by Michael George. (Appointment) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read a memorandum directed to Mr. Flynn from Jim Showrank which stated that at the last meeting of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Council, it was decided that some of the members who could not attend all of the meetings should choos-a an alternate member. Mr. Flynn stated that he discussed this matter with his two associates and that Mr. Jones had agreed to substitute whenever Mr. Flynn is not available. Therefore, Mr. Flynn appointed Frank Jones, Jr., as an alternate delegate to the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Council. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 28, 1972, from 224 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS tar Charlotte K. Lane, Executive Director, Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency, which enclosed,the names of Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency Board Members whose terms expire on June 30, 1972. Mrs. Lane said that she would like to see Mrs. Thomas Sloan and Mrs. Norma Miller retained on the Board of Directors; and that Richard McIntire has not been able to attend very many meetings because of other activities, ,but that he is a fine person, but very busy. Mrs. Lane further stated that as for the Greene County members, Donald Weinschenker has just been elected President of the Board of 1972-1973 and has been a real asset. Mrs. Lane also stated that Paul Puglia has a lot to contribute and she would like to see him remain on the Board. Mrs. Lane stated that she realizes Greene County Board Members are decided by the Greene County Commissioners. Mr. Murphy: In talking to the Chief Clerk of Greene County yesterday, the feeling is that both of these gentlemen from Greene County will be reinstated to their terms. As far as the Washington County Commissioners are concerned, they are to act on Mrs. Thomas P. Sloan and Mrs. Norma Miller to be retained on the Board and a recommendation from Mrs. Charlotte Lane as to the replacement for Mr. McIntire. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, re -appointing Mrs. Thomas P. Sloan and Mrs. Norma Miller to the Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency Board for a term of three years; and to hold in abeyance the appointments of the Greene County members until such time that official notice is received from the Greene County Commissioners and to request recommendation from Mrs. Charlotte Lane as to the filling of Mr. Richard F. McIntire's place. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 20, 1972, from George H. Stewart, Mayor of Washington, which was in reference to the Washington County Airport. Correspondence stated that there is no doubt that our airport has been a very effective selling tool in attracting new industry into this area and that the County Commissioners must be applauded for the foresight they had several years ago to expand the small private facility into a hard surface, lighted, full service airport. Correspondence then stated that a most important problem now faces us -- our airport has outgrown itself. We must take immediate steps to extend our runways and to provide additional hanger space for the many aircraft that want to base in Washington. Mayor Stewart urges that every effort be extended by the County Commissioners Office to utilize the available Airport Expansion Programs that can complete this important project. MINUTE B❑❑K 225 BOARD OFCCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr, Flynn: We'll acknowledge receipt of this letter and tell him that we are definitely making a study. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 31, 1972, from David J. Kolesky Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc., directed to Mr. Gaston LeBois, President, Beth -Center Concerned Citizens Association. Correspondence stated that in order to undertake a research project, the Pennsylvania Economy League requires that the study re- quest results from an official action of the governing body requesting the study. This action must be in the form of a resolution passed by a majority of the governing body. Correspondent further stated that the responsibility of assessments for school districts, as well as boroughs and townships, rests with the County Commissioners. Only the County Commissioners have th(-: authority to correct assessment inequities if such inequities exist. Therefore, a request to the Pennsylvania Economy League for a study of assessments would have to originate with the County Commissioners rather than a school board, borough, or township government. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, requesting the Pennsylvania Economy League to make a study concerning inequities which might exist in the property tax assessments within the geographical boundaries of the Bethlehem Center School District as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read copy of correspondence from Michael George, Director, Depart- ment of Parks and Recreation, directed to Jerry Wettstone, Chief, Recreation and Conserva- tion Division, Department of Community Affairs - RE: Mingo Creek Park Expansion Acquisition. Said letter was a follow-up to a telephone conversation concerning an advancement of funds ,on grants approved for Washington County. Correspondence stated that the Board of County Com- missioners have indicated that they are presently unable to fund this project in excess of the 20 per cent local share due to other committments and mandates. But it is the sincere intent of the Board to pursue the acquisition of land for Mingo Creek Park in accordance with the applications and grants that have been approved. Correspondence further stated that whatever the Department could do to provide Washington County with an advance acquisition grant would be greatly appreciated. Mr. Flynn: What is the extent of this now? Mr. George: We haven't heard anything yet. Chief Clerk read correspondence from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 5 - RE: Mingo Creek Park Program - (Electrical Work). Corres- pondence stated that among the bidders for the electric work on the above project there appear the names of David W. Jones, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and Frank Gavlik & Sons , of 226 :.. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Bentleyville, Pennsylvania. Correspondence also stated that these contractors are not in signed relations with I. B. E. W. , Local Union No. 5, and do not employ electrical workers affiliated with the AFL-CIO. They do not pay the prevailing wages and fringe benefits as recog - 4 nized and used by the State Secretary of Labor in fixing the minimum wages to be paid on public work pursuant to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. Correspondence further stated that said Union trusts that the Commissioners will take the above into consideration when awarding a contract for the electric work. Mr. Flynn informed the Board of correspondence he received from the Depart- ment of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, which was an Acknowledg- ment and Notice of Filing in the matter of the employees of the Washington County Commission rs Case No. PERA-R-2209-W. Correspondence advised Mr. Flynn that he is a party to the above case which was filed with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board on June 19, 1972 - Petition for Representation. Correspondence also stated that the matter will be processed in due cours,�. and that Mr. Flynn will be advised by the Board with appropriate notice, order, or certification Mr. Flynn: This is a petition by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to conduct an election to ascertain just who will be the Union representatives of all Court -related employees of Washington County, which there are approximately 162 Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 21, 1972, from Lawrence W. Bailey, President, Washington County Historical Society, which thanked the Commissioner, for their recent gift to the Society. Correspondence stated that the Society would be pleased to have the Commissioners stop in at the LeMoyne House and see the way they are trying to main- tain this historic home, Mr, Whalen: Administrative Assistant Whalen read a telegram informing the Board that Congressman Thomas E. Morgan is pleased to announce the approval of a grant in the amount of $172, 605. 00 from the Bureau of Mines to Consolidation Coal Company, McMurray, Pennsyl- vania to develop an industrially feasible method of quenching ignitions at the face, before they can develop a full scale explosion. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of June 16, 1972, from the Washington County Overall Economic Development Committee which stated that said committee will need an additional $3, 000 to carry out its projected program for 1972. Appalachia grants to the Committee were reduced from $2, 300 in past years to $500 in 1972 because Applachia reduced funds to SPEDD for local contract service. Correspondence stated that, in addition to this, their 0. E. D. P. has been financing the non -reimbursable expenses for the Emergency Employment Program. These expenses have been greater than anticipated because of the enlargement of this program which took place after the budget was approved. F 1 1 i MINUTE BOOK 227 BOARD OF,COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Whalen: This can be handled by transferring the requested amount of $3, 000 from our Unexpended Balance Account to Account #625 which is O.E. D. P. & P. E. P. Program funding. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the requested amount of $3, 000 be granted to the Washington County Overall Economic Development Committee; said request being handled as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Budget Transfers: Mx. Whalen: In connection with our mid -year review of the budget, we have a requirement in the Overall Materials and Supply Account for an additional $5, 000 for this year; and also in our major Telephone Account for $5, 000. In the detailed review of our various depart- mental budgets, we discovered that in the Courts Personnel budget that we had an error in our calculations of $5, 460. Of course, wanting to be fairminded with the Courts, we want to make that adjustment to give them credit for that amount of money. So these three items I recommend they be transferred into these accounts from our Unexpended Balance Account to make these corrections at this time. Movedby Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the above -items be trans- ferred to their proper accounts from the Unexpected Balance Account as per above. Solicitor: (Contracts) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Capano presented to the Board for their consideration and approval two (2) supplemental contracts with Cole, Layer, Trumble Company - (a) Contract for Data Processing Services; and (b) Contract to Print Real Estate Maintenance Cards. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the above two contracts with Cole, Layer, Trumble be approved subject to reviewing certain items which had been called to the Board's attention by Commissioner Paluso and that they are found to be in order and not a duplication. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Capano informed the Board of the receipt of a check in the amount of $7, 480. 58 which represented monies which were awarded for a, patient named Thomas M. Schary in the County Home. Out of this sum, $500 has to be set aside for burial expenses. 228 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS (Resolution) Solicitor Capano presented to the Board for their consideration and app- roval a resolution creating the Washington County Bicentennial Commission and appointing Charlotte K. Lane as the Executive Director and Coordinator of the said Commission. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by.Mr. Paluso, adopting the above reso- lution creating the Washington County Bicentennial Commission with Charlotte K. Lane as the Executive Director and Coordinator. R emarks : Mr. Jones: There was a very interesting article in Harper's Magazine, July Issue, oz this Bicentennial matter. It said that the Federal Government has instituted this thing, and they can't decide what they are going to actually do on it. There is no money in there. They keep coming up with projects and everything is fine until they get into a meeting and then they reject it. Mr. Flynn: Tonight we will be meeting in conjunction with representatives from Western Pennsylvania with Lieutenant Governor Kline, who has been appointed as the Chair- man of the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission. This meeting is being held at the Twin Coaches, and the Board of County Commissioners and the necessary officials will attend this meeting. It is strictly to discuss and formulate plans, hoping to be prepared by the time 1.976 rolls around. (Agreement) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Capano presented to the Board an Agreement between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Transportation, and the County of Washington for improvements to Mingo Creek Park located within Washington County, Pennsylvania, and to reconstruct Legislative Route 62032 where said LR runs through said Mingo Creek Park at the cost and expense of the County in accordance with the plans and specifications of the Commonwealth and subject to the inspection of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the above agreement and authorizing the Chairman of the Board to execute said agreement. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. n 1 MINUTE ■■ 229 BOARD OFF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS (Holiday) Chairman Flynn informed the Board and all those present that the Courthouse will be closed from 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 1972, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 1972, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Mr. Flynn: Just for the record, as everyone knows, there is somewhat of a controversy here over Flag Day, June 14. From the information I have before me, I am told that the Courts will be taking off`_Friday, June 30; and I would assume that this is compensatory time for the time worked on June 14. But I want to stress very definitely that Monday is a work day in this Courthouse, and we will be operating. Mr. Murphy, I would suggest that you notify all the departments about the closing time, (Pennsylvania State Budget Cuts) Mr. Flynn: One final item, and it has to do with our state budget. My concern is the cuts that were made in the budget when it passed the House. I don't know what the status is now insofar as the Senate, but I understand they are anticipating acting on this today or tomorrow. One thing that has me concerned is the reimbursements to the counties for Court -related operations which this year we received in the neighborhood of $100, 000. 00. Under the pro- posed budget, Washington County tends to receive $500, 000. 00 beginning the next fiscal year, and that was one of the cuts made in the budget. Another one has to do with the Mental Health and Mental Retardation. There was a substantial cut made in that program; and as we all know, we are required by statute under the Mental Health/Mental Retardation on a 9-10 basi. and if the money is cut, then we have to cut services. The other cut was made under Child Welfare. Child Welfare is another mandated subject; we have no choice in that matter. Under the present statute, I think the law requires that the state would subsidize up to and including 50% of the overall cost. Since I have been here, the most we have received from the state as a subsidy was approximately 36%. The reason I am bringing this up is because I think that the people of the county should be made aware of this. These are services we have no choice in. If this money is not forthcoming from the state, we have no choice in the matter. In order to meet the needs and requirements as requested and demanded by out people, we have no choice ( and I'm telling you six months in advance) but to raise taxes for the next fiscal year. Yesterday, I attended a regional meeting in Uniontown with represen- tatives of five counties and Senator Murphy was contacted right from the meeting room there and was asked to consider restoring some of these cuts that were made because it is very vital to a county such as ours when it comes to taxation. I just want the records to show this, Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned.