Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 50 - 12-28-1972 - COMMISSIONER422 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board a Resolution changing the name of the Department of Human Services to the Washington County Department of Adult -Welfare Services Said change is necessary for more proper accounting and budgeting. It was decided that the matter would be tabled for further consideration. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: Minute No, 50 , 1972 CHIEF CLERK Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., December 28, 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; Assistant County Solicitor Hormell; Mrs. Helen Miller of the League of Women Voters; Reporter Roule of The Monongahela Pub- lishing Company; Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter. 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. 49, each Commissioner having received a copy. as read. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 49 be approved, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. NOTE: All those present stood in silent prayer inrespect for the late President Truman. Correspondence - Mr. Murphy Chief Clerk read a telegram from Congressman Thomas E. Morgan announcing the approval of a federal grant in the amount of $797, 970 by the Ehvironmental Protection Agency to the Pigeon Creek Sanitary Authority, Bentleyville, Pa. The grant assists in the constructio:i L for a waste water treatment works, including the construction of intercepting sewers, pump MINUTE BOOK 423 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS E station with force main and a sewage treatment facility. Moved by Mr.- Jones., seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing the payment of the following bills: 1, Washington -Greene Co, MH/MR Program - $756 - for interim care for November 2. William C. Porter - $54, 50 - for additional services - IN RE: Emile Lerby, Paul Ciaffoni et ux Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of a check in the amount of $1, 000 from the Washington County Industrial Development Authority covering payment of funds allocated to the Authority in 1969. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 18, 1972, from Helene Wohlgemuth, Department of Public Welfare. Letter stated that during the past six months the Board of County Commissioners and members of Mrs. Wohlgemuth's staff have been exploring the possibility of developing day care services for the physically handicapped to be funded through Title IV -A of the Social Security Act. This funding mechanism would have provided Federal funds for 751/6 of these program costs. Letter also stated that in most instances, it is not possible to institute a program in our agency of day care services under Title Iv -A for the physically handicapped. Our,agency does not have sufficient space or staff to institute a full -day, five-day service program. Letter stated therefore the payment that the County received in the amount of $4,.849 is based on the usual allocation procedure; it represents the allocation for the second half of the calendar year 1972. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 15, 1972, from Helene Wohlgemuth informing the Board of their allocation for Mental Health and Mental Retardation for fiscal year 1972-1973 in the amount of $1, 023, 742. Letter stated that the Board will be required to prepare and submit a rebudget and narrative explanation for their 1972-1973 pro- gram in light of this allocation by January 12, 1973. Letter advised the Board that at this time a third quarter allotment is being processed in the amount of $244, 630. This payment will be received by the first week in January, and will be accompanied by an invoice which itemizes the amounts of categorical funds paid. Mr, Flynn: I suggest we get in touch with Mr. John Fantz. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 21, 1972, from Harry M. Harvey which enclosed a new schedule for the fairgrounds. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, adopting the new schedule for the fairgrounds as submitted by Mr. Harry M. Harvey. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk read copy of correspondence under date of December 15, 1972, from Carl G. Baker and Associates directed to Frank Irey, Jr., Inc. - RE: Contract No. 1, Elevator Replacement and Related Work, Washington County Courthouse. Said letter was a formal Notice to Proceed with construction of the contract as of November 21, 1972, the date of the signing of the contracts. Letter noted that the contract agreement calls for construction to be completed by April 1, 1973, to coincide with the schedule of Contract No. 2, Elevator Construction, which calls for installation of the elevator to begin on that date. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 18, 1972, from Donald R. Shakley, Civil Engineer, Soil Conservation Service, which intended to give the Board the present status of the construction of the dam across Ward Run in Hanover Township so that the Board may request an extension of the permit issued by the Department of Environmental Resources. Letter stated that the main. items of work remaining to be completed are approxi- mately 10, 000 cubic yards of compacted fill, clean-up and permanent seeding. The anticipates completion date for this dam is July 1, 1973. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr-. Paluso, that the records indicate that the Board of County Commissioners have made application for an extension of the permit issued by the Department of Environmental Resources as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 18, 1972, from Richard W. Lindsey, Chairman, Board of Probation and Parole, directed to Honorable Charles G. Sweet. Correspondence enclosed applications for Adult Probation Services Grant -In -Aid, Instructions, and Standards for Adult Probation Personnel for the year 1973, as well as the Financial Statement for the 1972 Program, Letter stated that to provide for an accounting of the funds expended in the calendar year 1972, Judge Sweet is requested to have his Comptroller complete the enclosed Financial Statement in accordance with instructions on the form. The deadline for receipt of the Application and Financial Statement is January 15, 1973. In conjunction with this, Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 14, 1972; from Joseph Levi II, Chairman, Venango County Commissioner. Mr. Levi stated that he talked to their Judge about the Adult Probation Program and that it is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole in Harrisburg. Mr. Flynn: I would suggest that we follow through and write this gentleman and ask him just what is the procedure - if the State operates or manages the probation office in Venango County, why wouldn't it apply to other counties? L I MINUTE BOOK 425 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS E Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December• 15, 1972, from George I. Perryman, Regional Administrator, General Services Administration, which stated that the former U. S. Post Office, 638 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi, Pennsylvania, has been deter- mined to be surplus United States Postal Service property and is available for disposal under Section 401 (5) of the Postal Reorganization Act. Letter advised that disposal of this property may be made to a public agency or eligible institution only upon full payment of estimated fair market value as required by the United States Postal Service. If any public agency or eligible institution desires to negotiate for,the purchase of this property, notice thereof in writing must be furnished to the General Services Administration before 4:45 p.m., December 26, 1972. Mr. Paluso: I think we should inform the GSA that it is impossible to even type the request or letter when the letter is received the s ame day. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the County inform the Borough of Charleroi that the County has no intention of bidding or use for this building and that they are free to negotiate. Remarks: Mr. Paluso: But I think the letter should be sent to GSA prior to that. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Administrative Assistant Whalen informed the Board of the return of $250. 00 to Washington County that was posted to secure costs in the Civil Action Case of Joseph Feronda. (Mr. Jack Merdian entered the meeting, ) New Business: Mr. Flynn Chairman Flynn informed the Board and all those present that due to the New Year's Holiday, the Courthouse will be closed from 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 29, 1972, until 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 2, 1973. (Appointments) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, appointing and re -appointing the following to their respective boards and authorities: WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION BOARD: R. L. Adamson, four-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1977 William D. Harrison, four-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1977 WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY: Peter F. Jollick, five-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1978 426 MINUTE ■■ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS MH/MR BOARD: Dr. Owen Benton, three-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1976 Dr. Joseph Siegel, three-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1976 CLINIC BOARD: Mr. Thomas H. Knight, three -year -term - Jan. 1, 1973 to Jan. 1, 1976 Mr. James Knox,, three-year term - Jan. 1, 1973 to Jan. 1, 1976 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION: Clyde Bredel, four-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1977 Michael R. Flynn, one-year term - Jan. 1973 to Jan. 1974 Roll call vote taken: Mr, Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Flynn read a letter of resignation from County Solicitor A. V. Capano. Mr. Flynn stated that the Board would accept Mr. Capano's resignation with regret. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, appointing Oliver N. Hormell, Esq. , to be the chief County Solicitor of the County of Washington effective as of December 25, 1972. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk then administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Hormell. In conjunction with the above, Mr. Whalen read the following Agreement signed by Oliver N. Hormell: "I hereby stipulate and agree, in accordance with the provisions of the County Code, Sec. 901, to pay all fees, attorneys fees, and commissions received by me from every source, as County Solicitor, into the County Treasury. " Chairman informed the Board and all' those present that beginning on Janutxy 2, 1973, the property tax notices will be ready for the property owners in the County. He made note that the taxpayers will now have six months to pay to discount and two months to pay at face. Mr. Paluso suggested that starting next year, the tax cards be printed a different color each year so that there will be no possibility of anyone bringing in the prior year's tax card. His suggestion was well received. Adoption of 1973 County Budget: Chairman Flynn stated that under the general fund, the total estimated expenditures and balance for the year of 1973 is approximately $200, 000 less th 1972. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the 1973 Washington County Budget in part is based on tax revenues to 1 F_- be derived from the assessed valuation of real estate; MINUTE BOOK 427 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington County Commissioners do hereby establish and adopt the ratio of 30% of Market Value as the basis for levying of taxes for 1973, and that the assessed valuation be set at $245, 330, 495 as certified to the Board of County Commissioners by Mr. G. Herschel Fetherlin, Chief Assessor, under date of December 4, 197 3. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the Budget for the County of Washington for the fiscal year 1973 be finally adopted by the County Commissioners, said Bud- get having been available for Public Inspection in the Office of the Chief Clerk to the County Commissioners from December 6, 1972, to this date, in accordance with the Provisions of the Act of Assembly of July 18, 1935, as amended. The Resolution as to the Tax Levy and the appropriations of the County of Washington and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania fixing the tax rate for the year 1973 and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the operations of County Government, hereinafter set forth, during the fiscal year. Be it resolved and enacted, by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Washington, Pennsylvania, that a tax be and the same is hereby levied on all property within the said County subject to taxation for .County purposes for the fiscal year 1973 as follows: Tax rate for general County purposes, the sum of 18 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation. This rate of taxation upon valuation of properties of the County of Washington is required for purposes of meeting the necessary general expenses for the year of 1973. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried. (Personal Property) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that in accordance with the provi- sions of the Act of Assembly, dated June 17, 1913, P. L. 507, as amended that a four (4) mills tax be levied upon all taxable items authorized in said Act, for General County purposes for the fiscal year 1973. Remarks: Mr. Paluso: I have a few comments to make on the budget, and I would like to preface my remarks that these are intended to be constructive comments or criticism. As my role as a so-called miribrity commissioner, I think it is my duty to express my wishes whether they are carried out or not. Perhaps it would be food for thought for the two majority commissioners in the future, and there is still time for the budget to be altered or changed. I have a few thoughts that I think should be expressed now and put on record. In the first place, I am dis- appointed that there is no specific allocation or tentative allocation or grant to be used in the restoration of ferry services on the Monongahela River at Allenport, Newell, and Fredericktown. I think this project hasn't been given ayes or no. I think by its -omission in the budget that f � MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS perhaps the impression will be received by a lot of people that we are no longer considering it, and I don't want that impression to be made. Secondly, as you probably know, I am a library bug so to speak. Although the library assistance money in this budget has been increased slightly from $8, 000 to $10, 000, I do not believe that in this day and age that this is even a token amount: At the very least this should amount to a minimum of $1, 000 for each of the eleven public libraries in the county, but we are in the habit, and rightly so, of contributing $1, 000 to the Monessen Regional Librar1W* and I see no reason and I would suggest, if possible, that this allocation be increased to a minimum of $1, 000 to each of the eleven public libraries in the county. Thirdly, I would like a specific commitment in this budget to the Borough of North Charleroi to cover the local share of the project to widen and modernize the approaches to the North Charleroi -Moness en Bridge. This sum was estimated to be about $30, 000, and the Board of County Commissioners agreed in Executive session with the North Charleroi Borough Council to underwrite the majority of this localrewt. This is a major improvement by the Pennsylvania Highway Department costing over $600, 000; and this money should be formally committed because it is my understanding that they are supposed to start this project this spring. Mr. Hormell, this is not meant as criticism as your new office as County Solicitor, but I view with alarm the ever-increasing budget for the County Solicitor and once again express my objections to the retaining of two solicitors. I made a small comparison of six counties to try to get an idea of comparative salaries and costs. Mr. Paluso then gave the following comparison of the Solicitors' budgets: Washington County (4th) $59, 099 Erie County (3rd) $ 8,832 Northhampton County (4th) $12, 468 Cambria County (4th) $ 7,200 Fayette County (4th) $15, 848 Beaver County (4th) $12, 909 Mr. Paluso: I fully realize that this budget contains the services of a labor consultant and the county land acquisition agent for the first time, but the figures still are alarming. I still have questions in my mind, and one of the questions is one of my pet projects from a year ago; and I will plead with my two majority colleagues here that we pursue the idea of a consolidated legal department for this county. If this means revisions of the County Code or legislation by State legislature, I think we should pursue this in all haste. I think Mr. Flynn in his capacity as President of the County Commissioners Association that this should be one of our priority items. As one of the three elected Executive Officers of this County, I find it ridiculous to have to function without a personal secretary of my own choosing to help me with my everyday ['I 1 1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C� research and routine of my office. There is no other elected official in this County, or any other county to my knowledge, that does not have this perogative. I do not find it a bit amusing to see additional staff added to the various boards, commissions, and offices under county, juril�- diction when I am forced to use one of the office girls who does not happen to be busy when I need her. The increasing complexities of this County government have necessitated the service: of additional staff to the County Commissioners Office (Mr. Whalen, in particular) and this has proven to be a valuable addition, and I am sure a big help as stated many times by the Chairman of this Board. Along those same lines, I think it is high time that I am provided with the bare necessities of this office; and I would prevail upon you gentlemen that this glaring deficiency{' is corrected in this budget. On this capital budget most of the things we have been considering are on it. I will say that I am extremely pleased to see a formal in writing commitment to buy voting machines for this county. I am not completely convinced that these figures are the final figures. I think we are all aware that the number one priority has to be the County Home situation. How it is resolved, where, the location, method, and the amount of money has to be decided in the future. I find myself unable to accept this budget for these reasons and several other reasons I have not enumberated at this time, but I will at a later date if necessary. I also did not receive a completed copy of the capital budget until 9:55 this morning, and I am unable at this time to vote for something that I haven't had a chance to go over. I hope that these comments are taken in the right vain. They are not intended to rbflect on the ability or job or situation in this office. I think my duty is to point out things that I think need done and that is what I'm trying to do in the spirit of what's best for this County - not myself. Commissioner Jones gave his comments and also stated that he thinks we have a good budget. Commissioner Flynn then gave his comments on Mr. Paluso's remarks. More discussion was held between the Commissioners on the budget. Chairman recommended that the records show that Commissioners Jones and Flynn approve the 1973 Budget as a whole; Mr. Paluso dissents. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor: Mr. Hormell (Resolution) Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the Washington County Depart- ment of Human Services created by Resolution on August 28, 1969, shall hereafter be known as