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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 62 - 3-29-1973 - COMMISSIONER536 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 62 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., March 29, 1973 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following mem- bers being present: Commissioners Paluso and Flynn. Absent being: Commissioner Jones who was out of town on County business. Also present being: Administrative Assistant Whalen; Solicitor Hormell; Mrs. Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters; Mrs. June Lilley of the Canonsburg Daily Notes; Reporter Budinger of The Observer -Reporter; Reporter Liesch of the Brownsville Telegraph; Mr. Jack Merdian of WJPA; Mr. Earl Bugaile of WKEG; and Mr. Eric Bugaile of WESA. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr, Jones - Absent; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr, Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute No. 61, each Commissioner having received a copy. read. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that Minute No. 61 be approved as Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Correspondence: Mr. Whalen Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the following bills be approved for payment. 1. John M. Felice Associates, Inc. - $1, 956, 50 re: Labor relations consulting services for the month of February, 1973. 2. Soil Conservation Service - $59. 21 re: Salaries and expenses of personnel under agreement for engineering services - Harmon Creek Site PA-481 (Contract #AG-42-SCS-00015) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr:'Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Budget requests) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the second and last quarterly payment to the Washington County Overall Economic Development in the amount of $4, 805. 82 and the second and last quarterly payment to the Washington County Public Employment Progranz in the amount of $1, 620. 75 be approved for payment. Also included in this motion is that the second and last quarterly payment to the Washington -Greene Community Action Corporation in the amount of $5, 000.00 be approved for payment. J Fj 1 MINUTE BOOK 53'7 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 26, 1973, from D. W. Martir_, Customer Service Supervisor, West Penn Power Company, thanking the Commissioners for their check in the amount of $25, 692.00 covering the contract between Washington County and West Penn Power Company for installation of underground wiring and electrical facilities at the Mingo Creek County Park. Mr. Martin stated that they will proceed with this project immedia- tely and the completion date will depend upon the delivery of the necessary specialized compo- nents to complete the job. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 23, 1973, from C. DeLores Tucker, Secretary of the Commonwealth, informing the Commissioners that plans have been made for a second meeting of all County Election Officials for April .5 and 6, 1973, in Harris- burg, Pa. Mrs. Tucker requested that the Commissioners permit all those in Washington County that work and have the responsibility of conducting the Elections to attend this meeting. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the proper personnel including the County Solicitor and Assistant County Solicitor be authorized to attend the abovementioned meeting in reference to the conducting of Elections which is being held on April 5 and 6, 1973. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn -_ Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 20, 1973, directed to Michae'. Cozza and Associates, Inc,, from Jacob Kassab, Secretary of Transportation, stating that the Dept, of Transportation is very concerned that every effort is being made to insure that the Design Location Studies are completed at the earliest possible date for L. R. 1071; I-70. Mr. Kassab informed Michael Cozza and Associates that they have the responsibility for a portion of the total length of I-70 and it is imperative that they do not delay the -overall completion of the study. Mr. Paluso reported on the very bad condition of I-70 and suggested that a letter be sent to Secretary Kassab informing him of the Commissioners' concern in having it repaired. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 15, 1973, from William H. McChesney, Regional Director, Department of Agriculture and Christa M. Brinker, Consumer Specialist, informing the Commissioners that the responsibility of Consumer Protection in relation relation to the General Foods Law is under their jurisdiction. Mr. McChesney and Mrs. Brinker requested that the Commissioners list their address in all directories and forwar d all complaints to them. Their responsibilities to the public were also listed for the Commis- sioners' information. 538 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March. 17, 1973, from John W. Ed- wards, Jr., Patron, Ceisler, Edwards and Pettit, in reference to the request of the various public libraries in Washington County for financial aid from the Federal Revenue Sharing funds. Mr. Edwards stated that if it is at all possible to allocate sufficient money to the library ser- vice in order to maintain the libraries that are now in operation, and to perhaps enable others to become operable, this would be, in his opinion, a great. and fine service to the citizens of Washington County. Mr. Whalen presented to the Board several petitions. concerning the funding of day care centers, the Office of Economic Opportunity and all other agencies under the Community Action Corporation. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 26, 1973, in regard to the ferry service in the Monongahela Valley, particularly the ferry from Allenport to Fayette City and Coal Center to Newell. Said letter stated that a bridge and not a ferry is needed across the river which would accomodate the workers and public in general along the Mon Valley towns. Said letter also stated that if persons with authority were to construct a river level road para- llel with the Pennsylvania railroad tracks between Elco and California, Pa. , this would be a great and quick route for the school buses, mill men, college students, transit systems, and public in general. Mr. Whalen presented to the Board a bill in the amount of $49, 189. 67 as final pay- ment for contracts with Irvin T. Miller & CO-,- Inc-, of Burgettstown and Frank Irey, Jr., Inc., of Monongahela for stream clearance in regard to Hurricane Agnes. The total amount of the contracts was $83, 950. 67 less an advance payment of $34, 761.00, which, up until the present has been held in the Grants & Gifts escrow account, making the amount due $49, 189. 67. Mr. Whalen stated that the project has been approved by the State Council of Civil Defense and the contractors must be paid in full before the County will be reimbursed for the balance of the money. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the above bill in the amount of $49, 189, 67 in regard to stream clearance needed as the result of Hurricane Agnes be approved for payment, which amount will be reimbursed to Washington County after the contractors have been paid in full. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen informed the Board of an offer for free services submitted by the Uni- versity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Planning. They propose to send a team of graduate 1 1 MINUTE BOOK 539 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS students into Washington County to work with the Planning Commission in developing an Urban _xeneral Plan for the County. Mr. Whalen stated that he discussed the matter with Mr. Sember who highly recommended that the County go on record approving the project. Moved.by.Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the abovementioned project Between the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Planning and the Washington County Planning Commission be approved with the stipulation that there will be no request in the future or funds for the project other than incidental traveling expenses which will be absorbed by the Planning Commission budget. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen presented correspondence from Mr. Sember, Director, Washington 'Nounty Planning Commission, stating that three vacancies exist on the Solid Waste Coordinating 1"ommittee due to the resignations of Messrs. Lombardi, Martin and Watson. Mr. Sember 'urther stated that the Planning Commission should decide on three names at their next meeting ;o be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for their approval. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 23, 1973, from Ron J. Go- dava, Engineered Communications, Inc., informing the Commissioners that on April 11, 1973, at 10:00 a.m. a meeting will be held on the second floor of the Sheriff's Office, purpose of the meeting being to explain the operation of the new two-way radio communications equipment recently installed for use by the Sheriff, Coroner and County Detective Department. Mr. Go- dava recommended that since the operation of this equipment directly affects the departments mentioned and nightturn personnel of the County jail, representatives from these departments should attend this meeting. iRegistration Dates) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that April 7, 1973, be approved as an additional registration date for the borough of Charleroi with said registrations being taken between the hours of 10:00 a, m, and 1:00 p. m, and 2:00 p. m, and 6:00 p, m. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Paluso stated that Bentleyville Borough might also be in need of another registration date due to the large number of people wanting to register there. Mr. Flynn stated that the Election Department will be notified to contact the Bentleyville officials and inquire as to whether another date is needed. 540 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the following registration dates for the Election Office at the Court House be approved: Saturday April 7, 1973 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday April 13, 1973 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday April 14, 1973 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday April 16, 1973 9 a.m. to 9 p, m. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor: Mr. Hormell Mr. Hormell read correspondence under date of March 22, 1973, from the Penn- sylvania Social Services Union, Philip L. Taylor, Field Representative, requesting for con- sent to an election on behalf of the public employees of the Central Washington County MH/MR Clinic, more than thirty percent of whom have by signed designee cards shown the desire to be represented for collective bargaining by the Pennsylvania Social Services Union. The election will be conducted by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Mr. Taylor further requested that, as the Employees of Central Washington County MH/MR have an identifiable community of interest, all employees be considered as a single bargaining unit and that the Commissioners' consent, if given express this belief and that the Commissioners' consent be placed in writing and be received by him no later than April 11, 1973; otherwise, a no response and refusal will be considered and appropriate action taken. Mr. Hormell suggested that Mr. Whalen and Mr. Murphy investigate the matter to see if the Commissioners are agreeable that the Washington County MH/MR Clinic employees have a separate identifiable community of interest or whether they should be considered with the other people. Mr. Flynn suggested that the matter be turned over to Mr. Felice after it has been considered by Mr. Murphy and Mr. Whalen, ( a brief discussion was held) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that if and when it is determined who is involved in the above matter and it is perused by Administrative Assistant Whalen, Chief Clerk Murphy, and Mr. Felice the Commissioners will be in full agreement with the request of the Pennsylvania Social Services Union to hold the election on behalf of the public employees of the Central Washington County MH/MR Clinic. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting recessed until 11:00 a.m. (Messrs. Pankopf and Campbell from Pankopf Ford Sales and Mr. Frank Paletta from Paletta Ford entered the meeting) 1 u MINUTE BOOK 541 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 11:00 a.m. - Opening of Bids For: 1, Furnishing and delivering of 14 vehicles to be delivered to the Washington County Garage. Name of Bidder: Davies & Tregembo Ford, Inc. Address: 728 McKean -Avenue Charleroi, Pennsylvania 15022 Total Amount of Bid: $39, 266.98 Certified check in the amount of $3, 926.70 accompanied bid. Name of Bidder: Don Sequi Motors, Inc. Address: 161 S. McDonald Street McDonald, Pennsylvania Total Amount of Bid: $41, 498. 94 Bid Bond in the amount of $4, 150, 00 accompanied bid. Name of Bidder: Paletta's Sales and Service Address: Route 88 4 Fredericktown, Pennsylvania 15333 Total Amount of Bid: $40; 900. 00 Cashier's check in the amount of $4, 090, 00 accompanied bid. Name of Bidder: Pankopf Ford Sales, Inc. Address: 470 Washington Road Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 Total Amount of Bid: $40, 342. 35 Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the total bid accompanied bid. 2, Furnishing and delivering of three (3) vehicles to be delivered to the Washington County Garage. Name of Bidder: Davies & Tregembo Ford, Inc. Address: 728 McKean Avenue Charleroi, Pennsylvania 15022 Total Amount of Bid: $9, 676. 09 Certified check in the amount of $967. 61 accompanied bid. Name of Bidder: Pankopf Ford Sales, Inc, Address: 470 Washington Road Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 Total Amount of Bid: $13, 330. 28 Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the total bid accompanied bid. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Furnishing and delivering of one -(I) Patrol Vehicle - 4 wheel drive - American Made - 1973 model or newer to be delivered to the Washington County Garage Name of Bidder: Davies & Tregembo Ford, Inc. Address: 728 McKean Avenue Charleroi, Pennsylvania 15022 Total Amount of Bid: $4, 430. 00 Certified check in the amount of $443.00 accompanied bid. 542 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Name of Bidder: Don Sequi Motors, Inc. Address: 161 S. McDonald Street ! McDonald, Pennsylvania Total Amount of Bid: $3, 666. 40 Cashier's check in the amount of $366. 64 accompanied bid. Name of Bidder: Washington International Truck Sales & Service Address: 1105 Fayette Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 Total Amount of Bid: $3, 995.00 Certified check in the amount of $399. 50 accompanied bid, - - - ------ --------------------------- - ------ - ------ - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - -- - --- - ---- - - - -- - --- - - -- - -- - - -- - - - Name of Bidder: Paletta's Sales & Service Address: Route 88 Fredericktown, Pennsylvania 15333 Total Amount of Bid: $4, 000. 00 Cashier's check in the amount of $400.100 accompanied bid. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Bidder: Pankopf Ford Sales, Inc. Address: 470 Washington Road Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 Total Amount of Bid: $3, 869.42 Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the total bid accompanied bid. - - --------------------------------- -- - - --- - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - -- - - - ------ - -- - ---- - --- -- - -- - - - - Remarks: John Pankopf: Sir, I have a comment - In connection with the second bid, because of demand for the crew cab vehicle, we were unable to bid a Ford crew cab. You asked for a crew cab vehicle, we have bid a Chevrolet as a matter of fact because we could get a Chevrolet. We're buying it from Schriber's Chevrolet so it would be a local. This is the reason I feel sure that there is such a difference between my bid and that of Davies & Tregembo. My bid was at about their price before I added the crew cab, but to comply with the wishes of the Commissioners to have the 3 vehicles on one bid, I felt it necessary to bid 3 vehicles even if one of them was not a Ford. I wanted to mention that for the benefit of the press also because it kind of looks bad when there is a $4, 000. 00 difference between me and another Ford dealer. But that is the reason for it. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the foregoing bids be tabled for further study by the County Solicitor. Said bid to be awarded at the next regular board meeting to be held on Thursday, April 5, 1973, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ■■ 543 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Mr, Flynn made reference to an article by the Associated Press which appeared in the morning edition of the Observer -Reporter on Thursday, March 29, 1973. Said article stated that the three week trial of William Prater will cost between $75, 000 and $80, 000.00. This figure includes security, hotel accommodations for attorneys, witnesses and their travel- ing expenses and the jury. The article further stated that according to Erie County Comptroller Jake Gehrlein, Washington County will pay the bill. Mr. Flynn stated that during the time the Yablonski murder trials were being held in Washington County, the Commissioners and all other elected officials were under a court directive and were not permitted to comment on the trials or the costs involved. Mr. Flynn stated at this time, however, he feels that it is the responsibility of the Washington County Commissioners to no longer control themselves due to the fact that the Commissioners knew nothing of the above mentioned bill, have not been con- sulted regarding the bill, and up until the present, have not been asked for their approval to expend the money for this bill. Mr. Flynn made reference to a Legal Opinion from Solicitor Oliver N. Hormell under date of April 26, 1972, in reference to the expenses connected with the administration of justice with respect to the Yablonski Case. Since Solicitor Hormell handed down the above - mentioned Legal Opinion and prior to the beginning of the Prater trial, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Jones and Solicitor Hormell attended a conference with Judge Carney, Commissioners Hill, Wizmek, and Weir, Controller Gehrlein, and the Sheriff and several deputies in the Erie County Court- house at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 1972. In quoting from a Memorandum sub- mitted by Solicitor Hormell on November 24, 1972, stating the results of the conference, Mr. Flynn st at e d: "All parties agreed that the County Commissioners certainly should not be required to be responsible for expenses incurred but not contracted for by them. A mechanism is to be devised for control of expenses and certification of costs and a method of payment is to be coordinated between the Controller of Erie County and the Controller of Washington County, and between the Commissioners of Erie County and the Commissioners of Washington County. Mr. Jones made quite plain that Washington County Commissioners were not seeking to avoid any of their legal obligations, but made it equally plain that the County Commissioners did not want to be extravagant in any way but that we should keep a close watch on the taxpayer's dollar. The Commissioners of Erie County promised Mr. Jones that this would be done and that a lid would be kept on all unnecessary expense, and that they personally would see to it that the expense involved in this trial would be kept reasonable. " Mr. Flynn stated that the Commissioners have no knowledge of what is happening in Erie County other than what they hear in the news media and no one in Washington County is "riding herd" on Erie County. Mr. Paluso stated that he has drafted a letter directed to Representatives DeMedic , Stout, Fischer and Brunner and also Senator Murphy outlining what has been going on in the way of Change of Venue, of the increasing complexity of this case, etc. Mr. Paluso further stated