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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 63 - 4-5-1973 - COMMISSIONER544 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS that Washington County was not responsible for the Change of Venue, this case is no longer confined to Washington County and is now a national matter and therefore feels that a small county like Washington County should not be totally responsible for the financial responsibilities. Mr. Paluso requested the representatives and Senator Murphy to pass legislation in the Penn- sylvania Legislature to assume all costs of this trial from the time it was moved to Erie County until the solving 'of the conspiracy. Mr. Paluso stated that the representatives are just as responsible for and represent Washington County just as much as the County Commissioners and should, for the welfare of the taxpayers in Washington County, try to get this legislation passed. Mr. Paluso also stated that he will not vote to pay for hotel accommodations for attorneys as Mr. Prater is well capable of paying for his own attorneys. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK Minute No. 63 1973 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., April 5, 1973 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Paluso and Jones. Absent being: Commissioner Flynn. Also present being: Administrative Assistant Whalen; Mrs. Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters; Mrs. June Lilley of The Canonsburg Daily Notes; Reporter Robertsor of The Observer -Reporter; and Mr. Jack Merdian of WJPA. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr-. Flynn - Absent. Acting Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute No. 62, each Commissioner having received a copy. as read. Moved by Mr: Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that Minute No. 62 be approved, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Reports: Mr. Jones Mr. Jones stated that in regards to Mr. Palusols suggestion at the last meeting to write Secretary Kassab concerning the repairing of I-70, he talked with Secretary Kassab WINUTE =■■ 545 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C 1 about this matter. They -also talked to Mr. Michael Cozza about getting something done on this road. In connection with this, they asked SPRPC to take a survey and feasibility study of this road. Mr. Jones then read correspondence from William R. B. Froehlich, Executive Director, Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission, which stated that said Commission has reviewed the Feasibility Location Study for Interstate 70 between Twilight and Pricedale. Their review indicates that there could be substantial benefits to relocating this interstate highway, and it appears quite evident that the proposed relocation would be preferabl«.- to upgrading the highway on its present location. Therefore, said Commission recommended concurrence with the recommendation of the feasibility location study prepared by District 12 of Penn -DOT. (Solicitor Hormell entered the meeting) Old Business: In connection with a letter received from John W. Edwards, Jr., regarding the requests of various public libraries in Washington County for financial aid from the Federal Revenue Sharing funds, Administrative Assistant Whalen read the following from a letter from our office directed to Mr. Edwards in order to put the County's position on the line: "The County Commissioners are well aware of this problem and are giving it every possible consideration. We would, however, like to call to your attention at this time that the entire responsibility for the library problem in this county does not rest with the Board of County Commissioners and the proposed program would be dependent upon the local financing effort put forth by each community involved. In other words, what we are saying is that if the county did approve the program as presented and the local effort was not forthcoming, then the program could not become a reality. " Correspondence: Mr. Whalen Administrative Assistant Whalen informed the Board of the receipt of the following two checks from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: (Bills) 1. $1, 244. 69 - Foster Care Payment for the month of December, 1972 2. $41, 136. 00 - Payments to Child Welfare Services for period January, 1973 to March 31, 1973 (partial payment) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing the payment of the following bills: 1. William C. Porter - $103. 50 - Services rendered - Mingo Creek Park. 2. Nottingham Township Supervisors - $2, 500. 00 - Re: Services rendered, Mingo County Park Township Road Maintenance. 3. Buberniak & Wisyanski - $3, 917. 00 - for labor and material for repairing the electrical work at the County Homes. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 546 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS h jMr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 26, 1973, from Mrs. Elisabeth Welton, Director of Child Welfare, Department of Public Welfare, which enclosed a copy of Miss Eleanor Kaplan's Report of Inspection and Evaluation. Letter stated that our agency is in substantial compliance with Regulations and commended the Board for the great progress made over the past five years in restructuring the agency and extending services. Letter also stated that the Department of Public Welfare has recommended approval of our Annual Plan and Estimate for 1973. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 27, 1973, from Mrs. Helene Wohlgemuth, Department of Public Welfare, which informed the Board that their allocation for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Programs for fiscal year 1972-1973 has been increased in the amount of $274, 440. 00 from $1, 023, 742 to $1, 298, 182. Said increase represents full year funding for the following programs: Base Programs, Drug and Alcohol, Group Homes., and BSU Staffing. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 30, 1973, from Keith E. Frederick, Executive Director, Mid -Monongahela Valley Council of Governments, which expressed their appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for their continued support and interest in the COG. Mr. Frederick stated that he will keep the Board informed of all scheduled meetings. Mr. Whalen stated that a letter will be written to Mr. Frederick informing him that Commiss- ioner Jones is the prinicple representative and that all correspondence should be directed to him. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 23, 1973, from Mr. William H. Wilcox, Secretary, Department of Community Affairs, informing the Board that the Governor will sign the Local Government Day ' 73 Proclamation on April 5, 1973, at 11 a. m. in the Governor's Reception Room, 225 Main Capital Building. Letter stated that either Mr. Flynn and/or his representative are invited to participate in the, Proclamation signing ceremonies. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 29, 1973, from Bertram Zanaglio, Chairman, Board of Chartiers Township Supervisors, which enclosed a copy of a letter received from the Corps of Engineers. The Board of Chartiers Township Supervisors requested the County to give some aid in this long standing problem. In connection with this, Mr. Whalen read correspondence from the Corps of Engineers directed to Mr. Bertram Zanaglio - Re: Flood Problem, Plum Run at Houston, Pennsylvania. Letter stated that as a result of their research into this matter, the Corps I considers that the responsibility for providing corrective flood control measures in this reach of Plum Run would be that of the local, that is, county or township governments. Letter then MINUTE BOOK 547 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 0 stated that as it is apparent that public agencies above the township level are unable to provide the necessary remedial work, it is suggested that the township attempt to solve the problem. Mr. Jones suggested that a letter be sent requesting them to come in and review this again and to do something for the people. Mr. Paluso suggested to ask DER to go over and see if they have any objections to straightening the matter out. Mr. Jones also suggested to ask them in their letter to contact our engineer. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 28, 1973, from William H. Wilcox, Secretary, Department of Community Affairs, which enclosed a copy of House Bill 466 which was drafted and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs on behalf of the local governments of Pennsylvania. Letter stated that this legislature, if enacted, may discourage State -mandated programs for local governments unless careful attention is given to the costs involved for local taxpayers and officials. Letter further stated that views of this legislation may be forwarded to either Mr. Wilcox or to The Honorable Guy A. Kistler, Chairman of the House Committee on State Government. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 30, 1973, from Frederick S. March, Chief Clerk, Westmoreland County, which enclosed a copy of a letter to Senator Austin J. Murphy wherein Westmoreland County urged that he withdraw his sponsorship of a bill which would allow decisions of the County Salary Board to be appealed to the local Commor Pleas Court. Letter also recommended that Washington County forward a letter to Senator Murphy indicating their displeasure with this intended legislation. Mr. Paluso stated that he would like to look over this bill so this matter was held up. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 28, 1973, from George G. Bigler, Vice -President, Washington Sportsmen's Association, requesting on behalf of the Boy Scout Troop 413 of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, to utilize some of the property owned by Washington County. Mr. Bigler stated that the Washington Sportsmen's Association leases approximately six acres of ground from Washington County in Arden, Pennsylvania, on which is located their Club House and other facilities. The scouts of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, wish to camp overnight and use the facilities of the Association's and also, if possible, the ground owned by Washington County which is adjacent to the Sportsmen's property. Said letter, therefore, requested permission to utilize this county ground. Mr. Paluso suggested informing Mr. Bigler that it is perfectly all right to use the County land providing the County is absolved from any liability. Solicitor Hormell was directed to so inform Mr. Bigler, (Mr. Elish & Mr. Roney entered the meeting) Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 28, 1973 from William P. Sember, Acting Director, Washington County Planning Commission, which stated that Dr. John F, Bauman, Coordinator of Urban Studies Program at California State College, visited MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS said office recently to explain a proposed internship arrangement between the Planning Commission and the College. Under said arrangement, one first semester senior in the College's Urban Program would be assigned to the Washington County Planning Commission. This student would perform work assignments designated by his staff and would receive college credits for his internship. The Planning Commission's responsibility would include supervision and possible mileage expense that the student may incur in doing surveys, talking to local agencies, etc. Said internship would begin around June 1, 1973, for a period of 16 weeks. Letter solicited the approval of the Board of this project. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing William P. Sember, Acting Director of the Washington County Planning Commission to proceed with his plans as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of March 28, 1973, from Miss Louise Abel, Public Welfare Administrator III, Child Welfare Services, Letter stated that the Budget for 1973 approved the inclusion of $200 for their Foster Parents to use should any of them decide to attend the National Convention of the National Foster Parent Organization held in April 1973 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Letter also stated that Rev. William. Davis, Foster Parent and Chairman of the local Foster Parent Association, and several other parents are going to attend this Convention. Letter therefore requested a check in said amount for this convention. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing the payment of $200 to the Child Welfare Services as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Mr. Abe Nasin entered the meeting) New Business: (Registration Dates) 1. New Fire Hall, Route 19, North Strabane Township Saturday, April 14, 1973 10 a. m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p. m. to 6 p. m. 2. Washington High School Thursday, April 12, 1973 (time pending) 3. Canton Township Supervisor's Building Tuesday, April 10, 1973 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. u MINUTE BOOK 549 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Li 4. Charleroi April 7, 1973 10 a, m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p, m. 5. Courthouse: April 7, 1973 April 14, 1973 April 16, 1973 Roll call vote taken: 9 a. m, to Noon 9 a.m. to Noon 9 a. m. to 9 p.m. Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Appointments) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, appointing the following to the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission: Mr, Robert Simpson Roscoe, Pennsylvania Mr. Russell J. Stein California, Pennsylvania Mr. John Werlwas Allenport, Pennsylvania Mr. Dewey Pellegrini Fredericktown, Pennsylvania (Solicitor Hormell was directed to inform the above of their appointments.) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor: Mr. Hormell Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board for their signatures six (6) Senior Citizens Leases. Solicitor Hormell reported that the awarding of bids for the furnishing and deliver- ing of vehicles to be delivered to the Washington County Garage will be held until next week. Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board a letter of commitment from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission whereby said Commission agrees and commits itself to obtain from Project 500 funds the sum of $200, 000 and to earmark and devote the same to the con- struction of a multi -purpose flood control dam to be located at Site 481, Harmon Creek Water- shed, Hanover Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, accepting the above Letter of Commitment from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board the following Resolution with respect to the abandonment of two state highways in Mingo Creek Park. "WHEREAS, it is necessary for the proper, orderly, and useful development of Mingo Creek County Park that the roads and highways therein be improved, changed, and in some instances relocated, therefore be it 550 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR , EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS RESOLVED, that Washington County petitions and requests that the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania formally relinquish and abandon as state highways the two highways below identified, both of which lie within Nottingham Township, said County, and within the boundaries of said park, and formally, by deed, grant, or otherwise turn over or transfer to the county the land whereon said highways are situate, in fee simple: 1. L. R. 62032, from its junction with L. R. 6206,1 to its junction with L. R. 62014, a distance or length of 3. 8 miles, more ,or less. 2. L.R. 62055 from its junction with State Highway No. 136 to its junction with L. R. 62032, a distance or length of . 8 mile, more or less. " Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, adopting the ,above Resolution upon the recommendation of Solicitor Hormell. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board a Deed of Easement between the Commissioners of Washington County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Highways for Nottingham Township, Legislative Route 62032, Section 10. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, accepting the above Deed of Easement as presented by Solicitor Hormell. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Jones - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Controller Elish informed the Board that Mr. Anthony (Jake) Gehrlein, County Controller from Erie County, will be in Washington on Friday, April 6, 1973, to go over the bills in connection with the Yablonski murder trials. It was decided that Mr. Whalen would represent the Commissioners' Office at this meeting. Controller Elish presented various bills from McDonald Associates in connec- tion with the Flood Control Project and Washington County Airport which he refuses to pay for the following reasons: 1. The matter of his refusing to pay McDonald Associates is now in litigation before the Local Court. 2. His other reasons are set forth in his letter written to the Board on February 5, 1973. 3. He reiterates there is no itemization or verification of actual works or services performed on the following invoices submitted to him: Nos. 4713110, 4712108, 4712109, and 4711106. 4. In addition, it is his recommendation that the contract on the Flood Control Project be terminated and a new contract be renegotiated after a study of quotations has been obtained from reputable engineers and studied and reviewed and eventually be awarded to the lowest