HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 71 - 5-31-1973 - COMMISSIONER632
MINUTE ■■
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
126 S. Washington Road, McMurray, Pa. 15317
District: Buffalo ---Deed Book Reference: ---
District Number: 060---Section Number: 009 --- Parcel Number: 0050-04
Amount: $ . 85
10. LeClerg, Frank J. & Dorothy V.
515 Rear Liberty Avenue, North Charleroi, Pa. 15022
District: North Charleroi ---Deed Book Reference: ---
District Number: 50 --- Section Number: 9---Parcel Number: 21
Amount: $20.52
11. McGary, John & Annie
1286 Spencer Avenue, Washington, Pa. 15301
District: Canton Township
District Number: 120 --- Section Number: 13---Parcel Number: 153
Amount: $13. 25
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the meeting adjourn.
Meeting adjourned.
THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED:
ATTEST:
CHIEF CLERK
Minute No, 71
, 1973
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa., May 31, 1973
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 Solicitor Gilmore; Mrs.
Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters; Mrs. June Lilley of The Canonsburg Daily
Notes; and Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter.
Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Present; Mr. Paluso - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present.
Correspondence: Mr. Murphy
Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following check:
(1) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - 1973 Adult Probation Program -
$13, 551.00.
Bills:
Mr. Jones stated that in the future all bills that have not been submitted by the time the
meeting agenda is made up should be held over until the next regular board meeting.
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Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso approving payment of the following
MINUTE B❑❑K
633
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
bills:
bill:
(1) Donald E. York - $150. 00 - Appraisal Fees - Testimony in Court
on Richard Lightholder property.
(2) Frank Gavlik and Sons - $10, 297. 99 - Washington County Airport Slide.
(3) Alfieri Realty - $50. 00 - Fee for reappraisal of parcel ME 29 and
ME 30 - Mingo Park Expansion Project.
(4) Griswold, Winters & Swain - $1, 124. 53 - for professional services
from April 1 through April 30, 1973.
(5) The Research Group, Inc. - $173. 34 - for Pennsylvania Condemnation
of Roads, Parks and Highways. -
(6) U.S. Department of Agruculture - $116.07 - Salaries and Expenses of
personnel - Harmon Creek Site PA-481 (April 29, 1973 - May 12, 1973)
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn approving payment of the following
Richard S. Cowan, Jr. - $1, 900. 00 - for professional fees
Re: Washington Mall Case.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Abstain; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried.
(Mr. Jack Merdian entered the meeting)
Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 24, 1973 from C. Robert
Budd, Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Association of County Commissioners enclosing
four copies of the revised contract covering the personnel in the Child Care and Mental Health
and Mental Retardation Programs. Mr. Budd stated that the State Association is trying to beai
a deadline so that the counties will not be obligated to provide the covered employees with an
additional 5% increase that would be due on July lst under the old agreement. He requested
that three copies of the said contract be executed and returned to the Association as soon as
possible. Those counties that do not sign the contracts will be bound by the terms of the pre-
sent agreement and will be obligated to provide an increase on July 1st.
Chief Clerk read correspondence under dateof May 24, 1973 from H.E. Meyers,
Director, Bureau of Municipal Services which attached a copy of a letter designating the dead-
line date for receiving County Aid Applications, Form MS 339 and Form 340. Mr. Meyers
requested that the Commissioners make this information known to all persons involved in the
preparation and submission of County Aid Applications. Said attached letter stated that all
339's and 340's must be in their District Office by December 1st of the calendar year for
County and District; and all 339's and 340's that are received in their Harrisburg Office on
or before the last working day of the calendar year will be approved as an encumbrance for
MINUTE BoOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
that year, this pertains to District and Central Office.
(Solicitor Gilmore re-entered the meeting)
Liquid Fuels:
Chief Clerk stated that in regards to 1973 funding to municipalities the County
is going to go on the same 50-50 basis as in 1972 and the amount to be distributed is approxima-
tely $100, 431. 79.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the amount of $100, 000. 00
be appropriated from Liquid Fuels monies to be distributed to the municipalities on the 50-50
formula as recommended by the State.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 23, 1973 from Jerry R.
Wettstone, Director, Recreation and Conservation Bureau, Department of Community Affairs
which attached three copies of the Amendment extending the termination date of the Grant Con-
tract for funds from the $500 Million Conservation and Recreation Bond Issue Program. Said
Amendment is to be signed by the Chief Executive and Secretary, and is in reference to Mingo
Creek Park Expansion.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the abovementioned Amend-
ment as submitted by the Department of Community Affairs relating to Mingo Creek Park
Expansion be executed by the Chief Executive and Secretary.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 29, 1973 from William
P. Somber, Acting Director, Washington County Planning Commission stating that on May 29,
1970 a contract was awarded to A. C. Ackenheil and Associates of Pgh. by the Commonwealth
to formulate an engineering study of acid mine drainage in Hillman State Park. Said study is
complete and on file in the Planning Commission offices and was a follow up to the Planning
Commission and Federal Water Pollution Control Agency study of mine drainage in the Raccoon
Creek Watershed. Mr. Somber further stated that the Pa. Department of Environmental
Resources has or is in the process of receiving bids for the construction of abatement facilities
in the proposed Hillman State Park and although these facilities will not have a great impact on
the overall elimination of pollution in the Raccoon Creek Watershed, they will insure the
availability of clean streams in the park.
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Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 11, 1973 from Lieutenant
Governor Ernest P. Kline stating that to assist all counties in the discharge of their
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635
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES. JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
emergency responsibilities, the State Council of Civil Defense has scheduled a special three-
day training program for County Civil Defense Directors on June 6, 7 and 8, 1973. Mr. Kline
stated that the Council has arranged to reimburse the Directors for expenses incurred in attend-
ing this training program and has furnished the Directors with preliminary information con-
cerning this session. In view of the importance of the scheduled meeting, Lieutenant Governox
Kline requested that the Commissioners take steps to see that Washington County is appropria-
tely represented at the program.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that Mrs. Vlasta Draper,
Administrative Assistant of the Civil Defense Office be authorized to attend the abovementionec
meeting to be held on June 6, 7 and 8.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of May 23, 1973 from J. B. Wilson
P. E. , District 12-0, Department of Transportation in reference to a recent letter from Mr.
Jones concerning the drainage problem located on Traffic Route 88, Dunlevy, Pa. near the
White Barn Supper Club. Said letter stated that a meeting was held at the site on April 11,
1973, and as a result of the meeting, it was found that the complaint concerning the drainage ir. the
vicinity of the Supper Club is legim ate. Attached to correspondence was a copy of a letter to
Mr. Howard Felton, Superintendent of the Washington County Maintenance Office indicating
the steps the Department of Transportation has taken to alleviate the problem.
Chief Clerk presented various petitions which stated the following: "Whereas,
President Nixon has called for the curtailment of funds allocated by Congress for social
services to the poor, aged, and sick, we the undersigned citizens of Washington County do
hereby petition the Washington County Board of Commissioners to assistthe Washington -
Greene Community Action Corporation and the Rural Outreach Program in restoring these
vital needs. "
Chairman suggested that we acknowledge receipt of said petitions.
Mr. Whalen:
(Harmon Creek Flood Control Sites:)
Mr. Whalen: In connection with the Harmon Creek Flood Control sites, Mr. Judy has infor-
med the County that the annual inspection on sites 499, 482 and 484 will be on Friday, June 1
and they ask that we have a County representative present at this inspection so probably it will
have to be Mr. Graham or Mr. Yuhas or both of them.
Mr. Flynn: Well I would suggest that we notify Mr. Graham and Mr. Yuhas to be there,
Mr. Whalen read correspondence under date of May 24, 1973 from Miss Louise
636
MINUTE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Abel stating that the Pennsylvania Council of Child Welfare Administrators is having its
summer meeting on June 21 and 22, 1973 at the Tamiment in the Poconos. The rate, which
includes room and three meals is $41. 14 and in addition to this there would be one nights -
lodging on June 20 plus traveling expenses. Proposed change for reimbursement to Counties
and other items of interest will be discussed at the meeting.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso authorizing Miss Louise Abel to
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attend the abovementioned meeting to be held on June 21, and 22, 1973.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
(Erie County)
Mr. Whalen: As a result of last Thursday's meeting, Commissioner Jones, Solicitor Hormell,
and myself went to Erie County and met with the Board of County Commissioners, the
Administrative Assistant to the Board, the County Controller and the Deputy Sheriff in charge.
Mr. Jones delivered to Chairman Hill the check in the amount of $57, 994.81 which represent-
ed payment in full as billed to date for the costs of the Prater trial. Mr. Jones also con-
firmed to Erie County the establishment of the special account for Richard Sprague which
was authorized by the request jointly signed by Jess D. Costa, District Attorney and Charles
G. Sweet, President Judge and the subject is The Contemplated Cost for the Case of the
Commonwealth vs. Albert Pass. It was also agreed that the County of Erie would continue
to supervise and pay the costs there since it would be impractical for Washington County to
handle it by remote control. To avoid Erie County having to use their own funds in this Pass
Trial Commissioner Jones agreed to recommend to the Washington County Board of
Commissioners today that the sum of $50, 000 be advanced to Erie County for this purpose.
This action will be recommended at the regular board meeting on Thursday, May 31. County
Controller Gehrlein of Erie County indicated that these funds would be dispersed from a
special account to be established in Erie. We made some specific, requests to Erie County in
the way of accounting. First we asked that all witnesses be certified by the District Attorney,
processed through the Clerk of Courts Office for payment and the actual payment of witness
fees be affected by the Controller. We asked them to segregate the various items, budgetary
items for example we asked them to segregate the Jury charges, the witness charges, any
and all security charges and the prosecution charges. It was agreed that as far as the Board
of County Commissioners of Washington County was concerned, that they would recommend
that I be delegated to meet with Erie County once a week preferably on Mondays since their
board meetings are on Tuesdays and that we can clear any pertinent matters at that time and
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it could be expedited and that would give the Washington County Board the-----------------
(a brief discussion was held)
MINUTE BOOK 637
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Whalen then read the authorization received from District Attorney Costa
and President Judge Charles G. Sweet requesting the Commissioners to advance the amount of
$7, 500 to be deposited in a special account in Erie for Richard Sprague. Chairman stated that
it was on this basis that the Commissioners advanced said money.
Controller Elish made reference to Minute No. 69, dated May 17, 1973 in which
it was unanimously approved that the following recommendations submitted by Controller Elish
for the Pass Trial would be put into effect:
1. That we are billed directly for all necessary expenses of this case,
and that Erie County will not act as an intermediary for us, except in
an extreme emergency for some vital expenditure or expenditures.
2. I, or some member of my staff (meaning Mr. Elish and the Controller's
Office staff) will be in Erie daily if necessary to supervise and audit
each expenditure as it occurs.
Mr. Elish stated that it will be necessary to rescind this motion if the Commissioners plan to
take the course of action agreed upon between Commissioner Jones and the Erie County
Commissioners.
Commissioner Paluso stated that he doesn't think there is any authorization
anywhere in the County Code for an advance of money from one county to another and that all
bills, after their perusal in Erie County should be sent to the Commissioners for approval at
their Thursday meeting and paid.
(a lengthy discussion was held)
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso that the motion made at the
regular board meeting of May 17, 1973 unanimously approving Controller Elish's recommenda-
tions regarding bill procedures for the Pass Trial be rescinded.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn that as per an agreement with the
Erie County Commissioners, Washington County advance to Erie County the sum of $50, 000. 00)
to set up a separate account for the upcoming Pass Trial, with the stipulation that said action
is legal and abides strictly by the County Code.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; _ Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso authorizing Administrative
Assistant Whalen, or in his absence a representative of the Commissioners to be in Erie
County beginning June 4, 1973 every Monday prior to and during the term of the Pass Trial to
review with the Erie County Controller all expenditures and see that the money is being ex-
pended in the proper accounts. Payment of the bills will be subject to the normal procedure.
638 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
(Chartiers Creek Flood Control)
Mr. Whalen presented to the Board a status report on the Chartiers Creek
Flood Protection Project submitted to the Department of Environmental Resources by
Robert L. Zeman which stated in part that the Corps of Engineers of the U.S. Army District,
Pgh. submitted a design for a wider and deeper channel with sloping banks. The design
nessitates a new bridge to carry Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg over the new channel. The
new bridge is no longer than the present one and is a single span without the present central
pier.
(A brief discussion was held) (Mr. Elish left the meeting)
Mr. Whalen presented to the Board a bill in the amount of $3, 090. 00 from
Robert L. Zeman, Special Counsel for the Chartiers Creek Flood Control Project for work
performed from February 24, 1972 through December 4, 1972.
Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso approving the aforementioned
bill in the amount of $3, 090. 00 for Robert L. Zeman, Special Counsel for the Chartiers
Creek Flood Control Project.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Whalen stated that the Washington County Humane Society is making an
application to the Commonwealth for funding, and read a letter of endorsement on behalf of
the Society by the Washington County Commissioners to help them attain these funds.
New Business: Mr. Murphy
Chief Clerk read a memorandum under date of May 31, 1973 from Joseph
Muscaro, Director of Elections requesting that the County Board of Elections be present
Friday afternoon, June 1, 1973 for the signing of the Election Record Books for the first
certification. Said memo also stated that the Recount Board will complete all books and all
computation of votes by early afternoon, Friday, June 1, 1973.
Solicitor: Mr. Gilmore
Mr. Gilmore stated that in reference to the Juvenile Court Grant, there has
been some problem in the mathematics and the Juvenile Court has asked that this be post-
poned for a week until they are straight on their finances.
(MH/MR Assignment of Lease and Lease of Equipment)
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Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso authorizing Assistant Solicitor
Gilmore to prepare the necessary papers for approval at the next regular board meeting
MINUTE BOOK 639
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN. FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS
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regarding an assignment of existing lease between the County and the Siegel Building, assign-
ing said building to the MH /MR Clinic, and also the entering into a lease by the County of the
County equipment that is presently in the Clinic and being used there.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Gilmore presented a request for an Addictive Disease Center Lease in
Bur-gettstown but stated that it will have to be acted upon at the next meeting, due to a delay in
that Mr. Hanna, who is working with him on this, became ill.
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones approving payment of the following
bills in reference to the abandoning of Township Road 605 in Mingo Creek County Park.
(1) Nottingham Township Supervisors - $42.00 - advertising expenses.
(2) Peter J. Mansmann, Esquire - $125.00 - preparation of the Ordinance and
legal advice.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn -Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
It
(Tax Refunds)
Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore presented various Tax Refunds to the Board
for their consideration and approval:
Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones that the Tax Assessment Office
be authorized to prepare the following Tax Refunds due to either duplication or overpayment
of real estate tax:
1. Kaskie, John & Helen
Box 13, Houston, Pa. 15342
District: North Strabane ---Deed Book Reference: ---
District Number: 52--- Section Number: 15--- Parcel Number: 219
Amount: $29.58
2. Steiger, William, Mrs. Lillian Steiger
10 East Crafton Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15205
District: Robinson ---Deed Book Reference: ---
District Number: 55 --- Section Number: ---Parcel Number: ---
Amount: $15. 05
3. Rosana L. Campbell
507 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, Pa. 15057
District: ---Deed Book Reference: ---
District Number: ---Section Number: ---Parcel Number: ---
Amount: $49.87
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Gilmore informed the Board that he has received correspondence from Don