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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 73 - 6-21-1973 - COMMISSIONERMINUTE BOOK 6-5-1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Minute No. 73 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., June 21, 1973 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following mem- bers being present: Commissioners Jones, Paluso and Flynn. Also present being: Acting Chief Clerk and Administrative Assistant Whalen; County Solicitor Hormell• Assistant County Solicitor Gilmore; County Controller Elish; Mr. Frank Roney, Solicitor for the Controller's Office; Mr Jack Merdian of WJPA; Mrs. Helen Miller of The League of Women Voters; Mrs. June Lilley of The Canonsburg Daily Notes; Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter; Mr. Earl Bugaile of WKEG; and Reporter Liesch of The Brownsville Telegraph. 10 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. 72, each member having received a copy. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute No. 72 be approved, as read. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Reports: (Mr. Jones) Mr. Jones stated that he attended a transportation meeting with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission in Pittsburgh along with Mr. Sember and Mr. Kenn,T and learned that the county's share of highway funds for next year had been cut by the State from $67 million to $23 million. All monies cut from Washington County and surrounding counties will apparently go to Allegheny County for development of a rapid transit system. Mr. Jones stated that a meeting has been scheduled with Secretary Kassab to discuss the situation. (a brief discussion was held) (Mr. Flynn) Mr. Flynn read correspondence under date of May 23, 1973, from the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service informing the Commissioners that Mr. Kenneth E. Grant, Administrator of the Soil Conservation Service, signed the Draft Envir- onmental Statement for the Cross Creek Watershed Project on May 15, 1973. This action frees the Watershed Work Plan and Draft Environmental Statement for inter -agency review which is to last 60 days (to July 17, 1973). During this period, federal and state agencies will review the Work Plan and Draft Environmental statement. In conclusion correspondence stated that follow- ing inter -agency review, the Soil Conservation Service will revise the Work Plan, if necessary, M I N U T E BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS and prepare the Final Environmental Statement. Mr. Flynn explained the above and read excerpts from the Draft Environmental Statement. (Mr. Jones) Mr. Jones reported that on June 13, 1973, the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commis- sion met with the purpose of organizing in the office of Hormell, Tempest, Bigi and Melenyzer. Mr. Jones stated that a motion was made for the preparation of an appropriate set of by-laws and rules of procedure for the Commission. It was also decided that the County Solicitor who occupied office for the County which had three members on the Board during any one year would be the Solicitor for the Commission for that particular year. As Fayette County has only three (3) members serving for the year, their Solicitor will act as Solicitor for the Commission. Mr. Jones further stated that the Commission has requested an appropriation of $5, 000. 00 from each County and the Commission is to submit to each County on or before July 15, 1973, a pro- jected budget for expenditures which will probably outline the items for which they intend to expend the $10, 000 requested. (a brief discussion was held) Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, authorizing the disbursement of $5, 000. 00 to the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission upon receipt of their itemized budget. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. It was also suggested by Mr. Paluso that the former Commission submit to the present Ferry Commission an accounting of the $1, 000. 00 that was allotted to them for expenditures during their term. A copy of the Minutes of the Organization Meeting of the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission and a memorandum directed to the Commissioners of Washington and Fayette Counties by Solicitor Hormell can be found at the end of the minutes. Correspondence: Mr. Whalen - Acting Chief Clerk Bill: Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of the receipt of the following checks: (1) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Day Care Contract # 1319 Washington -Greene Community Action Corporation - Month of April, 1973 - $1, 212. 14. (2) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Public Assistance Payment for Child Welfare Services - $2, 102. 15. (3) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Public Assistance Payment for Child Welfare Services - $4, 528. 03. (4) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Public Assistance Payment for Child Welfare Services - $2, 034. 71. Acting Chief Clerk presented the following bill for payment: (1) B. E. York, MAI - $600. 00 for testifying, pre-trial conferences and counseling - Washington Mall Case. 1 1 E MINUTE BOOK �,�3 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .TONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the above bill be approved for payment. R emarks: Mr. Paluso: This is on the same case, we have had several bills and since I am directly involved, I abstain. Bills: bills: Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Abstain; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving payment of the following (1) Gene P. Amanati - $200. 00 - appraisal report and court appearance - DiMatteo Brothers. (2) William C. Porter - (a) $37. 50 - Edward Baisley et ux property - Mingo (b) $37. 50 - John E. Laird & Ernest T. Laird - Mingo (c) $37. 50 - George E. Sutyak et ux property - Mingo (3) Frank Irey, Jr. , Inc. - Estimate No. 2 - $8, 464. 68 - Elevator Replacement and related work at Washington County Courthouse. (4) Recreation Equipment Unlimited, Inc. - $7, 850. 00 - contract for 150 picnic tables (wood) - Mingo Creek County Park. (5) Washington -Greene County MH/MR Program - $954.00 - amount due from Washington County for Interim Care for May, 1973. (6) Department of Public Welfare - Food Stamp Program - $14, 107. 04 - quarter ending March 31, 1973. (7) Central Washington County United Fund - $1, 500. 00 allocation. (8) Miss Gail Jones, Medical Secretary - $40. 32 for expenses incurred traveling to attend the Utilization Review Meetings. (9) Washington County Overall Economic Development Committee - budget item $4, 805. 82. (10) Washington County Public Employment program - budget item - $1, 620. 75 (11) Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency - budget item - $4, 625. 00 (12) West Penn Power Company - $3, 748. 00 - Harmon Creek Flood Control Site #481 - relocation of four poles and two anchor guys. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk read a memorandum under date of June 19, 1973, directed to County Controller Elish attaching the vouchers and special agenda #1 covering the expenditures by Erie County in accordance with the documents attached in the amount of $18,605. 95. Memo- randum requested that Controller Elish issue a check payable to the County of Erie - Trial Account and return it to us at the earliest possible time so that it may be transmitted to the Erie County Officials. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS A brief discussion was held on the above and it was decided that these expenditures would be subtracted from the $50, 000. 00 previously advanced to Erie County. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, authorizing payment of the apore- mentioned expenditures through regular procedure as required by statute insofar as the expendi- ture of money is concerned. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 4, 1973, from Charles G. Sweet, President Judge, concerning the printing of the court rules. Judge Sweet stated that anyone who reads the preface of the Court Rules will see that the publication of the rules them- selves was by the Commissioners and this clearly implies that the publication was at the public expense. Earlier sets of court rules here have been published entirely by the, banks and it was expected that Mr. Rosenberg and Mr. Terputac would arrange to have a bank pay for the whole thing. Unfortunately, the banks declined to do so and the Committee went ahead and got the rules printed without the matter going through the Purchasing Agent. Judge Wweet further stated that he had the rules as printed carefully proofread and counted and that since rules are required and the printing job is satisfactory, the County go ahead and pay for them. Chairman stated that the matter will be tabled until a further discussion can be held by the Board. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the following applications for County Aid and additional County Aid from the Liquid Fuels Account be approved as indicated: West Alexander Borough Speers Borough $2500. 00 $ 500.00 Burgettstown Borough $4100. 00 McDonald Borough $ 927.64 Marianna Borough $1500. 00 California Borough $3894.50 AL �ft11 call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk read a telegram ;under date of June 19, 1973, from Congressman Thomas E. Morgan announcing that the Appalachian Regional Commission has approved a Fed- eral grant in the amount of $739, 843. 00 for screening and treatment of black lung disease in Washington County and four other counties in Pennsylvania. The Primary purpose is to provide uniformity of health services both in quality and procedure for all area residents. Total cost is $ 907, 618. 00 with the Pennsylvania Department of Health funding $16 7, 775. 00. 1 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .ZONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 20, 1973, from Miss Louise Abel, Public Welfare Administrator III requesting authorization to sign a foster placement agreement with the Tressler Lutheran Service Associates, and make foster care payments to Mr, and Mrs. Carl Herman, Lewisburg, Pa., for the placement and care of Christine Davis, born August 26, 1963, and under the care of the Child Welfare Services since August 10, 1972. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the above request of the Child Welfare Services be approved. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk presented further correspondence from Miss Louise Abel requesting, permission to fly to Williamsport, Pa., on June 25, 1973, to return Danielle Forsythe to her foster home. Miss Abel further requested permission to make a trip to Detroit, Michigan, regarding the adoption of Robert and Tina Walls. Total cost of the two trips will be $167. 81. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the above requests as sub- mitted by the Child Welfare Services. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board that the Liquid Fuels Allocation to the County in the amount of $226, 881. 55 has been received and duly deposited by the County Treasurer. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Liquid Fuels money in the amount of $225, 000, 00 be invested in either a Certificate of Deposit or Treasury Note for a period of sixty (60) days at the best interest bearing rate. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board that in regard to the Catsburg Project, the matter is being taken up with the Monongahela City Council and the Washington County Planning Commission is working with them. As soon as the city of Monongahela makes some- determiha- tions about their position in the matter, the Planning Commission will give the Commissioners a report on the proj,ect.- Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 4, , 1913, from Mrs. Helene Wohlgemuth; Secretary, Department of Public Welfare,, informing the Commissioners that Washington County's allocation for MH/MR Programs for Fiscal Year 1972-1973 has been in- creased in the amount of $60, 000, from $1, 298,182 to $1, 358, 182. This increase represents MINUTE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS r additional funding for Development Disabilities Service Project Grants and will be processed as soon as the Federal funds are received. Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board that we have been advised by the United States Department of Interior that they have certain topographic maps that they feel can be helpful to the Planning Commission and to School Districts and other municipalities. Mr. Whalen recom- mended that said maps be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their files. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 7, 1973, from Gerald Esposito, Director, Comprehensive Health Planning Association of Western Pa. , Inc. , stating that their Agency is presently attempting to set up a regional plan for a system of Emergency Medical Services in this twelve county area in Western Pa. Communications systems to facili- tate the delivery of Emergency Medical Services is an essential part of their planning and they are preparing an application for a grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation that will provide money for a communications system. Mr. Esposito stated that their initial planning includes an exploration of the various communications systems that are presently functioning or are in the planning stages in this region. They are interested to know what Washington County is doing or planning to do to implement a county communications system and how we might cooperate with them in a joint effort. Mr. Esposito requested that the Commissioners or a representative attend a luncheon meeting with their staff on June 25, 1973, at their offices in order to discuss the matter. Mr. Whalen stated that Mr. Sember of the Planning Commission has been attending all of these meetings and recommended that he be asked to attend this meeting also. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 11, 1973, from Clifford E. Johnson, Governmental Systems Manager, Cole -Layer -Trumble Company submitting a pro- tress report to cover the periods ending April 30, 1973, and May 31, 1973. Mr. Johnson stated :hat they have completed the first schedule run of the tax claim notices for Tax Claim and they Will be delivered to Mrs. Flenniken. In conclusion, correspondence stated that cash receipts .lave been processed normally and we are in a much better position then we were last year at .his time. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence from Harry R. Cook, City Treasurer, sub - hitting an offer in the amount of $500. 00 for one I. B. M. Computer with printer for tax notices. Said computer was previously used in the Treasurer's Office. A brief discussion was held and Solicitor Hormell requested that the matter be tabled until cor- -espondence can be received from I. B. M. stating that said computer has no resale value. Acing Chief Clerk presented correspondence under date of June 7, 1973, from E. Drexel Godfrey, Jr. , Executive Director, Governor's Justice Commission, stating that the 1 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES,''JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS C C Environmental Impact Statement, submitted with the _proposed work at the County Jail has, been approved and will have no impact on the environment. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 18, 1973, from Alfred A. Gwaley, Vice -President, Mellon Bank, thanking the Commissioners for Washington County's fine commitment to Penn's Southwest Fund Raising Drive., Acting Chief Clerk presented a request from John A. Piganell, Chief Probation Officer, for five probation officers and himself to acquire membership to the Pennsylvania Association on Probation, Parole & Correction. The total cost will be $18. 00. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Jones, that the above request as, submitted by Mr. Piganell be approved. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of June 11, 1973, from Frank C. Carroll confirming previous negotiations which have gone on with the County for renting Court Square Arcade. Mr. Carroll stated that all of the changes which have been suggested have been incorporated in the specifications and that, based on this, bids have been received from a general contractor and from the heating and air-conditioning contractor.. The approximate total for these improvements will be $65, 000. 00. ' Based on the amount necessary to make the changes and to meet the specifications plus the interest rate for the borrowing which will be near 9%, the rent will have to be $4. 15 per square foot, which amount does not include janitor service or utilities. Mr. Carroll requested that the County act promptly in terms of the execution of the lease so that the mortgage loan can be arranged as quickly as possible and the contractors can begin working. Mr. Carroll further stated that any changes or additions to the lease, submitted to the County in March can be worked out without difficulty. (a discussion was held on the above Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. ,Flynn, approving the amount of $4. 15 per square foot for rent in relation to the Court Square Arcade subject to the preparation and execution of the Lease. Remarks: Mr. Paluso: i think the•rate is too high. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - No; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried. Acting Chief Clerk informed the Board of a request from the Trolley Museum Associa- tion to meet with the Board of Commissioners for -the -,purpose of discussing expansion plans at Arden. A discussion• was held �on the matter and the Chairman instructed the -Acting Chief Clerk MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA `4 MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS i i lo arrange a meeting between the Board of Commissioners and the Trolley Museum Association ..or Thursday, July 19, 1973. Vew Business: Mr. Flynn Chairman stated that due to the County Commissioners' Convention, there will be no -egular board meeting held on June 28, 1973. Chairman stated that the Court House will close on Tuesday, July 3 at 4:30 p. m, and ^eopen on Thursday, July 5 at 9:00 a.m. due to the 4th of July Holiday. Chairman stated that during the absence of the Commissioners and Acting Chief Clerk AThalen, Mrs. Gloria Jo Cianelli will be the Acting Chief Clerk. Solicitor: Assistant Solicitor Gilmore informed the Board that in regard to the Lease-Pac Settlement, he went to Cleveland to deliver the money appropriated, received a bill of sale and i release; and the County is now out of that litigation and that contract. Mr. Gilmore reported that he and Mr. Hormell spoke with Mr. Chapman of Chapman Plumbing and Heating and found that Mr. Chapman was unaware of the problems that are existing' 2oncerning the heating -and air-conditioning. Mr. Gilmore stated that a meeting has been set up 'or this afternoon to establish an understanding between the County and Mr. Chapman. Moved by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Mr. Flynn, approving payment of Estimates No. 6 3.nd 7 to Chapman Plumbing and Heating with final payment being made upon certification that everything is working to the satisfaction of the County and the approval of the consulting Archi- :ect. 3emarks: Mr. Flynn: Do you intend to have the meeting this afternoon? Mr. Gilmore: We are going to try. Mr. Flynn: Then I suggest you have the representative of Baker Engineering here with you too. Mr. Gilmore: Well, I don't know if he can get in here this afternoon. Vir. Hormell: I think this Mr. Chairman. You asked us to make inquiry into this last week, Nhich we did and this was the result of that last week. Now at that time we weren't cognizant of ;he part of the consulting engineer so it probably would take at least this meeting and perhaps me or two more. Now I think when we meet with them this afternoon, we will suggest that we zave a meeting with the consulting engineer together with a tour of inspection. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - No; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried. Assistant Solicitor Gilmore presented to the Board a right-of-way request from Nest Penn Power on county land in Centerville Borough. They are relocating a road in that E MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK .ZONES, -JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS area and in conjunction with relocating the road, they ;must. relocate their transmission lines. Mr. Gilmore stated that this area is Tax Claim Bureau property and recommended that the right--of-way be executed. ,Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the above right-of-way request as submitted by West Penn Power. Roll call vote taken: Nfr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Assistant Solicitor Gilmore presented to the Board the contract between McDonald Associates and Ross Adams, Inc. and the County for the Master Plan at the County Airport. Mr. Gilmore stated that the contract is now in final form and all of the necessary changes and corrections have been made. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, approving the above -contract in rela- tion to the Master Plan at the County Airport between McDonald Associates and Ross Adams, Inc., and the County of Washington. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. Paluso - Yes; M r. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Hormell presented to the Board an agreement between the Counter of Washing- ton through the Washington County Public Employment, Program and the�Educational Programs Diocesan School Board of Pittsburgh, Inc., whereby Washington County through PEP has re- ceived a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor and a contract is required authorizing the Educational Programs Diocesan School Board of Pgh.., Inc., to be the administrative agency under the direction of the County., Said grant pis in the amount of $64, 266. 00 and the Washington County Public Employment Program has allocated $3,430. 00. This will allow $61, 695. 00 for participant wages and fringe benefits and $6, 001. 00 for program administration. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that the above ,contract be adopted and executed by the Board of Commissioners as per the recommendation of County Solicitor Hormell, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Jones - Yes; Mr. , Paluso - Yes; -Mr. Flynn.- Yes: 11 1- " 1' Motion carried unanimously. County Controller Elish read correspondence from him directed to Mr. Flynn under date of June 20, 1973, acknowledging receipt of Mr. Flynn' s memorandums of May 11, in which Mr. Flynn requested Mr. Elish to release the salary of Keith Nlelenyzer, a member of the Boarc of Assessment Appeals. Mr. Elish cited various Sections of the County Code relating to the Board of Assessment Appeals, its functions, etc... Mr. Elish stated that in the past several MINUTE -■■ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS years he has continuously recommended the,abialition of the Board of Assessment Appeals and again recommended that the Board be abolished and the single function performed by the Board be assumed by the Board of County Commissioners. In conclusion, Mr. Elish recommended that because of the existing conflict of interest between Mr. Hormell and Mr. Melenyzer, the Commissioners request Mr. Hormell to resign as County Solicitor and discharge Mr. Melenyzer for his violation of the County Code, which contains strict penalty provisions. Mr. Elish stated that failure to do this could result in charges of malfeasance and misfeasance in office against the Board of County Commissioners. (a discussion was held) Assistant Solicitor Gilmore read correspondence under date of June 18, 1973, from C. Vance DeiCas, P. E. McDonald Associates Engineering, in reference to the Washington County Airport 4" oil transmission line. Mr. DeiCas stated that the up -heaving has occurred in the area of the 4-inch oil line, owned by National Transit Company and runs diagonally across the runway as does the 4-inch oil line. Due to the extremely tdangerous and hazardous condition, they have closed approximately 700 feet of the runway and the airport officials have notified the F. A.A. and various business concerns using the airport. In conclusion, Mr. DeiCas stated that it is imperative that the Commissioners remedy this hazard immediately for great property damage and many lives could be lost due to this condition. Mr. Gilmore read further correspondence under date of June 18, 1973, from C. Vance DeiCas directed to Mr. Earl Bernard, National Transit Company, informing Mr. Bernard of the problem and requesting that he or a representative of the Company be available when the area is opened to find the definite cause. Mr. DeiCas stated that they need someone of respon- sibility who can make a decision at the site. In conclusion, letter "stated that the County will expect reimbursement from National Transit Company for all costs incurred in repairs if the cause lies with them. Mr. DeiCas requested that the Commissioners declare a state of emergency and dispense with the normal procedure which would require advertising for bids and negotiating a contract to do construction work so that the problem can be corrected as soon as possible. Moved by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Paluso, declaring an emergency situation at the Washington County Airport and authorizing all expenditures subject to close supervision control by the engineer. 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. 1 1 MINUTE B❑❑K Z61 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES,'JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS 1 1 THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: 1 - I i_, ATTEST: , 1973 ACTING CHIEF CLERK MINUTES OF ORGANIZATION MEETING OF JOINT MONONGAHELA FERRY COMMISSION, For the purpose of organizing; a meeting of the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission, a com- mission authorized and created by joint ordinance between the counties of Washington and Fayett was held on Wednesday, June 13, 1973, at 7:30 o'clock p.m., at the office of Hormell, Tempest, Bigi and Nlelenyzer, at 423 Third Street, in the Borough of California, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Members of the Commission who were present for the purpose of organizing were Stephen K. Brown of 306. Cook Street, Fayette City, Pennsylvania, a Fayette County mem- ber; A. D. Pellegrine of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, a Washington County member; Russell J. Stein of 201 Skyline Drive, California, Pennsylvania, a Washington County member; Robert L. Simpson of Roscoe, Pennsylvania, a Washington County member. Absent from the meeting were Eugene Cappalonga of Newell, Pennsylvania, who was hospitalized at the time, a Fayette County member; Dr. Ralph Garafola of 1109 High Street, Brownsville, Pennsylvania, a Fayette County member; and John S. Werlwas, of Stroal Acres, Roscoe, Pennsylvania, who had a pre- vious commitment, a Washington County member. Commissioner Frank Jones, Jr. , of Washington County, was present by invitation, and Oliver N. Hormell, Solicitor for Washington County, was also present by invitation. This being the year when Fayette County's Solicitor would be the legal representative for the Commission, J. E. Ferens, Esquire, requested Mr. Hormell to participate in the organizational meeting which was consented to by both Fayette County and Washington County Commissioners. It was and is understood that for the balance of this year, while Washington County has four members on the Commission, Mr. Ferens is and shall continue to be the legal advisor for the Commis- sion for all matters subsequent to the organizational meeting during this year. Oliver N. Hormell was selected as Temporary Chairman and took the chair, and also assumed the position of Temporary Secretary to take minutes of the meeting. The members of the Commission were given a brief outline as to their duties, and were pre- sented with a copy of the ordinance of the Commissioners of Fayette County and a copy of the ordinance of the Commissioners of Washington County outlining their duties and creating the Commission. Certified copies of these ordinances are to be delivered to the Commission at a later date. Mr. Hormell went through each provision of the ordinances, outlining for the members the meaning of the same, and after explaining all ofthe ramifications of said ordinances, the meeting then, proceeded to organize. Mr. Jones administered an oath of office to all of the Commissioners who were present. A motion was made by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Pellegrine, that the Commission would accept the responsibilities ad provided for by the respective ordinances of the respective County Commissioners. The motion was passed unanimously. A discussion was held on the regular meeting date for the Commission, but upon motion of Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Simpson, the regular meeting date was delayed until such time as. all members would have an opportunity to confer upon the same. The motion was made by Mr. Pellegrine, seconded by Mr. Brows, to have the Solicitor prepare an appropriate set of by-laws and rules of procedure for the Commission. Nominations were made for Chairman, and Mr. Russell J. Stein was unanimously selected as the Chairman of the Commission. Nominations were made for Secretary, and Mr. Pellegrine was unanimously selected as Secretary of the Commission. Nominations were made for the office of Treasurer, and Mr. Simpson was unanimously selected as Treasurer for the Commission. I MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS Upon motion of Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Pellegrine, it was made a matter of record that the County Solicitor who occupied office for the County,whieh had three members on the Board during any one year would be the Solicitor for the Commission for that particular year, subse- quent to this organizational meeting. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Simpson, for the Commission to acquire a minute book, seal, stationery, and other supplies which administratively may be needed as soon as funds were available. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Brown, to designate the California Office of the Western Pennsylvania National Bank as a depository for any funds which the Commission might handle. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Pellegrine, seconded by Mr. Simpson, that the Secretary be author- ized to fill out and complete any and all forms or other materials or -data necessary or required by the appropriate County or State agency to demonstrate the existence of and the operation of a commission known as the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. "Pellegrine, to request funds in the amount of $10, 000. 00, $5, 000. 00 from Fayette County and $5, 000. 00 from Washington County to begin the immediate, operation, administration, and financing of the Ferry Commission. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Brown, seconded, by Mr•. Stein, that any funds'expended by the Commission will be for initial -administrative purposes within a budget before being made from the funds sought to be advanced, and that any other specific funds for specific purposes will first be approved by the Board of Commissioners of both Fayette -and Washington Counties. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Pellegrine, seconded by Mr: Simpson, that there will'be prepared a preliminary budget for submission to both the Fayette County and Washington County Commis- sioners for anticipated expenditures for the balance of 1973, that such preliminary budget will be submitted by July 15, and that the Commission will aim for a complete budget for next year - which will be submitted to the Commissioners of both counties in the month of November of 1973. This motion passed unanimously; although the Commissioners recognized that the ordi-' nances require the submission of such a budget- by July 1, 1973, and concluded that the cause of the late date in having the organizational meeting, meeting that deadline was not practical. Mr. Stein requested Commissioner Jones to advise the Commissioners as to just -what the County is expected. Mr. Jones spoke for several minutes on the subject, outlining the objectives to be accomplished, recognizing the obstacles which were present, and stating that the Commis- sioners were wishing and seeking for positive action by the first of the' ;year 1,974. - After quite a long discussion on various problems which would be faced, the Commission requested that they have open communication directly with the County Commissioners for both counties; and Mr. Jones assured them this would be the case. Mr. Stein was specifically interested in being able to meet with the County Commissioners directly in order to outline the plans which they might have, and to be able to exchange their thinking on the various matt errs involved. The Commis- sion seemed to be very pleased that all- of the facilities of the two counties, particularly with respect to planning agencies, etc. , would be made available to them; but the Commission was also acutely conscious of the fact that they were acting as direct representatives of the County Commissioners for and during such time as the County Commissioners desire them to act, and therefore were requesting that they have the opportunity for direct communication with the Commissioners on the project. Mr. Jones indicated that he would see to it that such corAmuni- ,ations were set up and that liaison would be developed for both counties. There was delivered to the Commission correspondence and the rules and regulations of the Jnited States Coast Guard and Department of Transportation for analysis and discussion with allof the members of the Commission. In addition, the Commission requested that there would :)e delivered to them copies of all plans, reports, correspondence, documents, or any thing Nhatsoever which in any way pertained to the subject of either the closing of service or the desire to reopen ferry service between the two counties. Mr. Jones -indicated that he and Mr. Hormell would attempt to have all of that data, and material available and that the same' ,vould be delivered to Mr. Stein as the Chairman of the Commission. the members of the Commission discussed briefly when they would next meet; and agreed on a tentative date subject to the approval of the absent members, and further indicated they would idvi.se the Commissioners as to when their regular meeting date would be. Furthermore, the Ferry Commission members indicated that it would be agreeable to them to submit a monthly ^eport to the Fayette County Commissioners and to the Washington County Commissioners as to .he progress of their activities and the progress of the project. The first report will be made as 61 el 1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES,''JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS soon as the parties have had an opportunity to meet again and discuss the problems involved in resumption of ferry service between the two counties at the points designated by the Commis- sioners of Fayette County and Washington County. There being no further business to discuss at the time, the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 p.m. to be resumed at the call of the Chairman upon ascertainment of a mutually con- venient meeting date after inquiry with all of the members of the Ferry Commission. Temporary Secretary MEMORANDUM TO: Commissioners of Washington and Fayette Counties FROM: Oliver N. Hormell, Washington County Solicitor Gentlemen: There is attached to this memorandum a copy of the minutes of the organizational meeting of the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission held at my office in California on Wednesday, June 13, 1973. The following will be necessary to immediately implement this program, and it is requested that, those parties responsible for this activity in the various Commissioners' offices be requested to perform the same: 1. It will be necessary to deliver to the members of the Ferry Commission certified copies of the ordinance of Fayette County and Washington County. 2. It will be necessary to administer the oath of office to those three members of the Commission who were absent at the organi- zational meeting, and whose names are so indicated in the minutes. 3. It is necessary to write by-laws and outline rules of procedure for the Ferry Commission. This is the responsibility of the Solicitor for the Commission, who, this year, is Mr. Ferens. 4. The Commission has requested an appropriation of $5, 000. 00 from each County. The Commission is to submit to each County on or before July 15, 1973, a projected budget for expenditures which will probably outline the items for which they intend to expend the $10, 000. 00 requested. Arrangements, therefore, should be made to appropriate by each County the sum of $5, 000. 00 to the Joint Monongahela Ferry Commission upon submission to each County of their proposed budget. 5. The Ferry Commission is to submit to the County Commissioners of each County in the month of November, 1973, an anticipated budget for expenditures for the year 1974. A notation should be made of this, and the amount anticipated to be expended by the counties should be taken into consideration when considering your own budgets. 6. The Commission has requested copies of all data, correspondence, studies, reports, documents, or anything which has been done by either County at this point in this program. It is therefore requested that both M yette County and Washington County either turn over to the Commission the reports, documents, etc. , in their respective possession or that copies of the same be made for the Commission which ever is most practical. I was very impressed by the caliber of people who were appointed to this Commission and about the questions which they asked. It is obvious that you have appointed an intelligent group of men who have a secured grasp of the problem and desire to do something about it. Oliver N. Hormell, Solicitor for Washington Co. < z vY MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASH NGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, FRANK JONES, JR., EDWARD M. PALUSO, COMMISSIONERS I 1 1