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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 198 - 12-30-1971 - COMMISSIONER718 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Flynn: I can assure you that Mr. Whalen will be a great asset to the Board of: County. Commissioners. Mr. Merdian: As present Chairman of the Washington County Planning Commission Board and having been Mr. Whalen's successor - in our work with him in relationship to the overall planning program - many things that Mr. Whalen instituted were sound and basic. Mr. Whalen's service goes well beyond the Controller's Office. Mr. Whalen: I would like to say.that I am deeply grateful and honored by the Board's action this morning and I will assure you that I will lend every facility and effort to anything and everything necessary to assist the Board of Commissioners. (Payday) Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. . Chairman informed those present that Payday for Washington County Courthouse employees will be on Thursday, December 23, 197.1. . Solicitor - None Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK Minute No. 198 1971 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., December 30, 1971 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Capano, Carroll, and Flynn. Also present being: Chief Clerk Murphy; County Solicitor Porter; F. D. Whalen - Administrative Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners; Reporter Robertson of The Observer -Reporter; and .Public Information Officer Huber, Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr, Capano - Present; Mr. Carroll - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to L' 1 Minute No, 197, each member having received a copy. MINUTE BOOK 71.9 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA . MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS read. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that Minute No, 197 be approved, Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. s - None d Business - None dence - Mr. Murphy Chief Clerk Murphy read a telegram from Congressman Thomas E. Morgan which ated that he is very pleased to announce that the Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ent has approved an open space land program grant in the amount of $47, 530. 00 to the McDonald, Pennsylvania. The 17. 9 West End McDonald Site is to be developed for park and ecreational park. The City plans to supplement athletid facilities already on the undeveloped e by adding a small picnic area, plus a recreation area including a baseball diamond, tennis ourts, a basketball court, and a play area for children. Telegram stated that the trial amount the project is $63, 280. 00 and the amount previously obligated is $15, 750. 00. Bill) Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, approving the payment of the bill: (a) Blu-Flame Burners, Inc. - $2, 100, 00 - for duplex Bryan condensate pump. Electrical Wiring for duplex installation - $100. 00. TOTAL - $2, 200.00. (Approved by Anthony Bevec and Tony Mastrangelo). Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr, Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 23, 1971, from R. Elmer Winey - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Correspondence acknowledged of a copy of the bank deposit slip showing that the County Commissioners reimbursed County Liquid Fuels Tax Fund Account in the amount of $1, 956. 08. Correspondence ad- ed the Board that Washington County will be certified for the December, 1971, payment of funds. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 16, 1971, from Miss Margaret McMullan, Chief, Division of Nursing Homes, Department of Public Welfare, E: Washington County Home for Aged Women. Correspondence stated that on April 23, 1971, he County Commissioners were requested to submit a copy of an electrical wiring certificate; to date, this form has not been received. Correspondence stated that under Section 1608 of the Intermediate Care Facility Rules and Regulations and Section 1910, 4 of the Rules and 720 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Regulations pertaining to Nursing Homes operated for Profit and Nonprofit, an electrical wiring certificate is required every three years. Correspondence requested the Board of County Commissioners to forward a copy of the current electrical certificate immediately. In conjunction with the above -mentioned letter, Chief Clerk read note from Ermil E. Caleffie, Superintendent of Electric - directed to Miss McMullan which stated that Mr. Caleffie, in order to expedite Miss McMullan's request, completed a full inspection of both Homes, made by the Middle Department Association of Fire Underwriters - Mr. Norman Penvost, Inspector, and his supervisor, Paul Schweinberg, Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, approving said inspection to the electrical wiring at the County Homes and that the matter be dealt with on an emergency basis as soon as data is available to show what the estimated expense will be; said action based on the recommendation of County Solicitor Porter. Roll call vote taken: Mr, Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 22, 1971, from Ernest P. Kline - Lieutenant Governor - which enclosed a copy of a letter he received from the De- partment of Environmental Resources in regard to the two strip mine permits in Washington County. The enclosed letter read as follows: "Mr. William Guckert, Directnr, Bureau of Bituminous Conservation and Reclamation, will make a personal inspection of the sites for both permit requests. He will bring legislators with him. The hearing scheduled for January 6, 1972, at 10 A. M. in the Transportation and Safety Building, 'Harrisburg, will deal only with the permit #3271 BSM 17 ERG, Inc., Nottingham Township. Mr, Guckert asked me to stress to you that no permits will be issued in these cases without a very thorough evaluation of all factors involved and that if these strip mines will destroy the stream area, there will be no permits issued. " Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 16, 1971, from the De- partment of Environmental Resources - RE: Protest to the issuance of a mine drainage permit Application No. 3271BSM17. The Amended Order of Continuance read as follows: "The hearin scheduled in the above matter for December 16, 1971, at 10:00 a, m, in Room 821 of the Trans portation and Safety Building, Commonwealth Avenue and Forster Street, Harrisburg, Pennsyl- vania, is continued until Thursday, January 6, 1972, at 2:00-p, m. , at the same location. " Chief Clerk read correspondence from Warden James O. Roupe under date of December 29, 1971 - Subject: Three -Tier Correctional Workshop; Place: Pennsylvania State University; Sponsorship: State Bureau of Corrections and Warden's Association. Correspon- dence stated that Lieutenant Henry Witzeling and Counselor Dennis Walters have been nominate 721 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS L r,� attend the Three -Tier Correctional Personnel Workshop. Correspondence advised that the Mangeral Workshops are to begin January 10th to January 14th, Correspondence stated that James Roupe, Warden of the Washington County Prison, in making the nomination, affirm they are full time employees at the Washington County Prison. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, approving the nomination made by Warden James O. Roupe to have Lieutenant Henry Witzeling and Counselor Dennis Walters attend the said Three -Tier Correctional Personnel Workshop. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of December 20, 1971, from Penn's Southwest Association which enclosed a copy of a letter sent to those people who have agreed to serve on the Executive Committee of Penn's Southwest Association. Correspondence invited County Commis sioners of the nine counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania to be members of said Association; and in addition, the Chairman of the respective County Commissioners to serve on the Executive Committee. Correspondence further stated that said Association is hopeful that the Washington County Commissioners will agree to work with them. Mr. Flynn: May I suggest that we hold this matter in abeyance until after the first of the year. New Business - Mr. Flynn (Holiday) Chairman informed the Board and all those present that the Courthouse will be closed on Friday, December 31, 1971, at 12:00 Noon until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 1972, in observance of the New Year's Holiday. (Inauguration Ceremony) Chairman informed the Board and all those present that the Inauguration Ceremony of the newly elected officials will take place on Monday, January 3, 1972, in Court Room #1, at 10:00 a. m. The reorganization meeting of the Regular Board will take place on Monday, anuary 3, 1972, at 11:00 a, m, with the reorganization meeting of the Salary Board immediat of Budget for 1972 Mr. Flynn suggested that the Board formally adopt the following Resolution: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the 1972 Washington County Budget in part is based on tax revenues be derived from the assessed valuation of real estate; BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington County Commissioners do hereby adopt and again establish the ratio of 30% of Market Value as the basis for levying of taxes for 1972, and that the Market Value of Real Estate in the County of Washington be set at $806, 646, 283. 00 as certified to the Board of County Commissioners by Mr. G. H. Fetherlin, Chief Assessor, under date of December 2, 1971; and the Assessed Valuation for tax purposes in the County of Washington be established at $241, 993, 885. 00 as certified to the Board of County Commissioners by Mr. G. H. Fetherlin, Chief Assessor, under date of December 2, 1971. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the Budget for the County of Washington for the fiscal year 1972 be finally adopted by the County Commissioners, said Budget having been available for Public�-nspection in the Office of the Chief Clerk to the County Commissioners from December 9, 1971, to this date, in accordance with the Provisions of the Act of Assembly of July 18, 1935, as amended. Resolution as to Tax Levy and appropria- tion of the County of Washington and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania fixing the tax rate for the year 1972 and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific pur- poses of the county government, herein after s et forth, during the fiscal year. Be it resolved and enacted by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Washington, Pennsylvania, that a tax be and the same is hereby levied on all property within the said County subject to taxation for County purposes for the fiscal year 1972 as follows: Tax rate for general County purposes, the sum of 18 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation. This rate of taxation upon valuation of properties of the County of Washington, is required for purposes of meeting the necessary general expenses for the year of 1972. Roll call vote taken: - Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Personal Property) Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that in accordance with the pro- visions of the Act of Assembly, dated June 17, 1913, P. L. 507, as amended, that a four (4) mills tax be levied upon all taxable items authorized in said Act, for General County purposes for the fiscal year 1972; and that the established valuation of Personal Property for taxing pur- poses be set at $38, 500, 000. 00, as certified to the Board of County Commissioners by Mr. G. H. Fetherlin, Chief Assessor, under date of December 2, 1971. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Mr. Flynn: I suggest that the Board of Commissioners approve the 1972 Budget as a whole. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the Board of County Commis sinners approve and adopt the 1972 County Budget as finalized. MINUTE BOOK 723 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS E u [J Remarks: Mr. Capano: We have gone backward instead of forward as far as the assessed valuation on areal estate. There is a slight decrease from 1971, which is due to the County removing from its tax duplicates about $4 million in assessed valuation of utilities properties. We could have taken the easiest way out by granting all the requests of the various offices and increased taxes two mills, but we took into consideration the taxpayers. Everyone will have to adhere to their budget. It was hard work, . but it was worth it. Mr. Carroll: I was glad to have been able to participate in the budget. I think the Commis- sioners have taken a proper attitude in attempting to hold the millage level to the benefit of the public generally. If the budget is adhered to, we will have better administration in the future. Mr. Flynn: This is the third consecutive year that the real estate millage was left at 18 mills. This was largely due to the revamping of our assessment processing. This is a tight budget, but we are proud of it. We started our preparation of the Budget- last July and just finished it about an hour ago. I am very grateful to Mr. Capano and Mr. Carroll for their cooperation. Roll call. vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Jack Merdian entered the meeting. Mr, Capano: My position of County Commissioner has been a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience. It is the kind of job where you work for the people - day by day contacts. You derive a certain satisfaction from the,programs you put into existence. I am grateful to those who appointed me (the Courts). I hope that some people will feel that I have contributed some- thing to the public welfare. I want to thank all of the personnel also. They have been very nice and cooperative. Mr. Carroll: During the six weeks that I served on the Board of County Commissioners I learned that the problems of County government are numerous. I really feel that the County Commissioners have done a tremendous job. I hope that I have added something in this small period of time. I hope that Mr. Jones and Mr. Paluso recognize the fact that Mr. Flynn has a great deal of knowledge about operating a County government. Mr, Flynn: I am deeply grateful to Mr. Capano and Mr. Carroll. They have been very co- operative, and I regret having to see them leave. I have been fortunate to have been able to work with them. Solicitor - Mr, Porter County Solicitor Porter read correspondence under date of December 22, 1971, from L. Benjamin Wilt - Cole, Layer, Trumble Company, regarding the County Mapping Pro- gram. Correspondence requested that the contract completion date of November 1, 1972, for 724 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS the final maps be revised to December 31, 1972, in order for CLT to produce a professional, high quality mapping system for Washington County. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, approving the contract amend- ment covering said request as per above; said action based on the recommendation of County Solicitor Porter. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr, Carroll - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Assistant County Solicitor Carson entered the meeting. County Solicitor Porter presented to the Board a copy of John P. Liekar, Public Defender's Report for Governor's Justice Commission - 1971. Said report stated that the Office of Public Defender of Washington County, Pennsylvania, having applied for a subgrant to hire two additional attorneys and an additional secretary in January, 1971, found it difficult to acquire attorneys willing to take the assignments in addition to their private office duties. The two attorneys were finally hired late in the year 1971, namely; E. J. Julian and Fred J. Sentner; and Mrs. Dolores Megyesy, secretary. Solicitor Porter read correspondence under date of December 20, 1971, from William G. Sutter, Jr. - RE: Meeting of December 9, 1971 - Agreement on Principles of Acquisition to be used in the Mingo Creek Park Expansion Project. Correspondence thanked the County Commissioners and other officials of Washington County for their attendance and effort at the above -captioned meeting. Correspondence stated that said meeting evidenced an agreement between CAMPE and county officials (Mr. Graham) on several extremely important points. Mr. Sutter enumerated his recollection of the important points. Correspondence state that if the Board's recollection of s aid points differ or agree with Mr. Sutter, s, he would appreciate hearing from them. Mr. Porter: I have written to Mr. Sutter as he requested. Solicitor Porter presented to the Board a Resolution designating Pittsburgh Na- tional Bank as, depository for Federal funds advanced to the Washington County Commissioners under the Emergency Employment,Act of 1971. Said Resolution further resolved that with- drawals from such funds shall be on the signature of Michael R. Flynn, Chairman of -the Board of County Commissioners, and the signature of either Keery McAmbley, Coordinator, Cr John Fantini, Executive Director. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the Resolution. designating Pittsburgh National Bank as depository for Federal funds as per above be adopted. Roll call vote taken: C E Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr, Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA _ MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS E C 1 Solicitor Porter reported to the Board that a preliminary ruling by a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation official prohibiting the use of liquid fuels funds for relocation of five road in the Cross Creek County Park has been overruled by Transportation Secretary Jacol G. Kassab. Solicitor Porter presented to the Board a Land Rights construction permit for the Soil Conservation Service,, Harmon Creek Watershed Site PA-485, - Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that Michael R. Flynn, Chair- man of the Board, be authorized to execute said construction permit as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Appointment of New Council) Mr, Flynn: I suggest that the',Washington County Commissioners appoint a Washington -Greene County Advisory Council for Addictive Diseases which will work in conjunction with the County Commissioners and the :Mental Health/Mental Retardation program, I also suggest that Dr. B. G. Lauda, Assistant Superintendent of Peters Township Schools, and Mr. Joseph DeOto, Mon Valley MH/MR Director, be appointed as temporary co-chairmen of this Advisory Council. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the County Commissioners appoint a Washington -Greene County Advisory Council for Addictive Diseases, with Dr. B. G. Lauda and Mr. Joseph DeOto acting as temporary co-chairmen as per above. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr, Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman read correspondence under date of December 29, 1971, from Charles O. Bohner - Executive Director - Washington County Civil Defense - SUBJECT: Installation of additional radio equipment for County Civil Defense Radio Communications in the building located at Mt. Wheeler, owned by Washington County. Correspondence requested the request from Engineered Communications to install additional radio base station communications equip- ment in the building owned by Washington County, and located at Mt. Wheeler, the present County transmitter site for the Washington County Civil Defense Warning Network, and Wash- ington County Fire Network. Correspondence stated that should this permission be granted by the Washington County Board of Commissioners, it would be most advantageous to the Washing- ton County Civil Defense program, in as much as said equipment would be installed at "NO COS TO WASHINGTON COUNTY" and would improve the present system tremendously, especially the proposed new "ANTENNAS" that are needed so badly to bring the network up to required standards. 726 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, A. V. CAPANO, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Moved by Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Capano, approving said request from Communications to install additional radio base station communications equipment the building owned by Washington County as per above at no cost to Washington County and to the approval of Mr. Charles Bohner. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Capano - Yes; Mr. Carroll - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman expressed his thanks and appreciation to Mr. William Porter for his eration while serving as Washington County's Solicitor, Chairman also ',fished the and and all those present a Happy New Year. Moved by Mr. Capano, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: kTT ST.i 1971 CHIEF CLERK 0, 4 i J. 1 1