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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 13 - 3-28-1968 - COMMISSIONERon MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS NO. 13 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., March 28, 1968 Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Flynn, Bevec and Mazza. Also present being: County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Kittridge, Deputy Controller Whalen, Public Information Officer Huber an d Reporter Robertson. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: f Mr. Bevec - Present; Mr. Mazza - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 12, each Commissioner having received a copy. approved, as read. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Minute No. 12 be Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Old Business: proposal to supply IRS Income Tax Information to County Commissione re: information helpful in maximizing collections of personal property tax imposed at county level; commitment of interest or dis- interest in the program. Chief Clerk made note that approximately two (2) months ago, correspondence was received from the Department of Revenue in Harrisburg, concerning the above proposal and was i tabled at that particular time. The Board again discussed the proposal and made note that there have been a number of counties that have accepted the program and also, that the cost per name has been reduced to a more nominal fee (from 10� to 2. 5�); Chairman stated that he had been informed that the financial return was very good in those counties that have in - augerated the program; approximately thirty-eight (38) counties have indicated a desire to receive the proffered information. Mr. John Cromwell, Director of the Washington County Planning Commission, entered the meeting. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the County of Washington enter into an agreement with the Department of Revenue, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of obtaining certain income tax information from the IRS, helpful in maximizing collections of personal property tax imposed at county level. VINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS d 'J n New Business: Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read memorandum under date of March 25, 1968 to the Board from John F. Cromwell, Director of the Washington County Planning Commission, subject being F. E. Mowers, et ux. Mr. Cromwell reviewed with the Board the recommen- dation submitted in the memo to appeal the award granted by the Board of View with regard to the acquisition of property in Hopewell Township, owned by F. E. Mowers etkix; this land has been acquired as part of the Cross Creek County Park - the county condemned the property at a figure of $14, 700, upon our own expert appraisers, however; the Board of View granted an award exceedingly higher plus $1, 200 business relocation costs. Memoran- dum stated that this award is positively ridiculous particularly in view of other property that has been or is in the process of acquiring. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Board of County Commissioners take action to appeal the award granted by the Board of View with regard to the acquisition of property in Hopewell Township owned by F. E. Mowers et ux, said land being acquired as part of the Cross Creek County Park. Motion made upon the recommendation of John F. Cromwell, Director of the Washington County Planning Com - mission. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Letters under date of March 2, 1968 from John F. Cromwell re - quested reimbursement for expenses incurred by Michael George, Park Administrator - re: (a) recent attendance at a three - day annual Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Society Conference in Philadelphia, attended at the request of Mr. Cromwell; however, due to an unanticipated notice to attend this conference from Charles Tanner, Chief, Recreation and Conservation Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs, they were unable to submit a request for approval on time for the regular board meeting, and (b) attendance at a Revenue Sources Management School for park executives at Ogleby Park in Wheeling, West Virginia on March 11, 12, 13 and 14 of 1968; his attendance at this school was the second year study of a three year progressive education program. The purpose of the school is to develop a better understanding of the philosophy and management principles behind public revenue activities and to provide a practical working knowledge of revenue producing facilities. The Board made note that in the future, authorization to attend the above schools will be requested, and Mr. Cromwell remarked that funds are in 82 MINUTE BOOK BOARD ❑F COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. 6EVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS the budget to cover the expenses. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that expenses in - curred by Michael George, Park Administrator, while atending the aforementioned schools, in the total amount of $116. 55, be approved for payment. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Letter under date of March 25, 1968, from Louise Abel, Executive Director of Child Welfare Services, County of Washington, recalled that for the past two years the Washington County Child Welfare Services have participated in the summer pro- gram of Careers In Social Work; this entails the employing of a student who will be entering her senior year in College and who has some interest in a career in social work; employ - ment is for ten weeks beginning in mid June and ending in August - the student is paid directly by the Department of Public Welfare, Office for Children and Youth; said Services would like to participate in this program again. Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that the Washington County Child Welfare Services participate in the summer program of Careers in Social Work, for the year 1968, as requested. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Budget request: Letter under date of March 20, 1968, from William L. Hutchinson, Secretary, Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, requested funds in the amount of $1, 000. 00 from Account No. 624. Memorandum under date of March 27, 1968, from Deputy Controller Whalen, made reference to a request brought to the attention of the Board at a previous meeting, that a definite policy be formulated regarding the amount of such living -in expense and the manner in which these amounts are to be collected from the employee; his suggestion at that time was that the amount of such expense and or rents be added to the gross of the employee and that the collection thereof would be a regular payroll deduction the same as all other deductible items. During the discussion that followed, note was made that such living -in expense would concern the County Home and Parks Department; Chief Clerk read an excerpt from Salary Minute No. 115, dated July 12, 1963, whereby a resolution was adopted stating that those employees living at the institutions, enjoying rooming privileges and receiving meals, and those employees are paid a fixed monthly salary paid by Washing- ton County from which Social Security Deductions are made, effective July 1, 1963 a MINUTE ■ ■ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS F-J sum of thirty ($30. 00) dollars per month was allowed by the County as cost of maintenance from which Social Security would be deducted and the employees were to contribute an equal amount to said fund. Note was also made that in order to establish a policy, it would have to be determined whether or not "Living -in" of an employee was a condition of employ- ment and it was suggested that perhaps a meeting could be arranged with a representative of the Social Security Administration, County Solicitor, County Controller, Mr. Cromwell of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Board, to resolve the matter; Chief Clerk was instructed to arrange such a meeting. Mr. Cromwell submitted a request that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to arrange for the removal of buildings located on properties which have been acquired by the county for the Mingo Creek County Park; most of the buildings listed ( a copy of the list is an file in the Office of the Chief Clerk to the County Commissioners) are in poor repair and have no economic value related to the development and operation of the park, in fact they present a liability in that they are subject to vandalism. All the buildings have been inspected by park personnel and by Robert Fenton, landscape architect wh9 is consultant to the county on the Mingo Creek County Park and it is the Department's considered judgment that the buildings so indicated on the list be removed. It is recognized that before any buildings can be removed it is necessary to have the approval of the Court. Following such approval, arrangements will be made for the demolition by contract or by park employees for the removal of the strut - tures. Mr. Cromwell made note that there were some of the buildings on the list they would like to keep on a temporary basis, they will not demolish all of them at once. Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that the Department of Parks and Recreation be authorized to remove buildings indicated on the submitted list- ing, as they become necessary on the acquired land for Mingo Creek County Park; and the County Solicitor to take whatever legal action that may be necessary. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Cromwell reported briefly on some of the plans for Ten Mile Creek and the Mingo Creek parks. Mr. Cromwell also requested that the Board officially commend the employees at Mingo Creek County Park for their alertness in halting recent vandalism on park property. In relating the events to the Board, Mr. Cromwell stated that damages caused by approximately 40 youths, on the night of March 16, 1968, totaled approximately $1200 - $1300; proper charges were filed and follovA ng the hearing before the Squire, the youths will be responsible for fines, costs and damages. 84 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Board of County Commissioners send letters to the Park Employees at Mingo Creek County Park, commending them for their actions with regard to the above incident. Meeting recessed. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Meeting reconvened 11: 00 a. m. , for the purpose of opening bids for the printing and delivering to the Election Department of the County Commissioners, the nec- essary ballots for the conduct of the Special Election, to be held Tuesday, April 23, 1968; with the following being present: Commissioners Flynn, Bevec and Mazza, Deputy Con - troller Whalen, County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Kittridge, Public Information Officer Huber, Reporter Robertson and Bidder Ward, representing Ward Printing Company. Bids submitted and read by Deputy Controller Whalen, said bids being properly advertised and submitted. (Joint Bid) 1. Washington County Commissioners Court House Washington, Pennsylvania In accordance with advertisement of the County Controller, inviting proposals for printing and delivering to the Office of the County Commissioners the necess ballots for the conduct of the SPECIAL ELECTION to be held Tuesday, April 23, 1968, hav- ing examined the attached specifications and understanding the same, I (or we) propose to furnish said ballots in accordance therewith at the prices set forth: Approximately 125, 000 white official ballots price per thousand for ballots furnished $14. 00 Approximately 23, 000 pink official specimen ballots for the Election Districts, price per thousand for ballots furnished $11. 00 Four single sets for specimen ballots as set forth attached specifications, price per four sets $60. 00 A certified check in the amount of ten percent (10%) is enclosed herewith as evidence that the bidder will accept same and carry out the conditions of the contract in case of award. Monongahela Publishing Co., Inc. (Bidder) John T. Robinson /s/ Ward Printing Company H. T. Ward - Treasurer /s/ Address - Monongahela and Washington Certified check in the amount of $300. 00 accompanied bid. (Joint Bid) 1 1 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS 85 2. Washington County Commissioners Court House Washington, Pennsylvania In accordance with advertisement of the County Controller, inviting proposals for printing and delivering to the Office of the County Commissioners the necess- ary ballots for the conduct of the SPECIAL ELECTION to be held Tuesday, April 23, 1968, having examined the attached specifications and understanding the same, I (or we) propose to furnish said ballots in accordance therewith at the prices set forth: Approximately 125, 000 white official ballots price per thousand for ballots furnished $22. 50 Approximately 23x 000 pink official specimen ballots for the Election Districts, price per thousand for ballots furnished $15. 50 Four single sets for specimen ballots as set forth attached specifications, price per four sets $85. 00 A certified check in the amount of ten percent (10%) is enclosed herewith as evidence that the bidder will accept same and carry out the conditions of the contract in case of award. Lydic Printing Co. & Badzik Printing Service (Bidder) 35 E. Pine Avenue 401 Thompson Avenue Washington, Pa. Donora, Pa. 15033 (Address) 15301 Note: Bid was not signed Certified check in the amount of $330. 00 accompanied bid. Both bids were reviewed by the Solicitor, and found to be in order, with the Solicitor recommending that the contract be awarded to Monongahela Publishing Company and Ward Printing Company. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the contract for the printing and delivering to the Office of the County Commissioners the necessary ballots for the conduct of the SPECIAL ELECTION to be held Tuesday, April 23, 1968, be awarded to MONONGAHELA PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., Monongahela, Pennsylvania and WARD PRINTING COMPANY, 88 Shafer Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania, for the price as set forth in their joint bid; this being the lowest responsible bid received and being in accord with our specifications. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Deputy Controller Whalen recommended to the Board, that an addi- tional loan be made at this time in the amount of $200, 000. 00. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Chief Clerk N authorized to obtain an additional sum of $200, 000. 00 on a temporary loan basis from the total sum primarily authorized, on a take -down basis from the Pittsburgh National Bank4 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 0f MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS The following is a copy of Certificate of Indebtedness issued in accordance with the above motion: April 1, 1968 CERTIFICATE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA $200, 000. 00 April 1, 1968 The County of Washington in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, promises to pay to Pittsburgh National Bank, or order, at its Office at 6 South Main Street, Washingtc Pennsylvania, Two Hundred Thousand ($209, 000, 00) Dollars, on or before December 31, 1968, with interest from date on the unpaid principal balances hereof from time to time out- standing at the rate of 3. 12% per annum, interest payments to be made on the first day of each calendar quarter throughout the year. Payment of the indebtedness evidenced hereby may be anticipated in whole or in part at any time and from time to time without penalty. This certificate of indebtedness evidences a temporary loan in anticipation of taxes to be collected for the fiscal year in which it is issued and is to be repaid from the first revenues received by the undersigned during the current fiscal year. This certificate of indebtedness is executed and delivered pursuant to the authorization contained in a resolution duly adopted by the County Commissioners of the County of Washington at a meeting held on February 1, 1968, which resolution is still in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned County has caused this obligation to be executed by the County Commissioners of said County, its seal to be hereunto affixed and the same to be attested by the Chief Clerk this 1st day of April, 1968. COUNTY OF WASHINGTON Michael R. Flynn /s/ ATTEST: Michael R. Flynn, Commissioner F. William Kittridge / s / John P. Bevec / s / Chief Clerk John P. Bevec, Commissioner (SEAL) John Mazza /s/ John Mazza, Commissioner Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the meeting recess until 10: 00 a.m. Friday morning, March 29, 1968, for the specific purpose of adopting the necessary resolutions pertaining to the 1968 budget. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion- carried unanimously. Office of the: rriy:i[�ria€;iors Washington, Pa., March 29, 1968 Meeting reconvened Friday Morning, March 29, 1968, at 10:00 a. m. with the following being present: Commissioners Flynn, Bevec and Mazza. Also present being: Deputy Controller Whalen, Chief Clerk Kittridge, Mr. John Cromwell, Director of the Washington County P lanning Commissioner and Reporter Robertson. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Mr. Bevec - Present; Mr. Mazza - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman stated that the purpose of the meeting was for the specific purpose of adopting the necessary resolutions pertaining to the county budget for the fiscal year of 1968. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Budget for the County of Washington for the fiscal year 1968 be finally adopted by the County Commis- sioners, said Budget having been available for Public Inspection in the Office of the Chief Clerk to the County Commissioners from February 26, 1968 :_: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 appropriation of the County of Washington and the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania fixing the tax rate for the year 1968 and appropriating specific sums estinu ted to be required for the specific purposes of the county government, herein after set 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 of 1968 as follows: Tax rate for general County purposes, the sum of 13 Mills on each dollar of assessed valuation, sum being $1. 30 cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valua- tion. 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 1968. In addition the sum of 3 Mills on each dollar of assessed valuation be levied, thirty (30) cents on each one hundred dollar assessed valuation, for the Sinking Fund for the fiscal year of 1968. Total Tax Levy therefore, being 16 Mills which makes the payment of taxes in the amount of one dollar and sixty cents, ($1. 60) upon each one hundred dollar assessed valua- tion of Real Estate. Remarks: - Mr. Mazza: As the Minority Commissioner I seconded the motion for approval of the budget as proposed, with the accompanying increase in millage. It is always difficult to make an unpopular decision such as this especially at a time when taxes and expenses elsewhere are at an all time high. However, we must realize that in order to maintain the services and programs, which we now enjoy in Washington County and to continue to im- prove these services to the citizens, we must be aware that we will need additional revenue. Also, we here in Washington County, as well as the entire Commonwealth must participate in programs on a state-wide basis and carry our share in the costs of these programs as mandated by the State Legislature. I have not approved this increase without consideration of all the factors concerned. The Board of Commissioners has studied the revenue needs foi the coming year very thoroughly and we have decided that this increase at the present time is necessary. Furthermore, it will be,easier to adjust to a two -mill increase at the present 88 MINUTE BOOK BOARD ❑F COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS time, than to continue along at the present rate for a year or two, and find ourselves in a position that we may have to have an increase of four or more mills, to come up with the needed revenues. Therefore, in the best interest of all the residents of Washington County, and with an eye to the future, I have seconded this motion. I am, of course, concerned with the economy in our operation, and I am sure I speak for my colleagues on this, but we can- not fool ourselves and the people in Washington County when it becomes obvious that more money is needed to operate. My position, as always, is that if we intend to move forward in Washington County, we must have the courage to do what is necessary to insure this progress. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that in accordance with the provisions 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 1968. adjourn. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that the meeting Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK [1 1