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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 47 - 12-19-1968 - COMMISSIONER330 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: NO. 47 1968 CHIEF CLERK Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., December 19, 1968 Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the following members being present: Commissioners Bevec, Mazza and Flynn. Also present being: County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Kittridge, Controller Elish, Roland Bourke - Execu - tive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, Public Information Officer Huber and Reporters Robertson of the Observer -Reporter, Mr. Liesch of the Brownsville Telegraph and Mrs. Lilley of The Daily Notes. Meeting called to order by Chairman and roll call taken: Mr. Bevec - Present; Mr. Mazza - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 46, each Commissioner having received a copy. Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that Minute No. 46 be approved, as read. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The regular order of business was dispensed with in order that Mr. Bourke, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority could discuss with the Board a presenta- tion that the Redevelopment Authority had prepared for the present and future development of California Borough. Old Business: None. Resignations: Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the resignation of Charles Fayee- employee at the Washington County Home and Hospital - be accepted as submitted. This action effective as of October 18, 1968. 1 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. MINUTE BOOK 331 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS 1 F Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the resignation of John F. Cromwell, Director, Washington County Planning Commission, be accepted as submitted. This action to be effective as of January 10, 1969. Mr. Cromwell's letter under date of December 9, 1968 indicated that in addition to the above, he would also be resigning as Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and as the Washing- ton County representative on the Wheeling Creek Watershed Commission. Remarks: Mr. Flynn: We knew it was inevitable that sooner or later Mr. Cromwell would be leaving us and we are accepting this very reluctently. I am sorry to see him go.- Mr. Bevec: We are losing one of the top planners in the state and probably the most respdcted in the state. He is not leaving because of any contention in the county. The program that he is going into is a challenge. Mr. Mazza: I was here when we hired Mr. Cromwell and I know of his work. I may be repetitious but serving with him on the National Planning Commission, he was highly respected by the six county region for his ability in planning. In fact, Mr. Bevec and I attended an eight hour conference with federal and state leaders in attendance. I certainly was proud of John getting up and expressing his view to the Conference of which many of his views have been accepted. Along with the other Commissioners, I feel this is a great loss to the county. It is hard for us to compete with the higher salaries of the larger cities. I am very sorry to see John leave Washington County. Appointments: 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 the following persons be hired as keypunch operators on the staff of the Data Processing Department. Effective date indicated: Alexandria Miller - effective December 16, 1968 Janet Carter - effective December 30, 1968 Remarks: Mr. Bevec: These have to be qualified people and are hired strictly on the recommenda- tion of NCR. 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 Miss Loisann Wehner be hired as a Jr. Programmer with the Data Processing Department effective as of December 16, 1968. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 332 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 appointment of Robert E. Devine as Clinic Administrator of the Central Washington Clinic, be approved. This action effective as of January 2, 1969 and in accordance with request from John R. Fantz, Administrator of the Washington -Greene County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program under date of Dec ember 17, 1968. He is replacing Dr. Willis. 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 appointment of Ronald Bevetsky on a temporary per diem basis as a draftsman on the staff of the Washington County Planning Commission, be approved. This action effective as of December 10, 1968 and upon the recommendation of John F. Cromwell, Director. 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 Elmer F. Gasper of 249 Beech Street, Muse, Pennsylvaniapbe appointed to fill the vacancy of Assessor of Cecil Township created by the resignation of James Rozanc - Mr. Rozanc having moved from the Township. Petitions were presented and said appointment approved by the Supervisors. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk read correspondence under date of November 26, 1968 from Dolores M. Horvath, Assistant Secretary, Port Authority of Allegheny County advising that the term of Oliver N. Hormell as a Board Representative from Washington County expired as of December 6, 1968. Chairman stated that the above letter would be acknowledged; however, action could not be taken on this at this time but would be in the near future. Chief Clerk read correspondd:nce under date of December 13, 1968 from Robert E. Pebley, President, Washington County Mental Health Association Board of Directors, stating that it has come to their attention that Mr. Arch Callender, Jr. has been reappointed to the Washington -Greene County MH/MR Board of Directors. Since Mr. Callender is no longer a member of their Board or of the Board of Pennsylvania Mental Health, Inc. , they requested that an appointment be made fulfilling the require- ments found in Article III, section 302 of the 1966 MH/MR legislation i. e. appointing a representative from a local citizens' organization active in the field of mental health. 11 1 MINUTE B o U K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS d He further suggested the name of Dr. Joseph R. Hookey for this appointment. Chairman stated that Mr. Callender was appointed as of December 5, 1968 for a three-year term. Mr. Flynn: "When we made the appointment, we were not aware that he was not associated any longer with the Washington County Mental Health Association. On the basis of their recommendation, the Chair suggests that we rescind action taken on December 5, 1968 and notify Mr. Callender why it is necessary. 11 Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that action taken on December 5, 1968 appointing Mr. Arch Callender, Jr. as a member of the Washington - Greene County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board of Directors, be rescinded. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. 13evec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that Dr. Joseph R. Hookey be appointed for a three-year term as a member of the Washington -Greene County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board of Directors. This action to be effective as of January 6, 1969. 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 the following members of the Child Welfare Advisory Board whose terms expire in January, 1969, be re - appointed for a term of three years: Dr. Fred Large Rev. Gabriel Lee Mrs. William Mathias Rev. Harry Rankin Mrs. Steven Stepanian This action effective as of January 1, 1969. 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 Mr. Steven Stepanian be appointed as a member of the Child Welfare Advisory Board for a period of three years.. This action to be effective as of January 1, 1969. 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 Invoice No. 50206 from Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. under date of December 10, 1968, be approved for pay- MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS ment. This is with regard to Project No.. 09-34-043-D904 - partial billing - for general inspection services in connection with the extension to the present runway and lighting at the Washington County Airport. Budget Item: Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. John F. Bell, Treasurer, Law Library Committee, requested that $2, 950. 00 be transferred to the Washington County Court Law Library in order to pay outstanding Publisher's Bills for 1968. Mr. Bevec: "The contract has been let for Chartiers Creek Flood Control. The Canonsburg -Houston Chamber of Commerce is planning a formal luncheon for ground breaking ceremonies sometime in January. The program is being coordinated among the Council, Chamber of Commerce and the County Commissioners. Exact date has not been set. " Mr. Mazza: "Under new business, I have been pretty proud of the progress that we have been making in Washington County in Parks and Recreation, flood control programs, airport expansion and the .work that we have been doing on the Home and Hospital. I would like to add to that, as far as the voters of Washington County are concerned, that a study be made of voting machines here in our County. I would like to suggest that the Chairman appoint a committee to make a study to use the machines here in our County. " Mr. Flynn: "We have received a grant of $1, 900, 000. 00 towards the Home. However, I am still awaiting a letter from Secretary of Commerce Jones as a member Solicitor: of the Appalachia Region. After I receice this, we plan to have a meeting with Congressman Morgan and the others involved. After four years, we did get a grant of $1, 900, 000. 00. " presented new lease with Tri-State Aviation which la d been negotiated sometime ago. He stated that the only change from the existing lease - in the former one the county got 5% of services rendered with the exception of the sale of airplanes and from this 5% - $400. OQ a month was deducted. The County will now get 7% less $400. 00. The new lease is for a term of five years beginning the first of January, 1969. All hangars are now leased firectly from the County. Solicitor also presented copy of minutes of special meeting of Tri-State Aviation authorizing C. R. Breese as President, to sign said lease. MINUTE BOOK 335 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Moved by Mr. Mazza; seconded by Mr. Bevec; that the above contract be approved and that the Chairman of the Board be designated as attorney -in -fact to execute said lease. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (The above contract on file in the Office of the Chief Clerk. ) Moved by Mr. Mazza; seconded by Mr. Bevec; that lease between Washington Sportsmen's Association Incorporated and the County of Washington be approved (20 year lease commencing 1948 having expired) for the use of portion of land adjacent to Arden Downs by the Association. Lease effective as of January 1, 1969 for a term of five years to 1974. Chairman authorized to execute contract. Lease to have reservation that if the county should sell this land, lease will automatically expire. 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 following contracts be approved and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to execute same for the renovation of the Commissioners' and Chief Clerk's Office as previously awarded. to HARRY R. FOWLER - General Renovation - $9, 324. 00 BALDWIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. - Electrical Work - $4, 470. 00 CHAPMAN PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. - Air Conditioning - $2, 970. 00 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. (Copies of the above contracts on file in the Office of the Chief Clerk) Mr. Whalen, Deputy Controller, entered the meeting. In answer to inquiry, the Chief Clerk stated that at this time it was impossible to make a report on the budget. However, he stated that all departments have put in their requests but that until further information is received from Federal and State Government with regard to Capital Improvement Programs - a report cannot be give n. Mr, Mazza: "Under Constitutional Amendments, what is the answer as far as the magistrates are concerned? " Mr. Kittridge: "Until we find an answer for this, we are in an uncomfortable position to talk facts and figures. " Mr. Bevec: "They are talking of postponing the Primary until the fall in order that they can get some implementation. Time is to short to get this program set up. This will involve the budget. " 336 MINUTE B o O K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS -°-'JCL::..__ .............. M r . M a z z a: "There are a lot of problems. We are going to have to discuss all the requests that are being made. We don't know where we are headed with all the demands that are being put on the county. " Mr. Flynn: "The average taxpayer thinks politicians are not concerned. A lot depends on the status of the Home but we are going to approve cautiously on this budget; however, when the necessity demands, we have no choice. " Mr. Mazza: "We are definitely going to scrutinize 'every department and the courts and anywhere cuts can be made, we are going to make them. " Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the motion to adjourn be rescinded. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman read the following letter which he had just received from Clifford L. Jones, Secretary, Department of Commerce under date of December 16, 1968; The Hon. Michael R. Flynn, Chairman Board of Commissioners Washington County Court House Washington, Pennsylvania Dear Commissioner Flynn: It was most pleasurable meeting with you on Wednesday, December 11, 1968 in company with The Honorable Thomas E: •Morgan, M. C. and Commissioners John P. Bevec and John Mazza, to discuss the possibility of Appalachia participation to assist in defraying the cost of construction of the proposed new Washington County Home at Arden. This is to formally advise that Pennsylvania'a Appalachia Development Plan, recently submitted to and approved by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Washington, D. C. , establishes the following priorities for Appalachia funding for the remaining three years of legislative life of the Appalachia Program: (1) Vocational -Technical School construction (2) Higher Education Facilities to accomodate science, engineering, teaching, and medical personnel training (3) Airports to serve industrial, distribution, and tourist complexes (4) Hospital facilities to accomodate nurses' training, vocational rehabilitation, or when necessary for the overall economic develop- ment of the area. (5) Access roads to economic development sites (6) Mine area reclamation projects (7) Water distribution systems related to economic development (8) Educational television facilities related to statewide network (9) Housing assistance (10) Regional Instructional Materials Centers MINUTE BOOK 337 0 E BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHIN13TON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS (11) Sewage treatment plant construction when necessary for economic development. As explained to you and your associates during our recent meeting, Pennsylvania, in its implementation of the Appalachia Program, places no priority on extended care facility construction. A review of Mr. William T. Schmidt's letter of November 19, 1968 addressed to you in compliance with your request will verify the fact that Appalachia has funded only one extended care facility since the inception of the Appalachia Program in fiscal year 1966. You will recall that I had indicated that the lone facility was funded during the "quick start" phase of the Program. Please be assured that Mr. Schmidt and I regret any misunderstanding which may have occurred as to the possibility of funding of the proposed Washington County Home. I trust the foregoing, coupled with our lengthy discussion recently, will enable you to understand our inability to recommend Appalachia funding. Sincerely yours, / s / Clifford L. Jones cc- Hon. Thomas E. Morgan, M. C. Hon. Roger Raymond Fischer Dr. Alfred C. Kraft, Acting Commissioner Bureau of Survey & Construction Department of Public Welfare Mr. William T. Schmidt, Exec. Director Appalachia Program A discussion was held on the above with the general consensus of the Board that this was due to lack of communication on the part of those responsible for funding of these programs. The Chairman stated that a meeting would be held as'soon as possible with Congressman Morgan and the architect and see what the outcome will be. Deputy Controller Whalen made note that the Mental Health/Mental Retardation and the Central Washington Clinic have been carried as one item. However, they are now under a directive that the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program shall be separated entirely, and that these employees shall no longer be considered County employees - only the employees of the Clinic. The MH/MR employees then cannot qualify under the Washington County E mployees Retirement Fund. Moved by Mr. Bevec; seconded by Mr. Mazza; that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MMUTE READ AND APPROVED: ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK 1968