HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 88 - 10-2-1969 - COMMISSIONER672 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGT13N COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
MINUTE NO. 88
Office of the County Commissioners
Washington, Pa. , October 2, 1969
The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the
following members present: Commissioners Bevec, Mazza and Flynn. Also present
being: County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Murphy, Public Information Officer Huber,
Mr. John Anthony, Director of the Planning Commission, Mr. Michael George, Director
of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Assistant Solicitor Porter, Mr. Elmer Obitko,
Director of the Veterans Department and Reporter Robertson.
Meeting was 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. 87, each Commissioner having received a copy.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Minute No. 87 be
approved, as read.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Old Business: None.
Special Order of Business: -Report on the Vietnam Bonus by Mr. Elmer Obitko, Director
of the Veterans Department.
Mr. Obitkno reported: 3000 V-I Form Applications were received, with 2, 084 of them
distributed to various Posts; 150 V-M-2 Forms were received for the benefits of the service
men that were killed in action in' Vietnam; as of October 1, 1969-448 applications have
been processed in the Veterans Office - there are approximately 100 Vietnam veterans in
Washington County; each veteran is entitled to $25. 00 for each month served in Vietnam
and the maximum amount that can be received is $750. 00; the deadline to make application
for the bonus will be two (2) years after the Vietnam conflict ends.
Mr. Obitko left the meeting, Deputy Controller Whalen entered the meeting.
Mr. John Anthony, Director of the Washington County Planning Commission,
reported on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission meeting held on
Monday night (Commissioner Mazza and Mr. Anthony was in attendance): a) the Roscoe
application for a separate sewage _system received unfavorable review from the SPRPC
and the Washington County Planning Commission - Mr. Anthony: we have been unsuccessful
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
in trying to unite Allenport, Roscoe, S£ockdale and Elco concerning the sewage system,
the Roscoe system alone received unfavorable review; we regret this had to be done but
because of the great amount of time the Planning Commission has put into this matter,
we feel this is in order; b) the Peters Township Comprehensive Plan received favorable
review from SPRPC - it was approved by the Washington County Planning Commission;
c) the SPRPC is working to meet a deadline with regard to the six -county water and sewage
survey to be eligible for sewer grants;: d) the Planning Commission has been asked by
HUD to form a committee, who in turn would elect representatives from the townships
and boroughs to sit as a voting member on the SPRPC; Mr. Anthony: - on the 701 applications,
HUD has shifted the emphasis of the program and they are going very strongly to housing.
We will have to be doing more and more with housing, it is an entire shift of emphasis.
In the past, it was over a, broad sense. Mr. Anthony made note that the comments made by
Mr. Mazza concerning preference for more job opportunities for all, were taken very highly.
Mr. Anthony asked the Board to consider the possibility of financing a
block of Pittsburgh Symphony concerts throughout the County, Cost - $7500 a performance.
Mr. Mazza: I would like to recommend that we think it over and then have someone
from the Pittsburgh Symphony come in and discuss this with our Board. Allegheny County
is really bringing county government into local municipalities, they are doing with music
similar to what we did with the mobile units for registration.
Mr. Anthony: I think this is well taken.
Mr. Bevec: I think we should strive to develop talent in our own home town; we have
some musical talent in this county that is inactive and I think we .should utilize this.
Mr. Mazza: The Symphony is the fourth largest and the fourth greatest in the country
and this is to keep it alive.
Mr. Anthony: I think the intent is not the Pittsburgh Symphony, but a regional symphony
b ecause it is one of the finest in the world.
Chief Clerk - Correspondence:
Letter under date of September 24, 1969 to Mr. Mazza from Jack F.
Hurley, conveyed thanks from the elected officials of South Strabane Township, Sanitary
Authority members and Manager Hurley, for the help he extended on their trip to the De-
partment of Housing and Urban Development for federal funds for the seweraging of the
Laboratory and Patten areas; the members were unsuccessful in obtaining a formal application
for funds.
Letter under date of September 30, 1969 from Wm. R. B. Froehlich,
Executive Director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission, notified
the Board that the Department of Housing and Urban Development recently has issued two
674 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
Circulars which have the effect of denying water and sewer funds under HUD programs
after October 1, 1969 to those areas which do not have an areawide planning organization
s atisfactory in structure to HUD requirements and which do not have an adopted areawide
water and sewer plan; the SPRPC at its September 15th meeting directed that a letter be
sent to HUD requesting a time extension of this deadline to January 1, 1970, and that copies
of the letter be sent to Members of Congress from our region requesting that they support
this time extension. Copies of the letter to HUD and to Members of Congress from our
County were attached. The County Commissioners were asked to lend their support in
further contacting the Congressional Delegation so that the deadline date may be extended.
Mr. Flynn: We will comply with the request.
Mr. Anthony: To clarify for the public, this is a regional plan, it is not the county plan-
ning, but done by resolution for the various municipalities. We have had excellent reception,
the County is proceeding at the right pace and we are not in any trouble.
Letter under date of September 29, 1969 from Walter N. Peechatka,
Program Specialist, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State Soil
and Water Conservation Commission, acknowledged receipt of County reimbursement claim
and the documentation for the Wheeling Creek Watershed Program for the fiscal year July 1,
1969, to June 30, 1970; they will be forwarding this claim to the comptroller during the
next few days - the County should be receiving reimbursement sometime during the next
several weeks; amount to be received - $12, 500.
Chief Clerk announced the following checks have been received:
a) from the Treasurer of the United States - $24, 548. 00-Prbject PA OSA 26 Open Space
Relocation Grant (deposited in the Parks and RbIcreation Account)
b) from the Treasurer of the United States - $16, 526. 52-Harmon Creek Dam Site 482
(deposited in the Harmon Creek Escrow Account)
Notification received from County Controller Elish, informed the Board
that Deputy Controller Whalen, Solicitor Hormell and Controller Elish would be absent from
the County October 5th through October 8th, attending the annual Controller's Convention;
During their absence Miss Nancy Gilbert will be the Acting Deputy County Controller.
Letter under date of September 23, 1969 from Rev. George I. Evans, Jr. ,
Chairman, Governor's Advisory Council on Alcoholism, made reference to the regulations
established in November 1968 implementing the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act,
1966 and stated Section 5204, Scope of the Program states that services of the county pro-
gram must be available to persons with impaired psycho -social functioning as a result of
excessive drinking or changes in drinking patterns; the responsibility for the development
of Mental Health Plans has clearly been placed at the county level; they urge those who are
responsible for the development of a plan to take cognizance of the importance of alcoholism
MINUTE Booii
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
as a public health and mental problem and to make every effort to provide for the
alcoholic in their planning for comprehensive mental health services; in the transition period,
the Department will continue to assist communities to establish treatment facilities for
alcoholics through grants to local hospitals for out -patient clinics.
Chief Clerk read the following letter (a copy) forwarded to Mr. Sanford
W. Simmons, Secretary of the Nottingham Township Supervisors from Fred W. Mergen-
thaler, M. A. I_ Supervisor - Land Acquisition:
Dear Mr. Simmons:
r
Your letter of September 19th addressed to Karl Smith, Director of the
Bureau of Community Programs has been referred to the writer for reply.
You state that a number of residents of your township are opposed to the
expansion of Washington County's Mingo Creek Park, and that you wish this Department to
assist in obtaining an open public hearing before the County Commissioners.
The selection and location of county parks, as well as other State aided
recreation areas, is the responsibility of local officials. Our responsibility is simply to
determine the need, present and future, and the suitability of the site. When Washington
County submitted its original application for Project 70 assistance for Mingo Park, it was
approved by this Department. The acreage to be acquired for this original project is 1, 200,
rather than the 1, 800 you specified. When the County more recently applied for aid to
enlarge this park by 1, 100 acres, a physical inspection and thorough consideration indicated
that this enlargement was highly desirable for protection and proper control of access.
We feel certain that the Washington County Commissioners and the County
Department of Parks and Recreation in their desire to improve the general environment in
the County, and to enhance the recreational facilities and programs for all county residents
to consider the impact on individual property owners. If there is an isolated instance in
your township where this has not been done, we feel certain that if brought to a Commis-
sioner's attention the matter can be explained or adjusted to your satisfaction.
County parks are being provided chiefly for the future needs of all county
residents, considering particularly the increasing leisure time available to all our people.
Some rural areas are feeling the initial impact of these park acquisitions. We are of the
opinion that in most cases within a very short time, most of the residents of such areas will
find the new parks to be an enhancement of their environment, rather than a detracting in-
fluence.
Sincerely,
Fred W. Mergenthaler
cc: Michael George
County Commissioner
FWM / jib
Mr. George: Last Thursday, I received a call from Harrisburg and I explained the
situation, and that was it.
Mr. Mazza; Mr. George reported to the Commissioners, this past summer he had
approximately 30-35 thousand people that visited our Park - anticipated visitation for next
year - 100, 000, so in my opinion the need will be established in the matter of two or three
years for this expansion.
Letter under date of September 24, 1969 to Mr. John D. Anthony, Director
of the Washington County Planning Commission, from Donald W. Bertram,P E. Chief
Engineer - Civil Engineering, Planning & Special Services Division, of Michael Baker, Jr. ,
676 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
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Inc. , enclosed an invoice for preparation of preliminary engineering study for the extension
of the present runway at the Washington County Airport.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Invoice No. 52774
in the amount of $2, 500. 00 as submitted by Michael Baker, Jr. , Inc, for the preparation of
preliminary engineering study for_°the extension of present runway at the Washington County
Airport in accordance with proposal letter dated April 3, 1969 and as executed by the Board
of Commissioners on April 7, 1969, be approved for payment.
Remarks: This is authorized in the Planning Commission Budget.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented an invoice submitted by Engelhardt - Power and
Associates, Inc., with regard to the Harmon Creek Flood Control Project.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Invoice as submitted
by Engelhardt -Power and Associates, Inc. Engineering -Surveying, 522 Ridge Avenue, Box
269, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317 for Job No. 7030 - Stakeout of Dam Site #483,
property survey in the amount of $2509. 50 and drawing, be approved for payment. Invoice
was approved by Mr. John Anthony.
Remarks:
Mr. Anthony: This authorized with the part of our costs on Harmon Creek Flood Control
Project, eligible for State cost sharing.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented a request submitted by Mr. John D. Anthony, to
attend the Second Annual Department of Community Affairs Conference in Harrisburg on
October 9, 1969; room - $18,mileage-$48, registration fee $25. Because of the state-
wide implications of this conference, it is necessary that at least one member of the Washing-
ton County Planning Commission attend.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Mr. John Anthony,
Director of the Washington County Planning Commission, be authorized to attend the Second
Annual Department of Community Affairs Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on
October 9, 1969.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
Cleaning of the Interior -Courthouse Dome:
Chief Clerk presented a supplemental contract as submitted by bhe Monon
Cleaning Painting Company to the Board for consideration and approval.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Supplemental
Contract as submitted by the Monon Cleaning Painting Company, to apply one (1) coat of
Picture Dress on all four (4) Tapestries and four (4) Medallions for the sum of One
Hundred Seventy-five ($175. 00) Dollars, all materials to be furnished by said Company,
b e approved.
Remarks: This has been approved by the Building Superintendent.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented a third estimate for remodeling of the toilet rooms
in the Courthouse, submitted by John B. Bruno; estimate has been approved by the Building
Superintendent.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Third estimate
in the amount of $5, 400. 00 as submitted by John B. Bruno, General Plumbing and Heating
Contractor, for remodeling of toilet rooms in the Courthouse be approved for payment,
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Letter under date of September 30, 1969, from the Monon Cleaning
Company, requested partial payment on contract, for work on the Courthouse Dome,.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the amount of
$6, 000. 00 payable to the Monon Cleaning Company, New Eagle, Pennsylvania, 15067,
be approved for payment.
Remarks: Request has been approved by Building Superintendent.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Letter under date of September 25, 1969 from Albert E. Ferrara, Super-
intendent of Schools, Charleroi Area School District, extended sincere thanks to the Board
of County Commissioners, for correcting the situation that existed relative to the weight
limits of the bridges owned by the County. Mr. Teneglia informed that the weight limits on
County bridges served by their school were set at twelve ton capacity; please convey their
sentiments to Mr. Teneglia and his bridge crew for the efficient and prompt manner in which
678 MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
.q� MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
the situation was corrected; they are most grateful for the sincere interest concerning the
welfare of their student population.
New Business:
Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that Change Order No.
2, Contract L-1, Site preparation, Juvenile Detention Home, for the installation of
690 feet of two (2) inch gas line at the estimated cost of $1700; be approved.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman made note that the news media reported that the County Commis-
sioners approved plans as submitted, with regard to the revitalization of the Charleroi
Downtown Section; said presentation was made by the Redevelopment Authority of the County
of Washington to the Board of Commissioners, at their regular meeting held Thursday,
September 25, 1969.
Mr. Flynn: To make clarification to the people in the Borough of Charleroi, we didn't
approve, we commended them for their presentation; formal approval of such projects by
the Board require local planning recommendations to the Borough Council, the Council either
approves or rejects, and if approved it is forwarded to the Redevelopment Authority, then
to the County Commissioners; we are just the Agent for the local municipality.
Chief Clerk read letter under date of October 1, 1969 from Michael George,
Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, that submitted recommended stipu-
lations in reference to hunting in Cross Creek and Mingo Creek County Parks. Mr. George
met several times with Frank King of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and recently with
William Harrison, President, Washington County Sportsmen Federation, and they are in
agreement.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the following stipu-
lations in reference to hunting in Cross Creek and Mingo Creek County Parks, be approved
and adopted.
1. Hunting shall be permitted in Cross Creek Park from October 1,
1969 until January 15, 1970 and in accordance with the Pennsylvania
Game Commission laws. This action shall be subject to the Pennsyl-
vania Game Commission and the Washington County Sportsmen Federation
to provide and post safety zone signs as agreed upon.
2. Hunting in Cross Creek Park may be terminated in part or entirety
at any time upon recommendation from the Pennsylvania Game
Commission or Department of Parks and Recreation.
3. Upon recommendation from the Department of Parks and Recreation
hunting in Cross Creek Park will be either approved or disapproved
from hunting season to season. This action will be based upon park
development, fire hazard conditions, safety zone posting and any
other conditions that may develop to make hunting dangerous.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS
4. Due to the present size and use being made of Mingo Creek Park no
hunting will be permitted, but it is still under consideration. Until
such time when action is taken to permit hunting in Mingo Creek Park,
anyone apprehended will be subject to a fine or imprisonment under
Section 7 of the County Park Ordinance.
Remarks -
Mr. Mazza: I want to commend the Sportsmen and Director of Parks for taking such
action.
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 bounty enter into
an agreement with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, with reference to Paragraph One of
the adopted stipulations.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
11:10 a. m. - Opening of Bids for the installation of window replacements in the Washington
County Jail.
(one bid received)
The following bid was opened and read by Deputy Controller Whalen:
September 28, 1969
TO: Commissioners of Washington County
Court House
Washington, Pennsylvania
In accordance with the advertisement of the County Controller, Peter
Elish, Courthouse, Washington, Pennsylvania, inviting proposals for the installation of
window replacements in the Washington County Jail, Washington, Pennsylvania, having
examined the attached specifications and understanding the same, I (or We) propose to com-
plete the said work, in accordance therewith for the sum of:
$ 16,500.0
A certified check in the amount of 10% of the total amount of the bid is herewith enclosed.
American Glass & Mirror Company
Name of Bidder
370 West Chestnut Street
Address
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
Cashier's Check in the amount of $1. 650. 00 accompanied bid.
Solicitor reviewed bid and recommended that the contract be awarded.
Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the contract for the
installation of window replacements in the Washington County Jail, be awarded to AMERICAN
GLASS & MIRROR COMPANY, 370 West Chestnut Street, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301,
for the amount set forth in their bid ($16, 500. 0-0); this being the lowest responsible and only