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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 93 - 11-6-1969 - COMMISSIONER708 F 1 MINUTE BOOK BOARD ❑F COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS adjourn. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that the meeting Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTES MEAD AND APPROVED: ATTEST: NO. 93 , 1969 CHIEF CLERK Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., November 6, 1969 The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session with the follow- ing members present: Commissioners, Bevec, Mazza, and Flynn. Also present being: County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Murphy, Deputy Controller Whalen, Department of Parks and Recreation Director George, Washington County Planning Commission Director Anthony, Public Information Officer Huber, Mr. J. Merdianw- Chairman of the Washington County Planning Commission and Reporter Robertson, 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 mossions to Minute No. 92, each Commissioner having received a copy. Correction: On page 6 of the Minutes with regard to the Absentee Ballots - Mr. Muscaro informed the Board of Commissioners, that their office could not receive applications for absentee ballots after 5:00 p. m. , on October 28, 1969. Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that Minute No. 92, as corrected, be approved. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Old Business: Mr. Capano made reference to a letter received from a gentleman con- cerning an absentee ballot; Mr. Capano explained the situation to him over the telephone that the application was not submitted before the deadline for Absentee Ballots. Mr. Capano: The law says you have to send a letter requesting an application. 709 MINUTE B o O K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN R. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Chief Clerk - Correspondence: Letter under date of November 4, 1969, from H. R. Cokely, Chairman, Camping and Activities, Catawba District, Boy Scouts of America, enclosed a letter of thanks and commendation to Messrs. Michael George and Tom O'Rourke, Director and Superintendent respectively at the Parks, for the job the staff did to make their Annual Fall Camporee a success. I nvoices: Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the following invoices as submitted, be approved for payment. TO: Amount 1. JOHN B. BRUNO $ 8,700. 00 ( Fourth Estimate for remodeling toilet rooms in Courthouse) - approved by Anthony Bevec 2. BLACK TOP PAVING COMPANY 12, 050. 00 (Asphalt Paving -Parking Lots, Home for Aged Women)- approved by John Yuhas 3. BLACK TOP PAVING COMPANY 625. 00 (County's share of the Washington County Airport Turn -Around Pads) -approved by John Yuhas Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Child Welfare Services: Letter under date of October 31, 1969 from Louise Abel, Executive Director, Washington County Child Welfare Services, stated the need of a check for a three-year sub- scription to the magazine "Children"; check to be made payable to Superintendent of Documents in the amount of $3. 75 and charged to Account 320-2-5. cessed. Said letter will be forwarded to the County Controller's Office to be pro- Letter under date of October 31, 1969, received from F. D. Whalen, Borough Treasurer, Borough of Burgettstown, advised that due to circumstances beyond their control involving engineering, grades and re -location of utility lines, the permanent improvements to Linn Avenue Project has been delayed until 1970; they request that their 1969 allocation be held over and added to their 1970 application. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Liquid Fuels al- location for the year 1969 (County Aid) to Burgettstown Borough for the Linn Avenue Project, be held over until next year (1970). Remarks: This will just be for the one year. E 1 Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. 710 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGT❑N COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Motion carried unanimously. Parks and Recreation Department: Letter under date of October 23, 1969, from Robert L. Ceisler, Solicitor, requested payment concerning Parcel No. M-35 in Nottingham Township. Mr. Capano made note to Mr. George that he had requested said letter of approval from the Attorney, with regard to the property. Mr. Capano: You are going to pay the balance now 2 Mr. George: The balance and the Detention. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the sum of $14, 910. 00 in connection with the Mary Putnak property, Nottingham Township, Parcel No. M-35 be approved for payment; check to be made payable to Robert L. Ceisler from the Parks: and Recreation Account. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented a statement for services rendered by G. P.- Amanati in connection with the Mary Putnak property. Moved by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that the Statement under date of October 8, 1969, as submitted by G. P. Amanati, in the amount of $100. 00 for Court testimony October 7, 1969, be approved for payment. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Ernest Ankrom Property: Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the sum of $18, 000 for the acquisition of the Ernest Ankrom property in Mingo Creek County Park, be approved for payment; check to be made payable to Robert L. Ceisler. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk presented a bid in the amount of $250. 00 for the Silo located on the Stacko farm located in Cross Creek; bid was submitted by William Stacko. Note was made that the invitation for bids was posted on the Bulletin Board at the Courthouse for Ten (10) days; this was the only bid received. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the bid proposal in the amount of $250. 00 as submitted by William Stacko, R. D. #2, Avella, Pennsylvania for the 711 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHIN13T❑N COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Silo located on the Stacko farms, Cross Creek, be accepted. Mr. Flynn: Your department approved this. Mr. George: Yes. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. ' Motion carried unanimously. Civil Defense: Mr. Bevec announced a telegram was received stating that the Office of Civil Defense has approved the sum of $6, 350. 00 to work up and develop a community shelter plan for Washington County. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the contract between the United States of America and County of Washington, Contract N62472 70 C 8202, for a Community Shelter Plan, be approved; and John P. Bevec, Director of Washington County Civil Defense, be authorized to execute said contract. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Mazza made inquiry of Mr. George if deer hunting was permitted in Cross Creek Park. Mr. George: Yes, it is permitted. Mr. Mazza: Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to recommend to the Board a study for possible transition to use of voting machines, About 6 months ago, I suggested we get into this change. I feel it is high time to gear our election methods to the progress we have made in all other fields; this would be another step ahead for our County. The "horse and buggy" manner of voting we use now is both expensive and embarrassingly slow - voting machines would prove more economical and in line with our now progessive county government. In other counties, state, etc. at 9:00 p, m. in the evening, returns are in and here we're awaiting a box to come in at Noon the next day, so I think it is about time we get down to business to figure out a method to meet this challenge in our county, I certainly have received a great deal of comment on this and I think you will find the people i i favor of voting machines in the County. Mr. Flynn: I think we are all in accord there; speaking of Cities, let's be practical, they computerize. I am in favor of it if we could provide the City of Monongahela And Washington to start. The question I would like to know if we could do it under our present tax structure or would you be in favor of disturbing the tax structure, it is one question as 712 0 C MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS to the need. Mr. Mazza: The need has been established; you know my position and I have made a policy that anything I vote for, I would have the courage to support. Mr. Flynn: First things first, there have been so many projects needed, such as Capital Improvements, and we have to determine which is more necessary, I would like to think in a year or two we could have the voting machines, Mr. Mazza: I agree with you, it would probably take one or two years to get it into high gear, the least we could do is to make a study and have some quotes or agreements. I think the two (2) Cities would be in the right direction, a study would be made to see if it would be feasible. Mr. Bevec: I have been studying this, there is no question we need it and I think the law provides the machines should be first established in the 3rd Class Cities and I am going to make a motion that we make every effort possible to start with regard to the program to provide voting machines for the County in Monongahela and Washington; we do have to revise the precincts and this will take at least a year, that we proceed to program the planning for establishing voting machines. Motion seconded by Mr. Mazza. Remarks: -Mr. Capano: I favor machines, but surprisingly, in the returns with the small precincts, those that have no reason to come in late, it is the inefficiency and lack of know- ledge on the part of the Boards; they waste a lot of time. Some of the Boards are manned by elderly people, we would probably get quick returns if the Boards were instructed. This is where the problem seems to be, because we have tried to break -down the large precincts. I think by 3:00 a. m. , we had all but 30 boxes in. Mr. Merdian: By 7:00, all but one. Roll call vote taken:' Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor: Mr. Capano: We have entered into a contract with Citizens Water Company for the line that will be going to the Detention Home, the sum of $20, 325. 00 is to be paid in advance. Mr. John Yuhas has informed that after it has been in operation for one (1) year, the money will be refunded. There is a Preliminary Memorandum to be executed by the Chairman of the Board. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that-IMichael R. Flynn, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, be authorized to execute the Preliminary Memorandum in connection with the Special Extension Deposit Agreement dated September 713 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS 11, 1969, for the installation of water mains in North Main Street Extension and Hickory R oad. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Capano presented a hangar rental lease to the Board for approval. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the lease between the County of Washington and William H. Miller, 5291 Spring Valley Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania 15236, for the storage of one (1) aircraft in Hangar No. A-4 for the sum of $40. 00 per month beginning November 1, 1969, be approved; and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to execute said Lease. Rental fee payable to the County of Washington, c/o Mr. John Yuhas, County Surveyor, 67 West Cherry Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Capano also reported that a petition for approval of a crossing at 8th Street, Donora, Pennsylvania, was approved by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission at the expense of the Borough of Donora and Penn Central Railroad. Magistrates: Deputy Controller Whalen reported: Controller Elish and Deputy Controller Whalen met with the President Judge and 13 of the local newly elected Magistrates; of the 13, only 2 are not qualified as a result of not serving six (6) years as a Justice of Peaee or being an Attorney; they will have to go to school. Legislation failed to make an appropriation for the schools, however the Judge went to the Bar Association who in turn recommended William C. Porter to set up courses of instruction. Judge Sweet says he sees no alternative; the Judge is going to insist that all 14 Magistrates take his instruction from Mr. Porter; Messrs. Elish and Whalen were asked by the Judge to talk to the Magistrates on Accounting procedure. Mr. Whalen: I would like to recommend that the Board authorize the advertisement for a:'simplified accounting system for each one of our 14 Magistrate Districts. Allegheny County Advertised - one bidder was $19, 000 and the other $13, 000. We were able to get a copy of Allegheny County's form. Mr. Bevec: I think it might be a good idea to advertise for the necessary furnishings and equipment. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the County Controller 1 1 be authorized to advertise for an Accounting System for the local Magistrates insofar as the MINUTE BOOK 714 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS fiscal affairs are concerned. ' 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 County Controller be authorized to advertise for the necessary furnishings and equipment for the 14 Magistrate Districts, after a survey has been made of the basic situation with regard to furniture, type- writers, etc. Mr. Whalen: I would be willing to work with Mr. Murphy on this; opening situation is they will only have one employee and they will have to prove the need for any additional help. Mr. Mazza: Is there any difference at all between a large magisterial district and a small one ? Mr. Whalen: There will be quite a difference, out of the 14, Richardson could be one of the biggest in the County; they have a lot of motor vehicle violations. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevee - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Discussed for a short time, was the possibility of utilizing space in township, borough buildings or city buildings to house the Magistrates since they cannot operate their offices in their homes. Mr. Whalen made note that Judge Sweet informed the Magistrates they could make recommendations but the Board of Commissioners were the fiscal officers of the County and they were the only ones that could make any decision concerning the leasing of buildings. Mr. Mazza: How are the hours regulated? Mr. Whalen: There isn't any answer to it, they are going to have to be available 24 hours whether they like it or not. Mr. Mazza: Were there any questions asked by the Magistrates concerning salary for their Secretaries ? Mr. Whalen: The Judge brought that up himself, the only thing he mentioned was he _ would strenuously oppose any figure under $250. 00 a month. I don't think he is too far off and in comparison, one Magistrate was speaking of an eight hour day and I informed him the County is 6-1/2 hours a day. The Judge made no commitments for anything. Mr. Flynn: There are a lot of handicaps, I think it is the responsibility of the' President Judge, abiding with the rules handed down by the Supreme Court, it shall be his duty to 715 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHIN13TON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JCHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS determine location; we as the executive branch of government would like to know the area locations of the Magistrate Offices. Mr. Mazza: We should know in order to give our real estate department an opportunity to go in and check these places. Mr. Whalen: Some of the things to be considered is - availability, parking and accessi- bility. Mr. John Anthony, Director of the Washington County Planning Commission, reported the following: Proposed Safety Improvement Program LR 62090 Houston -Midland: letter under date of November 5, 1969, from J. H. Mifflin, District Engineer District 12-0, informed Mr. Anthony - as of the present time, there are no moneys or finances available for the Safety Improvement Program project L. R. 62090; since 1966; when L. R. 62090 project was programmed, the condition of the shoring has greatly deteriorated and as a result it may even be considered critical at this point. The only funding available to reconstruct the lateral support for this highway would have to be at the expense of some other programmed and financed project in Washington County; estimated cost to make this correction is approximately $500, 000; the County Commissioners have committed themselves for $20, 000 towards this reconstruction cost. There is no ad- ditional source of funding available other than to request either a deletion or a deferment of one of the County's programmed projects; the project is critical. The most logical source of financing would be to transfer encumbered funds programmed for another project (Bishop to Hickory project); unquestionably, the transfer of funds will delay the presently funded project until additional financing is available - said transfer of funds from one project to the other cannot be executed unless it is approved by the Highway Commission. The district engineer was of the opinion that said Commission would look more favorably on the transfer of funds if it were a combined request of the County Planning Commission and their District. Mr. Anthony: I have a meeting scheduled for November 14th and we will discuss the matter at that time. Mr. Mazza: This is my opinion and I am almost sure Mr. Bevec concurs, we have made a great many inspections of deteriorating problem and I think it is more important to take care of a situation where the people are involved and it will save lives. I think the Mid- land retaining wall problem is more important at this time then TR 50. Mr. Bevec: When it comes to an important cause concerning a highway site involving people, it should have priority. Mr. Flynn made reference to a letter from Mr. Mifflin, under date of [1 September 23, 1969; re: Washington County L. R. 62214, Washington Plaz°a=,a-Washington Mall 716 E 1 MINUTE 1300K e OARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Shopping _Centers, with regard to a plan for the intersection of Oak Spring Road and T. R.19. Note was made in the letter, that it has been a policy of the District that any upgrading of the highway facilities for the benefit of adjacent commercial developments, such as shop- ping centers that they share substantially in the cost of highway construction -estimated cost of the project is $60, 000. It was requested that a meeting be arranged with the people in- volved to see what might be worked out relative to the financing. Mr. Flynn asked Mr. Anthony to arrange a meeting to include the South Strabane Township Supervisors, County Commissioners, and Messrs. Richman and Zappala, to resolve the matter. Mr. Anthony also reported Mr. Bard Judy would be in Harrisburg in con- nection with the Cross Creek Project. Mr. Flynn informed the Board that notification was received from Joseph Adlestein, Jr. M. D., Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Mental Retardation, concerning a meeting on Friday, November 14, 1969 between 1:00 and 4:00 p. m. in the auditorium of the William Penn Memorial Museum, Third and Forster Streets, Harrisburg, to discuss the County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program - a review of Issues, Policy, Philosophy and Future Directions. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Board of County Commissioners be authorized to attend the above meeting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Friday, November 14, 1969. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Flynn stated that on the same date (November 14, 1969), the Pennsyl- vania Department of Health will have a public hearing in Allenport Borough Building at 10.00 a. m. (Air Pollution Commission). In view of the fact the Board of Commissioners will be in Harrisburg, he would like to recommend that perhaps Mr. John Anthony could rel,- resent the Board of Commissioners at the hearing. Mr. Anthony: I would be very happy to attend. Chairman announced that the Court House will be closed Tuesday, November 11, 1969, in observance of Veteran's Day. Mr. Bevec was of the opinion that it would be a good idea if Mr. Anthony would provide the Board of Commissioners a list of the various studies (such as the airport sewerage, etc. ) and report on the projects their Department is working on. Mr. Flynn made reference to a meeting that was held October 22, 1969, with representatives of Kay, Richards & Company with regard to a Financial advisor in assisting the County to prepare for public advertisement, and sale of proposed general ob- ligation bond issue (approximately $4, 000, 000. 00) and presented to the Board for their con- 717 MINUTE B O O K BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS 5_J!% sideration and approval, a proposal whereby Kay Richards and Co. , Inc. offered to act as Financial Advisor at a fee for services of 75� per $1, 000 par valuable bonds sold; said fee will not apply to any bonds distributed in $100 denomination. Mr. Flynn: I have checked with people who are knowledgeable in this field and I am told the fee is very, very reasonalbe; over-all cost would be in the area of $4, 000. The Bonds must be sold before they are paid. Mr. Capano: This is very essential. Moved by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the proposal as submit- ed by Kay, Richards & Company, Inc. , to act as Financial Advisor in assisting the County to prepare for public advertisement and sale, proposed general obligation bond issue of approximately $4, 000, 000. 00 which will be used for the construction of an addition to the County Home, be accepted. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Bevec + Yes; Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Flynn read letter under date of October 30, 1969 from Larry A. Win- gard, Executive Director of Mon Valley United Fund, in which reference was made to a formal statement to the Washington -Greene County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board at its public hearing to the effect that the Mon Valley United Fund cannot be expected to continually allocate a substantial portion of its resources to the support of the Mon Valley United Health Services' Mental Health Center (since its inception, the mental health program in the Mon Valley has been dependent upon State grant-in-aid funds and supplemental assist- ance from the Mon Valley United Fund). At no time had their agency received any financial support from the Washington County Commissioners similar to that of its counterpart in central Washington County; letter stated the necessity for funds to allow for needed ex- pansion and development of services and requested that the County Commissioners insist upon objectivity in the review of the Mon Valley's programs and seek to disburse those funds absolutely necessary to meet the community's needs in the mental health/mental retardation field. It is their feeling that the County Commissioners of Westmoreland, Fayette and Washington ought to assume a greater responsibility in meeting the financial needs in that area. Note was made that the County does not make appropriations to the United Fund and based on a population basis, their particular area receive the largest amount due J