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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 32 - 5-7-1964 - COMMISSIONER114 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS of said Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Washington County shall make application to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for and secure the transfer to it of the above -mentioned property for said agreements, conditions, and restrictions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, or his authorized representative, may require in connection with the disposal of said property under said Act and the rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Washington County has legal authority, is willing and is in a position to assume immediate care and maintenance of the property, and that Alex Debreczeni, Jr., Chief Clerk, be and he is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of Washington County to do and perform any and all acts and things which may be necessary to carry out the foregoing resolution, including the preparing,- making, and filing I of plans, applications, reports, and other documents, the execution, acceptance, delivery, and recordation of agreements, deeds, and other instruments pertaining to the transfer of said property, and the payment of any and all sums necessary on account of the purchase i price thereof or on account of fees or costs incurred in connection with the transfer of said property for surveys, title searches, appraisals, recordation of instruments, or escrow costs. adjourned. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Michael R. Flynn /s/ Chairman Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that this meeting be Meeting adjourned. THE FOREGOING MINUTE READ, AND APPROVED: ?4ay 7 , 1964 ATTEST: CHIEF C RK NO. 32 Office of the County Commissioners Washington, Pa., May 7, 1964 Board of County Commissioners met in regular session at 10:00 a.m., with the following members being present: Commissioners Flynn, Bevec and Mazza. Also present being County Solicitor Capano, Chief Clerk Debreczeni, Jr., Mr. Sittler of the MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS 115 1 Taxpayers' Association, Reporters Crouse and Merdian, Mr. Sutherland of the Washington - Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency and Mr. Bradshaw. Meeting called to order by Chairman, Mr. Flynn, and roll call taken: Mr. Mazza - Present; Mr. Bevec - Present; Mr. Flynn - Present. Chairman asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute Nos. =' 30'andl�-3t,-.` = each commissioner having received a copy. ` Motion by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that Minute Nos. , 30 and 31, be approved as read. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Correspondence received from Mr. Harry R. Sutherland, Jr., Executive Director of the W4-hington=Greene ,County Tourist Promotion Agency, was read by Mr. Flynn, Subject: Acquiring the last remaining Stern Wheel River Tow Boat (Clairton). Mr. Sutherland explained that the boat will be donated to the Washington -Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency to be used as a Riverboat Museum on the new 30 mile Maxwell Pool. Also, it will be a vital step in our riverfrant development program along with the annual Monongahela River Speedboat Regatta. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that .written endorsement in support of this project be given Mr. Sutherland. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously, Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the following Proclamation, extending an invitation to those residents (visiting the World's Fair) of counties bearing the name of Washington County to visit their namesake County in Pennsylvania, be adopted. PROCLAMATION Whereas, Washington County, Pennsylvania, recognizes the increasing influx of travelers to and from the World's Fair; and Whereas, Washington County, Pennsylvania, has a sister county, Washington County, Illinoi-s; and Whereas, Washington County, Pennsylvania, is located conveniently to the residents of Washington County, Illinois, who are traveling to and from the World's Fair; and Whereas, Washington County, Pennsylvania, is eager to have the residents of Washington County, Illinbis, visit their namesake in Pennsylvania, to enjo., the beauty and view the many wonders of this county; 116 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Now, Therefore, We, the County Commissioners of the County of Washington, Pennsylvanisl, invite the Public Officials and residents of the County of Washington, Illinois, to visit and tarry with the Public Officials and residents of your namesake county in Pennsylvania. Given under our hand and the Seal of Washington County, Pennsylvania,,, this Seventh day of May, in the year of our Ford one thousand nine hundred and sixty-four. Michael R. Flynn / s / Chairman John P. Bevec /s/ John Mazza /s/ Remarks by Mr. Mazza: I think the Tourist Promotion Agency should be complimented on the good work they are doing. In my mind there is no question, that they are bringing economy into our County. Their work and efforts should be recognized. Mr. Bevec: I agree. I would like to add that I believe it would be a good idea for the Planning Commission to work along with the Tourist Promotion Agency in having signs erected on each important route designating Washington County. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the above adopted proclamation also apply to the following sister counties: 1. Washington County, Indiana 2. Washington County, Kentucky 3. 4. Washington Washington County, County, Nebraska Idaho 5. Washington County, Oregon 6. Washington County, Oklahoma 7. Washington County, Ohio 8. Washington County, Colorado Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously with Mr. Sutherland leaving the meeting. Motion by Mr. Mazza, seconded by Mr. Bevec, that a voucher in the - amount of $2, 797. 50 be prepared in favor of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission; this being Washington County's share (2nd payment) of the Commission's budget. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the recommendations of the Grand Jury, May Term of Court of Quarter Sessions, be made a part of the minutes . MINUTE BOOK 117 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS April 29, 1964 TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNA. The Grand Jury for the May Term of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has made a tour of both the Washington County Jail and the County Home for Men. The following comments and recommendations are made: COUNTY JAIL The Grand Jury adopts the recommendations made by the February Grand Jury and included in their letter to the Commissioners of January 23, 1964. We feel that Warden Joseph Feconda is doing a superior job with the facilities available to him. However, it is also felt that these facilities are deficient and are not worthy of the County in which they are located. Although we do not desire to coddle prisoners, we feel that the present jail provides them with substandard conditions. Even prisoners are entitled to reasonahle living conditions during the unfortunate period of their confinement, especially those who may ordy be awaiting trial. The recommendations of the previous Grand Jury which we expressly adopt are those for a dining area and improvement in lighting. Also, something should be done about the odor referred to in the February report. It is the considered recommendation of this Grand Jury that a new jail be constructed, preferably outside the City of Washington. The present building could then be devoted to other uses, possibly as an expansion of the Court House. A new jail should incorporate within it all of the latest developments in penology and should meet the highest standards in the field. In the event that it is not possible to adopt the recommendations for construction of a new jail it is felt that the present structure should be so modified as to provide the following: 1. There should be some exercise area for the prisoners outdoors where they can obtain fresh air and some minimum physical activity. 2. A workshop or hobby shop should be developed indoors. 3. The cell blocks should be remodeled to provide for more comfortable facilities than at present. The Grand Jury feels that the practice of using the jail to have mentally disturbed people confined in mental institutions should be stopped. Although it is easy to arrest a person and use the examination by the jail physician as the basis for commitment to a mental in-" stitution, this violates the rights of the person committed and is not a proper use of the County Jail. Although we have made far-ranging recommendations, we want to emphasize that we feel that Warden Feconda is accomplishing a great deal with the facilities he has. The present jail is clean, neat, well -run and has a record of not serious inmate trouble, We feel that he is to be complimented for the manner in which he carries on the duties of his position. COUNTY HOME FOR MEN The Grand Jury has been informed that the Washington County Planning Commission has made a study of the facilities which should be made available for the aged and indigent citizens of the County. We feel that the study of the Planning Commission and its recommendations should be given careful consideration by the Commissioners. The Grand Jury feels that the aged citizens of the County should be given the best of nursing care and other treatment. Although the present County home seems to be well run, the Grand Jury was concerned about what appears to be a lack of fire equipment and the dangers arising out of said lack. The Grand Jury feels that nursing and medical care should be available when needed. It is not certain that such care is available around the clock at the present Men's Home. The members of the Grand Jury observed that a ceiling in one of the restrooms in the Men's Home was about to fall. Also, the latrine facilities are of ancient age and should be replaced. 118 MINUTE BOOK BOARD ❑F COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. BEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Respectfully submitted, Earl Cox /s/ Foreman of the May Grand Jury Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Flynn stated that the following letter received from the Office of the County Controller with reference to a claim of the Martin's Lumber Company concerning unpaid bills be made a part of the minutes. March 13, 1964 Washington County Commissioners Washington County Courthouse Washington, Pennsylvania 1 In Re: Claim of Martin's Lumber Company Gentlemen: With regard to the above -captioned claim for payment in the amount of $3, 165. 74 for material delivered allegedly to County Institution District in 1951, I hereby advise you that I refuse payment of the same. This claim is over thirteen (13) years old and I have not been able to find any evidence that the claim has not been paid. Before I would consider approval of the claim I think that it is necessary that Martin's Lumber Company establish that the debt is owing, and that the County Commissioners acknowledge that an agreement for the pay- ment of the claim is in effect, valid and enforceable. PE: mi Very truly yours, Peter Elish / s / County Controller Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that this letter (from the County Controller, in re: Claim of Martin's Lumber Company $3, 165. 74), be tabled. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. i Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the County Solicitor, 1 Mr. Capano, be authorized to prepare the necessary legal instruments for the transfer of property 3.4902 acres located in South Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, from the Washington County Commissioners to the Washington Industrial Development Corporation for the total sum of $12, 000. 00. The Washington County Detention Home is situate on said property. Property to be used by The Washington Company for construction. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Flynn reported that the County is in receipt of $1, 155. 00 received from various insurance agencies in connection with roof damage to the Washington County MINUTE BOOK 119 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGT❑N COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Home for Aged Women. Damage result of a windstorm. All monies to be deposited in the General Fund with the County Treasurer. Upon receipt of a statement from Gandy Interval, payment will be made for work he performed. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that Fred Haffner, be appointed Superintendent of the Bridge Department -replacing August De Paul; this action to be retroactive to May 4, 1964. Effective May 15, 1964, Mr. De Paul will resign from this position. Remarks by Mr. Mazza: I am going to vote for this gentleman as long as you (majority commissioners) feel he has the ability to do this job. I am going to cast my vote for him. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Flynn, that Alfred Tiano , be appointed as Director of the Surplus Food Department; this action to be retroactive to May 1, 1964. Mr. Tiano is replacing Samuel J. Bondi who has been dismissed from his duties effective May 5, 1964. Remarks by Mr. Mazza: I had nothing to do with the dismissal of Mr. Bondi. It is and always has been the responsibility of the majority commissioners to hire or fire. I have been a supporter of Mr. Bondi because I believe that he had the ability to do the work. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Geneva M. Showalter, be appointed as Matron at the Washington County Home for Aged Women replacing Abbie Smith; this action to be retroactive to May 1, 1964. The Showalters are now making their residence at the Home. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr.. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that Abbie Smith be appointed as Head Night Matron at the Washington County Home for Aged Women; this action to be retroactive to May 1, 1964. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 120 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MICHAEL R. FLYNN, JOHN P. SEVEC, JOHN MAZZA, COMMISSIONERS Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorized to prepare a tax refund for the following due to overpayment of County Tax. 1. Mydak, John A. & Ida Marie, R. D. 1, Malden Road, Coal Center, Pennsylvania, due to overpayment of 1962 County tax. On August 1, 1962, tax in the amount of $42.42 was paid on property situate in California Borough, Washington County, Pennsylvania, described as 1 story brick house, Lot 115 x 256, valuation $3445.00. Tax Adjustment No. 2106 reduced the valuation to $2400.00 and tax to $3L 30 (net) making a refund due in the amount of $11. 12 to said owners. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion I by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorized to prepare a refund voucher in the amount of $1, 898. 22 due the Mathies Coal Company. Said refund made in accordance with Court Orders numbered 404, 405, 406 and 409 issued December 21, 1962, providing for the removal of certain items under appeal from the assessment rolls. The amount of $1, 898. 22 represents the remaining 75% which was paid on these items for the years 1961 and 1962, this amount was to be used as a credit against 1963 taxes. However, this credit system was not satisfactory with the County Treasurer who insisted taxes be paid in full and a refund upon request would be made later. On July 25, 1963, the amount of $1, 898. 22 was paid thus causing a refund due in said amount for the back years of 1961 and j,'962. Remarks by Mr. Mazza: I am seconding this motion in compliance with the Court Orders. Mr. Bevec: Inquired if Mr. Capano checked the orders and if this payment was due. - Mr. Capano: Yes ---- Amount of $1, 898. 22 is due Mathies Coal Company. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Mazza - Yes; Mr. Bevec - Yes; Mr. Flynn - Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Mr. Bevec, seconded by Mr. Mazza, that the Tax Assessment Office be authorized to prepare a refund voucher in the amount of $1, 662. 12 due the Consolidation Coal Company. Said refund made in accordance with Court Orders numbered 407, 408, 410, 411, 412, 413 and 414, issued December 21, 1962, providing for the re- moval of certain items under appeal from the assessment rolls. The amount of $1, 662. 12 represents the remaining 75% which was paid on these items for the years 1961 and 1962, this amount was to be used as a credit against the 1963 taxes. However, this credit system was not satisfactory with the County Treasurer who insisted taxes be paid in full and a refund upon request would be made later. On July 25, 1963, the amount of $1, 662. l2 waLs paid thus causing a refund due in said amount for back years of 1961 and 1962. E