HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 1140 - 11-18-2021 - COMMISSIONER1837
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MINUTE
BOOK
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
Minute No. 1140 November 18, 2021
The Washington County Commissioners met in regular session in the Public Meeting Room,
Courthouse Square, Washington, Pa., with the following members being present: Commissioners Diana Irey
Vaughan, Larry Maggi and Nick Sherman. Also present are Solicitor Jana Grimm; Chief of Staff John
Haynes; Finance Director Josh Hatfield; Human Resources Director Shelli Arnold; Recorder of Deeds
Debbie Bardella.; Elections Director Melanie Ostrander; Veterans representative Leigh Mawhinney; Clerk of
Courts Brenda Davis; Prothonotary Laura Hough and employee Tina Whited; Planning representatives
Gracie Abel and Kalie Chasko; Executive Secretaries Marie Trossman and Patrick Geho; Chief Clerk Cynthia
B. Griffin; Secretary Paula Jansante; The Rev. Mike Bowen of Washington Presbyterian Church; Marine
Corps League Post #1138 representative Sandra Young; Observer -Reporter representative Brad Hundt;
WJPA representative Joe Jasek and concerned citizens Jim Piper, Mary Gordon, Anne Charles, Ann Shaner,
Sue Brine, Kim Oyler, Ashley Duff, Danielle Sherman, Camille Papia, John Hudock; Kerry Gallick, John
Gallick, Mary Lorenz, Christina Proctor, Melanie Patterson, Denise Stusko, Don Fitch, Liz Molinaro, April
Sloane, Betsy West, Bill West, Joe Jefferys, Becky Reid, Matt Mascara, Claudia Wagner, Rick Hodge, Bruce
Bandel, Corey McConn, Bonnie Rankiri, Sam Yareck, Joyce Mayton, Jeff Dell, Jeananne Clements, Shiela Sten
and Stephanie Rossi.
Mrs. Vaughan called the meeting to order at approximately 2:00 p.m., and announced this meeting is
video and audio live streamed via Facebook.
The Rev. Mike Bowen led the meeting with a prayer.
Ms. Young led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Vaughan entertained a motion approving Minute No. 1139 dated November 4, 2021.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving Minute No. 1139, as written.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Washington County resident Mary Gordon spoke about a mindset shift in Washington County and
the entire country. She stated there are so many secrets hidden in our government and questioned why we
haven't audited the vote. Ms. Gordon also questions why employees are being moved from the Clerk of
Courts, Controllers and the Recorder of Deeds offices. She believes the Commissioners shouldn't try to sneak
Home Rule in the back door.
Washington County resident Anne Charles questioned the qualifications of the Controller who may
be appointed as the new Chief of Staff. Ms. Charles is also requesting a forensic audit.
Washington County resident Danielle Sherman expressed her concerns that the Board of
Commissioners are not working for the people. She stated that Washington County residents want an audit
and questioned how a price tag can be placed on integrity.
Washington County resident Ashley Duff stated that the Board has not responded to her email. Ms.
Duff asks why the Commissioners have not provided answers to the election issues. She wants a forensic
audit and she offered to bring in national experts to meet with the board and election director, at no cost to
the county.
Washington County taxpayer Melanie Patterson spoke regarding extensive voter fraud in the 2020
election and demands transparency and a full audit of the paper trail including the mail in ballots and those
produced by the machines. She believes this will restore voter confidence.
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
Washington County resident Ann Shaner stated there was no fraud in the election and requested a
group of people form a committee to determine whether there has been fraud in the election process. She
believes the intent of the audit group is to dismantle the integrity of our election process.
After repeated disruptions by the audience, Commissioner Vaughan asked the audience to be
respectful of those who are speaking, thus allowing them to conduct a civil meeting.
Prothonotary Laura Hough commented that every person has the right of freedom of speech in their
community and she thanked those who have stepped up to speak.
Washington County resident Camille Papia stated that residents voted down the opportunity to
investigate the government integrity on both sides of the aisle. She also explained the provisional ballot
process.
Washington County resident Kim Oyler spoke about election fraud in our state and county and
demanded truth from our elected officials. She also discussed the government's use of propaganda to change
the narrative.
Washington County resident John Hudock spoke about LSA or county funding for animal control.
Mr. Hudock questioned why the Commissioners would take the Tax Claim office from the Recorder of
Deeds office and create a new position when the newly elected official is willing to do the job at no cost to
the county. He also asked why the Commissioners are attempting to take employees from the office of the
newly elected Controller. Mr. Hudock supports the audit and believes mail -in ballots are a big problem.
Washington County resident Sam Yareck questioned why the Board of Commissioners tried to
abolish two payroll positions in the Controller's office and put those positions under the Finance
Department. He questioned the real reason for taking employees away from the Clerk of Courts, Controller's
Office, and the Recorder of Deeds. Mr. Yareck supports a full forensic audit.
Washington County resident Don Fitch said he is in favor of allowing the Commissioners to conduct
the business of the county, rather than re -litigating things that have already been adjudicated throughout the
country. He stated the last election was not fraudulent.
United States Air Force Veteran Mary Lorenz stated that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent
and questioned why the Board of Commissioners do not do what is right and restore trust in the elections.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESPONSE:
Commissioner Vaughan spoke to clarify the following misconceptions:
• There are no positions being taken from the Recorder of Deeds office and the statement made to this
effect is inaccurate.
• It was stated that Controller Mike Namie was defeated, however he didn't run for reelection.
Therefore, the statement to that effect was inaccurate.
• Ms. Duff stated that the Commissioners did not respond to her. Commissioner Vaughan has
responded to her emails numerous times, and she and staff members met with Ms. Duff.
• The Elections Review Committee, which was given the task of making a recommendation, voted not
to move forward with the election audit.
• Ms. Patterson stated that the Commissioners were not paying attention. Commissioner Vaughan
assured her that she is paying attention and taking notes so that she can respond and address the
issues.
• In response to the individual who is disappointed that the Commissioners are not responding to the
public comments, Commissioner Vaughn said they are responding and gathering information to
address any issues.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
• In response to the issue about the Tax Office, Section 202 of the County Code, which refers to the
Appointment and Compensation of Personnel, the County Commissioners have direct supervision
and control of the Bureau and have the power to appoint a Director and such employees as may be
necessary to properly administer the affairs of the Bureau. This is a responsibility of the County
Commissioners as set forth by the Pennsylvania County Code.
• In response to concerns about moving payroll personnel. This is also under the direction of the
Commissioners. Only seven counties in Pennsylvania perform payroll duties under the office of the
Controller. The Board has been discussing this change for over a year and had agreed, up until the
day that it was tabled, to return the duties to the Finance Department. The issue was tabled and has
not be changed.
• In response to questions about animal control services, the county has a contract with Kim Secreet
for animal control services. All three Commissioners have raised money for local animal shelters and
local share monies have been used for animal control.
• Director of Elections Melanie Ostrander gave a response to an issue that was addressed at the last
Commissioner meeting regarding human error on the mail in ballot for the Cannon -McMillan School
District where a candidate's party was listed on the mail -in ballot as Democratic as opposed to
Democratic/Republican. Ms. Ostrander stated that they have a proof reading plan in place but they
will extend that proof reading plan to include three steps to the process. The elections staff, the
Assistant Director and Director will do the final check to eliminate any errors in the future.
Ms. Ostrander also explained that according to the Election Code, in the recent election in the race
for the office of the Commonwealth Judge, the entire county there was a half percent of total votes
cast and the margin between the second and third candidates were less than that and now we are
conducting a mandatory statewide recount. We are only counting that race, as required by the state,
and those results will be released by the state on November 24, 2021.
OLD BUSINESS
BID CONTRACT EXTENSION
Solicitor Grimm recommended the Board, on behalf of Purchasing and Information Technology, of
the extension of our current wiring services contract with the listed vendors. All time and material repairs are
to be done on anus needed basis per their submitted hourly rates. The contract extensions will be effective
January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, with the option to extend for two additional one-year periods.
• Computec Technical Solutions Inc., Eighty Four PA
• Information Technologies Services, Carnegie PA
• North Star Communications Inc., Pittsburgh PA
Moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the contract extension with the listed
vendors.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes,
Motion carried unanimously.
BID CONTRACT PURCHASES
Solicitor Grimm recommended the Board, on behalf of Purchasing and Building and Grounds, of a
purchase from Johnson Controls, our contract of record, Pittsburgh Pa., for a fire alarm control panel
upgrade at the Washington County 911 Facility. The total cost is $7,900 and will be paid from their operating
budget.
Note: Johnson Controls will provide a fire alarm panel upgrade to the existing Simplex 4002 panel. No
replacement field devices are included in the quote and the existing notification devices will remain and be
tied into the new panel.
Moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the purchase from Johnson Controls.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
Solicitor Grimm recommended the Board, on behalf of Purchasing and Information Technology, of
the following wiring services purchases from Information Technologies Services, Carnegie, Pa., our contract
of record. The total cost will be paid from their respective operating budgets.
• Badge Security System $12,000
• Domestic Relations $6,828
• Courthouse $1,548
• Crossroads 5th Floor Phase 1 cabling $15,006
• Crossroads 6th Floor Phase 1 cabling $14,095
• Crossroads Building $10,340 and $11,095 time and material included 28 camera cables.
• Human Resources -CCTV NVR Cams/hard drive and licenses $19,378.50 and $21,107
(Grant funding)
• Judge's Chambers $3,320
• Juvenile Courtroom Upgrades $18,642
• Public Defenders Office $8,975 and $23,981
• Treasurer's Office $12,060 and $14,984
Moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the purchases from Information
Technologies Services.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, of the following board
appointments: Washington County Conservation District Board: Michael Lusk as Farmer Director; Larry
Maggi as County Commissioner Director appointee; and the reappointment of Jan Marchezak as Public
Director; First Responders/Public Safejy Board: John Yancosek and Mike McLaughlin and the
reappointments of Anthony Andronas and Shawn Bukovinsky; SPC Commission: John Timney.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the board appointments.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, to adopt a resolution
appointing the Washington County Director of Revenue, Chief Assessor, and the Director of the Tax Claim
Bureau.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the resolution.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Vaughan explained that Washington County merged the county Tax Claim Bureau and the Tax
Assessment Bureau several years ago. Today's resolution allows the Chief County Assessor to perform all
three responsibilities, due to the fact that he has worked with all of these offices for many years.
This was originally placed under the direction of a former elected official due to a retirement without a clear
plan of succession and there was a need to maintain continuity within the office. These duties were performed
at no additional cost to the county.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of the Planning
Commission, of a non -surface oil and gas lease with Range Resources for 67.684 acres in Hanover and Smith
Townships associated with PA-481 flood control dam. Range Resources will pay $3,000 per acre and
18% royalty for this lease.
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Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the non -surface oil and gas lease with
Range Resources.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of the Planning
Commission, of a deed of easement with Russell and Dian Yost for construction of the Chartiers #30, Hess
Bridge in Cecil Township. The total payment of $20,000 includes 0.131 acres of permanent easement and
0.081 acres of temporary easement to be paid 80% state and 20% county liquid fuels.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the deed of easement with Russell and
Dian Yost.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman - Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Finance, of a
budget modification with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation for the District
12-0 Community Traffic Safety Grant. The modification transfers unused funds from FFY 20-21 to
FFY 21-22 in the amount of $24,719.60.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the budget modification with the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation for the District 12-0 Community Traffic
Safety Grant.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman- Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Finance and
Adult Probation, of a renewal grant agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the County Adult Probation Grant -in -Aida The agreement is in
the amount of $152,568 and will be for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving a renewal grant agreement with the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the County Adult
Probation Grant -in -Aid.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Human
Resources, of the renewal of the current Employee Assistance Program (EAP) agreement with the
Washington Health System for services to all full-time employees and eligible family members. This
agreement will be effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The annual contract authorization
amount $16,143 and the monthly fee for employees remains the same at $1.69.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the agreement with Washington Health
System.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Children and
Youth Services, of the following provider agreements for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
No additional county funds are required.
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
PROVIDER AMOUNT
Adoption Connection - Placement 350,000
American Expediting Company 100,000
Children's Institute of Pittsburgh — Care Coordination 150,000
Children's Institute of Pittsburgh — In -Home Family Services 400,000
Children's Institute of Pittsburgh — d/b/a Project Star —Foster Care 300,000
City Mission — Living Stones 100,000
Harborcreek Youth Services 200,000
Keystone Adolescent Center 600,000
King and Associates 100,000
TOTAL
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the provider agreements listed.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Children and
Youth Services, of a purchase of service agreement with Avanco International, Inc. for the Version 17
mandatory update on the Child Accounting and Profile System (CAPS). This agreement will be effective
July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 for a sum not to exceed $9,553.11. No additional county funds are
required.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the purchase of service agreement with
Avanco International, Inc.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Purchasing, and
the Law Library/Records Center, of authorization to advertise for bids for storage space.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving authorization to bid for storage space.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Purchasing and
Human Resources of the extension of our current agreement with Time Savers, Inc., Waynesburg Pa., for the
purpose of providing after hours drug and alcohol screening of employees on an as needed basis. This
agreement will be effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the agreement with Time Savers, Inc.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi - Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Purchasing and
Public Safety, of the software license/maintenance/call center support renewal agreements for the NG 9-1-1
Ready Hardware and Software, with Motorola Solutions, Linthieum, MD, in the amount of $77,677.12. This
agreement will be effective for the period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The total cost of
this contract will be funded from the 9-1-1 Fund.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the renewal agreement with Motorola
Solutions.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
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Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Purchasing and
Public Safety, of the purchase of licensing and conversion from a yearly maintenance to a subscription -based
model of the VPN that connects mobile units to the CAD System in the Public Safety department. The initial
cost for software is $13,194 and will be paid from Public Safety's operating budget.
Note: With the change from maintenance to SaaS, looking forward, at the end of 2022, we will either be
dropping Net motion or moving these costs to the shared Beaver/Washington CAD system.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the purchase of licensing and conversion
from a yearly maintenance to a subscription -based model of the VPN that connects mobile units to the CAD
System in the Public Safety department.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman - Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, on behalf of Purchasing and
Information Technology, of a one-year virus protection subscription for software and support with AEC
Group, LLC, Oakdale, Pa. The total cost is $39,838.24 and will be paid from their operating budget.
Note: This is the antivirus protection for all County/Courts computer systems.
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the virus protection subscription for
software and support with AEC Group, LLC,
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
An Executive Session was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, following the
Agenda meeting to discuss personnel and litigation. The regularly scheduled Salary Board meeting will
immediately follow today's meeting. All county offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday,
November 25 and 26, 2021, in observance of Thanksgiving.
SOLICITOR
Solicitor Grimm presented to the Board for their consideration and approval of a tax refund in the
amount of $5,231.75.
SCHENLEY CENTER ASSOC II LP
11 PARKWAY CENTER STE 300
PITTSBURGH, PA 15220
Tax Year: 2021
District CECIL
Parcel 140-010-00-00-0008-50
Amount $2,905.31
WILLIAMSON JACOB I. & MARIA
158 E. HIGHLAND DRIVE
MCMURRAY, PA 15317
Tax Year: 2021
District PETERS TOWNSHIP
Parcel 540-010-13-01-022-00
Amount $39.05
BEINHAUER RICHARD C. &
REGINA M.
2820 WASHINGTON ROAD
MCMURRAY, PA 15317
Tax Year: 2021
District PETERS TOWNSHIP
Parcel 540-006-00-00-0052-00
Amount $20.25
TRINITY POINT HOTEL LP
P.O. BOX 847
CARLSBAD, CA 92018
Tax Year: 2021
District SOUTH STRABANE
Parcel 600-005-13-00-0003-00
Amount $2,093.26
OPFERMANN ROBERT &
ROBERTA
9448 RUBY FALLS COURT
WEEKI WACHEE, FL 34613
Tax Year: 2021
District PETERS TOWNSHIP
Parcel 540-005-00-00-0025-03
Amount $165.97
VAUGHAN LEVI J.
1832 JEFFERSON AVENUE
WASHINGTON, PA 15301
Tax Year: 2021
District CANTON
Parcel 120-009-03-02-0022-00
Amount $7.91
Moved by Mr. Sherman; seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving the above tax refund.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman — Yes; Mr. Maggi — Yes; Mrs. Vaughan — Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
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MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
IMR LIMITED E1808491KV
There being no further business, Chairman Vaughan declared the meeting adjourned at approximately
2:55 p.m.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL:
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