HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-28_Commissioners' Minutes No. 1214_APPROVED 2625
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
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Minute No. 1214 August 28, 2025
The Washington County Commissioners met in a special session in Public Meeting
Room G-16,at the Crossroads Center at 95 West Beau Street,Washington,PA,with the following
members in attendance: Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra Janis and Larry Maggi. Also present
were: Solicitor Sarah Scott on behalf of Gary Sweat; Chief of Staff Daryl Price;Chief Clerk Cindy
Griffin and Administrative Assistants Debbie Corson, Heather Wilhelm, Casey Grealish and Randi
Marodi;Public Safety's Joe Bendik;WJPA journalist Joe Jasek; Observer-Reporter journalist Mike
Jones, and Burns Scalo Sr. Representative Mike Gorman.
Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at approximately 1:24 p.m. and announced that the
meeting was being video- and audio-live streamed via the Commissioners'YouTube channel.
Mr. Maggi led with the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None.
AGENDA COMMENTS
None.
COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSES
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Solicitor Scott,on behalf of Purchasing,recommended the Board award the bid for CHS
Shoring(#082525) to JG Contracting Company Inc.,of Carnegie,PA,in the amount of$1,445,560.
This project will supply structural support to the Courthouse Square building and enable a safe and
efficient demolition. This agreement will be effective date of agreement through 60 days,unless
mutually extended or terminated. This was the lowest,most responsive, and responsible bid
received. Bid responses were reviewed and recommended for award by the County's Owner's
Representative,Burns & Scalo, and the Purchasing department. Costs will be paid through the 2024
General Obligation Bond Fund.
Moved by Ms.Janis.
Mr. Maggi then asked to table the item expressing concern about the$1.4 million cost and
why it appears to be a new expense and requested clarification on whether this was additional
funding beyond what the Board had already approved, and whether temporary shoring was included
in the original contract.
Mr. Sherman clarified that the$1.4 million shoring cost was always part of the overall project
budget but was originally scheduled to be completed after demolition. However, he continued,
engineers are now advising the shoring should be installed prior to demolition to prevent potential
wall collapse and catastrophic damage to the courthouse. He said this is not a new expense,but a
shift in timing and budget category,moving from build phase to demo phase.
Burns Scalo Sr. Representative Mike Gorman explained that full structural and geotechnical
design was not complete at time of original bid, and when it was completed,it was determined that
permanent shoring must precede garage demolition for safety reasons. He also noted there would be
cost savings with the shoring being done now, adding it avoids an estimated$300,000 in
remobilization costs,if work were to be delayed.
Mr. Gorman further explained the shoring cost would not incur any new costs,but simply
reallocate between the demo and build budgets,and advised against tabling due to project urgency
and the need to avoid delays.
2626
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
Wi LIMITE-0 EI(BQ,SKKVV
Mr. Maggi reiterated concerns about transparency and not being fully briefed.
Ms.Janis told Mr. Maggi she was informed earlier in the week of the recommendation from
the engineers.
Mr. Maggi's motion to table died for lack of a second and Mr. Sherman seconded Ms.Janis'
motion to award the bid for CHS Shoring to JG Contracting Company in the amount of$1,445,560,
effective for 60 days from date of agreement.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Maggi—No;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes.
Motion carried.
There being no further business,Mr. Sherman declared the meeting adjourned at
approximately 1:40 p.m.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL:
2025
ATTEST:
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