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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-19_Commissioners' Minutes No. 1224_APPROVED 2733 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMF LIMITED F1808491KV Minute No. 1224 February 19,2026 The Washington County Commissioners met in regular 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: Solicitors Gary Sweat and Michael Cruny; County Administrator Daryl Price; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin;Public Affairs Director Nicole Ford;Administrative Assistants Debbie Corson, Heather Wilhelm, Casey Grealish and Randi Marodi;Veterans Affairs Director Michael Pierce; Pastor Patricia Cherry from Faith Crossings Foundation Ministries;US Army Veteran Specialist Joseph DeThomas;Human Services Administrator Dr.John Tamiggi and Deputy Administrator Tiffany Milovac;Clerk of Courts Ray Phillips, Human Resources Director Andrea Johnston,WJPA Journalist Joe Jasek; Prevention Education Specialist Taylor Dardick from Domestic Violence Services of SWPA; and residents AC Rowland,Jajuan Golden, Ryan Kelley,Laura Dieterle,and George Lammy. Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:01 a.m. and announced the meeting was being video-and audio-live-streamed via the Commissioners'YouTube channel. Mr. Sherman introduced Pastor Patricia Cherry from Faith Crossings Foundation Ministries, who led the meeting in prayer. Mr. Maggi introduced US Army Veteran Specialist Joseph DeThomas of Washington,who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Sherman entertained a motion to approve Minutes No. 1223, dated February 5, 2026. Moved by Ms.Janis: seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving Minutes No. 1223,as written. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Ms.Janis read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness &Prevention Month in Washington County. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi, to approve the proclamation. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi-Yes;Ms. Janis -Yes;Mr. Sherman -Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Accepting the proclamation was Prevention Education Specialist Taylor Dardick from Domestic Violence Services of SWPA. Ms. Dardick thanked the Commissioners for recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. She stated that approximately 60 percent of teens nationwide experience some form of dating violence,including physical,emotional, sexual or digital abuse. She noted that the organization's mission is to empower survivors,educate communities and work toward eliminating relationship violence, saying all individuals deserve safe and respectful relationships. Mr. Sherman expressed his appreciation for the organization's work and acknowledged the importance of addressing emerging concerns such as digital abuse. He commended Domestic Violence Services of SWPA for its continued efforts in supporting victims and raising community awareness. 2734 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E18U6491KV AGENDA COMMENTS Muse resident A.C. Rowland requested transparency regarding the selection of members to the county's Opioid Settlement Review Committee,asking how appointments were made and what relevant qualifications or experience members possess. She also referenced prior funding recommendations that were rejected or flagged by the state and asked about repayment of those funds. Ibis. Rowland also asked about committee meetings, scoring criteria, minutes and funding decisions and if they would be publicly available. Ms. Rowland also emphasized the need for accountability in the use of opioid settlement funds and questioned why established local providers,including the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission (WDAC),have not received funding. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE None. OLD BUSINESS Solicitor Sweat, on behalf of Purchasing and the Planning Commission, recommended the Board approve Change Order No. 1 for the Rehabilitative Runway (9-27) lighting project with Bruce &Merrilee's Electric Company (Pittsburgh,PA). This Change Order will decrease the amount of their contract to $582,934.14 and will be funded with PennDOT Bureau of Aviation grants.This change was reviewed and recommended by the Redevelopment Authority and Transystems. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 2735 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA [MR LIMITED E1608491KV NEW BUSINESS Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, the following board appointments: Farmland Preservation Board: the reappointment of Bill Iams as the Chairman;and Opioid Settlement Review Committee: the appointments of Dr.John Tamiggi,Dan Buzard,Teresa Cypher, Ed Zelich,Amy Podgurski-Gough,Aliesha Walz and Joe Glover. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes; Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Public Safety,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a facilities service agreement with PennWest University for the purpose of hosting pre-approved DHS/FEMA courses and trainings. This agreement will be effective January 1, 2026 through December 11,2026 and no county funds are required. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Public Safety,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an oil and gas lease between Washington County and Range Resources for property owned by the county in Jefferson and Hanover Townships,Washington County,PA, consisting of 99.838 acres. Range Resources will pay the county a lease bonus payment of$3,000/acre,an additional unitization fee of$1,500/acre, and an 18.5% royalty from production. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, the proposed amendments and revisions to the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program which is part of the county's annual action plan. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a commercial agreement and a land lease between Washington County and Hangar One,LLC and Friend Aircare, Inc., for the airport Hangar located at 620 Airport Road,Washington,PA.The term will be for 291/2 years effective date of agreement through August 19,2055. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 2736 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA JA+1RllM1TE0_E1.QRQQ9IKY _ _ _ - Chief Clerk, on behalf of Human Resources, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an updated Military Leave of Absence Policy. This policy will be updated to allow employees on military leave the option to,upon request, extend military leave to a total of thirty (30) days in a fiscal year. Military employees can carry over unused miliary leave into the next fiscal year allowing them to accumulate up to thirty (30) days. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Children &Youth Services,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval,a provider agreement with PA Parent and Family Alliance to provide peer support for parents and primary caregivers who are involved with Washington County Child Welfare or at risk of such involvement. This contract is for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30,2026 and the authorization amount is $355,037, no additional county funds are required. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Behavioral Health &Developmental Services,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, the 2026 Administrative Entity Operating Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs beginning January 1, 2026. This agreement is a requirement from the State to maintain ID/A (Intellectual Disabilities/Autism) oversight in Washington County, and no county funds are required. Moved by Ms.Janis;seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Human Services,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a provider agreement with The Union Mission for housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and families for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30,2026. The contract authorization amount is $712,261, and no additional county funds are required. Moved by Ibis.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Purchasing and Public Safety,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an extension and amendment with Crown Castle and SBA for structural analysis at P25 Radio Project tower sites in an amount not to exceed$150,000. These funds will be used for modifications discovered during the structural analysis, zoning, permitting and inspection fees. Costs will be paid from the General Fund. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. 2737 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IM8 L1Iy111_EQ.118484g1KV Chief Clerk,on behalf of Purchasing and Public Safety,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval,a license agreement with SBA Towers,LLC for the Avella radio tower site at a cost of$3,500/month for 5 years with an annual 3%escalation. Costs will be paid from Public Safety's 911 fund.This agreement will automatically renew for 4 additional terms of 5 years each,unless terminated within 120 days prior to renewal. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis —Yes; Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Purchasing and Public Safety, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a license agreement with SBA Towers IV,LLC for the McGuffey Road radio tower site at a cost of$3,950/month for 5 years with an annual 3%escalation. Costs will be paid from Public Safety's 911 fund. This agreement will automatically renew for 4 additional terms of 5 years each,unless terminated within 120 days prior to renewal. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Chief Clerk, on behalf of Purchasing and Public Safety,presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an addendum to the license agreement with SBA Towers,LLC (dated December 14, 2016), for the East Finley radio tower site at an increased cost of$1,500/month with an annual 3% escalation. Costs will be paid from Public Safety's 911 fund. This year-to-year agreement will be effective on date of agreement unless terminated by either party with a 30-day written notice. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jajuan Golden, a Washington resident in recovery, shared his personal experience of receiving services through the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission (WDAC). He credited the agency and its staff with providing critical support,resources and guidance during his transition from treatment to independent living. He stated that WDAC plays a significant role in his continued recovery and personal stability. Ryan Kelley, a Washington resident also in recovery, said he and his wife received assistance from WDAC with access to treatment and reuniting with their children. He expressed concern regarding proposed changes to the single county authority structure and urged the Board to maintain WDAC's current role, stating the existing system has been effective in supporting recovery efforts. A.C. Rowland raised concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement (ICE) and voting access,mail processing and public safety. She also questioned what actions the county would take to address voter intimidation, the protection of residents and to ensure community safety. Laura Dieterle, Director of Clinical and Case Management Services at WDAC, stated that the agency had developed a strong,collaborative drug and alcohol service system over the past 20 years. She said WDAC's care was supported in a recent Hill Group study. She raised concerns about the Board's prior opioid settlement funding decisions,noting that several grants were denied or remain under review by the Pennsylvania Opioid Trust,potentially requiring repayment of funds. 2738 MINUTE BOOK BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA -1MFj uMITED 18Q8491K Ms. Dieterle opposed restructuring the single county authority, asserting it is unnecessary and could undermine an effective system. George Lammey, a Scenery Hill resident,retired school superintendent, and WDAC board member, expressed concern regarding opioid settlement fund management and the proposed restructuring of the single county authority. Cautioning, he said the restructuring could create additional taxpayer costs and administrative disruption. He requested the advisory committee operate independently, that the single county authority structure remain unchanged, and that agency representatives be permitted to speak at future meetings. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE None. SOLICITOR'S REPORT Solicitor Sweat requested approval of tax refunds in the amount of$100.26. Moved by Ms.Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi—Yes;Ms.Janis—Yes;Mr. Sherman—Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Cycle B Tax Refunds - 02/17/2026 - BOC Meering No. 122YEAR AMI` DATE NAME ADDRESS CITY ST ZIP DISTRICT PARCEL I'ATRESS O40-024- 2024 S 15.72 2/2/2026 (()NAT11AN 303L&RYI?RS XY('_1M�)RI? B1,N"I'LI?Y1"}1,I,R PA 15314 B}?N"I'l.lil'V}I,1,F. 00-02- N AN CY 0024 00 YOUNG 33 JONES 130-009- 2024 $ 29.77 2/2/2026 DONALD II M ILANE MONONGAELA PA 15063 CARROLL 05-01- 0014-00 574 FRc)NT LAST 260-001- Cf I.1PT,1.1Iv 2024 $ 54.77 2/2/2026 GAR}"LE}? PO BOX FRF.DE1RICKTOWN PA 15333 BI's'I'I IlJ?III?M 00100 495 0 1 TOTAL $ 100.26 ANNOUNCEMENTS An executive session was held at the end of the Agenda meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to discuss personnel.The Salary and Retirement boards will convene following this meeting.The next regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners convenes at 10 AM on Thursday, March 5,2026,in this room, followed by the Salary Board.The Board wishes to express their sincere gratitude for all employees and community members who participated in their Valentine's Day Blood Drive last Friday. There being no further business, Mr. Sherman declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:36 a.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL: 2026 ATTEST: CHIEF CLl•.RK