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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-16_Commissioners' Meeting Agenda_No. 1228WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA MEETING NO. 1228 THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 — PHOTO SESSION WITH AGENDA GUESTS AND COMMISSIONERS — PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS PUBLIC MEETING OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS VIDEO AND AUDIO LIVE -STREAMED VIA THE COMMISSIONERS' YOU TUBE CHANNEL. AGENDA I OPENING OF MEETING A. Prayer B. Pledge of Allegiance II APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES III SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Proclamation National Library Week Proclamation Sexual Assault Awareness Month Pastor Caleb Ramey Claysville Christian Church US Army Veteran Capt. Joseph Popielarcheck Minutes No. 1227 — April 2, 2026 Diane Ambrose, Administrator WC Library System Joanna Dragan, Supervisor Sexual Violence Services, The CARE Center IV AGENDA COMMENTS Only for residents who have signed in and are wishing to comment on today's agenda items. THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE SPEAKERS DURING PUBLIC COMMENT ARE EXCLUSIVELY THOSE OF THE SPEAKERS AND DO NOT REFLECT OR REPRESENT THOSE OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND HAVE NOT BEEN VERIFIED. V THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSES VI OLD BUSINESS A. CHANGE ORDER— PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission requests the Commissioners approve Supplement Number 1 for the Cross Creek #33 Bridge Replacement Project. This change is required to account for tractor trailer deliveries to businesses along County Park Road. This change will increase project costs by $43,954.56, resulting in a total project cost of $463,442.23. This project is 100% federally funded. B. ADDENDUM AGREEMENT— HUMAN SERVICES Human Services requests the Commissioners approve HUD Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding allocations for emergency shelter and homeless prevention services. • Connect, Inc. - $130,653 • Domestic Violence Services of SWPA - $43,000 • BluePrints - $111,000 C. RFP AWARD — PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, requests the Commissioners award the RFP for mental health transitional housing to the Mental Health Association of Washington County at an estimated cost of $321,530. This contract is effective date of agreement through project completion. This was the lowest, most responsive, and responsible RFP received. RFP responses were reviewed and recommended for award by BHDS. D. BID AWARD — PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of the Planning Commission and Administration, requests the Commissioners award the construction materials bid to RC Concrete (Burgettstown, PA) for retaining wall blocks, delivery and improvements along the Panhandle Trail and the Burgettstown Borough parking lot, in the amount of $40,565. E. BID EXTENSION — PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of the Planning Commission, requests the Commissioners extend the bid contract (No. 041624) with EnviroScience, Inc. (Stow, OH), for dam diagnostics and repairs. This contract will be effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, with options to extend for two additional one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the agreement. Page 2 F. BID EXTENSION — PURCHASING Purchasing requests the Commissioners extend the bid contract (No. 032421-OS) with WB Mason Co., Inc. (North Versailles, PA) and HiTouch Business Services LLC (LaVergne, TN) for office supplies. This extension will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the original contract and will be effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, with no remaining extension options. G. BID EXTENSION — PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Buildings & Grounds, requests the Commissioners extend the bid contract (No. 032624) to Powell's Auto Body (Bentleyville, PA) for vehicle repairs and maintenance for Sections I, III, and IV at the recommended rates. This contract extension will be effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, with no remaining extension options. • I. General mechanical repairs - $90/hr. - $70/hr. (framework) • III. Body repairs - $61/hr. - $44/hr. (material) • IV. Air conditioning system repairs - $90/hr. H. CHANGE ORDER— PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Project Management, requests the Commissioners approve Change Order No. 1 with Adamo Demolition Company, Inc. (Detroit, MI) for the removal of the 9-1-1 Annex renovation scope from Courthouse Square demo project (Contract No. 030425-CHS). This change reflects a decrease of $88,150 in the overall contracted amount, resulting in a revised project total of $1,467,550. This change order was reviewed and recommended by Project Management and NAI Burns Scalo. Page 3 VII NEW BUSINESS A. BOARD APPOINTMENTS —CHIEF CLERK Chief Clerk requests the Commissioners approve the reappointments of Suzanne Campbell, Leah Dietrich, Deborah Mahoney, and Emily Plesa to the Behavioral Health Advisory Board. B. TRAINING & TRAVEL — CHIEF CLERK Chief Clerk, on behalf of the Coroner, requests the Commissioners approve the cost of training and all travel -related fees, within the rules of the county's travel policy, for two Deputy Coroners (B.J. McKay and Aubrey Onorato) to attend a seminar on April 24, 2026 in Johnstown, PA. The cost of the seminar is $80/person and will be paid from the Coroner's operating budget. C. AGREEMENT — CHIEF CLERK Chief Clerk, on behalf of the Sheriff, requests the Commissioners approve an Intergovernmental Corporation Agreement between the City of Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Washington County Sheriff's Department to provide a licensed police officer and canine to assist in public safety control for the NFL Draft between April 20-26, 2026. D. GRANT — FINANCE Finance, on behalf of Probation Services, requests the Commissioners approve a renewal grant agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Juvenile Court Judges Commission, for the juvenile probation services grant program. This agreement is in the amount of $250,889, will be effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and no county funds are required. E. GRANTS — FINANCE Finance, on behalf of Public Safety, requests the Commissioners approve and ratify applications for the 2026-2027 Hazardous Materials Response (HMRF), Radiological Response (RERF), and Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Planning (HMPG) grants. No county funds are required. Page 4 F. PROVIDER AGREEMENT — CHILDREN & YOUTH SERVICES Children & Youth Services requests the Commissioners approve a provider agreement with National Mentor Healthcare, LLC d/b/a Pennsylvania Mentor, for placement services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This contract authorization amount is $150,000, and no additional county funds are required. G. AGREEMENT ADDENDUM— HUMAN SERVICES Human Services requests the Commissioners approve an addendum to the agreement with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for the administration of the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This contract authorization amount will be increased from $300,000 to $330,009.56, and no additional county funds are required. H. RR —PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Human Services, requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of an RFP for homeless assistance programming. RFP — PURCHASING Purchasing requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of an RFP for new entrance signage at all county parks. J. BIDS — PURCHASING Purchasing requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of bids for county campus dumpster and waste removal services. K. BIDS — PURCHASING Purchasing requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of bids for office security panels. L. BIDS — PURCHASING Purchasing requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of bids for county flooring projects. M. RR —PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Public Safety, requests the Commissioners authorize the advertisement of an RFP for a commodity flow study to monitor hazardous materials. Page 5 N. AGREEMENT— PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Information Technology, requests the Commissioners approve a 12-month renewal agreement with 1 Path Managed Services, LLC (Red Helm) for cloud services at the recommended monthly rates. • $55.40/20 Internet bandwidth • $300.00/Silver level storage (3000@.10 each) • $1,518.72/Mail store e-mail archiving per mailbox/license only • $2,280.52/Proofpoint e-mail security advanced per mailbox/email security and encryption O. AGREEMENT— PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of the Public Defender, requests the Commissioners approve an agreement with Attorney Dennis P. Popojas to provide appellate and research services at $75/hour for up to 10 hours/week. Costs will be paid with PCCD grant funds. P. AGREEMENT— PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of the District Attorney, requests the Commissioners approve an agreement with Batterman Engineering LLC for forensic, accident reconstruction, biomechanics and file review services at the submitted rate of $500/hour for PHD-level review, and $300/hour for MME-level review including additional allowable expenses. This agreement will be effective date of agreement through December 31, 2026, and will be paid with funds from the District Attorney's operating budget. Q. AGREEMENT— PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Court Administration, Probation Services and Buildings & Grounds, requests the Commissioners approve an agreement with McMillen Engineering Inc. for construction and bid specifications, engineering services, construction oversight and bid negotiating/RFI responses for the Family Court Center (FCC) roof project at a total cost of $33,950. This agreement will be effective date of agreement through completion of the construction phase of the project. Page 6 R. AGREEMENT — PURCHASING Purchasing, on behalf of Information Technology and the District Attorney, requests the Commissioners approve a 36-month equipment lease with Lenovo Financial Services for eight (8) laptops (ThinkPad T16 Gen 4) at a monthly cost of $314.13. Costs will be paid through the District Attorney's operating budget and will be effective date of agreement. VIII PUBLIC COMMENTS For residents who have signed in and are wishing to make general comments. THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE SPEAKERS DURING PUBLIC COMMENT ARE EXCLUSIVELY THOSE OF THE SPEAKERS AND DO NOT REFLECT OR REPRESENT THOSE OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND HAVE NOT BEEN VERIFIED. IX THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSES X SOLICITOR'S REPORT Tax refund request in the amount of $108,905.67 XI ANNOUNCEMENTS Today's Salary Board meeting has been canceled, and the next regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in this room, followed by the Salary Board. XII ADJOURNMENT Page 7 Minute No. 1227 April 2, 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: Solicitor Michael Cruny; County Administrator Daryl Price; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin; Public Affairs Director Nicole Ford; Administrative Assistants Debbie Corson, Heather Wilhelm, Casey Graelish and Randi Marodi; Veterans Affairs Coordinator Leigh Mawhinney; US Army Veteran Sgt. Thomas Monroe; Pastor Rich Muckle from Central Assembly of God, Houston, PA; Human Services Administrator Dr. John Tamiggi and Deputy Administrator Tiffany Milovac; County Project Manager Joe Bendik; Sheriff Anthony Andronas and Deputy Sheriff Anthony Mosco; Human Resources Director Andrea Johnston; BHDS Administrator Jennifer Scott and Deputy Administrator Lisa Milan and Autism Director Shiela Fullerton; CYS Administrator Jessica Sphar and Deputy Administrator Hilary Burchett; PA One Call System Damage Prevention Liaison Brandon Dujmic, Sr.; WJPA Journalist Joe Jasek; and residents Sarah Hilderbrand and Laura Dieterle. Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:07 a.m. and announced the meeting was being video and audio live -streamed via the Commissioners' YouTube channel. Mr. Sherman introduced Pastor Rich Muckle from Central Assembly of God, Houston, PA, who led the meeting in prayer. Mr. Maggi introduced US Army Veteran Sgt. Thomas Monroe of California, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Sherman entertained a motion to approve Minutes No. 1226, dated March 19, 2026. Moved by Ms. Janis: seconded by Mr. Maggi, approving Minutes No. 1226, 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 April 2026 as Month of the Young Child in Washington County. The proclamation highlighted the importance of high -quality early learning, early intervention services for children birth to age three, and the role of families as a child's first teacher. A motion to accept the proclamation was made by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The proclamation was accepted by BHDS Administrator Jennifer Scott and Deputy Administrator Lisa Milan. Ms. Scott thanked the commissioners and acknowledged the work of early intervention staff serving approximately 141 infants and toddlers, noting recent transitions in service coordination units and emphasizing the county's commitment to supporting young children and families. Mr. Maggi read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in Washington County. The proclamation recognized the prevalence of autism, affirmed the rights of autistic individuals toward inclusion and independence, and emphasized the county's commitment to awareness and reducing stigmas. A motion to accept the proclamation was made by Mr. Maggi; seconded by Ms. Janis. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The proclamation was accepted by BHDS Administrator Jennifer Scott and Deputy Administrator Lisa Milan. Ms. Scott expressed gratitude to community partners supporting neurodiverse residents and announced an upcoming Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Awareness event at the Chartiers Community Center. Ms. Janis read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The proclamation emphasized the importance of safe, stable families and community partnerships in preventing abuse. A motion to accept the proclamation was made by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The proclamation was accepted by CYS Administrator Jessica Sphar, who thanked the commissioners for their support and described the agency's shift toward prevention services. She reported that 3,148 children were served in 2025, with over 90% safely maintained in their homes despite staffing shortages. She noted that no child deaths due to abuse or neglect occurred in 2025. The Board commended CYS leadership and staff for their dedication. Mr. Maggi read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month. The proclamation recognized PA 811's role in coordinating excavation notifications and protecting underground utilities. A motion to accept the proclamation was made by Mr. Maggi; seconded by Ms. Janis. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. The proclamation was accepted by PA One Call System Damage Prevention Liaison Brandon Dujmic who thanked the commissioners and encouraged residents to contact 811 before any digging project. Mr. Sherman noted his past involvement in federal legislation establishing the national 811 system following a Pennsylvania home explosion incident. AGENDA COMMENTS None. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE None. OLD BUSINESS Solicitor Cruny, on behalf of Purchasing and Project Management, recommended the Board approve the revised scope of work with StoneMile Group, Inc., at a total cost of $87,517.05 for the 911 Annex ramp and door project. This amount will be refunded to the county as an $88,000 project credit from the Adamo Group. The revised scope includes: • Construction of a new exterior deck • Installation of new railing • Installation of two new exterior doors • Roof hatch installation • Temporary wall • Construction of a new concrete access ramp Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Cruny, on behalf of Purchasing and pursuant to Section 1805 of the County Code governing the sale or disposition of personal property of the County, recommended the Board authorize a resolution for the donation of a 2014 Dodge Durango from the District Attorney's Office to be utilized by Monongahela City Police Department, who has formally requested the donation, has completed the "Application for Donation," and has met all required criteria. Moved by Ms. Janis; seconded by Mr. Maggi. Roll call vote taken: Mr. Maggi — Yes; Ms. Janis — Yes; Mr. Sherman — Yes. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Chief Clerk presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, the appointment of Jeffrey Alvarez to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board (SWCWDB). 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 presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a Letter of Authorization, from Public Safety, for Jeff Parthemore (Tower Services Unlimited, Inc.) and Scott Hartman (Mission 1 Communications) to act on the county's behalf to coordinate and complete utility service setup and related administrative tasks for the radio communication sites and radio system. This authorization is effective March 17, 2026 through March 17, 2027, unless revoked in writing by the county. 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 Resources, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an Al (Artificial Intelligence) policy. This policy is intended to protect employees, residents, and the county while enabling appropriate and beneficial uses of Al to support county services, efficiency, and decision -making. 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 Resources, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a Web Accessibility Policy. This policy outlines the county's mission to support website access for all persons. 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 Resources, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an updated Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Policy. This policy will be updated to reflect personnel changes since the policy's inception date. 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 Resources, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, the contract with the NCEU (National Correctional Employees Union) Local 132. The three-year contract is effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, and calls for a 3% annual raise for years 2026, 2027 and 2028. 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 Parks & Recreation, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, authorizing the advertising of bids for the Cross Creek County Park Shoreline Preservation Project. 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 Corrections, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, an agreement with Allegheny County for the provision of housing adult offenders on an as -needed basis, as per the contract conditions including $177.81/inmate/day, plus medical expenses, to be paid from Corrections' operating budget. This agreement will be effective April 1, 2026 to May 30, 2027, unless terminated with a 30-day written notice. Note: Contingent upon Prison Board approval. 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, Washington County's participation in WestCORE (Western Counties Regional Emergency), a regional cooperative group, which was formed to support the acquisition and implementation of 911 technologies, including emergency phone equipment. Costs will be fully funded by PEMA. 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 Information Technology, presented to the Board for their consideration and approval, a payment to ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) in the amount of $60,733 for software maintenance. This supports the GIS software utilized by Public Safety, Tax Assessment and Planning. This service will be purchased in accordance with COSTARS, and therefore, does not require bidding. Costs will be shared between the three departments. 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 Resident and Director of Clinical and Case Management Services at the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission (WDAC), Laura Dieterle addressed the Board regarding the Pennsylvania Opioid Abatement Trust's recent determination that an additional $550,000 in the county's opioid settlement funding was non -compliant, bringing the total amount identified as non -compliant to nearly $900,000. She stated that this reflects a pattern of mismanagement by the Board and the Human Services Department, alleging that funds intended for opioid treatment, prevention and recovery were used for unrelated purposes and that required information was withheld from the Trust. Ms. Dieterle expressed concern that repayment requirements could impact taxpayers or reduce future settlement allocations. She also criticized the structure and transparency of the county's funding review board, noting potential conflicts of interest. Ms. Dieterle urged the Board to ensure accountability and to protect funding intended to support individuals affected by addiction. Resident Sarah Hilderbrand spoke about her personal experience with the opioid crisis, sharing that her father died from an accidental overdose and her brother is in long-term recovery with support from the WDAC. She stated that opioid settlement funds exist to repair harm caused by the opioids and asserted that the county misused these funds on projects unrelated to treatment or recovery. Ms. Hilderbrand referenced the Opioid Abatement Trust's funding of nearly $900,000 in non -compliant spending and criticized the county for funding projects she believes undermine the WDAC's role. She questioned the county's oversight of the settlement funds and expressed concern about who would be responsible for repayment. COMMISSIONERS' RESPONSE Mr. Sherman responded that non -compliant programs cannot be funded again, and the money does not need to be repaid. Ms. Hilderbrand and Mr. Sherman also discussed prior attempts at follow-up communication, with Mr. Sherman requesting she provide her phone number again. SOLICITOR'S REPORT None. ANNOUNCEMENTS An executive session was held at the end of the Agenda meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 to discuss personnel. The Salary Board will follow this meeting, and the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in this room, followed by the Salary Board. All county offices will be closed tomorrow (April 3, 2026) in observance of Good Friday. There being no further business, Mr. Sherman declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:42 a.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL: ATTEST: CHIEF CLERK 2026