A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. Mayor Brenda Davis, presiding, opened this meeting.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Present
Councilman Joseph Manning – Present
Councilman Terry Faust – Present
Mayor Brenda Davis – Present
SOLICITOR: John F. Cambest, Esquire – Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Mayor and Council held an Executive Session prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss potential litigation.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2014 regular meeting of Washington City Council.
Mayor Davis then opened the public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
- Chief Linn Brookman gave 3 reports for the month of April. They were as follows: The Fire Department had 139 total calls, 30 of these calls were medical, 5 structure fires with 1 arson. Mr. McIntyre’s Code Enforcement Department had 126 calls for service, 88 violations were mailed out with a total of $4,536.19 for incoming funds. The Building Department issued 21 permits with 6 of these being residential and 11 were commercial permits. Fees collected during the month of April were $4,279.95 with total year-to-date income at $11,302.00 Chief Brookman said that we are still waiting for the Trust Building Project to begin.
- Chief Chris Luppino gave April’s report for the Police Department. There were 805 calls of service, 125 traffic violations, 51 non-traffic violations, and 41 criminal arrests. Total miles traveled were 10,334. Monies taken in were as follows: $675.00 for accident reports, $55.00 for incident reports, $60.00 for fingerprinting, and $300.00 for vehicle release forms. Total income was $1,090.00
- Gene Vittone, District Attorney, presented a check in the amount of $4,785.00 for the Police Department’s Total Station (software). This is ½ the cost of this station and software. District Attorney Vittone asked Chief Luppino to explain this system. Chief Luppino said that this would aid them in major crime and major vehicle accidents giving great data. We have needed this tool for years. Gene Vittone said that this check is from the Drug Forfeiture Money. District Attorney Vittone thanked our Police Department for being fantastic partners and in supplying a Police Officer to aid the Drug Task Force.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis thanked District Attorney Gene Vittone for bringing more money to the City.
District Attorney Gene Vittone thanked Mayor Davis and said that the relationship is working out very well in keeping our residents safe.
Mayor Davis thanked her colleagues for passing this motion last month. She continued by telling Gene Vittone that he is welcome to come back at any time.
- Debbie and John Elmore, owners of Mr. Gyros Restaurant, spoke about their concern over Tripil’s ownership of the parking lot where most of their customers park. She said that they have made multiple calls to Tripil, at different times, but have not received any response back. They also tried to negotiate some things but again no response back from Tripil. Debbie said that this is a great concern of theirs and they were wondering if there is something that Mayor and Council can do regarding parking for their customers. She continued by saying that they feel this is one of the best parts of our City; and they have worked hard to keep their restaurant looking nice. Debbie asked if there could be any parking discounts or additional parking spaces for their customers. She asked if someone could get back to them.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this would be taken into consideration. She also thanked Debbie and John Elmore for investing in the City of Washington.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve City of Washington to continue sponsorship of the Highway Safety Grant for FY 2014/2015. This is a pass through grant through the PA Department of Transportation for Traffic Safety Education in the 4 counties of PennDOT District #12 (Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland). Grant application is due to PennDOT by May 31, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the subdivision application to existing parcels at 503 N. Main Street, Washington, PA — submitted by Richard Heiser of 1200 Ross Street, Canonsburg, PA. Applicant is selling commercial garage lot and is separating the red brick apartments with room for six (6) vehicles to park.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to North Central Highway Safety Network, Inc. in the amount of $12,239.55 for Reimbursement #3 (2014). CHARGE 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $13,361.31 for professional services – Catfish Creek Project. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to EG & G Inc. in the amount of $260.30 for
H2O – Strawberry Alley – Construction Administration. CHARGE 85.00/408-000 (LSA)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Morgan Excavating, L.P. in the amount of $43,618.84 for 2013 Area Wide Inlet Replacement Project. CHARGE 96.00/446-000
(Marcellus Shale)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $415.00 for Recycle Center Design 2/1/14 – 2/28/14. CHARGE 77.00/454-700 (Capital Improvement Fund – Park Capital Improvements)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $1,820.00 for Recycle Center Design 3/1/14 – 4/4/14. CHARGE 77.00/454-700 (Capital Improvement Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $140.00 for Summerlea Avenue Storm Water Project. CHARGE 85.00/438-000 (LSA Funds – Street Improvements Summerlea Avenue)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $990.00 for Summerlea Avenue Storm Water Project. CHARGE 85.00/438-000 (LSA Funds – Street Improvements Summerlea Avenue)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $985.00 for 50 Campbell Street Storm Sewer Project. CHARGE 96.00/446-000 (Marcellus Shale)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $105.00 for 2013 Area Wide Inlet Replacement. CHARGE 96.00/446-000 (Marcellus Shale)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $4,488.75 for services rendered through April 25, 2014. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget Transfer for the Treasurer’s Department of
$8,500 FROM (Fire Damaged Buildings Escrow) TO (General Fund) per Release of Escrow Agreement.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis thanked our Solicitor for cleaning this up and moving this forward. It has been on the books for many years.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the certification and release of property located at 805 Addison Street, Washington County Parcel Identification Number: 780-015-00-01-0020-00
(Gary W. & Cathy Yoders) to the Washington County Redevelopment Authority for
- Necessary forms to do so must be completed.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said there is another house being torn down in the West End.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget Transfer of $3,340.33 FROM 85.00/100-000
(LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to James E. Shaw in the amount of $425.00. His reservation for Washington Park pavilion has been cancelled per his request. CHARGE 01.53/367-673
(Park Shelters)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to object the bid amount of $500.00 listed on Repository Sale Statement for Parcel #780-008-00-02-0021-00 (543-545-547 Fayette Street, Commercial Lot).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve opening of bids for road maintenance materials.
Solicitor John Cambest opened the 1 Bid that was received. It was as follows:
Del-Sir Supply Inc.
660 W. Pike Street
PO Box 335
Meadowlands, PA 15347
10% Bid Bond Included
100 Ton 2A Modified Crushed Limestone: $20.74 (Unit Price Delivered At Job Site)
75 Ton 2B Crushed Limestone: $22.71 (Unit Price Delivered At Job Site)
800 Ton Road Cinders (Winter Maintenance: $16.93 (Unit Price Delivered At Job Site)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to reject the bid and re-advertise.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) regarding purchase of new Police Car. Insurance checks have been received. Request for the checks to be made payable to the following: Tri-Star Motors in the amount of $24,655.00 (2014 Ford Police Interceptor), Team Force Inc. in the amount of $6,280.16 (Radio and Equipment), and Layton Graphics and Sign in the amount of $600.00 (Marking of Police Unit). Team Force check will be reduced due to the fact that most of the equipment out of Car #15 was salvaged. Team Force’s bill is mostly for labor and only a few pieces of equipment damaged in the accident.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve amendment of the Salary Ordinance (Parks and Public Buildings) – retroactive April 1, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $533,781.16 for ACT 205 Distressed Pension Collections through 4/22/2014. CHARGE 79.00/483-000
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to file application for DCED Multi Modal Transportation Grant.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to file application for Greenways Grant – Trail Project.”
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated, “the City is still moving forward with applying on a consistent basis to a lot of different funding sources. This is in order to move the Comprehensive Plan forward. These are good things that continue to go on.”
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, approve the hiring of (1) City of Washington Public Works Mechanic at an hourly rate of $19.78 and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.
Hire date: Monday, May 19, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, approve to approve the Supplemental Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement providing for the payment of the additional cost of the sump pump in the amount of $25,521.30 resulting in an increase in the contract with Professional Mechanical Sales and Services, Inc. per Change Order No. 1. (This is for the Washington Citizens Library.)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Change Order No. 1 for Professional Mechanical Sales and Services, Inc. for the sump pump additional in the amount of $25,521.30 to be paid for by Citizens Library in accordance with the Supplemental Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to ratify the payment of the sums of $29,592.00 and $118,840.50 to Professional Mechanical Sales and Services, Inc., which were previously approved and paid by the Citizens Library Association of Washington, Pennsylvania.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Washington City Transit Item: Waller Change OrderNo. 6 concerning unsuitable soil at a negotiated cost of $8,318.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Washington City Transit Item: Based on a recommendation of the fixed route RFP evaluation panel, authorize the Transit Department and City Solicitor to commence negotiations with MV Transportation, Inc. to arrive at agreement on terms and conditions of a final contract subject to approval by Washington City Council.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $69,881.42 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in March 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-455
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $10,757.06 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in March 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-455
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $1,251.54
Breakdown as follows:
Ruby Tuesday’s – Meal Tip State College/PennTrain – $1.24
Bank Card Services – Interest – $3.88
Mega Bus – Travel to Harrisburg – $24.50
AmTrak – Travel to Philadelphia – $54.00
The Toffee House – Gift Bag Filler – $120.00
CoGo’s Washington – Fuel for Transit Vehicle – $39.14
Marriot Hotel – PPTA-Lodging & Parking – $344.56
Turkey Hill – Fuel for Transit Vehicle – $37.62
PPTA – Registration Conference – $299.00
Marriot Hotel – PPTA-Lodging & Parking – $327.60
to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Roberta Gostic, in the amount of $17.68 for meal allowance for PPTA, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Lombardi’s Auto Services in the amount of $274.42 for Transit Vehicle repairs & inspection, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to WJPA Radio in the amount of $700.00 for advertising HS Wrestling, WPIAL’s & PIAA, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $84.85 internet service for transit’s farebox networking, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197006 in the amount of $602.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through February 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197007 in the amount of $865.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through March 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. #4 in the amount of $2,700.00 for HVAC contracted services for ITF performed through April 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #3 in the amount of $13,230.00 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through March 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Washington City Transit payment to Wheels Mechanical CS Inc. #3 in the amount of $22,579.20 for Plumbing contracted services for ITF performed through April 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott asked for an update from Joe Thomas on the completion date and where we stand on the intermodal.
Joe Thomas stated that officially the completion date has not changed from late June (around the 28th). There a discussion among the contractors about the
Councilman Westcott said, “it looks like we are moving along. Great job.”
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Washington-East Washington Joint Authority in the amount of $4,875.00 for Tap-In fee, conditioned on a deduction change order of $4,875.00 from Waller Corporation to cover this cost. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said, “after further review the amount started out at around $11,000.00 and, speaking on behalf of WEWJA, we were able to reduce this amount. He further stated that, being his thoughts on this, he does not want to be in the habit of being a finance company for someone else in paying the bill. This will be taken in consideration the next time something comes up.”
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Engel-Hambright & Davies, Inc. as the plan administrators for Workers Compensation Insurance for the plan year.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to authorize AmeriHealth to provide the City of Washington with Workers Compensation coverage in the amount of $237,470.00 with a down payment of $71,946.08 CHARGE 01.60/484-195 (Miscellaneous Workers Compensation)
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked our Solicitor if he had a motion that he wanted to make.
Solicitor, John (Jack) Cambest stated, “Madame Mayor, I would ask that the Council consider a motion to advertise the following Ordinance: an Ordinance amending the Penalty, Interest and Fee Schedule for work in collecting delinquent accounts by adding the 5% commission due to the Washington County Tax Claim Bureau.”
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to advertise an Ordinance amending the Penalty, Interest and Fee Schedule for work in collecting delinquent accounts by adding the 5% commission due to the Washington County Tax Claim Bureau.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham: No Comment
Councilman Kenneth Westcott reminded everyone about our Clean-Up Day on Saturday,
May 10th. Christy will be handing out the gloves and bags. He urged everyone to participate. Our crime watch from West End will be participating along with other folks helping out.
Councilman Joseph Manning wanted to draw everyone’s attention to #23 and #24 on our Agenda. The City has now entered into a new insurance agreement with a new insurance broker. This became necessary because last year we took a major hit as far as our Workers Compensation goes and, too, as well as our Property and Liability. We have been aggressively pursuing other options. The new plan will begin as of today. The savings will be $22,000.00 under this new plan. We are waiting to get back quotes for our Property and Liability. We are hoping to see this amount of savings as well. We are working hard to keep an eye on the bottom line for everyone.
Councilman Terry Faust commended Councilman Manning for what he did as far as this insurance savings. Councilman Faust said that he is speaking on behalf of his colleagues as well. This savings is very much appreciated.
Mayor Brenda Davis made the following motion:
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously
carried, to enter into an agreement with for the release and non-disclosure agreement with
Columbia Gas for the video release. (This was omitted off of the Agenda by mistake).
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked if there was any public comment.
Mayor Davis continued by saying, as Councilman Westcott mentioned, the citywide Clean-Up Day will be Saturday, May 10th. The dumpsters will be located at St. Paul AME Church, 8th Ward Playground, and the Tylerdale Fire Station. There have already been organizations and groups who have come in to get trash bags, gloves, and vests at the City Clerk’s office. If any of you know an organization that would like to participate in this Clean-Up Day it would be greatly appreciated. Also, there is a Stop The Violence Picnic on Saturday, May 24th from 3PM to 8PM at Washington Park. This is being conducted by community members coming together to raise awareness and engage the youth to let them know that there are more positive things they can do as opposed to the life of crime and violence. Mayor Davis thanked the Washington Police Department and the Detective Unit in their hard work in solving and arresting the alleged individuals who caused the tragedy that occurred in our City. Mayor Davis said that she is stopped daily and asked to give them thanks and appreciation for all of their time and hard work. She asked the President of the FOP, who was present in the audience, to relay this message to all of the Police at their next meeting. Mayor Davis thanked everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to be here this evening.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott reminded everyone about the Stevie Woods basketball game on Saturday, May 17th at Washington High School at 6PM. He is an advocate for local youth. He is trying to create opportunities and activities for the youth. He had this game last year and he does a tremendous job with the kids in the community.
Mayor Davis also reminded everyone of the 1st Public Comment on the updated Zoning Ordinance with the City of Washington and East Washington. This will be held on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20th at 6PM at Washington High School gymnasium. This was strategically planned this way because there will be 2 precincts voting; so, we are hoping that our residents who do their civic duty that day will stop in. There will be a presentation from the folks who have been administering the update of our Zoning Ordinance. We will discuss the types of uses that will be permitted in those districts. We have been undertaking this now for approximately 1 year. We encourage the public to stop by and give their comment. Where you live, if you do not like something that is occurring, then you need to let us know so that we can have some input from the public. It is vitally important that you come. That’s Tuesday, May 20th at 6PM
Councilman Faust stressed that this is very important. This is for everyone and everyone’s neighborhood. Your input must be heard. This is one of the most important things that the City is trying to be re-doing in bringing up to date. This is where it starts and where your zoning is. We will get the word to the Observer and WJPA to let the citizens know.
Mayor Davis pointed out so that everyone knows that 4 years ago when the City started the process of the Comprehensive Plan, and 2 years ago when we adopted the Comprehensive Plan . . . one of the first recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan, and this being one of the most important recommendations, was that the City and East Washington update their Zoning Ordinance. This is another part of moving the Comprehensive Plan forward to make a better and safer City of Washington. This is a 10-year plan. Only being in the process for the last 2 years . . . there’s 119 recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. We have successfully completed 15 of those recommendations and we are actively working on 19 of them. So, we are about 25% of the way through the Comprehensive Plan — this is wonderful news. As you know, sometimes you don’t have the resources or the manpower to actually initiate a Comprehensive Plan once you approve it. This Administration has been meeting and working very hard to make sure that the recommendations in the Plan are accomplished. This is why we are having the Zoning update.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2014 in observance of Memorial Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the meeting.
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Brenda Davis, Mayor
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Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk