A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7PM inCouncil chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. Mayor Brenda Davis, presiding, opened the meeting.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
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
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2014 special 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 May. The Fire Department had a total of 144 calls, which included 23 medical calls. Chief Brookman said that they are dealing with many overdoses. The Building Department issued 35 permits with total year-to-date permits at 98. Total monies taken in for the month of May is $3,210.90 with year-to-date income at $14,512. There were 14 residential permits and 8 commercial permits issued during the month of May.
Mr. McIntyre’s Code Enforcement Department had 142 calls of service. Expenses and fines brought in a total of $1,295.
• Chief Chris Luppino gave the Police Department’s report for May. It is as follows: 938 calls for service, 7,129 miles patrolled, 117 traffic citations, 43 non-traffic citations, and 46 criminal arrests. Monies collected were as follows: $405.00 for accident reports, $20.00 for incident reports, $70.00 for fingerprinting, $5.00 for mace permits, and $375.00 for vehicle release forms. Total money collected for the month of May was $875.
• Donna Lowe wanted to be on record regarding the project that concerns 77 Highland Avenue. Her house is adjacent to this area. Donna is not objecting to this project – she just wants to be on record in requesting answers to her concerns. She also has pictures that can be presented.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that the next person who signed in to speak would be able to explain this project and answer any questions.
Mayor Davis asked Donna if she would like to reserve her right to speak until after this next speaker.
• Jamie White from LLI Architecture presented plans and proposal for Lumos Network Telecommunications Hut at 77 Highland Avenue. Lumos already has a presence in the City at the Verizon Building on E. Beau Street. The new facility will be a 1,500 square foot building for Phase One of the project. The master plan would front on Highland Avenue and Phase Two would be completed in the next 5 years depending upon customer service to fill 5,000 square foot total projected. The existing elevation is 3 to 4 feet above the sidewalk and the driveway will be off the back of the lot onto Burton Avenue close to a utility pole. There will be an emergency generator 300kw for the telecommunication equipment and 2 to 3 vans for installation may be present at times. There should be a 40-db sound monthly for approximately 1 hour during daylight hours not to disrupt neighbors. The elevation of the building will be brick 9 to 10 feet high and dark glass block to look occupied with no signage. The building will be very plain and include a brick enclosure for the generator. Fenced off masonry concrete panels on rear wall will be temporary for the first phase and inside there will be telephone equipment similar to the Verizon Building. There will be air conditioning, computer equipment, no desks or chairs, and no bathrooms as of yet. This will be an unmanned facility with condensers on the roof. Lot size is approximately 2 acres and drainage for water will include 3 bios ales on site to keep the water on the lot. There are trees between the proposed facility and houses. Construction would start as soon as Mayor and Council give approval and will last 4 months approximately for site work.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning asked if the generator would give out noise in respect to Donna’s residence.
Jamie White responded by saying that the generator has a level 1 sound. If Donna is standing outside it will be like hearing a weed whacker; but from inside her house she will not hear any noise.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust asked is this would be in daily operation or is this for back-up?
Jamie White said that this is a back-up generator when there is a power outage and it would be tested at least monthly. There may be times it could be tested weekly and this testing will be for 1 hour at a time. This is a 24-7 operation; there is no particular time for testing but they would rather do it in daytime hours like 11AM. To put into prospective there is a generator in the Verizon Building and Jamie said that he doubts that anyone has heard that generator.
Donna Lowe asked Jamie White to verify the exact area. She discussed the driveway area. She was also concerned about trucks going back and forth.
Jamie White said it would be to the right of the area that Donna was discussing.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust asked about daily traffic during for this project.
Jamie White said that there would only be trucks during the installation and repair of equipment. After they are up and running it would be once or twice per week, not twenty trucks per day – only 1 or 2 trucks.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust asked Donna again if she was fine with this project or if she was opposed to it.
Donna Lowe said that she is not opposed to this project. She told Jamie White that she has his card / telephone number for any further questions.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
Mayor Davis then stated that she wished to swear in our new Police Officer, Golem (K-9 Officer) into the Police Department. First, Mayor Davis thanked the community for their generous donations. She thanked Patrolman Matt Karlowsky, the handler, for taking Golem into his family, his home.
Chief Chris Luppino expressed his gratitude to Mayor and Council, our community and also to Patrolman Karlowsky for his time and effort in being Patrolman Golem’s handler. Chief Luppino introduced people who made donations towards our K-9 Unit. They are as follows: Mike Neal of Neal Funeral Home, Andy McIlvaine from Coen Oil, Isiminger’s Automotive Servicenter, Bill Metzler who represented Washington Business District Authority (WBDA), and the West End Neighborhood Watch Group. Also present was PAWS Kennels who will house Patrolman Golem when Patrolman Karlowsky vacations out of town.
Patrolman Karlowsky and Patrolman Golem came forward.
Mayor Davis read the following Oath Of Office aloud:
I, Patrolman Golem, do solemnly swear of affirm that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United Stated and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the duties of my position as a City of Washington Police Officer with fidelity. That I will obey the lawful orders of my superior Officers and the regulations of the City of Washington Police Department. That I will protect the rights, lives and property of all citizens and uphold the honor of the police profession with my life if need by. This I solemnly swear.
Mike Neal presented Patrolman Karlowsky with Patrolman Golem’s Police badge.
Patrolman Matt Karlowsky extended his genuine thank you to all of the donors. He said that this all could not have happened without their help. Patrolman Karlowsky said that Patrolman Golem is 17 months old.
All in attendance applauded. Pictures were taken of this event.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. in the amount of $348.00 for replacement of yellow section of traffic signal located on Maiden Street (westbound, right) signal. CHARGE 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund — Traffic Signal Maintenance)
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 $14,273.62 for Reimbursement #4. 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 North Central Highway Safety Network, Inc. in the amount of $11,237.08 for Reimbursement #5. 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 Washington County Redevelopment Authority in the amount of $1,250.00 for Local Match – Zoning Update/SALDO. CHARGE 85.00/414-000 (LSA)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to El Grande Industries, Inc. in the amount of $16,500.00 to restore parking surface at Pinto Field. CHARGE 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project 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 $890.00 for Recycle Center Design. 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 $1,985.00 for 50 Campbell Street Storm Sewer. CHARGE 96.00/446-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee 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 2013 Area Wide Inlet Replacement. CHARGE 96.00/446-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee 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 $245.00 for Summerlea Avenue Storm Water Project. CHARGE 85.00/438-000 (LSA Funds)
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 $7,313.07 for services rendered from 4/28/2014 through 5/20/2014, included June 2014 retainer. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to EG & G in the amount of $6,500.00 for Amendment #13 Final Eng. Documents. CHARGE 60.00/489-000 (Downtown Revitalization Project Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Slusarczyk Excavating in the amount of $9,950.00 for Summerlea Avenue Stormwater 2012 Project. CHARGE 85.00/438-000 (LSA Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to EG & G in the amount of $260.30 for East Strawberry Alley Storm Sewer Project. CHARGE 60.00/489-000 (Downtown Revitalization Project Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $10,800.00 for Professional Services –Campbell Avenue Stormwater. CHARGE 96.00/446-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the resignation of Tom A. Kearns, Director of Washington Parking Authority, effective June 27, 2014, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said, “good luck Tom and thank you for your services”.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the hiring of Joseph R. Thomas, retroactive to June 2, 2014, as the Director of Washington Parking Authority for a contracted yearly salary of $25,000.00, and Council agreed upon terms as presented.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Final Reading:
FINAL READING ORDINANCE NO. 1860 BILL NO. 1 OF 2014
CITY OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1735, SECTION 3, SUBPARAGRAPH (c) TO INCLUDE A FIVE (5%) PERCENT COMMISSION FEE TO THE COUNTY OF WASHINGTON TAX CLAIM BUREAU PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CLAIMS AND TAX LIENS ACT.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this is a part of the City cleaning up some old business. For many, many years the City has not been paying what was rightfully owed to the County regarding the delinquent taxes. So, in order to get in good standings with the County and to comply with the rules and regulations we are moving forward with the Final Reading of this Ordinance.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve indemnification agreement between the City of Washington and Bill Gamble, Police/Fire Personnel Testing, Management Consultant, for the purpose of rewriting the Civil Service rules for Police and Fire-written in one document and indexed to reflect the separate requirements for each department. Technical Assistance Cost as outlined in the agreement is $1,400.00. CHARGE 01.15/410-266, and CHARGE 01.33/411-210
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize a contribution to Washington Area Fireworks Committee in the amount of $3,000.00 for 2014 Washington Fireworks
display. CHARGE 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize a contribution to the Washington Citizens Library in the amount of $25,000.00 CHARGE 01.54/456-520 (Citizens Library
Contribution Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize a contribution to the World Series Tournaments, Inc. in the amount of $2,000.00 to underwrite a portion of the Pony World
Series event. CHARGE 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize a contribution to the Bradford House Historical Association in the amount of $1,000.00 to underwrite a portion of the
Whiskey Rebellion Festival. CHARGE 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the purchase of (1) 2015 Ford Inteceptor AWD with graphics and fully outfitted at a cost of $32,115.16 CHARGE $25,000.00 to
49.00/410-740 (US Justice Capital Grant Fund) and CHARGE $7,115.16 to 77.00/410-700 (Capital Improvement Police Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Allegheny Fence Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $3,483.00 for replacement of a fence located at 424 Burton Avenue due to damage, which occurred during a city authorized construction project. CHARGE 01.34/413-452 (Code Enforcement – Abandoned/Hazard Clean Up Service.)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve $100.00 application filing fee for DCED – Multi Model Transportation Grant. CHARGE 01.14/406-240 Grant Administration/Operating Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to City of Washington for 2014 Capital Improvements in the amount of $9,697.56 (annual payments – downtown).
CHARGE 01.60/400-431 (Capital Improvement District Assessment)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to amend Budget to add expenditure line item 77.00/426-610 (Capital Improvement Fund – Recycling Pad Construction Cost) appropriating $227,915.00 to this line item. These funds will be reimbursed back once funds are received from DEP.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve additional work scope for E. G. & G for Phase III (synchromodel to compare queue lengths) not to exceed $1,200.00 CHARGE 60.00/489-000(Downtown Revitalization Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $72,375.96 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in April 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $10,196.39 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in April 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Hickson’s in the amount of $140.67 for Transit Office Supplies to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-210
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to PPTA, in the amount of $190.00 for Transit Score Class in State College, 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Observer Publishing Company in the amount of $214.02 for public notice of transit vehicle sale, 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Waller Corporation #9 in the amount of $266,358.60 for 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Waller Corporation #10 (included CO-005 & CO-006) in the amount of $261,439.20 for contracted services for ITF performed through May 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Waller Corporation #11 in the amount of $67,521.95 for contracted services for ITF performed through May 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197008 in the amount of $612.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through May 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #4 in the amount of $9,990.00 for Electrical 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #5 in the amount of $17,640.00 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through May 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Wheels Mechanical CS Inc. #4 in the amount of $69,498.00 for Plumbing contracted services for ITF performed through May 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 Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Guttman Oil Company inv. #5-7653, in the amount of $23,584.50 for the purchase of fuel for the public transit vehicles, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-231
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Joseph Thomas in the amount of $79.89 for expenses related to travel for FTA & 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 Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of PennDOT Act 44 performance review Final Action Plan.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of Title VI plan (FTA requirement).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of Fare box policy (PennDOT request).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of 2014-15 operating budget approval (FTA and PennDOT requirement).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of 2014-15 capital budget approval (FTA and PennDOT requirement).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve the Transit item of Waller Change Order No. 7 for $8,264.00
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve Transit item of Waller Change Order No. 16 for $13,756.00
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit transfer of $82,582.00 from the LSA Fund 85.00/447-000 to the Mass Transit Operating Assistance Fund 28.00/389-830 for the City of Washington’s share of the local transit operating match for the period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit resolution of local match commitment for 2014-15 fiscal year (PennDOT requirement): Total state operating funding available is $1,092,284 – local match required to access total state aid is $154,752.00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried, to approve entering into a formal payment in lieu of taxes (P.I.L.O.T.) Agreement with Washington Health Care System as presented to Mayor and Council in Executive Session on June 2, 2014 ~ upon review and approval of the Solicitor.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Abstained due to her employment with Washington Health Care Systems.
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said, “with no disrespect to his colleagues, he can not vote in favor – and he does support the income – until he reviews the agreement to which would state that if the legislation changes would Mayor and Council be able to dissolve the agreement if it benefited the City and not tie future administrations to the agreement. It states by approval of our Solicitor. Councilman Faust said that he did not receive an agreement to review and give this to our Solicitor. He appreciates and applauds Councilman Manning’s hard work through this; but he needs to see this agreement prior to agreeing to something.”
Councilman Manning stated, “he respects his colleague and his view point . . . he does not anticipate that the finalized agreement will be a lot different than it was back in 2002 when it was originally put together”. In this motion, Councilman Manning said he placed upon review and approval of our Solicitor so that he may ensure that this type of language is included. If the legislature takes action that will be the law of the land. That is what everybody will have to live with. Councilman Manning said, “this has been a long time coming”. We began working on this some time ago when the original PILOT expired in 2010. He wanted to get this in place. Councilman Manning expressed his gratitude to Washington Hospital Health Care System. If you look at what is happening in Pittsburgh with UPMC – they are having a terrible battle over their tax-exempt status. We are fortunate to have a hospital that is at least willing to meet us halfway to work with us even though they are exempt from taxes as a charitable entity. That being said they are continuing to pay taxes on the majority of their properties, they are willing to pay us what are outlined here in lieu of taxes plus the other community events that they contribute to. Councilman Manning said, “he fully supports this and that he has faith and confidence in our Solicitor that he would not lead us into something that cannot be dissolved by the action of the legislature”.
Mayor Davis commented, “this is a tough decision”. She said that she owes it to all taxpayers to relate the complete story. Mayor Davis continues by stating, “the City has had 2 PILOT agreements (prior years) and they were 10-year contracts. It is unfortunate but in 2002 the City came upon a financial hardship. The Administration went back to Washington Hospital at that time and asked if the whole amount, which was promised to the City for 10 years, could be given to the City. The money was needed to balance the budget for that particular year. Unfortunately, the City did not receive the 2% interest each year that was in that agreement because at the time the Mayor and Council decided to take that lump sum. The City lost out on 10 years worth of 2% interest each year. We came back to start a negotiation when that expired 2 years ago. Some of us on Council felt that it was an unfortunate decision that the previous Administration made; but we wanted to go back to the Hospital and ask them to start off at the amount at which the City should have been receiving. Unfortunately, they were not budging. The Hospital said that this is the way it is because the lump sum money was paid out. This is why it is taking us a couple of years to get to this point. We felt that we needed to work real hard for the taxpayers. It is unfortunate that for that many years the City was not receiving their $40,000 (a year) allotment because it was used up in one year. So we really tried hard to present it to the Hospital and get the 2% increase but they came back and said it is what it is – we don’t really have to pay taxes –take it or get nothing. The Hospital came back to us and said they would pick up where they left off in 2002 at the same amount. That is a really hard pill to swallow knowing that for the last 12 years the cost of services, the streets needing repairs that it is unfortunate that they just said no. Mayor Davis continued by saying that the Hospital said that they would give us a little bit more. They said that they would give us $46,000. Some of us tried to get a 3% interest rate but the Hospital was not willing to budge. It will take until the year of 2019 to get to where we should have been in 2012. This is a tough decision because you want to fight for the City and fight for what you believe is right. It is really difficult to pass up $46,000.00 a year when they don’t have to pay anything. My point is that we really did try to come up with more revenue for the taxpayers of the City. At least we can put some money into our roads and into our infrastructure that we currently do not have in our budget”.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve application for preliminary site plan and building elevations proposed for new building structure for Lumos Network Telecommunication Facility at 77 Highland Avenue.
ELECTED OFFICIALS: Councilwoman Tracie Graham thanked all of the donors for their contributions to our K9 Unit and she welcomes our new Police Officer, Golem.
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning thanked all of our local businesses who donated to our K9 Unit.
He is happy that Golem is here.
Councilman Terry Faust echoed Councilman Manning’s appreciation for our new Officer on duty. Councilman Faust spoke about our Park as there is so much going on. Donations have been requested for playground mulch. The 2014 mulch donation amount is now at $3,000.00 – this is a lot to be said. We appreciate the support that was shown for this project. The pool is scheduled to open daily beginning Wednesday, June 11th. The hot weather, both last weekend and on Memorial Day, allowed swimmers to enjoy the pool facilities. Last year it was closed on Memorial Day due to inclement weather conditions. Junior Tennis Camps will begin on Monday, June 16th. Registration forms are available at the Park Office. There are a variety of options and discounts available. We welcome the Washington Community Theatre back again this year. Please utilize their website for ticket information. This year’s production is The Music Man and is scheduled from June 24th through June 29th. The Washington Area Fireworks Committee is still seeking donations for the July 4th fireworks celebration. Any donation amount is welcome. We thank all who have already contributed. At this point in time the contract has to be finalized and we are committed to the cost for a show that they community will enjoy. The City of Washington has received a donation from Macy’s Department Store in the amount of $250.00 – this was a promotion they did called Heart Your Park Campaign. Macy’s store, located in the Washington Crown Center, chose Washington Park for this contribution. They asked customers to donate $1.00 or more to their local park. Councilman Faust said that a thank you letter would be mailed to Macy’s.
Mayor Brenda Davis thanked the community for coming forward with their generous contributions for our K9 Unit. My City Hall telephone rings twice a week with calls regarding the drug activity that is occurring in our City neighborhoods. She continued by saying that she would like to thank the leader of our Police Department, Chief Chris Luppino. When Chris came on he approached her about bringing a K9 Unit back. Mayor Davis thanked Chris for putting this together. It is overwhelming to know that in 9 short months our Community and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation raised over $47,000. $47,000.00 in 9 short months! Mayor Davis said that she cannot thank everyone enough. You all know, just as we do, that our City is saturated with drug activity. Mayor Davis also thanked Patrolman Matt Karlowsky, the handler of our K9. It is quite a responsibility to be a handler, the dedication and time for training, and to adopt Golem into their family. Golem is with Matt all of the time. Golem has become a part of their lives. Mayor Davis said that she wished that Patrolman Karlowsky could have stayed to hear her compliments for all has done and all he is doing. Our Community wanted this K9 Unit.
Mayor Davis said that she cannot wait to take the pounds and the ounces of drugs off of these streets so our youth has something to look forward to. Our next council meeting will be after the July 4th Fireworks Celebration. She encourages all to attend. This is another Community-funded event and includes financial contributions from our surrounding municipalities. Mayor Davis thanked Councilman Manning for his hard work in the Hospital agreement. She thanked Councilman Faust for his hard work in making sure that we have a beautiful fireworks display. Mayor Davis thanked Councilwoman Graham for her hard work with her department and for her 6 months into Office now – it has been a welcoming pleasure to work with Councilwoman Graham.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Friday, June 13, 2014 in observance of Flag Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the meeting.
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Brenda Davis, Mayor
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Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk