A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 7PM in Council 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 – Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
An Executive Session was held prior to this meeting to discuss two personnel matters, which pertained to the City’s Street Department and the City’s Parking Authority.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the November 6, 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 Brookman gave 2 reports for the month of November. They were as follows: the Fire Department had 145 total calls with 6 of those being structure fires. The majority of the calls received were medical calls being at 23%. The Building Department issued 14 permits. Year-to-date permits issued: 231, fee amounts collected this month: $8,124.25 with year-to-date fees at $45,697.90
- Ron McIntyre gave the November report for the Code Enforcement Office. There were 170 calls for service, 49 violation notices were mailed out, 6 citations issued, and a total of $7,620.15 fees collected.
- Chief Luppino gave the November report for the Washington City Police Department. It was as follows: 769 calls for service, 9,062 total miles patrolled, 155 traffic citations issued, 52 non-traffic citations issued, 42 criminal arrests, with $1,135.00 total fees collected for reports, permits, and forms.
- Joe DiDiano, Groff Tractor and Equipment, Inc., regarding Motion #21 on our Agenda. He said that he was present for any questions or additional information regarding the backhoe purchase.
- Dave Tomaino, Cleveland Brothers CAT, stated he was present regarding the backhoe bid that he presented. He stated that he dropped off 4 copies of the quote (with trade-in value) today. This backhoe is ready for immediate delivery.
Dave gave Mayor and Council a copy of this quote for review.
- Joe DeThomas spoke about an issue that began almost 18 years ago – February 26, 1987. It should have been a wake up call for the City. There should be another access road to Washington Park. There is only one entrance to the Park at the present time. Back then, there were 1,600 students that were affected by this, not counting faculty or anyone else who may have been in the Park at that time. He spoke about the tire fire that closed the Park road. At this time, there is a bridge covering the one road coming in and out of the Park . . . if anything happens to that bridge the 800 students will be trapped from the Primary and Intermediate Schools. Wonder if we were having the Pony League World Series if the bridge gives way – that would make national news. Joe said that it is his understanding that permission has been granted for this secondary road but funding is needed. He said that there are grants; he does not understand why 18 years later this is not done. By the time 20 years comes around . . . Joe said he expects to have this road done.
- Tom Schneck stated that the West End Neighborhood Watch will have their annual holiday lighting contest. Judging will be on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 6 to 8PM. To be eligible just turn your lights on.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the request made by Elaine Scott for an absence without pay
for a trip planned this month (December). Elaine has no vacation or personal time remaining for
this year. The days she is requesting without pay are: 3-1/2 hours on Thursday, December 18th and 7-1/2 hours on Friday, December 19, 2014.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for a Letter of Support
to be compiled for the Washington Historical Society. This Letter of Support will be
mailed to William McGowen, Washington County Redevelopment Authority.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve to remove from table the following Resolution: (This Resolution was tabled at the November 6, 2014 Washington City Council Meeting.)
RESOLUTION NO. 15 OF 2014:
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OFFICE OF THE BUDGET, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE TRIPIL YWCA REHABILITATION PROJECT.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the following
amended Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15 OF 2014:
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OFFICE OF THE BUDGET, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE TRIPIL YWCA REHABILITATION PROJECT.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the 4th payment to First Security Finance for the guaranteed energy savings program in the amount of $12,771.96 to be Charged to account 01.52/409-368.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to Real Estate Closing Assistance in the amount of $75.00 for Lien Letter fee for 820 Duncan Avenue. The Parcel ID Number of: 770-016-
00-01-0012-01 was deleted, and this property was combined with 820-1/2 Duncan Avenue under Parcel ID Number: 770-016-00-01-0012-00. Real Estate Closing Assistance paid $150.00 – only $75.00 was owed for Lien Letters for both addresses. CHARGE 01.00/361-651 (No Lien Letter Tax Certifications)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to National Link in the amount of $175.00 for Dye Test amount for 76 Mill Street. Sales deal fell through. CHARGE 01.00/361-652 (Dye Test Fees)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor in the amount
of $35,721.19 for Payment #4. (Growing Greenier Plus). CHARGE 94.00/954-682 (Growing Greener Plus)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor in the amount of $30,359.02 for Payment #4 (Army Corp). CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to CT Consultants in the amount of $3,900.00 for Phase III Street Scape. CHARGE 60.00/489-000 (Downtown Revitalization Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,125.00for 2014 October items. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $420.00 for proposed Recycle Center. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor in the amount of $164,278.81 (this amount will be reimbursed from Growing Greener Funds). CHARGE 96.00/489-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Dodaro, Matta, and Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $6,268.15 for services rendered through 11/25/2014 and includes December 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 payment to Mockenhaupt Benefits Group in the amount of $6,700.00 for Consulting, Actuarial and Administrative Services through 9/30/14 in regards to the preparation of the OPEB Valuation of Post employment Benefits Report as of 1/1/14. CHARGE 01.60/487-196 (Misc- Health/Hospital Insurance).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $296,208.00 for the City’s final 2014 MMO Contribution for the pension fund. CHARGE 01.60/483-533 (General Fund-Pension Contributions)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $854,681.30 for ACT 205 Distressed Pension Collections through 12/1/14. CHARGE 79.00/483-000 (Act 205 Distressed Pension Fund – Pension Contributions)
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget Transfer of $88,024.00 from the Downtown Project Fund (60.00/492-900) to the General Fund (01.00/392-992) (This is to repay a portion of the 2009 Bond Issue Debt Service/money collected from the Cap. Improvement Special Assessments)
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget Transfer of $15,000.00 from the Rental Registration Fund (84.00/492-900) to the General Fund (01.00/392-998). (This is to reimburse for salaries, benefits & other expenses.)
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget Transfer of $104,407.00 from 01.70/492-996 from General Fund (Interfund Operating transfers) to Mass Transit (28.00/392-900) as payment of the 2014 matching funds per the Transit Department.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried, to approve Budget Transfer of $175,000.00 FROM the Solid Waste Fund (20.00/492-900) TO the General Fund (01.00/392-995) (This is to reimburse for salaries, benefits & other expenses as per auditor requirements)
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that in this year’s 2014 Budget we have
listed to transfer $150,000 and that is what we are budgeted for. She said
that she was quite surprised to see that there is an increase regarding that
particular line item transfer. Mayor Davis said that she asked for more
information pertaining to the reimbursement regarding the salaries,
benefits and other expenses.
Councilman Manning said that at the last Budget Workshop we had a run down of everything that was to be reimbursed for as far as the Salaries and Benefits and everything goes. It is quite extensive. It goes from the Solid Waste Clerk to Code Enforcement, to Public Works, Finance Clerk, Fire Chief – all the way through. There may be a little bit of room to move some of these numbers around, but when you get down to it $150,000 wasn’t going to touch it. So, we put in $175,000 and that still may not be enough. It is important to note here that this was something that was recommended by the Auditors after that Budget Workshop. We checked with the Auditors because there were questions so we checked with them to make sure we were doing everything correctly. They wrote back and said that the expenses associated with Solid Waste should include both direct and indirect expenses associated billing collection and enforcement of Solid Waste regulations, should include any expenses associated with the collection of Solid Waste whether by a Third Party or an employee of the City. Funds should be transferred from the Solid Waste Fund to the General Fund to cover Solid Waste expenses, both direct and indirect, paid by the General Fund. In determining the indirect expenses it is important to include the amount of administrative expenses as well as occupancy costs associated with Solid Waste. It gives examples: the expenses of the supervision provided by direct supervisors or department heads, the expenses to maintain financial records of the Solid Waste Fund including recording revenue to paying bills, reconciling the bank statements, etc. This was also a recommendation of the Early Intervention Program back when the City was facing Act 47 – as far as the collection of fees. That is where the bulk of it came from and why it was put in the Budget the way it was. Even taking it to $175,000 is probably not going to cover it. It is probably closer to $200,000 or $225,000 once you factor everything in.
Mayor Davis replied by saying that when you take all of those considerations in, factoring that, the main important thing to remember is that it needs to be a reasonable fee – it cannot be excessive. You cannot overcharge for a contract in which you are providing a service at a particular amount. You can take into consideration those fat salaries and fees but they have to be reasonable.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried, to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1862 BILL NO. 3 OF 2014
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROPRIATING SPECIFIC SUMS ESTIMATED TO BE REQUIRED FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR THE CITY GOVERNMENT HEREAFTER SET FOR THE YEAR 2015.
(Budget Ordinance)
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that regarding the 2015 Budget – we are talking about $12,500,000.00 here. We are talking about sitting down for about 2 hours to discuss $12,500,000.00 in the budget. So, I personally feel that I have not had enough time to be given the information that I am requesting. Obviously, Solid Waste is one of the areas in which I would like some more information on. Secondly, we have a line item that was increased by $22,000.00 and yet we still have not received a response on why that line item increased so dramatically. I am not in favor of supporting this budget that is being proposed because we have not had the ample opportunity to sit down and actually work through this budget, come up with any suggestions or recommendations, or find out why an area has increased its line item that high. Bottom line is . . . I am accountable, I am an elected official to represent you folks out there and if I am not comfortable with the budget and the numbers in the budget because they have not been explained in detail and which should be explained . . . I cannot support it.
Councilman Manning stated each department head was given a budget pack. Each department head filled out the budget packets and turned them in. There were not that many changes in the budget. It is $12,500,000.00, which is not something that any of us take lightly. However, there is only so many times that you can revisit something. The Solid Waste was one issue; we discussed that at the last Budget Workshop that we had. My deputy, Ms. Koehler, did exhaustive work to put together the numbers for each department and how it was being divided up among each department. The $22,000.00 line item increase is not a $22,000.00 line item increase. They are referring to the independent contractor agreement for the IT Department. This contract is signed by the Mayor. It provides for $47.00 per hour paid every 2 weeks — at the current levels with the minimum of $72,000.00 for IT services and an additional $20,000.00 for miscellaneous which the City has sought to assign to the consultant over the years. That is a total of $92,000. It was never increased. Councilman Manning said that he has to live within the parameters of the contract.
Mayor Davis asked Councilman Manning to explain why the amount that was paid out at the end of last year was $96,000.00 that was above and beyond the contract agreement. We never even transferred money into that line item last year to cover those costs. Mayor Davis said that she has asked for this information, that motion to transfer. She asked Councilman Manning to explain that.
Councilman Manning said that it is an hourly rate and you have to pay what is submitted – the amount of hours.
Mayor Davis said it also states that it could be in addition to the extra 20 – we don’t have to go to $20,000.00 – we don’t have to go to $25,000.00 – we could cap it at $10,000. Mayor Davis said that she is not sure where Councilman Manning is keeping an eye on a contracted agreement that the City has with an employee that you’ve got it in the budget to pay at $97,000.00 this year, and you are sitting here telling us that it caps at 92 but you want more in the budget than what she is even budgeted for. It should be easy to budget for when you have a contract.
Councilman Manning said that we’ve budgeted $40,000.00 for the Solicitor this year and paid out $68,000. None of that was ever transferred.
Mayor Davis said that Councilman Manning is in charge of Accounts and Finance. She asked if he was going to tell them of an area that needs some focus.
Councilman Manning said that our Solicitor has been assigned work and he has to be paid. He cannot stop this.
Mayor Davis said that Councilman Manning must keep his budget in tune and you have to transfer the money to make sure it balances out. That is not being done.
Councilman Manning stated that our Solicitor is still getting paid. There is $28,000.00 over what was budgeted, but if he is requested to do the work and does it, he has to get paid.
Mayor Davis asked if there was any other comment.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning and carried,
to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1863 BILL NO. 4 OF 2014
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1356, CHAPTER 1, PART 2, APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2015.
(Salary Ordinance)
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that she cannot support the Salary Ordinance or setting the tax rate when we don’t have an actual budget that they can work with.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and
carried, to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1864 BILL NO. 5 OF 2014
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 1356, CHAPTER 24, PART 5, LEVYING A TAX AND FIXING A TAX RATE FOR ALL CITY PURPOSES ON THE VALUATION OF SUCH PROPERTY AS HAS BEEN OR MIGHT HEREAFTER BE ASSESSED AND SUBJECT TO TAXATION FOR THE YEAR 2015.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve to enter into an agreement with the Washington County Housing
Authority for additional Police Services for a period of one (1) year at a cost of $20,000.00
Effective date: October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this is the second year that the City has established a relationship with the Housing Authority and we are able to provide them with a police officer for 4-hour shifts that are patrolling the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority is reimbursing the City for that. This is extra revenue being brought into the City.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve PNC Bank for 2015 Tax Anticipation Note in the amount of
$800,000. (1 Year Term at 1.05% fixed)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 18 OF 2014
NOTE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A
TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE, SERIES 2015
WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE FOREGOING AND
ATTACHED CERTIFICATE AND TRANSMITTAL; APPROVING A
FORM OF NOTE; AUTHORIZING DESIGNATED OFFICERS TO
EXECUTE AND DELIVER THE NOTE; AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE FILING OF PROCEEDINGS WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT;
PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT AND SECURITY OF THE NOTE;
MAKING CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX COVENANTS IN
RESPECT OF THE NOTE; ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF PNC
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE
NOTE; AND REPEALING INCONSISTENT RESOLUTIONS.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this is yet another way that this Administration, even though sometimes we may not agree and feel the same about certain items, but this particular one about refinancing our debt that we have – we were able to come together and save the taxpayers money by refinancing old debt and consolidating some of those. Mayor Davis thanked all of those on the finance committee in getting this information together and be prepared so we are able to actually reduce debt here in the City of Washington.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Parking Department payment to “Take a Powder, Inc.” of Patterson, NJ in the amount of $10,560.50 for purchase of 140 refurbished parking meters, 40 coin chutes and 10 main boards. (Purchase was authorized at the November 2014 City Council meeting; payment includes shipping costs of $150). CHARGE 17/445-240 (Parking Dept. Operating Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize advertising the sale of Parking Department surplus equipment on the Public Surplus website: one Tennant Model 280 Power Sweeper (1984 model) for the price of $100.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit Center change order for construction: Waller Change Order CG-031 in the amount of $1,700 (for additional concrete curbing).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit Center change order for construction: Wheels Mechanical Change Order P-001 in the amount of $10,300 (for weather and non-weather related contract time extension).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to MV Transportation Inc., in the amount of $41,312.04 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in November 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $11,705.37 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in October 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Washington-East Washington Joint Authority in the amount of $17.85 for Sewage at the ITF (new transit center), 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to PA American Water in the amount of $371.24 for Water Service and usage in November at the ITF, 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $95.45 for farebox networking, including all late fees, 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Coen Oil Company in the amount of $13,759.84 for the purchase of fuel in October 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to WJPA Radio in the amount of $175.00 for advertising during the Wash High-Aliquippa playoff game, 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Hickson’s in the amount of $65.79 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Wheels Mechanical CS Inc. #8 in the amount of $8,780.38 for Plumbing contracted services for ITF performed through November 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #10 in the amount of $26,125.00 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through November 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 Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197013 in the amount of $4,334.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through November 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 Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 17 OF 2014
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AUTHORIZING THE CITY’S SOLICITOR TO PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE CITY TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 96 NORTH MAIN STREET, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, PARCEL 730-001-00-01-0004-00 FROM THE CITY OF WASHINGTON CITYWIDE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, A NONPROFIT CORPORATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF TITLE OF THE PROPERTY.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve to enter into a grant agreement with DCED for the Multi-Modal Transportation Fund Program — in the amount of $95,000.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried, to approve the purchase of (1) Brand New Case Model 580SN Tier 4 Backhoe Loader from Groff Tractor & Equipment, Inc. and charge to 60.00/489-000 Downtown Revitalization Project in the amount of $78,052.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve proposal for Widmer Engineering to proceed with research of deeds and right-of-way lines associated with the re-location of the Street Department Salt Shed not to exceed $2,000.00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Joseph R. Thomas for services rendered as City of Washington Parking Director from June 2, 2014 through December 3, 2014 – not to exceed $6,500.00 CHARGE 17/445-121 (Salary / Part-Time Executive Director)
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No Comment
Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning made the following motion:
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to appoint Councilwoman Graham to serve as the City’s representative on the Citizen’s Library Board of Directors for the term of 2015.
Councilman Terry Faust stated that there is a letter from Washington-East Washington Joint Authority regarding re-appointing Ryan King of the City of Washington to the board. Councilman Faust said to place this on our next Agenda.
Mayor Brenda Davis made the following motion:
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried,
to approve the budget transfer of $150,000.00 from the Solid Waste Fund to the General
Fund. That is what is allocated in this year’s budget.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – No
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
Mayor Davis welcomed everyone out for our Downtown Christmas Parade tomorrow evening, which begins at 7. There will be tree lighting and festivities with Church and Business organizations. There will be hot chocolate served at the parking lot across from the Observer Reporter. She encourages all to bring your children and grandchildren out to welcome the Christmas season. Mayor Davis wished everyone a Merry Christmas. However, this will not be the last meeting of 2014.
The Washington City Building will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2014 in observance of
Christmas Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Friday, December 26, 2014 at
8:30AM. Washington City Building will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2015 in
observance of New Year’s Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Friday, January 2,
2015 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to adjourn meeting.
___________________________________________
Brenda Davis, Mayor
____________________________________
Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk