A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, February 5, 2015 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 – 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 after the Agenda Meeting on Monday, February 02, 2015 to discuss personnel and litigation matters.
Mayor and Council held an Executive Session prior to this evening’s Council Meeting to discuss personnel matters regarding Washington City Transit and the Accounts and Finance Department.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2015 regular meeting of Washington City Council.
Mayor Davis then opened by public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
- Chief Linn Brookman gave 2 reports for the month of February. They were as follows: Fire Department had 131 calls for service. The Building Department issued 9 permits with a total of $536.35 fees collected.
- Ron McIntyre, Code Enforcement Officer, gave his report for the month of February. There were 137 calls for service, 32 violations mailed out with 6 citations issued. Total fees collected were $222.12
- Chief Chris Luppino gave the February report for the Police Department. It was as follows: 769 calls for service, 9,300 miles patrolled, 115 traffic citations issued, 17 non-traffic citations, and 44 criminal arrests. $1,095.00 fees were collected for reports, permits and vehicle release forms.
- Georgianna Farkus spoke about getting some answers to questions regarding the Solid Waste bill. Presently the cost per unit is $243.00 but Georgianna did a survey that gave her the cost of $100.00 per unit. She continued by saying there is $50,000.00 in the balance. She attended the Agenda Meeting this past week where it was discussed to put this amount into a line item. Georgianna said that she opposes this 100% because this is a garbage bill, it should remain to be a garbage bill, and if there is a refund or a reduction in our garbage bills then this would be more adequately presented to the residents instead of beating around the bush and hammering the residents to death.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that our auditors suggested that a time study be done to get a more accurate account of the actual time that is being spent on Solid Waste. This time study will give us an exact figure and not just a guess.
Georgianna continued by saying that the money that is coming in for delinquent
Solid Waste accounts should remain in that account and not put in a line item so that this money will not disappear. This is a collected garbage bill and this is where this money should stay. Georgianna said that this is her opinion. Whenever documentation is requested on some of the accounts . . . Georgianna said that she has a paper that she wanted Mayor Davis to read.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis read the following section from the Third Class City Code that Georgianna asked her to read: the Director of each department of the City shall prepare and submit to the Director of Accounts and Finance at the close of each quarter of the fiscal year a comprehensive and detailed report of all expenditures and operations of his department for the quarter. The Director of Accounts and Finance Department shall review and consolidate such quarterly reports and shall prepare and submit to Council a consolidated report on the expenditures and operations of the entire City government — therefore, with these recommendations not later than the second meeting of the Council after the close of the quarter.
Georgianna said this needs to be incorporated.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that we should be presented this
on the third of every quarter of the City’s finances on those dates.
Georgianna then stated that at the Agenda Meeting the participation that she
actually witnessed is you had asked Susie direct questions. We come to the
Agenda Meetings and we should be able to get the documentation through the
questions you are tabling at that time. There are too many songs and dances
going on. This needs to be directed at this point.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that if it is any consolation she will answer Georgianna’s question. She continued by saying that Georgianna was certainly present at the Meeting and that she (Mayor Davis) asked the Accounts and Finance Department for some documentation and she has not yet been given this information.
Georgianna said that she has documentation that was given to her for 2007 and
2008. This is 2015 – if she is looking at her calendar correctly! She said that she
wanted to have it noted that documentation is not being presented properly – in a
proper manner.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said, “for at least to follow the codes”.
Georgianna said, “yes follow the codes”. She then discussed the Recycling Pad at the Park and said that she feels that the residents have a right to know exactly what her tax dollars and grant monies are going for. Is this pad only for Christmas trees, if she has an old couch can she take it out there to be burned? Can she take an old TV out there once the tubes are taken out? Georgianna said that she would like to know exactly what this Pad is opened to the public for.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked Councilman Manning if he
would like to elaborate since this is under his department.
Councilman Manning replied, “no”. He continued by saying that it would not do him any good to reply – he could sit here half the night and give Georgianna answers to everything. He said that he gave Georgianna answers the last time and now she is suggesting that the Solid Waste bill should be $100.00 per unit. Councilman Manning said that he went into elaborate explanations the last meeting and that anything he tells her she is not going to listen to.
Georgianna said that if there is $50,000.00 in the bank being suggested for this money to go to a different line item . . . it is important that the people have the right to question that.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said, “you have the right to question anything you like”. I have tried to give you answers and brought an auditor here that we pay every year to perform an audit to make recommendations. Those recommendations have to be solid. Those reports are turned into the State Auditor General’s office. The Auditor General can come back and say, “they made these recommendations – why didn’t you comply with them?” So, it doesn’t matter what answers I give you Georgianna, you are going to come here month after month, beat me up, and try to make me look incompetent or whatever your agenda is here tonight and has been. He said he does not know. Councilman Manning said that ever since he has come on this Council he has tried to provide Georgianna with everything she has asked for along with treating her with respect. He said that he has given her answers to every question she has asked him. He continued by saying that Georgianna has asked him for things and he has gone to the Treasurer’s Department and gathered information. He has gotten documentation and turned it over to her regarding budgets and everything she has asked him for. Councilman Manning said that Georgianna is never satisfied. Councilman Manning said, “it does not matter Georgianna because you are going to come back and say that it was not right or he didn’t do it – whatever”. So, finish up and let’s move on with our lives.
Georgianna said that when you have $50,000.00 of the people’s money . . .
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said that’s his money too, he
pays taxes in the City too.
Georgianna said that this money should not dissipate into a line item for other
general uses.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said that he had an auditor
here this past Monday night to try and explain this to Georgiana.
He said that Georgianna had the auditor in the hallway and that she
could have asked her anything she wanted to.
Georgianna said that everything she asked the auditor – the auditor told her that
she had to go through Councilman Manning.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning told Georgianna that she is
not her client.
Mayor Davis said that the auditor said that a time
study needed to be done and that the administration costs were up
to Mayor and Council to set. She would not even give us a
suggestion on how much it should be. If that person is doing 5
jobs then we need to take 1/5 of their salary, or 1/6 depending on
how many job titles. But, to get a true accurate we need to do a
time study and that is what we need to do. Georgianna, we will be
more than happy to share this information with you and sit down
and explain it to you. This way you will be understanding of
where we are at.
Georgianna asked about the delinquents . . . do you not go back and do
judgments against properties?
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that a couple of years ago the Treasurer’s Office decided to have Portnoff as the collection agency for the delinquents. As of January 1st – if you have not paid your prior bill it was turned over to Portnoff who then adds their fees and cost associated to it. They then work for the City to get the $243.00 back to put in the Solid Waste fund. So if you don’t pay your bill in the current year that it is due — it can be paid the following year with penalties and interest. That collected money goes into the Solid Waste item where it should.
Georgianna said that that is all she is asking for – it to stay in the Solid Waste
fund. She said the next topic she wanted to discuss were our 3 playgrounds in the
City. We have City water there. Can there be updates done for working water
fountains and bathrooms to be added when there is tabling of different things?
She said that Terry did an awesome job regarding the gazebo so people can get
out of the sun at the swimming pool. However, the playgrounds sectors need to
be updated yearly. Georgianna commended Suzanne Kelly on her efforts at the
one playground. Georgianna then discussed the terms for Mayor and Council.
She feels that 2 terms and you are out with a thank you and a blessing. The Third
Class City Code would need to be changed for this – she did her research and
asked questions. She asked if this could be amended so that these positions are
not a lifetime, and this would give someone else a chance.
- Georgia Ballentyne said that she had some questions for Kenny and would he be coming this evening?
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that Kenny would not be present
this evening.
Georgia addressed Lynn Galluze regarding how many grants she got this year and
last year.
COMMENT: Lynn said that she does keep track of
everything. She does not write the grants, she administers the
grants and closes the grants. She does not have her grant list with
her but does keep her list current for the auditors. She said that she
will be happy to get this information to Georgia. Recently, the
City just got a grant for $63,000.00 for the drop off area. Lynn said
that she will be willing to share her list with Georgia. Lynn
continued by saying she does not know if she should be answering
Georgia’s questions.
Councilman Terry Faust instructed our Solicitor to
clarify that questions must be directed to Mayor and Council.
Georgia said that there is a grant that is associated with the Solid Waste, Louise
McClenathan has discussed in a prior meeting. Georgia wondered if the City had
applied for this Grant because we can gain additional monies from it.
COMMENT: Solicitor, Jack Cambest, told Mayor and Council
that presenters should be addressing only Mayor and Council.
Mayor Davis said that Lynn openly agreed to
answer Georgia.
Councilman Faust told Lynn that questions are
directed only to Mayor and Council.
Mayor Davis said that this is a question that we will
get back to Georgia on.
Georgia said that she just wondered because Louise had brought this up and there is a specific amount of money that can be received and that she felt that the City should go after this money.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said, “absolutely”.
- Louise McClenathan read the following information: “Lynn, Waste Management gives these EITC Grants for scholarships to low-income students in areas like ours. You can call Waste Management and ask for an application. I talked to Bob Burzy and Mike Christ. Lynn, I would like to ask how much money you have brought in during the past year from grants?
I would like to commend Linn Brookman, Fire Department Chief. I have known
Linn for 20 years and I think he has always done a good job. Joe, I wish I had
$5.00 for every time your Dad asked me to run for Council. I always told him it
was too late — the City was already ruined. Council has pretty much been ruled
by the firemen ever since I came back to Washington about 35 years ago.
I would also like to ask that no clapping from the audience be given, as it was
done after my comments at the December Council Meeting. And, I would also
like to say that anyone in the audience can leave any time, but I would like
Council and anyone who works for the City to remain until after my questions and
comments.
As far as government is concerned, I would add that there’s money on the table
(our taxes we put there), money across the table, and money under the table.
I am sorry Councilman Westcott and former City Attorney, Jeff Watson, are not
present, as I would like to present some letters. I sent them after the entire Solid
Waste problem when it emerged. In 2004 when Michelle Westcott was not
re-elected as Treasurer, Sonny Spossey replaced her. He tried to show up
Michelle during her term of office. Michelle had tried to break down our Solid
Waste payments in 3 portions. This was to give us a break, but all City residents
had not received one or two portions. Spossey hired Portnoff, a Philadelphia Law
Firm, to collect Waste fees and add outrageous fines to 400 City residents who
said they’d never received one or several Solid Waste Fee requests. I was shown
to be $40 (one payment) in arrears. I was asked to pay $349.00 to Magistrate
Spence. I said it wasn’t acceptable so I had to go to Court later before Judge Paul
Pozonsky. Spossey had written me a letter about the Waste Management problem
asking why I had not come to him as I had over the years with other problems. I
will refer to this later.
I would like to go back to the City’s January Minutes of 2000 when Westcott
became Mayor and Scott Fergus was elected Councilman. Fergus praised
Spossey’s accomplishments as former Mayor and said he was proud to serve on
Council. It is always wise to praise a former elected Mayor.
New Mayor, Ken Westcott, gave a long address, stating what accomplishments
had been made during Spossey’s years. He said that he would try to make the
City an even better place in which to live and work. I thought this speech was
Ken’s finest hour. Having said this, I still believe Sonny Spossey runs the City
and the Country.”
COMMENT: Councilman Joe Manning said that he wrote this
speech for Ken Westcott.
“I will refer to Waste Management as WM throughout the rest of my comments.
On November 18, 2004 Minutes of City Council, Treasurer Spossey asked
Council to allow him to pay his private attorney $75.00 per hour plus
out-of-pocket expenses to represent him. Two voted for Spossey’s request, and 2
voted against. One Councilman was absent, so Spossey’s motion died.
A private meeting was held in Jeff Watson’s office — he was the City’s attorney.
In this meeting were Ken Westcott, Matt Staniszewski, Joe Thomas and me. I
had just fractured my spine. I was asked to contact John Pettit, then our DA, but
not to mention Pozonsky’s name to him.”
COMMENT: Joe Thomas (who was in the audience) said that he
was not the City Manager then.
“The newspaper called me the next day and asked if I had something to report to
them. Someone had leaked about the meeting — I suppose. I answered that I had
nothing to report.
I want to say at this point that our City is full of senior residents. As I mentioned
in my October 2013 comments . . . Elder Abuse is rampant here. Some years ago
I tried to help an older woman I had know for years. Her daughter-in-law was
trying to get her declared incompetent so the daughter-in-law could take away all
her antiques and put her in a nursing home. My older friend begged me to take
power of attorney. NOT HER ASSETS — OR HER ANTIQUES OR MONEY!!
I spent over $4,000 of my own money for my own lawyer to protect my older
friend in court. Though the Judge declared her competent, the son and
daughter-in-law later had her put in a nursing home in Pittsburgh, away from all
her friends. I would try and protect her again. I plan to start an Elder Abuse
Support Group after March when the weather is better. Until then, I will call
churches and Senior Centers for a place to meet.
At the meeting with City Attorney, Jeff Watson, Westcott and others — this was
after I had to go to Judge Pozonsky’s Court, I asked Watson who would be
representing the City. He assured me that he would. He was conveniently out of
the county that day. I had a friend taking notes in court. Spossey sat in the back
corner of the room When Smyder appeared, who was Spossey’s private attorney,
I said “I do not know Mr. Smyder”. When I paid $35 for a copy of the transcript,
it read, “I do not know Mr. Spossey.” Judge Pozonsky had altered the transcript.
I had known Sonny Spossey for 20 years!
One fireman on Council was waiting for the $500 check Spossey would issue to
Smyder. This good fireman stopped payment on the check. However, the
firemen saw that this Council wasn’t re-elected. Instead, Sonny Spossey’s
brother-in-law Denny Adams, was elected. I asked Adams for the front and back
of the check. It is illegal for a Third-Class City like Washington to pay over
$300.00 when the City did not authorize it. If they do so, they are required to
spend 1 year in jail and pay the City back $5,000. Both Spossey and Adams owe
this to the City.
Corbett’s office suggested that I take all of my 25 exhibits to the FBI. With a
fractured spine, I drove to the Mon Valley where Agent Pat Howley said I should
sue the City. I answered that the City was almost bankrupt, so I would not do
that.
The next DA, Toprani, (Pettit was not elected) refused to talk to me about it. I
am sorry that Denny Adams is not here to comment on the situation.
I overheard Councilman Terry Faust ask the City Attorney, Jack Cambest, to ask
me to halt. I asked how many minutes I had spoken.”
COMMENT: Jack Cambest said that I had been speaking for 20
minutes.
“I then gave Mayor Davis 2 tickets to the City Mission’s Sweet Sunday event. I
wanted Mayor Davis to have these tickets in hopes that she would have sweeter
Councilmen the next time around.”
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said, “thank you, but she could not
accept gifts.”
“I told her that these tickets were given to me so they were not gifts — they were
free.”
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 payment to North Central Highway Safety Network in the amount of $13,839.45 for Reimbursement #10. CHARGE 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to North Central Highway Safety Network in the amount of $9,736.34 for Reimbursement #11. CHARGE 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to North Central Highway Safety Network in the amount of $11,168.09 for Reimbursement #12. CHARGE 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,710.00 for 2014 December 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 $2,485.00 for Dunn Avenue Sidewalk. 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 $90.00 for Jefferson & Wylie Emergency Repair. 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 Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP in the amount of 4,089.00 which is the balance owed for Bill No. 248625, Matter No. WW-105211. CHARGE 01.60/486-350 (Misc. Expenditures – Insurance Liability, Etc.)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Sigcom in the amount of 16,258.84 for 5 new Game Well Boxes and Supplies. CHARGE 01.33/411-376 (Fire Protection – Fire Alarm Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to CT Consultants in the amount of $6,825.00 for Phase III through 1/3/2015. CHARGE 60.00/489-000 (Downtown Revitalization Project)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Ph Designed LLC in the amount of $4,740.00 for Annual Website Maintenance. CHARGE 21.00/489-000 (Recycle Performance Grant)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Metro Technology Services in the amount of $4,445.00 for Annual Police Maintenance. CHARGE 01.23/407-457 (IT Software Support)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Edmunds & Associates Inc. in the amount of $1,028.00 for Software Maintenance. CHARGE 01.23/407-457 (IT Software Support)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Edmunds & Associates Inc. in the amount of $16,004.00 for Software Maintenance Contract. CHARGE 01.23/407-457 (IT Software Support)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Sigcom in the amount of $13,443.24 for Game Well Boxes. Purchase Order Number: 15-00227. CHARGE 33/411-376 (Fire Alarm Maintenance)
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 $6,617.00 for services rendered through 1/27/2015 and includes monthly 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 Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. in the amount of $296.89 for service on malfunction of loop amplifier for Hayes southbound.
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 refund to Commonwealth Abstract & Closing Services, Inc. in the amount of $225.00 for Dye Test to be done at 231 Burton Avenue. Sale 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 rescind the following motion that was approved at the January 8, 2015 regular Council Meeting; and approve the corrected motion listed below which eliminates the word (air):
RESCIND: A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman
Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve City Clerk to post and
advertise for position of Treasurer’s Office Collections Clerk in
accordance with the SEIU Contract. City of Washington Residency
Requirement: Applicant must live within 7.5 air miles of the Washington
County Courthouse located on South Main Street, Washington,
Pennsylvania.
APPROVE: Approve City Clerk to post and advertise for position of Treasurer’s
Office Collections Clerk in accordance with the SEIU Contract. City of
Washington Residency requirement: Applicant must live within 7.5 miles
of the Washington County Courthouse located on South Main Street,
Washington, Pennsylvania.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve entering into a COSTARS Agreement for 1,700 tons of sodium chloride (road salt) for the August 2015 – July 2016 Season.
Councilman Westcott called in during this meeting to vote on the below motion:
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1865 BILL NO. 1 OF 2015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VACATING A PORTION OF POPLAR STREET APPROXIMATELY THIRTY-THREE FEET IN WIDTH LOCATED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Councilman Westcott called in during this meeting to vote on the below motion:
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and carried, to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1866 BILL NO. 2 OF 2015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VACATING A PORTION OF AN UNNAMED ALLEY TEN FEET IN WIDTH LOCATED SIXTY FEET SOUTH OF EAST CHESTNUT STREET AND PARALLEL TO NORTH COLLEGE STREET LOCATED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve purchase of two (2) Ford AWD Interceptor’s SDN
with graphics and fully outfitted at a cost of $31,746.10 per car. Total for two (2) cars
being $63,492.20 CHARGE 49.00/410-740 (US Justice Capital Grant Fund)
and CHARGE 77.00/410-700 (Capital Improvement Police Fund)
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Police Department payment to Witmer Public Safety Group in the
amount of $5,889.79 for 2015 Ammunition Order. CHARGE 01.15/410-239 (Police Ammunition)
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to
approve budget transfer in the amount of $922.86 FROM 17/445-316 Parking Office (Contracted Services/Parking Dept. Director) TO 01.15/410-183 (Police Overtime) for compensation for Chief Luppino for the temporary Parking Dept. Director duties performed from 1/9/2015 to 1/30/2015. This wage was taken out of Police Overtime and needs to be put back in from the Parking Dept. budget.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
COMMENT: Mayor Davis thanked Chief Luppino for pitching in
in a time of need.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to approve filing DCNR 2015 Recreation Grant.
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 Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to execute the agreement between the Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Washington for Recycling Development and Implementation Grant in the amount of $63,000.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for the Request For Qualifications for the hiring of a Grant Writer for the City of Washington.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve budget transfer in the amount of $10,000.00 FROM 17/445-158 (Wages/Temp Meter Enforcement Officer) TO 46.00/445-700 (Parking Capital
Purchases).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to purchase a 2010 Ford Ranger truck from the City of Washington Parking
Authority – purchase price of $10,000.00 and authorize Mayor to execute papers to finalize this sale.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment for 2010 Ford Ranger truck in the amount of $10,000.
CHARGE 46.00/445-700 (Parking – Capital Purchases)
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 $49,835.21 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in January 2015, 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 $11,663.05 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed
in December 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 $8.95 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 28.00/447-359
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
$361.12 for Water Service, Usage and Late Fees in December 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 28.00/447-359
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 $102.85
for farebox service & 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 28.00/447-359
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 $9,346.35 for the purchase of fuel in December 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 Quality Quick in the amount of $389.69
for B&W Hopper & Metro Schedules & 36 Transfer Pads, 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 $78.95 for Transit Office Supplies to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon
verification by the Finance Department that 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 Verizon in the amount of $432.33
for landline Services & Late Fees associated with the ITF, to be paid from the Mass Transit
Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available.
CHARGE 28.00/447-359
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197015 in the amount of $192.00 for Soil Testing Services for
ITF performed through January 2015, 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 Waller Corporation #18 (Including CO#s: 029, 031 and 032) in the amount of $147,513.71 for General contracted services for ITF performed through January 2015 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 item of Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. #11
in the amount of $3,312.80 for HVAC contracted services for ITF performed through January
January 2015, 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 the Transit item for Nancy Basile to attend an FTA grant training in Philadelphia on February 17-19, 2015, and authorize payment of travel expenses not to exceed $450.00 ($102.00 for Amtrak; hotel expense of $275; meals expense).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item for Robin Gostic and Joe Thomas to attend the PPTA April 2015 spring conference in Lancaster, and authorize payment of travel expenses not
to exceed $1,700 ($325 per person registration fee; hotel room expense of approximately $350 per person; gasoline; PA Turnpike tolls; meal expense).
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve to waive the installation fee for the Gamewell Fire Alarm Box at
transit center. (Fee is $3,000.00)
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – No
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Transit Change Order of: EC-003 Credit for underground electrical $(6,521.00)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Transit Change Order of: EC-004 Power for garage doors $1,840.00
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
CITY OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RESOLUTION NO. 1 OF 2015
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TO CONSOLIDATE WASHINGTON CITY TRANSIT AND WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH ONE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY HEADQUARTERED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to accept and approve the Settlement Agreement and Release with GG&C.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to GG&C in the amount of $72,500.00 for Settlement Agreement and Release. CHARGE 28.00/447-455 (Mass Transit Operating Assistance Fund – Transit Expenses, Purchase of Public Transit Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve an employee crime coverage policy with Engle-Hambright &
Davies, Inc. for a 3-year period at a cost of $1,551.00 per year with an effective date of
February 9, 2015.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve filing Pennsylvania American Water Firefighting Support
Grant — maximum grant amount is $1,000.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated that the City does not have
a Grant Writer.
Mayor Davis said, “no we don’t, but the department
can complete this grant.”
Councilman Faust stated, “oh, I am just asking . . .
this goes back to the DCNR Recreation Grant”.
Mayor Davis suggested that we stick to the
motion at hand – Motion number 24.
Councilman Faust said, “absolutely”.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to enter into an agreement with WC FastPitch Holdings LLC dba PA Rebellion Softball for use of TWIST Fields on the following 2015 dates: May 29, 30 and 31st, June 12, 13 and 14th, and August 7, 8, and 9th, (2015) – upon review of Mayor, Council and City’s Solicitor.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said that this something that we
are utilizing the fields and have an opportunity to generate revenue
out at the Park for our existing facilities. This could turn into even
more of a profitable thing of revenue for the City in the future in
utilizing our Park and our assets.
Mayor Davis said that she is glad that Councilman
Faust included for review by Mayor and Council because she
said she does not like voting on something that she has not seen a
copy of.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve letter of support for TRIPIL for their request of an additional
$2 Million in RACP funding for the Phase II Project. Phase II Project will include
renovations to the remaining building area at an estimated cost of $5.9 Million.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No Comment
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joseph Manning – No Comment
Councilman Terry Faust directed his comment to everyone that the City of Washington submitted a LSA application for the Washington Park – Pony League and Colt Field Storm Water Project – to address the storm water issues that affect the Washington Maintenance Facility and the Colt Baseball Field. The City received notification yesterday that this project has been included on the list that will be submitted to the County Commissioners for their approval then sent to the DCED in the amount of $150,000. The City local match, which we put up, is $21,600. He said that he would like to refresh . . . this is the second time that we had this project. The idea is with the people who support me, throughout, in getting something accomplished and having the foresight. In 2011 the City was fortunate to receive $400,000.00 in LSA Funds, which have been used in the extensive renovations including the ADA upgrades to the Park pool and bathhouse. We all have seen these . . . if you haven’t Councilman Faust suggests to stop by and see these. Councilman Faust said that the idea for this LSA Grant was his idea, but that is where it stops. Where it continued is the people he went to who work for the City. He said that he is only the person who had this idea. He is here only for a period of time, he said he will come and he will go. The people who helped him with this project, and he felt so proudly, looking at the list who actually got this contribution, which we actually got more than other people. Councilman Faust sincerely thanked Lynn Galluze, who discussed this grant with him and guided him, and they went to Sarah from Widmer Engineering. Sarah came on board and the three of them, in consolidation, put this format together. They submitted this to Rich Cleveland, grant writer, who put it in context and sent it to this panel. Councilman Faust thanked Jeff Kotula, panel chairman, and also the panel, itself. He also thanked the City of Washington and his colleagues for supporting this.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked if this was fully funded.
Councilman Faust said that this Grant was not fully
funded.
Mayor Davis said that we will have dig a little deeper.
Mayor Brenda Davis announced that on behalf of the Washington Ministerial Association all are invited to attend their second annual Christian Unity Service on Sunday, February 15th at 5PM. This event will be held at Washington High School gymnasium. Last year there were 400 plus people who attended from 25 different churches. Mayor Davis thanked the folks who came out this evening in giving us your time with your thoughts and opinions about City government. Mayor Davis said that it is nice to see that folks do care about our community.
The Washington City Building will be closed Monday, February 16, 2015 in observance of Presidents’ Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at
7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve to adjourn meeting.
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Brenda Davis, MAYOR
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Christy S. Thomas, CITY CLERK