Minutes for City Council Meeting on June 8, 2017 in the City of Washington, PA.
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman Monda Williams – Present
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Mike Hammond, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE: In Memory of Alexis Barnett, who sadly passed away one year ago today.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2017 regular meeting of the Washington City Council.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Individuals or group representatives who have signed in prior to the meeting, will have 5 minutes of microphone time to address Council during the public participation portion of the meeting. We prefer if there is a group, a representative be chosen to speak. Audience comments will not be permitted following the public participation portion of the meeting; therefore, we ask that you please review the agenda for any item(s) you may wish to discuss. We have, in the past, had individuals direct comments to Mayor and Council that were not correct or could not be documented. For that reason, we ask that your information be to the point and factual. Although we may not be able to answer your question at this meeting, we will refer your request or recommendation to the proper department for any necessary action.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mike Dolan – 61 Dunn Avenue: Request for Pickle Ball Courts at the Washington Park Tennis Courts.
Theresa Cypher- 432 North Main Street: Opposes Motion #7 on Agenda regarding the conditional use application from Flat Rock Group for 446 North Main Street for single room occupancy. Councilwoman Williams asked Code Enforcement Officer, Ron McIntyre, to explain the definition of Single Family Dwelling. He advised he would get the information to her.
CLOSED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments to:
- Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. in the amount of $662.30 for Invoice # 59863. CHARGE: 13/404-310.
- First Security in the amount of $13,360.14 for 2017 2nd payment Guaranteed Energy Savings. CHARGE:52-409-368.
- Baiano Construction in the amount of $52,738.93 for Estimate #8. CHARGE:00/465-531.
- Stahl Sheaffer in the amount of $3,115.21 for Invoice # 15-303-7. CHARGE: Paid from LSA C000062885.
- Baiano Contruction in the amount of $77,968.19 for Estimate #8 LSA STREET SCAPE. CHARGE: PAY FROM LSA C000062885.
- Baiano Construction in the amount of $116,600.58 for Estimate #8 Traffic Signal. CHARGE: PAID FROM LSA C00052500.
- CT Consultants Inc in the amount of $1,851.12 for Invoice 1328402-13. CHARGE: Paid from LSA C000062885.
- CT Consultants Inc in the amount of $4,713.96 for Invoice 1328402-14. CHARGE: Paid from LSA C000062885.
- Skelly & Loy Engineering in the amount of $1,005.00 for Invoice # 69509 MS4 PHASE I & II. CHARGE:00/446-000.
- Widmer Engineering, INC in the amount of $1,305.00 for 2017 April Items. CHARGE:43/430-313.
- Widmer Engineering, INC in the amount of $332.50 for Clare Drive NPDES. CHARGE:43/430-313.
- AmeriHealth/AmTrust in the amount of $28,957.36 for final Workman’s Compensation policy payment. CHARGE: 01-60-484-195.
- Dodaro, Matta and Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $5,595.85.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
- Bobcat of Pittsburgh in the amount of $1,500.00 for Flail Mower Rental at Washington Park. CHARGE: 52/454-240 (Park Development Fund.)
- B&R Pools and Swim Shop Inc. in the amount of $1,585.06 for Pool Cleaner Repair. CHARGE: 52/454-240 (Park Development Fund.)
- Washington Business District Authority in the amount of $4,150.99 for 2017 Special Business District Assessment. CHARGE: 01-60/400-430.
- Nancy Basile in the amount of $1,920.00 for services rendered from January 2017-May 2017. CHARGE: 00/447-310.
- Skelly & Loy in the amount of $450.00 for Invoice #69760 (MS4.) CHARGE: 00/446-000.
- Skelly & Loy in the amount of $1,659.00 for Legal-Area 4. CHARGE:13/404-314.
- Stahl Sheaffer Engineering in the amount of $13,132.22 for Invoice # 15-303-8. CHARGE: PAID from LSA C00062885.0
- Travelers in the amount of $2,760.30 for Jan Ondra and Richard Royal Jr. CHARGE:60/486-350.
- Intoximeter, Inc in the amount of $8,714.50 for Police Intoximeter. CHARGE: 00/489-00.0
- Crystal Sound Systems, Inc in the amount of $18,910.00 for 31 Motorola VHF 5watt portable radios for the City Police Department. CHARGE: 00/410-700.
- Officer Store in the amount of $5,567.78 for ammunition for the City of Washington Police Department. CHARGE: 15/410-239.
- G&R Settlement, LLC in the amount of $970.91 for 2017 Refund of City Tax/Duplicate Payment. CHARGE:00/301-010.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the FINAL READING of BILL NO. 10 ORDINANCE NO. 1895
AN ORDINANCE OF THE OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON
(WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA)
ENACTED JUNE 8, 2017 AND NUMBERED BILL NO. 10 ORDINANCE NO. 1895
FORMAL ACTION CONSTITUTING A DEBT ORDINANCE
UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT DEBT ACT
AUTHORIZING THE INCURRING OF NONELECTORAL DEBT BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR CAPITAL AND REFUNDING PURPOSES; COVENANTING TO PAY, AND PLEDGING ALL AVAILABLE TAXING POWER OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT FOR THE PAYMENT OF, THE BONDS; ESTABLISHING A SINKING FUND AND APPOINTING A SINKING FUND DEPOSITORY; FIXING THE FORM, INTEREST RATES, MATURITY, REDEMPTION AND OTHER PROVISIONS FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF; AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PROPOSAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BONDS; AUTHORIZING A FILING OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; RATIFYING AND DIRECTING CERTAIN ACTIONS OF OFFICERS; AND MAKING CERTAIN OTHER COVENANTS AND PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF THE BONDS.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that the Bond refinancing and Bond Sale will do a couple of things. It will save the City money in the long term and it will give the City working capital to complete some of the infrastructure work that our City greatly needs. Also, on May 26, 2017, S&P Global Ratings raised it’s rating for the City of Washington from an A- to an A. In addition, it has also raised the City of Washington’s Parking Authority Rating. We are in a much better financial place now than we have been in past years.
Councilman Westcott: This will allow our City Street Department to have money needed to help with our infrastructure and help us get ahead of the game.
Mayor Putnam: The refinancing of our 2012 Series Bonds will save the City of Washington around $75,000 over the long term of our debt and will only extend it by one year. The A rating is the highest rating the City of Washington has seen and it’s a compliment to all the members of this board in helping the City get to this point.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve and authorize a contribution to the Bradford House Historical Association in the amount of $2,000.00 for 2017 Whiskey Rebellion Fireworks Display. CHARGE: 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations.)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to authorize payment to the Washington County Transportation Authority of $88,960, as transit operating local match for the 2016-17 Transit fiscal year. CHARGE: 85.00/447-000 LSA Fund – Transit Match.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the following members to the Washington Business District Board:
Patti Dittman to serve a term from February 1, 2017- January 31, 2022
Matt Miller to serve a term from February 1, 2017 – January 31, 2022
Jack Gallik to serve a term from June 1, 2017 – May 31, 2022
Nancy Ogden to serve a term from June 1, 2017 – May 31, 2022
No motion was made to accept the conditional use application from Flat Rock Group for 446 North Main Street for single room occupancy. –Motion dead.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to deny the conditional use application from Flat Rock Group for 446 North Main Street for single room occupancy.
A motion was made to approve the FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1896 BILL NO. 11 of 2017
ORDINANCE NO. 1896 BILL NO. 11 of 2017
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1774, CHAPTER 15, PART 4, SECTION 407 – SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING ZONES ESTABLISHED; PARKING OTHERWISE PROHIBITED, TO ADD 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 510 EAST MAIDEN, 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 62 SEMINOLE AND 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 115 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE.
***NO VOTE REQUIRED***
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to amend the city’s health care policy to include a $250.00 deductible for Mayor and Council.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to enter into a 63 month lease at $78.46 per month with Toshiba Business Solutions. CHARGE: 01.24/403-210.
A motion was made to approve FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1897 BILL NO. 12 of 2017
ORDINANCE NO. 1897 BILL NO. 12 of 2017
AN ORDINANCE OF CITY OF WASHINGTON RELATIVE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY EMPLOYEES PENSION, ANNUITY, INSURANCE AND BENEFIT FUND OR FUNDS, TO AMEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PENSION PLAN OR PROGRAM APPLICABLE TO THE OFFICERS AND NON-UNIFORMED EMPLOYEES OF SAID CITY AND TO RESTATE IN ITS ENTIRETY SUCH PENSION PLAN OR PROGRAM.
***NO VOTE REQUIRED***
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve payment to Witmer Public Safety Group in the amount of $8,544.00 for a Mercedes KrakenExo Fire Hose for the City of Washington Fire Department. CHARGE: 01.33/411-210.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the purchase of an OSCAR 428 – Mid Range Sawmill not to exceed $8,000. CHARGE: 77.00/454-700.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the Special Event Use Application for use by the City Parking Office.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve Resolution No. 8 of 2017 regarding the Pony Baseball 2017 Street Banner Proposal.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve payment in the amount of $5,150.50 to Schultz Electric for damage to electric caused by Columbia Gas. (Columbia Gas is reimbursing the City of Washington for this damage.) CHARGE: 01.44/433-373.
Councilwoman Williams: Advised that she has followed up on a residents concern regarding illegal activities in the area of North Franklin and Hall Street. She is exploring the possibility of starting a neighborhood
watch. Councilwoman acknowledged 12 Members of the Fire Department for being recognized for dispatched calls, and Narcan phone calls. Jerry Coleman has saved 10 lives with Narcan and Nick Blumer has saved 9. Stated that she is very proud of our City Firemen.
Councilwoman Graham: Thanked all of our first responders for everything they do for our city. Stated that it is a shame that this heroin epidemic is affecting so many families.
Councilman Westcott: Advised that the first project that the street department will work on with Bond funds will be on Bruce Street. Stated that he will prioritize the list of work that needs done with these funds.
Councilman Manning: Councilman Manning will be donating equipment for Pickle Ball and help get this up and running at the Washington Park.
Mayor Putnam: The city has meet with the Recorder of Deeds, Debbie Bardella, regarding the City’s responsibility to pay the County approximately $147,000.00 for the 5% share owed to them for collecting delinquent taxes. The County has agreed to allow the City to make payments.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman
Manning, and unanimously carried to pay $25,000.00 from the General Fund Reserve to the Washington County Tax Office for delinquent fees. CHARGE: 01.46/403-430.
The Mayor extended a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Dwayne Durham for his service as the City of Washington Civil Service Chairman. The board and the city appreciate Mr. Durham’s commitment to his position. Mr. Durham has submitted his resignation as Chairman but has asked to be considered as an alternate, when needed. He recommended Richard Beck to serve as the Civil Service Chairman.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to name Richard Beck as the new City of Washington Civil Service Chairman.
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
The City Building will be closed on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in observance of Flag Day. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.