ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski, MBA, EDFP – Present
Councilwoman Monda Williams – Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Absent
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Jack Cambest, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE: In Memory and Honor of those killed and injured in the Florida Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2018 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 individual’s 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:
Richard Boardley-879 Ewing Street: Presented a list for the zoning officer and City Council of properties with blight issues.
Cecilia & Clint Knox- 1065 Allison Avenue: Has sewage issues during heavy rains. (Was advised by Councilman Westcott and Mayor Putnam for her to contact W.E.W.J.A.)
CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments:
(a) Travelers in the amount of $2,470.90 for insurance deductible (Jan Ondra / Richard Royal Jr.) CHARGE: .01/60-486.
(b) First Security Finance in the amount of $13,568.11 for 2018 1st Quarter Guaranteed Energy Savings. CHARGE: 77.00/409-700.
(c) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $3,060.00 for 2018 January Items. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
(d) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $3,240.00 for Hallam Avenue HOP.
CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
(e) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $5,000.00 for Washington Park Rec.
Improvement Project. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
(f) CT Consultants in the amount of $420.00 for Invoice 150148-36. CHARGE: 01.14/406-310.
(g) JDC Friend in the amount of $500.00 for balance due on Invoice #25 for repairs to damaged property. CHARGE: 75.00/482-000 (Judgments and Losses.)
(h) Point Springs Driveshaft Co. in the amount of $7,330.55 for Invoices # I536456 and I536235. CHARGE: 01.42/430-370.
(i) Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co. in the amount of $1,968.75 for Services Rendered at 4th Street and Duncan Avenue. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
(j) The Officer Store in the amount of $3,614.76 for the City Police Department’s 2018 ammunition for their annual department qualification. CHARGE: 01.15/410-379.
(k) General Code in the amount of $12,707.75 for Additional Cutoff/ECODE 360 1st Year. CHARGE: 85.00/400-300.
(l) Leokad ia Kozlowski in the amount of $225.00 for Dye Test Fee paid in error.
CHARGE: 01/361-652.
(m) Ethleynn Sanders in the amount of $225.00 for Dye Test Fee paid in error.
CHARGE: 01/361-652.
(n) Dodaro, Matta, & Cambest in the amount of $1,548.75 for Invoice # 15664.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
(o) Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $1,986.50 for Invoice # 15665.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Mayor Putnam, and carried unanimously to approve the following refunds:
(a) $785.61 to John Rozzo due to a value assessment change: CHARGE: 01-301-020. Prior Years Taxes.
(b) $36,718.39 to Biemacki & Associates, P.C. due to a value assessment change: CHARGE: 01-301-020. Prior Years Taxes.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to make application on behalf of TRPIL for a Redevelopment Assistant Capital Program (RACP) Grant in the amount of $3 million dollars for the TRPIL Renovation Project of the former YWCA PHASE II.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to reapprove the lot consolidation plan for the Healing Center West Chestnut Holding, LLC, at 799 W. Chestnut Street.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the Washington County Redevelopment Authority to create loan documents and service the loan payments for the Trek Building Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the allocation of $5,811.25 from the Stormwater Improvement Fund to be used for the Washington Financial Bank Parking Lot / Community Pavilion Stormwater Project pending Washington Financial Bank providing matching funds.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the proposal from Robert C. Burns. Co. relative to the project located at 195 4th Street, Washington, PA. PARCEL: 77000900003000500. Project cost, based on time and material, not to exceed $3,180.00, for all work, labor and materials relative to the project.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, Seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the FINAL READING of ORDINANCE 1908 BILL NO. 3 of 2018
ORDINANCE 1908 BILL NO. 3 of 2018
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 1846, RELATIVE TO THE LEVYING A TAX ON EARNED INCOME AND NET PROFIT; REQUIRING TAX RETURNS, REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO WITHHOLD AND REMIT TAX, AND RELATED PROVISIONS.
FIRST READING of ORDINANCE 1909 BILL NO. 4 of 2018
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE, ADOPT AND ENACT AN ORDINANCE CODIFICATION
FOR THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, COMMONWEALTH
OF PENNSYLVANIA: TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN LEGISLATION
NOT INCLUDED THEREIN; TO SAVE FROM REPEAL CERTAIN OTHER LEGISLATION
NOT INCLUDED THEREIN; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR TAMPERING
WITH THE CODE.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve RESOLUTION 3 of 2018.
A RESOLUTION CALLING UPON ALL CITIZENRY TO BECOME INFORMED, BECOME INVOLVED, AND VOTE IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR CONGRESS IN THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
FIRST READING of ORDINANCE 1910 BILL NO. 5 of 2018
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY
OF WASHINGTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, PROMULGATING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF COLLECTIONS
OF THE CITY’S BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE
325-30, ET. SEQ.
FIRST READING of ORDINANCE 1911 BILL NO. 6 of 2018
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, PROMULGATING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF COLLECTIONS OF THE CITY’S MERCANTILE TAX PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 325-01, ET. SEQ.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve RESOLUTION NO. 4 of 2018 to approve the City of Washington Tax Office Fee Schedule effective March 2, 2018.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve a lease with Washington Youth Baseball for the use of Ramage Field contingent upon both parties agreeing to the terms of the lease.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the submission of a 2018 DCNR application for the Main Pavilion Restoration Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the application for Budd Baer GMC/Mazda 83 Murtland Avenue Demolition of existing police barracks for new GMC/Mazda dealerships.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve Burton Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Phase I Change Order #2 in the amount of $14,112.00. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to enter into an agreement with Public Partners of PA to perform an Early Intervention Study/Stormwater MS4 for the City of Washington on the City receiving funding from the DCED.
Elected Officials:
Councilman Staniszewski: Commented that the last Park report shows an increase in revenue from last year. Stated that Council and the Solicitor will be reviewing the documentation on Quality of Life Program.
Councilwoman Monda Williams: Stated that Chief Brookman reported that there has been a slight decrease in Narcan Calls for the Fire Department. Wants to continue to have an open discussion regarding racial dialogue. Councilwoman Williams has reached out to the Washington School District, Chief Wilson, the Labor and Industry Representative concerning hiring minority employment within the city.
Councilman Ken Westcott: The Street Department is diligently working on the potholes in the City. With the weather conditions being what they have it makes it difficult. Asked the City residents to please be patient and the Street Department is working as quickly as they can.
Councilman Joe Manning: Absent
Mayor Scott Putnam:
Mayor Putnam advised that he has drafted a letter to Mayors in larger diverse areas informing that the City of Washington is currently testing for the Civil Service Police Exam and asking them to inform anyone in their jurisdiction who is looking for full time employment as a police officer about our current application due date of March 9, 2018.
Mayor Putnam advised that the Flood Summit will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. in Council Chambers. The City is working with Commissioner Harlan Shober, Senator Casey’s office and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Mayor Putnam announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Linn Brookman the end of April. He stated that there are three applicants for this position and that they will be interviewing within the next couple of weeks.
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, April 2, at 6:00 P.M.
The City Building will be closed on Friday, March 30, 2018 in observance of Good Friday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, April 2, 2018 at 8:30 A.M.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Council Meeting Minutes – March 1, 2018
