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Council Meeting Minutes – September 13,2018

Sep 13, 2018 | Council Minutes

ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski, MBA, EDFP, – Present
Councilwoman Monda Williams -Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Jack Cambest, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE: For all of those in the path of Hurricane Florence
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 9, 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:
Chris Nimoul-154 North College Street Apt 407: Stated that he was speaking on behalf of TRPIL and wanted information regarding the TRPIL Stop Work Order issued by the City.
Councilman Manning addressed the question by stating that he, and Harshman CE Group (the City’s third-party Building Inspector) met with TRPIL and their contractor the previous day and that everything was addressed at that time. He stated that everyone involved agreed that the meeting resolved all questions regarding the Stop-Work Order. He went on to explain that TRPIL was provided a report from Accredited Environmental Technologies Inc. of Pittsburgh on June 12th that disclosed that the building has mold throughout on its walls and surfaces yet did not turn over the report to the City’s Building Inspector until September. Once Harshman CE Group received the report that by law they had to issue the Stop-Work Order. He added that it was done in order to protect the workers and anyone coming in contact with the mold in the building. He stated that at yesterday’s meeting TRPIL provided the Harshman CE Group with a remediation plan to treat the mold and will be permitted to install sump pumps and complete the remediation.  
Edward Pahula-2795 North Main Street on behalf of TRPIL: Stated that he wants Council and the Community to see the Big Picture and know that the TRPIL Building is going to be a big benefit for the Community.
Matt Taylor on behalf of TRPIL: Thanked the Mayor and Council for clarifying what is going on with the TRPIL Stop-Work Order. Stated that he never thought he’d be a part of the TRPIL Community but 7 years ago he suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 23. He said that the new TRPIL Building means a lot to him and others involved with TRPIL.
Sherry Smith-102 Jollick Manor on behalf of TRPIL: Thanked the Mayor and Council for their support of TRPIL.   
Kathleen Grant on behalf of National Duncan Glass Museum: Requested that Mayor and Council write a Letter of Support for the LSA Grant.  
Jennifer Ralston-100 Dewey Avenue: Expressed her concern over the removal of trees for the Emergency Access Road in the Washington Park.
Joseph DeThomas-106 Elm Street: Stated his opposition to Council approving Ordinance NO. 1914 BILL NO. 9.
Micheael Mehlmauh on behalf of TRPIL: Expressed his concern on how he perceived that TRPIL was treated regarding the STOP-WORK Order.   
CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT           
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments:    

  1. Devon Hoskins in the amount of $1,000.00 for an expense advance to attend the HACC Fire Academy on 8/19/18. CHARGE:33/411-266.
  2. com, INC in the amount of $2,783.13 for 2018 Rental Registration Mailing. CHARGE: 84.00/413-240
  3. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $350.00 for Salt Shed. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  4. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $282.50 for Clare Drive. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  5. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $3,262.50 for 2018 July Items. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  6. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $540.00 for Jefferson Avenue. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  7. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $7,500.00 for GIS (DEP MS4.) CHARGE:00/436-682. (Reimbursement Back from EIP Grant.)
  8. WEWJA in the amount of $2,625.00 for Invoice 12558. CHARGE:34/413-240.
  9. Travelers in the amount of $5,189.80 for Bill # 000544328. CHARGE:60/486-350.
  10. Schultz in the amount of $1,930.81 to trench new raceway and install circuitry to relocate the Chapman Corp. sign on S. Main Street. CHARGE:00/433-700 (Capital Improvement Fund.)
  11. Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. in the amount of $8,955.00 for Invoice #1865951. CHARGE:00/411-700 (PEMA GRANT.)
  12. Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. in the amount $6,851.00 for Invoice #1865930. CHARGE:00/411-700 (PEMA GRANT.)
  13. Public Partners in the amount of $6,000.00 for Payment #1 5-year financial Management Plan. CHARGE: 96.00/489-000 (Reimbursement back after EIP Funds are received.)
  14. Observer Reporter in the amount of $3,124.58 for Legal Advertising. CHARGE:12/405-341.
  15. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $2,364.75 for Invoice #15905. CHARGE: 13/404-310.
  16. Marshman Services in the amount of $5,200.00 for Playground Equipment Installation. CHARGE:00/454-700. (Reimbursed back after grant funds are received.)
  17. West Penn Power in the amount of $1,064.72 for Claim #103280. CHARGE:00/434-361.
  18. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $9,480.00 for Pay #1 Broad & Hoge. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  19. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $15,457.49 for Pay #4 (FINAL) Burton Avenue. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  20. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $3,116.94 for Pay #1 (FINAL) Fairhill Storm Repair. CHARGE:00/436-682. 

          A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the following transfer:

  1. $2,052.00 from Account: 01.33/411-327 to Account: 99.00/354-512.

              A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the FINAL READING of ORDINANCE 1913 BILL NO. 8 of 2018
ORDINANCE NO. 1913 BILL NO. 8 of 2018
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 AND REMOVE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 115 SPRINGFIELD; LIMITING HANDICAP PARKING SPACES TO TWO (2) HANDICAPPED SPACES PER CITY BLOCK. 
              A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve the Easement for the placement of Washington Trust Building Transformer located on Shaffer Avenue.
              A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to authorize Washington & Jefferson College to apply for a HOP (Highway Occupancy Permit) to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, for pedestrian safety equipment to be installed in the campus area.
              A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to submit 2019 LSA Applications for City projects to be determined.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to accept the retirement of Sgt. John W. Lindley from The City of    
       Washington Police Department effective September 11, 2018, pay all monies due and adjust the Salary Ordinance accordingly. 
PRESENTATION OF CIVIL SERVICE SERGEANT LIST, “CERTIFIED LIST OF THREE” BY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, RICHARD BECK.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to promote Corporal Von Lacock from the Civil Service List, “Certified List of Three” Police Sergeant Eligibility List, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly effective September 13, 2018. (Salary $63,000.95.) 
PRESENTATION OF CIVIL SERVICE CORPORAL LIST, “CERTIFIED LIST OF THREE” BY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, RICHARD BECK.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to accept and approve from the Civil Service New Police Corporal Eligibility List.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to promote Patrolman John Hritz from the Civil Service List, “Certified List of Three” Police Corporal Eligibility List, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly effective September 13, 2018. (Salary $60,577.52.)
PRESENTATION OF CIVIL SERVICE CITY OF WASHINGTON POLICE LIST, “CERTIFIED LIST OF THREE” BY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, RICHARD BECK.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to hire Zachariah Davis from the current Civil Service List, “Certified List of Three” Candidates, effective October 1, 2018, upon the completion of a physical and drug screening and adjust the Salary Ordinance accordingly.  (Salary $45,000.46.)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to award the Wallace Lane Storm Sewer Improvements project to Jet Jack, Inc. for the base bid and alternative No.2 in the amount of $96,536.50.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to award the Duncan Avenue Storm Sewer Repairs project to Earth Support Services, in the amount of $74,375.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve one day of televising from Robinson Pipe not to exceed $3,500. 
FIRST READING of ORDINANCE 1914 BILL NO. 9
ORDINANCE NO. 1914 BILL NO. 9 
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 24, PART 1, OF THE 1986 CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 325-32, TO – PROVIDE FOR A CAP ON ALL PERSONS PAYING BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAX IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON IN THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($165,000.00) DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL TAX AT THE REDUCED RATE OF .0010 ON GROSS RECEIPTS IN EXCESS OF $41,250,000.00.
***NO VOTE REQUIRED***
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to go into EXECUTIVE SESSION at 8:04 P.M.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to come out of EXECTUTIVE SESSION at 8:12 P.M.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to TABLE THE MOTION to approve the proposed agreement between the City and South Strabane Township for the Emergency Road from the Washington Park.  
Elected Officials Report:
Councilman Staniszewski: Read a Report regarding revenue from the Washington Park Pool from 2015 through 2018, showing increased revenue. 
Councilwoman Monda Williams: Thanked the Fire Department for their work during all of the rain we’ve experienced over the past week.     
Councilman Ken Westcott:  Stated that he wanted it noted that items 13, 14, and 15 on the Agenda are actions the City is addressing regarding our antiquated storm drains. The City is working towards getting the storm drains repaired. Addressed members of the audience from TRIPL and assured them that they City wants to continue working with them and supporting them.  
Councilman Joe Manning: No report
Mayor Scott Putnam:
“A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski and unanimously carried to write a letter of support for the Duncan Glass Museum LSA Grant Application.”
“A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously carried to write a letter of support for the Dreamers Company LSA Grant Application.”   
“A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski and carried unanimously carried to schedule the City of Washington TRICK OR TREATING date and time for Wednesday, October 31st from 5:30 P.M. until 7 P.M.
Mayor Putnam thanked Richard Beck, Civil Service Chairman for his service. He congratulated Sergeant Lacock and Corporal Hritz on their promotions. The Mayor also thanked Chief Wilson and Chief Coleman for their service to the City and Community.
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday,
October 4, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.  The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 6:00 P.M.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.