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Council Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2019

Jul 11, 2019 | Council Minutes

ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski, – 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 victims of tragedies in our area.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG


COMMENT: A Demolition Hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Regular Council Meeting.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2019 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:

Georgeanna Farkas:

  • She stated that she has a petition with 52 signatures to send to Governor Wolfe demanding that City Council Members be required to pay $100.00 for every Agenda and Council Meeting that they miss and that they want terms for Mayor and Council limited to two years.
  • She complained about a property that Jan Ondra owns (She did not provide an address) and a property at 430 West Chestnut. She stated that there are beer cans and trash all around the property that Mr. Ondra owns and she said stated that the ambulance is at 430 West Chestnut constantly. She said she understood the City Ordinance to state that if the police/ambulance are called more than 3 times that the tenants are evicted.
  • She said that the dredging of Catfish Creek needs done.
  • She stated her opinion that residents and organizations shouldn’t be helping the City to take care of the Parks.

COMMENT: Mayor Putnam and Councilman Manning advised that there is a meeting scheduled on Monday, July 15, 2019 with the City and the Army Corp of Engineers regarding Catfish Creek.


Tom Hincy: Asked City Council to help his Pickle Ball group by providing benches or chairs near the court and asked Council to consider his proposal to add additional courts and permanent nets at the Washington park. He asked if the City would look into using LSA money to make improvements. He also asked for a better surface for the court.


COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that it would take approximately $28,000 to make improvements and he is going to look over his budget and speak with Council but that they will get them a permanent net for the current court.


Richard Boardley: Complained that he can’t hear the Council members speak even with the speakers being used. Complained about the condition of West End.


CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the following payments:

  1. Washington East Washington Joint Authority in the amount of $2,500.00 for Invoice #13662. CHARGE: 01-34/413-240.
  2. Travelers in the amount of $21,777.85 for Invoice Bill No. #000558896. CHARGE: 01-60/486-350.
  3. Travelers in the amount of $2,148.20 for Invoice Bill No. #000560498. CHARGE: 01-60/486-350.
  4. Skelly & Loy in the amount of $4,555.25 for Invoice # 76188 EIP/MS4. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682. (Reimbursement back from EIP Grant.)
  5. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $26,250.00 for Incident Response. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  6. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $7,432.91 for (3) 48 Port Switch. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  7. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $30,157.26 for (5) Firewalls, (6) Wireless Access Points. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  8. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $43,125.00 for Security Incident Response. Pay #2. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  9. First Security Finance in the amount of $13,782.08 for 3 rd Quarter 2019 Guaranteed Energy Savings. CHARGE: 01.52/409-368.
  10. Edmunds & Associates Inc., in the amount of $312.50 for Database Recovery (Invoice: 19-01930.) CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  11. Washington Business District in the amount of $3,463.38 for 2019 Special Services Assessment. CHARGE: 01.60/400-430.
  12. Washington East Washington Joint Authority in the amount of $2,625.00 for June 2018 Dye Tests. CHARGE: 01-34/413-240.
  13. Portnoff Law Associates in the amount of $3,476.92 for Legal Fees/Costs. CHARGE: 01.24/403-236.
  14. MacBracey Corporation in the amount of $289.00 for Final Payment Main Pavilion. CHARGE: 82.00/454-682.
  15. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $900.00 for 2019 May Items. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
  16. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $16,081.21 for Invoice #3619. CHARGE: 01-34-413-240.
  17. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $12,756.20 for Invoice #3721. CHARGE: 01-34-413-240.
  18. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $4,725.00 for Invoice #3620. CHARGE: 01-34-413-240.
  19. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $103,429.26 for Invoice #3705. CHARGE: 01-34-413-240.
  20. Mohawk in the amount of $18,693.26 for Street Department Lift. CHARGE: 77.00/430-700.
  21. Rice Electric in the amount of $3,461.00 for Park Pool repair. CHARGE:
    52.00/489-000.
  22. The Stereo Outlet in the amount of $1,656.78 for Washington Park Pool. CHARGE: 52.00/489-000.
  23. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $270.00 for Allison Avenue Storm Sewer. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
  24. Crystal Line Technology in the amount $3,944.60 for Camera System
    Upgrade/Reconnect. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  25. Eckert Seamans in the amount of $4,708.50 for Invoice 1486091. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  26. Glick Fire Equipment in the amount of $7,004.54 for Truck 54 Nozzle Repair and Maintenance. CHARGE: 01.33/411-370.
  27. Ron’s Garage in the amount of $5,302.74 for Truck 54 State Inspection and Repair. CHARGE: 01.33/411-370.
  28. Traffic Control in the amount of $3,643.35 for Traffic Light Maintenance. CHARGE: 03-00/433-378.
  29. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $5,514.50 for Invoice 16311. CHARGE: 01-13-404-310.
  30. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $1,113.00 for Invoice 16312. CHARGE: 01-13-404-310.
  31. Plavchak Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $5,000.00 for Pay #4 Park Rec Improvement (Final.) CHARGE: 85.00/454-700. (Reimbursement back from Grant Funds)
  32. BMS in the amount of $2,335.00 for 8 hard drives (Police vehicles.) CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
  33. Commonwealth of PA in the amount of $500.00 for annual NOI Fee. CHARGE: 53.00/489-000.
  34. Ronald F. Talarico, Esquire in the amount of $1,824.60 for I.A.F.F. Local 2218 Arbitration Hearing. CHARGE: 01-13-404-314.


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

  1. Commonwealth Abstract in the amount of $275.00 (665 W Chestnut Street Washington, PA 15301) for duplicate dye test ($225.00) and resident change application ($50.00) fees paid on 55 Campbell Avenue. CHARGE: 01/36-651.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to add the position of Part-Time Laborer 2 under the Public Works Department at an hourly rate of $20.00 per/hr. and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve hiring Ron Earley Sr. as a Part-Time Laborer 2 in the Public works Department retro-active to June 26, 2019 and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to add the next 8 properties to the agenda for Title Search by the Solicitor and Public Hearing to Certify and Release to the Redevelopment Authority for Demolition:

  1. 706 Broad St 780-012-00-01-0018-00 Charlene M. Morrison Armisha Smith
  2. 290 E. Prospect Ave 750-019-00-01-0012-00 Zelma Call DECEASED
  3. 455 Extension Ave 780-004-00-02-0012-02 Lorenzo Kendrick
  4. 340 ½ E. Prospect Ave 750-023-00-01-0007-00 Shellisa L. Chandler Norma J. Welsh
  5. 989 Arch St 770-022-00-02-0002-00 Mark W. Miller
  6. 120 Grove Ave 780-003-00-01-0002-00 Wesley C. Allamon DECEASED
  7. 15 N. Main St 720-001-00-00-0015-00 Appalachian Basin Energy Logistics LLC575
  8. 575 Maple Ave 770-046-00-01-0005-00 Mark Miller 989 Arch St Tax Claim Bureau


A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the revised plan for single family residence and detached garage in the area of Wells Ave/Ross Way/E. Wheeling Street submitted by Brent and Angela Laurine with the driveway coming in off Ross Way and the utilities coming in off Paphos with the stipulation that stormwater management be addressed by the applicants.

A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve a contribution to World Series Tournaments, Inc., in the amount of $2,000 for the 2019 Pony League World Series. CHARGE: 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations.)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to remove Deanna Coughenour, Collections Clerk, from probation retro-active to June 23, 2019 and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the contract for Joseph R. Thomas for a three-year extension of his professional services contract with City of Washington Parking Office, with a retroactive effective date of June 1, 2019.

COMMENT: Mayor Putnam thanked Joe for his service to the City.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to renew the City of Washington Property & Liability Insurance Policy for the term of July 6, 2019 through July 6, 20120 with Travelers Insurance at an annual premium of $172,754.00.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve Resolution 8 of 2019 for the Sons and Daughters of Italy Primo Italiano Lodge 2800 to erect banners advertising for the Italian Festival.  

A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to terminate the employment of Brian Pest as Pool Manager, retroactively effective 7/2/19. 

A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning and carried unanimously to name Elijah Frazier and Jordan Mooney as interim Co-Managers for the 2019 Pool Season at a rate of $13.00 per hour each. 

A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman
Westcott, and carried unanimously to advertise for a Pool Manager with lifeguard certification for the 2020 Pool Season. 

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve payment to Washington School District in the amount of $836.85 for the below items CHARGE: 96.00/409-000:

  1. HUD 2018 & 2019 $52,882.37
  2. Treasurer Office Collection Cost 2018 <$27,145.52>
  3. Treasurer Office Collection (2) QTR’s 2019 <$15,000.00>
  4. Washington Park Contract 2017 -2019 <$9,900.00>

Balance $ 836.85

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to enter into an agreement with Washington School District for the collection of Business Privilege and Mercantile Taxes for 2019 for the annual cost of $30,000.


A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to contract with McKean Plumbing Heating and Supply Co. for installation of a new air conditioning system for the Washington Tax Office in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 (ten thousand dollars.) CHARGE: 77.00/409-700.

A motion was made by Councilman Stanisewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to contract with McKean Plumbing Heating and Supply Co. for a semi-annual maintenance agreement on heating and air conditioning equipment for the following locations: City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department, Tylerdale sub fire station, Public Works Department, and the Park office in the amount of $4,895.00 (four
thousand eight hundred ninety five dollars.) CHARGE: 77.00/409-700.


COMMENT: Councilman Westcott thanked Chief Wilson for doing the work required to get the proposals for both the new air conditioner in the Treasurer’s Office and the maintenance agreement for the City’s heating and air conditioning equipment. Mayor Putnam echoed his appreciation for Chief Wilson’s effort.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the Municipal Police Intra State Mutual Aid Compact Agreement.


Mayor Putnam called Civil Service Chairman Richard Beck to the podium to present the following: Certified Police Lieutenant Eligibility List & Certified Police Sergeant Eligibility List. Chairman Beck presented the Lists certified by the Civil Service Commission on July 10, 2019 to Mayor and City Council

COMMENT: Mayor Putnam thanked the Civil Service Commission for all of their hard work.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to accept and approve from Civil Service Commission, Certified Police Lieutenant Eligibility List.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to accept and approve from Civil Service Commission, Certified Police Sergeant Eligibility List.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to promote Ron Aiello to the rank of Lieutenant, effective July 14, 2019, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to promote Ben Borkowski to the rank of Sergeant, effective July 14, 2019, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

Civil Service Chairman Richard presented the Civil Service Certified Corporal List, certified on September 13, 2018 to Mayor and City Council.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to promote James Markley to the rank of Corporal from the Certified (09-13-18) Police Corporal Eligibility List, effective July 14, 2019, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.


Civil Service Chairman Richard presented the Civil Service 2018 Police Applicants Eligibility List to Mayor and City Council.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to go into Executive Session at 7:38 p.m.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to come out of Executive Session at 7:45 p.m.


A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Putnam, and carried unanimously to hire William Dennison from the 2018 City Police Applicant’s Eligibility List (List of Three), this is a conditional hire, upon passing of a Physical and Drug Screen, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.


A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and and carried unanimously to hire Nicholas Powell from the 2018 City Police Applicant’s Eligibility List (List of Three), this is a conditional hire, upon passing of a Physical and Drug Screen, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Councilman Staniszewski: The Washington Park had a record breaker 16% increase for gross revenue for July 4 th Celebration. Another great fireworks display by Pyrotechnico.

Councilwoman Monda Williams: No Report

Councilman Ken Westcott: Congratulated the new promotions and new hires.

Councilman Manning: Echoed Councilman Westcott’s congratulations to new promotions and new hires. Whiskey Rebellion started today and runs through Sunday.

Mayor Scott Putnam: Congratulated all the new hires and promotions. Thanked Chief Wilson and the Civil Service Commission for all of their work.

  • The Whiskey Rebellion Festival is this week July 11-14 th on Main Street.

The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 1:00 P.M.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.