ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman Monda Williams – Present
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Jack Cambest, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Putnam had a moment of silence for one of our former officers (Jonathan Steiner) who left the City of Washington’s police force to join Cecil Township’s police force. He passed away in January 2016.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2016, regular meeting of 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.
Joseph Thomas of the Parking Department/Transit Center – We received an invoice that was not on the Proposed Agenda but we would like to have the invoice approved prior to the next Regular Council Meeting. The invoice is for $572.00 for hardware related to the installation of a keycard system at the Transit Center. This is a fundable item under the construction grant for the Transit Center.
CLOSED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to open the bids for the City of Washington’s Washington Park Storm Water Improvement Project and to award the project to the lowest responsible bidder per the review and recommendation of the City’s Solicitor and Engineer.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with South Strabane, North Strabane, Peters Township, and Canonsburg for the Multi-Municipal Breathing Apparatus Acquisition Project and approve the local match found in Exhibit A (of the Downtown Revitalization Project Fund).
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to R & B Contracting & Excavation, Inc., for the Burton Avenue Project (Final Payment and Change Order #1) in the amount of $158,982.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Edmunds and Associates for 2016 Annual Software Maintenance in the amount of $20,164.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, approve payment to Metro Alert for the 2016 Annual Software Maintenance in the amount of $4,574.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manming, and unanimously carried, to enter into a Construction Administration Agreement with CT Consultants, Inc., for Phase III of the South Main Street Project not to exceed $50,000.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to enter into a Construction Inspection Agreement with Stahl Sheaffer for Phase III of the South Main Street Project not to exceed $86,034.84.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to enter into an agreement with Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation (SPC) for the SINC-UP Main Street Traffic Signal Project and approve the local match in the amount of $31,636.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to reallocate 2016 CDBG Funds and amend the 2016 Budget as follows:
a. $345,000 Central Business District Bond Payment
b. $150,000 Fire Truck Payment
c. $50,000 Home Rehabilitation
d. $25,500 Code Enforcement Demolition
Mayor Putnam commented on the Home Rehabilitation – funds for 2015 CDBG funds were allocated for home rehab and should be included and we have amended our appropriations as such.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Allegheny City Electric in the amount of $500.00, which is the remaining balance due for the retainage for work completed on Phase I of the Washington Intermodal Transit Center Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Boxick & Raspanti, LLP, in the amount of $282.00 for legal services regarding the Ondra vs. the City of Washington Case 118911.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following payments:
a. Redevelopment Authority in the amount $50,000.00 for Farmers’ Market Pavilion Funding. CHARGE: 77.00/400-700 (Capital Improvement Fund)
b. Tarr Redi Mix Concrete & Building Supplies in the amount of $2.225.00 for (30) 2x2x6 blocks. CHARGE: 77.00/430-700 (Capital Improvement Fund)
c. North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $10,912.06 for Reimbursement No. 11. CHARGE: 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account).
d. North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $10,211.03 for Reimbursement No. 9. CHARGE: 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account).
e. North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $9,962.87 for Reimbursement No. 12. CHARGE: 90.00/489-000 (NCHS Grant Account).
f. Ritter Industries, Inc., in the amount of $5491.00 for repair to dump truck No. 1. CHARGE: 01.42/430-370 (Public Works – Vehicle Maintenance).
g. Witmer Public Safety Group in the amount of $3,645.86 for ammunition. CHARGE: 01.15/410-239 (Police – Ammunition).
h. Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc., in the amount of $578.00 for repairs to traffic light at Chestnut and McCarrell. CHARGE: 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund).
i. Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc., in the amount of $907.87 for repairs to traffic light at Jefferson & McAdam. CHARGE: 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund).
j. Corson Custom Graphics in the amount of $2,365.00 for street signs. CHARGE: 77.00/433-700 (Capital Improvement Fund).
k. Citizens Library in the amount of $25,000 for their 2016 allocation. CHARGE: 01.54/456-520 (Citizens Library Contribution).
l. US Bank in the amount of $1,200.00 for paying agent fees for the 2014 A&B GO Bonds. CHARGE: 01.90/475-319 (GO Bonds – Agent Fees).
m. MOU to Quality Quick Printing in the amount of $1,690.50 for Calendar Mailers. CHARGE: 57.00/489-000 (Recycling Drop Off Grant Fund).
n. MOU to Quality Quick Printing in the amount of $1,274.96 for Calendar Mailers. CHARGE: 57.00/489-000 (Recycling Drop Off Grant Fund).
o. ADT in the amount of $5,611.50 for the remaining due for the installation of the key card access system. CHARGE: 27.00/447-743 (Purchase of Buses and Equipment Grant Fund).
p. PNC Bank in the amount of $146,339.58 for Act 205 Pension Collections through December 31, 2015. CHARGE: 79.00/483-000 (Act 205 Distressed Pension Fund).
q. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,740.00 for December items. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services).
r. Widmer Engineering for tennis courts in the Park. This needs approval only, since the Redevelopment Authority will pay. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services).
s. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,025.00 for Burton Avenue Phase One project. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer of $26,000.00 from 46.00/492.900 (General Fund Reserve) to 03.00/392-900 (Liquid Fuels Fund). (This is only borrowing funds until our 2016 Liquid Fuels Allocation comes in).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to accept the resignation of Gary Baker from the position of mechanic in the City Fire Department effective January 25, 2016, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to appoint the following individuals to the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation’s Board of Directors retroactive to January 19, 2016, for the following terms:
Richard Cleveland for a term of 3 years;
Marie Montecalvo for a term of 2 years;
Richard Beck for a term of 2 years;
Richard Mancini for a term of 4 years; and
Eva Chatterjer-Shutten a term of 3 years.”
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) authorizing the City Treasurer to open a new bank account titled “Police Evidence Escrow” account.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to appoint Robert Wasik to the position of Mechanic in the Fire Department effective February 2, 2016, at an annual salary of $791.00 and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the amendments to the Police Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to appoint the following individuals to the Civil Service Commission:
Dwayne Durham, Chairman for 4 years
George Robinson for 3 years
John Antonelli for 2 years
Ray Natili, as an Alternate
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $7,019.50 for professional services.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Stainbrook Auto Body Shop in the amount of $3,226.00 for police car repairs.
A motion was made to approve the FIRST READING of Ordinance No. 1876 – Bill
No. 1 of 2016; Ordinance No. 1877 – Bill No. 2 of 2016; and Ordinance No. 1878 – Bill No. 3 of 2016. No vote is required.
ORDINANCE NO. 1876 – BILL NO. 1 OF 2016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1464, CHAPTER 27, PART 9, SECTION 903 – PLANNING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE BOARD COMPOSITION FROM SEVEN (7) MEMBERS TO FIVE (5) MEMBERS.
ORDINANCE NO. 1877 – BILL NO. 2 OF 2016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1464, CHAPTER 27, PART 8, SECTION 801(6) – ZONING BOARD TO AMEND THE BOARD COMPOSITION FROM FIVE (5) MEMBERS TO THREE (3) MEMBERS.
ORDINANCE NO. 1878 – BILL NO. 3 OF 2016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 329 – TO AMEND THE POLICE PENSION ORDINANCE.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to ratify the Wage Re-opener Agreement between the City and Teamsters, Local 585, retroactive to January 1, 2016, and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Williams – No report at this time.
Councilwoman Graham – We were lucky to receive the grant for the Washington Park and thank you to everyone that helped to make this happen.
Councilman Westcott – No report at this time.
Councilman Manning – A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Shearer Lock & Supply in the amount of $572.00 for the installation of a keycard access project at the Transit Center. CHARGE: 27.00/447-743. Mayor Putnam asked the public, since this item was not on the Proposed Agenda, if anyone had any comment. There was no comment from the public.
Mayor Putnam thanked everyone for coming out to our first daylight meeting of 2016. There will be three (3) additional meetings during the day and they will be the 2nd month of every quarter.
The City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at 8:30 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the meeting.
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Scott J. Putnam, Mayor
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Cynthia B. Griffin, City Clerk