A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7PM in Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. Mayor Brenda Davis, presiding, opened the meeting.
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Present
Councilman Joseph Manning – Present
Councilman Terry Faust – Present
Mayor Brenda Davis – Present
SOLICITOR: John F. Cambest, Esquire – Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Mayor and Council held an Executive Session just prior to the final motion to adjourn this meeting to discuss litigation issues. A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the December 22, 2014 special meeting of Washington City Council.
Mayor Davis then opened by public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
● Fire Chief Linn Brookman gave the following 2 reports: for the month of December there were 107 calls of service. There were 1,781 calls for the year of 2014, which was an increase from 2013. The Building Department issued 8 permits with a total of $1,436.00 fees collected. Year to date permits issued were 239, fees collected were $47,133.90
● Ron McIntrye, Code Enforcement Officer, gave the following report for the month of December: 70 calls of service, 21 violations were mailed out, 4 citations issued, with a total of $1,259.71 fees collected.
● Police Chief Chris Luppino gave the December report for the Police Department.
It was as follows: 694 calls for service, 1,100 miles patrolled, 49 traffic citations issued, 52 nontraffic citations, and 40 criminal arrests made. Total monies collected were $930. 2014 yearly reports is: 10,442 calls for service, 1,187 traffic citations issued, 589 nontraffic citations, and 562 criminal arrests were made. In addition, 114 City Parking tickets were issued. Total monies collected for the year were $12,920. Chief Luppino thanked Mayor and Council for reinstituting the K9 Program. Report for the K9 Program is: since May there were 11 narcotic arrests made, $1,900.00 was seized, 5 criminal apprehensions were made – all surrendering with no bites, with 200 hours being completed of initial training.
● John Campbell, 760 McKinley Avenue, asked what the status was with the Police testing.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that the City is currently waiting for the volunteer Board to put all of that information together. John said that it was in October that he started attending meetings regarding this, now it is January. Still nothing has been done.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that the Chairman of this Board vacations at this time of the year. We are waiting for his return – when he does return the City will be ready to proceed.
● Dean Gartland, President and CEO of the City Mission, stated that he wanted to inform everyone that if there any were questions this evening regarding their Phase I site plan . . . he would be happy to answer them.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to renew contract with Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. (Electric Supply) for a 3 year term.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said that this rate has been changing on a daily basis. He stated he has been involved with this current contract and was involved with this 3 years ago. As of today, the rate favored the City at .06052 per kilowatts. This is not much of a raise as to where we were 3 years ago. Matter of fact, if you could cut up a penny . . . you could not cut it up in this many pieces. We are fortunate to have this fixed rate for the next 3 years. Councilman Faust suggested to the audience for them to take a look at their own residential rates and then take a look at Constellation’s. The rate is going to increase for electricity. He urged everyone to be proactive and secure a good rate.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve reappointment of Ryan King as representative to serve on Board of The Washington East Washington Joint Authority for an additional fiveyear term to expire December 31, 2019.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Treasurer’s Office refund to Halfacres Inc., 501 Jefferson Avenue, (Parcel Number: 7700070001001300) in the amount of $255.84 for 2013
Washington City Real Estate Taxes, and in the amount of $255.84 for 2014 Washington City Real Estate Taxes. The City of Washington received a value change from Washington County Tax Revenue Department on December 1, 2014, effective 2013 Per Court STIP. CHARGE 01.00/301020 (Real Estate Taxes Prior Year Taxes)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Treasurer’s Office refund to Penn Oak LLC, 3452 Broidy Rd, Suite 5123, McGuire AFB NJ 08641 (Parcel Number: 7200040000004400 = 25 W. Chestnut Street) in the amount of $609.69 for 2014 Washington City Real Estate taxes.
Treasurer’s Office received a value change from Washington County Tax revenue Department on 12/15/2014 effective for 2014 Appeal Decision.
FACE DISCOUNT PAID
Original $3,471.25 $69.43 $3,401.83
Revised $2,849.12 $56.98 $2,792.14
CHARGE 01.00/301020 (Real Estate Taxes Prior Year Taxes)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, andu nanimously carried, to approve the following Budget Transfer of $656.25 FROM 85.00/100000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Crile Consolidated Ind. Inc. in the amount of $7,300.00 for Electrical Department’s Bucket Truck’s repair. CHARGE 01.16/433370
(Electrical Department – Vehicle Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor in the amount of $52,969.50 for Payment #5. CHARGE 66.00/446310 (Catfish Creek)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co. in the amount of $2,625.00 for Televise – Area 4 Catfish Creek. CHARGE 66.00/446310 (Catfish Creek)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $900.00 for Metes & Bounds – East Chestnut. CHARGE 01.43/430313 (Engineering Services)
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $700.00 for Metes & Bounds Murtland. CHARGE 01.43/430313 (Engineering Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $945.00 for 2014 November Items. CHARGE 01.43/430313 (Engineering Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Payment to Dodaro, Matta, and Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $9,277.75 for services rendered through 12/23/2014 and includes monthly retainer. CHARGE 01.13/404310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to S. E. Schultz Electric, Inc. in the amount of $2,660.00 for Jefferson Avenue underpass. CHARGE 46.00/409373 (General Fund Reserve)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to North Central Highway Safety Network Inc. in the amount of $10,082.73 for Reimbursement #9. CHARGE 90.00/489000 (North Central Highway Safety Grant Account)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU):
MAYOR AND COUNCIL please approve this Memorandum Of Understanding.
Listed are (2) Motions:
Take action to approve to amend 2014 Budget to add Charge Line item of: 17/445316 Parking Office (Contracted Services/Parking Dept. Director)
Take action to approve Budget Transfer not to exceed $6,500.00 FROM 17/445121 (Parking Office – Salary/PartTime Executive Director) TO 17/445316 (Parking Office – Contracted Services /Parking Dept. Director) so that Joseph R. Thomas may be paid for services rendered from June 2, 2014 through December 3, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU):
MAYOR AND COUNCIL please approve this Memorandum Of Understanding due to the wrong CHARGE LINE NUMBER listed on Motion #23 – Agenda (December 4, 2014).
Listed is the corrected Motion:
Take action to approve payment to Joseph R. Thomas for services rendered as City of Washington Parking Director from June 2, 2014 through December 3, 2014 – not to exceed $6,500.00 CHARGE 17/445316 (Parking Office – Other Services & Charges – Contracted Services / Parking Dept. Director)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve hiring of Randy Thomas as City of Washington Public Works Laborer at a probationary rate of $19.29 per hour, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly, effective January 5, 2015.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve reappointment of Widmer Engineering Inc. as the City of Washington’s Engineer for 2015.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve site plan (Phase I) for Washington City Mission proposed Veteran’s Center at 84 W. Wheeling Street.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning wished the City Mission the best of luck. He continued by saying that this will be a very good facility for the Veterans. From the proposal made this facility will be run very well.
Councilman Faust echoed what Councilman Manning stated. The City Mission stayed in the footprint and came back with something with a good development. He wished them the best in the future.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Elaine Scott’s Letter of Retirement – effective January 16, 2015, pay all monies due, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said, “thank you”. Mayor Davis said, “thank you Elaine for all of your hard work”.
Councilman Faust said, “Elaine has been a very vital part of the City and has been on the BP Mercantile Tax collections. She had a handle on that and has done a very fine job. I feel very privileged to have known her”.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve City Clerk to post and advertise for position of Treasurer’s Office Collections Clerk in accordance with the SEIU Contract. City of Washington Residency Requirement: Applicant must live within 7.5 air miles of the Washington County Courthouse located on South Main Street, Washington, Pennsylvania.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve revisions to the Washington City Transit ADA Policy, in accordance with recommendations made during the FTA Triennial Review.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the following (3) Transit Center construction project Change Orders for Waller Corporation:
a) GC029 Stainless Steel Downspout at a cost of $1,400.00
b) GC032 Additional Duct Bank Excavation at a cost of $970.00
c) GC034 Temporary electrical power at a cost of $502.00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to MV Transportation Inc., in the amount of $52,167.84 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in December 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447455
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $11,757.93 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in November 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447455
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to WashingtonEast Washington Joint Authority in the amount of $8.95 for Sewage at the ITF (new transit center), to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447359
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to PA American Water in the amount of $356.99 for Water Service and usage in December at the ITF, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447359
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $199.08 for farebox networking, including all late fees & Static IP increase, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447359
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Coen Oil Company in the amount of $9,367.93 for the purchase of fuel in November for the public transit vehicles, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447231
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $25.52 for annual fee and interest, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Verizon in the amount of $1,231.02 for land lines associated with the ITF, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447359
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Waller Corporation #17 (including CO #020, 026 & 027) in the amount of $50,036.50 for General contracted services for ITF performed through November 2014 to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197014 in the amount of $1,482.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through December 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. #10 in the amount of $14,150.00 for HVAC contracted services for ITF performed through December 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #11 in the amount of $16,720.00 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through December 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to amend the 2014 Budget to create line item 60.00/393100 (Downtown Project Fund – General Obligation Bond and Note Proceeds. Amount: $16,804.41
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to amend the 2015 Budget to create line item 60.00/409740 (Downtown Project Funds – General Government – Capital Purchases. Amount: $16,804.41
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated, “I did not pass this budget 2 weeks ago. We are here, 2 weeks into the year, to amend this budget . . . so apparently we did not get it right the first time”.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to a refund to the City of Washington Downtown Project fund in the amount of $8,309.03 CHARGE 01.00/301050 (General Fund – Contracted Del. Taxes)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the purchase of (1) Case Model 580SN Tier 4 Backhoe Loader from Groff Tractor & Equipment Inc. in the amount of $78,052.00 CHARGE $16,804.41 TO 60.00/409740 (Downtown Project Revitalization Fund – General Government/Capital Purchases AND CHARGE $61,247.59 TO 60.00/489000 (Downtown Project Revitalization Fund – Miscellaneous Expenditures).
FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1865 BILL NO. 1 OF 2015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VACATING A PORTION OF POPLAR STREET APPROXIMATELY THIRTY THREE FEET IN WIDTH LOCATED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
** (No Vote Required)**
FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1866 BILL NO. 2 OF 2015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA VACATING A PORTION OF AN UNNAMED ALLEY TEN FEET IN WIDTH LOCATED SIXTY FEET SOUTH OF EAST CHESTNUT STREET AND PARALLEL TO NORTH COLLEGE STREET LOCATED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
** (No Vote Required)**
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $187,488.34 for ACT 205 Distressed Pension Collections through 12/31/2014. CHARGE 79.00/483000 (Pension Contributions)
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No Comment
Councilman Kenneth Westcott wished the City Mission the best of luck. The Veteran’s Center is dearly needed. We expect that our Veterans be treated much better as they have served our Country. He said with the City Mission’s leadership and the individuals who give their time for the City Mission the Veterans will be treated very well. The Street Department is doing the best that they can with all the snow flying. Be patient as the snow and cold, after 15 degrees the salt really is not that effective. We have put cinders on the roads. We have 7 guys on the Street Department have been doing a great job on all of the 52 miles within the City. Councilman Westcott thanked his colleagues for the 2 motions made this evening: the hiring of the Public Works employee and the purchase of the backhoe.
Councilman Joseph Manning – No Comment
Councilman Terry Faust – No Comment
Mayor Brenda Davis – No Comment
The Washington City Building will be closed Monday, January 19, 2015 in observance of Martin Luther King holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to recess into an Executive Session for litigation issues.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said for those in attendance who wished to stay . . . the meeting will be closed as soon as they resume from their Executive Session.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the meeting.
________________________________________
Brenda Davis, Mayor
______________________________________
Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk