A regular council meeting was help on July 10, 2014.
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
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2014 special meeting of Washington City Council.
Mayor Davis then opened the public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
- Chief Linn Brookman gave three reports for the month of June. They were as follows: 168 total calls for the Fire Department, Building Permit Department issued 32 permits this month with a total for the year at 130. $10,626.25 was the total fees taken in for the month of June. Mr. McIntyre had 124 calls of service with income from fines, zoning appeals, and street opening permits at $3,888.55
- Chief Chris Luppino gave the Police Department’s report for the month of June. There were 1,017 calls of service with 13,000 miles patrolled. There were 114 traffic citations issued, 89 non-traffic citations, 49 criminal arrests. Money collected was as follows: $615.00 accident reports, $35.00 for incident reports, $60.00 for fingerprinting, and $350.00 for vehicle release forms. Total money collected: $1,060.00
- Fred Fleet spoke about the Mayor’s Park and said that Karen and him noticed that the name tags need to be updated. He wondered if this could be done.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. in the amount of $270.00 for 2 Loop Amplifiers- Shelf Mounted for Jefferson and Hall Avenues. CHARGE 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund – Traffic Signal Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. in the amount of $154.44 for troubleshooting and correction action for system being in flash mode. CHARGE 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund – Traffic Signal Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. in the amount of $3,450.00 for 10 Pair of Pull-on Structural Boots (sizes 9 through 13). CHARGE 01.33/411-238 Fire Protection (Materials, Supplies Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $777,841.13 for ACT 205 Distressed Pension Collections through 6/17/2014. CHARGE 79.00/483-000 (Act 205 Distressed Pension Fund – Pension Contributions)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Quill in the amount of $169.99 for Brothers Printer MFC 9130. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Quill in the amount of $299.99 for Brothers Printer MFC 9130. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Quill in the amount of $149.00 for Brothers Printer MFC 7360. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Dell in the amount of $3,613.90 for (5) Laptops – Windows 7. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Dell in the amount of $3,181.56 for (3) PCs – Windows 7. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to EG & G in the amount of $4,499.00 for Amendment #13 Final Engineering Documents. CHARGE 60.00/489-000 (Downtown Rev. Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $554.23 for Fiber Connections. CHARGE 85.00/489-000 (LSA)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Redevelopment Authority of Washington County in the amount of $15,000.00 for DCED Grant – Zoning Upgrade. CHARGE 95.00/400-300 (DCED Multi-Mun. Zoning Funds)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $530.00 for Recycle Dropoff Center. CHARGE 77.00/454-700 (Capital Improvement)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $13,361.31 for Professional Services Catfish Creek Project. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Project)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $31,913.97 for Professional Services Catfish Creek Project. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $39,581.03 for Professional Services Catfish Creek Project. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Allegheny Fence Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $13,840.00 for Fence/Pond. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Recreonics, Inc. in the amount of $2,981.98 for Pool Sweeper. (This amount will be reimbursed by RAWC). CHARGE 85.00/454-700 (LSA)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Rice Electric Company in the amount of $3,389.00 for Pump Repair. (This amount will be reimbursed by RAWC) CHARGE 85.00/454-700 (LSA)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Tedesco Excavating and Paving, Inc. in the amount of $27,522.00 for Recycling Drop Off Pad. CHARGE 77.00/426-610 (Capital Improvements)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $4,844.75 for services rendered from 5/14/2014 through 6/20/2014, included July 2014 retainer. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated that the payments to Recreonics, Inc. and to Rice Electric Company both relate to an upcoming motion listed in this meeting’s Agenda which is entering into a Cooperation Agreement with the Washington County Redevelopment Authority for the Washington Park Improvements Project LSA 11-06.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to refund to Washington Settlement Services Inc. in the amount of $140.00 for Dye Test on property located at 430 Allison Avenue. Sale fell through.
CHARGE 01.00/361-652 (Dye Test Fees)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the budget transfer of $203,059.00 FROM General Fund
(01.70/492-995) TO Capital Improvement Fund (77.00/392-900) as appropriated in the 2014 adopted budget.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said, “we are happy we are able to do this.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to amend the 2014 adopted budget to add revenue line item: 01.00/362-600 (Municipal Service Fees In Lieu Of Taxes).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to rescind the following motion that was previously approved and approve the corrected motion:
Rescind Due To Incorrect Charge Line Number:
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman
Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Treasurer’s Department
payment to Portnoff Law Associates LTD in the amount of $13,685.00 for Real
Estate Delinquent Notices. CHARGE 01.24/403-240 (City Treasurer – Operating
Expenses)
Corrected: Take action to approve the Treasurer’s Department payment to
Portnoff Law Associates LTD in the amount of $13,685.00 for Real
Estate Delinquent Notices. CHARGE 01.24/403-236 (Treasurer-
Delinquent Tax Fees)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to rescind the following motion that was previously approved and approve the corrected motion:
Rescind Due To Vendor Names Being Omitted:
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman
Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the purchase of (1) 2015
Ford Inteceptor AWD with graphics and fully outfitted at a cost of
$32,115.16 CHARGE $25,000.00 to 49.00/410-740 (US Justice
Capital Grant Fund) and CHARGE $7,115.16 to 77.00/410-700 (Capital
Improvement Police Fund)
Corrected: Take action to approve the purchase of (1) 2015 Ford
Inteceptor AWD with graphics and fully outfitted at a cost of $32,115.16
with payments to the following vendors in amounts shown:
Tri Stars Motors $25,235.00
Team Force Inc. $ 6,280.16
Layton Graphics & Sign $ 600.00
CHARGE $25,000.00 to 49.00/410-740 (US Justice Capital Grant Fund)
and CHARGE $7,115.16 to 77.00/410-700 (Capital Improvement Police
Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to rescind the following motion that was previously approved and approve the corrected motion:
Rescind Due To Amount Being Incorrect:
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve to commit LSA Funds in the amount of $41,082.00 as matching funds for the DCED Multi Modal Transportation Grant – Dunn Avenue Sidewalk Project.
Corrected: Take action to approve to commit LSA Funds in the amount of $41,606.00 as matching funds for the DCED Multi Modal Transportation Grant – Dunn Avenue Sidewalk Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Residential LERTA application:
Donald K. and Helen D. Stanley, 1275 Summerlea Avenue,
Parcel ID: 770-037-00-04-0001-00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Residential LERTA application:
Karen S. Bender, 67 Sumner Avenue,
Parcel ID: 760-018-00-02-0011-00
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve tax refund to Kenneth M. & Cecil P. Miller in the amount of $12,191.32 for Parcel ID 740-006-00-01-0015-00.
Breakdown As Shown Below:
(2013) $6.035.31 CHARGE 01.00/301-020
$ 60.35 CHARGE01.24/403-236
(2014) $6035.31 CHARGE 01.00/301-010
$ 60.35 CHARGE 01.24/403-236
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve to enter into Cooperation Agreement with the Washington County Redevelopment Authority for the Washington Park Improvements Project LSA 11-06.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve to execute Addendum 1 to the Cooperation Agreement dated June 13, 1996 with the County of Washington regarding CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the following items along with respective payment amounts for the below listed Insurance Coverage with B & W Insurance Agency, Inc. Coverage Period: 7/6/2014 – 7/6/2015.
a) Indian Harbor to provide The City of Washington with Police Liability Coverage
for $1,000,000 in the amount of $19,120.00 and Western World to provide Public
Officials Liability Coverage for $1,000,000 at a cost of $23,512.00 and the
Property, General Liability, Auto & Umbrella Policy to Selective Insurance in the
amount of $111,350.00 (Total annual combined premium cost of $153,982.00).
b) Payment of 1st installment of the Property, General Liability, Auto & Umbrella Policy payable to B & W Insurance Agency, Inc., in the amount of $21,156.00 with the balance of this policy to be paid in monthly installments. CHARGE 01.60/486-350
c) Payment of the Police Liability Coverage & Public Officials Liability policies payable to B & W Insurance Agency, Inc. in the total amount of $42,632.00 CHARGE 01.60/486-350. (This is the total cost of the annual policy – no installment plans were permitted).
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that he could not
support this motion because there was a significant property and liability coverage for the City last year as well as Worker’s Compensation. He said that he advised Mayor and Council of this and had their blessings to begin to look around for different companies that could provide this coverage, hopefully at a reduced cost. He said he was successful at finding one company that presented us a proposal. Subsequent to that, Mayor and Council felt that it was only fair that we put it out to at least two other companies. Councilman Manning stated, “we did, we put it out to another company that ultimately got our Worker’s Compensation coverage and let B & W, our current company, bid on it as well. When the original bid came back . . . B & W was at 5% higher than the previous year for a total of about $190,000.00 ~ subsequent to that, they came back and are now at $153,982. Either they were charging us exorbitantly last year and then began to pad their bill again this year with an additional 5% increase, but then somehow got it down to where it was competitive to with any other company that was bidding on it. Going back and forth and tweaking some of the coverage here and there . . . the final offer from one of the other companies was $147,500.00 – still a savings of $6,000.00 below discount. So for that reason it sent up a red flag to me. First of all, we started this back in the Spring, around March. It was the first time that he was able to document where one of the companies was with the City Clerk in gathering information they would need to make a proposal. That proposal was presented to Mayor and Council on April 14th. B & W held a meeting on July 2nd. The coverage ended on July 6th which was a Sunday with of course the Independence holiday in between. No time to review their proposal, no time to question them – nothing. So for those reasons I cannot support this motion”.
Councilman Faust commented that he concurred with his colleague. He noted the things that he was disturbed about was that it on the eleventh hour and had the two months prior to that, we had the numbers were in and saw what they were doing. Then, through email this type of decision was made without any public input or without being in front of the public, with something of this multitude. If you have only three people that sign a MOU at the eleventh hour I believe at that time, the Sunshine Act, which will be corrected today if it is voted and passed. The most important thing that Councilman Faust said that he wanted to say is that, “it is our fiduciary responsibility here to seek out the lowest responsible bidder in a professional manner in obtaining the proposals”. He continued, “that anyone that would have ties to B & W, out of respect would actually decline to vote on this because it would be a conflict of interest. Not saying that one would have to, but, he feels that it would be the responsible, respectful way to do that of having business, being that that is what he would do; but that is not what one should do but is what he would do.” Councilman Faust said that he feels this was very important, and as Councilman Manning said, we ended up at a lesser if we had the opportunity and not at the eleventh hour to review this. He would welcome to be proven wrong but was not given that opportunity.
Mayor Davis said that she would tell you how it really went down. Last year we were approached by Gallagher and wanted to know if they could come in and evaluate the City’s properties to possible come in with cheaper insurance. So, as of January of this year, this company came in and evaluated the City property and came back with their proposal. They did not contact any of us on Council to sit down and actually go over their proposal. It just so happened that Mr. Manning was having a meeting with them upstairs and Mayor Davis said that she happened to be at City Hall that day. She said dropped in to find out what the coverage would consist of. Gallagher came in at $165,000.00 – they lowered the amount of coverage that we had from three million to one million. These guys were not even invited to that meeting, so if they want to talk about B & W scheduling a meeting to invite everyone to go over the proposal . . . at least B & W did that. Gallagher did not. It was discussed at the Agenda Meeting last month that we needed to have a second proposal. The third proposal never came. We switched our Worker’s Compensation coverage to a company that none of us never heard of. It was a last minute deal that was brought before us. So, that company did not even choose to submit a proposal so we were left with two. Keep in mind that B & W has been the City’s insurance carrier for the past nine years – past nine years. They work very well with the City and they process our reports on a timely fashion. Yes, they increase our rates but here is why. They increased our rates because of the inadequate legal advice that we were getting over the last several years. The first council member, that was assisting our Solicitor at that time, got us in a heck of a mess when it came to law suits. A matter of fact, the City was sanctioned in November and this Council never even knew about it until we read about it in the newspaper five months later. So, having the past history and being sued and the Council not having the right information, yeah our rates went up . . . you’re damn right they went up. So, we evaluated B & W’s proposal this year and asked why our rates went up so high — they explained it to us. That is because of the lawsuits coming against the City — they were constantly coming in. Once Gallagher’s rates came in at one million dollar coverage, and we had three million dollar coverage, it was discussed if we could reduce that on what the proposal was that Gallagher gave us. With our umbrella being three million dollars . . . we had ample coverage with B & W. Mayor Davis continued by saying, “I have the B & W proposal right here in black and white. It came in at $165,000.00 to Gallagher’s $154,000.00 so you tell me in black and white; I don’t know where Mr. Manning is getting $147,000.00 because it is not in black and white – that’s verbal. When you compare the two policies, Gallagher had increased our equipment deductible to $1,000.00 from $500.00 and there are multiple departments that are constantly vehicle accidents and equipment being damaged. We were only paying $500.00 and it would be increased to $1,000. That is something that we cannot absorb that cost when we were used to only $500. Not to mention, our coverage on business income loss, if a fire would occur, Gallagher capped us at $250,000. Our current policy is unlimited. Now, you tell me if a fire happened in this building don’t you want to make sure that the City of Washington’s employees are getting paid and we are not getting capped at $250,000. I, for one, would want to make sure that everyone would be getting their paycheck and that any services would still be covered and still have that service to continue to process the documents. So, all of Council was invited to attend B & W’s proposal. Unfortunately, no one showed up but the Mayor. So, I was able to access it and give it back to Council in an email and explain the difference between the coverage. It is not my fault if you can’t make at meeting. At least B & W offered a time to come in and process it. So, here we are, when it comes to the eleventh hour, we need to be meeting every two weeks here to process all the important documents that go through this City. But, it is bad enough I can’t even get two meetings we’re required to attend per month and some can’t even show up for the two required meetings so how do you expect to do business in a timely fashion and not be in the eleventh hour if you can’t even show up and process the Agenda Meetings. When it comes up to saying someone shouldn’t be voting because they may be doing business . . . it was okay with this Council last year if all of us on Council voted whether we have our personal business with them or we do not. We are not receiving a paycheck from B & W so all of have to vote on this. But, you didn’t have a problem last year when this particular person voted on continuing coverage with B & W; but all of a sudden since Councilman Manning’s carrier came in from Pittsburgh . . . I don’t even know if you guys were given the opportunity to review that proposal.”
Councilman Manning asked if he could respond.
Mayor Davis said no because she still has the floor.
She continued by saying that is what is disturbing to her. The public had plenty of input on this because it was discussed at the Agenda Meeting on having two proposals. If you were not here, or if you were intoxicated at that time, that is not my problem.
Councilman Westcott spoke briefly on this conflict by stating, “I own a business which is insured by B & W. I pay them to provide me with insurance; no gain monetarily is given to me from their business”. He said he has checked with our Solicitor and the Ethics Commission and there is no conflict of interest as to the vote that may or may not be taken here tonight.
Councilman Manning stated that the meeting that Mayor Davis walked into upstairs was not a proposal meeting. It was a meeting where the representative came in, he introduced him to Christy to gather the all the information he needed to make the proposal. The proposal was made here right at the table and everyone on Council was provided a copy of the proposal to review. That was not an Agenda Meeting. It was not done surreptitiously. The meeting was set at everyone’s convenience to review the proposal. It was at that meeting, that meeting when they said let’s get two more proposals to be fair.
Mayor Davis said, “I thought there wasn’t public input, apparently there was – we were at an Agenda Meeting”.
Councilman Manning said, “there wasn’t, it was among us”.
Mayor Davis said that she received this proposal upstairs when you had that one-on-one meeting with Gallagher.
Councilman Manning said, “no”.
Mayor Davis said, “yes it was”.
Councilman Manning said that Mayor Davis could not have because he did not have the proposal at that time. He continued by saying that he brought the representative down and introduced him to Christy.
Mayor Davis said that we went over the coverage and we met with him twice.
Councilman Manning said that everyone was given a copy of the proposal to review. He talked to Jim Cote, from B & W, for months when it looked like we were shopping the Worker’s Compensation. Councilman Manning said he thought it just looked like a sale but if you still want to put in the property and liability that it was up to him and to get the figures in. We are the customer and they are supposed to be convenient to us. So sending out an email that stated they would be here on July 2nd at 9AM – when the coverage expires at midnight on July 6th. There is still something wrong about that. Then when you sent out the email saying that the original proposal was 5% above what it was last year.
Mayor Davis said that that would be keeping the same coverage that we had to have when we had the Solicitor who we had at that time. We needed that much coverage because we were getting sued left and right.
Councilman Manning said so what’s to say that we are still getting sued left and right this year. So they either sold us something that we didn’t need or this year we don’t have adequate coverage. Which is it? Also, the deductible did not go up to $1,000.00 – it is $500.
Mayor Davis said yes it did, it is right here. We can go through this line by line.
Councilman Manning said he is sure that they could but there is no point to it.
Mayor Davis asked it there were any other comments.
ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning – No
Councilman Terry Faust – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $3,340.33 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $7,978.49 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $9,895.26 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $4,125.00 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $3,460.00 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve $100.00 application filing fee for DCED Greenways,
Trails and Recreation Grant. CHARGE 01.00/406-240 (Grant Administration/Operating Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve filing of application for DCED Flood Mitigation and
approve committed LSA Funds in the amount of $13,350.00 as matching funds for the Campbell Avenue Storm Water Project.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said the possibility of
this is that we may have matching funds from
attributed to another project so that is in our favor
to this. We will have to see how this plays out. It
may not be any cost to the City and that is good.
We still have to commit to this.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve $100.00 application filing fee for DCED Flood Mitigation Grant. CHARGE 01.00/406-240 (Grant Administration/Operating Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve filing of application for Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Recycling Drop-Off Project Phase II.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said that this is
the extension that is going on, the development
across from the Pavilion — the large open parking
lot. This is our Phase I. We had a great
opportunity to receive this grant which will help
everyone in the recycling business. This will be a
place to take their limbs and shrubs, we hope to
expand into more and grow this for the citizens.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the plans and location of fireworks display during the 2014 PONY League World Series. Initial fireworks date will be Monday, August 11, 2014 immediately after the final game.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said that this is something
that Pony Head came to us and we worked with them. We appreciate their cooperation between the both of us. Hopefully, if this evolves – it is not 100%, they took this first step, it is not a guarantee, it is their decision, but it is cleared by us.
Mayor Davis asked Mr. Gregg if we had the proper insurance documentation for this.
A motion was Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to US Bank in the amount of $1,700.00 that includes Dissemination Agent Fee of $600.00 and the Paying Agent Fee of $1,100.00 for City of Washington GOB Taxable Series A of 2012 and GOB Series B of 2012. CHARGE 01.90/475-319 (Fiscal Agent Fees)
A motion was Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to US Bank in the amount of $1,100.00 that is for the Paying Agent Fee for City of Washington GOB Series 2005A Taxable & 2005B Tax Exempt. CHARGE 01.90/475-319 (Fiscal Agent Fees)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to authorize and approve extension of lease for Office and Garage space for Washington Parking Department with John Hopper, 25 & 31 North Main Street. This is retroactive from June 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 at a cost of $600.00 per month. CHARGE 17/445-240 (Parking Office – Operating Expenses)
COMMENT: Councilman Faust asked, “is this per month?”
Mayor Davis answered, “yes”.
A motion was Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item to extend contract with Joseph R. Thomas as General Manager of Washington City Transit for one (1) year, through June 30, 2015, at no additional changes in contract terms or payment rate.
A motion was Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item of the new contract with Comcast for internet service for farebox equipment at MV Transportation Garage location of 77 Stewart Avenue. (Per Comcast the recurring monthly cost will be $94.85)
A motion was Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approved the Transit item of the sale of two (2) used Transit vehicles (#414 and #415 – both 2006 Ford E450s) through the Public Surplus on-line auction site.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $69,432.09 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in May 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-455
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $10,004.00 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in May 2014, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-455
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $171.97 for interest and balance forward to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Joseph Thomas in the amount of $1,421.00 for expenses related to checks payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Joe Fidas for MV-670 “application to establish a fleet account” to Penn DOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available.
CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Joseph Thomas in the amount of $183.30 for petty cash reimbursement, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $91.45 internet service for transit’s farebox networking, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available.
CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to B&W Insurance Agency, Inc. in the amount of $1,153.00 for the 2008 Chevy Transit Vehicle car insurance to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to All Ways Moving Co. in the amount of $255.00 for moving Scheidt & Bachmann equipment from GG&C to MV Transportation, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197009 in the amount of $950.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through May 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Waller Corporation #12 (included CO-007 & CO-016) in the amount of $218,870.50 for contracted services for ITF performed through June 2014 to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #6 in the amount of $43,830.00 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through June 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. #5 in the amount of $93,888.00 for HVAC contracted services for ITF performed through June 2014, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 5 OF 2014
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, RESOLUTION NO. 5 INCREASING THE FEE FOR A DYE TEST FROM $140.00 (DOLLARS) TO $175.00 (DOLLARS).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 6 OF 2014
A RESOLUTION WHERE THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA WILL ENTER INTO A COOPERATION AGREEMENT, WITH THE OWNER OF THE FORMER YWCA BUILDING, TRIPIL, DATED OCTOBER 5, 2012 THAT OBLIGATES EACH ORGANIZATION TO COMPLY WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT FOR THE TRIPIL YWCA REHABILITATION PROJECT AS A REQUIREMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE BUDGET REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM (RACP).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 7 OF 2014
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, HEREBY REQUESTS A GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION PROGRAM (GTRP) GRANT OF $250,000.00 FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY TO BE USED FOR WASHINGTON PARK POND TRAIL AND ACCESS PROJECT.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 8 OF 2014
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, HEREBY REQUESTS A FLOOD MITIGATION GRANT OF $89,000.00 FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA TO BE USED FOR CAMPBELL AVENUE STORMWATER PROJECT.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated, “this actually is a grant that has some matching dollars to it. However, the City, my colleagues, we have expended so much money in the Engineering so it pretty much covers the matching so it is money that we have already spent. Hopefully, we will get this cleared up on Campbell Avenue”.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve repairs to be made to Police Vehicle #43 (2012 Ford SUV). Total cost of repairs in the amount of $1,050.00 ~ payable to Stainbrook’s Autobody Shop.
CHARGE 75.00/482-000 Insurance Claims Fund (Judgments and Losses)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, approve temporary/permanent Easement/Right-Of-Way between the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania and World Series Tournaments, Inc. to enable World Series Tournaments, Inc. to construct, install, maintain and operate a cable transmission line for the purpose of streaming athletic events on property owned by the City. The Parcel Numbers are: 750-039-00-00-0001-00, 750-043-00-00-0001-00, 750-040-00-00-0001-00 and 750-042-00-00-0001-00 being located in the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated, “on this particular thing they are doing on their own due expense. We are very fortunate, our City being the recipient, being though you see that we do donate dollars to the Pony League every year. This is one that will actually come back to us in the long run. They are taking the initial step of getting Comcast internet out to the Pony Fields. This puts us in the position of getting it to our facilities in the Park. This dominos with our hot spots, with WIFI, with going throughout the Park. I commend Pony League. Prior to this we had a make shift internet which we shared the cost. This is the state of the art of today. I appreciate Pony League investing in this, not only for themselves, but for the benefit of the citizens of Washington and the surrounding communities who use the Park”.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No Comment
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – No Comment
Councilman Joseph Manning – No Comment
Councilman Terry Faust gave the Park report stating that there were 55 family passes, 21 single passes and 3 group passes sold so far. The nice weather on weekends has helped attendance. People seem to be enjoying the improvements at the pool. Wednesday night swims from 7 to 10PM at $3.00 per person are popular with the patrons. The second Junior Tennis Session begins this week. The third session will run through mid-August for ages pre-school including high school. Spencer Kilpatrick has returned for this year. Parents of the children in the program have had nice things to say about it. Spencer is a patient instructor who makes learning fun. The fireworks display was held on Friday, July 4th at the Park and there were comments that it was the best one so far. Councilman Faust agreed and said that Zambelli Fireworks put this show on. He complimented Chief Luppino for the fine traffic direction and guidance that was given to everyone leaving the Park after the fireworks. Quick traffic flow was given at every intersection which was covered by a Police Officer. He asked Chief to extend this compliment to all of his officers. Councilman Faust also thanked Chief Brookman for having a fire truck at the Park for safety and the confidence made available to all. The Ambulance and Chair Service was there; as well as East Washington Police Department being at the intersection by Snowy White Laundry. The Washington area fireworks committee thanks all those who donated to the fireworks fund. Your continued support is very, very appreciated. The Pony League World Series is scheduled to begin on August 8th at Lew Hays Pony Field in the Washington Park. This is an annual event and will mark the 52nd year that Washington will host the Pony World series. Call 724 225 1060, or visit the website: www.ponyworldseries.org for information.
Mayor Brenda Davis recognized and thanked Fred and Karen Fleet of the Highland Ridge for all of their hard work and dedication everyday . . . but especially within the last couple of months when you have been working with the youth of the community to develop community pride. Just this past Monday night a resident complained about a particular parking lot. Fred and a group of these young people were out there cleaning up this public parking space that this person had asked to clean up. Mayor Davis stated that the front doors are presently being re-finished. It gives us great pride to look at our wonderfully finished front doors. This work is being done by the FITS Program, of Washington County. They have also taken care of the fence, in front and along, City Hall by scrapping and painting it. She invited everyone to attend the Whiskey Rebellion that is currently going on. The parade will begin at 10AM on Saturday so please come and enjoy all of these festivities.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to adjourn meeting.
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Brenda Davis, Mayor
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Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk