ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski, MBA, EDFP, – Present
Councilwoman Monda Williams –
Present Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Mike Hammond, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE: For those affected by yesterday’s tragedy at the Neighborhood Health Center and for the Wash High Class of 2018 upon their graduation this evening.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Washington City Council.
ROLL CALL:
Councilman Staniszewski: ABSTAIN (As he was not present at the April 5, 2018 meeting)
Councilwoman Williams: YES
Councilman Westcott: YES
Councilman Manning: ABSTAIN (As he was not present at the April 5, 2018 meeting)
Mayor Putnam: YES
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:
Georgianna Farkas- West Chestnut Street: Questions about whether or not the City has a Bond or Insurance for the Washington County Transit Building and why they aren’t using the insurance to recoup the money for roof repairs. Mayor Putnam advised that the City is seeking reimbursement from the company that installed the roof through their construction maintenance bond.
Congratulated Rodney Barry on his upcoming retirement from the City Public Works Department.
Mark Swift- 444 East Prospect: Stated that there are areas of the park that need more attention. He said that he was aware that the Park staff is small and very busy. Concerned about the trails and falling trees. Also concerned about the South Strabane resident that is dumping on the park property. He is willing to help start up a Friends of the Park Committee to assist the Park Superintendent.
Michael McCormick- 855 Lockhart Street: Has a degree in Landscaping Architecture and has an interest in helping with starting up a Friends of the Park Committee. Has also concerns about the condition of the trees and trails. Asked about asphalt that has been stored near one of the pavilions. Councilman Westcott is going to look into the asphalt tomorrow.
COMMENT: City Council receptive to both Mr. Swift and Mr. McCormick’s request to head up a Friends of the Park committee. Councilman Staniszewski is going to make an appointment to discuss this with them.
CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments:
- North Central Highway in the amount of $9,310.43 for Reimbursement #4 (2018.)
CHARGE: 90.00/489-000. (NCHS)
- Thomas, Thomas and Hafer in the amount of $12,835.17 for Invoice #242853.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
- Susan Foster Blank, Esquire in the amount of $2,972.50 for Invoice #6954.
CHARGE: 01-34-413-240.
- Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $1,236.46 for Police Faro Laptop.
CHARGE: 81.00/489-000.
- Widmer in the amount of $360.00 for Salt Shed. CHARGE:00/436-313.
- Widmer in the amount of $495.00 for Hallam HOP. CHARGE:00/436-313.
- Widmer in the amount of $6,000.00 for Washington Park Recreation Improvements.
CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Reimbursement from DCNR & Greenways.)
- Widmer in the amount of $3,150.00 for 2018 April Items. CHARGE:00/436-
- Widmer in the amount of $442.50 for Farmers Market/Community Pavilion-
Restrooms. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313.
- Widmer in the amount of $1,800.00 for Burton Avenue Phase II. CHARGE:
53.00/436-313.
- Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $16,800.00 for roof
repairs completed by Mariani and Richards in December 2017.: CHARGE: 77.00/409-
- Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $2,685.25 for Invoice #15793.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
- Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $157.50 for Invoice 15794.
CHARGE: 01.13/404-310.
- Robert C. Burns in the amount of $3,180.00 for Fourth Street Sinkhole.
CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
- Independence Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $171,556.68 for Burton Avenue
Project. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the following refund of $475.00 to Dianna Terrell for Pavilion cancelation. CHARGE: 01/367-673.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve purchase and payment in the amount of $41,339.43 for a 2018 Ford police Interceptor (Marked Unit) and equipping the vehicle. CHARGE: Capital Improvement Fund (77.00/392-900)
- Tri Star Motors for 2018 Ford Police Inceptor in the amount of $24,925.00.
- Team Force Inc. in the amount of $8,892.00 for equipping and marking the vehicle.
- Broadcast Microwave Services/Data911 Products in the amount of $7,522.43 for the in-car computer, mounts, and installation.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to amend the Salary Ordinance for the Chief of Fire Department, retro-active to April 28, 2018, at an annual salary of $65,424.37.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve the renewal of health care coverage through Performance Health/CIGNA PPO Network at no increased cost and to retain Millennium Administrators as our third-party administrators.
COMMENT: Mayor Putnam thanked Councilman Manning and his staff for their work regarding the health care coverage renewal.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the First Presbyterian Church driveway, building, parking lot addition at 100 E. Wheeling Street subject to applicant agreement with Mayor and Council regarding removal of parking meters.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the FINAL READING OF ORIDINANCE 1910 BILL NO. 5 of 2018
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 282-SHADE TREE COMMISSION OF THE CONSOLDIATED STATURES OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, ORDINANCE NO.; DELETING IN THEIR ENTIRETY SECTIONS 282.3, 282.4, 282.5, 282.6; SUBSTITUTING CITY COUNCIL FOR SHADE TREE COMMISSION IN ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the FINAL READING of ORDINANCE 1911 BILL NO. 6 of 2018
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1774, CHAPTER 15, PART 4, SECTION 407 – SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING ZONES ESTABLISHED; PARKING OTHERWISE PROHIBITED AND REMOVE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 511 EAST MAIDEN STREET AND ADD 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 46 WALNUT; LIMITING HANDICAP PARKING SPACES TO TWO (2) HANDICAPPED SPACES PER CITY BLOCK.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve RESOLUTION 12 of 2018
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON IN SUPPORT OF THE COUNTY OF WASHINGTON’S APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA’S NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve the retirement of Rodney L. Barry from the Public Works Department effective June 29, 2018 and adjust the salary ordinance and pay all monies due.
COMMENT: Councilman Wescott thanked Rodney for his 42 years of service to the City. He said that he appreciated working with Rodney and it was a pleasure having him in his department.
Councilman Staniszewski echoed Councilman Westcott’s sentiments and wished him well.
A motion will be made Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to have the Solicitor complete title searches for public hearing and place the following property on the Demolition list to certify and release to the Redevelopment Authority for demolition: 93–95 North Main Street & 8-22 West Chestnut Street (Michael Albert Smith.) Parcel: 720-001-00-00-0004-00.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to enter into an agreement with Public Partners for the 2018 Early Intervention Study in the amount of $49,050.00. funded by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to enter into an agreement with Kulak-George Architects, LLC for Architecture/ Engineering Services for the new Public Works Salt Shed in the amount of $17,000.00 CHARGE: 77.00/430-700.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve Resolution 13 of 2018 regarding the Pony Baseball 2018 Street Banner Proposal.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve acquiring appraisals on City Properties for insurance purposes.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to approve the Budd Baer LERTA for 83 Murtland Avenue subject to the final assessment.
A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the Pole Attachment Agreement between West Penn Power Company and the City of Washington.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to offer a 25% discount on all Family Pool Passes purchased between June 4, 2018 thru June 15, 2018 and apply the same discount to all 2018 passes purchased prior to date.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski thanked Council for their support.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Williams, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously, to submit a Multi-Modal Transportation Fund (MTF) program application with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the Jefferson Avenue Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously, to submit a Multi-Modal Transportation Fund (MTF) program application with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the Jefferson Avenue Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to submit an Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) grant program application with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the Jefferson Avenue Project.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve Change Order No. 3 from Independence Enterprises, Inc for Burton Avenue Project in the amount of a $551.45 credit.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to reapprove the lot consolidation plan for the Healing Center West Chestnut Holding, LLC, at 799 W. Chestnut Street.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to approve the installation of a Gamewell Box at the Washington Park Pool.
Elected Officials Report:
Councilman Staniszewski: Revenue at the Park is up 18.1% to date. Reminder that July 3, 2018 is the City of Washington Firework Night at the Park. Activities begin at 5:00 P.M. and include: Evening Swimming, Family Activities, AJ FRESH DJ@ Poolside, Marcus Tyler Band at 7:30 P.M. at the Main Pavilion.
Councilwoman Monda Williams: Congratulated Rodney Barry on his retirement and read the Fire Department Report for May. Councilwoman Williams also expressed her appreciativeness to the fire and police departments and the 1st responders that always do an excellent job.
Councilman Ken Westcott:
“Councilman Wescott made a motion, Councilman Manning seconded, and unanimously carried to remove Jason Furmanek from probationary status effective May 31, 2018 and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.”
Thanked Rodney for his employment with the City.
Councilman Westcott stated that in regards to #12 on the Agenda regarding the agreement with Public Partners for the 2018 Early Intervention Study that the City has been brought back to a good financial state since 2007. He stated that the City needs to be proactive.
He also thanked our fire department and police department for their response to Wednesday’s tragic accident at the Neighborhood Health Center.
Councilman Joe Manning: Councilman Manning thanked Rodney for his years of employment with the City and told him that he will be missed. Echoed Councilman Westcott’s sentiments regarding #12 on the Agenda and in regards to the police and fire departments professional response to the Neighborhood Health Center tragedy. Thanked his colleagues and staff for their support when he was off in May due to health-related reasons.
Mayor Scott Putnam: Announced all of the events going on in the City in the next couple of months including the Whiskey Rebellion and American Legion Events.
Commented, “We’re looking forward to working with Matt and Mike at the Washington Park. We can always use volunteers.” Mayor Putnam thanked Rodney for his many years of dedication and employment with the City.
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday,
July 12, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 6:00 P.M.
The City Building will be closed on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in observance of Flag Day. Regular office hours will resume on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 8:30 A.M.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.