March 5, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski – Present
Councilman Joe Pintola – Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present
SOLICITOR:
Jack Cambest, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A MOTION was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman
Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of February 6, 2020, Regular Council 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:
Attorney Benjamin Costello-Yablonski, Costello & Leckie Attorneys at Law: Expressed the gratitude of his law firm to Chief Coleman, the Washington City Fire Department, those fire departments that assisted, specifically, North and South Strabane and Peters, the City of Washington Police Department and Washington Ambulance and Chair for their efforts during the February 27, 2020 fire on North Main Street. “Those first responders actually saved our business.”
Mayor Putnam Comment: Thanked Mr. Costello for his comments and the City of Washington Fire Department for saving buildings and the lives of many.
Councilman Manning Comment: “Overhaul is the most unappreciated and least glamourous part about firefighting but one of the most important.”
Stephen Cherry – 940 East Maiden Street: Invited everyone to attend the Wash High Steel Band Concert on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Richard Boardley – 87 Ewing Street: Complained about blight in West End and the City Streets. Wants Code Enforcement and Street Department to give a report every month.
Mike Jones/Citizens Library Board – 88 Acheson Avenue: Explained that the Library Board is now a self-governing board and no longer a board appointed by the local government. Advised that the 150th Anniversary of the Library is coming up. A newsletter is going to be sent out to the community in the near future. Fundraising Drive is on pace to meet the goal. It was a 5-year fundraising drive.
Peggy Oliverio – 10 Lewis Alley: Thanked the Police Department for their genuine concern and assistance when they had a home invasion on Thanksgiving Day 2019. She stated that the officers were compassionate and caring and made her feel safe.
Shannon Sims-115 E. Hallam Avenue: Requested a stop sign be placed at Hallam and Burton. Chief Wilson will look into this. She would be happy to assist in starting a Glass Recycling Program.
Susan Moser-465 Allison Avenue: Asked that the City look into glass recycling and joining South Strabane in their recycling efforts.
Mayor Putnam Comment: Advised that he has had discussions with South Strabane and is reaching out to a company in Westmoreland County that does recycling.
Joseph J. DeThomas – 106 Elm Street: Thanked Councilman Manning for his years serving on the Whiskey Rebellion Committee and the City police and fire departments for everything they’ve done for the Whiskey Rebellion over the years.
Mark Swift: 444 E. Prospect Avenue: Commented that he is thrilled that Council is doing something regarding the milling at the Washington Park. Asked that the City take caution when doing the work and to respect the ecology of the areas were milling is spread. He asked that the trash that is in the park be removed and to find ways to prevent dumping and encourage people not to use the park as a dumpsite.
Councilman Staniszewski Comment: Asked if the Conservation group and Mark if they would be willing to help clean up the park. Mr. Swift said that he is willing to help but that volunteers would be need equipment and dumpsters etc. provided. Advised Councilman Staniszewski that he is working on a proposal regarding the planting of trees at the Washington Park.
Fern Sibert – 486 Addison Street: Talked about cleaning up our City and the County. Challenged the Mayor and Council to a friendly competition to see which party, Republican and Democrat can collect the most trash on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to approve the following payments:
a. Municipal Consulting Services in the amount of $8,497.50 for Invoice #3965. CHARGE: 01.34/413-240. (Building Permits)
b. Municipal Consulting Services in the amount of $7,131.50 for Invoice 4028. CHARGE: 01.34/413-240. (Building Permits)
c. CT Consultants in the amount of $2,590.00 for Invoice # 15048. CHARGE: 01.34/406-310. (Grants)
d. Mohawk Lifts in the amount of $1,488.13 for HD Jack Stand. CHARGE: 77.00/430-700. (Capital Improvement)
e. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,795.00 for Hall Avenue Roadway Improvement. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
f. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,670.00 for West Hallam Avenue Roadway Improvement. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
g. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,402.50 for Atlas-HOP-Stormwater. CHARGE: 53.00.436-313. (Storm Water)
h. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,805.00 for 2020 January Items. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313. (Storm Water)
i. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $720.00 for Washington Park Storm Sewer Improvement. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
j. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $270.00 for Addison Avenue Storm Sewer Repair. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
k. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $90.00 for Allison Avenue Roadway Improvement. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
l. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $810.00 for Meadow Avenue Storm/Road Improvement. CHARGE: 53.00/436-313 (Storm Water)
m. Skelly & Loy in the amount of $593.25 for MS4 Permit Compliance. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682. (Reimbursement Back from EIP Grant)
n. Dodaro, Matta, & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $2,371.00 for Invoice #16539. CHARGE: 01.13/404-310. (General Fund)
o. Dodaro, Matta, & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $4,368.00 for Invoice #16540. CHARGE: 01.13/404-310. (General Fund)
p. Kulak-George Architects, LLC in the amount of $4,640.00 for Salt Shed Project Pay #2. CHARGE: 53.00/436-682 (Storm Water)
q. Blue Bastion in the amount of $1,943.60 for Secaas March 2020. CHARGE: 96.00/407-000 CHARGE: 96.00/407-000.
r. Advent Communications in the amount of $3,200.04 for 2020 Annual Phone Maintenance. CHARGE: 01.23/407-320. (General Fund)
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve entering into a 63 Month Contract with Toshiba Business Solutions for a E-Studio 3515AC Copy Machine at the monthly cost of $269.69 for the Police Department. CHARGE: 01.12/405-309.
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to the Washington County Redevelopment Authority in the amount of $196,420.00. These funds were received from the DCED-ESA Keystone Communities Program in which the City of Washington serves as pass-through for the Washington Trust Building Commercial Improvements Project. CHARGE: 92.00/489-000. (RACP)
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to approve the Residential Tax Abatement for 29 Sumner Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, Parcel: 730-007-00-02-0002-00.
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize a contribution to the Bradford House Historical Association in the amount of $2,000.00 for 2020 Whiskey Rebellion. CHARGE: 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Celebrations.)
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to remove Corporal James Markley from Heart and Lung benefits, effective January 31, 2020.
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to authorize repair to Car 5 of the Police Department, amount not to exceed $865.00 CHARGE: 75.00/489-000 (Insurance Claims Fund)
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to authorize the Police Department to order two new police units and outfitting for Co-Star approved Jim Shorkey and enter into a 4-year lease with an annual payment of $12,186.20 CHARGE: 77.00/410-700 (Capital Improvement Fund)
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to table discussion regarding the agreement with Pennsylvania American Water Company for the installation of a public fire hydrant, located at Shirls Avenue @ Third Street.
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, with no second motion to approve and authorize a contribution to the City of Washington’s Independence Day Celebration / Friends of the Washington Park Committee in the amount of $5,000.00. CHARGE: 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Grants/Contributions.) The motion did not carry.
Motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, to approve and authorize a contribution to the City of Washington’s Independence Day Celebration / Friends of the Washington Park Committee in the amount of $3,500.00. CHARGE: 01.55/459-541 (Civic & Military Grants/Contributions)
Roll Call:
Councilman Staniszewski: YES
Councilman Pintola: YES
Councilman Manning: NO
Mayor Putnam: YES
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to waive the requirement for the Redevelopment Authority for filing a formal plan/ subdivision to combine the following two parcels with adjacent properties, 54 Sumner Avenue
(760-019-00-01-0009-00) and 89 Sumner Avenue (760-019-00-01-0017-00.)
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to authorize the Redevelopment Authority to convey the following Highland Ridge parcels: Highland Ridge Disposition Lot P – Parcel ID # 760-019-00-01-0009-00 (54 Sumner Ave) to Denise Dates. Highland Ridge Disposition Lots W & X – Parcel ID #’s 760-002-00-04-0001-00, 760-002-00-04-0002-00 & 760-002-00-04-0003-00 (280-276 Forest Avenue) to the Highland Ridge Community Development Corporation.
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to enter into a 60-month lease at $320.00 with Hughes Office Equipment for an EC7856 and WC7970 copy machines. CHARGE: 01.12/405-309
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to award Restoration (Electric) Project No. LSA 18-18 for the Washington Main Pavilion to George R. Smalley Co in the amount of $65,185.00.
ORDINANCES:
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the FINAL READING: ORDINANCE 1934 BILL NO. 2 OF 2020
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TO APPROVE THAT THE ROADWAY BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTIONS
OF MAPLE AVENUE AND ENDING AT WELLINGTON AVE, KNOWN AS POPLAR STREET, BE RENAMED AND HEREAFTER KNOWN AS MAPLE ALLEY.
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the FINAL READING: ORDINANCE 1935 BILL NO. 3 of 2020
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TO APPROVE THAT THE ROADWAY KNOWN AS ROSS WAY BE ADDED TO ORDINANCE 335-33 PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS;
SPECIFIC STREETS SIDE BETWEEN
ROSS WAY EAST ENTIRE LENGTH
Motion to approve the FIRST READING: ORDINANCE 1936 BILL NO. 4 OF 2020
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, TO ADD 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 410 DUNCAN AVENUE.
***NO VOTE REQUIRED***
RESOLUTIONS
Motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, with no second motion to approve Resolution #4 of 2020 to appoint Matt Staniszewski to the Pennsylvania Municipal League Policy Committee. The motion did not carry.
OFFICIALS REPORT:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski – Stated that the Park is up 23% in revenue. Thanked Fire Department and Police Department. Told resident in the audience, Mike McCormick that he would like to meet with him.
Councilwoman Joe Pintola – Thanked first responders for all that they do.
Councilman Ken Westcott – Absent
Councilman Joe Manning – Echoed everyone’s sentiments
Mayor Scott Putnam – Stated that the First Responders did a wonderful job and thanked them.
Solicitor Jack Cambest –NO REPORT
The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
The next Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, March 30, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.
Representative Tim O’Neil will host a Town Hall Meeting at City Hall in Council Chambers on Friday, March 27, 2020, at 9:00 A.M.
Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.