ROLL CALL:
Councilman Matt Staniszewski, – Present
Councilwoman Monda Williams – Absent
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
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 Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2019 Regular 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:
Jennifer Ralston-100 Dewey: Having issues with the new trash company.
Comment: Mayor Putnam stated that he and Councilman Westcott met with County Hauling this week and have discussed the issues with the Vice-President and they believe that the issues will be addressed. County Hauling is going to install cameras and begin having a Sweep Truck canvass street to pick up any missed trash.
Justin Skrbin-187 East Wylie: Complaint with City Property Taxes and the two-tier system. He stated that the taxes are hurting the minorities, the elderly and the poor. Asked Council how taxes can be assessed more fairly and with the increases and reassessment how many people are not paying their taxes. Asked why the City can’t extend payments.
Comment: Mayor Putnam stated that the City saw a modest increase in delinquent taxes last year. From approximately 94% to 92%. Stated that the tax appeals have cost the City thousands of dollars in revenue due to refunds.
Comment: Councilman Manning stated that the City does extend payments and the final payment is due December 31, 2019. He said, “The City has cut expenses everywhere we can.” He also stated that the Appeals and loss of revenue have cost the City. He advised Mr. Skrbin to file an appeal with the County if he believes his property was accessed too high.
Michael McCormick-855 Lockhart Street: Thanked Councilman Westcott and the City Street Department for the cold patch on streets he’d asked about. He also asked the City’s help with Park Improvements.
CLOSED TO PUBLIC COMMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously toapprove the following payments:
a. Fire Chasers Fire Equipment in the amount of $19,565.00 for (7) Sets of Turnout Gear. CHARGE: 77.00/411-700.
b. Fire Chasers Fire Equipment in the amount of $16,770.00 for (6) Sets of Turnout Gear. CHARGE: 77.00/411-700.
c. McKean Plumbing in the amount of $4,844.14 for Gas Line Repair. CHARGE: 01-52/409-374.
d. McKean Plumbing in the amount of $2,795.00 for boiler repairs. CHARGE: 01-52-/409-377.
e. Budd Baer Collison Center in the amount of $1,593.05 for Car 17 repair (Invoice # RM0111739.) CHARGE:75.00/482-000.
f. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $116,628.80 for Invoice # 3560. CHARGE: 01-34/413-240.
g. Municipal Consulting Service LLC in the amount of $3,682.50 for Invoice # 3585. CHARGE: 01-34/413-240.
h. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $4,068.30 for Invoice #16168. CHARGE: 01-13-404-310.
i. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $1,186.50 for Invoice #16169. CHARGE: 01-13-404-310.
j. CPS Statements.com in the amount of $3,749.52 for Invoice # 28SEP19-476. CHARGE: 01-24/403-325 (Postage.)
k. CPS Statements.com in the amount of $1,032.89 for Invoice # 28SEPT19-473. CHARGE: 01-24/403-210. (Print and Processing Fees.)
l. CPS Statements.com in the amount of $1,772.02 for Invoice # 28SEPT19-473. CHARGE: 01-24/403-325 (Postage.)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve the following refund:
a. WTB Housing LP in the amount of $508.72 for 2018 Refund Value Change. CHARGE: 01.00/301-020.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously to approve the following transfer:
a. $1,000.00 from Drop Off Recycling Grant Fund (57.00/492-900) to Recycling Performance Grant Fund (21.00/392-900.)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1918 BILL NO. 1 of 2019
ORDINANCE 1918 BILL NO. 1 of 2019
Amend and repeal the Code of the City of Washington Serial No. 5, Chapter 335, Article IV, §335-33; Dunn Ave East Park Road to Park Main Gate Stone Pillars. Parking Prohibited at all times in certain locations. (B) Parking shall be prohibited at all times in the following locations.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to approve the FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE 1919 BILL NO. 2 of 2019
ORDINANCE 1919 BILL NO. 2 of 2019
Amend and add to the Code of the City of Washington Serial No. 5, Chapter 335, Article IV, §335-35; Parking Prohibited in certain locations certain days and locations; Street Side Between Dunn Ave East Park Road to Park Main Gate Stone Pillars
May 01- September 01.
FIRST READING: ORDINANCE 1920 BILL NO. 3 of 2019
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 REMOVE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 117 MAPLE AVENUE.
***NO VOTE NEEDED***
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried unanimously, to approve the agreement between the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc and the City of Washington, retroactive to November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously, to approve and authorize the City Police Department to begin the testing procedures for the Ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant, per Civil Service Rules.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the repair of the SCBA Refill Compressor by Breathing Air Systems at a cost not to accede $3,750.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried to approve the agreement with Pyrotechnico for the City of Washington’s Independence Day Celebration at Washington Park on July 3rd
2019, not to exceed $15,000 for the firework display, in cooperation with the Friends of the Washington Park Committee. Contingent upon Pyrotechnico being required to list the City of Washington, Washington Park, and the Friends of the Washington Park as additional insured.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve RESOLUTION 2 of 2019.
RESOLUTION 2 of 2019
CITY OF WASHINGTON AND FRIENDS
OF THE WASHINGTON PARK COMMITTEE:
Fireworks Display and Continued City of Washington Partnership
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve RESOLUTION 3 of 2019
RESOLUTION 3 of 2019
Authorize the entering into a Cooperation Agreement with TRPIL for the TRPIL YWCA Rehabilitation Project and authorize per said Cooperation Agreement the making application to the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under State Budget Authorization Act No. 2008-41, City of Washington, authorized 7/4/2008, per
amended amount of $3,000,000, and described in the Act as “Construction and other related costs
for the redevelopment of Main and Maiden Streets” for the TRPIL – YWCA Rehabilitation Project”. This project is eligible to receive funding via legislative authorization in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2017-052.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approveRESOLUTION 4 of 2019
RESOLUTION 4 of 2019
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, expressing the city of washington council support for retaining the county wide system for earned income tax collection as provided for under Act 32 of 2008.
Councilman Staniszewski: Thanked the Friends of the Park volunteers. Stated that he had met with Twist and is working on the 2019 Season Contract.
Councilwoman Monda Williams: Not Present
Councilman Ken Westcott: Stated that Street Department is preparing to get ready for paving season as soon as weather permits.
Councilman Joe Manning: No Comment
Mayor Scott Putnam:
“A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to amend the Washington Youth Baseball Agreement to add an additional $500.00 per year to the contract for the use of the Colt Baseball field.”
“A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Mayor Putnam, and unanimously carried to declare May 4, 2019 as the City of Washington Clean Up Day from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.”
The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday,
April 4, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 6:00 P.M.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.