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Council Meeting Minutes – November 5, 2020

Nov 5, 2020 | Council Minutes

Council Meeting Minutes – November 5, 2020

ROLL CALL:

Councilman Matt Staniszewski – ABSENT

Councilman Joe Pintola – PRESENT

Councilman Ken Westcott – PRESENT

Councilman Joe Manning – PRESENT

Mayor Scott Putnam- PRESENT

SOLICITOR:

 Jack Cambest   PRESENT

MOMENT OF SILENCE:  

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to accept the October 1, 2020 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.

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: The Agenda was placed on the City’s official website homepage and Facebook page and the public was able to call or email the City Clerk to provide public comment for today’s meeting. No one submitted anything for public comment.

PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED:

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments:

  1. Kulak-George Architects in the amount of $615.57 for the Salt Shed Project. CHARGE: 00/489-000
  2. G. Bevec, Inc in the amount of $23,788.00 for Pickleball Courts-Resurface. CHARGE: 52.00/489-000
  3. Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., Invoice # 2057064 – $1,757.98, Invoice #2048867 – $1,395.00 and Invoice 2057066 – $1,708.00. Items covered under the 2020 PEMA Grant in the amount of $4,860.98.  CHARGE:00/400-260
  4. George R. Smalley Co. Inc in the amount of $5,634.81 for Main Pavilion Electric (E 2596-04) CHARGE: 85.00/454-700
  1. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,305.00 for 2020 MS4. CHARGE:00/436-313
  2. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $3,325.00 for 2020 August Items. CHARGE:00/436-313
  3. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,500.00 for Pickle Ball Court. CHARGE:00/436-313
  4. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $950.00 for Farmer’s Market Restroom. CHARGE:00/436-313
  5. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,142.50 for Salt Shed. CHARGE:00/436-313
  6. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $190.00 for Park Grant Assistance. CHARGE:00/436-313
  7. PA Municipal League in the amount of $4,372.16 for 2021 PA Municipal League Dues. CHARGE:  60/400-420
  8. Skelly & Loy in the amount of $11,031.60 for MS4. CHARGE:00/436-682.
  9. Widmer Engineering in the amount of $760.00 for September 2020 Monthly Items. CHARGE:00/436-313
  10. Blue Bastion in the amount of $1,943.60 for November Secass. CHARGE:00/407-000
  11. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $6,759.00 for November QTR Managed Services. CHARGE:00/407-000
  12. Valley Fence Company in the amount of $13,865.00 for Pickleball Fence. CHARGE:00/489-000
  13. Ideal Integrations in the amount of $281.50 for Office 365 November 2020. CHARGE:00/407-000
  14. WEWJA in the amount of $3,000.00 for September 2020 Dye Tests, Invoice 15047. CHARGE: 01-34/413-240
  15. Police Consulting Services in the amount of $2,205.00 for 2020 Fire Fighter Civil Service Testing Services. CHARGE: 01-15/410-266
  16. Motion to approve payment to Skelly & Loy for MS4 Survey for $13,780.00 CHARGE:00/436-682
  17. Dodaro, Matta & Cambest in the amount of $3,606.30 for Invoice #10186. CHARGE: 01-13-404-310. (General Fund)
  18. CT Consultants in the amount of $3,430.00 for Grant Writing April-July 2020. CHARGE: 14/406-310
  19. George Smalley in the amount of $3,516.03 for Main Pavilion Electric E2596-05. CHARGE:00/454-7000 Reimbursement from Grants.
  20. SIGCOM in the amount of $19,791.12 for Gamewell supplies CHARGE:00/489-000 (Downtown project fund)
  21. First Security in the amount of $14,002.78 for 4th 2020 Guaranteed Energy Savings. CHARGE: 01.52/409-368

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the following transfers:

  1. $250,000.00 from General Fund 01.70/492-995 to Capital Improvement Fund 77.00/392-900 for the Allison Avenue Stormwater Project Match.
  2. $4,500.00 from 73.00/492-900 Fire Department Capital Purchase Fund to 99.00/392-900 (PEMA Fire Grant Fund)
  3. $39,000.00 from 01.33/411-376 (Fire alarm maintenance) to 01.33/411-183 (Fire Overtime)
  4. $2,500.00 from 01.33/411-268 (Fire prevention expenses) to 01.33/411-183 (Fire Overtime)
  5. $45,000.00 from 01.34/413-131 (Salary-Building code officer) to 01.33/411-183 (Fire Overtime)
  6. $10,000.00 from 01.34/413-131 (Salary-Building code officer) to 01.33/411-122 (Fire Chief Salary)
  7. $2,000.00 from 01.42/430-251 (Tires and chains) to 01.42/430-238 (Public works uniforms)
  8. $1,000.00 from 01.42/430-251 (Tires and chains) to 01.42/430-370 (vehicle maintenance)
  9. $500.00 from 01.44/433-215 (street paint) to 01.44/433-231 (gasoline)
  10. $2,500.00 from 01.44/433-370 (vehicle maintenance) to 01.44/433-373 (equipment repairs)
  11. $5,000.00 from 01.3/454-211 (swimming pool supplies) to 01.52/409-377 (heating maint)
  12. $1,500.00 from 01.12/405-318 (ordinance codification) to 01.12/405-309 (copier equip/maint)
  13. $7,000.00 from 01.15/410-231 (gasoline) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  14. 2,000.00 from 01.12/405-318 (ordinance codification) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  15. $1,500.00 from 01.15/410-242 (motor carrier enforcement) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  16. $5,000.00 from 01.23/407-457 (computer maint) to 01.23/407-316 (IT expenses)
  17. $11,000.00 from 01.17/445-158 (wages temp meter emp) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  18. $3,000.00 from 01.17/445-156 (wages temp maint emp) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  19. $9,000.00 from 01.17/445-240 (parking operating exp) to 01.15/410-183 (police overtime)
  20. $2,000.00 from 01.52/409-210 (materials and supplies) to 01.52/409-226 (custodian supplies)
  21. $1,000.00 from 01.52/409-320 (telephone expenses) to 01.52/409-365 (sewer expenses)
  22. $20,000.00 from 01.53/454-172 (temp pool emp) to 01.60/486-350 (liability insurance)
  23. $15,000.00 from 01.53/454-172 (temp pool emp) to 01.15/410-188 (additional police services)

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to accept the retirement of Bertha Burke after 40 years of employment, pay all monies due and amend the salary ordinance, effective November 25, 2020.    

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to authorize payment of the 2020 Appropriation to the Citizens Library Association of Washington, PA in the amount of $27,326.00. CHARGE: 01-54/456-520

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve payment to PNC Bank, in the amount of $320,188.74 for Act 205 Pension Collections thru 10/31/2020. CHARGE: 79.00/483-000. Act 205 Distressed Pension Fund.  

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $348,869.00 for the City’s final 2020 MMO contribution to the pension fund.  CHARGE:  01.60/483-533 (General Fund- Pension Contributions)

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to authorize the treasurer to pay off the 2020 TAN Loan to Pittsburgh National Bank in the amount of:  Principal:  $1,000,000.00, CHARGE:  01.90/471-600 & Interest (as per payoff quote) CHARGE:  01.90/470-600

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to dismiss Widmer Engineering as the City of Washington’s Engineers. 

 Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to appoint Harshman CE Group, LLC as the City of Washington’s Engineers. 

 Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to pay Pro Fence & Railing a $1,500.00 deposit along with $3,000.00 upon completion of the installation of Gates for the 7th Ward Playground. Total amount $4,500.00 CHARGE: 77.00/454-700 

Motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried unanimously to authorize the Park Foreman to sell the front loader scrap and proceeds deposited into the Park Development fund.

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to accept the 2021 Semi-Annual Maintenance on Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment Proposal from McKean Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., Inc, not to exceed $4,895.00. CHARGE: 01-52/409-374   

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to place G.M. (Fire Department) on Heart & Lung effective October 24, 2020.

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve the 2021 Holiday Schedule:

2021 CITY OF WASHINGTON HOLIDAYS 

January 1, 2021             New Year’s Day        

January 18, 2021           Martin Luther King Day

February 15, 2021         Presidents’ Day

April 2, 2021                  Good Friday

May 31, 2021                 Memorial Day

June 15, 2021                 Flag Day

July 4, 2021                    Independence Day

September 6, 2021          Labor Day

October 11, 2021            Columbus Day

November 11, 2021        Veterans Day

November 25, 2021        Thanksgiving Day

November 26, 2021        Thanksgiving Day (Extra Day)

December 25, 2021          Christmas Day

Motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to table the vote to approve the 2021 Agenda and Regular Meeting Schedule: 

AGENDA MEETINGS-*               COUNCIL MEETINGS-**

January 4th, 2021                               January 7th, 2021 

February 1st, 2021 1 P.M.*               February 4th, 2021 1 P.M. **

March, 1st, 2021                                March 4th, 2021

March 29th, 2021                               April 1st, 2021

May 3rd, 2021 1 P.M.*                      May 6th, 2021 1 P.M.**

June 7th, 2021                                    June 10th, 2021           

June 28th, 2021                                  July 1st, 2021

August 2nd, 2021                               August 5th, 2021

August 30th, 2021                              September 2nd, 2021

October 4th, 2021 1 P.M.*                 October 7th, 2021 1 P.M.**

November 1st, 2021                           November 4th, 2021

December 6th, 2021                           December 9th, 2021                            

*DUE TO COVID-19: Agenda Meetings are currently canceled, and all Regular Council Meetings will be held at 1 P.M. via Zoom until the City’s COVID-19 Policy has been amended. The calendar dates have been scheduled so that once the COVID-19 Policy is amended, that dates and times of future meetings are already established.   

*All Agenda Meetings will be held at 6 P.M. unless otherwise noted.

** All Council Meetings will be held at 7 P.M. unless otherwise noted.

General Work Sessions may be held Mondays and Thursdays between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 6 P.M.  

All meetings will be held in Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, PA unless otherwise noted. 

ORDINANCES:

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve the FINAL READING of ORDINANCE 1945 BILL NO. 10 OF 2020

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 1804 OF 2008, §35:12; THE CITY OF WASHINGTON SHALL HEREBY DESIGNATE THE USE OF .75 MILLS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PLANNING AND PROVIDING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. “CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT” SHALL MEAN THOSE PROJECTS AND/OR ISSUES THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON SHALL DEEM OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO THE CITY FROM TIME TO TIME.

FIRST READING

ORDINANCE 1946 BILL NO. 11 of 2020

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROPRIATING SPECIFIC SUMS ESTIMATED TO BE REQUIRED FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR THE CITY GOVERNMENT HEREAFTER SET FOR THE YEAR 2021. 

BUDGET ORDINANCE 

***NO VOTE REQUIRED**

 FIRST READING

ORDINANCE 1947 BILL NO. 12 of 2020                           

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1356, CHAPTER 1, PART 2, APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2021. 

SALARY ORDINANCE 

***NO VOTE REQUIRED*** 

FIRST READING

ORDINANCE 1948 BILL NO. 13 of 2020

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO 1356, CHAPTER 24, PART 5, LEVYING A TAX AND FIXING A TAX RATE FOR ALL CITY PURPOSES ON THE VALUATION OF SUCH PROPERTY AS HAS BEEN OR MIGHT HEREAFTER BE ASSESSED AND SUBJECT TO TAXATION FOR THE YEAR 2021.

TAX ORDINANCE 

***NO VOTE REQUIRED*** 

    FIRST READING 

ORDINANCE 1949 BILL NO. 14 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 INCLUDE ADDING (1) HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 420 BROAD STREET,  ADDING (1) HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 345 SHIRLS AVENUE, ADDING (1) HANDICAP SPACE AT 429 HOUSTON STREET,  AND REMOVING (1) HANDICAP SPACE AT 696 FAYETTE STREET AND REMOVING (1) HANDICAP SPACE AT 339 SHIRLS AVENUE.  

***NO VOTE REQUIRED*** 

Councilman Matt Staniszewski – ABSENT                

Councilwoman Joe Pintola – PRESENT via Zoom  NO COMMENT       

Councilman Ken Westcott – PRESENT via Zoom    The Public Works Department is taking advantage of the good weather and hot patching and picking up leaves. The Leaf Pick Up Schedule is on the City Website.   

Councilman Joe Manning- PRESENT Via ZOOM     Encouraged everyone to practice safe Covid-19 Guidelines to stay safe and healthy with the winter months ahead and the Cold and Flu Season also approaching.   

Mayor Scott Putnam – Present Via Zoom    Thanked Councilman Manning, Susie and Lynn for putting the Budget for 2021 together with this unprecedented and unpredictable new year ahead of the City. The Police and NAACP having been working together to create a Citizens Police Advisory Board together and are working on a Resolution with the hopes of applying for LSA money to train the Board. “Chief Wilson has done an excellent job putting this together.” The Mayor mentioned the possibility of getting a referendum on the May ballot for the City to fund this endeavor.    

The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting will be held on Thursday December 10, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. Via ZOOM with Social Distancing Protocols in place.  

Motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.