Council Meeting Minutes – November 6, 2014

A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. Mayor Brenda Davis, presiding, opened the meeting.

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

Mayor and Council held an Executive Session following the Agenda Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2014, to discuss foreseeable litigation.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2014 regular 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 2 reports for the month of October. The Building Department’s report was as follows: 22 permits issued, with total permits (year to date) at 217 with $2,736.80 as the total (year to date) fees collected.

The Fire Department had 160 calls for the month of October.

Ron McIntyre gave the Code Enforcement report for October. There were 132 calls for service, 50 violations were mailed out, and 11 citations were issued. Total fees collected were $6,414.85

Chief Chris Luppino gave the October report for the City of Washington’s Police Department. There were 893 calls for service, 9,000 miles patrolled, 138 traffic citations issued, 46 non-traffic citations, 52 criminal arrests with total monies collected at $940.00

Pete Stefansky, Director of Washington Business District Authority and the Main Street Manager, thanked Mayor and Council for starting the process of demolition of the blighted properties in downtown. He said in talking with our current business owners and with prospective business owners the one thing that they have commented regularly on is trying to do something with the blighted properties. In commenting to the previous Public Hearing testimony, Washington Business Authority can only make suggestions or recommendations on properties that they have had complaints about. They do not make final decisions on whose property is condemnable or non-condemnable. Also, for the record only the President of their Board and the Director of the Authority can speak on behalf of the Authority for any of those items as questioned by Mayor and Council. Pete thanked the Fire Department and the Police Department for all they have done in the downtown area such as getting windows quickly boarded up, taking care of anyone who have broken into properties – he greatly appreciates all of their assistance. Also, he thanked the Police Department for assisting in the traffic problems that have recently occurred with the extra traffic due to the bridge being closed on Route 18. Pete stated that the City’s Road Department along with his Maintenance Department were able to take care of the bollard and area that were damaged due to collisions.

Nick Falgione from PNC Capital Markets gave the following presentation / discussion:

“Good Evening,My name is Nick Falgione. I am with PNC Capital Markets. I’m happy to report that the City’s bond sale went very well this morning. As we go through the presentation, I’d like you to ask any questions that you may have and I will be happy to do my best to answer them.
We had a number of conference calls with Mayor Davis and the City’s advisors during the bond pricing. The bonds were well received by investors, and we were able to obtain orders at between 1 time and 1 and half times over for each maturity on the taxable bonds. On the tax-exempt bonds, PNC was able to place about half of the Series B Bonds and we are underwrote the remaining balances to support the issue for the City. Likewise, I think it is important to note that PNC lowered the underwriter’s discount, or the fee paid to PNC for the financing from $5.00 per bond to $4.00 per bond, which also helped to deliver savings to the City.
Now if we could review the presentation that was just passed out. After the cover and disclosure pages, we have Sources and Uses of Funds page, which is page 1. I won’t go over all of these numbers in detail – the flow is the same as from our review last Monday night. But, if I could just draw your attention to a few items. In the top right, under the word “Total”, you will see a total issue size of $8,815,000. After original issue discount, this yields about $8.7 million. Together with other funds of the City, we can accomplish the following objectives, all in line with the plan of finance which we have been working towards over the past few months.
First, you will see the refunding escrow for the 2005A and 2005 Bonds, which will retire those bonds, and enable the City to realize the debt service savings from those bonds. Next, you will see roughly $2.2 million, which will be applied to prepaying the City’s loan with First Commonwealth. Also, please note the insurance premium of 16.2 basis points, which is the lowest insurance premium received by the City. It is part a function of today’s market and also the City’s “A-” bond rating from S&P, which was just affirmed last week. The final item I’d like to point out is the delivery date, which will be on December 22.
Page 2 has a synopsis of the refunding savings from the 2005 Bonds. Please see the Total Savings is $196,228, which is after costs and corresponds to 3.2% of refunded par, which is above the 3% refunding level discussed previously.
Page 3 consolidates all of the City’s debt. You will note that the City’s debt now matures in 2024 instead of 2029, shortening the debt for the City. Also, you will see on the far right the debt service comparison, which provides between $80,000 and $87,000 annually to the City through 2022. Last, the total components of the savings is lined up on the right as well, with a total debt savings of $180,000 over the life of the debt once we consider the foregone December loan payment and funds on hand.
Page 4 outlines the Series 2014A taxable debt service. To highlight one set of numbers, please look at the column titled “Rate”, which shows us the yields running from 0.517% in 2015 to 3.325% in 2021, which are still historically attractive rates even at taxable levels.
Similarly on Page 5, we can see under “Yield”, that the yields run from 2.35% in 2021 to 2.90% in 2024. These are tax-exempt bank qualified rates. The bank qualification also offers an additional benefit as these bonds can be called in 2019, which is a five-year call feature in the event that a future opportunity presents itself. The average rate of the Series 2014B is about 2.78%.
So in sum, we have accomplished three objectives for the City. First, we realized refunding savings from the 2005 Bonds. Next we restructured the First Commonwealth loan to provide a smoother payment stream for the City. And last, the financing releases $200,000 for capital projects.
For the sake of time, I went through this a bit briskly. Are there any questions? Again, we were very happy with the results and appreciate the opportunity to work with the City and all of you on this financing. Thanks”

Attorney Jeff Mills, from Reed Smith Law Firm LLP, spoke about the Final Reading of the General Obligation of the City of Washington’s Bonds. First Reading was made on Monday, November 3^rd. Attorney Mills said that the necessary ordinance and debt statement were updated which he will be filing. Closing date is scheduled for December 22^nd.

Marcia Rojewicz, of CIM Investment Management, Inc. said they are the financial advisors and they monitored the trade regarding the marketing of the bonds. She said that they had a goal to meet, which they did. Their goal as financial advisors was to show this pricing was comparable and reasonable in the market that they were in. Their recommendation is that the City goes forward with this.

There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding authorizing the appointment of Jeff Mills, of the Reed Smith Law Firm, to act as bond counsel for the City of Washington in regard to the refinancing of certain of the City’s general obligation debt. The City Council hereby accepts the proposal of Jeff Mills in the amount of $20,000.00 plus costs. City Council hereby rescinds Resolution No. 13 of 2014, as it pertains to the appointment of Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP, as bond counsel.

COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that he has a legal question. We took public action, which was part of the record of the prior meeting, appointing Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP, as bond counsel. Then, a Memorandum of Understanding was issued reversing that action. However, we never did an MOU reversing the previous action for doing this. In addition, Councilman Manning said that he never knew this MOU was in existence until he called Marcia to work on this. Marcia said that the bond council had already been done through a MOU.

COMMENT: Solicitor Jack Cambest stated that through Resolution No.13 that was listed twice – one with Dinsmore and Shohl, and one with Reed Smith Law Firm — both were contingent upon the fee that would be
charged. Reed Smith gave the lower fee and that is why the MOU was done.

COMMENT: Councilman Manning said that the previous motion wasnever rescinded. The proposal from Reed Smith was $20,000 plus cost. Councilman Manning said that he thought this was open-ended and that
there needed to be a firmer number attached.

COMMENT: Solicitor Cambest asked Mayor Davis what the number was that was attached.

COMMENT: Mayor Davis said the number attached was $1,500.00

COMMENT: Councilman Manning said that, at the last Agenda Meeting, the original proposal in the MOU still said $20,000.00 plus costs.

COMMENT: Solicitor Cambest stated that until we negotiated the yield for up to $1,500. If you look at the last part of the MOU that does rescind the Resolution No. 13 that pertains to Dinsmore and Shohl. If you adopt the Memorandum that rescinds the previous resolution.

COMMENT: Councilman Manning said, “it does now and that he is not going to hold this up, we are going through with this.” He said he was not even aware that this MOU existed until the Monday following the last
Council Meeting.

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Yes

Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes

Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes

Councilman Terry Faust – No

Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding approving the transfer of
$26,500 from (LSA Funds Account) to 85.00/492-900 (The Catfish Creek Account) to be
approved at the next regular Council Meeting on November 6, 2014.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve updated Resolution No. 13 of 2014 listing Jeff Mills, of Reed Smith Law Firm, as Bond Counsel, and subject to the finalization of Bond Counsel Fee.

A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following (2) Park Budget Transfers:

a) $500.00 FROM 53/454-213 (Tennis Court Supplies) TO 53/454-210 (Park Office Supplies)

b) $1,200.00 FROM 53/454-300 (Professional Services – Instructor) TO 53/454-240 (Miscellaneous Operating Expenses)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following (3) Budget Transfers:

a) $52,467.33 FROM 00/492-900 (Drop Off Recycling Grant) TO 77.00/392-900 (Capital Improvements Fund)

(b) $2,231.50 FROM 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) TO 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Funds)

(c) $1,500.00 FROM 01.23/407-320 (IT-Communications/Phones-Server) TO 01.52/409-374 (Buildings-Property Repairs & Maintenance).

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to allocate 2015 CDBG Funds as follows:

$230,000 for the Central Business District Bond Payment

$150,000 for the Fire Truck Payment
$103,800 for Code Enforcement Demolition

$50,000 for Home Rehabilitation

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve FINAL READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 1861 BILL NO. 2 OF 2014

TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE INCURRING OF NON-ELECTORAL DEBT THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

COMMENT: Mayor Davis thanked all of the advising team in allowing the City to reduce the debt. We work really hard to try to come together to save the taxpayer’s money. With this refinancing we are saving the taxpayer’s money and also cutting off the term of the debt for at least 5 years. This is encouraging to know that the future generation will not be burdened with the debt that currently exists now. Mayor Davis again thanked all of those participating parties and also her colleagues and in their answers to the many emails that have come across.

COMMENT: Councilman Manning echoed Mayor Davis’s sentiments. He thanked Susan Koehler and Lynn Galluze from his department, also Councilman Westcott who got this started and all of the advisors and legal
council.

COMMENT: Councilman Westcott extended his thanks as well.

Approve FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 1862 BILL NO. 3 OF 2014

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 2015.

(Budget Ordinance)

** (No Vote Required)**

Approve FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 1863 BILL NO. 4 OF 2014

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1356, CHAPTER 1, PART 2, APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2015.

(Salary Ordinance)

** (No Vote Required)**

Approve FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 1864 BILL NO. 5 OF 2014 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, 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 2015.

** (No Vote Required)**

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to Century 21 Frontier Realty, The Jim Dolanch Team, 4121 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317 in the amount of $175.00 for Dye Test for property located at 1340 Henderson Avenue. City Clerk confirmed that this property is located in Chartiers Township. CHARGE 01.00/361-652 (Dye Test Fees)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to Greenlee Derrico & Posa, 30 E. Beau Street, Suite 325, Washington, PA 15301 in the amount of $175.00 for property located at 545 Montgomery Avenue. Dye Test was paid for twice. CHARGE 01.00/361-652 (Dye Test Fees)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Skelly & Loy Engineering in the amount of $8,926.34 for Professional Services (Catfish Creek Project). CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $5,000.00 for Information Sharing Server Setup. CHARGE 85.00/407-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $14,042.57 for Information Sharing Server. CHARGE 85.00/407-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $275.00 for 1500VA UPS (INFO SHARING). CHARGE 85.00/407-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Palermo/Kissinger & Associates, PC in the amount of $1,800.00 for H2O Audit. CHARGE 85.00/407-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Westmoreland Supply – Washington in the amount of $196.60 for supplies to refinish Parklette railing. CHARGE 85.00/454-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Westmoreland Supply – Washington in the amount of $15.85 for supplies to refinish Parklette railing. CHARGE 85.00/454-000 (LSA Funds)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $810.00 for Tennis Courts. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $490.00 for Proposed Recycle Center. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $720.00 for Jefferson & Wylie Emergency Repair. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,430.00 for 2014 September Items. CHARGE 01.43/430-313 (Engineering Services)

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $8,027.80 for services rendered through 10/27/2014 and includes November 2014 retainer. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to MV Transportation Inc., in the amount of $55,346.74 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in October 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to MV Transportation Inc., in the amount of $35,648.39 for turnover bus repairs for original contract date 07.01.2014, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $10,341.84 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in September 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried to approve Transit payment to PA American Water in the amount of $361.25 for Water Service and usage in October at the ITF, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $98.31 for Shelter Key, Sunoco and finance charges, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $95.45 for farebox networking, including all late fees, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Coen Oil Company in the amount of $14,903.64 for the purchase of fuel in September for the public transit vehicles, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-231

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Scheidt & Bauchmann USA, Inc. in the amount of $9,024.00 for the farebox service maintenance agreement approved in September, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to WJPA Radio in the amount of $525.00 for advertising during the Wash High-McGuffey-Steel Valley-Apollo Ridge game, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Palermo/Kissinger & Associates in the amount of $6,950.00 for transit portion of FY 2013-2014 audit 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Joseph Thomas in the amount of $27.51 for meal reimbursement trip to Harrisburg, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Nancy Basile in the amount of $165.32 for meal and hotel reimbursement trip to Harrisburg, 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Hickson’s in the amount of $252.90 for Transit Office Supplies to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-210

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Waller Corporation #16 in the amount of $296,623.53 for contracted services for ITF performed through October 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Allegheny City Electric #9 (to include change orders EC-001 & EC-002 in the amount of $58,626.40 for Electrical contracted services for ITF performed through October 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. #1197012 in the amount of $2,648.00 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through October 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 Center construction change orders to be presented by Paul Pennington:

GC-020 $13,700 (Water Meter Pit)
GC-026 $5,970 (Excavation for Electrical)
GC-027 $7,662 (Reinforced concrete for bus pull-off. This was not included in original design.)

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item to Enter into Agreement with PennDOT for discretionary funding (Application CCA-14-15-WASH-00141) in the amount of $498,980, which requires local match of $106,898 (LSA funds of $100,000 and City funds of $6,898).

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit Budget transfer of $3,470.76 from the Mass Transit Operating Fund 28.00/492-900 to Buses and Equipment Fund 27.00/392-900, to pay local capital match share of October contractor invoices for transit center construction.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit Travel expenses for Nancy Basile and Joe Thomas to Harrisburg on October 28/29, 2014, to make presentation to PennDOT Bureau of Public Transportation on five-year operating and capital expense projections:

1)    PA Turnpike Tolls of $33.80 (paid from petty cash)
2)    Fuel for return trip of $35.05 (paid using transit Visa card)
3)    Reimburse Nancy Basile for cost of two hotel rooms charged to her
credit card ($137.32 total) and meals ($28) for a total of $165.32

4) Reimburse Joe Thomas for $27.51 for meals.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit item to express Support for the Local Share Account (LSA) application submitted by Washington County Transportation Authority Board for funding for anticipated start-up costs related to transit consolidation.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to accept a price quote from Meter Products Co., Inc., of Patterson, New Jersey; and proceed with purchase of 140 Guardian Refurbished Electronic Mechanisms for parking meters, 40 coin chutes, and 10 main boards, at a cost of $5,814.50

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve awarding Public Works Department Driver’s position to Jesse Bova, retroactive to October 27, 2014, and amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to advertise for the vacant position for the Public Works Department Laborer.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Resolution No. 14 of 2014:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SETTING FORTH THE POLICY THAT ALL GRANTS SOUGHT AND OBTAINED ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON SHALL BE APPROVED BY RESOLUTION OF COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE EXECUTION OF ANY SUCH GRANT APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to table Resolution No. 15 of 2014:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, OFFICE OF THE BUDGET, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE TRIPIL YWCA REHABILITATION PROJECT.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Resolution No. 16 of 2014:

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 5 of 2014 INCREASING THE FEE FOR A DYE TEST FROM ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE ($175.00) DOLLARS TO TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE ($225.00) DOLLARS.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to continue open discussions between the City of Washington and the Brownson House of the proposed construction of a new recreational facility.

COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated that his own personal belief is that he does agree that there should be continued discussions. He said that he came forward in the original and proposed discussion with several reasons why this land should not be used. He said he would be very happy to find for them any place in the City to help their organization.

A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously   carried, to approve the following (2) Police Department Budget Transfers:
a)    $2.789.68 FROM 15/410-327 (Radio Maintenance & Repair) TO 15/410-370
(Vehicle Maintenance)
b)    $2,789.68 FROM 15/410-266 (Training & Schooling) TO 15/410-370 (Vehicle
Maintenance)

A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Rotolos Dodge Chrysler, 55 Route 88 North, PO Box 758, Charleroi, PA 15022, in the amount of $5,579.36 for engine replacement for Police Car #2 (2010 Marked Dodge Charger). CHARGE 15/410-370 (Vehicle Maintenance)

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to renew the current Earthlink service contract for an addition (2) years with no increase in cost.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve temporary/permanent Easement / Right-Of-Way between the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania and Vernon C. Neal / The Brownson House to enable the Brownson House to construct, install, maintain and operate a cable transmission line for the purpose of receiving cable, internet, and phone service on property owned by the City. The Parcel Number is: 750-039-00-00-0001-00 located in the City of
Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated, for his colleagues, that the same thing was done earlier this year for Pony. Because the contract was not seen for this . . . Councilman Faust told our Solicitor that it will be the mirror image of to what we did prior.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to close DCED H2O Account and transfer remaining balance to the General Fund.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve to rescind incorrect previously approve motion and approve corrected motion:

RESCIND Due To Incorrect Charge Line Number:
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor, Inc. in the amount of $214,278.81 (Payment #3). CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Catfish Creek Fund)
CORRECTED: Approve payment to Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor, Inc. in the amount of $214,278.81 (Payment #3).
CHARGE 94.00/954-682 (Growing Greener Plus)

COMMENT: Councilman Faust said that this is still the grant money. It came to light to us that that would be a better account to take it out of than the previously one we talked about.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve engaging appraiser, Anthony Barna, in the appeal of the Washington Arbors Association’s tax assessment case at a fee of $500.00 for his assessment of the property owner’s appraisal.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Councilwoman Tracie Graham – No Comment

Councilman Kenneth Westcott said that the leaves are still flying and the Public Works Department is still picking them up. If you have leaves that need to be picked up just call the Public Works Department or call City Hall.

Councilman Joseph Manning stated that the First Reading of the 2015 Budget was done this evening. He thanked Susan Koehler for the fantastic job that she did. Councilman Manning said, “she really does a great job of building the budget.” Councilman Manning said congratulations to his colleagues for not having any major increases this year – they have been very easy and pleasant to work with through this whole budget process. He continued by saying that this is a preliminary budget and pointed out if there are any changes that need to be made it will be as a result of the bond refinancing as far as the debt service goes. Another budget workshop will be scheduled with all of Mayor and Council to drill down and get to the final figures — that will depend upon the bond restructuring and the refinancing that is going to come out of the previous action that we took this evening. The headline is that there are no tax increases, no fee increases. We did very well on holding the line on increases and making certain that the City has the funding to provide essential services for every department without having to bear the burden with any taxpayers or citizens. Councilman Manning said he is very pleased so far with everything that has been put together and very grateful to his staff.

Councilman Terry Faust – No Comment

Mayor Brenda Davis said that she has the following motions regarding declaring the properties that are a public nuisance:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to declare the property located at 123 Woodland Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, Parcel Number: 770-030-00-01-0005-00, as a public nuisance and authorize the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.