A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 7PM in Council Chambers, 55 West Maiden Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. Mayor Brenda Davis, presiding, opened the meeting.
ROLL CALL:
Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Present
Councilman Joseph Manning — Present
Councilman Terry Faust — Present
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski — Present
Mayor Brenda Davis — Present
SOLICITOR: John F. Cambest, Esquire – Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A video featuring the Allegheny Conference on Community Development was shown at the meeting. The Citywide Development Corporation (CDC) was awarded an initiative by the Allegheny Conference. Mayor Davis elaborated that the City of Washington and the City of Connellsville are extremely lucky that the Allegheny Conference has taken the initiative to go outside of Allegheny County and include Washington County and Fayette County. Through this initiative they are partnering with us to hire a consultant to work with the CDC to get them fully functioning to be eligible to accept neighborhood partnership programs. The City of Washington CDC could receive $3 (million dollars) committed to them within the next 6 years. This is $3 (million dollars) can be put right here in the City of Washington. Mayor Davis said that this is very exciting news and she wanted to share this with everyone in attendance. Mayor Davis thanked Lynn Galluze for her help in showing this video.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2013 regular meeting of Washington City Council.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Abstained due to his absence from that meeting.
Mayor Brenda Davis — Yes
Mayor Davis opened the public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
- Tom Schneck, from West End Neighborhood Crime Watch, spoke about their annual holiday (outside home) decorating contest. Judging will be Sunday, December 8th and Monday, December 9th with winners to be announced later that week. The West End Neighborhood Crime Watch had a yard sale this past September. They placed a can at their yard sale for donations for the Washington City Police K9 Unit. Tom presented Chief Luppino a check in the amount of $215. This amount included $115.00 from the yard sale can collection and $100.00 donated directly from the West End Neighborhood Crime Watch. At the same time, Tom presented another check in the amount of $100.00 for the Police K9 Unit, which was from the Duncan and Miller Association.
- Tory Haring-Smith, President of Washington and Jefferson College, presented a check in the amount of $6,000. Originally, Tory had spoke to Tom Schneck about this great citizen involvement, and agreed to match the amount that Tom was raising. Instead, Tori said that the amount of the check she was presenting is matching Tom’s amount by 20 times over.
- Chief Linn Brookman gave the November monthly reports as follows: the Fire Department had 136 total calls which included 27 medical, 12 accidents with injuries, 4 structure fires and 1 arson fire. Chief Brookman thanked our Police Department for their assistance in the arson fire.
Chief Brookman gave the Code Enforcement report as follows: Ron McIntyre had 92 calls, 45 violations mailed out with 14 citations issued. Total profit for the month of November was $1,530.
The Building Permit issued 11 permits with total year-to-date permits being 196. Chief Brookman said that the month of November was a slow month. Total money collected in the month of November was $1,030. Year-to-date money collected is $25,239.
- Chief Chris Luppino gave the November report for the Washington City Police. It was as follows: 714 calls for service, 48 criminal arrests, traffic citations issued were 36 with non-traffic at 39. Total monies collected at $800.00 with breakdown as follows: accident reports $830.00, incident reports $85.00, fingerprinting $30.00, and vehicle release forms $75.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following:
a) To correct “status” — from being BILL NO. 6 OF ORDINANCE 1860 of 2013 to be RESOLUTION #9 of 2013.
b) To Approve RESOLUTION #9 of 2013 as stated below in bolded print. (This was approved at November 7, 2013 Council Meeting as: FIRST READING of BILL NO. 6 OF ORDINANCE 1860 of 2013.)
A RESOLUTION OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL, OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE SAME, THAT THE MAYOR OF SAID MUNICIPALITY IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL APPROVAL TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to approve and authorize John Stout, Public Works Superintendent, to purchase Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) from American Rock Salt. The City of Washington is under Contract through PA COSTARS. Amount to be purchased is 200 ton.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to approve the proposal with Widmer Engineering Inc. to provide survey services relating to the storm water project located at 920 Summerlea Avenue in the amount of $1,000.00 from LSA Funds Account 85.00/100-000.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Pennsylvania Municipal League in the amount of $5,355.90 for 2014 dues. CHARGE 01.60/400-420 (Miscellaneous Expenditures – PA League of Cities Dues)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Berggren & Turturice, LLC in the amount of $952.50 for the City of Washington for services rendered from September 13, 2013 through November 14, 2013. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Berggren & Turturice, LLC in the amount of $2113.26 for the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation (CDC) for services rendered through November 4, 2013. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $217,117.00 for the City’s final 2013 MMO Contribution. CHARGE 01.60/483-533 (General Fund-Pension Contributions)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, P.C. in the amount of $6,185.00 for services rendered through November 14, 2013. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Midrange Plus Services Inc. in the amount of $7,395.00 for Midrange Plus Tower Server Chassis along with 3-year extended warranty, installation and integration fees. CHARGE 96.00/407-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $7,200.00 for Campbell Avenue Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study and Field Survey Services. CHARGE 96.00/446.000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Widmer Engineering Inc. in the amount of $2,800.00 for Summerlea Avenue Permits, Easements and Right-of Way Scope. CHARGE 96.00/446.000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to approve to cancel the 2013 Code Enforcement Demolition Project and reallocate $157,978.00 to Campbell Avenue Storm Sewer Project.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis — Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to approve allocation of 2014 CDBG Funds to the following activities: $230,000 CBD Bond Repayment, $150,000 Fire Truck Payment, $50,000 Home Rehabilitation, $140,500 Code Enforcement Demolition.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis — Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the following for the Washington City Police Department regarding November 27, 2013’s accident involving Unit #43, 2013 Ford Police Interceptor:
a) Payment of $500.00 to Stainbrook’s Auto Body, 55 West Railroad Street, Washington, PA (which is the deductible amount owed). CHARGE 01.15/410-370 Police Protection – (Police Vehicle Maintenance)
b) Payment of $3,722.00 to Stainbrook’s Auto Body — upon receipt of this same amount from Selective Insurance Company. This check from Selective Insurance will be deposited in Special Fund 75, (Insurance Claims Fund). Total payment amount due Stainbrook’s Auto Body is $4,222.00 for needed Police vehicle repairs. CHARGE 75.00/391-912 Insurance Claims Fund (Compensation for Loss of Fixed Assets)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to submit Our Town Grant with due date of January 13, 2014.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve Resolution #10 of 2013:
A RESOLUTION OF WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING AND DESIGNATING A LIAISON BETWEEN IT AND WASHINGTON COUNTY TAX COLLECTION DISTRICT AND ITS TAX OFFICER FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF SHARING CONFIDENTIAL TAX INFORMATION WITH THE CITY OF WASHINGTON FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis — Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the ratification of the execution of an application with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, for a Grant to construct and maintain a new HVAC system for the Citizens Library of Washington, Pennsylvania.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said, with in regard to the next couple of motions, it was brought to our attention Monday evening that the City of Washington applied for a grant for the Citizens Library. We were unable to find any records that we had a discussion or vote pertaining to applying to this Grant. We need to do some housekeeping so we can make certain that this grant is not in jeopardy for the Citizens Library.
Councilman Westcott asked Jack Cambest, our Solicitor, if he had met with Ken Baker, attorney for the Library, and if Jack is satisfied with this.
Solicitor Cambest said that he did meet with Attorney Baker and that he (Jack) is satisfied with everything.
Councilman Faust commented “and that we actually said . . . that Councilman Manning and myself actually look forward for this to go on”.
Councilman Manning said, “absolutely”.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the ratification of the execution of a Contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the City of Washington for the award of a Grant to construct and maintain a new HVAC system in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Citizens Library Association of Washington, Pennsylvania which provides that the Citizens Library Association of Washington, Pennsylvania will pay all matching funds required under the Keystone Grant between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the City of Washington to replace the HVAC system in the Citizens Library Building and to authorize the Mayor to execute the said Agreement.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve that after competitive bidding resulting in four bids for the replacement of the HVAC in the Citizens Library building and pursuant to the grant agreement between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the City of Washington, Washington, Pennsylvania; the City of Washington, Pennsylvania hereby awards the HVAC contract for the Citizens Library Building to Professional Mechanical Sales and Services, Inc. at the base bid of $998,400.00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to authorize the Treasurer to open a bank account for the Citizens Library HVAC repairs, and amend the Budget accordingly.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve an addendum to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Washington and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 95, extending the addendum between the parties dated October 16, 2012.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott asked Chief Luppino if the Police Officers like the 12-hour shifts.
Chief Luppino stated that the Police Officers do like the 12-hour shifts – so far, so good.
Mayor Davis stated that overtime money has been saved.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve the Treasurer’s Department refund to Goodwill Industries in the amount of $8,332.29 for 2013 Washington City real estate taxes. CHARGE 01.00/301-010 (Real Estate Taxes – Current Taxes)
COMMENT: Mayor Davis explained that when the Goodwill Industries built the new building they applied to be tax exempt. Unfortunately, they have been awarded tax exempt status even thought they have been paying on the building and the property years prior to that. They are entitled to this refund this year and will be tax exempt from here on out.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — No
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis — Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve FINAL READING of BILL NO. 3 OF ORDINANCE 1857 of 2013.
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 2014.
(Budget Ordinance)
COMMENT: Councilman Manning thanked Susie Koehler for her help in getting the budget done. He said that there would be no tax increases; that there were some expenditures increase last year, and some insurance that had to be increased. All department heads did a great job with living within their budget last year. Hopefully, it will be the same thing for this year. Councilman Manning said we are very happy to have it balanced and taken care of.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve FINAL READING of BILL NO. 4 OF ORDINANCE 1858 of 2013
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1356, CHAPTER 1, PART 2, APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2014.
(Salary Ordinance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve FINAL READING of BILL NO. 5 OF ORDINANCE 1859 of 2013
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 2014.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer $88,024.00 from the Downtown Project Fund (60.00/492-900) to the General Fund (01.00/392-992) (This is to repay a portion of the 2009 Bond Issue Debt Service/money collected from the Cap. Improvement Special Assessments)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer $100,000.00 from the Solid Waste Fund (20.00/492-900) to the General Fund (01.00/392-995). (This is to reimburse for salaries, benefits & other expenses.)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve transfer $15,000.00 from the Rental Registration Fund (84.00/492-900) to the General Fund (01.00/392-998). (This is to reimburse for salaries, benefits & other expenses.)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve transfer $3,800.00 from Park Playground Maintenance (01.53/454-380) to (01.34/413-452) Code Enforcement – Abandoned Hazard Clean-Up Service.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried, to approve City of Washington Parking Authority’s purchases for meter repair parts – not to exceed $1,700.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the reappointment of Terry L. Faust to the Washington-East Washington Joint Authority Board for an additional 5-year term to expire December 31, 2018.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve PNC Bank for the City of Washington 2014 Tax Anticipation Note at a rate of 1.47%.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said, “you gotta really appreciate Denny Adams and his efforts in seeking. We had several people actually came back to us. On that note, yes”.
Mayor Davis stated that this percentage is lower than what we had last year.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $895,913.61 for ACT 205 Distressed Pension Collections as of 11/30/13. Charge 79.00/483-000.
A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to transfer ownership of property located at 240 Donnan Avenue to the Citywide
Development Corporation (CDC), and approve payment of $12,000.00 to the CDC which represents a cash donation of the acquired said property. CHARGE 46.00/489-000 General Fund Reserve – (Miscellaneous Expenditures)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Gray Waste Management Corporation in the amount of $5,500.00 for residential demolition of 456 Broad Street. CHARGE (01.34/413-452) Code Enforcement – Abandoned Hazard Clean-Up Service.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said he is happy to have this building down, and that the folks in the West End are glad also.
Mayor Davis thanked Council for working together to come up with the revenue to bring this property down.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $74,761.71 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in October 2013, 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 the Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $9,127.30 for contracted public transit Paratransit services performed in October 2013, 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 the Transit payment to Washington & Jefferson College in the amount of $148.75 for advertising in the Red & Black Newspaper 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 the Transit payment to Guttman Oil Company in the amount of $23,921.25 for the purchase of fuel 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 the Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $84.85 for internet service for transit’s fare box networking, 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 the Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $432.00 CHARGE 28.00/447-240
Breakdown as follows: PPTA Winter Meeting
Popcorn Willy, Inc. (promotional items) – $174.00
Hilton Garden Inn (1 night stay) – $129.00
Hilton Garden Inn (1 night stay) – $129.00
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit payment to Construction Engineering Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $2,758.50 for Soil Testing Services for ITF performed through November 2013, 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 the Transit payment to Waller Corporation in the amount of $35,355.60 for contracted services for ITF performed through November 2013, 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 the Transit payment to Astorino/LCM in the amount of $1,997.99 for design services performed through November 2013, 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 the Transit payment to Astorino/LCM in the amount of $8,617.66 for Construction Administration performed through November 2013, 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 the Transit payment to WJPA Radio in the amount of $175.00 for advertising during Washington High School football playoff game with Seton LaSalle 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 carried, to approve City Hall’s 2013 holiday hours on Christmas Eve to be: 8:30AM to 3PM.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — No
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilman Kenneth Westcott thanked W & J College and West End Neighborhood Crime Watch for their donations. He continued by saying that he feels very fortunate to have worked with our Fire Department and our Code Enforcement Department over the past year. Our Fire Department is very active in the community. Recently, our Fire Department along with Mayor, Joe and I distributed 400 coats to the children at Washington School District. Also, coming up in the next few weeks, our Fire Department will be given the name of a needy family. Our Fire Department will be giving this family gifts and food. Councilman Westcott wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Councilman Joseph Manning also thanked W & J College and West End Neighborhood Crime Watch for their donations. It was very generous and very well done. He wished Matt (Councilman Staniszewski) the best in moving forward. Councilman Manning wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Councilman Terry Faust had no comment.
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski had no comment.
Mayor Brenda Davis stated that it has been a great year here in the City of Washington. We have all worked together to make great strides in a short amount of time. Mayor Davis said, “we all do work together”. She continued by saying that some of the accomplishments are no tax increase; the City has been working very hard together to reduce spending and tow the line in all departments. The total increase from this year’s budget to next year’s budget is only $312,507.00 – this is amazing and is possible because of all of our hard work when it came to refinancing the City’s debt and fiscally responsible. The City and East Washington have adopted the Joint Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan this year. We are halfway through the process of updating the City’s zoning ordinance for the zoning maps and uses. Both of these, the Park Plan and the Zoning, were the first two suggestions that came out of the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted December of 2011. In addition, the City was successful in purchasing a street sweeper and paid cash for this street sweeper. Councilman Staniszewski has been advocating for many years to purchase a City street sweeper. Because of us being fiscally responsible we were able to do that as well as pave many streets and alleyways. As you have seen from the video the Citywide Development Corporation (CDC) received the Allegheny Conference Initiative, which will open up a whole opportunity for all aspects of the City of Washington. The City’s pension fund is progressing towards solvency. We anticipate in achieving our goal in being fully funded (of the pension fund) within the next 4 to 6 years. We originally were told that it would take up to 18 years. This is great news. The Chief and I have been meeting monthly with the College and the West End Neighborhood Watch, along with community members, church organizations, and organizations here throughout the City to strengthen our neighborhoods and work on uniting the community. We have seen a great deal of projects underway at the Washington Park with the pool and the bathhouse renovations. We have been working together and can move this City forward. I welcome a fresh, new face here on City Council . . . I look forward to working with you, Tracie. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues here on Council. Lastly, Mayor Davis thanked all employees – all City of Washington employees for their dedication and hard work. We could not have accomplished so many things this year if it weren’t for each and every one of them. Thank you all.
Mayor Davis wished everyone a Merry Christmas. She invited all to our Christmas Parade on Friday (tomorrow). There are a lot of activities going on tomorrow. The Business District has been working very hard. There are the 10,000 villages uptown, the Third World shopping crafts, and too, the LeMoyne House has some activities going on along with their own tree lighting. There will also be the annual tree lighting at the Courthouse.
Mayor Davis said at the close of this meeting that Council will hold an Executive Meeting to discuss personnel matters.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 in observance of Christmas Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 8:30AM.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 in observance of New Year’s Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to adjourn the meeting.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — Yes
Councilman Terry Faust — Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
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Brenda Davis, Mayor
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Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk