REGULAR MEETING WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL – Thursday, March, 7 2013.
A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held on Thursday, March 7, 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: Lane Turturice, Esquire – Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Mayor and Council held an Executive Session on Monday, March 4, 2013 to discuss personnel matters regarding the Police Department and possible litigations.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Minutes of the February 7, 2013 regular Council Meeting.
Mayor Davis then opened the public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
• Chief Linn Brookman said he had 3 reports to give. The first being that of the Washington Fire Department for February. There were 125 calls which included 5 structure fires, 32 medical calls, 7 accidents, and 1 heavy rescue. From the Building Department there were 7 residential permits issued, 3 commercial, and 2 demolition permits. Total number of permits issued were 12. Total permits issued year to date is 19. The total revenue being $1,774.00, year to date revenue is $2,648. From Mr. McIntyre’s department (Code Enforcement) there were 149 calls, 58 citations, $2,577.00 taken in for fines, and $4,500.00 for street openings. Total monies taken in were $7,017.00
• John Campbell from 760 McKinley Avenue asked when the City would be getting a new Police Chief. He stated that he has lived in the City of Washington most of his life. Over the last couple of weeks or months he has not been proud to be a citizen of Washington. There is no need to go to the movies anymore; you just to come to a City Council Meeting. John said that he is an elected official. He said that our officials that are elected here for the City should have a better way of representing the City. We are a laughing stock of the country.
• Matt Uram said he came to answer any questions regarding the abatement, the LERTA tax /ordinances that were proposed and have a First Reading tonight. He said that at this time he hoped that we can be a governing body and do something other than catering to the media. One Councilman acts like he has never seen these before . . . that is his fault for being ineffective. It is not our fault for bringing up a good issue. We need to fight the blight in this town. This is nothing but growth for the business district and the City, as well. It is a bonafied attack on blight. Abatement is incremental. In 1 year it will start paying itself off. These are blighted properties that have gotten no attention for 20 years. It is reckless — this needs to be taken care of. This will be a catalyst for investment. On the average it takes 3 years for a small business to start seeing a profit. The benefit for the investor will occur in those 3 years while this abatement process is going on. We need to help this business community come back. Matt Uram said he begs Mayor and Council to act on this First Reading tonight and move forward with these ordinances for your business and property owners and the residents of Washington.
• Georgianna Farkus stated that she brought up 3 issues at the Agenda Meeting: the guidelines for the closing of an emergency or weather, the Rental Registration fee of $12.00 if this fee would be carried on. It is the responsibility for all of the landlords to register their properties. She said that she feels that, at the magistrate level, the fines for violations should be at the maximum of $1,000.00 versus $300. Georgianna said that she did not like this $12.00 fee at first; but since finding out that there are too many people not coming forth to register their property . . . she feels the City should continue with this $12.00 fee. Third, she would like to see a quarterly payment schedule for the Solid Waste proposal. Monthly amount is $20.25; those on a fixed income are not going to be able to pay the bulk fee plus any late fees/court fees. This schedule will be a win, win situation.
• Captain Robert Wilson gave the February Police report. There were 671 calls for service, 8,182 miles patrolled, 28 traffic citations, 54 non-traffic citations, and criminal arrests. Monies collected were: accident reports $480.00, incident reports $70.00, fingerprinting $290.00, mace permits $5.00, and vehicle release forms $350. Total money collected was $1,195.
• Barry Andrews – Mayor Davis stated that she received a letter from Barry Andrews prior to the meeting. He asked if Mayor Davis would read his letter aloud. This letter read as follows:
March 5, 2013
Honorable Brenda Davis
Mayor, City of Washington
City Office Building
55 West Maiden Street
Washington, PA 15301
Dear Mayor Davis:
I am writing you because I won’t be able to attend the meeting Thursday, March 7th because of prior commitment. Therefore, I respectfully request that this letter be read into the record at the meeting.
I am extremely upset by Councilman Staniszewski’s callous disregard and insensitivity to his response to you regarding the “Radio Test” issue. Instead of his making amends with his remark over the airways, his feeble attempt at quantifying his statement, as “humor aimed at a lifelong friend”, is unacceptable to me and many other citizens of the City of Washington.
His callous disregard for making offensive comments, show that he lacks concern for how those statements are hurtful to the Gay and Lesbian Community not only of the City of Washington, but also to all Citizens.
A public apology is in order Councilman Stansizewski. And ALL of the Citizens of this City, regardless of sexual orientation, deserve no less.
Sincerely,
Barry L. Andrews
597 East Maiden Street
Washington, PA 15301-3719
Copy to: File
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski asked the individual’s name who wrote this letter and confirmed his address.
There being no further public participation, Mayor Davis closed this portion of the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the additional endorsement premium of $353.00 for our Washington Park 2013 Ford Truck – included under our Selective Insurance Commercial Policy.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the deductible amount of $10,000.00 due to Selective Insurance Company for Claim #20994064. CHARGE 60/486-350
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Advertise For Bids for the 2013 Area Wide Inlet Replacement Project consisting of the following approximate quantities:
• Replacement / Installation of 8 new inlets
• Installation of storm piping
• Concrete sidewalk and curb (replacement)
• Asphalt restoration
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Authorize payment in full of the Comcast invoice in the amount of $82.32 to the Mass Transit Account. CHARGE 28.00/447-240 (This MOU corrects the line item charge #).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Portnoff Law Associates, LTD for the 2012 Solid Waste – Notice of Delinquency in the amount of $12,635.00 CHARGE 20.00/427-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Portnoff Law Associates, LTD for 2012 Real Estate – Notice of Delinquency in the amount of $16,450.00 CHARGE 01.24/403-236
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to North Central Highway Safety Network, Inc. for $8,330.00 for Reimbursement #1 (2013) CHARGE 90.00/489-000
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to North Central Highway Safety Network, Inc. for
$10,893.00 for Reimbursement #2 (2013) CHARGE 90.00/489-000
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to North Central Highway Safety Network, Inc. for $10,523.00 for Reimbursement #3 (2013) CHARGE 90.00/489-000
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer of funds FROM General Fund Reserve 46.00/492-900 TO Liquid Fuels Fund 03.00/392-900 in the amount of $80,000.00 — this is an interfund loan until our Liquid Fuels state aid allocation comes in.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer of funds FROM LSA Funds 85.00/100-000 TO Catfish Creek Project Fund 66.00/100-000 in the amount of $4,029.06
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the transfer of funds FROM LSA Funds 85.00/100-000 TO Catfish Creek Project Fund 66.00/100-000 in the amount of $772.50
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried to approve payment to Hei-Way, LLC in the amount of $1,878.67 for 24.07 tons of bituminous material at $65.55 per ton plus delivery charge. CHARGE 03.00/432-000
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried to approve payment to A & S Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $623.95 for 46.39 tons of cinders (delivered) at $13.45 per ton. CHARGE 03.00/432-000
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that some of the items that are on here (including the screened cinders) a test was done by the Street Department which cost the taxpayers additional money to do a test. This test turned out to be fruitless because the test turned out to be exactly what they ordered. My vote will reflect that.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that the Street Department because of the response time and insuring public safety in making sure that each and every vendor was responsive prior to awarding bid. Our Street Superintendent, John Stout, is here to field additional questions or clarify and issues.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried to approve payment to Del-Sir Supply, Inc. in the amount of $618.37 for 46.39 tons of cinders (delivered) at $13.33 per ton. CHARGE 03.00/432-000
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that some of the items that are on here (including the screened cinders) a test was done by the Street Department which cost the taxpayers additional money to do a test. This test turned out to be fruitless because the test turned out to be exactly what they ordered. My vote will reflect that.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that the Street Department because of the response time and insuring public safety in making sure that each and every vendor was responsive prior to awarding bid. Our Street Superintendent, John Stout, is here to field additional questions or clarify and issues.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried to approve payment to Donald Growden in the amount of $729.53 for 46.78 tons of cinders (delivered) at $15.43 per ton. CHARGE 03.00/432-000
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that some of the items that are on here (including the screened cinders) a test was done by the Street Department which cost the taxpayers additional money to do a test. This test turned out to be fruitless because the test turned out to be exactly what they ordered. My vote will reflect that.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that the Street Department because of the response time and insuring public safety in making sure that each and every vendor was responsive prior to awarding bid. Our Street Superintendent, John Stout, is here to field additional questions or clarify and issues.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and carried to approve payment to Lane Construction in the amount of $995.00 for 7.96 tons of cold mix (delivered) at $125.00 per ton. CHARGE 03.00/432-000
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that some of the items that are on here (including the screened cinders) a test was done by the Street Department which cost the taxpayers additional money to do a test. This test turned out to be fruitless because the test turned out to be exactly what they ordered. My vote will reflect that.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that the Street Department because of the response time and insuring public safety in making sure that each and every vendor was responsive prior to awarding bid. Our Street Superintendent, John Stout, is here to field additional questions or clarify and issues.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $691,924.46 for Year to Date Act 205 collections through 2/28/13. CHARGE 79.00/483-000
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Washington School District in the amount of $21,284.58 for their share of the P.I.L.O.T. Program for fiscal year ending September 30, 2012 in lieu of taxes. CHARGE 01.60/489-521
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. in the amount of $198.75 for replacement of pedestrian pushbutton at Main & Maiden Streets.
CHARGE 03.00/433-378
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $16,116.25 for professional services (Catfish Creek Project). CHARGE 66.00/446-310
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $3,090.00 for professional services (Catfish Creek Project). CHARGE 66.00/446-310
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 $9,239.75 for services rendered through 3/7/2013. CHARGE 13/404-310
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve resolution to file the application with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development – Strengthening Communities Partnership.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve resolution to file the application with the Washington County Tourism.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve resolution to file the application with the 2013 DCNR Park.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried to appoint Widmer Engineering Inc., 61 East Wheeling Street, Washington, PA as the City of Washington’s engineering firm.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – No Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott asked why this was on the Agenda.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that this was discussed on Monday night.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said that Mayor Davis went to the wrong building – that Senate Engineering has been located in the City for 15 years in Bob Hollick’s building.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that it is her understanding when projects are to be put out for scope of work that the engineering firm comes in and displays the project and talks about what they are going to be doing in representing the City of Washington. She continued by saying that it is unfortunate that we’ve had them on for a year, they have not been here to tell us what they have been doing for the City. So, we need someone who will come to the Agenda and Council meetings.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott asked if Mayor Davis presented this Monday night.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis replied that she did.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said that Mayor Davis did not. He said that Mayor Davis stated that Senate Engineering is not in the City of Washington . . . that Mayor Davis went to the Trust Building. It turns out Senate Engineering is in Bob Hollick’s building. The reason for this change was because they do not have an office in the City. Councilman Westcott said they do have an office in the City.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said they have not been attending. They did a scope of work that was not approved by this Council – all works that go out for bid need to be approved by Council.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that this is not correct.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott stated that is not correct. That is not correct.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked for Attorney Lane Turturice’s input.
COMMENT: Attorney Turturice asked what exactly was being asked.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis restated what she had previously stated – that if the scopes of works need to be approved by Council.
COMMENT: Attorney Turturice said he is not familiar with the specific operating procedures that are being discussed. That under the Third Class City Code Council does have the option to promulgate its own rules and regulations for every individual department.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said that they are following the same procedure, which dates back to when Councilman Westcott was Mayor.
COMMENT: Attorney Turturice said, however, personally in every municipality if there is a project that is undergoing, generally the governing body approves the scope of that work so that there are no questions of what is being done. He said that he cannot answer this question definitively because he does not know what operating procedures are being discussed. However, if the City has those procedures, and if they are in writing, within the Third Class City Code then we are fine.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said that he has had the opportunity to work with both of these engineering firms. He is very pleased with Senate Engineering’s work the past 2 years. John (Stout) has worked hand-in-hand with them being very responsive. Widmer, I have also had the pleasure of working with them as well . . . so, whatever the majority wants to do at this point.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve a complimentary parking space for the Washington Food Pantry.
A motion was made by Councilmen Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to extend a provision of service contract for one year with GG&C Bus Company, Inc. for FY 2013-2014 for fixed route and associated administrative services as presented.
A motion was made by Councilmen Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to extend a provision of service contract for one year with Palermo/Kissinger CPA for Transit Auditing services for FY 12-13 as presented.
A motion was made by Councilmen Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve to add a 2008 Chevy Impala to the City’s existing vehicle insurance coverage for transit use and to be paid from transit funds.
A motion was made by Councilmen Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the continuation of fence rental agreement with Penn Fencing, Inc. which will expire on 3/30/13 for the transit site at 50 E. Chestnut Street and take over monthly rental payment by the transit department until start up of construction and/or it is determined that it is no longer needed.
A motion was made by Councilmen Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the attendance by City Transit representatives at the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association’s (PPTA) Spring Conference in Lancaster, PA on April 23-25, 2013, as presented, for a not-to-exceed cost of $1,000.00 per person.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $73,028.74 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in January 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $9,263.20 for contracted public transit paratransit services performed in January 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to B & W Insurance Agency, Inc. in the amount of $283.00 for insurance on City Transit vehicle 2008 Chevy Impala 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Nancy Basile in the amount of $68.81 for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in February 2013, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Roberta L. Gostic in the amount of $575.85 for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in February 2013, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to WJPA and State wrestling tournaments in the amount of $700.00 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Washington County Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $256.00 for membership dues for City Transit 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Penn Fencing, Inc. in the amount of $420.00 for 2-month fence rental at 50 E. Chestnut Street, Washington, PA to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-380
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Hickson’s in the amount of $161.93 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Comcast in the amount of $90.75 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 Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to rescind and void Mass Transit Check #86, dated 2/15/13, for Astorino & Sci-Tek Consultants in the amount of $1,087.50 and re-issue payment to Astorino & Desman & Associates in the amount of $1,087.50 for contracted services performed through January 2013, to be paid from the Purchase of 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 Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to advertise for bids for the Catfish Creek Stormwater Water Management Project Site 4.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to appoint the following member to the CDC Board: Richard Cleveland. Joe Koval is resigning.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Davis, and unanimously carried, to appoint the following members to the Washington East Washington Joint Planning Commission:
• East Washington: Jeff Bull, Bill Adams and Robert Dunn
• CORO / CDC: Patricia Cherry
• WBDA: Pete Stefansky
• W & J College: 1 Representative
• Farmer’s Market: 1 Representative
• Washington Hospital: 1 Representative
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to open bids for the Used Street Sweeper.
Solicitor Lane Turturice read the following bids:
A & H Equipment Co.
1124 McLaughlin Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Bid Bond is attached.
Price: Elgin NP Pelican (2009 Model Year)
Without Maintenance: $109,800.00
With Maintenance: $118,800.00
US Municipal Supply Inc.
10583 Raystown Road
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Bid Bond is attached.
Global Sweeper Model MXL Price: $108,000.00
Optional 3-year maintenance agreement: For Additional $11,722.00
(2009 Model Year OR newer) 3-Wheel Broom Street Sweeper
Solicitor Turturice stated that this concludes the bids.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to table per pending review of the proposals and specifications by Councilman Staniszewski, Street Department Superintendent, and our Solicitor.
COMMENT: Attorney Lane Turturice stated that the specifications do state Elgin Pelican P Street Sweeper. This bid conforms to our requirements, but it can be rejected because it is not the specific machinery asked for. Their bid is for a Global model.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that our Street Department has a lot of experience with the Elgin models. He has never heard of the other bidding company before this. Councilman Staniszewski asked Street Superintendent, John Stout, for his comments.
COMMENT: John Stout replied that Elgin is the model that the City has always had.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning asked if this is why the specifications were so narrowly drawn because of all our experience with the Elgin?
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said yes.
COMMENT: John Stout said that is correct.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis there is a maintenance agreement available.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski asked if Mayor and Council would want a maintenance agreement.
COMMENT: Attorney Lane Turturice said that there are some hand-written specifications into the maintenance agreement.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said this should be tabled for now.
COMMENT: Mayor and Council agreed.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to open bids for the 2013 Area Wide Inlet Replacement Project.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
Solicitor Lane Turturice read the following bids:
Stefanik’s Next Generation Contracting
2267 Todd Road
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 9,660.00
#2A 21,120.00
#2B 2,232.00
#3 4,800.00
#4 4,800.00
#5 2,400.00
#6 3,225.00
#7 2,480.00
#8 1,960.00
TOTAL: $52,677.00
D’Andrea Plumbing & Construction
1201 Fidelity Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 2,800.00
#2A $20,800.00
#2B 780.00
#3 7,000.00
#4 6,500.00
#5 1,000.00
#6 1,200.00
#7 1,200.00
#8 1,300.00
TOTAL: $42,580.00
Sluscarzyck Excavating
1 Sam Road
West Brownsville, PA 15417
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 4,550.00
#2A 26,400.00
#2B 2,400.00
#3 3,400.00
#4 2,000.00
#5 1,100.00
#6 2,100.00
#7 1,720.00
#8 1,440.00
TOTAL: $45,110.00
El Grande Industries, Inc.
384 Helen Avenue
Monessen, PA 15062
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 4,480.00
#2A 19,200.00
#2B 3,960.00
#3 4,600.00
#4 1,850.00
#5 875.00
#6 3,300.00
#7 1,400.00
#8 2,100.00
TOTAL: $41,765.00
Rhino Construction
720 Greensburg Road
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 6,790.00
#2A 27,120.00
#2B 4,920.00
#3 8,100.00
#4 3,200.00
#5 1,600.00
#6 2,550.00
#7 2,400.00
#8 2,800.00
TOTAL: $59,480.00
Morgan Excavating
445 Cherry Blossom Drive
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 7,000.00
#2A 17,168.00
#2B 1,440.00
#3 3,485.00
#4 2,845.00
#5 1,500.00
#6 3,247.50
#7 1,520.00
#8 1,600.00
TOTAL: $39,805.00
Robert C. Burns Company
123 Washington Street
Washington, PA 15301
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 6,440.00
#2A 20,000.00
#2B 3,000.00
#3 3,500.00
#4 3,500.00
#5 500.00
#6 3,000.00
#7 2,600.00
#8 2,500.00
TOTAL: $45,040.00
Donegal Construction Corp.
1235 Marquerite Lake Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $ 5,243.00
#2A 2,240.00
#2B 5,280.00
#3 4,135.00
#4 3,375.00
#5 4,100.00
#6 2,392.50
#7 4,000.00
#8 4,000.00
TOTAL: $54,925.50
Independent Enterprises, Inc.
5020 Thoms Run Road
Oakdale, PA 15071
Bid Bond is attached.
#1 $14,700.00
#2A 26,800.00
#2B 4,560.00
#3 3,800.00
#4 2,700.00
#5 5,465.00
#6 2,475.00
#7 2,400.00
#8 1,100.00
TOTAL: $64,000.00
Solicitor Turturice stated that this concludes the bids.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to table these bids upon review of Councilman Staniszewski, our Street Superintendent, and our Solicitor.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to take from the table the previous motion to approve and accept bids for Screened Road Cinders. These bids were opened and tables at the Washington City Council Meeting of Thursday, January 10, 2013.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to accept the bid from Del-Sir Supply, Inc., as the lowest responsible bidder for Screened Road Cinders. The bids were previously opened and tabled at the Washington City Council Meeting of Thursday, January 10, 2013.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Staniszewski, and unanimously carried, to table the Workers Compensation policy renewal until all proposals are received.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the life insurance proposal from The Standard Insurance Company and enter into agreement for group life insurance. This will be a savings of over 30% off of our current rates.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning thanked Susie Koehler, Deputy Finance Director, who worked on this. At the beginning of the year rates went up which Susie was diligent to notice. She is to be recognized for this.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the change order from Sluscarzcyk Landscaping and Excavating in the amount of $4,200.00 for various storm inlet replacement projects. Work to be paid out of the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund upon completion. CHARGE 96.00/446-000
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski thanked Councilman Manning as well as Susie in working together to get this taken care of.
FIRST READING: BILL NO. 1 ORDINANCE NO. 1855 OF 2013
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA AMMENDING CHAPTER 24, PART 1, SECTION 112 OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE ABATEMENT OF THE BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAX AND MERCANTILE TAX OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.
(No Vote Required)
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated that, at this time, when receiving it only on Monday, and to fully investigate and understand the importance of this – we are talking about the Business Privilege and Mercantile Tax that Mayor and Council need to involve the Treasurer’s Office.
Matt Uram was outspoken and loud. Mayor Davis said, “sir that is enough, no comment, no comment”. Matt Uram left Council Chambers.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust continued by saying that he does feel that this ordinance needs further consideration because it creates an unbalanced playing field for all of the established businesses in the town. He wants to bring new businesses to the City but it must be done fairly and uniformly.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Mayor Davis, and carried, to table the First Reading of Ordinance 1855 0f 2013, and direct the City Clerk to delay any advertisement of said Ordinance until further directed from Mayor and Council.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski began to state a comment.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that there is no discussion on a tabled motion.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said he has a question of why there is no comment on a motion.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said, “ right, no voting here”.
COMMENT: Solicitor Lane Turturice explained that under Robert’s Rules of Order there is no discussion on a tabled motion.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to suspend the rules of Robert’s Rules of Order for comment.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – No
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said that they met with the BDA over 10 months ago. They invited all the City officials, which we all participated in a joint meeting with the Washington Business Authority, at the George Washington Hotel. During that time we looked at ways to attract businesses into our area. Councilman Staniszewski said, “he knows that Councilman Westcott has been working with Mayor Davis to eliminate blight within our communities”. This is one way to attract businesses. This is just a First Reading which requires no vote. It is part of the process to approve an ordinance. This gets the ball rolling. Within the next month, Council has the ability to modify and review the ordinance, discuss some things and do the final vote next month. The current LERTA expires in May of this year. In government everything does not happen overnight.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that Councilman Faust had some questions and needs more time to review this ordinance. I will give him the same consideration as I would give any member of this board. Councilman Westcott and I had conferred with the Solicitor prior to the beginning of this meeting. We were told we could bring this up and can have it in place by May 1st. The urgency that was presented to the board at our Agenda Meeting on Monday night was not as urgent as Mr. Uram would have you believe it is. We can still move forward with this, but we can still give Councilman Faust time to review the material.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott echoed what Councilman Manning stated. There are some questions in regard to the Mercantile and Business Privilege. We need to look at the numbers. He has not had an opportunity to see the term of the LERTA. The LERTA is very important to the City of Washington in terms of residential and commercial. If we are going to bring business to the City of Washington we need that LERTA in place and that it is correct. He has asked his colleagues that this LERTA is in place by May 1st. If we have to call a special meeting we will.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that the public must know that we currently have a LERTA in place. It is going to expire. None of us have a problem with extending this. We just received this packet (ordinance) on Monday, so she has not personally had the opportunity to review it. As far as the Business and Mercantile Tax abatement – we have this already on the books and it is not even expiring. We need to take a look at the present one to make sure that the one that is being presented to us is similar to the one that already exists. So, this is nothing new here . . . it is just extending it. The urgency of it is not needed at this time. Mayor Davis said that she respects her colleagues in giving them an opportunity to look at it. We all want the betterment of the City of Washington.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – Yes
FIRST READING: BILL NO. 2 ORDINANCE NO. 1856 OF 2013
AN ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON AMENDING THE LOCAL TAX ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TAX ASSISTANCE ACT OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHNGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
(No Vote Required)
COMMENT: Councilman Faust stated this echoes what was stated. LERTA is in effect through the beginning May. We need to step back and look at it. There is a version that was presented to us on Monday. It may have changes/additions. He is asking to have time to review it.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to table the First Reading of Ordinance 1856 0f 2013, and direct the City Clerk to delay any advertisement of said Ordinance until further directed from Mayor and Council.
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 Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, to approve the 2013 Solid Waste bill to $243.00 (increase per calculation of 3,966 households).
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this motion is for 3,966 households. We have approximately 4,500 households in the City of Washington. We are penalizing the households that pay their bill. We should be increasing it for the total number of households throughout the City of Washington. Unfortunately, that is not the motion here. We have a substantial amount of delinquencies. This motion, as it reads, is leaving off the households who do not pay their bill. It is putting a further burden on the backs of the taxpayers. We all went over the fiscal cliff. We need to work with the residents here in the City of Washington to make sure they can afford this increase and figure out a way to include it in their budget. I would be in favor if the household (numbers) was what it should be across the board and not be selective.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that he does not think that we are allowing those who do not pay their Solid Waste bills off of the hook. In motion number 5 we are paying Portnoff Law Associates $12,600.00 to go after delinquent Solid Waste accounts. This Solid Waste issue that came before us is not easy for any of us. It was not an easy decision to make. We tried to get the most competitive rates that we could. We had 1 hauling company who made a bid on this. No body wanted to do this. We are trying to go after the delinquent accounts. No one is happy with us. This has to be done in order to pay the bills when they come in in a month.
Several people from the audience were commenting.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order so that people in the audience voice their opinion on the Solid Waste bill.
COMMENT: Carla Mast asked if the Solid Waste bill could be paid quarterly. $175.00 to $243.00 is a pretty big increase. This is all we are asking.
COMMENT: Lynn Galluze stated that what they are proposing to do is to extend the deadline to pay this. This will allow not for a structured payment schedule but a longer deadline of 1 month.
COMMENT: Carla Mast said that this will not due. The bill has not even come out yet – this is already the middle of March.
COMMENT: Lynn Galluze again stated that the deadline would be extended. However, as many payments as you need to make would be acceptable.
COMMENT: Georgianna Farkus said she brought all of this up at the Agenda Meeting. Canonsburg residents are paying $190.00 for Solid Waste allowing quarterly payments. If you do this as an extended note you will still be in the same category that you are now — with people not being able to pay their bill with the cost of living raises. If this is done in a quarterly manner this is a win, win for everybody. Adding one month, as Lynn mentioned, is not adequate enough.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust asked if we are able to leave the amount that we were charging due at its regular time; and just the increase be invoiced six months from now. The additional monies could be spread out through this year.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said, “the City Treasurer and his staff should be consulted because they are severely affected”. We must make it as convenient as possible for our residents, but also make sure that it is not a nightmare in the Treasurer’s office.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated, “if we switch to a quarterly billing it will increase the mailing — the postage”. If you are increasing the amount that you are spending we have to be able to offset the Solid Waste vendor.
COMMENT: Georgia Ballentyne said if we paid quarterly it could be done with one postage. Why are we paying an increase . . . there are people who are not paying. That’s just ridiculous that we have to absorb this kind of an increase. The rural areas are spaced far apart. The girl at the bank said she got her statement. We are very close to a rural area . . . the garbage cans are five feet apart or less.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said that this increase will be there whether everyone paid or not.
COMMENT: Georgia Ballentyne said that she could see a little bit of an increase, but this is not right. This does not make any sense. There is something wrong somewhere.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that if we went with the total amount of households that we have in the City we would be looking at approximately at a $200.00 to $210.00 fee. We have been trying to work with Waste Management to give us a list of the ones that they are picking up; we have not been getting very much cooperation. Waste Management feels that if the garbage is out they are going to pick it up regardless if the City is getting paid. Our Fire Department has been working very diligently to cross check the database we have. Throughout the next year we hope to get this number more in line. I proposed to Council on Monday, when this administration took the new year coming in, we have $550,000.00 in our carry-over. We allocated $150,000.00 of that money to this year’s budget – leaving us with almost $400,000. You see we did transfer $80,000.00 but that’s going to be transferred back in there when we get our liquid fuels in the next coming months. We have taxpayers’ money on hand; we need to spend that money wisely. Mayor Davis previously asked her colleagues if we could allocate some of our carry-over to go towards the Solid Waste bill this year, and just raise the Solid Waste the bare minimum. That way we can get our database on line, figure out the people who are not paying, and allocate the money. Unfortunately, my colleagues didn’t agree with that idea. They were concerned that we needed that money for an emergency situation when things come up. Mayor Davis said that she asked that we look at the taxpayers’ money; a half of a million dollars is not our money. We need to use it wisely. I still feel it needs to be fair across the board, we need to do it for the number of households, and we can’t be selective here.
COMMENT: John Campbell said that there was a 14 million dollar renovation at the High School. When we had any complaints against a vendor the only way you got paid was to do the work. Otherwise you didn’t get paid. If Waste Management is doing that don’t pay.
COMMENT: Georgia Ballentyne said that they (Waste Management) should be paid for exactly the houses they are picking up. It is not your fault or our fault.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that when we bid it out the first time it was based on 3,900 households. By being re-bid again, Waste Management came back and didn’t do it per household; they did it by the total number of households which was out $5,108 homes. So, Waste Management pretty much said to the City of Washington. . . you want to re-bid this, here I am going to change my numbers around, I’m going to charge you for more households than you actually have, and you’re stuck with it. So that was the consequence of it being bid twice. It was only going to be a $36,000.00 increase with the first bid. That would have been absorbed and we wouldn’t have had to pass it onto the taxpayers. But, unfortunately because it was bid twice they came back and said I am going to charge you $140,000.00 more. We have an increase because it went to a second bid.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated spending a surplus, I felt was not the answer. We just got the finances of the City back on track within the last couple of years. A half of a million dollars is a lot of money to you and I, but to a municipal operation it is not. We would have to raise your taxes again, you would have to pay that. No one wants to do that. Which pocket do you want take the money out of? You can either increase the Solid Waste bill or you can possibly look at having to raise taxes again. Number 22 states take action to table Workers Compensation policy renewal until all proposals are received. Why do you think that is on here? Because the Workers Compensation carrier has notified us that we are looking at close to $100,000.00 increase over the rates we were paying due to something over our control. A piece of legislation that has been passed in Harrisburg has now caused carriers of Workers Compensation policies across the commonwealth to begin dropping their clients. We are working very hard to come up with the lowest possible bid that we can. But, if we are looking at an increase like that who knows what the next thing could be. So, we take $150,000.00 into the Solid Waste, we keep it down, we keep you a little bit happier, but then six months from now we’re looking at something else that may have to go up. We’re going to be scrambling to find the money. We can’t cut services. Since getting into this everybody wants to cut taxes and have everything stay the way it is. So, we are going to lay off a bunch of teachers – no you can’t do that, we are going to take a bunch of police officers off the streets – you can’t do that, you are going to get rid of the Fire Department – you can’t do that. Well, then what, then what. So, it was not an easy thing to do. I am glad that the Mayor said this because she and I can be in court together. Waste Management raised our rates 26%. I said it. We are coming down to where the end of the contract is up. If they would have come and said the price of diesel fuel went up and they raised it 3 or 4% — that’s the cost of doing business. When they saw that there was no other company coming in, and that no other business was going to get this. They took blind advantage of us. They raised it and left it to us to come to you and tell you what it was. We can’t have the trash pile up on the streets. I made a proposal like John said. You don’t pay the bill, you don’t pickup the garbage. I went to my colleagues and said, “I have had it with this, let’s get out of the Solid Waste business”. Councilman Manning said, “let’s just go to the residents and say find your own carriers, the City is out of the Solid Waste business”. This was not practical because there will be people who still won’t pay their bills. Now you’ve got rats, you got disease and trash all over the streets.
COMMENT: Dennis Adams, City of Washington Treasurer, spoke saying that several years ago we became under the Distressed City’s Act. The DCED sat in this room and told us that any fee collected by the City had to able to be self-contained. When they tell me that there is a $900,000.00 bill for Solid Waste that has to be contained in that 365-day year. This is why we cannot go quarterly. If Mayor and Council, Lynn and my girls, invite us in to sit down and come up with something better – we have to be able during that 4th quarter, somewhere, to put out a delinquent. We don’t want to just say one time, you didn’t pay, and these older folks we like to remind them what is going on with their Solid Waste bill. There has never been, in the 5 years that I have been Treasurer, that if someone had a problem with their bill that has come to me that I did not put them on a payment plan. It is your fault if you don’t come to me. We talked about the number of households; we honestly feel that it is around 4,400, maybe 4,600 households. The number of paid households is 3,900. Portnoff goes very aggressively after these people, there is a $35.00 fee placed on your bill and from that point the fees start. If your bill goes to Portnoff I can’t help you. Dennis said, “I have not turned my back on anyone”.
COMMENT: Solicitor Lane Turturice said that the City can not charge for a subsidized service. This is stated in the Third Class City Code.
COMMENT: Georgianna Farkus asked why the Solid Waste bill was bided the second time around.
COMMENT: Dennis Adams said he did not know.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that Councilman Staniszewski wanted the trucks in the alleys to have a lower gross weight. It was not put in with the bid because it was not feasible, and it would have only increased the amount of the bid. It was left out. Councilman Staniszewski wanted it put in so we re-bid and got what we bid for.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski said that the original specifications went out incomplete.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning said, “they were not incomplete”.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis agreed that they were not incomplete.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – No
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried, retroactive to January 25, 2013, to approve early dismissal of the employees at City Hall for the snowstorm.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis announced that any one wishing to make a public comment regarding this issue. Mayor Davis said that we have been waiting for our Solicitor to give us his legal opinion on this. We have not been given anything in writing. I am not sure when our Solicitor is going to give us his legal opinion.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott stated that this is turning into a circus; there is a motion and a second.
COMMENT: Georgianna Farkus said that she did make a comment earlier and also during the Agenda Meeting. The comment was: why in 2013 do we not have a guideline of who is to call off/close down City Hall. If there is an emergency, who makes this decision? There should be rules and regulations. I was told it would be tabled to a later time.
COMMENT: Solicitor Lane Turturice said that Georgianna did ask who has the authority to call off or to direct the City workforce to stop work. He said at that time that, under the Third Class City Code, the City Council does have the authority to make up its own rules and regulations, assign duties in a departmental fashion. Absent this rule, the majority of Council would have the control. I have not given a written opinion on the matter; I did not think it would be necessary to spend 3 hours of my time. I would rather do something more productive. If you still need this I will certainly do this. I think that Council understands, that absent these written rules and regulations, it has to be a decision made by the majority of Council.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that Solicitor Turturice stated that the Mayor is the only one who has the power to do an emergency order. She said that the Solicitor Turturice stated that the Mayor is in charge of the Administration.
COMMENT: Solicitor Turturice that the Mayor has the authority, under the Third Class City Code, to issue an emergency proclamation.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski stated that enables us to mobilize resources – such for the storm of 2010.
COMMENT: Solicitor Turturice stated that, under the Third Class City Code, the Mayor also does foresee the Administrative side of the offices in City Hall.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said we can’t have a vote outside this Council Chambers. A vote was made by email. We were not in session like we are here. You can’t go by majority, you have to go by super majority. I know that 4 of us had inputted that day as on what we wished to happen. One Council member was not even contacted. Mayor Davis said that she knows that you can’t have a majority vote outside that is not even on paper. We have Memorandums of Understanding that we approved tonight and did not approve. So, how can you say that the majority can vote to close down the City when there is no MOU signing with three people signing off on that? It is outside the scope of what we are doing here today.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski asked Solicitor Turturice if a super vote exists.
COMMENT: Solicitor Lane Turturice said he is not familiar with that.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that would be all 5 of us agreeing to close down the City. So why do we have a motion on the floor right now to approve the closing of the City. Is it because the unknown is known, or is it because you cannot have a vote outside of this Council Chambers? It is what it is . . . we are following the Third Class City Code.
COMMENT: Carla Mast said the decision was made to look out for the safety of the employees.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that this email was sent out at the end of the storm. The sun came out at 4PM and the roads were clear. The County did not close down. Businesses did not close down.
COMMENT: Councilman Stansizewski thanked his employees for clearing the roads.
COMMENT: Jim Bowers said that it is time that the Officials act like grown adults. Residents expect the dignity and respect of you people to carry on this City. He said that it was only a financial difficulty of less than $200.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said, “that is not true”. It involved 7 employees, it was 2 hours. We were still making deposits that day and the phones were still ringing. Even if they said that no one was walking in the door . . . we were still conducting business here in the City. Just as the County and every other business was in the City. Are we going to get in the habit of always shutting down when a snowstorm comes? Are we always going to waste taxpayers’ money? It is not the employees’ fault. It is a substantial loss because the benefit package wasn’t even taken out.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott – Yes Councilman Joseph Manning – Yes Councilman Terry Faust – Yes
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Yes
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilman Westcott further stated that, this is his personal observation, and that on Monday he heard on the radio that the City was having problems. We know that. It is unfortunate what took place this week. It was an accident; we need to move beyond that. He said that when he hears Brenda on the radio talking about the problems at City Hall. She makes it sound that she is above it. The first thing she did when she came to City Hall was to attack Joe Manning and Councilman Terry Faust. Now, obviously she is attacking Matt Staniszewski and myself.
Someone from the audience said, “that is not so”.
Councilman Westcott said it is so. Then he said that she is a fiscal watchdog. Yet, I think that the public would be interested to know that the one of the first things that Brenda did was to purchase herself a bulletproof vest at a cost of $755. This is wrong on a couple of levels. I think that a police officer could tell you that if there is a drug bust that she is accompanying the police officer with . . . we would hate to see a police officer get harmed or killed in the line of duty protecting the Mayor who really should not be there. Our guys are paid professionals. I may have had police powers as the Mayor but I do not have police training. I am in charge currently of the Fire Department, but I am not a fireman. I do not go out and tell these guys how to fight the fires. Also, I have invoices to prove this that when the Mayor had her brand new vest . . . most of the officers had vests that had expired.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that she borrowed the vest that she wore for that prostitution sting. Mayor Davis said that she did not have her own vest.
Councilman Westcott continued by saying that his father always told him that if you are a good boss then your men drink first. So, I think that a lot of issues need to be addressed. Councilman Westcott said he has a problem with putting a police officer in harms way.
COMMENT: John Campbell asked why Councilman Westcott is bringing up the vest now?
COMMENT: Mayor Davis stated that Councilman Westcott forgot to tell you all that it is a liability for the City of Washington and she is in a police car and does not have the vest on.
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott said, “it is about spending $755.” That’s what this is about.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that Mr. Campbell asked when we are going to get a Police Chief. I can’t properly interview these individuals if I am not riding beside them to find out who does want this job. You need to spend time with them and get to know them. The $755.00 is minute compared to the liability with me being in one of those cars. If me and the Chief or me and the Captain are going somewhere in the car I must have this vest on. I am not willing to put the City in this liability.
COMMENT: John Campbell asked if all the Police Officers have vests.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis replied, “yes they do sir”. Mayor Davis said that when she took office she only had 30 days for 31 Police Officers to get their vests. Our Chief of Police said that this is a really serious issue. This happened my very first day in office. We put the bids out immediately. Our Police Officers were very impressed that I acted so quickly on this. This process should have been in started by the previous administration; but, I was left to deal with it, as I did so.
COMMENT: Councilman Staniszewski asked Councilman Manning if our insurance carrier is aware of this because it may be a liability issue.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis said that she has spoken to our insurance carrier. They are the ones who told her that she needed to have a vest.
Councilman Manning said that he apologizes to everyone who is here tonight.
Councilman Faust had no comment.
Councilman Staniszewski stated that he realizes that a mistake has been made this week. We as human beings make errors throughout life. I will contact Barry Andrews regarding his comments in his letter. Another issue, over the past few months, City Hall has been turned into the Jerry Springer Show.
Many people in the audience said that Councilman Staniszewski is part of it.
Councilman Staniszewski said that he wants to concentrate on moving forward and focus on what the public expects: paving roads, keeping our taxes low, making our neighborhoods safer to raise children or retire, and attracting businesses to create well paying jobs for all individuals. This fighting has got to stop.
David Gattling had a question regarding the construction on Shannon Avenue. Water lines are being put in and there is no safety up there at all for the children.
Councilman Staniszewski said for David Gattling to contact American Water Company who is doing this work.
David Gattling asked if the American Water Company is required to have safety for the children – that this work is right at the bus stop. The work that is being done is in the City.
Councilman Staniszewski said yes they are required. He will have the Road Superintendent contact the American Water Company tomorrow. Councilman Staniszewski thanked David for letting him know.
Mayor Davis stated that she was elected to be a watchdog for the taxpayers. I am not here to cause trouble or create controversy. I’m here to examine the problems that the City has, and to do my best to resolve them. If people get mad at me along the way for doing my job, well I have no control over that. I am very disappointed in one Councilmember’s actions. The actions of one Councilmember were extremely embarrassing for the City of Washington. I would like to make one thing clear . . . his actions does not represent who we are. His actions were poor and extremely childish. The lack of respect that one has as an elected official, for his position, is more to be desired. We are here to represent the City of Washington taxpayers. We are not here to play games. We are not here to joke around; and, we are not here to use the City operations, or to make the City of Washington, or its employees look bad. This is something to be handled and addressed. Councilman Staniszewski sent this out to the public. So, this could not have been dealt with behind doors. This administration is not going to cover things up. If there are wrongs occurring in the City of Washington they need to be confronted and dealt with so that the City can move on. It’s been a long time since the cobwebs have been taken down in this building. It has been quite some time since a dust cloth and a broom has been used. It’s time to clean the City of Washington up. This has been a very sad event that made national news and appeared on a late night comedy show. We all need to be accountable for our actions. To divert away from the issues tonight by bringing up a bulletproof vest. I want the taxpayers to know that when I was elected into office I opted out of the insurance that the City provides. That is over $10 to $15,000.00 savings. I do not utilize the health care. The Mayor’s office budget came well under budget last year. I have saved these taxpayers money. So, if I am going to protect this City from a liability by purchasing a bulletproof vest that is what I am going to do. Again, I have already saved this City money by not taking the health care.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2013 in observance of Good Friday holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 6PM also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Staniszewski, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to adjourn the meeting.
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Brenda Davis, Mayor
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Christy S. Thomas, City Clerk