A regular meeting of Washington City Council was held on Thursday, October 10, 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 — Absent
Mayor Brenda Davis — Present
SOLICITOR: Jack F. Cambest, Esquire — Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2013 regular meeting of Washington City Council.
Mayor Brenda Davis then opened the public participation portion of the meeting. Those signed in to speak were as follows:
- Chief Linn Brookman gave 3 reports for the month of September. The Fire Department had 156 calls which include: 12 structure fires – 4 being major fires, 2 arson, 26 medical, and 15 accidents with injuries. Mr. Coleman issued 22 permits. Year-to-date permits issued are 167. Total fees collected in the month of September was $5,405.50 with year-to-date fees collected of $23,133.05
Mr. McIntyre had 88 calls of service. There were 48 violations mailed out with 12 citations issued. Total fees were less $424.00 due to grass cutting. This mainly involved the Ewing Street area, which amounted to $1,650.00 in grass cutting.
- Chief Chris Luppino gave the monthly report for September as follows: 912 calls of service, 10,364 miles patrolled, traffic citations issued 108, non-traffic citations 35, and criminal arrests 40. Monies collected were: accident reports $720.00, incident reports $90.00, fingerprinting $10.00, and vehicle release forms $350.00 with total monies at $1,170.
- John King, chairman of the Veterans Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2013, asked Mayor and Council for their approval. The Parade Committee has the opportunity to bring a functional “Stewart” Light Duty World War II Tank to the Veterans Parade. This parade is sponsored by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175. This tank weighs 14 tons and has flat metal tracks on it. It will be hauled here from Pittsburgh on a lowboy truck. The organization that will bring this Tank also has 13 vehicles that will be in the November 9th parade. John said that he was told that there will be no damage done to City streets. If Mayor and Council approve this Tank then approval from PennDot will need to be given as well to allow the Tank on State maintained streets.
- Louise McClenathan read the following letter:
COMMENTS BY LOUISE MCCLENATHAN, CITY COUNCIL MEETING, 7 P.M.
October 10, 2013
I was never prouder than when I viewed the front-page photo of the” March Against Violence” in last Sunday’s. Washington Observer-Reporter. We desperately need to have another March a March against Elder Abuse. Within the past months her neighbors bludgeoned Mrs. Stepka to death for money she had in her house. Twenty- nine years ago, three elderly women were karate-chopped to death because the killer needed a car. The car belonged to my brother’s mother-in-law. Afterwards he robbed a house. These murders were apparently done for money the killers needed money for something they wanted but didn’t have. Yet murder is the top rung of the ladder of elder abuse.
The bottom rung of the ladder starts with simple business transactions, and goes on up. I think everyone in this room has experienced abuse by being cheated by a roofer, or a house painter, or an insurance agent, or an investment broker, or a used car dealer, or a car repair person, or an appliance dealer, or a plasterer – even elected or appointed officials. You name it – they’re all out there. If there’s anyone in the audience who hasn’t experienced being over charged or had a bad job done by these by Washington County citizens like this, I’d like to see a show of hands. And older men are targeted as well as older women.
When I came back to this hometown 35 years ago, there were still old-timers around who could do a job well without overcharging a person. True! Still existed. Police walked the beat, and I’m glad they’re doing it now. Yet we desperately need organizations to help teach and warn people against this kind of abuse. How do we draw up a fair contract? What laws do we need to know to protect us against business abuse? Where do we check to find out about irregularities in transactions?
Last year a Washington Observer’ series showed that in 1900, prostitution was rampant in Washington. The police, the courts, even newspapers let it go on. Not until the churches of the city took up the cause was the prostitution and murder halted.
We need a March against Elder Abuse. The Cane Brigade could lead it. But it takes more than this. How can we help each other against this mounting disease in our county?
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 remove the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) from the table (motion from previous Washington City Council Meeting held on September 12, 2013) to enter into inspection agreement with Skelly & Loy for the Washington Park Pond Project – Catfish Creek Area 4.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to enter into an inspection agreement with Skelly & Loy for the Washington Park Pond Project – Catfish Creek Area 4.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to approve the transfer of $22,545.00 from 85.00/492-900 (LSA FUND) to 66.00/392-900 (Catfish Creek Project Fund).
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve following purchases and payments from Elite K-9 Inc. in the total amount of $3,239.75 for the City Police Department K-9 Unit, based on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be charged to 76.00/410-000 (Forfeited Property Fund-Police Protection Expenses):
- Dodge Charger Cage with Mat: $1,699.95
- Ace K-9 Fan Kit: $224.95
- Ace K-9 Heat Alarm Pro: $699.95
- Remote Pager Module 10” Fixed Antenna with Mount: $269.95
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Traffic Control in the amount of $172.00 for (2) Pushbutton, ADA – for Main Street crossing. CHARGE 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund – Traffic Signal Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Traffic Control in the amount of $160.50 for service call. CHARGE 03.00/433-378 (Liquid Fuels Fund – Traffic Signal Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to B & W Insurance in the amount of $5,886.00 as a result of Worker’s Compensation Payroll audit. CHARGE 01.60/484-195 (Miscellaneous Expenditures – Workmen’s Compensation)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to D & T Tees in the amount of $780.00 for March Against Violence Tshirts. CHARGE 49.00/410-740 (US Justice Grant Fund – Police Capital Purchases)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve refund to The Turning Point in the amount of $350.00 for refund of rental of Park pavilion. CHARGE 01.00/367-673 (Park Shelter Fees)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to PNC Bank in the amount of $508,850.97 for 2013 State Aid Funds. CHARGE 79.00/483-000 (Act 205 Distressed Pension Fund – Pension Contributions)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Palermo/Kissinger & Associates in the amount of $17,500.00 for the city’s portion of the 2012 Audit & Financial Statements preparation services. CHARGE 01.22/402-312 (Controller-Audit Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Azzi International Services for Dogs in the amount of $4,000.00 which is the final payment on 2 K-9 dogs & training. CHARGE 55.00/410-240 (Police Capital Purchase Fund-Operating Expenses)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $722.35 for police promotional items. CHARGE 81.00/489-000 (State Forfeited Property Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Fire Chasers Fire Equipment in the amount of $5,612.00 for the purchase of 5 Intake Valves for the Fire Apparatuses. CHARGE 96.00/411-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund –Emergency Services/Fire Dept)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Skelly & Loy in the amount of $1,656.19 for professional services. CHARGE 66.00/446-310 (Professional Services Catfish Creek Project)
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Allegheny Fence Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $2,010.88 for repair of the fence at Park pool. CHARGE 75.00/482-000 (Insurance Claim Fund)
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 $5,898.00 for professional services through 9/11/2013. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Wilsons Equipment Sales & Rentals in the amount of $850.00 for hauling asphalt from Dunningsville to Tyler Avenue. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Wilsons Equipment Sales & Rentals in the amount of $2,040.00 for hauling black top from Dunningsville to Hallam Avenue and Gibson Avenue.
CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $499.13 for asphalt for the following streets: W. Hallam, Beech, Button wood, Burton and E. Hallam. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $5,022.12 for asphalt for Tyler Avenue. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $249.87 for asphalt for North Franklin Street and Alley A. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $14,218.74 for asphalt for Tyler Avenue. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $2,473.86 for asphalt for Tyler and Summerlea Avenues. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates, Inc. in the amount of $427.74 for asphalt for the following streets: Prose, Violet, Virginia, Alley C and Spring Alley. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates Inc. in the amount of $2,428.48 for asphalt for the Sumner and Osage Avenues. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Interstate Pipe & Supply Company in the amount of $357.65 for pipes, hoses and parts. CHARGE 85.00/438-000 (LSA – Street Improvements)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates Inc. in the amount of $4,033.87 for asphalt. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund-Public Works/Construction of Roadways)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates Inc. in the amount of $4,905.07 for asphalt. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund-Public Works/Construction of Roadways)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Hanson Aggregates Inc. in the amount of $11,311.72 for asphalt. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund-Public Works/Construction of Roadways)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Wilsons Equipment Sales & Rentals in the amount of 1,360.00 for hauling of asphalt. CHARGE 96.00/438-000 (Marcellus Shale Impact Fund-Public Works/Construction of Roadways)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Slusarczyk Excavating in the amount of $6,643.00 for final invoice, which reflects the completion of Area E (Sumner Avenue) and the removal of Area C (Campbell Avenue) from contract. CHARGE 85.00/436-000 (LSA – Storm Sewers & Drains)
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $1,000.00 FROM 01.21/400-210 (Accounts & Finance – Materials and Supplies) TO 01.21/400-149 (Accounts & Finance – Part Time Employee Wages).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $250.00 FROM 01.21/400-240 (Accounts & Finance – Operating Expenses) TO 01.21/400-149 (Accounts & Finance – Part Time Employee Wages).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $508,850.97 from 29.00/492-900 (General Municipal Pension System State Aid Fund) TO 01.00/392-990 (General Fund) for 2013 State Aid Allocation.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $4,000.00 from 01.00/362-610 (Special Police Services) To 01.15/410-251 (Police-Tires & Chains).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $2,500.00 from 01.42/430-149 (Public Works-Part Time Laborer) to 01.42/430-234 (Public Works-Oil).
COMMENT: Councilman Manning pulled the following Budget transfer from the Agenda: (F) $9,500.00 from 01.42/430-149
(Public Works-Part Time Laborer) to 01.42/438-210 (Public Works-Road Maintenance & Repairs). He said that working on
the Budget for 2014 that this was unnecessary, there is still $40,000.00 still left in this line item.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $7,000.00 from 01.53/454-172 (Park-Wages/Temp. Pool Employees) to 01.52/409-374 (Buildings-Property Repairs & Maint.).
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Budget transfer of $414.05 from 85.00/100-000 (LSA Funds) to 66.00/100-000 (Catfish Creek Project Fund).
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve removal of Firefighter, Gary Baker, from Heart & Lung Disability Benefits and return him to full duty status effective retroactive to September 20, 2013.
COMMENT: Councilman Faust said, “welcome back Gary Baker”.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve the 2014 MMO’s in the total amount of $2,080,940.00 broken down as follows:
a) Officers & Employees Retirement System $ 107,424.00
b) Firemen’s Pension Plan $1,016,657.00
c) Police Pension Plan $ 956,859.00
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to ServiceMaster By Zupancic in the amount of $5,222.96 as a result of the June 28, 2013 storm that caused water damage to City Hall.
CHARGE 01.52/409-374 (Buildings-Property Repairs & Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the payment to Veltri Electric Inc. in the amount of $210.00 as a result of the June 28, 2013 storm that caused water damage to City Hall. CHARGE 01.52/409-374 (Buildings-Property Repairs & Maintenance)
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Re-subdivision Plan for Commerce Street Partners on Lots 1, 2, and 3 of the Maiden Business Park Plan to create two lots so the existing buildings do not encroach across property lines.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve agreement with Mel Smith and Beverly Griffith in connection with 160 North Main Street.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Resolution #6 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 REPLACEMENT OF OBSOLETE SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS TO THE LOCAL SHARE COMMITTEE (LSA) WITH A LOCAL MATCH COMMITMENT OF $22,500.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Resolution #7 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 JEFFERSON AVENUE AND BROWNSON HOUSE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO THE LOCAL SHARE COMMITTEE (LSA) WITH A LOCAL MATCH COMMITMENT OF $25,208.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve the Transit Option to Extend ADA Paratransit Contract with Washington County Transportation Authority from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014 for a rate of $4.19/revenue mile, in accordance with the terms of the original Agreement.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit to proceed with advertising the sale of two (2) 2006 Ford 15-Passenger Small Transit Buses (#414 & #415) which have outlived their useful life requirements, following the disposition of transit equipment policy.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve and authorize Transit General Manager to sign Certifications regarding hours of service requirements for drivers in accordance with new PennDOT regulations.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve attendance by City Officials and Transit representatives at the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association’s (PPTA) Winter Meeting on November 14-15, 2013 as presented, for a not-to-exceed cost of $300 per person for a maximum of 7 people.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit updated State & Federal Resolutions as presented, to include the Transit General Manager.
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit to proceed with updating funding and estimates associated with completing interior “fit out” of the second level of the Intermodal Facility.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit transfer to in the amount of $5,045 from the Mass Transit Account [CHARGE 28.00/492-900] to the Buses & Equipment Account [27.00/392-900] for reimbursement of State 1517 Urban Capital Funds approved for Federal construction grant matching upon successful receipt of said Urban Capital Funds by wire from PennDOT.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $73,631.91 for contracted public transit fixed route services performed in August 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 Transit payment to GG&C Bus Company, Inc. in the amount of $160.00 for fuel and driver wages for Pony League World Series in August 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 Transit payment to Washington County Transportation Authority in the amount of $8,749.35 for contracted public transit Paratransit services performed in August 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 Transit payment to Nancy Basile in the amount of $46.55 for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in September 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 Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Nancy Basile in the amount of $188.02 to replenish Transit Office petty cash, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Comcast in the amount of $84.85 for internet service for transit’s farebox 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 Transit payment to Palermo/Kissinger & Associates in the amount of $2,500.00 for transit portion of FY 2012 audit to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Bankcard Services in the amount of $160.06
Breakdown as follows: Mandatory meeting by Penn Dot in State College, PA
7-Eleven (gas for Transit vehicle) – $42.11
Get Go (gas for Transit vehicle) – $33.32
Days Inn (1 night stay for meeting) – $84.63
to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-240
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Observer Publishing Company in the amount of $99.00 for advertising for Washington City Transit Pirate Ad in Sunday, September 29, 2013 paper to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. in the amount of $4,320.00 for bonding and insurance per their contract as it relates to construction of the ITF , to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Controlled Climate Systems, Inc. in the amount of $1,080.00 for bonding and insurance per their contract as it relates to construction of the ITF, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Wheels Mechanical CS Inc. in the amount of $8,618.00 for bonding and set-up per their contract as it relates to construction of the ITF, to be paid from the Buses & Equipment Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 27.00/447-743.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Wheels Mechanical CS Inc. in the amount of $2,155.00 for bonding and set-up per their contract as it relates to construction of the ITF, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and unanimously carried, to approve Transit payment to Astorino in the amount of $16,185.36 for contracted services performed through September 2013 (Final GAES Services $3,319.38 & Construction Phase Services $12,865.98, 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 Faust, and carried, to approve Transit payment to nTouch, Final Invoice in the amount of $3,257.76 (ORIGINAL $2,100.00 + $1,157.76 LATE FEES) for Web Site contracted services performed through April 2013, to be paid from the Mass Transit Account upon verification by the Finance Department that the stated transit funds are available. CHARGE 28.00/447-310.
COMMENT: Councilman Manning stated that this invoice appears on our Agenda month after month. Every month Councilman Staniszewski abstains from voting on it. Councilman Manning said that he (himself) never thought much about this . . . that Councilman Stanszewski is in this business and maybe this is a friend of his. As time passes, the people in the Transit Department had questions about this bill. We asked their contact, a gentleman named Bryan, to come and meet with Council to explain some of these questions and charges they have. To this date, no one has ever come forward. Councilman Manning said that he began to wonder what was going on. Then we had the Bryan is gay business which got all the national attention and everyone was talking about it. He continued by saying that he wondered why Councilman Staniszewski is testing the alert system for the Transit Department. Councilman Manning said that he started to look into this a little bit. He did a google-search through Dunn and Bradstreet Business Finder and also a Business Locator through Hoovers.com. nTouch, the company that has a contract with our City Transit Department is located at 23 Buttonwood Avenue. Councilman Staniszewski’s Statement Of Financial Interest, which has to be filed with the State, is located at 23 Buttonwood. It is his business. Beyond that, there was a story published in the Observer Reporter on August 28, 2013, that the Washington School District was looking for a new technology. The story goes on and in the third paragraph down it says that with that in mind the Washington School Board, Monday night, delayed a decision on whether to pay $9,000.00 for a consultation from nTouch which City Councilman, Matt Staniszewski, is representing. Councilman Staniszewski continued by saying that he (himself) would not have done this this evening without Matt being here, however, he was unable to attend this evening. Coincidentally, there is a Council Meeting this evening at New Castle. Whether that is a coincidence or not . . . is for all of you to find out. However, nTouch has been paid a total of $19,151.00 and now they want an additional $2,100.00 plus an additional $1,157.00 in late fees. Now this request for this Bryan to come in here went out three or four months ago. Councilman Manning stated that he is not grandstanding or hanging anyone out to dry. But, Bryan has had ample opportunity to appear here. Well before these late fees were attached and there was any short of threat of litigation over this matter . . . they insisted that we meet in Executive Session and out of view of the media. He (Councilman Manning) never understood the secrecy of this. It is a simple contract for them to provide Internet service to our Transit Department, and never figured out what the big deal was. But, we all agreed to it. This Monday night, yet again, that this individual appear before us and answer the Transit Department’s questions over this web site. Councilman Manning stated that he, the same as all members of this board, have a responsibility to run this City in a responsible manner. If the people who are going to submit bids for work or municipal contracts . . . anything coming out of this building . . . have to be comfortable knowing that if they put in a bid that the same people who are going to be voting on that bid are not the same people who are going to be submitting bids for that same work. This does not have the appearance of impropriety . . . it frankly stinks to high heaven. There is no denying that 23 Buttonwood Avenue is where this company is located. That’s his address. He is published in the newspaper as his representative. This contract should have never been approved. Councilman Manning said he does not know how it was. He (Councilman Staniszewski) said that it is a blind thing, that he had no knowledge of it. Council approved it, it may have been a friend of his and we all have friends in different business so there is nothing wrong about that. But the longer it went on the hinkier it got. A couple of clicks on the computer – it turned up and this is what it is. Councilman Manning stated, “Mayor you may take the vote, that he (Councilman Manning) is not paying this bill; he recommends that we not pay it in the future. This should have never been approved. No member of this board should be profiting from any contract that comes out of this building.”
COMMENT: Councilman Westcott asked that this be tabled.
COMMENT: Mayor Davis asked if there was a second.
TABLE DIES FOR A LACK OF SECOND. This takes us back to the original motion #17 to take action to approve Transit payment to nTouch.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Kenneth Westcott — Yes
Councilman Joseph Manning — No
Councilman Terry Faust — No
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski — Absent
Mayor Brenda Davis – No
A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve an agreement between the City of Washington and the Teamsters Local #585 for wage increases for the year 2014 in the base amount of 3%, and to amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve a tentative agreement between the City of Washington and the P.S.S.U. SEIU Local #668, CLC for wage increases for the year 2014 in the base amount of $0.50 per hour with the exception of the Parking Office Maintenance Repair employee, and to amend the Salary Ordinance accordingly.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to approve payment to Berggren & Turturice in the amount of $5,521.56 for services rendered for the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation (CDC) from May 21, 2013 through September 4, 2013. CHARGE 01.13/404-310 (Solicitor Professional Services)
A motion was made by Councilman Wescott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried, to draft letter of support to Washington Robotics Society (W. R. S.) for their LSA Application.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilman Kenneth Westcott – No Comment
Councilman Joseph Manning stated that the Budget process has begun for the upcoming year of 2014. All Department Heads are to be commended as they have kept their departments either on budget or under budget. There will be no tax increase, which is always good news. We still have some work to do. Most Department Heads have turned in their wish list, their budget worksheets. Susan Koehler and I have been working through those but we are looking OK. The 2013 Tax And Participation Note, the TAN will be paid off tomorrow. By paying it off early we saved $3,315.00 over the budgeted amount. Lynn Galluze, Susan Koehler, Councilman Staniszewski and I attended an ACT 13 Marcellus Shale Impact Fee briefing this afternoon at Slovan. Senator Solobay was there and made a very good point. Although the City, we all live here in the City, we don’t see a lot of the drilling. You have to be aware of the fact that we don’t lease our land or see the benefit of it in that regard, we do still see it trickle down to us. One of the things is the ACT 13 benefit fee. Councilman Manning stated that he has some ideas for the best ways to use it such as for Fire Protection, Infrastructure, Parts and Recreation – it will help to keep a lot of our departments in check. Just be aware that with all of the trucks going through, it may be an inconvenience or you may not be in favor of it, all of us in this region are seeing the benefit of it.
Councilman Terry Faust – No Comment
Councilman Matthew Staniszewski – Absent
Mayor Brenda Davis – A motion was made by Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Faust, and unanimously carried, to approve the World War II Tank, for the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9th, to be on the City streets that day.
Mayor Davis thanked the West End Neighborhood watch for their efforts, participation, and support in the Stop the Violence March this past Saturday. Along with Councilman Manning and herself . . . Mayor Davis extended a thank you for their assistance and coming together in the community. Mayor Davis thanked the City Police for their fund-raising efforts. As shown in this Agenda, we have done the final payment for 2 dogs. Mayor Davis thanked the community for their donations and for getting this project going – this endeavor would have never happened without your support. Mayor Davis continued by reminding all that this is an on-going expense and donations would be welcomed from our stakeholders here in the City of Washington, especially from our larger stakeholders. We still need to equip the car for the dog; there will be training hours, and just the on-going costs that are going to be associated with the K9. This is another way the City Police has been proactive in combating crime. We are hoping that the dogs will be here next month. Mayor Davis invited everyone to come to the swearing in of the 2 K9 dogs. Mayor Davis said that she cannot thank the community and our Police Department enough.
The Washington City Building will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2013 in observance of Columbus Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 8:30AM.
The next regular meeting of Washington City Council will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 7PM in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 6PM, also in Council Chambers.
A motion was made by Councilman Faust, 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