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Here are the Regular Council Meeting Minutes for the City of Washington, PA for January 12, 2017.

ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman Monda Williams – Present
Councilwoman Tracie Graham – Present
Councilman Ken Westcott – Present
Councilman Joe Manning – Present
Mayor Scott Putnam – Present

SOLICITOR:
Steve Toprani, Esquire
MOMENT OF SILENCE
In memory of deceased members of the Police Department and officers of the law that have lost their lives in the past year.

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 December 8, 2016, regular meeting of the Washington City Council.

Mayor and Council held a demolition public hearing and a zoning public hearing prior to the regular meeting.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Individuals or group representatives who have signed in prior to the meeting, will have 5 minutes of microphone time to address Council during the public participation portion of the meeting. We prefer if there is a group, a representative be chosen to speak. Audience comments will not be permitted following the public participation portion of the meeting; therefore, we ask that you please review the agenda for any item(s) you may wish to discuss. We have, in the past, had individuals direct comments to Mayor and Council that were not correct or could not be documented. For that reason, we ask that your information be to the point and factual. Although we may not be able to answer your question at this meeting, we will refer your request or recommendation to the proper department for any necessary action.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
No Public Comment

CLOSED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to approve the following payments to:

a) Firechasers in the amount of $8,872.50 for Turn Out equipment. Invoice: 7007 CHARGE: 73.00.411-260.
b) PML in the amount of $5,015.20 for 2017 Pennsylvania Municipal League Dues. CHARGE: 01.60/400-420.
c) Metro Alert in the amount of $1,440.00 for 2017 Annual Software Maintenance (Regional Sharing.) CHARGE: 01.23/407-457.
d) Edmunds & Associates Inc. in the amount of $20,415.00 for 2017 Software Maintenance. CHARGE: 01.23/407-457.

Edmunds 2017 Software Maintenance
Financial Accounting $5,514.00
Electronic Requisitions $ 945.00
Payroll $4,080.00
Utility Billing $2,316.00
Property Tax Billing $2,205.00
Accounts Receivable $ 945.00
Permits and Code Enforcement $2,205.00
Human Resources $2,205.00
Total $20,415.00

e) Edmunds & Associates Inc. in the amount of $1,028.00 for 2017 Software Maintenance-SQL. CHARGE: 01.23/407-457.
f) PH Designed LLC in the amount of $4,740.00 for 2017 Annual Website Maintenance. CHARGE: 21.00/489-000.
g) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $5,225.00 for Colt Field Invoice 31605112. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313.
h) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,580.00 for Tennis Courts Invoice 31511252. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313.
i) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $360.00 for Tennis Courts Invoice 31601008. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313.
j) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $2,175.00 for Tennis Courts Invoice 31605111. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313.
k) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $4,775.00 for Colt Field Invoice 31512289. CHARGE: 01.43/430/313.
l) Widmer Engineering in the amount of $1,235.00 for 2016 November 2016. CHARGE: 01.43/430-313.
m) Metro Alert in the amount of $4,707.00 for 2017 Annual Software Maintenance. (Police Dept.) CHARGE: 01.23/407-457.
n) Dodaro, Matta, & Cambest in the amount of $1,801.00, for Invoice #15174. CHARGE: 01.13/404-310
o) Travelers in the amount of $3,695.50 for Jan V. Ondra and Richard Royal Jr. CHARGE: 01.60/486-350
p) Sunrise Energy LLC in the amount of $1,402.00 for City Hall Camera. CHARGE: 77.00/409-700.
q) Skelly & Loy in the amount of $520.00 for MS4 PHASE I & II. CHARGE: 96.00/446-000.
r) Skelly & Loy in the amount of $877.50 for MS4 PHASE I & II. CHARGE: 96.00/446-000.
s) Stainbrook’s Autobody in the amount of $3,250.00 for Fire Chief Vehicle paint and graphics. CHARGE: 01.33/411-370.
t) Fyda Freightlinger Pittsburgh, Inc in the amount of $4,984.47 for collision repair to V.I.N. 1FVACYCSX7HX45927. CHARGE: 01.42/438-210.
u) Nancy Basile, Transit Coordinator, in the amount of $2,380.00 for services rendered from April 2016-January 2017. CHARGE: 28.00/447-310.
v) North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $8,407.33 for Reimbursement #11 (2016.) CHARGE: 90.00/489-000 (NCHS GRANT)
w) North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $8,514.82 for Reimbursement #10 (2016.) CHARGE: 90.00/489-000 (NCHS GRANT)
x) North Central Highway Safety in the amount of $10,297.43 for Reimbursement #12 (2016.) CHARGE: 90.00/489-000.0 (NCHS GRANT)

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

ORDINANCE NO. 1886 BILL NO. 1 of 2017
POLICE OFFICER/FIRE FIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY:

IF A CITY OF WASHINGTON POLICE OFFICER OR CITY OF WASHINGTON FIRE FIGHTER WOULD BE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, THE CITY OF WASHINGTON WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AT NO COST, EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE TO THE WIDOW OR WIDOWER UNTIL THE TIME THAT THEY WOULD REMARRY, DECLINE COVERAGE, OR THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDI-CARE. THE CITY OF WASHINGTON WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AT NO COST, EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE TO ANY DEPENDANT CHILD OR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
(EXCLUDED: SUICIDE)

WIDOW OR WIDOWER- SHALL MEAN THE WOMAN OR MAN
THAT THE POLICE OFFICER/FIRE FIGHTER WAS MARRIED TO
AT TIME OF THEIR DEATH.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to approve FINAL READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 1887 BILL NO. 2 of 2017
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1774, CHAPTER 15, PART 4, SECTION 407 – SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING ZONES ESTABLISHED; PARKING OTHERWISE PROHIBITED TO INCLUDE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 340 TERRACE AVENUE; LIMITING HANDICAP PARKING SPACES TO TWO (2) HANDICAPPED SPACES PER CITY BLOCK.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 1888 BILL NO. 3 of 2017
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1774, CHAPTER 15, PART 4, SECTION 407 – SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING ZONES ESTABLISHED; PARKING OTHERWISE PROHIBITED TO REMOVE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT
480 SHIRLS AVENUE.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Putnam and unanimously carried to approve adoption of the new City of Washington Police Department Policy and Procedures Manual.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to approve the issuance of three checks out of Special Fund 55. Police Department Capital Purchase Fund 410-240 Operating Expenses. (Costs associated with
converting a 2013 Ford Inceptor SUV over to a K-9 Unit.)

a) Ray Allen Manufacturing, in the amount of $3,477.68, for K-9 Equipment Pop Locks.
b) Valero Service, Inc., in the amount of $1,112.80, for installation of computer K-9 Unit.
c) Stainbrook’s Autobody, in the amount of $800.00, for the installation of equipment in the 2013 Ford Interceptor SUV, new K-9 Unit.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to approve request for bids for Ballistic Vests for the City of Washington Police Department. (Current vests expire May 2017.)

A motion was made by Councilman Manning to approve FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 1889 BILL NO. 4 of 2017
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1774, CHAPTER 15, PART 4, SECTION 407 – SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING ZONES ESTABLISHED; PARKING OTHERWISE PROHIBITED TO INCLUDE 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 339 SHIRLS AVENUE AND 1 HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AT 282 NORTH FRANKLIN STREET.

***NO VOTE REQUIRED***

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to declare the property located at 380 Hillside Avenue, Parcel Number: 780-006-00-03-0013-00, as a public nuisance and authorize the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Graham, seconded by Councilman Manning and unanimously carried to declare the property located at 24 ½ Gibson Avenue, Parcel Number: 730-008-00-01-0016-00, as a public nuisance and authorize the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Putnam and carried to table the motion to declare the property located at 8-22 W. Chestnut/93-95 North Main Street, Parcel 720-001-000-00-0004-00, as a public nuisance and requires the owner to the provide information regarding Federal Tax Liens and an engineering report with a cost estimate for necessary renovations to Council within 30 days from January 12, 2017.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Williams: Yes
Councilwoman Graham: No
Councilman Westcott: Yes
Councilman Manning: Yes
Mayor Putnam: Yes

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning and carried to declare the property located at 551 W. Chestnut Street, Parcel Number: 780-009-00-02-0040-00, as a public nuisance and authorize the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Williams: No
Councilwoman Graham: Yes
Councilman Westcott: Yes
Councilman Manning: Yes
Mayor Putnam: Yes

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to approve declaring the property located at 141 Lawrence Avenue, Parcel Number: 770-030-00-04-0015-00, as a public nuisance and authorize the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Putnam, and unanimously carried to grant a 60 day continuance, to be followed up by the city code enforcement officer, in regards to declaring the properties at 1025 Allison Avenue, Parcel Number: 770-027-00-04-0010-00, and 1039 Allison Avenue, Parcel Number: 770-027-00-04-0008-00, as public nuisances and authorizing the release of the property to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition.
A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilman Westcott, and carried unanimously to approve the City of Washington 2017 License and Permit Fee Schedule.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Councilman Joe Manning as Director of Department of Accounts and Finance.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Councilman Ken Westcott as Director of Department of Streets and Public Improvements.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Councilwoman Monda Williams as Director of Department of Public Safety.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Councilwoman Tracie Graham as the Director of Department of Parks and Public Buildings.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, PC. as solicitors for the City of Washington.

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Manning, and unanimously carried to appoint Widmer Engineering as the engineering firm for the City of Washington.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to authorize the City Treasurer to open a new bank account titled “Community Pavilion Fund” with Washington Financial.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and carried unanimously to authorize the City Treasurer to open a new bank account titled “Main Pavilion Fund” with Washington Financial.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to enter into a three-year contract with Earthlink for phone services at all City locations.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilwoman Graham, and unanimously carried to approve the posting for a Data Entry Clerk in the City of Washington Police Department.

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, and unanimously carried to accept Councilwoman Graham’s resignation from the Citizen’s Library Board of Directors.
Comment: Mayor Putnman: I would like to thank Tracie for her service on the Library Board.

A motion was made by Councilman Westcott, seconded by Councilman Manning, and carried to appoint Mike Jones to fulfill the remainder of the term on the Citizen’s Library Board of Directors.

Roll Call:
Councilwoman Williams: Yes
Councilwoman Graham: No
Councilman Westcott: Yes
Councilman Manning: Yes
Mayor Putnam: Yes
Councilwoman Williams: No Report
Councilwoman Graham: No Report
Councilman Ken Westcott: The Street Department has been staying busy with winter. Christmas Tree pick up until February 10th.

Councilman Joe Manning:

A motion was made by Councilman Manning, seconded by Mayor Putnam, and unanimously carried to have Joseph R. Thomas list the vehicle formerly used by the fire chief, a Ford Explorer, on an auction website with a minimum bid of $3,000.00.

Mayor Putnam offered opportunity for public comment, as this item was not on the Agenda. No one chose to comment.

Councilman Manning: “I learned this morning that Alan Glover, a retired City Firefighter, passed away and I want the minutes to reflect that we appreciate his service to the City and that he will be missed. There will never be another like him, that’s for sure.”

Mayor Scott Putnam:

A motion was made by Mayor Putnam, seconded by Councilman Westcott and unanimously carried to accept the retirement of Kathy Blose from the data entry clerk position in the police department effective March 31, 2017, and pay all monies due to her and amend the salary ordinance accordingly.

Comments:

Ken Westcott: Kathy has served in many positions in the city, including the tax officer, for over 40 years and she will be missed.

Mayor Putnam: We will miss Kathy and we appreciate her service to the city.
A Special Meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm in Council Chambers.

The next regular meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Thursday,
February 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers. The Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

A Special Meeting of the Washington City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm in Council Chambers.

____________________________________________
Scott J. Putnam, Mayor

___________________________________
Michelle R. Sperl, City Clerk