Call to Order President Guy Tucci called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll Call Attendees: Guy Tucci, President, Mary Taufer, Vice President, Council Members- Tamara Chacko, Jerad Cypher, Charles McHugh, Matt Boice, Absent, Chris Furman for Solicitor Dennis Makel, Michael Gomber, Mayor, Secretary, Sandy Motichak, Mark Connors, Constable, Absent
Pledge of Allegiance Led by President, Guy Tucci
Motion Tamara Chacko, second Jerad Cypher to approve minutes June 7, 2016. Motion passed.
Motion Chris Mascara, second Jerad Cypher, to approve bills, – General $ 33,904.31 — PLGIT $ 583.94.
Motion passed.
Public Comment
Robert Lingg, 33 Thayer Street. Mr. Lingg asked Council when the final phase of the project would be complete for the exposed pipe at the playground. Aaron Lucero, Public Works department said he would be getting in touch with our Engineer, Sara Boyce to get specs and bids for the project. Anticipated completion of the project Fall, 2016.
Action Items
Motion Tamara Chacko, second Jerad Cypher, to approve Ordinance No. 527, Collection of Municipal Liens – Jordan Tax Service. Motion passed.
Motion, Chris Mascara, second Jerad Cypher, to authorize Solicitor to generate Bid for Solid Waste Services contract effective January, 2017. Waste Hauler to bill residents directly. Motion passed.
Motion Chris Mascara, Jerad Cypher, to approve Resolution 001 of 2016 – Placement of Banners – PONY League World Series July 25, 2016 through August 11, 2016. All Yays, Chuck McHugh, Nay. Motion passed.
Motion Chris Mascara, second Tamara Chacko, to instruct Aaron Lucero, Public Works Department, to erect a “No Parking Sign” and paint lines at the corner of Harrison and Chrisman. Residents have been parking too close and visibility is blocked. East Washington Police Officers are to issue warnings if parked in the painted area. Motion passed.
Discussion regarding Board Members. Zoning Hearing Board (need 1 member), Planning Commission (need 2 members)
Sarah Boyce –Widmer Engineering During the month of June 2016, Widmer Engineering performed the following duties for the Borough:
General Site Inspection of the Columbia Gas installation project; Requested the Pre-construction photos and video from the Contractor; Received confirmation from Contractor that Widmer Engineering is being provide the pre-construction photos.
At this time, the general construction that has been reviewed is in accordance with general construction practices. The areas of the Borough that have received final restoration relating to sidewalk replacement meets or exceeds the current conditions of the locations. Widmer was contacted about a gas valve that was safety concern at the intersection of Beau Street and S. Wade Avenue. This was addressed by Columbia Gas with the placement of a safety cone. To date no photos/videos have been furnished.
Salt Lot – General Permit
Widmer Engineering on June 24, 2016, became aware through the Greene County Conservation District that there are changes being made to the General Permit program through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These changes went into effect July 1, 2016. We are in the process of meeting with the Washington County Conservation District to how these changes affect the permit process. Prior to completing the permit for Salt Lot, we would like to confirm these revisions, as they directly affect whether the Borough will be required to submit a permit application for the Salt Lot location. We anticipate having the final answer prior to the August 2016 meeting. If the Borough does require the general permit, we’ll have it prepared for submission at that meeting.
Christman Avenue Driveway Project Widmer Engineering is anticipating that the plans and specifications will be prepared for bidding no later than the August 1, 2016 meeting. We intend to have the project bid opening no later than the September 2016 Borough meeting in order to award the project and have the construction take place this fall.
Thayer Street Inlet Replacement
Widmer Engineering did review the work performed relating to the removal and replacement of two (2) storm water inlets along Thayer Street. Installation was in conformance with standard construction practices. A letter was issued stating recommendation of payment for the services received.
Reports
Secretary – Ms. Motichak reported Lisa Vipperman, Palermo/Kissinger would be in the office on July 6, 2016 for the 2015 Audit. Report on file in the office.
Public Works – Aaron Lucero, Public Works department, stated the inlets on Thayer Street have been installed, approved by Engineer, Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering. Mr. Lucero reported that 8 Stop signs were replaced and some curbs have been painted. Mayor Gomber asked Mr. Lucero if he would remove some gravel on the road at Chestnut and North Avenue. Mr. Lucero stated he would check on that the following day.
Police Department – Chief Absent, No report
Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer – Cheryl Amodei-Mascara reported that she attended the hearing regarding 145 Penn-owner- Alvarado, the three quarter house. Judge Weller ruled in favor of East Washington Borough and Owner, Alvarado was found guilty for claiming home was not a rental unit, claiming it was a single family home. However, owner, Alvarado is going to appeal the charge. There was discussion with council regarding the Columbia Gas Agreement and Columbia Gas. Ms. Mascara strongly suggested that if Wilmont is to be paved in the Spring of 2017, residents will need to be notified. Chris Furman stated he would discuss the Columbia Gas Agreement with Solicitor Makel and call the Code Enforcement Officer the following day. Ms. Amodei-Mascara stated she attended the RAWC Redevelopment Authority of Washington County meeting to learn the process of reducing Blight in the borough. Report on file in the office.
Ms. Amodei-Mascara asked Council for consideration to have Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, revise Ordinance 521 of 2014. Sidewalks and Curbs. The language is very comprehensive and homeowner and code enforcement officer need the language be in laymen’s terms.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Tamara Chacko to authorize Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering to revise Ordinance 521 of 2014 – Sidewalks and Curbs. Motion passed
Council Members:
* Guy Tucci – President Tucci addressed the council with his concern about the speeding on East Beau Street. He indicated that in the current issue of the Borough Magazine is a proposed Bill to allow local police to use radar to enforce the speed limit within the borough. A possible solution to reduce traffic and speeding is to make South Wade a one way street. It was noted by Code Enforcement Officer that a traffic study must be done before any speed limits can be changed.
* Mary Taufer – Vice President. Mary Taufer said she put together a Welcome package for new residents of the borough. It includes: A welcome letter, copy of her Newsletter, Borough Waste Hauler schedule, and Voter Registration Form and events such as the Whiskey Rebellion and Washington County Fair. Vice President Taufer stated the Newsletter distribution was a learning experience that required several days of copying, stuffing and mailing. The Borough may need to apply at the post office for a permit to send out the Newsletter at a reduced cost. She indicated Council may need to look at alternative ways to distribute future Newsletters. Ms. Taufer told Council there may be a need for additional fire hydrants in the Borough and may need to get in touch with Lynn Bookman, Fire Chief, City of Washington.
* Matt Boice – No report
* Tamara Chacko – No report
* Jerad Cypher – No report
* Chuck McHugh – Mr. McHugh asked about the status of the utility pole near 510 E. Beau Street.
Sandy Motichak, Secretary and Aaron Lucero, Public Works both stated several calls have been made to West Penn Power, Comcast and Verizon. Each utility company states it not their pole. Additional calls will be made to resolve this issue. Mr. McHugh asked Council if street sweeping would be re-instituted in the borough. Discussion continued and several council members felt because Columbia Gas is digging up the streets due to new gas line construction, it was not feasible at this time to sweep the streets. Once all construction has been completed, quotes may be obtained to sweep the streets. No definitive date has been set.
*Chris Mascara – Attended the attended the RAWC Redevelopment Authority of Washington County A Land bank is to be established to help municipalities re-purpose a property. To become a member, an upfront cost of $3,000 is required with an annual fee of $1,000 thereafter. RAWC indicated it is not based on income. Mr. Mascara stated that he may continue to attend future meetings to get additional information pertinent to our borough.
Mayor – Mayor Gomber asked Council to consider putting on the ballot a Voter Referendum as to have voters decide to sell or keep the “Green Space” located in East Washington Borough. Mayor Gomber felt that there could be a development of single family homes in that area and it would bring in tax revenue to the Borough. Mayor Gomber said that the Borough may have to increase taxes.
President Tucci said no one has presented council with any written request or plans and Council cannot act on a verbal request. Council has done nothing with this property and it is deeded to East Washington Borough referred to only as a “Green Space”.
Solicitor – Chris Furman to check on the status of the Columbia Gas and PA American Water Agreement.
NEW Business
OLD Business
OPEN SEALED BIDS for Agility Agreement paving project with PENNDOT.
Chris Furman, Makel & Associates, opened sealed bids.
Bid received from Gold Peak Industries, LLC, for 5 Tri-Axle trucks with drivers for paving project at the cost of $9,750.00.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Jerad Cypher, to award Bid to Gold Peak Industries, LLC for 5 trucks and drivers for the PENNDOT-Agility Agreement project. Motion passed.
Executive Session
Motion Chris Mascara, second Guy Tucci, to enter executive session at 9:00 pm.
Resume meeting at 9:05 pm.
Motion Chris Mascara, second Tamara Chacko to advertise for a part-time road crew laborer at a salary of $10.00 per hour effective August 1, 2016. No benefits. Motion passed.
Motion Guy Tucci, second Chuck McHugh to continue the meeting at the call of the president. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Motichak, Secretary