Borough of East Washington
Business Council Meeting November 7, 2016 – 7:00 pm
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, Absent Charles McHugh, Matt Boice, Solicitor Dennis Makel, Michael Gomber, Mayor, Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Guy Tucci
Motion Tamara Chacko, second Guy Tucci to approve minutes October 3, 2016. Motion passed.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Charles McHugh, to approve bills, – General $ 58,609.45. Motion passed.
Public Comment
Danial Bird, 34 Thayer Street. Mr. Bird again addressed Council and Mayor Gomber. Mr. Bird asked Mayor Gomber if he was able to get any products to clean his siding and porch railings from the tar/asphalt from the road? Mayor Gomber said nothing would take it off with a stain or damage to the surfaces of the railing.
Mr. Bird stated neither Columbia Gas nor East Washington Borough is taking responsibility of the damage.
After discussion Solicitor Makel suggested that Mr. Bird write a letter to the Borough.
Robert Lingg, 33 Thayer Street Mr. Lingg asked Council who is responsible for similar damage to his property as well. He is also concerned with the pipe near the park which runs through his property and the safety of children playing near or around it at the park. Solicitor Makel suggested that Mr. Lingg also submit a letter to Council with estimate of damages to his property. Also addressed the slope and catch basin cracking near his property. Discussion continued. Sarah Boyce, Wdmer Engineering, said a safety fix was done for this year and the project is scheduled for spring of 2017. The Project has to be bid out because estimate of project is approximately $30,000 – $40,000.
Motion Matt Boice, second Chris Mascara that once letters are received from Mr. Bird and Mr. Lingg Solicitor will prepare a letter to Columbia Gas requesting restitution for homeowner’s damage to their property. Motion passed.
Mike Robinson, E. Beau Street Planning Commission Member asked Council about a previously scheduled meeting regarding the development of “green space” He stated that he received an initial meeting notice and then meeting was cancelled due to schedule conflicts. He asked what is being done for the next year and status of “green space”.
Mayor Gomber said there was no meeting, just a work session because there was no quorum. The attendees of the work session were 2 council members, Mayor and HMT representatives and Chairman of Planning Commission. Mayor Gomber explained that he wanted to present some ideas to the Council and perhaps have a town meeting so residents of East Washington Borough will be informed of the development. He indicated he wanted to do what is best for the community. Plans to be brought before the Planning Commission and or Zoning Hearing Board if necessary. He wants the community to look nice and is just trying to help.
President Tucci then asked David Posner, Chairman of the Planning Commission to speak regarding the work session.
David Posner, Chairman of Planning Commission said he attended a gathering –work session on October 19, 2016 and some plans were discussed regarding the possible development of the “green space”.
Mr. Tim Hillebrand, Zoning Hearing Board Member, asked how plans can be reviewed without owning the property. If it were an individual and came before the Borough, they would have to buy it and present a plan.
Mr. Posner stated that there are certain steps that would need to be taken by Council. The Council and borough has to be willing to sell the property. It would have to be put out for bid.
Mary Taufer, Vice President, Council, states HMT presented pictures of places that they developed. HMT representatives provided examples of town houses, 4 units connected, and/or Single units, etc. that were constructed in other locations. Some of which could be possible in the “green space”. HMT – Engineer did bring a plans as to various configurations of the use of the land development. One developed plan was done North Strabane Township.
Mr. Ray Dunlevy – 500 E. Beau. Mr. Dunlevy addressed Council with some flooding on his property. Blacktop on S. McKennan was done and it is high and the curb has an asphalt edge. The flow of water should be redirected so it does not flood his property.
Mr. Tucci, President of Council said he would discuss with Public Works Department Manager, Chris Mascara and Sarah Boice, Borough Engineer to determine a solution.
Janean Fine, 177 Lemoyne Ave. Ms. Fine questioned the Council as to being told nothing is happening on the “green space” however the Mayor seems to be saying something else. Ms. Fine asked are residents being contacted regarding this development and will everyone be invited. Mayor Gomber responded said the meeting will be posted in the newspaper and on our perhaps on our website in advance
Mr. Ray Dunlevy – 500 E. Beau, said that the “green space” is the only recreation area in the borough.
Children go sled riding there in the winter and other activities.
Solicitor Makel stated that as Chairman Posner said earlier, the property has to be sold first. Council has had NO discussion about the sale of the property. Everything said about the property is speculation.
Council Member Chris Mascara believes there are other ways to generate income in the borough. He is not in favor of the development and assured the residents that were present at the meeting that everyone would be informed.
Mr. Mark Day Mr. Day asked Council if he could use another Waste Hauler for his rental property in East Washington Borough. He claims his cost is double the cost of another hauler he uses at another property he owns. He wants to know why Council controls the Waste Hauler in the borough and why he can’t choose his own Waste Hauler. Solicitor Makel asked he leave his contact information and will get back to him.
David Posner, Chairman, Planning Commission, attended the Joint Planning Commission meeting of the City of Washington – Borough of East Washington on November 1, 2016. The Joint Planning Commission voted unanimously on the proposed Joint Zoning Ordinance and proposed Joint Zoning Map. The Zoning Map has been re-drawn to push back the Education District as requested by East Washington Borough. The Joint Planning Commission recommended to the Borough that the Joint Zoning Ordinance and Joint Zoning Map be forwarded to the Washington County Planning Commission for the 45 day review period. This is presented at a public meeting, and advertised in accordance with the requirements of the PA Municipal Planning Code. Chairman Posner said the Joint Planning Commission is requesting action from East Washington Borough to proceed with the proposed Washington-East Washington Joint Zoning Ordinance and Joint Zoning Map
Motion Chris Mascara, second Mary Taufer to approve the proposed Washington-East Washington Joint Zoning Ordinance and Joint Zoning Map as recommended by David Posner, Chairman, East Washington Borough Planning Commission. Also, authorize the Joint Zoning Planning Commission to take any further action necessary pursuant to the PA Municipal Planning Code. Motion passed.
After further discussion, Council recommended David Posner as Vice Chairman of the Washington-East Washington Joint Planning Commission. Chairman Posner will be attending the next Washington-East Washington Joint Planning Commission meeting at the City of Washington Council Chambers on December 14, 2016.
Action Items
- Motion Tamara Chacko, second Charles McHugh to notify Portnoff – contract ends December 31, 2016 (Portnoff collects our Delinquent Real Estate Taxes for the Borough) RENEW CONTRACT for 2 years. Motion passed
- Motion Chris Mascara, second Charles McHugh to amend 2017 Budget as follows: Change Citizens Library Line item to zero and authorize Secretary to advertise for public inspection. Motion passed.
Reports
- Secretary – Secretary Sandy Motichak received correspondence from PA Dep of Revenue, Local Share 3rd distribution of $17,331.21. President Tucci and Secretary met with Greg Cunningham, PIRMA Representative on October 25, 2016. Mr. Cunningham did a review of our Liability loss controls and he also did a physical survey of our buildings, parks and equipment. As a result, no new recommendations were made. We received correspondence from Widmer Engineering regarding a GP-7 Permit Application for the Salt Shed Stream Crossing. Sarah Boyce will handle on behalf of East Washington Borough.
Public Works Department – Leaf season began. Leaf machine is working fine and will continue leaf pick up through November 20, 2016.
Police Department – Chief Bradley reported the South Strabane Police requested assistance from East Washington Police for Black Friday. Same as previous years, Officer receive $70.00 per hr. Council Member Matt Boice asked if a blinking light could be placed at the Faith Christian School on East Beau.
Discussion continued regarding speed limit signs on East Beau and traffic studies being required. Solicitor suggested writing a letter to PENNDOT regarding the Borough’s intent first. Chief Bradley presented a proposed amendment to Ordinance 291- Streets and Sidewalks. Section 291-32-A(3). Police Protection During Construction and Other Activities.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Chris Mascara to authorize to advertise amended Ordinance 291-Streets and Sidewalks – Section 291-32-A(3). Police Protection During Construction and Other Activities as presented. Motion passed.
Motion Matt Boice, second Mary Taufer to authorize a letter be sent under President Guy Tucci’s signature to PENNDOT requesting the borough’s intent to request the placement of a blinking light on Beau Street near the entrance of Faith Christian School. Motion passed.
Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer – Road Closure Ordinance-City of Washington – Bradley & Amodei-Mascara were to check with the City of Washington to request a copy of their Road Closure Ordinance. Ms. Amodei-Mascara reported that a stop work order had been issued to the Faith Christian School for building a deck without a permit. Will advise Council status at the next meeting. Also, at the McNeal residence on Harrison, a gravel driveway was constructed that connects to a roadway without a driveway permit which is in violation of the ordinance. Ms. Amodei-Mascara, Code Enforcement Officer, Solicitor Makel and Council member, Tucci, Taufer met with representatives of Columbia Gas to discuss the condition of borough roads and the new gas line construction project. Issues of concern are requiring Columbia Gas to provide a 5 year or longer maintenance bond, road surface patches and guarantee of work. Columbia Gas representative, Mr. Scott Waitlevertch, Manager, Government Affairs, agreed to submit a revised agreement to the Borough of East Washington by October 7, 2016. A walk through the borough to review the restoration of streets with Code Officer and representatives of Columbia Gas was tentatively set for Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
Sidewalk Ordinance may be addressed at the November meeting. Code Enforcement Officers report is on file in the office indicating the number of letters sent, citations filed, and resolved issues that occurred for the month of October, 2016.
Council Members:
* Guy Tucci – No report
* Mary Taufer –No report
* Matt Boice – Mr. Boice brought to the attention of Council telephone wires and pole with about 4 feet of wire hanging. He asked who is responsible for removal. He wanted to know if the borough is liable if wires and pole fell on to someone’s property. Suggestion was made to write a letter to Verizon, via certified mail. Letter requesting the pole be removed due to safety issues.
* Tamara Chacko – Ms. Chacko commented that Christman Avenue needs more street lights. Also, she suggested Halloween Trick or Treat be on a Sunday afternoon in October, 2017. Some Council Members agreed with the suggestion.
* Jerad Cypher – Absent
* Charles McHugh Mr. McHugh asked what is the status of a parked car on Wilmont that has been abandoned. Chief Bradley said has the vehicle has a valid current license and registered in the state of West Virginia. If the Borough has the vehicle towed/removed, the Borough bears the cost of towing and any other fees for storage. Currently, there is no law that prohibits parking on a public street. Chief Bradley said he could try to contact the owner of the vehicle.
* Chris Mascara – Mr. Mascara stated he discussed an agreement with Ken Wescott, City of Washington regarding the recycling of our leaves and branches. He will discuss at the next meeting.
Mr. Mascara discussed the old leaf machine and flail mower that is no longer useful to the Borough. He suggested selling both pieces of equipment to Garrett Hettman, HLS Landscaping.
Motion Chris Mascara, second Mary Taufer to sell the old leaf machine and flail mower to Garret Hettman, HLS Landscaping for $200.00. Motion passed.
Mr. Mascara discussed the purchase of a tractor/loader from Walsh Equipment (COSTARS) for the public works department. The machine is equipped with a bucket for grading, a jaw, and may be used for picking up branches as well. Additional attachment includes a street sweeper which will be a cost saving to the borough because in the past the borough has had to rent a street sweeper.
JCB Model 3CX Backhoe – Loader as listed below: (specifications attached).
PA Contract List Price $106,840.25
PA Contract Sale Price $ 87,644.85 plus freight
Trade of NH $ 15,500.00
Difference after trade $ 72,144.85 plus freight
Finance Option:
5 annual payment in arrears approx. $15,971 per year plus one time Freight Charge
Motion Mary Taufer, second Charles McHugh, to purchase the JCB Model 3CX Backhoe-Loader total cost of $72,144.85 with 5 annual payments of $15,971 listed above. Motion passed.
Engineer- Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Inc.
Christman Avenue
The project was completed on Friday, November 4, 2016. The concrete can be driven on beginning Thursday, November 10, 2016.
The Contractor (Independent) submitted a pay application today with Change Order addressing the additions of concrete and length of in-place pipe.
WEI is recommending the Council pass a motion for full 100% payment of the base contract amount of $39,465.00.
WEI will further review the Change Order as it is submitted and will submit that portion of payment at the December 2016 Borough Council meeting. The approximate Change Order is around $8,000. This amount is based on in-place quantities and unit prices from the original proposal.
Sheridan Road Repair
On October 17, 2016, the Borough Council awarded the roadway repair to HLS Contracting and Landscaping. On October 20, 2016, the Borough Public Works, WEI and HLS held a pre-construction meeting at the site to discuss the final design and work schedule.
Over the weekend of October 21-24 the Borough received several heavy rains. On Monday, October 24, 2016 the Borough Public Works went to clear brush along the hillside as discussed during the pre construction meeting. The PW found that the roadway had slide down the hillside. WEI as immediately contacted and performed a site visit.
The roadway was blocked off and WEI made arrangements to meet with their geotechnical engineer to further assess the site. ACA Engineering has provided a proposal in the amount of $5,523.00 to asset the soils at the site and make recommendations based on the findings from this study.
WEI has installed several survey pins that are being monitored weekly to assess if the hillside and roadway is continue to move. Between Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, no further movement of the site. These pins will continue to be monitored.
If the proposal is approved tonight, based on their provided schedule, the Council should receive recommendations at their December meeting. Then engineering plans and specification can be prepared and bidding will most likely take place in January or February of 2017.
Mayor
Solicitor
Motion, Matt Boice, second Mary Taufer, to continue the meeting at the call of the president. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Motichak, Secretary