Borough of East Washington, PA

Founded in 1892, the Borough of East Washington is a residential historic neighborhood in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

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Council Meeting Minutes – January 7, 2019

Call to Order   Vice President Harold Hartger called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Roll Call   Attendees:

Mayor, Michael Gomber

Solicitor, Chris Furman for Dennis Makel

Council President, Matthew Boice, Absent

Engineer, Rich Rush, Widmer Engineering, Absent

Council Vice President, Harold Hartger

Park & Shade Chair, Reca Panian

Council Member, Charles McHugh

Library Representative, Gerard Weiss, Absent

Council Member, Jerad Cypher

Secretary, Sandy Motichak

Council Member, Dawn Petrosky

Council Member, Maryann Weinstein

Council Member, Timothy Hurney

Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President Vice President, Harold Hartger.

Vice President Harold Hartger asked for a moment of silence for former East Washington Borough Police Chief, Mark Griffith who passed away.

Council Member Chuck McHugh asked to move the Agenda discussion Item PennDot Speed Humps before public comment so that Council Members can provide a timeline, series of events and facts as to why Council approved the placement of the speed humps in the Borough. To clarify that even if the speed humps do not meet Penndot specifications, they are not illegal.

Motion Chuck McHugh, second Jerad Cypher to acknowledge receipt of the Penndot letter regarding the speed humps and discussed the contents therein.  Motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

David Kucherawy, 115 Wilmont Avenue said there is speeding on the lower part of Wilmont near Fairmont because he walks his dog a couple of times a day.  He requested additional speed humps be placed on Wilmont Ave.

Christine Angelini, 522 Central Avenue.  Ms. Angelini said she likes the speed humps.

Douglas T. Corwin, Jr., 405 North Wade Avenue supports the speed humps. He stated the article in newspaper is distorted and it is a hit against the borough.  Why is Penndot saying this a year and a half after the fact?

Dan Bird, 34 Thayer Street. Mr. Bird said the speed hump is in front of his house and it is noisy at night if a large truck goes over it. Council should have had some forethought to regulate the curb height when Columbia Gas and PA American Water company paved the road.

Reports – Submitted to Council Prior to Meeting

Motion Harold Hartger, second Maryann Weinstein to approve the December 4, 2018 minutes with the minutes amended by Council Member Dawn Petrosky and Bills – General Account $  65,377.18 . Motion passed. 

Reports – Submitted to Council Prior to Meeting 

  • Library Board Representative-Mr. Gerard Weiss – Per Council discussion Mr. Weiss will be removed from the Agenda
  • Public Works
  • Police Department–Chief
  • Code Officer- Gerald Coleman.
  • Park and Shade Commission

Discussion and/or Action Items 

  • Motion Chuck McHugh, second Tim Hurney to approve Widmer Engineering Inc. as Borough Engineer. Motion Passed.
  • Motion Dawn Petrosky, second Jerad Cyper, to approve Dennis Makel as Borough Solicitor.
  • Motion Maryann Weinstein, second Dawn Petrosky to approve Auditor – Palermo/Kissinger. Motion passed
  • Motion Maryann Weinstein, second Chuck McHugh to approve Uniform Code Construction Inspectors, CodeSys. Motion passed.
  • Motion to Maryann Weinstein, second Chuck McHugh to set Regular Council Meetings for 2019 the 1st Monday of the month at 7:00 pm unless the meeting falls on the Holiday which the meeting will be held on the 2nd Monday of the Month.   Motion passed.
  • Motion Maryann Weinstein, second Chuck McHugh to approve Resolution 001 of 2019 (2019 Fee Schedule) as amended with changes on Page 2.  Motion passed.

Mayor – Michael Gomber.

Solicitor–Dennis Makel

  1. Can the Borough impose a utility fee for Satellite cable subscribers, since the Borough collects a utility fee for Comcast cable subscribers?
  1. Interim or Reassessments Tax for home additions or improvements
  2. Fire Tax
  3. Vacancy Ordinance fee

Council Members – Reports Submitted to Council Prior to Meeting 

  • Matt Boice, President
  • Harold Hartger, Vice President
  • Jerad Cypher
  • Tim Hurney
  • Charles McHugh
  • Dawn Petrosky
  • Maryann Weinstein

Vice President Harold Hartger stated a discussion was needed for employee salary increases.

Mrs. Weinstein suggested appointing a committee to discuss a mechanism for an annual performance evaluation and bring a recommendation of any salary increases to the next council meeting. It was recommended that President Matt Boice, Vice President Harold Hartger, and Council Member Jerad Cyper be on the committee.

Motion Chuck McHugh, second Jerad Cypher, to adjourn the meeting 9:20 pm.  Motion passed.

 

Borough of East Washington, PA