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: Monday October 4, 2021

The following are the minutes from Monday, October 4, 2021, 7:00 PM. The minutes are available to read on the website or Download the PDF.

MEETING ROLL CALL
Attendee Position Present/absent
Demond Nixon Mayor Present
Maryann Weinstein Council President Present
Kent James Council Vice President Present
Kristopher LaGreca Council Member Present
Douglas Corwin Council Member Present
Daniel Bird Council Member Present
Michael McCormick Council Member Present
A. Joseph Fulton Council Member Present
Dennis Makel Solicitor Present
Dave Bradley Chief of Police Present
Rich Rush Engineer Absent
Aaron Lucero Public Works Present
Reca Panian Park & Shade Absent
Gerald Coleman Code Officer Absent
Sandy Motichak Secretary Present

Pledge of Allegiance led by Maryann Weinstein, President

Public Comment

Any person from the public may speak for a 3-minute period. Total time allotted for public comment is 15 minutes. Please state your name, address and subject. Please choose a representative to speak if you have the same concern.

  • Michael Schultz 17 Thayer Street. Mr. Schultz is concerned about the code enforcement officer taking pictures inside the home of his tenants and receiving a letter from Harshman indicating a $1000 fine or possible up to 90 days in jail for violations. Mr. Schultz felt that that was an invasion of privacy. He stated the house is inspected by HUD every year. President Weinstein said that it will be discussed at the Neighborhood Improvement Committee meeting.
  • Joe Grazulis 417 E. Beau. asked Council if there was any maps or documentation regarding the Woltrinc Alley behind his house. Solicitor explained the borough has not maintained the alley and the law states that anyone in the plan of lots abutting the alley has a right to the alley. Therefore, it is a private issue between property owners.
  • Gerard Berty 67 North Watson. Gerard Berty asked Council members when are the potholes going to get fixed on North Watson?
  • Jeff Bull 20 Fairmont Ave. stated that Council already approved the 2 calming devices on S. Wade and asked why that was being discussed again. Told Council they need to address the Tax Collector issue.

Motions

  • Motion Doug Corwin, second Kent James to approve Minutes September 13, 2021. – Motion passed. Maryann Weinstein abstained due to absence.
  • Motion Joe Fulton, second Dan Bird to approve Bills GEN Acct. $ 33,624.82 (Checks  7288 to 7312),  PLGIT (Check No.987 $97.90) and ESCROW (Check No.101 $ 268.00). – Motion passed.

Official Action:

  1. Update on Park Bids – Rob Phillips CDBG and Sarah Boyce. Bids may go out in the fall for the playground equipment. Tentative start date for the project set for February 2022.
  2. 2022 Budget Discussion – Kent James and Dough\ Corwin will explore higher interest investments for the borough if currently available.
  3. Machinery Account –This will be discussed later and ties with the Budget discussion above.
  4. Tax Collector update – At the recommendation of Solicitor Makel, Kent James moved and was seconded by Dan Bird to rescind Resolution of 004 of 2021 that set the Tax Collector compensation. The resolution was passed after the deadline date therefore it was rescinded. Motion passed.
  5. 74 South Watson storm line – Aaron Lucero presented Council with estimates from Slusarczyk Excavating for the installation of a 15” pipe and 3×3 inlet, material, and labor in the amount of $3,500.  Kris LaGreca made a motion, seconded by Dan Bird to approve Slusarczyk Excavating to install the pipe, 3×3 inlet, material and labor at 74 South Watson at a cost of $3,500 with the following conditions:
    1. Written proposal from Slusarczyk Excavating
    2. Mr. Knopp to execute a site access agreement with the borough to access the site.
    3. Slusarczyk Excavating to provide current Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance adding East Washington Borough as an insured.
    4. Payment will be issued when approved and to the satisfaction of the Borough Engineer. Motion passed.
  6. Discussion – Fire Contract – City of Washington. Discuss option(s) Extend to 15 years. Increases every 5 years vs. every year. Michael McCormick, Kris LaGreca, Doug Corwin, Jerry Coleman Kris LaGreca is going to set up a meeting with the City of Washington and will report back at the next meeting.
  7. Neighborhood Improvement Committee. The committee last met in August. Also met/talked to Rob Phillips and currently, there is no property identified in the borough to purchase. Meet with Harshman and discuss property inspections. President Weinstein said the property at 616 Lemoyne is an Oxford House and it is permissible in the borough and falls under the Federal Housing Act. It is a recovery home or for those with disabilities.
  8. For Information: Trash Bids will be opened at the Continuation Meeting on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 7:00 pm.

Reports

  • Aaron Lucero told Council that he received an estimate from Harshman for a new building at the salt lot for approximately $300,000.

Motion

    • Motion Kent James, second Dan Bird, to continue the meeting on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 7:00 pm. – Motion Passed
Borough of East Washington, PA