Borough of East Washington

Special Council Meeting December 7, 2015 – 7:00 pm

Call to Order President Guy Tucci called meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Roll Call Attendees: Guy Tucci, President, Mary Taufer, Council Members- Tamara Chacko, Kelley

Dickson-Absent, Charles McHugh- Absent, Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, Matt Boice, Chris Furman for Dennis

Makel, Solicitor, Michael Gomber, Mayor, Constable, John Connors, Secretary, Sandy Motichak

Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Guy Tucci

 Motion Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, second Tamara Chacko, to approve the November 16, 2016 Special

Meeting –Mackin Engineering minutes. Motion passed.

 Motion Mary Taufer, second Tamara Chacko to approve bills, $29,372.88 (General $24907.88) PLGIT

($4464.00) Motion passed.

Public Comment

 Presentation – Award Cissy Cameron Absent

 Speaker – Jennifer DuBois, APR Director, Communications and Community Affairs, Columbia Gas. Also, in attendance, Dominic Tarella, Gary Walz, Stephanie Hardenstine, Columbia Gas.

This Columbia Gas attendees at this meeting were present because a previous informal meeting with council had some unanswered questions regarding the project. For example, PA One Call road opening permit. East Washington Borough ordinance requires a bill for each PA One Call road opening in the borough street. Brick streets are billed at $200.00 per road opening and Asphalt streets are billed at $100.00 per road opening. Discussion regarding the final restoration of streets, either brick or asphalt.

Council stated that some residents like the brick streets and other would prefer the asphalt. Council will check with Solicitor regarding an agreement with Columbia Gas.

Ms. DuBois gave a discussed the 2016 Wade Street Pipeline Replacement Project that Columbia Gas is going to begin in early 2016. She stated that Columbia Gas is a distributor, Columbia Gas delivers the gas to the customer. Columbia Gas purchases it and passes it on to the customer. Other companies produce or sell natural gas. The cost of the natural gas is passed on directly to the customer. She stated a letter will go out approximately 2 weeks before the start of the project .A draft letter was presented to Council for review. Columbia Gas employee or contractor will notify resident in person or with a door hanger at least 3 business day before gas service is interrupted.

The affected streets are: E. Beau Street, S. Wade Avenue, Thayer Street, Christman Avenue, Lemoyne Avenue, Lockhart Street, E. Wheeling Street, Hemlock Avenue, E. Maiden Street. Other streets in the City of Washington are: Moffat Avenue, Rock Avenue, Fox Lane, Moore Avenue, Lang Avenue, Houston Street, Hanna Street, Stewart Avenue. See chart below.

Questions from Council were concerns why Columbia Gas had to enter people’s homes. Mr. DuBois response was that some meters are inside the home and when gas is restored, the employee or contractor has to check to make sure the appliances or hot water heater, etc. are working properly. Also, questions arose regarding how long the project will take to complete, and a list of all employees, contractors, need to be provided to the Secretary at the Borough Office so residents will know to let these people into their homes. Ms. DuBois indicated that a town meeting could be scheduled so residents know exactly what the project entails.

Council member, Mary Taufer asked if Ms. DuBois could schedule the meeting at the Faith Christian Church on Beau Street and advertise the meeting in the newspaper for residents. Ms. DuBois said she would schedule the meeting. Council Member Mary Taufer also asked for a time line chart to indicate which streets would be affected at any given time. Gary Walz said multiple crews, possibly 3 at time would be working on the project with 3-4 service crews on several streets simultaneously. The project will continue year round weather permitting. Northern Pipe Line will be doing the line and their subcontractor is Schreck.

Discussion continued regarding topics such as safety for employees as well as customers. In addition, discussed traffic flow and lane restrictions. Working hours of operation primarily Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some Saturday work during the warmer months.

Reca Panian – Park & Shade Committee, resigned from the committee. She indicated she has been on the committee for 15 years. However, she would like to remain on the Playground committee. If budget permits, her plans for the Playground would be additional fitness stations and long rang plans include a toddler station.

Reports

Secretary – Jordan Tax Service is sending out Delinquent Garbage Notices to residents.

Public Works- No Report

Police Department

Code Enforcement Office

Council Members:

* Guy Tucci –

* Mary Taufer – Council member Taufer stated she has drafted a Newsletter that is to be inserted with the 2016 Garbage Bills at no cost to the Borough. She asked Council to review the Newsletter and for any additional comment or additions. Ms. Taufer said she would like to offer the class to anyone.

* Cheryl Amodei-Mascara – Council Member Cheryl Amodei-Mascara asked if a town hall meeting for the Washington-East Washington Joint Zoning meeting has been scheduled. President Tucci stated a meeting will be scheduled early 2016.

* Matt Boice – Council Member Matt Boice pointed out the arrow on the sign West of Watson is pointing in the wrong direction. This sign is one of the detour signs for directing traffic from Cameron Road. Chief Bradley will contact PENNDOT.

* Kelley Dickson – Absent

* Chuck McHugh- Absent

Mayor – Discussed the receipt of letter from PENNDOT regarding asbestos testing of our streets. It was determined that possibly an outside firm be contacted to do the testing if necessary.

Solicitor – Retos Property-Bankruptcy, Yellow Truck Update – No Report.

Action Items

* Motion Tamara Chacko, second Cheryl Amodei-Mascara to authorize the 2016 Budget allocation for Citizens Library – $5,000.00. Roll Call Vote:

* Motion Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, second Tamara Chacko to approve 2016 Budget as presented. Motion passed.

* Motion to adopt Ordinance 524 of 2015 – Solid Waste Ordinance- Time and placement of trash cans (LANGUAGE CHANGE – MAKEL) Code Enforcement officer may address case-by-case basis) Tabled until the next meeting.

* Motion to Matt Boice, second Cheryl Amodei-Mascara to adopt Ordinance No. 525 of 2015 – Tax Levy Ordinance for 2016, 28 Mills No Tax increase. Motion passed.

* Motion Matt Boice, second Cheryl Amodei-Mascara to adopt Resolution 004 of 2015 – Designation of Funds from Local Share $12,500 allocated for new Police Car. Motion passed.

* Motion Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, second Tamara Chacko to adopt Resolution 005 of 2015 – Schedule of Fees – 2016. Motion passed.

Executive Session

Motion Mary Taufer, second Tamara Chacko to enter Executive Session at 8:45 pm.

End Executive session at 9:10 pm. Discussion regarding Ron Miles. No Action Taken.

Motion Guy Tucci, second Matt Boice, to adjourn meeting at 9:11 pm. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Motichak, Secretary