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Commissioner Tom Balya Mayors' Forum
Minutes
Saturday, August 28, 2004, 9:00 a.m.
Lamplighter Restaurant, Delmont
Attending Mayors:
Joan Derco, Youngwood
Mary Dobos, Trafford
Karl Eisaman, Greensburg
Fran Jennings, Delmont
Joseph Kazan, New Stanton
Phil Light, Laurel Mountain
Warren Marckioni, Latrobe
James Roman, South Greensburg
Everett Saxton, Bolivar
Joyce Somers, Murrysville
Corey Tragesser, Sutersville
Guest Speaker: Don Heagy,
Special Courts Administrator,
Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas
Host Mayor Welcome: Murrysville
Mayor Joyce Somers welcomed the mayors and reminded them of the reason for meeting outside
of Murrysville -- the reconstruction of U.S. Route 22. The current section under
construction is scheduled to be finished in November. The next portion of the highway to
be reconstructed (known as BO2) is scheduled to be "let" in December. Mayor
Somers remarked that she is hopeful that the project will ultimately change the image of
Murrysville. The project has received a commitment of $450,000 in local funds for
landscaping, medians, etc., and efforts are underway to create a "gateway" sign,
welcoming drivers to Murrysville and Westmoreland County.
Mayor Somers encouraged the mayors to
contact their legislators about House Bill 2269 (known as the "IROP" bill),
recently passed by the state House of Representatives and currently in the state Senate.
The legislation, as currently structured, would allow municipal police offers who have
reached the mandatory retirement age to work up to an additional five years and collect
both their standard pay, as well as retirement benefits. Mayor Somers urged the mayors to
contact their senators about this bill to add language that would make this an
administrative decision not subject to negotiation or arbitration.
For more information about this bill,
mayors can contact Mayor Somers at 724.327.2100 (extension 107).
Guest Speaker: Commissioner Balya
introduced Don Heagy, Special Courts Administrator for the Westmoreland County Court of
Common Pleas, to talk about the county's new web-based video-conferencing system at
district justices' offices to decentralize night court.
Don began his remarks by reminding the
group that new, less-expensive technology made this project possible. Only a handful of
communities could afford a standard teleconferencing system, which costs anywhere between
$6,000-10,000. The system being implemented now uses web technology, inexpensive cameras,
and high-speed Internet, which are suitable, and affordable, for both large and small
community police departments.
In addition to ultimately saving the county
the cost of a fully staffed night court, the project will also save on transportation
costs, and limit liability, for the sheriff's department and local police departments.
The project also addresses those times when
the need arises for arraignments after the regular hours of night court. Those suspected
criminals detained at the county prison can be arraigned right from the prison, instead of
having local police transport them. To support this project, President Judge Dan Ackerman
signed an order authorizing countywide authority for web cams.
Next, Don talked about what communities
need to use the system. The equipment is simple and inexpensive -- a Windows XP compatible
computer, a web-camera (approximately $130), and free MSN Messenger software. Don remarked
that just with this minimal equipment, the results are almost "TV-like."
So far, 80 percent of local police forces
are up-and-running with the new system. Don reminded the mayors that grant money is
available and mentioned that Delmont was a recipient of grant funds.
Another benefit of the new system is the
ability for local police to easily and quickly complete emergency Protection from Abuse
(PFA) orders. These no longer have to be done at the prison, and having local police do it
is safer, in addition to being more efficient. The county has also begun a project to
develop PFA sites at local hospitals. Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg will be the
first site.
Don cautioned the mayors that, like any
other project, this one is not without a few "bugs," which are being addressed.
Local police have been cooperating. However, a hurdle to any project is the stress of
change and new technology. Don urged the mayors to encourage their police chiefs and
officers to embrace the new system and its many benefits.
Another issue that has been raised by local
authorities is the number of faxes that must be transmitted for signatures. Don told the
group that he is exploring an Oracle web-conferencing program that allows sharing of
documents and the ability to sign them on-line.
In response to a question regarding
centralized booking stations from Sutersville Mayor Corey Tragesser, Don responded that a
court committee is studying that issue and that regional efforts are gaining momentum, but
funding always remains a question.
For more information or to ask questions,
Don Heagy can be contacted at 724.830.3757 or via e-mail at dheagy@co.westmoreland.pa.us.
Other Business: Commissioner
Balya followed Don’s presentation by offering his thoughts on the project, telling
the mayors that this is a win-win effort for both the county and for local municipalities.
By taking advantage of improving technology, it reduces staff and travel costs. The
long-range goal is to use the system in some capacity for common pleas court.
Tom also updated the mayors on the status
of the 800-MHz emergency radio system, which is expected to be completed this fall. The
county is programming radios and training first responders. There are two tower sites that
need to be resolved, and the county is working toward that end, in Monessen and Scottdale.
In addition, the Board of Commissioners
recently authorized a $300,000 contract to rectify the new GIS system with county tax
maps. When completed, the GIS system will serve the county public safety, tax mapping, and
planning departments, as well as multiple needs for local communities.
Tom also talked to the mayors about
Governor Rendell’s August 16 delivery of $8.25 million for economic development
projects throughout the county. The following projects were funded:
- $1 million to develop a 200-acre parcel as
the final phase of the Westmoreland Industrial Park space planned for the original 1,200
acres including and surrounding the Sony Technology Center.
- $500,000 for Phase II of the Westmoreland
Technology Park in Hempfield and East Huntingdon townships.
- $750,000 for the Jeannette Downtown
Redevelopment Project.
- $5 million to support the Maronda Homes
project, which will develop a 240,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for panelized
homes at the Monessen Riverfront Park and a 52,000-square-foot office complex.
- $1 million to help fund the "Arnold-New
Kensington 5th Avenue Project," which addresses adjacent dilapidated sections in the
City of Arnold and the City of New Kensington.
Finally, the commissioner talked about the
situation at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. July 11 was the last day for U.S.
Airway’s commuter flights. The airport authority is continuing discussions with
several other carries to resume service. Meanwhile, charter service at the airport
continues to grow.
With no further business, the meeting
adjourned at approximately 10:30 a.m.
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