Washington City Council Recognizes Citizen Efforts

Washington City Council spent much of its voting meeting recognizing efforts of residents in several different arenas. Starting off, Mayor Scott Putnam awarded the Pride of Washington Certificate of Appreciation to Robert Griffin, Executive Director of the Washington County Redevelopment Authority. Putnam described Griffin’s lifelong devotion to the city with his work at the NAACP, his church, as a football coach and now with the Redevelopment Authority. Putnam also recognized Dougie DeCosta. He received a proclamation honoring his efforts in the rescue of two children kidnapped from Zanesville, Ohio. His recognition of the car and children from an Amber Alert saw him contact police and secure the apprehension of 46 year old Thomas Pritchard. Council also saw the hiring of one policeman, and the promotion of two others. The fire department promoted one firefighter and accepted as full time, three other firefighters. In city business, council approved a $303,000 road paving project that according to public works director Joe Pintola will cover 5 roads and the paving in the park from the upper fields and down. The city will also partner with the Washington Rotary Club and the Pennsylvania Resources Council to provide a glass recycling facility at the public works building. Lastly, a public hearing is scheduled for June 5 at 5:00 PM to collect public opinion on a proposed medical residential facility that will care for people overcoming addiction.