City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 19, 2002 The regular Council meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by the President, Michael J. Kovach, followed by the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence. In attendance : Absent: Michael J. Kovach Michael K. Albert Jeffery L. Wright Jeffrey A. Wrightstone Thomas F. Acri Albert A. Gornik Mary Jo Szada George P. Hartwick, III, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Borough Secretary/Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Borough Secretary/Treasurer David A. Wion, Solicitor MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the January 22, 2002, Council meeting minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: There was no report given. SCHEDULE OF BILLS: The schedule of bills, requisitions and change orders were presented. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the schedule of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Mr. Kovach said he would like one motion to approve all of the reports as presented. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire & Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement & Mayor’s report for January 2002, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Mayor Hartwick said he would like to discuss the land acquisition for the Boat Dock facility in executive session and will reserve his comments for that time. PRESENTATION: RUSS MONTGOMERY, DIRECTOR OF THE REGIONAL ECONMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT INITIATIVES (REDDI). Mr. Kovach said Mr. Musser indicated that Mr. Montgomery was ill and unable to attend the meeting, but he will reschedule his presentation. PUBLIC COMMENT: On agenda items only. There were none. Mr. Musser said the following items should be added to the agenda for public comment: Letter of resignation from Jill Perez as accounts payable clerk for the Borough of Steelton effective March 15, 2002, due to health issues. Resolution 2002-R-2, establishing a special purpose parking space for John Clea, Sr. of 333 Lincoln Street. Resolution 2002-R-3, approve the destruction of records under the retention law. Letter from the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg, 407 North Front Street, Steelton, PA requesting permission to close North Second Street from Jefferson Street to Conestoga Street from 7:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 23, 2002. Requesting an executive session to discuss the letter from the Dauphin County General Authority in regards to the land acquisition of Cibort Park. Mr. Acri said Jill Perez never applied for the 12 weeks of non-pay under the Family Medical Leave Act and he would like to her have every advantage available to her. Mr. Musser said he has met with Mrs. Perez 3 times and gave her every option available as far as using all of her sick leave taking off of work as much time as she needs and assured her that we would try to accommodate any of her needs. Mr. Musser said Mrs. Perez said she is very grateful for all of the offers, but this is what she wants to do. Mr. Musser said he would like to commend Mrs. Handley and Mrs. Powell for helping to pick up all of the extra work. Mr. Musser said he must regrettably request Council to accept Mrs. Perez’s letter of resignation. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present regrettably accepted the resignation of Mrs. Jill Perez effective March 15, 2002, as presented and to authorize Mr. Musser to write a letter to Mrs. Perez thanking her for a job well done. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to post the position of accounts payable clerk in the Borough of Steelton and to advertise the position. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2002-R-2, as presented. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2002-R-3, as presented. Mr. Kovach called for a motion granting the Islamic Society’s request to close down North Second Street for a church service. Mayor Hartwick said before this is approved he would like this discussed with Chief Lenker, so that everything is in order. Mayor Hartwick said there were some problems the last time, especially with traffic and barricades. Mr. Musser said he does make sure in the letters he requests that they contact Chief Lenker and review the matter with him as a condition of the approval. Mayor Hartwick said he would also like them to provide us more notice. Dr. Szada said she would also like to make sure the vehicles are parked appropriately. Chief Lenker said he thought from talking with Mr. Kahn that this parking on North Second Street was just if needed, since they have over 100 spaces that they are allowed to use near Advanced Auto. Mr. Musser said he will suggest to them that North Second Street is only block if needed as a secondary measure. Mr. Kovach said this should be at Chief Lenker’s discretion. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the request of the Islamic Society as presented, but that North Second Street only be block off if needed and that this decision is up to the discretion of Chief Lenker. COMMUNICATIONS: Sam McCullough, Secretary, DCED – Invitation to Attend the Southcentral Region “DCED-On-The-Road…Again”, April 29, 2002. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Ralph Amato, Municipal Manager, York Waste Disposal, Inc. – Confirming the Borough of Steelton’s Spring Clean Up is Scheduled for April 20, 2002, from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. There were no comments. Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, 15th District – Confirming the Town Meeting Scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2002 from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. in Council Chambers. There were no comments. PSAB’s TEAM 2002 – Invitation to the 2002 Public Sector Labor & Employment Law Seminar. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. William P. Gralski, Brinjac Engineering, Inc. – Informing the Borough of New GIS Grant Through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Mr. Kovach said Mr. Musser has given this information to Mr. McDonald to follow up on. One Source Municipal Training – Informing the Borough of a Seminar on Helping the Borough Understand It’s Options Under the New Statewide Building Code. Mr. Musser suggested members of the Community Development Committee attend, especially Ms. Czeiner. Delaware Municipal Clerks Association – Certifying That Mr. Musser Participated in The IIMC Region II Conference and Received Six (6) Hours of Education. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to place this in Mr. Musser’s personnel file. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Informing the Borough of the PSAB Spring Legislative Conference, March 17-19, 2002 At the Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Michael G. Hubler, Dauphin County Conservation District – Providing the Borough With Revised Rules and Guidelines for Erosion and Sediment Control Plans Effective February 1, 2002. There were no comments. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing Council With Minutes From the January 15, 2002, Meeting. There were no comments. Ms. Rhonda J. Horne, New Resident & Business Owner – Informing Council & the Mayor That She is Proud to Live and Do Business in the Borough. There were no comments. Wayne E. Shank, Mayor, Borough of Highspire – Requesting the Mayor & Council to Authorize the Highspire Fire Police to Perform Their Assigned Duties & Responsibilities in Steelton When Called Upon by the Dauphin County Emergency Response Center to Provide Mutual Aid. Chief Lenker said he doesn’t think this is necessary, because of the law and the mutual aid agreement and he will get in touch with Mayor Shank and inform him. Laurel A. Wilson, Highspire Borough Manager/Secretary – Letter Thanking Mr. Conjar and His Staff for Their Assistance in Removing Their Christmas Decorations. Mr. Acri said he would like Mr. Conjar to display the letter in the Highway Garage so everyone can see it. Harrisburg Regional Chamber – Informing the Borough of the Fourth Annual InterCity Visit to Hartford, CT. Mr. Gornik said he would like the Mayor to attend again. The Mayor said he would be honored and let Council know at the next meeting. Mr. Musser – Informing Council That Bethlehem Steel Never Provided Capital City Cab With Permission to Park Vehicles on the Grassy Lot Beside Their Building Owned by Bethlehem Steel. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Mr. Acri asked what is being done with this matter. Mr. Musser said Ms. Czeiner is handling it and has sent a letter out to the Cab Company and Mr. Wion reviewed it. Mr. Musser said he has been contacting Mr. Watkins at the Bethlehem Steel about the matter. Leadership Harrisburg Area – Informing Council & the Mayor of the Upcoming Lunch/Program on “Leadership In Crisis Times” on Thursday, February 28, 2002. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend, please contact Mr. Musser. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Chief Lenker – Providing Council & the Mayor With Information on the Upcoming Citizens Police Academy. Mr. Kovach said if there are any questions please direct them to Mr. Musser or Chief Lenker. Mr. Musser Informing Council That It Is His Recommendation Along With Mr. McDonald’s and Mr. Synder’s to Award the Engineering Services for the Bailey Street & Poplar Streets Park Project to Brinjac Engineering, Inc., in the Amount of $12,750.00. Mr. Musser said that he, Mr. Snyder and Mr. McDonald conducted interviews and Brinjac Engineering, Inc., was the unanimous choice to complete the project. Mr. Musser said they were the second lowest bidder, but they were the most competent and experienced and it is their recommendation to award the bid to Brinjac Engineering, Inc. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to award the contract for engineering services for the Bailey Street & Poplar Streets Park project to Brinjac Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $12,750.00, to be paid from Community Development Block Grant funds. Mr. Musser – Informing Council of the Status of the Foreign-Trade Zone. Mr. Musser said he just wanted to provide Council with correspondence from Mr. Ted Davie of GAMBIT in regards to a Foreign Trade Zone. Mr. Musser said you can see Mr. Davie makes it very clear that if Bethlehem Steel would like to work with the Borough to establish this type of zone they would have to do it soon if they wanted to see the zone happen soon. Mr. Musser said from Mr. Davie’s experience it takes anywhere from 16 to 18 months to get this type of zone approved by the US Customs Service. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Mayor Hartwick & Mr. Musser – Providing Council With a Letter From the PA Turnpike Commission and Providing Council With an Update on the Boat Dock Project. Mayor Hartwick asked that this be discussed in executive session. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council of the Board of Assessment Appeals Decision’s. Mr. Musser said this is for Council’s information and that he and Mr. Wion will be handling these matters. Mr. Musser said the County’s Board of Assessment Appeals also informed the Borough that it’s exemption for the Borough’s Walnut/Poplar Street Playgrounds was granted. Mrs. Czeiner – Providing Council With a Fee Schedule Report As of February, 2002. Mr. Kovach said this would be tabled until Ms. Czeiner is present to discuss it further. Mr. McDonald – Informing Council and the Mayor That Effective February 28, 2002, He Will Be Resigning as the Community Development Coordinator for the Borough of Steelton. Mr. Musser recommended that his resignation be effective March 5, 2002, so that he could use his 3 personal days. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to accept Mr. McDonald’s resignation effective March 5, 2002, per Mr. Musser’s recommendation. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting a Special Meeting of the Community Development Committee to Discuss Projects for the 2002 CDBG Funds. Mr. Musser said the Community Development Committee met this evening and discussed the projects that the 2002 Community Development Block Grant Funds would be used for. Mr. Musser said it should be noted for the record that proposals from Bishop Bass and Reverend Marshall were presented and considered by the committee. Mr. Musser said it was the decision of the committee not to fund any of these projects at this time, but to review them each year on a year-by-year basis. Mr. Musser said the three projects that Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 have been proposed by the committee are the water line project on Lincoln Street, the demolition of vacant properties on Adams Street, Daron Alley, Ridge Street and Harrisburg Street and Street Scape funds for the Downtown Business District. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to submit an application to Dauphin County for these three projects to be funded with the Borough of Steelton’s Community Development Block Grant funds. Mayor Hartwick said the crosswalks that have been discussed almost 6 months ago would be put in soon at the intersection of North Front Street and Pine Street and at the intersection of South Front Street and Walnut Street. Mayor Hartwick said Mr. Acri, Chief Lenker and himself would be conducting interviews for part-time police officers soon. Mayor Hartwick said the study and plans or recommendations for the redesign of Route 230 or South Front Street in the area known as “No man’s land” will be completed sometime in March. Mayor Hartwick said at the last Dauphin County Commissioner’s meeting the Borough along with the City of Harrisburg, received a $12,500 GIS grant to place our tax parcel information on our GIS system. Mr. Acri said after audience participation he is requesting an executive session to discuss the police pension grievance and to discuss a new policy for leave of absences. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Richard Plesic, Jr. of Bressler, representing the Friendship Fire Company, Bressler, PA, and Swatara Township said the fire company found out over the weekend that Dauphin County General Authority was going to sell Cibort Park, for which Friendship Fire Company has been the caretaker for the last 70 years. Mr. Plesic, Jr. said he is here, because he heard that the Borough Council and the Mayor were interested in purchasing the property. Mr. Acri said the Borough is going to into executive session to discuss this matter and Friendship Fire Company will be the first notified if the Borough decides to go any further with this. Mr. Acri said this really only came up as an issue this morning and they will ask Mr. Musser to give them an update in executive session. Mr. Plesic said they know about as much as Mr. Acri does and they are just here to see what direction the Borough is going in. Mr. Plesic said they have heard that other parties are also interested in the land, but haven’t been able to get the names of those individuals from the Dauphin County General Authority. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Mr. Musser said sometime in late November or early December of 2001, Mr. William Hawk of the Dauphin County General Authority contacted Mayor Hartwick and himself and said in a general conversation that the Authority was in the process of divesting itself of some of its assets and that one of them, Cibort Park, is in the Borough. Mr. Hawk asked if the Borough was interested. Mr. Musser said Mayor Hartwick said the Borough is always willing to talk about any type of development in the Borough. Mr. Musser said he then picked up a brief study done by an engineering firm in December and that was the last the issue was discussed until now. Mr. Musser said Council was informally informed of this, but since there was no specifics or anything at that time nothing was discussed and we did not know what direction the Authority was taking. Mr. Musser said to date he is not sure if there is an asking price on the property or anything. Mr. Musser said he does have to say that the Borough of Steelton cannot just purchase a property for the asking price, it must have an appraisal of its own done and it cannot pay more than what amount the appraisal states the property is worth. Mr. Musser said the Borough has not even considered that yet, because it just got the same letter today that Friendship received on Saturday saying if the Borough was interested in purchasing the 25 acres that it should put in a bid. Mr. Musser said he has kept Mr. Bob Zalek up to date on the issue. Mayor Hartwick said he understands from talking with members of the Fire Company how much work has gone into the development of Cibort Park. Mayor Hartwick said when he was approached, it was in general terms and he said he stated as he does with everyone that discusses development in the Borough that the Borough is landlocked and we would be happy to listen to any proposals that they have. Mayor Hartwick said different proposals are brought forth all the time, but unless they are in the Borough’s best interest they don’t move forward. Mayor Hartwick said there has always been an open line of communication between Friendship Fire Company and the Borough. Mayor Hartwick said there have been rumors stating that a back door deal was being developed and nothing could be further from the truth. Mayor Hartwick said till now not many of our residents realized Cibort Park was in the Borough and neither did some of our Council members. Mayor Hartwick said the Borough is just completing its comprehensive plan and there have been no discussions in that process to develop this land. Mr. Kovach asked where the idea that some deal was being done come from? Mayor said he doesn’t know and the only person he talked to about it in Bressler was Rudy Spoljaric and since then there are many different stories. Mayor Hartwick said in talking with Mr. Musser last night there are many rumors and he is not sure where they are coming from. Mayor Hartwick said that is why the Borough believes in an open line of communication. Mr. Musser said the only people he talked to were Robert Spandler, Bob Zalek and Mr. Loncar. Mr. Musser said he told them the same thing he told Mr. Plesic and Mr. Lescanec tonight. Steelton Borough Page (10) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 Mr. Kovach said what will happen is that this will be discussed in executive session and Friendship Fire Company will be the first to know if the Borough intends anything for the property and they will be fully involved in anything we do. Mr. Larry Lescanec, President of Friendship Fire Company of Bressler, PA, Swatara Township said he is happy he came here tonight to talk to Council about this matter. Mr. Lescanec said he heard a rumor that the Borough was going to purchase the property and that is why he came tonight. Mr. Lescanec said he is glad to hear what he heard tonight and said the Fire Company and the Borough have always had a great working relationship and he is glad that it will continue. Mr. Kovach said Mr. Musser will get their phone numbers after the meeting and keep them informed on the issue. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Gornik said he has two Christmas Trees at his property and he wants to know when they will be picked up. Mr. Musser said he would take care of it. Mr. Acri said he has to laugh about all of these rumors and he can assure Friendship Fire Company if the Borough is considering purchasing this land, they will work with them on any issue. Mayor Hartwick said he is glad Friendship Fire Company came tonight and expressed their concerns and heard the facts of the matter. Mayor Hartwick said he would like to see the Fire Company restructure the lease so that the Fire Company is not in this same position in the future, such as having the first option to purchase the property. Mr. Kovach said since Chief Vance and Chief Lenker are here tonight he would like to commend both of them and their departments on the excellent jobs they are doing. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:33 P.M. to discuss the police pension grievance and discuss a new policy for leave of absences. The meeting reconvened at 9:12 P.M. Mr. Kovach said he would like the General Authority contacted and if Cibort Park is going to be sold he would like to have a meeting with them to discuss the matter in more detail. Steelton Borough Page (11) Council Meeting February 19, 2002 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary/Treasurer Assistant Borough Secretary/Treasurer