City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 18, 2002 The regular Council meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by the Vice- President, Jeffery L. Wright, followed by the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery L. Wright Michael J. Kovach Thomas F. Acri Albert A. Gornik Michael K. Albert Jeffrey A. Wrightstone 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: There were none 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. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the schedule of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Mr. Wright said he would like one motion to approve all of the reports as presented. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire & Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement & Mayor’s report for February 2002, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 Mayor Hartwick said he encourages everyone to get involved in the New Baldwin Corridor Coalition and said there is a workshop scheduled to bring all of the communities together to discuss issues throughout the corridor and that is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2002 at Wildwood Conference Center, HACC. Mayor Hartwick said he would like to schedule another Community-wide Clean Up Day, but he is not sure if that will be possible, because of the current drought situation. Mayor Hartwick said he has met with Mr. Wright to discuss the Steelton Mural project. Mayor Hartwick said he met an artist that has done murals in Philadelphia and would like to see this project started if possible. Mayor Hartwick said there are three initial themes for the murals: 1) the many countries one people, because of cultural diversity; 2) the Steel Industry; 3) the proud sports history of the town. Mayor Hartwick said he would just like to bring this to Council’s consideration and he has presented Council with a proposal to have an idea of the cost of the project. Mr. Musser said he would have Mr. Wintergrass and Mr. Conjar look into the drought situation for the Community-wide Clean Up Day. Mr. Musser said he would also suggest having a meeting to coordinate this clean up. Mayor Hartwick asked if we could run the street sweeper. Mr. Musser said he is not sure, he will check with Mr. Conjar. Mr. Musser said in regards to the mural proposal he did not provide that to Council yet, because he was waiting for the Mayor to discuss it with them. PUBLIC COMMENT: On agenda items only. There were none. COMMUNICATIONS: Bill Eason, President, Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Informing the Mayor & Borough Council That the Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the United States will be speaking on March 21, 2002, at 8:00 P.M. at Hardings Restaurant in Camp Hill and Respectfully Requests That We Inform All of Our Residents of This. Mr. Wright said anyone wishing to attend contact Mr. Musser. Chief Lenker – Providing Council with Letter of Commendation and Appreciation to the Steelton Police Department. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to have this letter of commendation and appreciation placed in the appropriate police officer’s files. Ms. Gwendolyn Miller, 327 Walnut Street, Steelton, PA – Letter In Regards to Problems With the Steelton Police Department and the Towing of a Vehicle. Mayor Hartwick said he is reviewing the situation with Chief Lenker and they have not come to a conclusion in regards to the situation. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing Council With Minutes From the February 19, 2002, New Baldwin Meeting. There were no comments. Virginia D. Keister, 327 South Front Street, Steelton, PA – Informing Council & the Mayor of Problems She is having with Individuals Parking in Her Handicap Parking Space and Expressing Her Safety Concerns for the Need of a Crosswalk in Her Area. Mr. Wright asked Mrs. Keister to step forward and address Council. Mrs. Keister said she would like to thank Council for the handicap space they provided for her. Mrs. Keister said her problem is with people parking in the space when Bingo is held at three different places around her house. Mrs. Keister said she does ask the people to move or make an announcement about, but it finally got bad enough that she went to the police and they do ticket them, but that doesn’t bother them. Mrs. Keister said he doesn’t think people can see the pole and she would like a fluorescent strip put on the pole and to have the pole straightened. Mrs. Keister said she also thinks a crosswalk is needed, because of all of the Senior Citizens that play Bingo and she is scared a car may hit someone. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Musser to talk with Mr. Conjar about this matter. Mr. Musser said the pole can be straightened and we will look into the fluorescent striping. Mr. Musser said the crosswalk is up to Council to approve or deny. Chief Lenker said he spoke with Mr. Conjar about straightening the sign, painting the lines and he will look into the fluorescent strip for the pole. Chief Lenker said you can’t instill safety in people, but he will look into the crosswalk there. It was the consensus of Council to have survey done to see if a crosswalk is needed in the area. Mayor Hartwick also said we will start to enforce the crosswalks. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 Dr. Szada said the problems in these areas come from the Bingo Halls and the disregard of people just deciding to park anywhere. Dr. Szada suggested a letter be sent to Bingo Halls asking them to obey the parking laws. Mayor Hartwick said he would be happy to send a letter. Ethel Brookin, Volunteer, Steelton Senior Center – Thank You Letter to Mr. Musser, Council & the Mayor for Her Monetary Gift for Service to the Steelton Senior Center. Mr. Musser said the Steelton Community Development Foundation, Inc., gave this gift to her. Mr. Musser – Informing the Mayor & the Council of a New Business in Town, A&T Gift Shop at 143 North Front Street. Mr. Musser said each Council member should have a flier from the business. Mr. Musser asked everyone to support her business. Gene T. Richards, 351 South Second Street, Steelton, PA – Letter Informing the Borough How Happy He is to Be Back In Town and How Excited He is About the Future of the Town. Mr. Richards Would Also Like Us to Look Into the Condition of the Sidewalk In Front of His Home. Mr. Musser said Mr. Richards’ request is for the Borough to possibly repair the sidewalk in front of his home. Mr. Musser said he suggests doing this with grant funding and said Mr. Richards’ states that the Borough did other corners. Mr. Musser said in looking into this matter on the other side of the street, the curb cuts were done with Community Development Block Grant funds, but this was part of a legal settlement and it was agreed that only that side of the street needed done and is was done in 1994 or 1995. Mr. Musser said the property owners, at their expense, did all of the curb cuts done on that side of the street. Mr. Acri said the gentleman lives on the corner right across from Wiedeman’s Funeral Home. Mr. Acri said he was at the gentleman’s home 2 times to inform him of the situation, but he was never home. Dauphin County Commissioners – Informing the Borough That At the December 11, 2001, County Commissioners Meeting a Resolution Was Passed Approving the Dauphin County Tax Deferral Program. Mr. Wright said this is for Council’s information. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 Michael S. Leonzo, 2002 Chairman of the Annual Boy Scout Fund-Raising Breakfast - Informing Council That Mayor Hartwick Will Be the Guest Speaker and One of the Sponsors at May 7, 2002 Breakfast. Mr. Wright said this is for Council’s information. Luis F. Rodrigues, 660 North Second Street, Steelton, PA – Letter of Complaint About Trash Pick Up. Mr. Albert said he has a problem with this issue too. Mr. Albert said that what Ms. Czeiner must do is drive through the River Alley on Thursday, morning and check if the cans are still out. Mr. Albert said sometimes the trash hauler misses you on Wednesday and needs to come back on Thursday. Mr. Albert suggested she drive through Friday morning and then most of the people she needs to send letters to will definitely be violators. James R. Beistline, Jr. Resident – Letter of Complaint Regarding Letters From the Code Office About Trash Containers. There were no comments. Jean H. Faul, 219 Swatara Street, Steelton, PA – Letter In Regards to Feeling Unsafe in Her Neighborhood. Mayor Hartwick said the matter was discussed with Ms. Faul and she understands that the individual she has had problems with has been arrested and she is happy with the resolution and Council can consider the matter closed. Francis I. Saluta, 347 South 4th Street, Steelton, PA – letter to All Government Officials in Regards to the Tax Burden Put on Individuals That Are Retired. Mayor Hartwick said he did respond to Mr. Saluta with a letter in regards to the situation. Mr. Musser – Informing Council That the 91st PSAB Conference is in June 9-12, 2002, in Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Mr. Wright said anyone wishing to attend, please contact Mr. Musser. Mr. Wright said he will be attending along with Mr. Musser and Mayor Hartwick. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser said he has one item that should be added under Unfinished Business: Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 1) Mr. Musser said it must be approved to sell the Borough owned property known as 313-327 North Front to Donald Donley in the amount of $35,000. Mr. Musser – Requesting a Motion Accepting Terrance M. Sinclair’s Resignation Effective Monday, February 25, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to accept the verbal resignation of Terrance M. Sinclair as Water Filtration Plant Operator effective Monday, February 25, 2002, and that no sick leave be paid to him at his time of resignation, because he did not leave the Borough in good standing. Mr. Musser – Informing Council members Who Were Unable to Attend the Meeting With PennDOT In Regards to Safety Concerns With Route 230 of the Recommendations That Were Made. Mr. Musser said on Thursday, March 7, 2002, the Borough met with Mr. Ron Jones and Larry Fagen of PennDOT to review the studies that were completed for Route 230. Mr. Musser said the he, Chief Lenker, Mr. Conjar, Mr. Acri, Mr. Wright and the Mayor were at the meeting. Mr. Musser said three recommendations were given. Mr. Musser said the first is to completely get rid of the left turn off of Front Street and the committee totally rejected that. Mr. Musser said the second option was to widen the roadway. Mr. Musser said the best option and the one agreed on was to eliminate the passing lanes in “No man’s land”. Mr. Musser said the only thing that could make this option cost prohibitive is if the sanitary sewer line needs to be relocated. Mr. Musser said Mr. Conjar does not believe this is necessary. Mr. Musser said some of the benefits to this option is that it would widen the shoulder of the roadway coming down Felton Street about 8 to 10 feet. Mr. Musser said this would mean you could actually pull down the hill and get a better look at on-coming traffic. Mr. Musser also said that by eliminating the passing lane, will reduce the increase in speed and stop individuals from drag racing and trying to pass everyone. Mr. Musser said the option also considers rumble strips, wider turning lanes and reflectors. Mr. Musser said PennDOT will also have a lighting study done by Gannett Fleming to see what additional lighting will be needed even though lighting is a Borough expense. Mr. Musser said the option would also increase the speed limit from 35 MPH to 45 MPH. Mr. Musser said the way the project is done is that it is a lump sum contract and PennDOT has their engineer complete the specifications and the bids. Mr. Musser said the Borough then places the project out to bid and if the bids are acceptable, the contract is awarded to a contractor and then the Borough signs a contract with PennDOT for a Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 lump sum payment once the project is completed. Mr. Musser said the Borough must first pay the contractor for the whole contract and then request reimbursement from PennDOT. Mr. Albert asked how raising the speed limit 10 MPH reduces the amount of accidents. Chief Lenker said it will actually reduce the speed, because instead of it being 35 MPH and everyone going 55 MPH out of town, the increase in speed to 45 MPH will make drivers go at that rate of speed more, instead of trying to increase it to pass everyone. Chief Lenker said the main key to this is that it will work only if the passing lanes are cut out. Chief Lenker said the reason it was reduced to 35 MPH was because people used to pull into the mill along Route 230 to park there when the mill was in its prime. Dr. Szada asked if the speed limit were raised to 45 MPH would we be stopping people for speeding at 51 MPH. Chief Lenker said yes 6 MPH over the speed limit would be the allowance. Mayor Hartwick said he is very happy with the help PennDOT gave and very thankful to Representative Buxton and Representative Marsico for their help. Mayor Hartwick said he is very glad that the solution will help save lives and not cost the Borough anything except for lighting. Mayor Hartwick – Requesting Permission to Represent the Borough at the 2002 InterCity Visit. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to approve for Mayor Hartwick to represent the Borough of Steelton at the 2002 InterCity visit to Hartford, Connecticut. Barbara Y. Groce, Vice President, Community Relations, Executive Director, ENVISION Capital Region – Informing the Mayor That There is an InterCity Visit Task Force Meeting March 25, 2002, at 8:00 A.M. Mr. Wright said this is for Mayor Hartwick’s information. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council That the New “Welcome to Steelton” Signs Are Complete. Mr. Musser is also presenting a Proposal to Purchase the Final Two Signs. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to purchase the final two “Welcome to Steelton” signs to be placed at the Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 top of Swatara Street and at Harrisburg & Cameron Streets in the amount of $3,200, which will also include a small sign in front of the Borough to be completed for free. Mr. Musser – Informing Council of Problems of Illegal Dumping Behind Adams Street and St. Mary’s Drive. Mr. Musser said he wanted to inform Council of illegal dumping behind 530 St. Mary’s Drive. Mr. Musser said the dumping is coming down the hill from the properties in Swatara Township possibly, but the area where the debris is laying is either in Swatara Township or Steelton we are not sure by looking at the tax maps. Mr. Musser said if there are unopened alleys there the properties may have reverted to the homeowners. Mr. Musser said he would possibly like to see the adult probation or prisoners from Dauphin County clean the area, because many of these property owners probably do not know it is their property. Mr. Musser said he would only do this once and then send all the homeowners letters letting them know it was cleaned up, but it is their responsibility to take care of the property and if it isn’t they will be cited. Mr. Musser said on Adams Street behind the AME Church there is trash and debris that has been dumped down from Ridge Street behind the church and the other properties. Mr. Musser said behind the Church and the properties is an unopened alley know as Jones Alley and since this alley was never opened, the alley has reverted to the property owners on each side of the unopened alley. Mr. Musser said he would also try to help the property owners clean this area up with probation employees. Mr. Musser said Reverend Hearst and Ms. Alcendor are here to talk about the property across from the Church, located behind the old Jackson House at Second and Adams Street and an unopened alley by the name of Water Street. What they are requesting is to purchase this area from the Borough if it is owned by the Borough, in order to expand the parking lot. Mr. Musser said he did some research with Mr. Wion and because the alley was unopened, the Church may in fact own half of the alley. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Wion to comment on the matter. Mr. Wion said tax maps are notoriously inaccurate and the only way to find out is to do a survey. If the property doesn’t belong to the Borough then the Borough may not be able to justify the cost of the survey. Mr. Wion said he is not even sure the Borough wants to get into any of this expense. Mr. Reverend Stanley Hearst, Sr. of AME Church in Steelton said he is concerned with the trees that are on the property behind their parking lot, because they may fall and damage the property or vehicles. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 Ms. Ina Alcendor said she had spoken with Mayor Hartwick and Mr. Musser about Water Street and if the Borough owned the property. Ms. Alcendor said she was not aware that since it is an unopened alley, the property reverts to the property owners. Ms. Alcendor said the Church would look at doing the survey so that the property is added to their deeds. Ms. Alcendor said the church would like to help clean up the town. Ms. Alcendor said the church is also working with safety concerns with kids coming down Ridge Street and sliding down the property behind the church. Mr. Musser said he is sure we can work together with the Church through the Code Office and his office to try to solve some of these problems. Mayor Hartwick said he was glad to see Reverend Hearst and Ms. Alcendor at the meeting and he is a happy to hear that they are ready to help revitalize the community and work with our youth. Mayor Hartwick said he would like the Borough employees to help with the tree removal on Water Street. Mr. Musser – Informing Council That a Special Purpose Parking Request Has Been Submitted for John & Donna Kyler of 26 North Third Street. Mr. Musser said this is for Council’s information. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel Matters in the Borough Secretary’s Office, Filling the Accounts Payable Position, Filling the Community Development Position on a Full-Time Basis, Filling the Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Position, Approval of the Part-Time Police Officer Candidates’ List, the Non-Uniform Union’s Request In Regards to Charles L. Miller, Jr. ,and a Discussion on The Recent Clarification By The Auditor General’s Office In Regards to The Police Pension Issue. Mr. Wright said he will ask for this motion after audience participation. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada said it is nice to have the audience participate in the Council Meetings. Steelton Borough Page (10) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 Mr. Albert said he is happy to see all the members of the clergy here and he would like to commend them for all of their hard work. Mr. Acri said he would like to welcome everyone and said he hopes to see them more. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:55 P.M. to discuss personnel matters in the Borough Secretary’s Office, filling the Accounts Payable position, filling the Community Development position on a full-time basis, filling the Water Treatment Plant Operator’s position, approval of the Part-Time Police Officer candidates list, the Non- Uniform Union’s request in regards to Charles L. Miller, Jr., and a discussion on the recent clarification by the Auditor General’s Office in regards to the Police Pension issue. The meeting reconvened at 8:22 P.M. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted to raise Michele Powell’s hourly rate to $13.90 an hour effective March 19, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted to hire Donna Sprow as the Accounts Payable Clerk in the Borough Secretary’s Office at an hourly rate of $13.00 an hour, effective April 1, 2002, if no bids are submitted before the close of business tomorrow. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council members present voted unanimously to appoint Paula Sviben Community Development Coordinator at a salary of $27,000 a year, effective April 1, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to accept the part-time police officer’s list as presented by Chief Lenker, listing the top 5 candidates and giving him permission to fill the two positions with the top two candidates. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to hire Jeff Swartz to fill the vacant Water Filtration Plant Operator’s position, contingent upon a successful interview with the personnel committee. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council members present voted unanimously to table the salary request of Charles L. Miller, Jr., until a meeting is scheduled to discuss the matter more with the Non-Uniform Union. Steelton Borough Page (11) Council Meeting March 18, 2002 On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to have a letter sent to the Police Association informing them of the recent Auditor General’s decision or clarification in regards to the police pension issue and request them to withdrawal their grievance. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary/Treasurer Assistant Borough Secretary/Treasurer