City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 15, 2002 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the President Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach MaryJo Szada Thomas Acri Jeffrey Wrightstone Albert Gornik Michael Albert Jeffery Wright Mayor George P. Hartwick, III Michael G. Musser II, Borough Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the October 15, 2001 and November 7, 2001 Meetings were presented for approval. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: There was nothing to report at this time. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS: REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present approved the schedules of billings requisitions and change orders as presented: APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH: On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the following Departmental Reports for March: Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Senior Center. Mayor’s Report - 1 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002 Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Report April 15, 2002 PUBLIC COMMENTS - Agenda Items Only: There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Virginia D. Keister, 327 South Front Street, Steelton, Pa – Letter expressing her concerns with the parking problems in the area. Chief Lenker said that the police knock on doors to get the cars moved, that is their practice. He said that after the last meeting, a blue stripe was put on the sign to draw more attention to it and he instructed the officers to go down and have the cars moved so she can park there. The Chief said that Mrs. Keister is upset because we didn’t ticket the cars. He said that she also makes reference to the bent sign, but it didn’t appear to be bent. Chief Lenker said that Mrs. Keister was given a 25-foot area, instead of the usual 22 feet and they will paint the lines when the machine is available and they are done black topping. Mr. Keister was present in the audience and said that his wife was not present because she was ill. Mr. Keister said that his wife called the State Police and they told her that the area should be painted blue and another deterrent would be to have the fine posted. Mr. Kovach said the sign was erected there for the sole purpose of the person whose license number is on the sign. If said that if anyone else parks there, they could get fined. Chief Lenker said that he thought that what we wanted to do was get the car moved. He said that if we ticket then it doesn’t get the car moved, but if that is what council wants, they will do it. Mr. Kovach said that we should get a letter to the Lion’s Club to make the announcement about parking there. Mr. Kovach told Mr. Keister that Council understands the problem and they will try to correct it. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association – Invitation to the next meeting on April 30th at 6:30 p.m., at the Hummelstown VFW. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should notify Mr. Musser. Dauphin County Department of Community & Economic Development – Notice of the Second County Public CDBG Hearing on April 16, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. There were no comments. Brian Handley – Letter of resignation from the Civil Service Commission, effective April 1, 2002. 2 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002  On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to accept the letter of resignation. Mr. Kovach commented that that there are now two (2) vacancies for Council to fill. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing Council with minutes from the March 19, 2002 meeting. Mayor Hartwick said that the meeting was changed to May 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting April 15, 2002 Frank Lynch, Comcast – Providing Council and the Mayor with a copy of the Comcast Annual Report. There were no comments. Steelton Moose – Invitation to the installation of officers on April 17, 2002, at 7:30 P.M. at the Steelton Moose There were no comments. National Brownfield Association – Invitation to the Mid-Atlantic Deal Flow Conference on June 6, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, Pa Mr. Kovach asked anyone who is interested to contact Mr. Musser. Communities United for Service – Invitation to Earth Day 2002 events on Saturday, April 20th at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Kovach asked anyone who wishes to attend to contact Mr. Musser. Mayor Hartwick said another note on the Capital Area Greenbelt - with our Comprehensive Plan – we hope to extend that from Harrisburg to Highspire and would like our Community Development coordinator to become a member of the Board and he asked Council to instruct Mr. Musser to inform Paula Sviben of this. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Donna Czeiner, Code Officer – Requesting permission to continue with the Code Procedure to bring Marks Atlantic and Steelton Auto into compliance with the Borough Codes. Mr. Wion said it is his understanding that these involve zoning issues. He asked to see the notices which were given to the two people mentioned. He said if there is enforcement action after there was no compliance after notices were sent, it is up to the Council to determine the course of action. The action will be to either move with a civil complaint because they are violating the ordinance, or some action through my office. 3 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002 Mr. Acri said that he met with Ms. Czeiner, Mark and the owner of Steelton Auto. He said he personally recommends that we go forward on this. Mr. Acri said that every time Ms. Czeiner tries to deal with them, they keep asking for more time and nothing gets done. On a motion by Mr. Acri, second by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Ms. Czeiner to file a complaint with the District Justice. Matthew O’Keefe, President, Zoning Hearing Board – Providing Council and the Mayor with the Zoning Hearing Board Decision on Mr. Rich Hart. Mr. Musser said the hearing was held on the 21st. He said the variance was approved by the Zoning Hearing Board and will be presented to Council after the required waiting period of thirty (30) days. Mr. Musser said a Council meeting is scheduled for May 6th if we need it, so we can address this then. He said if we don’t need to hold the second meeting in May, we won’t. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting April 15, 2002 Pa Department of Community and Economic Development – Requesting the Borough to execute the Agreement between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Steelton for the New Communities Program. Mayor Hartwick said this is the first award, since we have been accepted as a Main Street Community. The Mayor said this first award is in the amount of $5,000.00. Mr. Kovach thanked the Mayor, Mr. Musser and Mr. Wright for their leadership for a better Steelton. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize execution of the Agreement as presented. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the John & Donna Kyler Special Purpose Parking Application. Mr. Musser said hopefully we should have information by the May 6th meeting. He said Mrs. Kyler wanted the parking space located somewhere other than in front of their property, with the neighbor’s permission. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing council and the Mayor that Benjamin Klugh of 36 S. third Street has submitted a Special Purpose Parking application. Mr. Musser said this is for Council’s information. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the Cable Television Agreement with Comcast. Mr. Musser said that a copy of the Agreement was included in Council’s packet. He said that the transfer of the acquisition acquiring the AT & T system requires the Borough to allow them to transfer their Franchise Rights. Mr. Musser said a few years ago, we used Dan Cohen who is 4 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002 currently being retained by the Lower Dauphin Municipalities and at this point, it will cost each of the Communities between $500.00 and $1,000.00. He said the other Municipalities are on board. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Agreement, contingent upon Mr. Wion’s review and approval, and retain Mr. Cohen. Resolution 02-R-04 – Resolution establishing the filing of Ethics for the year of 2001 for Borough Public Officials and Public Employees. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 02-R-04 as presented. Mr. Musser – Recommending the approval of a Special Purpose Parking Space for Charlie Thaung of 615 South Front Street. On motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to Authorize Mr. Wion to prepare the Resolution for the May 6th meeting. Mr. Musser – Reminding Council that the Spring Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2002, from 7:00 a.m., to 3:00 p.m. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting April 15, 2002 Mayor Hartwick said the date has been changed to May 11, 2002. He asked if we will be allowd to use water for this. Mr. Musser said it is okay as long as the hose has a shut-off. Mr. Musser – Reminding Council of the meeting immediately following the Council meeting to discuss the Parade & Festival. Mr. Wion said that would be a continuation of this meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Acri – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters concerning Robert Gaither, Jr., Charles L. Miller, Jr., and other non-uniform union matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Frank Salinger, 32 N. Second Street – Mr. Salinger had some complaints about neighbors at 36 North Second Street. He said that he and his neighbors have called the police many times. He said there is one adult and many kids there. He said there are problems with the Boys & Girls Club, they can’t sit out on their front porch. Mr. Salinger said he thinks we should find out what is going on in there. Chief Lenker said they are watching the house and they are in the computer. Mayor Hartwick said this problem also existed when they lived on Third Street. He said since we have established a pattern, we need to have a no tolerance policy. 5 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002 Mrs. Salinger said she has young grandchildren and she doesn’t want them to hear the terrible language they use. She said she has to give up her life for those people. Mr. Salinger asked if there was any way we could send HUD a letter to let them know what is going on. Mr. Kovach said we will look into it and do whatever we can. Mr. Kovach deviated from the Agenda, to allow Mr. Bachik & Mr. Mileo, listed earlier on the Agenda, to make their presentation. Mr. Musser, Mr. Bachik & Mr. Mileo – discussion and presentations on the options available for the Park System Projects. Mr. Mileo and Mr. Musser presented the bids for the Park Systems Projects to Council and Mayor Hartwick, and all of the different options were discussed. During the discussion, Council Members agreed to cut numerous items, which were viewed as non-essential at this time. Mr. Musser informed Council that the grant for the project was $300,000, which was $150,000 grant money and $150,000 was the Borough’s matching funds. Mr. Musser said that the project, with the equipment and engineering costs, would bring the cost of the project over budget by about $100,000 to $120,000, even with removing some of the items. Mr. Musser said he is not an advocate of using the reserves, but would rather see the bond refinanced or some short-term borrowing considered. Mr. Kovach said he did not believe any of the cuts to the project would compromise it in anyway. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept the bid by Rogele, Inc., in the amount of $419,000, less the cuts decided by Council this evening. (Mr. Albert was excused at 8:00 p.m.) Council selected play structures for East End and Cottage Hill. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to reject the bid submitted by D. L. Stoner for the Park System Project, because the bid bond was incorrectly submitted and did not contain specific information as required in the bid specifications. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting April 15, 2002 Mr. Kovach resumed with the AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION portion of the meeting. Paula Sviben - Reported that Bethlehem Steel offered their parking lot between Locust and Trewick Streets. She said we could move the Festival off of Front Street and there would be no meter charges for parking on that day. Ms. Sviben said she approached the businesses and they liked the idea. She said she would also like to put in a gate to the parking lot at the alley between Turkey Hill and the old Flower shop for foot access. She said she is waiting for final approval from Bethlehem Steel Ms. Sviben said the parade route is from Hoffer Street to Trewick and the review stand will be at the Municipal Building. Ms. Sviben said that she has a confirmation from Kiss Radio from 2:00p.m to 4:00 p.m. and they will advertise the parade and festival in thirty (30) spots for the whole week prior to the events. She said that Hunter Hayes has confirmed, but the Polka Quads had a scheduling conflict. On Motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve Ms. Sviben’s proposals. 6 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002 Mr. Kovach thanked Ms. Sviben for her early efforts and encouraged her to keep up the good work. Mr. Musser – Received a letter from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks informing him that he was appointed to serve on the Public Relations & Marketing Committee for a period ending 2002-2003. Mr. Musser requested that Council inform him of what date would be the best for the Grand Opening of the Steelton Senior Center. Mr. Musser – Submitted Officer Shaub’s Traffic Study of River Alley from Eleanor to Brewster Streets. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve Officer Shaub’s recommendations and authorized Mr. Wion to prepare the Resolution. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council recessed into executive session at 8:28 p.m., to discuss personnel matters regarding Robert Gaither, Jr., Charles L. Miller, Jr., and other non-uniform union matters. The meeting reconvened at 8:55 p.m. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to appoint Michael Stone and Matthew O’Keefe to the Civil Service Commission. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Stone and Mr. O Keefe, have accepted the appointments because of vacancies, but request that Council try to find replacements for them. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2002-R-5 suspending Robert Gaither, Jr., for fifteen (15) days. Mr. Musser stated for the record that it was the consensus of Council Member present to have him sit down with the Non-Uniform Union and Mr. Charles Miller, Jr., to negotiate a pay increase for his position as Assistant Highway Foreman. Mr. Kovach said, for the record, that he would have voted for Ms. Sviben and Mrs. Sprow, but he Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting April 15, 2002 was sick and could not attend the last meeting. (There is a note that the is an addition from Dave Wion at the end and it is not on tape – it is not in my notes either) There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. 7 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002  Respectfully submitted, ______________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary _______________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Borough Secretary 8 Steelton Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2002