City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 20, 2002 The regular Council 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 Michael Albert Thomas Acri Jeffrey Wrightstone Jeffrey Wright Mayor Hartwick Albert Gornik MaryJo Szada David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary PUBLIC COMMENT: On Agenda Items Only There were no comments. MINUTES: There were no minutes presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: Mr. Musser said he had nothing to report at this time. SCHEDULE OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS: On 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: On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement and Senior Center Reports for April, as presented ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Mr. Musser presented to following additions to the Agenda: Communication from Dauphin County Commissioners – invitation to the Grand Opening of the Dauphin County Administration Building, 2 S. Second Street, Harrisburg, Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Musser said anyone who wishes to attend should let him know.  Communication from Richard Lehigh – Parking at Casa Cica, and concerns about bleachers at the Midget Field. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting May 20, 2002 Mr. Musser said that he forwarded this to Council and Department Heads. He said Chief Lenker will look at the parking situation and Mr. Conjar will address the issue of the bleachers at the Midget Field. Certificate of Recognition from the Pa Department of Environmental Protection recognizing the outstanding efforts of the Steelton Borough Water Authority for meeting all MCL, Monitoring, Reporting and Treatment Technique Performance Requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Program during 2001. Communication from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs - Information on the new Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and how it will affect us. Mr. Musser said he responded with a letter of interest in order to get more information on the Regional Codes Program, listing Ms. Czeiner and himself as contact persons. Resolution 2002-R-10 – establishing no parking in North River alley between Eleanor to Brewster Streets. Summer Per-Diem Applications. – Mr. Musser said that four (4) applications were received for three (3) openings. Mr. Musser said he discussed them with Mr. Conjar and his recommendation is to hire Mr. Bosak, Mr. Crist and Mr. Mummert. Mr. Musser said this would be effective June 10th, at a maximum rate of $8.00 per hour. Mr. Musser said their time would be divided three ways – Water, Sewer and General Fund, to work with the Public Works Department. Mr. Wright said that once these applicants are hired, he would like to address the situation with the Borough trash cans. Mr. Musser said we will try to determine if the trash company is abusing them. Proposal to Provide Professional Services to the Borough of Steelton to study the possible connection of Second Street to “R” Street. Mr. Musser said he and Mr. Conjar met with HRG this morning. He said that Mr. Conjar recommends that we try a few more things and see if it works and if they don’t, then we can do the study. Mr. Conjar said he explained to Mr. Linta that the water isn’t coming from the Street any more. Mr. Acri mentioned Second and Mohn and Mr. Musser said that will be addressed. COUNCIL CONCERNS FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS: Mr. Acri - asked Mr. Conjar if he could put it on the schedule this summer to clean the Locust Street Steps once a week. Mr. Kovach said to make sure they follow the safety rules and have proper equipment. Mr. Kovach said that any Borough employees who are doing an unsafe job can be stopped. Mr. Acri asked Mr. Wintergrass how the newest Filtration Plant employee was working out. Mr. Wintergrass said he is doing great. Mr. Wintergrass and Mr. Conjar were dismissed at 6:51 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS: Willie and Mamie Edmonds, 160 Ridge Street – Letter to Mayor Hartwick requesting assistance to build housing units on Ridge Street. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting May 20, 2002 There were no comments. Shirley Gallagher, Administrator, Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging – Informing the Borough that the funding for 2002-2—3, funding for the Senior Center is $33,000.00. There were no comments. Cantone’s Downtown – Invitation to the Pre-Opening Celebration Tuesday, May 21, 2002, from 5:30 p.m., to 9:00 p.m. There were no comments. Elizabeth Ann Phillips, Planning Commission Member, 53 S. Second Street. – Informing Council that, due to other obligations and time restraints, she must resign from her position as a Steelton Borough Planning Commission Member. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to accept Mrs. Phillips resignation as presented. Jonathan G. Williams, Fire Chief, HIA – Letter of thanks to Chief Vance and the Steelton Volunteer Fire Department during the recent funeral services for Mac McCall. There were no comments. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Providing the Borough with seminars on: Bringing Vitality Back to Downtown; the Role of Design in the Revitalization Process; Geographic Information Systems and Police Civil Service. Mr. Kovach said anyone who is interested in attending should contact Mr. Musser. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Informing Mr. Musser that he has completed the Certified Borough Official Program. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to place the letter in Mr. Musser’s file.  Brownfield’s 2002 – Invitation to the Annual conference on November 13-15, 2002 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC. Mr. Kovach said anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Mr. Musser said that somebody should eventually attend one of these because we have to deal with Bethlehem Steel area. He said some of these are a lot closer than this. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing Council with minutes from the April 16, 2002 meeting. There were no comments. Steve Shaver – Letter of thanks for the flowers sent to him when his father passed away. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting May 20, 2002 There were no comments UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council of the Dates and Times of the Summer Basketball League run by Mr. Lewis at the Bailey Street Basketball Courts. Mr. Musser said this is for Council’s information. There were no comments. Resolution 2002-R-9 – Resolution adopting an addendum to the AFSCME Agreement dated October 15, 2001, amending Article 7, entitled “Sick Leave”. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2002-R-9, as presented. Resolution 2002-R-10 - Resolution establishing as a ‘No Parking” zone North River Alley, East and West side from Eleanor Street to Brewster Street. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2002-R-10, as presented. Summer Per Diem Employment Mr. Acri said we received applications from the following: Donald Mummert, Highspire; James Crist, Steelton, Dauphin County Vo-tech; Josh Bosak, Steelton, Sophomore, Bishop McDevitt; Christopher Blaze, Middletown. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to hire Mr. Mummert, Mr. Crist, and Mr. Bosak, starting June 10th, at the rate of $8.00 per hour. Dr. Szada said there was a young man in her office who was interested in the position but he didn’t have a driver’s license. She asked why the notice stipulated that applicants must be sixteen (16) and have a driver’s license. Mr. Musser said that in the past we haven’t always stuck with that, but we wanted to start there since it would be advantageous for the Borough. Dr. Szada asked if next the age could be lowered next year. It was the consensus of Council Members present to try that next year. HRG, Inc. – Alignment Study. Mr. Musser asked for a motion to table the matter per Mr. Conjar’s recommendation. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council Members present voted unanimously to table the matter per Mr. Conjar’ recommendation. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the land beside Capital City Cab. Mr. Musser said that Chief Lenker addressed the situation to have the cars removed. Mr. Watkins said their documents show lots six (6) and seven (7) as being Borough Property and the grassy area as Bethlehem Steel Property. Mr. Watkins said they will allow the Borough to file a quick claim deed for that grassy area. Mr. Musser said we could also contact the bus company to but a shelter and install a fence to prevent the cab company from parking there. Mr. Musser said he will give everything to Dave Wion to Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting May 20, 2002 research the information Mr. Watkins forwarded to us. Mr. Musser said we have to let Mr. Watkins know if we are interested. Mr. Wion said we may have a problem with the building encroaching on the property. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to send a letter of interest of Robert Watkins and have Mr. Wion look into the matter. Mr. Musser – Execution of the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Rogele, Inc., for the Park Improvement Projects. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council members present voted unanimously to execute the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Rogele, Inc., in the amount of $332,995.00, for construction of three Parks, Cottage Hill, East End and Municipal, for construction only, not for the equipment. Mr. Acri asked if the money was available. Mr. Musser said most of it. He said the Borough has to come up with approximately $90,000.00. Mr. Musser said he has approached Mr. Piccola for money. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Piccola had approached him about getting the Borough $50,000.00. Mr. Musser said he thinks we can come up with the balance. Mr. Musser – Reminding Council of the New Baldwin Corridor Coalition Community Development Workshop on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, from 4:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m., at Wildwood conference Center, HACC. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Acri, Mr. Kovach, Mr. Wright, Ms Sviben, Mayor Hartick and he planned to attend. Mr. Wright said that Ms. Czeiner won’t be able to make it. Mr. Musser said that anyone who isn’t on the Committee may attend, just let him know. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council and the Mayor that Jill M. Perez of 232 Elm Street has submitted a Special Purpose Parking Application. Mr. Musser said this was for council’s information. Chief Lenker – discussion in regards to the parking problem with the Senior Center on Wednesday’s during fitness class. Mr. Wright said he talked to Chief Lenker and Mrs. Penica, and they Seniors may park on Second Street on Wednesday without being ticketed for the Street Sweeper. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There was none. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Gornik – asked about the news paper article on the Main Street Manager. Mr. Musser said the article is pretty accurate. He said when we apply for the second year, funding is basically for the Main Street Manager for four years. Mr. Musser said he put something in Council’s mail boxes about the Main Street Program. He said it is very competitive and a long hard road, but if we get through the first year, it is worthwhile. Mr. Wright said the Community Development Committee and the Personnel Committee will be working on that over the next few months and report back to Council Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting May 20, 2002 . Mr. Wright – said he and Mr. Acri will be walking down town with Ms. Czeiner on Thursday, if anyone has anything to check. Let them know. Mr. Acri – wished everyone a safe holiday. Mr. Kovach – thanked Council for their commitment to this Borough. Mr. Wright – said he attended the School Board Meeting and Dr. Kitch had some nice things to say about the way Council works together. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary _____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Secretary