City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 15, 2002 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by the President, Michael J. Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael J. Kovach Albert Gornik Jeffrey Wright George Hartwick, III, Mayor Thomas Acri MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Jeffery Wrightstone David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the November 19, 2001, December 17, 2001, January 7, 2002, February 19, 2002, March 18, 2002, June 3, 2002 and the June 17, 2002 meetings were presented for approval. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approved the minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser said he had nothing to report at this time. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Schedule of Bills as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, and Senior Center Departmental Reports for June, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS:  Lila Shue, Owner of Steel Plate Bar/Restaurant, 183 South Front Street, Steelton – Introducing herself to Council & the Mayor and informing them of the type of establishment she is opening. Ms. Shue introduced herself and informed Council and those in the audience that she has a new business Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 in Steelton, with primarily a lunch and dinner menu and a little night life also. Ms. Shue said she hopes to draw new business into town. She said her sister owns some property in town and she is hoping to add a coffee shop, arcade and used car dealership. Mr. Kovach thanked Ms. Shue for coming to the Council meeting and welcomed her to Steelton. Jules Svidunovich, 337 Locust Street, Steelton – Letter explaining how the quality of life on Locust Street has deteriorated and the problems that are occurring on the Street. Chief Lenker said he has been running details and curfew details with extra officers on duty, and will continue to do so. He said there is also a problem in the 700 block of South Second Street. The Chief said that there is an East Side Crime Watch and crime has gone down. Mr. Kovach said the Borough is going to take a very active role in curtailing this loigering problem. Mr. Acri said he hopes all the Council will read this letter. He said he wants the audience to know that the Council is serious about resolving this issue. Michael Wanda, 17 Pine Street, Steelton – Requesting “No Parking” restrictions be placed in River Alley from the Borough parking lot to Pine Street. Mr. Wanda was expected to be present to discuss this, but he was not in the audience. Paul Kuder, III, Owner of Square One - Requesting “No Parking” restrictions be place in River Alley from the Borough parking lot to Pine Street. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker to do a traffic survey of the area in question. Mr. Musser – Informing Council and the Mayor that all budget requests for 2003 are due by August 10, 2002. There were no comments. Senator Jeffrey Piccola, Majority Whip, 15th District – Providing the Borough with a copy and an analysis of House Bill 2100 (Act 100 of 200) in regards to the Open Records Law. There were no comments. Sandra J. Roderick, Community Relations Coordinator, DEP – Informing the Borough that there is a Public Hearing for citizens to hear concerns in regards to the Harrisburg Incinerator. Mr. Musser suggested that this be placed in the next newsletter for public information. It was the consensus of Council Members to include it in the newsletter.  Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs’ Association – Informing the Borough that the next meeting is scheduled for July 30, 2002, at 6:30 p.m., at the Borough of Jonestown. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. LeRoy D. Kline, Jr., President, Delta Development Group, Inc. – Invitation to a Breakfast Reception in honor of Ed Rendell, on Wednesday, August 7, 2002, at 8:30 p.m., at the Offices of Delta Development. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend, should contact Mr. Musser. Carol J. Murphy, Council Secretary, St. Johns Church – Requesting permission to close North Second Street from Pine Street to Locust Street on September 14, 2002, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for their Annual Street Fair. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing the Borough with minutes from the June 18, 2002, meeting and other information. There were no comments. Phil Hrobak, Secretary, Steelton V.F.W., 747 North Front Street, Steelton – Letter questioning the need for a Building Permit to repair their air conditioning unit. Ms. Czeiner said that it was a $30,000, replacement job and Mr. Muretic did get the permit. Jay Smar, Jay Smar Traditional & Original Music – Thank you letter to Ms. Sviben, Borough Council and the Mayor for allowing him to perform at this year’s festival. There were no comments. Rodney V. Zwigart, Part-Time Police Officer – Letter of resignation from the Steelton Police Department, Effective June 30, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to accept Officer Zwigart’s resignation as presented. Mr. Acri asked Chief Lenker if he is going to replace Officer Zwigart. Chief Lenker said that he would like to talk to Council about that. Shanna Hawkins, 2690 South Third Street, Steelton – Letter of thanks to Officer Crawford and the Steelton Police Department for the Sponsorship of the 4.0 Program. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members Present voted unanimously to have the letter placed in Officer Crawford’s file.  James Stubljar, President & Marie Michtich-Morris, Assistant Director, Sveti Lovro Junior Tamburitzans – Requesting Council and the Mayor to provide a personal donation to support the Sveti Lovro (St. Lawrence) Junior Tamburitzans of Steelton. There were no comments. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Powell, II, Residents – Letter thanking Ms Czeiner for her Enforcement of the Borough Codes. Mary E. Miller, Paula & Joanne C. Chambers – Letter thanking Ms. Czeiner for helping with their Dog. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to have these letters placed in Ms. Czeiner’s personnel file. Raymond P. Zomok, P.E., Chief, soils & Waterways Section Water Management Program – Letter informing Borough Council that our Permit for the Boat Dock has been approved. Mr. Kovach stated that this is a big step for us. Adam Street Residents – Informing the Borough Council that tickets for the street sweeper need to be raised. There were no comments. Rev. John White, Sr., New Hope Living Baptist Church – requesting the Borough to eliminate or reduce the parade permit fee. There were no comments. Marilyn A. Zimmerman, 357 South 4th Street, Steelton – Letter expressing concern over the Borough’s new Trash and Recycling Contract. There were no comments. Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) – Providing the Borough with the 2001 Annual Report. There were no comments. Mr. Musser – Providing Council and the Mayor with information on the Brownfields 2002, Conference November 13-15. Mr. Musser said that with the things the Borough is going through with the Mill, someone from Council or Community Development should be attending it to get educated on the issue. MR. KOVACH DEVIATED FROM THE AGENDA: Mr. Conjar reported that Municipal Park should be completed in next two weeks and they should be moving to Cottage Hill to start work on the tot lot later this week. Mr. Kovach said he understands that some of our workers moved the water line, which is excellent. Ms. Czeiner said she has started working with Juvenile Probation. She said she has the juveniles picking up trash and have already completed all the playgrounds. Mr. Vance said that everything was in his report, he has nothing new to add. Mr. Wintergrass said that since we are back to four operators, we are getting caught up and everything is going great. Ms. Sviben said that the Borough is hosting the New Baldwin Corridor meeting tomorrow. She said that Tuesday, August, the East Side Crime Watch will hold a National Night Out., from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and everything is free. Ms. Sviben said that they did a great job putting everything together. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 Ms. Sviben said that the Festival numbers are not in yet. She said that the Main Street will have a meting with the core group once they are designated, on July 30th. Mr. Kovach said that if anyone is interested please let Council know. Donna Czeiner said we need some Planning and Zoning members to fill the vacancies. Chief Lenker said they are very busy this year. Mr. Kovach said Council will address that before we leave tonight. Mr. Acri asked Ms. Sviben if she could send council an e-mail to remind them about the National Night Out. Ms. Sviben said she would. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the Route 230 Project. Mr. Musser said he received updated information from PennDOT, which he distributed to Council Members this evening. He noted that the cost estimate is reduced from $204,000 to $169,637.96. Mr. Musser reminded Council Members that the Borough will sign the contract, bid the project out and pay the contractor from our reserve fund and once the project is complete we will bill PennDOT. He said we should be reimbursed in about six (6) weeks, from the time we bill them. Mr. Musser said there is also the option of borrowing on a credit line, if we didn’t want to use our reserves. He noted that Council has already approved this. Mr. Musser said that Gannett –Fleming is designing the project and the bid specs will be given to Chief Lenker and Mr. Conjar to review. Mr. Musser – Requesting Council to execute an Agreement to participate in the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs’ CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wrightstone, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the execution of the Agreement, as presented. Chief Lenker – Providing some suggestions in regards to permits for the storage of motor vehicles. Chief Lenker said that he has been experiencing several problems with the vehicle storage permits. He said that people who are not residents of the Borough are getting permits to store vehicles in the Borough and permits are being extended over and over again. The Chief said he faxed his concerns and recommendations to Mr. Wion for his review and Mr. Wion said that we can’t change anything. Mr. Musser asked Mr. Wion to comment. Mr. Wion addressed the question of restricting the permits to residents. He said this concerns vehicles being stored on private property in the Borough. Mr. Wion said that if the person is repairing the vehicle, that is fine. He said if it is abandoned, the Police or Codes Department doesn’t have to issue the permit. He said the person has to convince the Police or Codes Department that the request is legitimate to renew it and at any time the police or codes could say no. Mr. Wion said that all fees for non-taxed items, that is for services, must be equated with what it costs us, so the Borough couldn’t justify increasing the fees for the second or third permit. Mr. Musser concluded that the best way to curtail this problem is to be restrictive in issuing the permit. Mr. Wion added that the Borough has a whole list of what consists of nuisances and the only reason to issue the permit is if you can believe that these conditions are being corrected. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 RESOLUTION 2002-R-12 – A Resolution establishing a Zone for Loading and Unloading Vehicles between the hours of 7:00 a.m., and 11:30 A.M., Sundays in Front of 723 North Front Street, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-12, as presented. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the Special Purpose Parking application from Izola Robinson of 144 Lincoln Street. Mr. Musser said that he has to get permission from the neighbor at 142 Lincoln Street to allow Ms. Robinson to have ten (10’) feet of frontage. Mr. Musser said when he gets that, he will bring it to Council for their consideration. ORDINANCE 2002-1 – An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Steelton, Chapter 94, “Streets and Sidewalks”, Article III, “Obstructions”, Section 94-20, “Obstructions of Streets and Sidewalks Prohibited”, Subparagraph B, to permit food and beverage establishments to use certain areas of pavement or foot walks of streets or alleys for the purpose of placing café style tables and chairs in said areas, was presented for Council’s consideration. Mr. Wright asked what the handicap accessibility requirements are. Mr. Wion said that right now the Borough has a provision for all but forty-eight (48”) inches of the side walk. Mr. Wion said he hasn’t ever read any sidewalk requirements and doesn’t know if there are any maximum limitations. He said he doesn’t believe it violates any ADA requirements. Dr. Szada said she doesn’t have a problem with using all but forty-eight (48”) inches, but questioned if the Borough wants to have the times listed as sunrise to sunset. Mr. Kovach said he believes that Council agreed that we would like to see how this works first, then revisit it. Mr. Musser said that Council could adopt it now, since it has been advertised. Mr. Acri asked if this complies with the liquor laws. Chief Lenker said that places with a liquor license are permitted to serve outside the establishment as long as they are on their property. Mr. Acri asked if the Borough has some kind of guidelines for the kind of tables that are put out. Chief Lenker said it only regulates the size of tables. Mr. Wion said there is no basis for regulating the color or style of tables and chairs. On a motion by Mr. Wrightstone, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2002-1 as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Chief Lenker – Requesting permission to purchase a police vehicle now instead of in 2004, to save 3% of the cost of the vehicle. Chief Lenker said the Borough won’t have to pay for the vehicle until September or October, when the vehicle comes in. Mr. Wrightstone asked how often we rotate the vehicles. Chief Lenker said every other year for the patrol cars, if we can. Mr. Kovach noted that with the Chief’s plan, we are saving in vehicle repair costs. Mr. Wright inquired about the status of the crime scene van and asked the Chief which was needed most. Chief Lenker said he needs a patrol car more. He said we did get a used van. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a new Police Vehicle, as requested. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the need for more police officers or at least more part-time officers. Mr. Musser said that we have five (5) part-time officers and in the past we had eight (8). Mr. Musser said that he and the Chief adding three (3) more part-time officers in addition to filling Officer Zwigart’s vacancy, for a total of nine (9) part-time officers. Mr. Musser said that way the Borough could put the more officers on the street for less money. Mr. Musser said that he and the Chief also discussed applying for a Cops Grant again. He said that the call volume has gone up again and it is a quality of life issue. Mr. Kovach said that after talking to the Chief, Mr. Musser and other Council Members, he has no problem with getting additional part-time officers. He asked if there are any resources or any way we can have someone else take charge of juveniles who we have to bring in. Chief Lenker said the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police support a central booking station, but it is a political and money issue. Chief Lenker asked if the Mayor was okay with this. Mr. Kovach said that Council will be sure to contact him and he was sure that the Mayor would support it. Chief Lenker said it would cost about $2,400, for each new part-time officer. Mr. Wrightstone asked if that would mean that three part-time officers would be on each shift. Chief Lenker said that he would like to use them during the 3-11 and the power shift, which is 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. the Chief said he would like to advertise for part-time officers to get a list together. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Musser to advertise for part-time police officers, as requested. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – 2001 Borough Audit. Mr. Musser said that the Borough’s Auditors presented the 2001 Audit report and give the borough a very good grade. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept the December 31, 2001 Audit, as presented. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street. Ms. Douglas informed Council that the National Crime Watch night out will be August 6th and said that she would like to have Council more involved. Mr. Kovach said that Council supports the program, but with all the other meetings they must attend, they can’t always attend the Crime Watch meetings, but they certainly support it. Dr. Szada asked when the meetings were held. Ms. Douglas said they are held the second Monday of the month, in Council Chambers. She said that Tuesday, August 6th is National Crime Watch Night Out, at Bessemer and Harrisburg Streets, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dr. Szada asked Ms. Douglas to remind her and she’ll be there. Ms. Douglas said she has been hearing about people wanting to move out because of kids and things but the housing isn’t good either. She said that 310 Lincoln Street is falling down. She said it is next door to her son and asked if Council could find money to tear it down. She said the owner is not doing anything about this. Mr. Wright asked Ms. Douglas if she contacted the Code Officer. Ms. Douglas said nothing is being done. Mr. Acri said that at the next Council meeting, we should not let Department Heads leave Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 early so they could answer these questions. Mr. Kovach said he’ll make some calls tomorrow. Maxine Mitchell asked why these people can’t be put in jail if they don’t do anything. Mr. Wion responded that the problem is that these issues aren’t criminal. He said that property issues are civil in nature. Mr. Wion said that the Borough has to go to Court to have it declared a public nuisance and it is a very long and difficult process. We would have to get an engineer to say that it is in danger of falling down. Mr. Wion explained the process involved in getting this type of problem resolved. Ms. Mitchell asked about the snakes and mice. Mr. Wion said the place could be boarded up and have some kind of vector control to remove the pests. Mr. Kovach said he didn’t know what the Code Officer has done to date, but will make a call tomorrow. He said we will do whatever is in our ability to correct the problem. Robin Kissler, 308 Angle Avenue said that there is a storm drain on North Third Street which doesn’t have a grate over it and has been missing for awhile. Mr. Kovach said Mr. Conjar will be informed of this. Wanda Johnson, 343 South 4th Street said that from Fourth Street there is a child who is hurting people’s property. She said Mr. Lopez didn’t want to come down because this child retaliates. She said she tried to befriend him, since he doesn’t have a mother. Ms. Johnson said she talked to the child’s dad who says he will take care of it, but he doesn’t. Mr. Kovach commended Ms. Johnson for coming to the Council with the problem and asked her to give Chief Lenker the information. Maxine Mitchell, 420 Ridge Street – said that behind her in the woods she has been finding things like couches and toilets dumped illegally for quite awhile. Mr. Kovach responded that this is the first time Council is hearing about this. He asked her to call the codes office as soon as she is aware of a problem. Ron Powell, 402 Pine Street said it is very noisy at the intersection of Pine and Harrisburg Streets, and would like the noise ordinance to be enforced more. He said he is not complaining about traffic noise, he is talking about music. Jim Moser said he just received his school taxes and they went up 65% and the Borough’s went up 64% and asked if the Borough got a windfall. Mr. Musser responded that the law says that the Borough could realize no more than a 10% increase, so when we did the budget we used 9.2%, not the full 10% allowed. He said the Borough did not see a windfall, it only reflects 9.2% and we have an 8% delinquency rate. Mr. Musser said the Mr. Moser’s increase must be because his property was really under-assessed. Mr. Moser asked if the school has the same limit. Mr. Musser replied that it does during a re- assessment. Mr. Musser said that he didn’t get many calls in February when the Borough taxes went out, but he has received a lot more since the school taxes went out. He stated that the Borough’s mileage is 4.4 and the School District’s is 20 mils. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Acri thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and thanked Ms. Sviben and Mr. Musser for a great job on the Pre-Independence Day parade and festival. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting July 15, 2002 Dr. Szada said she was glad to see everyone here tonight and nice to see the young people.  Mr. Kovach thanked everyone for coming this evening. He said that Council tries to do their best, but they need the resident’s help. He told the students that Council would answer their questions during the recess, prior to the executive session. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss Public Works Personnel matters, at 8:08 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:38 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Charles L. Miller as Assistant Foreman in the Highway Department, with an increase of $.50 an hour. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wrightstone, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary _____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Borough Secretary