City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting November 18, 2002 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by the Vice-President, Jeffrey Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffrey Wright Michael Kovach Thomas Acri Jeffrey Wrightstone Albert Gornik MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Mayor George Hartwick, III David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the Budget Meetings of October 28, 2002, and November 5, 2002, 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. Acri, 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 Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Gornik, 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 October, as presented. Mr. Wright deviated from the Agenda so Mayor Hartwick could swear in the police officers who were promoted to Sergeant. Mayor Hartwick informed everyone that Officers John King, Scott Spangler and David Crawford were promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and were officially sworn in on October 29, 2002. The Mayor then administered the oath of office to each officer. (NOTE: This was for ceremonial purposes.) PRESENTATION: Mayor Hartwick presented a Proclamation to 5-year-old Michael Intreri for his outstanding actions by calling 911 during a recent fire at his home. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Eugene Vance, III, Fire Chief – Requesting Steelton Borough Council swear in the new Steelton Fire Police Members. Mayor Hartwick then administered the oaths of office to John Brandt, John Friese and Bruce Elliot Commissioner John D. Payne, HATS Secretary – Invitation to the upcoming meetings. There were no comments. Martin Nevil, Chairman, Dauphin County Local Emergency Planning Committee – Informing the borough that the Drought Emergency has been lifted, effective November 7, 2002. There were no comments. Deborah K. Purvis – Letter of thanks to Sergeant John N. King of the Steelton Police Department, for all of his help with her domestic violence case. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council Members present voted unanimously to have the letter placed in Sergeant King’s personnel file. Daniel S. Cohen, President, Cohen Telecommunications Law Group – Providing Council with an update on the Cable Franchise Extension for Comcast Cable Compliance Review and System Upgrade. There were no comments. Lisa Atkinson Brown, Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs and Development – Providing the Borough with DCED’s Interpretation of the August 22, 2002, PA Supreme Court’s Decision on applicability of Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act. There were no comments. Leroy D. Kline, Jr., President, Delta Development Group, Inc.- Providing the Borough with Governor-Elect Rendell’s New Economic Development Plan for Pennsylvania. There were no comments. Eugene Vance, III, Fire Chief & Brian G. Handley, Assistant Fire Chief – Requesting Council approve the promotion of Victor Brubacher and Richie Miller to Battalion Chiefs, effective December 1, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the promotion of Victor Brubacker and Richie Miller to Battalion Chiefs, effective December 1, 2002, as requested by Chief Vance & Handley. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 Timothy A. Zechman, Part-Time Police Officer – Informing Borough Council, Mayor Hartwick and Chief Lenker that he must resign his position as Part-time Police Officer in the Borough of Steelton, effective November 10, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Officer Zechman’s resignation effective November 10, 2002. Robert Garraty, President, New Baldwin Corridor – Informing the Borough of the Second Community Development Workshop on Tuesday, November 26th, at the Wildwood Conference Center, HACC from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Wright said that anyone who wants to attend the workshop should contact Mr. Musser. Eric Joseph Epstein, Chairman, Three Mile Island Alert – Requesting the Borough to submit comments in support of TMIA’s petition for rulemaking to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory commission to include all Nursery Schools and Day Care Centers in the Federally Required Radiological Emergency Readiness Plans. There were no comments. Ross E. Seltzer, owner of 600 South Second Street, Steelton, Pa., informing the Borough of the parking problems with his apartment building at 600 South Second Street. Mr. Wright said this will be forwarded to Chief Lenker and Mr. Conjar for their review and recommendations Commissioner John D. Payne, Chairman, Dauphin County Commissioners – Informing the Borough of the success of New County Voluntary Recycling Drop-Off Depots Program. There were no comments. Reverend Dr. W. Braxton Cooley, Sr., Pastor, and Sis. Ludella V. Alsop, Church Clerk, First Baptist Church – Letter of Thanks to Mayor Hartwick, Borough Council, Mr. Musser & Chief Lenker for all their help and support of the recent Pa Baptist State Convention. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to have a copy of the letter placed in Chief Lenker and Mr. Musser’s personnel files. New Baldwin Corridor Coalition (NBCC) – Providing the Borough with a copy of October 15, 2002 meeting minutes There were no comments. Charles D. Gassert, Executive Director, Redevelopment Authority of Dauphin County – Informing the Borough that the 2002 CDBG Funds have been drawn down and that the Projects can now proceed. There were no comments. David E. Black, President & CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber Informing the Borough that the Chamber has received authorization by the PA Department of Community & Economic Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 Development to pursue the feasibility of establishing a Technology Corridor Enterprise Zone (EZ) from Hershey to Shippensburg. Mayor Hartwick said that they would like to include the Borough in this project to lure technology companies to the region. He said that this will not cost the Borough anything and we could gain a lot. The Mayor asked that Council consider this before the new administration comes on. Paul E. Wintergrass, IV, Superintendent of Water Filtration and Lab – Providing Council with the PT Study Test report for Chromo/Fluoro and a Certificate of Attendance for Jack Kutz for a Waterworks Operator Certification Review Workshop. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to place the Certificate in Mr. Kutz’s file. Jane McGarrity, Daughter of Margaret Gould – thanking the Borough for their thoughtfulness at the time of her mother’s passing. Mr. Wright noted that Mrs. Gould was the previous Assistant Borough Secretary-Treasurer. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Peman Hampton, Jr. – Informing the Borough that he is bidding on the vacancy in the Highway Department. Mr. Musser noted that no one else bid on the vacancy. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to approve Peman Hampton, Jr.’s bid to fill the vacancy in the Highway Department, effective as soon as we fill his vacancy.  Mr. Musser – Providing the Borough with the actual rate increase from the City of Harrisburg in respect to Sewage charges. Mr. Musser reminded Council that at the Budget meeting, he had informed them that we would be getting a Sewer Rate increase from the City, but at that time they didn’t know the amount. Mr. Musser said that a meeting was scheduled for next Tuesday evening at Lower Paxton Municipal Building to review the sewer increase with the other municipalities it will affect. Mr. Musser said he will attend the meeting. Mr. Musser said he doesn’t think we will have to raise our sewer rates at this time. Mr. Wright asked that if any Council Members would like to attend the meeting with Mr. Musser, they should let him know. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with Special Purpose Parking Requests from William Crystal of 203 Pine Street & Dale F. Biesecker of 2620 S. Third St. Mr. Musser said this is for Council’s information. He said these will be presented at the December 2, 2002 Council meeting. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 Mr. Musser – Requesting Council to approve the execution of the Borough of Steelton Police Pension Trust Agreement and Amended Mellon Bank, N.A. Agreement. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the execution of the Trust Agreement and the amended Agreement as presented. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with the Cost-of-Living study for the Borough of Steelton Non-Uniformed Employees Pension Plan. Mr. Musser noted that Council had copies of the cost of living increases from 1% to 5% for the non-uniform retired employees, to take effect on January 1, 2003. Mr. Musser asked Council which percentage increase they favored. He said the material he gave to Council show the dollar amounts associated with each percentage and the impact it has on the Borough’s contributions. After discussion, on motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members voted to give a 5% cost of living increase to the non-uniformed retired employees, and have Mr. Wion prepare the Resolution to be presented at the December 2, 2002 Council meeting. William V. Harbeson, Executive Director, Capital Tax Collection Bureau – Informing the Borough of Changes to the Bureau’s Earned Income Tax Regulations. Mr. Musser said that Credit Plus currently collects our delinquent Personal taxes and he is recommending that the Borough appoint the Capital Tax Collection Bureau as the Borough’s delinquent personal tax collector beginning in 2003. Mr. Musser said that in the proposal, they request a change to our Tax Collection Ordinance. Mr. Musser said that if Council agrees, Mr. Wion could prepare the necessary ordinance for the December 2, 2002 Council meeting. William V. Harbeson, Executive Director, Capital Tax Collection Bureau – Informing the borough of changes to the Bureau’s Earned Income Tax Regulations. Mr. Musser said that he recommends the Borough comply with the changes and if Council is in agreement, the necessary Resolution will be presented at the next meeting. PSAB – Informing the Borough Elected Officials of a New Group Term Life Insurance Policy Program. Mr. Wright asked Council to consider this. ADDITIONS: Mr. Musser said there were several additions to the agenda. 1) New Baldwin Corridor Coalition – News Release regarding the Community Development Workshop November 26, 2002, which was addressed earlier. 2) Borough of Steelton Bureau of Fire – Activities for October and November. 3) Donna Czeiner – Requesting Council to look at Swatara Township’s ordinance on cellular towers. Mr. Musser said that this topic was discussed in the Community Development meeting. Ms. Czeiner said Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 that the Borough doesn’t have any regulations on cellular towers at this time. Mr. Wion said that back in 1999, when this was a hot issue before Council, they approved that the Swatara Township Ordinance be sent to the Planning Commission for their recommendation to council. Mr. Wion said he doesn’t think this was ever done. He said this should be sent to them. Mr. Musser said that he believes this all occurred around the time that Mr. Marroquin was ill. He said he will forward a copy of the Swatara Township Ordinance to the Planning Commission for review and recommendations. Dr. Szada asked if there has been any health studies done. Mr. Wion said that this has been dealt with extensively and he doesn’t believe that this is an issue any more. Mr. Musser said he will contact Ms. Czeiner tomorrow. 4) Memo from Paula Sviben – Regarding Dynamic Site Framework. Ms. Sviben said that the Borough of Steelton is the smallest of six (6) Municipalities selected to attend a demonstration of the Dynamic Site Framework. She said our website could be hosted by the County at no charge to us at present. Ms. Sviben said the single web server could host multiple websites. Ms. Sviben said she was very impressed with the demonstration. She explained some of the details of the program and training and requested that Council approve the use of the DSF Site to create and host our website. Ms. Sviben also informed Council Members that the Federal Government has just made the URL.gov available to all municipal governments. She recommended that we register it for Steelton, just so no one else will use it. She said we don’t have to use it, our address would still be steeltonpa.com. Mayor Hartwick added that this is a great opportunity to save money and increase information to people. The Mayor commended Ms. Sviben for all she has done for the Borough, particularly in the area of technology and this project. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the use of the Dynamic Site Framework Site to create and host our web site. Mayor Hartwick said that there will be a meeting with representatives from the turnpike tomorrow. He said that hopefully the boat dock will become a reality in the spring of next year. Mayor Hartwick also said that we are providing training in the police department on several issues in the community. He said we are going to develop a community based response team, made up of clergy and community leaders to deal with problems before they become police issues. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an executive session to discuss the Dauphin County Board of Assessment’s decision in regards to the Borough’s appeals of the Bethlehem Steel parcels and Bethlehem Steel’s appeals and land acquisition issues. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Michael Sucec, 14 Pine Street - Mr. Sucec said after an incident at Turkey Hill between himself and three officers, he got a copy of the loitering ordinance. He said the ordinance is very vague so that leaves it open to interpretation by the police officers. He also said that it does not afford him to speak to his side. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 Jean Barr, 346 B Locust St. - Ms. Barr asked Chief Lenker if the loitering is getting any better since the children are in school and it is getting colder. Chief Lenker responded that it is better. Ms. Barr said that the last time that the children had a half day and they were all hanging out on Front Street and the Boys & Girls Club was closed. Chief Lenker said he called the club house and was told that they were supposed to open but the person was late. He said it was a mistake and shouldn’t happen again. Mary Burnett, 242 Ridge St. – Ms. Burnett asked who was responsible for wild animals. She said that wild cats run around. Chief Lenker said that the police do not have jurisdiction over cats. Mr. Wright suggested that Ms. Burnett contact the code office for information. Mr. Sucec , 14 Pine St. - Mr. Sucec said that he was arrested at the Pre-Independence Parade and there was a lack of communication between three police officers and himself. He said he wasn’t afforded the opportunity to give his side of the story. Mr. Wright told Mr. Sucec that he may file a complaint form if he believes he was treated unfairly. Mr. Sucec said he has filed an appeal and the court will decide. He said he the point he wanted to make was that the loitering ordinance is very vague and the police officers are abusing their authority. Mr. Sucec continued on a variety of subjects and Mr. Wright informed him that his time to address the Council has expired. Mayor Hartwick said that he was contacted by Mr. Kitch , who said that he met with Swatara Township and the Steelton Police to discuss jurisdiction at the high school. He said it is in the early stages and just wanted to let Council know about the discussion. He also said that they talked about having a full-time police officer at the school to be paid for with grant funds. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Albert – Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mr. Acri - Wished employees and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mr. Wright - Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and announced that the December Council meeting would be held on December 2, 2002. On motion by Mr. Gornik seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss the Dauphin County Board of Assessment’s decision regarding the Borough’s appeals of the Bethlehem Steel’s appeals and land acquisition issues, at 7:42 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:22 p.m. Mr. Musser said Donna Czeiner requested permission to attend classes at the Fire Academy in January. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, Council members present voted unanimously to deny the request. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting November 18, 2002 ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Gornik, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary _____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Borough Secretary