City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 2, 2002 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Council-President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach MaryJo Szada Jeffrey Wright Mayor George Hartwick, III Thomas Acri Albert Gornik Michael Albert 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 November 18, 2002 Council Meeting, 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. Wright, 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 November, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: David E. Black, President & CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber – Informing the Borough that the Chamber has received authorization by the Pa Department of Community & Economic Development to pursue the feasibility of establishing a Technology Corridor Enterprise Zone (EZ) from Hershey to Shippensburg. Mr. Black was present and Mr. Kovach invited him to address the Council. Mr. Black said that the Enterprise Zone Program expired last year, but was given an extension. He said Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 they want to identify the areas here in town. He said they are looking at the Bethlehem Steel Property. He said they received a planning grant from DCED to pursue this initiative. He said it is not exclusive to technology, but that is what they are focusing on. Mr. Black said they are looking at the quality of life in the area. He said they have seen more of an interest in areas like this. Mr. Black said it is an ideal area. He distributed information and maps. He said he will e-mail Mr. Musser their presentation to DCED. Mr. Black said the program provides low-interest financing and tax break incentives. He said that the program doesn’t require any tax forgiveness like the Keystone Zone. Mr. Black said he would appreciate a letter of support from the Borough. Mr. Wion asked Mr. Black to provide him with the statutory authority or basis for the Enterprise Zone. Mr. Black said there is no statutory basis for this. He said the program is from the early 1980’s, and he will be happy to provide Mr. Wion with this information. On a motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for the program. Chief Vance – Providing Council with a copy of the Truck Fund Letter for their review. There were no changes made to the letter. Chief Lenker – Providing Council with Certificates of Completion for a class in Police and Minority Community relations. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to place the certificates in the respective employee’s files. Laurel A. Wilson, Borough Manager, Borough of Highspire – Informing Steelton Borough Council that Highspire Borough Council, at their Regular November Council Meeting, voted unanimously not to discuss a merger with Steelton at this time. Mr. Kovach said that Mayor Shenk went out on a limb addressing this issue. He said the Mayor Shenk has some foresight and hopes that everyone puts personal differences aside and do what is best for the communities. Daniel S. Robinson, Director, Dauphin County Office of Community & Economic Development – Providing the Mayor& Council with an economic update for Dauphin County. There were no comments.  Capital Area Greenbelt Association – Invitation to the Capital Area Greenbelt Association Annual Meeting/Elections Holiday Party Wednesday, December 18th, at 6:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should let Mr. Musser know. Allfirst Bank – Invitation to the Allfirst Wealth Management’s Holiday Reception on Thursday, December 12, 2002, from 6 p.m., to 8 p.m., at the Whitaker Center. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should let Mr. Musser know. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the potential expansion of the Keystone Opportunity Zone Program. Mr. Musser said that they are anticipating that the State may open the window for participation in the program. He said the reason they approached us is to see if there is any interest again. Mr. Musser said that it is tough to justify a Keystone Zone at this time. He said the benefit might be that once you are in the program, you might be able to expand the area to include the Borough owned properties, which are already tax exempt. Mr. Musser said it would not be feasible to include the Bethlehem Steel Property. He added that he isn’t even sure that it will even be opened. Mr. Kovach asked everyone to think about it to discuss this at the next meeting. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that on Monday, December 16, 2002, at 7:00 p.m., at the Home Association, Mayor Hartwick will be presenting Karen Hoover with a Proclamation for all of her Community Service. There were no comments. Lisa M. Wiedeman-Krosnar – Letter of thanks for having Swatara Street paved. There were no comments. Paul E. Wintergrass, IV, Superintendent of Water Filtration Plant & Lab – Informing Council that Jack E. Kutz has obtained his Class A., Type 1 water system License as of October 1, 2002. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to place this in Mr. Kutz’s file. Rick Wynn, Human Service Director & Ramona Thompson, Family Service System Reform Coordinator, Dauphin County - Providing the Mayor & Council with information on the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention efforts as well as testimony and themes gathered through various Delinquency Prevention Forums. There were no comments.  Michael S. Hackman, HRG, Inc. – Providing the Borough with a report of Engineering Activities from September 13th through November 14, 2002. There were no comments. ADDITIONS: Mr. Musser said he received additional communications today. The Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg – Requesting permission to close North Second Street, between Conestoga and Jefferson Streets, on December 6, 2002, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., On motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council members present voted unanimously to approve the request, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 Paula Sviben, Community Development Coordinator – Announcing a second meeting regarding the EMS situation in Central Pennsylvania, which is open to the public, to be held on December 5, 2002, from 6:00 p.m. , to 8:00 p.m., at the Capital Union Building, Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, Pa Mr. Wright said that he will be attending. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2002-R-23 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Gornik, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-23, eliminating monthly contributions of participants of the Borough of Steelton Police Pension Plan and Fund for a period of one (1) year from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. RESOLUTION 2002-R-24 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-24, adopting the 2003 Borough of Steelton Sewer Budget. RESOLUTION 2002-R-25 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-24, adopting the 2003 Borough of Steelton General Fund Budget ORDINANCE 2002-4 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Gornik, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2002-4 fixing the Tax Rates for 2003.  RESOLUTION 2002-R-26 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-26, adopting the Discounts & Penalties for 2003. RESOLUTION 2002-R-27 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-27, approving the addition of a Certificate of Residence Requirement to the Capital Tax Collection Bureau Earned Income Tax Regulations. RESOLUTION 2002-R-28 was presented for Council’s consideration On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-28, amending defined benefit Pension Plan Joinder Agreement for the Borough of Steelton Non-Uniformed Employees Pension Plan, Section IV, “Retirement Benefits”, Part IV-1 (4.01)B)(VII) by providing for a 5.000 Percent Cost of Living Adjustment over and above the Current Benefit Payment for currently retired Borough Employees. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 Mr. Musser – Providing Council Special Purpose Parking Resolutions for Adoption. RESOLUTION 2002-R-30 – FOR ROBERT THOMPSON, 153 LINCOLN ST., AND RESOLUTION 2002- R-31 FOR DALE F. BIESECKER, 2620 S. THIRD ST., were presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-30, and RESOLUTION 2002-R-31, establishing a Special Purpose Parking Space. Mr. Musser said the Mr. Crystal’s request is tabled until we get permission form the landlord of the property. ORDINANCE 2002-5 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2002-5, AMENDING THE Code of the Borough of Steelton, Chapter 16, “Pensions”, Article III, “Police Pension Plan and Fund”, Section 16-10, “Retirement or Pension Benefits”, by providing a New Subsection “J”, Providing a Special Ad Hoc Post Retirement Cost- of-Living Adjustment Pursuant to Act 64 of 2002. RESOLUTION 2002-R-29 was presented for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Gornik, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-29, adopting the Restated Master Plan and Trust Currently Administered by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Master Retirement Trust (the “PSAB Master Retirement Trust”), effective December 31, 2002, which the Borough of Steelton established on May 31, 1974, as a Retirement Plan for Certain Employees known as the Borough of Steelton Non-Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan. Mr. Musser & Mr. Wion – Providing copies of the Swatara Township Ordinances pertaining to the Zoning Regulations for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities to the Code office to present to the Steelton Borough Planning Commission for review and recommendation. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to authorize Ms. Czeiner to present the Ordinances, as prepared by Mr. Wion, to the Planning commission for their next meeting. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update from the Joint Municipal Meeting regarding the Harrisburg City Sewer Rate increase and to provide a recommendation on the next step for Council to consider. Mr. Musser said it is his recommendation to do a fact finding mission, because we have some questions on the numbers in the budget, and to retain the current legal counsel of the Committee. Mr. Musser said the group could file a Right to Know Claim if the information we request isn’t supplied. He said he wouldn’t recommend going to arbitration at this time. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to accept Mr. Musser’s recommendation. Mr. Musser – providing Council with an update on David & Judy Venturo’s request. Mr. Musser said that this was presented at eh August Council meeting and he and Mr. Wion were doing some research and it was overlooked. Mr. Musser said that he and Mr. Wion met last week, but Mr. Wion Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 was not able to prepare the Resolution for this meeting. Mr. Musser said that he informed Mr. and Mrs. Venturo of this. Mr. Wion explained that as Council is aware, there are paper streets which were never opened. He said they actually own the property now, this is just to recognize the fact, as well as the applicable law. Mr. Wion said we do this mainly because people prefer it be put on the record, so we need to get the proper description. NEW BUSINESS: Mrs. Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar – Informing Council that a suggestion of the Steelton Business Association is to have the hours the parking meters are enforced posted on the meters. Mr. Musser said he thinks it is a good point, but we need to see if it can be put inside the meter or on a metal plate, since stickers could be removed. He said he will get some cost estimates and present them to Council. Mr. Kovach suggested checking with other municipalities to see how they do it. It was the consensus of Council members present that it was a good idea. ADDITION:  Mr. Musser – Sewer Module for Donald Donley Property. Mr. Musser said Ms. Czeiner received this and on Friday requested if this could be added to the agenda. He said Mr. Donley submitted the land development plan to the County Planning commission and the Borough Planning commission. He said the Borough has to submit the proper sewer module information needed to DEP provided through Navarro & Wright Engineers. Mr. Wion said that under the Borough’s 537 Plan, we must verify that there is a sewer system, indicate the number of EDU’s that will flow from that connection, and confirm that the Borough’s system is capable of handling that. Mr. Wion presented RESOLUTION 2002-32 for Council’s consideration. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, the Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2002-R-32, a Resolution for Plan Revision for New Land Development. 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 Personnel matters concerning Officer Robert Gaither, Jr. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St. – Mr. Powell commented on the traffic lights at Front and Locust Streets. He said that when the pedestrian signal to walk is displayed, one of the traffic signals is still green, so that it is still very difficult to cross the street. He said that they should both be red when the walk signal is activated. Mr. Musser said that this is permitted and regulated by the State, but he will check on the possibility of getting that changed. Mr. Powell also noted that there are a lot of Christmas lights that are out. Mr. Kovach said that we Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting December 2, 2002 have made P. P. & L. aware of it and they are supposed to be working on it. Mr. Musser said he used to be able to deal with Mr. Dininni, but he has retired and he doesn’t really have a contact there right now. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Conjar has been work on this, but he will make some calls too. Jean Barr, 346 B Locust St – asked what the Home Association is. Mr. Gornik said it is a private club. Mr. Wright said this individual has been giving food to the less fortunate. Ms. Barr said that one of the street lights at the Locust street Steps keeps going on and off. Mr. Kovach said that we will report it. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS:  Mr. Acri - Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He asked everyone to come to the meetings next year and bring a friend. Mr. Wright - Wished everyone a happy and safe holiday. Mr. Gornik – Wished everyone a happy and healthful holiday. Mr. Albert - Wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Mr. Kovach – Said we are wrapping up another year and everyone has worked well together and had a great year. He thanked Mr. Wright for filling in for him at the November meeting and thanked Mr. Musser and Mrs. Handley for their work on the Budget, and Mr. Wion for his support and advice through the year. Mr. Wion - Wished Happy Holidays to the Council, staff and the public. On motion by Mr. Acri seconded by Mr. Wright, 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 parcels and Personnel matters concerning Officer Robert Gaither, Jr., at 7:14 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting reconvened at 7:33 p.m., and there being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, the meeting was immediately adjourned Respectfully submitted, _______________________________________ ___________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Secretary