City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 5, 2003 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by the Council-President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. Mayor Hartwick asked everyone to pray in their own way, keeping in mind those in our community who are ill, particularly Councilman Gornik. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Albert Gornik Jeffrey Wright Jeffrey Wrightstone Thomas Acri Mike Albert Maryjo Szada Mayor George Hartwick, III (excused at 6:45) David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only Tina and Tom Muza, owners of TJ’s, East End Pub, 2443 South Front Street, submitted a business proposal for the concession at the Boat Dock. She said it is pretty self-explanatory and asked for Council’s consideration on the proposal. Mr. Kovach said that he will bring this before the Committee and get back to them. Mr. Kovach deviated from the agenda to allow Mayor Hartwick to swear in Deb L Fry, as a member of the Steelton Volunteer Fire Police. Mayor commended Ms. Fry and all who volunteer in their community. The Mayor was excused. COMMUNICATIONS: Tom Powers, Crossgates, Inc. – Invitation to the Crossgates’ 7th Annual Day with the Senators on May 14th. There were no comments. John A. Wise, Butler Mfg. Co. – Requesting permission to hold a Bass Tournament on Sunday, June 29th at 5:30 a.m. at the Steelton Boat Dock Facility. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve Mr. Wise’s request as presented. Mr. Acri noted that the Code Officer will be managing the Boat Dock. Troy L. Page, Systems Plus Office Service, Inc. – Requesting permission to use a portion of the Borough’s Right-of-Way for parking purposes. Mr. Musser informed Council that this is an alley on the west side of the building at 102 Franklin Street, formerly Bogar’s Lumber Co., which Mr. Page would like to acquire for parking purposes. Mr. Musser noted that Mr. Page does not want to put a structure there, but would like to put a locking gate across the alley and provide the Borough with a key, to prevent vandalism. Mr. Musser informed Council that Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 the Borough’s water line runs under the alley, so we would not vacate the alley or allow Mr. Page to acquire the alley. He also noted that there is a sewer transfer line from the Borough to Harrisburg under the alley also. Mr. Kovach said that there is a fire hydrant there and asked Chief Vance if he had a problem with closing the area in. Mr. Musser said they wouldn’t fence in the hydrant. Chief Vance said then he wouldn’t have a problem with that. Mr. Wion said that he has some legal problems with the whole thing. He said he doesn’t think the Borough should do anything at this time. He said the Borough doesn’t allow structures like fences or gates across alleys. The Borough vacates alleys or streets, but the Borough can’t do that in this case, because the Borough has water and sewer facilities there. Mr. Wion said he has some problems with putting a gate/fence there. He said there isn’t a problem with Mr. Page parking cars on the alley, since there is no longer a through way there. Mr. Wion said he doesn’t think that Council can really consider what Mr. Page is requesting. Mr. Musser asked if Council allows him to just park in the alley, is there a liability issue. Mr. Wion said not on the Borough. It was the consensus of Council Members present to allow Mr. Page to park there, but denying his request to put a locking gate across the alley. Chief Lenker, Steelton Police Department – Requesting a change in the Borough of Steelton’s Ordinance, Chapter 73, “Loitering”, to include penalties for parents of juveniles who are in violation of the Ordinance. Chief Lenker was not present. Mr. Wion said that this is the first time he has seen the request and he would need some time to review the Chief’s request, then he will bring his recommendations to Council. David Black, President & CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC –Informing the Borough that the sale of the Pipe Mill will take place sometime next week, but the sale will now be between CREDC and ISG. There were no comments. Barb Barksdale, President, Friends of Midland – Providing Council with a copy of the flyer for the Saturday, May 24, 2003 event. There were no comments. ADDITION: Ms. Sviben – New Hope Baptist Church. Ms. Sviben said that she received a call from the New Hope Baptist Church and they are requesting the Mayor present a proclamation at their ceremonies at the William Howard Day Cemetery on May 26th. They also extended an invitation to the Mayor Council to participate in the parade preceding the ceremonies. Ms. Sviben asked that if the Mayor or Council wish to ride in the parade, they should let he know and she will pass it on. Mr. Wright asked if the parade fee could be waived. Mr. Musser said that the New Hope Baptist Church has submitted the request for the parade permit. However, since the Borough is waiving the parade permit for the Friends of Midland Parade this year because we are co-sponsoring it, he recommended Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 that we waive the permit for the New Hope Baptist Church parade for this year only. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the permit fee for the New Hope Baptist Church Memorial Parade for 2003 only. Alan W. Gallagher, Lt. Col (Ret), U.S. Army Reserve, VIP Coordinator – Invitation to Armed Forces Day in the City of Harrisburg on Saturday, May 17, 2003. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Paula M. Slade, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA – Invitation to the 11th Annual Awards Banquet on May 9th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harrisburg-Hershey Marriott. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Frank Lynch, Comcast – Invitation to the Harrisburg Studio Grand Opening on Monday, May 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Walnut Street Garage. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Derek Lewis, Summer Basketball Coordinator – Requesting Permission to use the Steelton Municipal Park Basketball Courts for the 2003 Adams Street Summer Basketball League from June 21, 2003 to August 3, 2003. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted to give permission to Mr. Lewis as requested. Mr. Musser noted that if Mr. Lewis plans to sell any types of beverages, they must be Coco Cola products, including the water, since we have a contract with them. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Musser to include that in the letter to Mr. Lewis. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  RESOLUTION 2003-R-21 – A Resolution approving the Rules & Fee Schedule for the Steelton Borough Municipal Boat Dock Facility, was presented for Council’s consideration. Mr. Musser discussed the following changes to the schedule: 1) Storage will not be permitted. Therefore, there are no fees for this. 2) Borough employees, Steelton and Highspire Residents permit fee is $25.00. 3) For special events there will be a $4.00, per boat charge for that day for non-permitees. 4) The daily launch fee for non-permitees is $5.00. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-21, as presented. RESOLUTION 2003-R-22 – A Resolution eliminating the “No Parking” Zone on the West Side of North Front Street, from Conestoga Street to Jefferson Street, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 RESOLUTION 2003-R-23, as presented. Ms, Sviben – Requesting Council to execute the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Friendship Fire Company for the use of Cibort Park for Unity Day. Ms. Sviben said that the Borough was not being charged for the use of the facilities, this is just a formality. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Kovach to execute the Agreement as presented. PUBLIC HEARING: On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess the public meeting to open a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Kovach - This is the time, date and place set for the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments and recommendations of interested individuals residing in the Borough concerning application by Shane A. Mrakovich, t/d/b/a “Shane’s”, to transfer a retail liquor license to premises in the Borough of Steelton, more particularly known as “Shane’s 2701 South Front Street”. At its regular meeting of April 21, 2003, Council had previously held a hearing on this matter and heard both Mr. Mrakovich and others relating to this transfer. Unfortunately, the advertisement for that hearing, and the Resolution approving the transfer, erroneously referred to the transfer being to 801 South Front Street, in the Borough, rather than 2701 South Front Street. As a result, it was necessary to re-advertise this matter and hold a second hearing this evening. We will incorporate, however, the minutes of the hearing of April 21, 2003 and the comments made therein as part of this hearing. Mr. Kovach asked Mr. Mrakovich, present in the audience, if he had any additional comments to make. Mr. Mrakovich said he did not. Mr. Kovach asked if anyone else in the audience wished to make any comments in regard to the proposed transfer. There were no comments. There being no comments, Mr. Kovach closed the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m., and reconvened the public meeting. RESOLUTION 2003-R-23 – A Resolution of the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, approving an Intermunicipal Alcoholic Beverage License Transfer Application. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to Adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-23, as presented. Eugene Vance, III, Fire Chief – Providing Council & the Mayor with an update in regards to the Junior Firefighter Program. Mr. Kovach commended Chief Vance and all who worked on this. Chief Vance informed the Council Members that the principal will be the coordinator for the program. Eugene Vance, III, Fire Chief – Recommending the Borough participate in the QRS Program and informing them of a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 15th, at 7 p.m., in Middletown Borough Council Chambers. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 Dr. Szada said that after reviewing the information and discussing this at the last meeting, she recommended that Council adopt this program. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to participate in the Quick Response Service program. Mr. Musser – Update in regards to the Summer Recreation Program and requesting approval of the job descriptions for the four (4) positions. Mr. Musser asked the Council to approve the Registration form, as well as the job descriptions for the four (4) positions. He noted that two (2) applications have been received for the Coordinator position. Mr. Kovach commended Ms. Sviben for her work on the program. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Registration form, and the job descriptions for the Summer Playground Program as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Kovach – Discussion in regards to the vandalism at Bailey Street Playground. Mr. Kovach said that the Borough has made significant improvements as several parks and built one new one. Mr. Kovach said he was very upset about the vandalism at the Bailey Street Playground. Mr. Kovach said he hopes that those who live near the playgrounds would be observant and call when they see someone vandalizing the playgrounds. Mr. Kovach informed Council Members that Mr. Conjar’s department will make the repairs the playground and Chief Lenker said that he would increase the patrols. Police Negotiating Committee – Requesting an executive session to update Council on contract negotiations. There were no comments. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to rental properties. Mr. Musser said that he was trying to find ways to assist landlords, when selecting prospective tenants. Mr. Musser said he would like to have some type of board that landlords could contact to check on potential renters. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Wion would have to advise Council on the Liabilities and limitations. Mr. Albert said he thinks it is a good idea but we need to know about the liabilities. Mr. Wright suggested that this matter be given to the Community Development Committee and the Codes Officer, to prepare some ideas and then have Mr. Wion review them. It was the consensus of the Council Members present to refer the matter to the Community Development Committee. Mr. Musser – Requesting an executive session to discuss the acquisition of land in the Adams Street area. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – noted the following additional correspondence given to Council Members this evening: 1) A copy of a letter from Senator Piccola regarding the Passo family, who appeared here in Council at a previous meeting. 2) A copy of the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance, prepared by Mr. Wion, so Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 Council can have adequate time to review it. Mr. Musser said the Planning Commission reviewed it and will be bringing it to Council at the next meeting. 3) Copies of memos from Ronald Acri, Code Enforcement regarding dead trees located at several locations. Mr. Musser said that the dead tree issues would be for the Shade Tree Commission, and according to our ordinance, if a tree is in the right-of-way, it is the home owners responsibility. Mr. Musser said that there are only two members on the Shade Tree commission, now and Council should appoint a third member. Mr. Kovach said he wanted to comment on Senator Piccola’s letter, and make a correction for the record. Mr. Kovach said he told Mr. Passo that police patrols would be increased in the area. Mr. Kovach said he gave Mr. Passo his card and asked Mr. Passo to call if there were any other problems. Mr. Kovach said that he didn’t hear from them. Mr. Kovach said both he and the Mayor gave Mr. Passo their cards and told him to call if the problems didn’t cease. Mr. Musser said that bids for line painting on Route 230 in East End, were opened today. Mr. Musser said that the only bidder was Traffic Lines, Inc., from New Jersey. Mr. Musser said it is the recommendation of the engineers and himself to reject the bids for the following reasons: 1) The bidder failed to give a stipulated sum bid price for the projects. No bid amount was given. 2) The bid bond which accompanied the bid was for 10%. However, since no bid sum was given, 10% of zero is zero, not $10,000.00. Mr. Wion concurred, saying that the whole bid was invalid due to the above-mentioned reasons. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to reject the bid submitted by Traffic Lines, Inc., for the reasons stated by Mr. Musser and Mr. Wion and authorized Mr. Musser to advertise for the re-bidding of the project. Mr. Musser asked that Mr. Acri and Mr. Albert, and anyone else they wanted to include on the interviews for summer laborer positions to set a date and time for the interviews. Mr. Musser noted that two of the individuals who worked last summer have submitted applications. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Kovach – said he wanted to remind Council Members to get their wish lists for the bond refinancing into Mr. Musser by Friday of this week. Mr. Kovach also thanked everyone for coming this evening. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting May 5, 2003 On a motion by Mr. Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council recessed into executive session at 7:25 p.m., to discuss Police Contract negotiations and land acquisition. The meeting reconvened at 7:57 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Musser to attend the tax sale with Mr. Wion to attempt to purchase 119, 123, 123-1/2, 133 and 149 Adams Street for our appraised amounts and the costs imposed at the sale. It was the consensus of Council Members present to authorize Mr. Acri to contact Officer Shaub to inform him that our Negotiating Committee will meet to discuss the Police Association’s offer, and they get back to him. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary ____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Secretary