City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 16, 2003 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by the Council President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Jeffery Wright Jeffrey Wright Jeffrey Wrightstone Thomas Acri Mayor George Hartwick, III (arrived 6:55 p.m.) Mike Albert Maryjo Szada David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary RESOLUTION 2003-R-24, A RESOLUTION FILLING A VACANCY ON BOROUGH COUNCIL, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-24, as presented. Judge Richard Lewis then swore in Lisa M. Wiedeman-Krosnar as Councilperson, who then took her seat on Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the May 19th and June 2nd Council meetings were presented for approval. Mr. Kovach noted that each Council person received a revised copy of the May 19th minutes, due to a correction on page 7, 1st paragraph, 1st line, suggested by Mr. Wion to correctly reflect what happened. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve 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. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Schedule of Bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Departmental Reports for May, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Nathaniel P. Miscannon – Letter Steelton Borough Council informing them that he is working on obtaining his Citizenship of the Community Badge with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Acri thanked Mr. Miscannon for coming to the meeting tonight. Mr. Acri noted that Nathaniel’s goal is to become an Eagle Scout, and is a member of Troup 36, at St. Margaret Mary’s Church. Mr. Acri added that Nathaniel interviewed several Council Members this evening. Mr. Kovach commended Mr. Miscannon for his service to his community. Citizen Fire Co. #1 of Oberlin – Invitation to Mayor Hartwick to attend the 85th Annual Dauphin County Volunteer Firemen’s Convention and Parade on Saturday, June 13-14, 2003. There were no comments Robert Houser, Emergency Management Coordinator – Requesting Council to adopt the Dauphin County Emergency Management Response Plan. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-27, to adopt and place into immediate effect, the Emergency Operations Plan of the Borough of Steelton, which conforms to the requirements of the Dauphin County Emergency Operations guideline. Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar, Business Association President & Foundation President – Informing Council of requests from the Business Association to set a price for bags for the parking meters; requesting permission to hold a block party on August 5, 2003, on Second Street from Pine to Walnut Street; and to ask Council to make appointments to the Steelton Community Development Foundation. Mrs. Krosnar said that the Business Association is partnering with the Steelton Churches to assist with at-risk youth and would like to have a Block Party on August 5, 2003 on Second Street from Pine Street to Walnut Street in conjunction with National Night Out. Mrs. Krosnar requested Borough Council to appoint the following persons to the Board of the Steelton Community Development Foundation: John Long, Lisa Lamp-Chacon, Laurie Musser and Robin G. Kisler. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint John Long, Lisa Lamp-Chacon, Laurie Musser and Robin G. Kisler to the Board of the Steelton Community Development Foundation, as recommended by Mrs. Krosnar. Mrs. Krosnar said that the Business Association recommends that the fee for the parking meter bags be set at $3.00, per day, with a $20.00 deposit, refundable when the bags are returned. Mr. Albert asked who would put the bags on. Chief Lenker said he would like to give the bags to the person renting them and they can put them on. Mr. Wion said that Council would have to first adopt a Resolution and eventually change the ordinance. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Wion to prepare the Resolution designating the parking meter bag fee at $3.00 per day, with a $20.00 refundable deposit. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 Mayor Hartwick arrived at 6:55 p.m. John T. Hines, Acting Deputy Secretary, DEP – Informing the Borough that the State’s Budget for FY2003-2004 does not allocate funding for Act 339 Subsidy Recipients. Mr. Musser said this will affect the 2004 Sewer Budget, with a loss of revenue in the amount of $39,810. Reverend John W. White, Sr., Pastor, New Hope Living Baptist Church – Letter of thanks to the Borough for their participation in their annual Memorial Day Parade. There were no comments. Daniel S. Robinson, Director, Dauphin County Office of Community and Economic Development – Informing the Borough that Dauphin County has decided to change the fiscal year of the CDBG and HOME Programs from a July 1st start date to a January 1st start date and to inform the Borough that FY 2004 CDBG Projects are due by July 16, 2003. Mr. Musser said this change is going to be a good change, since it is going to follow our fiscal year, we just have to get our projects in by July 16th. He said we have a number of projects that we identified with this years funding. Mr. Musser asked Council Members to let him know if there are any other projects they would like included. Mary Beth Jorich and Paula Sviben, Borough Residents – Letters of concern to Council in regars to motorized scooters. Mayor Hartwick informed Council and the audience that there is nothing in the Borough laws that that covers these issues. The Mayor said we have received numerous complaints and he had the Chief contact Representative Buxton and the Mayor spoke personally with Senator Piccola to request that the State address this concern. Chief Lenker said he contacted Mr. O’Keefe to see if he could find any legislation covering the motor scooters and the closest thing was something in Millersburg for skateboards. Mr. Wion said the Boroughs powers are only those given to us by the State or Federal law or other case law. He said the State has regulations for motor vehicles and pedicycles, but the motor scooters are removed because of the power of the motor. Mr. Wion said he asked the Chief to determine if there are any other municipalities who have passed any ordinances regarding this issue in hopes that they may have done some studies and the only one the Chief found took the one for bicycles and added motor Scooters. Mr. Wion said he believes that if anyone challenges it, it won’t stand. Mr. Wion agreed that the Mayor’s approach is the correct one, to contact the State Senators and Representatives about the issue. Ms. Sviben asked if there was an age restriction for pumping gas. Mr. Acri said he thought that was up to the gas stations to monitor. Tim Reardon, Associate Director & Tara Herman, Project Planner, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission – Invitation to the June 23, 2003 Meeting at the Swatara Township Municipal Building to discuss the Regional Growth Management Plan. Mr. Kovach asked anyone who is interested in attending to contact Mr. Musser. Mr. Musser said that he could print out the actual plan from the web cite if anyone is interested. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 The New Baldwin Corridor Coalition NBCC – Providing Council with a copy of the Minutes from the May 20, 2003 meeting. There were no comments. Jeffrey Stonehill, Borough Manager, Middletown Borough – Providing Council with a copy of the minutes from the Lower Dauphin Regional Quick Response Service (QRS) meeting. Mr. Musser asked Council Members to mark their calendars for June 24th, at 7:00 p.m. for the meeting here in Council Chambers. Frank A. Spizzieri, 709 South Second Street – Letter expressing his displeasure with the problems that Vendetta’s is causing for him and his neighborhood. Chief Lenker said he has contacted the LCB on this matter. He said that they received calls that people came out of Vendetta’s and defecated on people’s property. The Chief said they weren’t informed until the next day, so they weren’t able to catch anyone. He said he spoke to the owners about it. Mr. Acri said he spoke with some of the residents of the 700 block of South Second Street because of loud music. Mr. Acri said he contacted the owners and reiterated that it has been reported to the LCB. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough will do whatever we need to do to get this resolved. Chief Lenker said they are also having problems with theft at Turkey Hill, because there are large numbers of people in there between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m., and they appear to be coming from Vendetta’s. Mayor Hartwick said he would like to have the owners attend a meeting with council to give them a chance to address the problem and let them know that if it isn’t corrected, we will have to pursue it with enforcement. Mr. Acri asked the Chief if he could bring more part-time officers out to cover Turkey Hill during the problem times. The Mayor said that if the businesses want to stay open at these hours, they have some responsibility for their security. Chief Lenker said he can get another officer out on Friday and Saturday night, it is in the budget. Mayor Hartwick said we may be able to get some under cover help to do a detail. Mrs. Krosnar asked the Chief if the police are tied up at Vendetta’s and Turkey Hill, is there someone to cover the rest of the town? Chief Lenker said that they go on the priority of the call. Mr. Musser said he had one additional communication not on the agenda: Gene Vance, Fire Chief – Informing Council that over the weekend, at the Dauphin County Firemen’s Parade, the Steelton Fire Department received the following four (4) trophies: 1st Place: Areal Truck-Truck 50; 1st Place: Rescue-Rescue 50; 1st Place Marching Unit without Music; 2nd Place: Fire Chief’s Vehicle. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to have Mayor Hartwick present the Fire Company with a Commendation for their accomplishments. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association – Invitation to the July 29, 2003 meeting at 6:30 p.m., at the Fairview Golf Course hosted by the Borough of Cornwall. Mr. Kovach asked anyone who wishes to attend to please contact Mr. Musser. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the renovation of the Playground facilities. Mr. Musser said he received a new e-mail from the Engineers, shortly before the meeting and has distributed it to the Mayor and Council Members. Mr. Musser said that the Municipal, Cottage Hill and Poplar Street Playgrounds are completed; Bailey Street needs the utility pole and the light standards and the contractor will contact the electrical sub-contractor to determine when this will be finished. Mr. Musser reported that the East End Playground needs the following: pave the basketball court and install the standards and benches; trying to determine where the problem is with PP&L making the electrical connection. Mr. Dennis Heefner, Planning Commission Chairman – Providing Council with minutes from the June 6, 2003 Planning Commission Meeting. Mr. Heefner referred to the copies of the Planning commission Meeting minutes, which were included in Council’s packets. Mr. Heefner stated that the Planning Commission members recommend that Ms. Lownes be denied her request to increase her day care from six (6) to twelve (12) children. He informed Council that her current occupation does not comply with our ordinance because more than 50% of her home is used to operate the business. Mr. Heefner said the Planning Commission did not feel comfortable closing the business, since Ms. Czeiner allowed her to open the business. Three years ago. He said the Planning Commission was not approached about this. Dr. Szada asked even though Ms. Czeiner made an error three (3) years ago, why can’t we correct it now? Mr. Heefner said that is up to Council. Mr. Kovach asked Mr. Heefner to get the information to Mr. Musser, who will give it to Mr. Wion for his review and recommendations on the situation. Mayor Hartwick asked if Ms. Lownes could be given an opportunity to appear before Council. Mr. Heefner said that Ms. Lownes was asked to come to the meeting tonight. Mr. Wion said that the procedure Ms. Lownes is following now, should have been followed when the business originally opened. Mr. Wion said that before the day care opened, Ms. Lownes should have appeared before the Planning Commission and explained to them what she wanted to do and how she would meet the Borough’s requirements. Mr. Wion said the Planning Commission would then make their recommendation to Council and if she meets the Borough’s eight (8) requirements then it is up to the Borough to approve the request. Mr. Wion said that Ms. Czeiner could not grant permission for that, only the Council can. Mr. Wion informed Council that just because her business has been there for three years, doesn’t mean that she can continue. He said that decision is up to Council. Mr. Wion suggested that the facts be gathered and Ms. Lownes appear before Council. Mr. Heefner said that the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed ordinance pertaining to Home Occupations and recommends Council adopt the ordinance. Mr. Heefner noted that Mr. Omar Syed recommended that examples of no-impact home based business according to the existing code be included in the ordinance. Mr. Wion said that the ordinance for Home Occupation is advertised for the July 21st meeting and before Council in draft form for their review. RESOLUTION 2003-R-25, A Resolution establishing a Special Purpose parking space for Shirley W. Keck, 331 Locust Street, was presented for Council’s consideration. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-25, as presented. Mr. Musser – Informing Steelton Borough Council that the application of Eartha David Beaty, Sr., must be denied because there is off-street parking. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to deny the request. Kellie Zema, Recreation Program Coordinator – Providing Council with an update on the Summer Recreation Program. Mr. Musser said that the program is going extremely well. He said that enrollment is growing each day, noting that Municipal Park will be at 20, Cottage Hill is over 20 and East End has about 12 to 14 enrolled currently. Mr. Musser said that we need to allocate an additional playground leader, who would be a floater. Mr. Musser recommended that Council hire Shannon Woods, who was interviewed with the original group of applicants and was fourth on the list of applicants chosen. Mr. Musser said the hourly rate would by $7.00. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to hire Shannon Woods as a playground leader at the rate of $7.00, an hour. Mr. Musser said that the leaders are running the program very well. He said we have to thank the City of Harrisburg for allowing our people to go through their orientation and they have invited us to many of their field activities. Mayor Hartwick asked Mr. Musser to send them a letter to formally thank them for their support and said he would like to do a press release for positive press coverage. Ms. Sviben added that Swatara Township also assisted us with our Recreation program and asked that they receive recognition also. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to Mr. Page’s request to lease land from the Borough. Mr. Musser noted that this was discussed at a previous meeting and the problem was the fact that he wanted to place a gate across an alley, which is a paper street. Mr. Musser said it was placed on the agenda again for further discussion to try to help him out and to utilize the storage he was offering the Borough. Mr. Musser said he spoke with Mr. Wion about the situation and Mr. Wion said that we must may first vacate the alley, but the Borough must get a right-of-way from him for our utility lines, and stipulate that he cannot erect a building on that site. Mr. Musser added that if Council decides to do this, and Mr. Page agrees to this, he must agree to pay for the legal costs. Dr. Szada asked if, hypothetically, sometime in the future, the Borough would acquire the adjacent land, would the Borough be able to get the alley back? Mr. Wion said that the way the Borough acquires property to put a street in is the Borough would have to go to the owner to ask if he would convey it to the Borough. If he won’t, then the Borough could take it, but would have to pay fair market value. Mr. Wion said that if the Borough vacates a street, Council you would have to hold a hearing on the vacation; give abutting owners written notice, hold a hearing, file a report with the court, advertise a Vacation Ordinance, pass the Ordinance and post the road-way; which would take about four or five months to meet these steps. Mr. Wion said the costs could be between $1,000.00, and $2,000.00, and it could be more if he has to search the title, unless Mr. Page’s attorney does that. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 Dr. Szada asked if there would be an interest in the Borough owning the land and leasing it to Mr. Page. Mr. Wion responded that the Borough wouldn’t own it as a piece of land, since it is a Borough Street and only for public access, so it can’t be treated as a separate piece of land. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted four (4) to one (1) to authorize Mr. Wion and Mr. Musser to contact Mr. Page to discuss his options. Dr. Szada cast the dissenting vote.  Mrs. Sviben – Providing Council with an update on the Police Grants that have been applied for. Ms. Sviben informed the Mayor and Council that several grants were identified and the following two (2) have been submitted: The Universal Hiring Program, which, if approved, would provide a percentage of the salary and benefits for a maximum of four (4) new full-time officers over a three (3) year period; the Homeland Security Overtime Grant, in the amount of $25,000, which is the maximum the Borough is eligible for with our given population Ms. Sviben informed Council that she received a call from Governor Rendell’s office and he is tentatively scheduled to participate in our Pre-independence Parade on June 28th. She said that there will be a reviewing stand at the Municipal Building, but no prizes will be given. Ms. Sviben said that if any Members of Council would like to sit on the Reviewing Stand, let her know. She noted that the Borough Employees will have a float in the parade, with a patriotic theme. Mayor Hartwick asked Ms. Sviben if a support letter was requested from Representative Holden. Ms. Sviben said it had not, but she would contact his office. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council that two applications for Special Purpose Parking Spaces have been submitted for: Esther Grubb of 219 Lincoln Street and Johnie Mae Washington of 443 Lincoln Street. There were no comments. Mr. Kovach deviated from the agenda to fill a vacancy on the Borough Authority. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar to the Steelton Borough Authority to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Gornik’s resignation. Mr. Musser noted that Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar was put on Mr. Gornik’s Council Committees. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Sviben – Pizza Hut fundraiser. Ms. Sviben said that the Community Development Office was approached by Pizza Hut to participate in a fundraising promotion. Ms. Sviben explained the details and noted that a copy of the fliers was given to each Council person and will be available in the Borough, at businesses and the playgrounds. She encouraged everyone to participate and get the word out. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 Mr. Musser - Requesting an executive session to discuss police contract negotiations. There were no comments. OTHER BUSINESS:  Mayor Hartwick’s Report: The Mayor congratulated Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar on her appointment to the Borough Council and Borough Authority. He said he knows she will be a very valuable asset to the Borough. Maryor Hartwick welcomed Nathaniel Miscannon and said he would be happy to support him with his goals and to put him to work in the Community. The Mayor said he met with representatives of ISG and discussed land acquisition. Mayor Hartwick said he is very excited that they will try to sell the buildings and land they won’t use, in a manner that is in the best long term interest of the community. He thanked the Planning Commission and the leadership of Council and commended the Governor’s Office. The Mayor said he is hoping to get remediation in the Pig Iron Field. He also thanked CREDC and said we need to keep the momentum going. Mayor Hartwick said that he was contacted last night by the PIAA Baseball Association asking for our ambulances to cover the games, since the City Units were unavailable. He apologized to Dr. Szada for not contacting her, due to the short notice. Mayor Hartwick told Mr. Heefner that he is doing a great job on the Planning Commission, saying that he is very well informed, and was commended at the ISG ribbon cutting ceremony. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Lorraine Houser, 444 S. 2nd Street - told Council that her car, Mr. Houser’s truck and other neighbor’s cars were vandalized. She said something must be done, and noted that the police officers cannot be all over town at the same time. Mrs. Houser said that if the vandals are caught, she expects them to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and to reimburse her insurance company. Mr. Kovach encouraged Mrs. Houser and her neighbors to begin a crime watch in the neighborhood, and said the Borough will do the best they can to correct the problem. Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Mr. Powell noted that there are speed limit signs on Harrisburg, but said there are none on Lincoln, Ridge, Bessemer or Adams Streets. Chief Lenker responded that the speed limit is 25 MPH. Mr. Powell suggested posting more signs in those areas as well as speed bumps. Mr. Powell asked how far the new water line is going up on Lincoln Street. He said that the water pressure is bad above Harrisburg Street. Mr. Musser said the new water line will go up to Harrisburg Street, adding that is what the grant would pay for. He said the new water line should help with the water pressure for Mr. Powell. Mr. Musser said the Borough could consider extending the water line with the new bond financing. Mr. Musser said he will check on that and let Mr. Powell know. Mrs. Sviben – Asked Council to approve Mrs. Krosnar’s request to close Second Street from Pine to Walnut Street for the neighborhood festival in conjunction with National Night Out. Mr. Acri said he thought that Council did approve that, but after reviewing the minutes, it was determined that a motion had not been done for that. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting June 16, 2003 On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request to close Second Street between Pine and Walnut Streets, on August 5, 2003. James Moser, 204 Pine Street – said that the storm sewers in Mulberry Alley are filled with stones and water is running over the walls. He said that the residents have called but there has been no response. Mr. Moser said he realizes that they are busy, but is concerned that there could be property damage if the problem isn’t corrected. Mr. Moser also informed Council that he there is about two-thirds of a car length between two Special Purpose Parking spaces on Third Street, and asked if this was required by law. Mr. Moser said he wanted to bring this to Council’s attention because of the already tense situation with parking in that area. Mr. Musser said that the space is set by resolution and we would check on that. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada – thanked Nathaniel Miscannon for his interest in Council. Mr. Albert – welcomed Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar to Borough Council. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – thanked everyone for their welcome. Mr. Kovach – welcomed Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar and thanked everyone in the audience for attending the meeting. Mr. Acri – said he had hoped to address problems with landlords and with garbage, but said he would put these topics on the agenda for the next meeting. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 8:25 p.m. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Acri , the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary ____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Secretary