City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 20, 2003 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Vice-President, Jeffrey Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffrey Wright George Hartwick, III, Mayor Thomas Acri Michael J. Kovach MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the October 6, 2003 meetings were presented for approval. 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 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, 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 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, 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 September, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Musser Providing Council with numerous training information. There were no comments. Stephen R. Reed, Mayor, City of Harrisburg – Letter informing the Borough that there will Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 be no rate increase for Sewer Rates for 2004. There were no comments. Ronald I. Buxton, State Representative, 103rd Legislative District, House of Representatives – Requesting the Borough of Steelton’s input for the purpose of providing any information to the LCB, which may cause an investigation under the Nuisance Bar Program. Mr. Wright said that Council will discuss this later in executive session with Chief Lenker, but asked if anyone in the audience would like to discuss this topic Richard Rodgers, 2700 South Second Street, said that he appreciated that Chief Lenker and Council are trying to help the residents with the noise situation from the establishment at 2700 South Front Street. He said that there hasn’t been much improvement. Mr. Rodgers said he wondered if, when this individual decided to move into the Borough, his record when he was in Lower Swatara Township, was checked or taken into consideration at the time. He said a lot of misinformation was given by him at the meeting with the residents in May. Mr. Rodgers re-iterated that he appreciates what the police are trying to do. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Rodgers if he has seen any improvement. Mr. Rodgers said he has to clean up empty beer bottles and broken glass on the weekends, so no he hasn’t seen an improvement. Chief Lenker said the police have received complaints and have cited people numerous times. He said we haven’t gotten to three times in one night. He concurred that the noise is still coming from there from time to time. He said that he has officers sitting down there for thirty (30) minutes when it closes to deter any problems when the patrons leave. Mr. Wright said we will continue to monitor the situation and so what we can. Kirk Wilson, President, Pennsylvania League of Cities - Requesting the Borough to pass a Resolution in Seeking the Restoration of the 1925 National Football League Championship to the Pottsville Maroons. There was a discussion on why the Borough was being asked to support this.. Mr. Musser said that the Borough is a member of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and a fellow member is requesting the Borough’s support. Mr. Wion pointed out that Council has only heard one side of the issue and added that he is not sure why the Borough of Steelton has an interest in this matter. Mr. Albert suggested the Borough try to get the National League’s side, but Mr. Musser said that we wouldn’t be having another meeting before the Resolution was needed. It was the consensus of Council Members to do nothing.  Jeff Haste, Chairman, Dauphin County Commissioners – Informing the Borough of Steelton that the South Central Assembly for Effective Governance is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Symposium on Wednesday, October 22nd, at Wilson College, from 9:00 A.M. to 2 P.M. There were no comments. Mr. Musser and Mrs. Sviben – Providing Council with Information on numerous Grant opportunities for the Borough and providing an update on the Keystone Grant that was submitted to the State. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 In Ms. Sviben’s absence, Mr. Musser addressed the issues, stating that the Grant opportunities were self-explanatory and added that the Keystone Grant was ready for submission for the upgrades to Reich Field and the Boat Dock area in the amount of $300,000. Mr. Musser noted that the grant is for $150,000 and has to be matched either by in kind services or monetary funding. Mr. Musser Council’s approval of the submission of the grant will be addressed later in the meeting. Cathy Curran Myers, Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Management, DEP – Letter in response to the Borough of Steelton’s letter requesting that the Act 339 Funding be reinstated into the State’s Budget. There were no comments. Senator Piccola & Representative Buxton – Letter to Penn DOT concerning the status of the reimbursement to the Borough of Steelton for the Route 230 Project. Mr. Musser explained that when the Borough made an agreement with Penn DOT to do the Route 230 improvements, it was in the amount of $161,541, and the agreement states that if the project comes in under the amount the Borough could keep the balance, but if the project would go over the amount, the Borough had to make up the difference. Mr. Musser said that the bids came in around $46,000 and with the engineering fees, the project totaled approximately $70,000. Mr. Musser said when he contacted Penn DOT about the Borough’s payment, he was told that they didn’t do that anymore and that the Borough would only receive the amount the Borough spent. Mr. Musser said that is not what the contract stated and he contacted Mr. Buxton, Mr. Piccola and Mr. Marsico to look into the matter for the Borough. He said that we haven’t received a response yet. Lisa Chacon, Editor, Steelton Courier – Letter of thanks to the Borough for their support of the Steelton Courier. There were no comments. James S. Nelson, President, Harrisburg East Rotary Club – Letter of thanks to Paula Sviben for allowing the Rotary Club to participate in the Fall Festival. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to place the letter in Ms. Sviben’s personnel file.  Jeannette Muza – Letter of Thanks to the Borough of Steelton’s Public Works Department for the excellent job they did removing a tree that feel in the street. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to place the letter in the respective employees’ personnel files. Libby Thode – Letter of thanks to the Steelton Police Department and Officer Cuckovic for making sure her daughter arrived home safely. Chief Lenker commended Officer Cuckovic for going out of his way to help this young lady get back home to Lancaster, by taking her to the bus station and giving her money for the bus ticket. Mr. Wright asked to convey his thanks on behalf of Council to Officer Cuckovic. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to have Ms. Thode’s letter placed in Officer Cuckovic’s file and to send him a letter of thanks from Council. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 Theodore K. Sjureseth, President, America’s 9/11 Ride foundation, Inc. – Letter of thanks to the Steelton Police Department, Chief Lenker and Part-Time Officer Yoder for their assistance with the Third America’s 911 Ride On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to place the letter in Chief Lenker’s and Officer Yoder’s personnel file. Chief Lenker said he and Officer Yoder wanted to thank the Mayor and Council for allowing Officer Yoder to participate in this event. Mary J. White-Shaw – Requesting on Behalf of the Scott White Family, to have a banner hung across Front Street celebrating their 50th Singing Anniversary on November 30th. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked if the Borough Employees would hang the banner and take it down. Mr. Musser said it would either be the Borough Employees or the Fire Department personnel. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association – Invitation to the next meeting on October 28, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., at the Timbers, hosted by Mount Gretna Borough. Mr. Wright said that anyone who is interested in attending should contact Mr. Musser. ADDITIONS: Eugene Vance, Chief, Steelton Fire Department – Informing Council that the Fire Company would like to purchase fencing for the parking lot. Mr. Musser stated that per the memo, the Code Enforcement Officer was consulted and approved it and there will be no cost to the Borough, since the Company is paying for it. Mr. Musser said that Council must approve the request, since it is the Borough’s property. Mr. Acri made a motion to approve the request. Mr. Heefner informed Council Members that in the past, when residents have proposed putting up a fence on Front Street, the Planning Commission has requested them to put up evergreen trees or shrubbery to improve the appearance and suggested that Council request the Fire Department to do the same, so as not to set a president for future fence projects. After discussion, Dr. Szada said she will bring it up to the Company. She said she didn’t think they would have a problem with putting the trees or shrubs around. Mr. Wright suggested Council wait until Dr. Szada discusses this with the Fire Department. Lisa Wiedeman – Submitting her resignation from the Steelton Community Development Foundation, Steelton Business Association and Main Street Committees effective December 1, 2003, due to current schooling and increased workload. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said she won’t be able to devote the time needed to effectively serve as the president/board member of these committees, but will try to stay involved as much as time allows. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar’s resignation, with regret. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mrs. Sviben – Requesting Steelton Borough Council approve resolution 2003-R-40 approving the submission of the Application for Steelton Borough’s Park Recreation Improvement Program. RESOLUTION 2003-R-40, approving the submission of the Application for Steelton Borough’s Park Recreation Improvement Program, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-40, as presented. Mr. Acri asked if they got pricing on Reich field. Mr. Musser said that is included in that. He said he will try to provide Council Members some of the information in the grant. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Musser to inform Mr. Brubacher on this since he is working on the field project. Mr. Musser said that he has been informed. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that Ordinance 2003-6, an Ordinance establishing the Quick Response Service, A New volunteer Emergency Medical Corps, Promoted by a Joint Municipal Council Pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law is still tabled until action is taken by the Borough of Highspire and Middletown. Mr. Musser said that he still recommends that they table this until the next Council Meeting, since none of the other Municipalities have approved it yet. RESOLUTION 2003-R-41 - A Resolution establishing a Special Purpose Parking Space for Frank A. Zuvich, Sr., of 470 North Second Street. Mr. Musser asked that this matter be tabled until Council can discuss this in executive session. RESOLUTION 2003-R-42 – A Resolution establishing a Special Purpose Parking Space for Lyn Clark of 32 Walnut Street. Mr. Musser asked that this matter be tabled until Council can discuss this in executive session. ADDITIONS: ORDINANCE 2003-7, An Ordinance Amending the Mr. Wion said that according to Mr. Ron Acri, the is a problem in various neighborhoods with trash strewn around due to the trash bags tearing and Mr. Acri recommended that we eliminate the collection by bags to prevent this problem. Mr. Wion said that Ordinance 2003-7 changes the Ordinance by removing the paragraph which previously allowed Poly bags, and requires the use of plastic or metal cans. Mr. Wion noted that this will not be effective until January1, 2004, which will allow ample time for the Borough to notify residence of the change and allow them time to get the required containers. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 Mr. Musser said he will try to include this change in with the Water billing, which is mailed out the first week of November. He asked if Council would like him to send out a separate mailing. Mr. Wright said he would like to send out a separate mailing. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked if the Borough could also include the regulations on recycling. Mr. Musser said we could also inform them that the billing will not be going to the owners of the rental properties. Dr. Szada said that she understands the reasoning behind this, but is not totally convinced that eliminating the bags will help. She said that cans can also be knocked over and the trash could be spilled. Mr. Acri said that the cans will have lids. Dr. Szada said that she agrees with the premise, she is just not sure it will resolve the problem. Mr. Wright suggested that we give this a try and we can re-address the issue if it doesn’t see to work. Dr. Szada agreed. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-7 as presented. NEW BUSINESS:  Kim L. Moreland, Executive Director, Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc. – Requesting the Borough of Steelton execute the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and the Humane Society for Municipal Animal Protective Services. Mr. Musser noted that this agreement is a little different than the one we had previously, which was an annual fee. He said the Borough will now be billed monthly, but charge per animal according to the fee schedule listed in the agreement. Mr. Acri asked if that includes picking up the animal in the Humane Society ambulance. Chief Lenker said that is included, but costs extra. Mr. Musser said that unfortunately this is a service that the Borough needs. On motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and the Humane Society as presented. Mr. Kovach – Requesting a Cost-of-Living study be done for the retired employees of the Non-Uniform Pension Plan. Mr. Musser said that the retired employees request this every year. Mr. Musser said that the study, if Council approves the request, will be presented at the November meeting so that Council can make a decision on a cost of living increase for the retirees. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the cost-of-living study, as requested. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss the Police Contract negotiations, land acquisition, Water Filtration Plant personnel matters and CDL licenses. Mr. Musser said to add the discussion of any legal matters regarding Resolutions 41 and 42. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Lawrence Keefe, 2705 S. Third Street, Mr. Keefe said that the parks are beautiful but noted that there are no lights. He said he understands that the parks close at 8:00 p.m., but it will get dark early. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 Mr. Musser said that spotlights could be put at the parks since electricity is supplied to areas of the parks. He noted that the parks are open from eight a.m., to 8:00 p.m., and the Boat Dock is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mr. Musser said the reason it was changed from dawn to dusk is that it was left to individual interpretation. Mr. Wright said that this will be discussed by the Community Development and Recreation Committees and they will make a recommendation to Council. Maria Marcinko, 2704 South Second Street. Mrs. Marcinko said that she wasn’t here earlier and understands that Mr. Rodgers addressed some issues on Shane’s. She said that she met with Mr. Mrakovich on October 10th. She said the only thing she wanted was for him not to force me to call the police. She said she made a deal with him that she would call him first and he said that would be great. She said that Friday, everything was fine, but that Saturday, she called and asked to speak to Shane and was told that he was the Disc Jockey. She said she was very disappointed. She said that last Saturday, the LCB was there and they cited them. She invited council Members to come down to the area and hear how loud the music is. She said she doesn’t want to shut him down, she just wants the noise to stop. Mr. Wright thanked Mrs. Marcinko for coming to the meeting and said that council will continue to address the matter. Jeanne Barr, 346B Locust Street. Ms. Barr asked Chief Lenker if he knows who is shooting out car windows in her neighborhood. Chief Lenker said that they didn’t know who did it. She then asked if more bleachers would be put up at the football field. Mr. Wright told Ms. Barr that she will have to ask Dr. Kitch or the School Board about that. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar announced that the Steelton Senior Center is having a health fair on October 22nd at the Swatara Lodge in Oberlin. Mr. Acri thanked Lisa Chacon for the first edition of the Steelton Courier and said that copies were available in the Borough Lobby and at various businesses. Mr. Wright welcomed new Councilman Dennis Heefner, saying that he was appointed to fill the vacancy of Mr. Wrightsone. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss the Police contract Negotiations, Land Acquisition, Water Filtration Plant Personnel Matters, CDL Licenses and legal aspects of Resolutions 41 and 42, at 7:23 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. RESOLUTION 2003-R-41 was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2003-R-41, establishing a Special Purpose Parking Space for Frank A. Zuvich, Sr., of 470 North Second Street, as presented, with a change in location to be on Jefferson Street, beside his residence. Mr. Musser noted this was necessary since there wasn’t enough space in front of his property, without infringing on the neighbor’s property or reducing the distance to the curb. RESOLUTION 2003-R-42 was presented for Council’s consideration. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting October 20, 2003 On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Acri, Council Members present voted unanimously to table RESOLUTION 2003-R-42, until the owner and neighbor gave their permission. CDL Licenses. Mr. Musser said that the union withdrew its grievance regarding the CDL licenses and additional pay, and agreed to address during the next non-uniform contract negotiations. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to rescind the directive regarding the CDL licenses. On a motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to have Mr. Musser prepare a letter of reprimand to Mr. Wintergrass for his recent disrespectful attitude toward Mr. Acri, to take more appropriate responsibility as a Supervisor and to attend management classes at HACC. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Acri, seconded by Dr. Szada, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary _____________________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Borough Secretary