City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 20, 2004 The regular Council meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by the President, Michael J. Kovach, followed by the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence. In attendance: Absent: Michael J. Kovach Jeffery L. Wright Stephen J. Shaver Dennis C. Heefner Michael K. Albert Lisa M. Wiedeman-Krosnar Mary Jo Szada Thomas F. Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Borough Secretary/Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Asst. Secretary/Treasurer David A. Wion, Solicitor MINUTES: There were no minutes presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: Mr. Musser reported that there was an executive session held earlier this evening at 5:30 PM., to discuss litigation regarding Shane’s City Limits and the Bethlehem Steel/ISG Tax Assessment Appeal. Mr. Musser said the executive session ended at 6:15 PM., and the following individuals were present at the executive session: Mr. Kovach, Mr. Wright, Mr. Heefner, Mr. Albert, Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Dr. Szada, Mr. Shaver, Mayor Acri, Mr. Wion, Chief Lenker and Shane Marakovich (from 5:30 PM to 5:50 PM) and himself. SCHEDULE OF BILLS: The schedule of bills, requisitions and change orders were presented. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to approve the schedule of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 Mr. Kovach requested that one motion be made to approve all of the reports as presented. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council members voted unanimously to approve the Community Development, Finance, Fire & Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works & Code Enforcement reports for July 2004, as presented. Mayor Acri said he would update Council on a personnel problem during the executive session to be held at the end of the regular meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT: On agenda items only. There were none. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Kovach deviated from the agenda to discuss the Subdivision Plan for 200 Catherine Street. Mr. Ronald Acri, Code/Zoning/Planning Officer – Requesting the Approval of the Subdivision Plan for 200 Catherine Street. Mr. Ronald Acri informed council that the owner of the property, Mr. Charles Stroud, wishes to subdivide one (1) lot into two (2) lots. Mr. Acri added that Brinjac engineering reviewed the plans, and it meets the Borough’s Zoning of RTU and meets all of the setbacks. Mr. Acri said the concrete monument will be moved from the rear to the front of the lot. He noted that Dauphin County had one (1) issue with sediment and erosion, but there is no Land Development Plan at this time, so it will be addressed when that time comes. Mr. Wion said this requires no Improvement Guarantee, because there are no public improvements. On a motion by Mr. Acri, Seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Subdivision Plan for 200 Catherine Street, as presented. Earl J. Mumma, President, Highspire Auto & Truck Repair Corp. – Letter Thanking the Borough for the Letters Explaining the Recent Increases. There were no comments. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 Ronald J. Paul, Manager, Lower Swatara Township – Informing the Borough That Lower Swatara is Updating Their Comprehensive Plan and They are Asking all Contiguous Municipalities for Their Review and Comment. Mr. Musser said a copy of the plan is available for review in his office. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) – Providing Council & the Mayor With Information In Regards to Newly Elected Borough Officials Training. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. PSAB -??????? Mr. Ron Acri, Code Enforcement Officer recommended that the Borough opt in. Mr. Wion said that Council will have to take formal action at that time. Mr. Acri said there will be a Resolution prepared for adoption. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association – Invitation to the Next Dauphin- Lebanon County Boroughs Association Meeting on January 27, 2004, Hosted by Myerstown Borough at the Lantern Lodge. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) – Invitation to the PSAB Spring Legislative Boroughs Conference at the Harrisburg Marriott from March 14th through the 16th. Mr. Kovach said anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. William P. Hoyer, President, Tri-Community Ambulance Association of Swatara Township, Inc. – Informing the Borough That Tri-Community Ambulance Association of Swatara Township, Inc. Will Continue to Remain in Business in 2004. Mr. Musser informed Council that the Ambulance Association lost their contract to support the County Home, they are in debt, and their ambulance is out of service because they don’t have money to repair it. Mr. Musser said he would like to arrange a meeting with the Chief to discuss the situation. Mr. Musser said this should be addressed this early in the year. Mr. Wright asked if there was a contract. Mr. Musser said that there was, but a lot has happened, since that was made. Mr. Shaver requested a brief explanation of the situation. Dr. Szada said that there was a joint venture between Tri-Community and Steelton Ambulance Associations, and she too Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 would like to address this as soon as possible. It was consensus of Council Members to arrange a meeting to address this situation as soon as possible. Graci Spital, 396 Jessamine Avenue, Steelton, PA – Letter Expressing Her Disappointment with the Steelton Police at an Incident on December 11, 2003. Mayor Acri informed Council Members that Chief Lenker spoke with Ms. Spital and Officer Basonic about this matter. Mr. Shaver asked Chief Lenker how he follows up on these incidents. Chief Lenker said that there were some discrepancies in the letter, which they discussed it and Ms. Spital is satisfied. Sandra D. Hicks, Owner, Touched by an Angel, “A Multi-Cultural Men/Women Salon – Letter to See if the Borough Has Any Grant Money To Help Her With the Possible Expansion of Her Business at 113 South Front Street. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said she will contact Ms. Hicks and ask her to come to the next Business Association Meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ordinance No. 2004-1 – An Ordinance Amending the Code of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Chapter 54, “Electrical Standards”, Section 54-3. “Administration and Enforcement”, Subsection B, “Inspections” to Authorize a Service, Rough Wire and Final Electrical Inspection to be Performed by the Steelton Code Enforcement Officer in Addition to An Approved Electrical Inspection Agency. Mr. Wion said that he believes that Mr. Acri informed most Council Members previously when this was required, it could only be done by an approved electrical inspection agency, but since Mr. Acri is trained to do that, if Council wishes to change it would say that the Code Officer or electrical inspection agency could make those inspections and the Borough could charge the fee. Mr. Heefner asked how this would affect the Borough’s insurance. Mr. Acri said that he spoke with the insurance company and that would not increase the insurance. After discussion on fees, on a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2004-1 as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 Mr. Musser – Permission to Discuss the 2004 Street Paving Project. Mr. Musser noted that Council Members each have a copy of a letter from UGI, Inc., asking what streets we are going to be paving, as well as a list from Mr. Conjar showing streets he recommends we pave with funds from the Bond Issue. Mr. Musser asked Council Members to review the list to determine if there should be any additions or changes. Dr. Szada asked how the Borough can get Rte. 230 paved, since it is the State’s responsibility. Mr. Musser responded that we have to get on the twelve (12) year plan. Mr. Musser said he will contact someone at District 8 to see when we must have the request in. Mr. Musser – Requesting Council Approve the Subdivision and Land Development Draft Ordinance Being Sent to the Steelton Borough Planning Commission and the Dauphin County Planning Commission for Review and Comments. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Sub-division and Land Development Draft Ordinance as presented. Mr. Wion noted that Council will also have a Public Hearing after it goes to the County and Borough Planning commission because this is a complete revision of your Sub- Division Land Development Ordinance. Mr. Wion also encouraged Council to review the copy and let him, Mr. Musser and Mr. Ron Acri know if there are any questions. Mr. Kovach thanked all who worked on this project. Mr. Musser added that once the draft comes back to council for adoption, we will continue to fine tune it and hopefully have it completed by the end of the year. Juanita Lewis-Chisholm, 437 Lincoln Street, Steelton, PA – Submission of an Application for a Special Purpose Parking Space. There were no comments. Robert P. Casey, Jr., Auditor General – Providing the Borough with a Copy of the Steelton Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association Audit for the Period January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. There were no comments. Dauphin County Board of Commissioners & the Dauphin County Planning Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 20, 2004 Page (6) Commission – Requesting the Borough Execute the Agreement Between the Borough and the Dauphin County Planning Commission for the Planning Commission to Provide Municipal Planning Advisory Service for the Year 2004. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members present voted unanimously to execute the agreement between the Borough of Steelton and the Dauphin County Planning Commission for the Planning Commission to provide municipal planning advisory service for the year 2004. Mr. Musser & Mr. Wion – Discussion in Regards to Act 98. Mr. Musser said that he and Mr. Wion are going to review the ordinance, but he wanted to bring it to Council’s attention because of the recent fire losses. Mr. Wion said that some municipalities do get involved and some don’t, but Mr. Musser and Mr. Ron Acri think this is something Steelton should look at and that is why Council has the model ordinance to review. Mr. Musser said that the fire property on Harrisburg Street will be sold and repaired but the ones on Second Street are a little different. He said that one of the four homes is becoming an issue and Act 98 will obviously protect us from these issues in the future. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a Copy of the Street Lighting Study for Route 230. Mr. Musser informed Council that PennDOT paid for the study and he would like to engineers to come to a meeting to discuss it. Mr. Wion asked if PPL or the Borough will own the lights. He said his main concern is if the Borough owns traffic signals and controls that is one of the exceptions to the Borough’s immunity. Mr. Wion said if everything else is equal he recommends that PPL own the lights and the Borough pay the light bills. Mr. Heefner said he agrees with Mr. Wion. Mr. Musser said that the Borough doesn’t own any lights at this time. Resolution 2004-R-3 – A Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Declaring Its Intent to Follow the Procedures for the Disposition of Records as Set Forth in the Retention and Disposition Schedule for Records of Pennsylvania Municipalities Issued July 16, 1993. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council members voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2004-R-3, as presented. Mr. Musser – Permission to Review the Terms of the Boards and Commissions of the Borough of Steelton. Mr. Musser informed Council that on the Planning Commission, there are two (2) one- year terms that have expired. He said that someone is needed to fill the two (2) year term of Mr. Wise. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Acri serves on the authority and would like to continue to serve. Mr. Musser said he wanted to bring these to council’s attention so they can make recommendations at the next meeting. Mr. Wion said if Mr. O’Keefe is going to serve on the Zoning Commission, council may want to replace him on the civil Service Commission. Chief Lenker – Requesting Council to Approve the Part-Time Police Selection List for the Borough and to Approve the Hiring of 3 New Part-Time Officers to Fill the 3 Vacant Positions. Chief Lenker stated that on January 12th, he, Mayor Acri, Mr. Kovach, Mr. Wright and Mr. Shaver interviewed the part-time applicants and gave each of them a score. He requested Council to approve the list and authorize him to hire three of the officers from the list. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the list as presented by the Committee and Chief Lenker and authorize Chief Lenker to hire the top three (3) candidates contingent upon their passing the background screening and obtaining their MOPEC number. ADDITIONS: Chief Lenker requested permission to purchase radios. He said he had proposals for radios from a company under State contract for $8,500.00, which will be paid through the Bond Issue. Mr. Shaver asked it the price included the earpiece. Chief Lenker said no it didn’t we will pay an addition $20.00, for each. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to approve Chief Lenker’s request to purchase the eight new radios as request by Chief Lenker. Mr. Musser requested council to ratify a letter sent bid to 43,693 ?????? Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting January 20, 2005 OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting Permission for an Executive Session to Discuss Land Acquisition Matters. Mr. Musser said this will be done after audience participation. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Jeanne Barr, 346B Locust Street – Congratulated Mayor Acri and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Leonard Yablon, 720 South Second Street – stated that he addressed Council ten (10) months and three (3) days ago concerning three (3) issues and he would like to get some feed-back. He said he would like to go on record to thank Chief Lenker and his staff for addressing one of the issues he raised then. Mr. Yablon thanked Mr. Ron Acri and Sylvie Stoner for the work they have done, noting that there is still some work to do and he realizes that they have other priorities. Mr. Yablon said the third issue is directed to Council adding that he is not aware of anything that has transpired since the last time he was here. Mr. Yablon said he has lived there for sixty (60) years and owns one car, which is the exception in that area. He expressed concern about the number of cars per residence in that area and questioned whether or not all of those people are on the tax rolls and questioned if there was a way to improve the parking situation in that area. Mr. Yablon said he spoke with Mr. Kovach and Mr. Wright recently about these things. He told council he would appreciate it if they would look into the issue and try to resolve the problems. Mr. Kovach said that one of the issues they discussed was trash and that is being checked on and the police are running more details, but the parking is a problem. Mr. Kovach said that if a vehicle has a current registration and valid inspection, the car can park there. There was additional discussion on the parking problems and the issue of whether or not all residents are on the tax rolls. Mr. Yablon asked if there is any opportunity to have a police dog. Chief Lenker said the budget situation is very tight, but they have looked at that possibility. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting January 20, 2004 COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mayor Acri – wanted to commend the water and highway department employees noting that there was a recent water break around 9:15 in the evening and the Temperature was about 3 degrees, and they were in the hole in water. He added that he is proud of them and he sent Thank You letters to Turkey Hill and to Dick Albert who closed the Roller Inn early and gave him the keys to allow our employees to go in to keep warm if they needed to. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said she is preparing hand-written thank you notes on behalf of Council. Mr. Heefner – thanked Mr. Musser and Mr. Ron Acri for the Land Development Ordinance, noting that Council has been trying to do this for two (2) years. Mr. Wright – also thanked Mr. Musser and Mr. Ron Acri for their efforts on the Land Development Ordinance. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:48 P.M. to discuss personnel matters and land acquisitions. The meeting reconvened at 8:03 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ ____________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary/Treasurer Assistant Secretary/Treasurer