City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2004 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34p.m. by the President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Jeffrey Wright MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner Stephen Shaver David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II , Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes submitted. 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. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to approve the schedules of billings, requisitions and change orders as presented. Mr. Musser noted that change orders#1-6 , in the amount of $6,062.00, for Reich Field were included. He added that Council is reviewing change orders #7 and 8. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS; Reports for Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public works, and Code Enforcement for April, were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for April as presented. Mayor Acri thanked Councilman Heefner for ordering the new chairs for Council and Mayor. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Bobbie & Doug Malinak, Co-Chairs, Ryan Lee Mohn Walk – Requesting permission to use Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting May 17, 3004 some Borough Streets for the 1st Annual Ryan Lee Mohn Walk on August 7, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Shaver said he thought it was a great idea, but expressed his concerns about parking, since they want to start at the football field. Ms. Sviben said they are going to ask everyone to park at the high school and walk to the football field. She said Mr. & Mrs. Malinak sent letters to Swatara Township and the School District. Mr. Albert said it wouldn’t be any different than parking for the football games. Mr. Shaver asked why they couldn’t start at the High School, since they plan to end there. Mr. Acri said he will talk to Chief Lenker about the situation. Mr. Shaver re-iterated that he is all for the event, he just would like to resolve the potential parking problems. Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco, Vice-Chairman, Dauphin county Commissioners – Providing the Mayor and Council with Minutes from the EMS Meetings held on April 15th and 20th. There were no comments. Evelyn Sanchez, Director, Boys & Girls Club of Central PA-Steelton Branch – Providing Council with information regarding their Summer Camp Program and discussing the modifications made to make their program an addition to the Borough’s Summer Recreation Program. Mrs. Sanchez said the program will be different from previous years. She said the club program will open after the Borough’s Parks and Recreation Programs, so the children can participate in the Borough’s programs in the morning then go to the club house in the afternoon. She said they can provide a lunch program and possibly a supper program. Mrs. Sanchez said she believes this will benefit the community and the children. Dr. Szada asked Mrs. Sanchez how many children she thought would participate, and how many staff members were there. Mrs. Sanchez said she thought at least 50 children would participate and there were four staff members , in addition to herself, inside the club house. Dr. Szada asked if that was sufficient, noting that there are problems with the children loitering outside the club house. Mrs. Sanchez said that is ten (10) children to each staff member and they have several volunteer juvenile leaders. Mrs. Sanchez said that unfortunately they can’t control what happens outside the club house. Mayor Acri said this may not be the time to address this, but since you can’t control what happens outside the Club House, this needs to be addressed. Mr. Shaver said he thinks the plan is very aggressive, which is great and commended Mrs. Sanchez for what she is trying to do, but noted that it is a really long day. Mrs. Sanchez said that Council members had the old schedule and said she would supply Council members with a revised schedule. Mr. Shaver asked if the lunches would be served inside the Club House and Mrs. Sanchez said they would. Ms. Sviben said that the plan is that the Children can come to the playground program in the morning and if the Borough partners with the Boys and Girls Club, we would be eligible for a free breakfast program. Mr. Musser said that when we handed out our registration forms, we would include the Boys & Girls Club applications and the Boys and Girls Club would include the Parks and Recreation applications when they hand out their applications. He noted that it is up to the individuals if they want to participate in one or both programs. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members unanimously approved cooperating with the Boys & Girls Club. Chief Lenker – Informing Council that training for the two (2) newly purchased tasers will take place on Thursday, June 10, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in Council Chambers. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 Mr. Kovach said that anyone who plans to attend the training should contact Mr. Musser. Barbara Barksdale, President, Friends of Midland – Invitation to the Memorial Celebration on Saturday, May 29th, at 1:00 p.m., at Midland Cemetery, and providing Council with information for placing an ad in their program for the event. Mr. Kovach said that those who wish to attend should contact Mr. Musser. He noted that if anyone wishes to place an ad in the program, it must be personal and not a Borough ad. Juanita Jackson, 253 Lincoln Street, Steelton, PA – Requesting permission to block off the back of Bessemer Street on Saturday, June 12, 2004, for a wedding and family reunion. Mayor Acri said that he discussed this with Chief Lenker and he has no problems with the request. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to approve the request as presented. Dan Wright, Chairman, Masonic Hall Association – Requesting permission for Paxton Lodge #16 to block off Bessemer Street from 19th Street to the end of the Lodge’s property line on Saturday, June 5, 2004, from 7:a.m., until 7:00 p.m., for a flea market, chicken barbeque and fish fry. Mayor Acri said that Chief Lenker reviewed the request and sees not problems with it. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council members voted unanimously to approve the request as presented. Larry Roberts – Letter of complaint against Officer Fry There were no comments. Karen M. Balaban, Esquire, Law Offices of Karen M. Balaban, LLC – Letter informing the Borough that on January 29, 2004, her client, Tri-Comomunity Ambulance Association ceased all operations. Mr. Shaver asked if the Fire Department had an agreement with them. Mr. Kovach said they went bankrupt. Mayor Acri said that we have a signed agreement with Chamber Hill now. Mr. Kovach said we will discuss this in executive session.  Michael T. Burge, Sr., Chief of Police, Annville Township Police Department – Letter of thanks to the Steelton Police for their assistance during the Lebanon Valley College Incident. Mayor Acri said he would like to have a letter place in the personnel files of the following police officers: Officers Shaub, Powers, Conjar, Zarra, Fry and Rupert. On a Motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to have the letter placed in the officers’ personnel files as requested. Tammy Nicaise – Letter in regards to requested reimbursement for her Mother’s overpayment of Tri-Community Ambulance. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 There were no comments. Diana J. Kerr, Main Street State coordinator, DCED – Letter approving the Borough’s request to extend the Main Street Area from Mohn Street to Gibson. There were no comments. Gary E. Lenker, Vice-President/Director of Operations, Donco Comstruction – Letter of thanks to Mr. Musser, Mr. Heefner & Mr. Wright for meeting with him in regards to the Adams Street Revitalization Project. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council members voted unanimously to have letters placed in the personnel files as requested. Dauphin County Commissioners – Providing the Borough with a copy of the Regional Impact Newsletter. There were no comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2004-R-14, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE ELM STREET GRANT APPLICATION was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wideman-Krosnar, Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2004-R-14, as presented. Ms. Sviben – Requesting permission to discuss the Pre-Independence Day Parade, a Community Block Party and the 125th Anniversary Plans. Ms. Sviben asked Council’s permission to cancel the Pre-Independence Day Parade this year, since the Steelton and Highspire Fire Departments were co-hosting the Annual Dauphin County Firemen’s Convention this year, which includes a very large parade that will be held two (2) weeks prior to our scheduled parade. Ms. Sviben said that she didn’t think it was advisable to hold two parades so close together and suggested that the Borough use those funds to sponsor other activities. Ms. Sviben said that one of those activities could be to hold a small event on the lot across from the Municipal Building from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on June 26th, the date the Pre- Independence Parade would have been held., and tie it in with the Main Street Program. Ms. Sviben said that she had already booked Mr. Music and the Polka Quads for the Pre-Independence day activities and would like to have them perform, allow a few vendors, who already responded to set up and perhaps have a display set up on the Main Street Program. Ms. Sviben said there would be no additional costs to the Borough for set up and it won’t require us to shut down Front Street. Mr. Wright asked if this will save the Borough money, and if she contacted Chief Vance. Ms. Sviben said she did okay this with Chief Vance and that it would save the Borough a good bit of expense this year. Mr. Heefner asked about the Fireman’s Parade Route. Ms. Sviben said that won’t be known until the bid has been awarded for Swatara Street. She said thatBrian Handley will talk to the Engineer to get their plans. Ms. Sviben said that there were three (3) town meetings held to discuss the 125th Borough Anniversary Celebrations, but they were not well attended. She said that Connie Acri who volunteers with Penbrook Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 Borough’s activities, has offered her time to do an anniversary book and calendar. Mayor Acri would like to have a formal gala in the fall. It was the consensus of Council members to have a semi-formal event. Mr. Shaver asked if there was a New Year’s event planned. Ms. Sviben said there was not. Mr. Shaver said people have been asking him about T-shirts. Ms. Sviben said they are in the works. Mayor Acri said they are also working on a 125th Anniversary calendar for the Police Department. Mr. Shaver asked if the Fire Department has applied for the parade permit. Ms. Sviben said that she and Mrs. Neal are working on the State Permit. Mr. Shaver said he was wondering about the Borough permit and suggested that the Borough waive the permit fee. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to waive the Borough Parade Permit Fee for the Steelton-Highspire hosted County Firemen’s Parade. Joanne Archfield, UGI – Letter informing the Borough of additional work UGI will be performing in Steelton this year. Mr. Musser stated that it has been decided to postpone the big paving projects included in the Bond issue for 2004, to 2005. He asked if Council wanted to do some smaller paving projects this year. It was the consensus of Council to do that. Mr. Musser said he would discuss the areas with Mr. Conjar and then get the bid specifications ready. Mr. Musser – Discussion regarding the 2004 paving projects, Swatara Street Strom Sewer Project and Interviews for summer laborers positions and summer recreation positions. Mr. Musser noted that he just addressed the paving projects. He informed Council that the Swatara Street Project should start next week, with Rogele as the contractor. Mr. Musser said that he and Mr. Heefner met with the Engineer and Mr. Conjar’s Department will provide most of the on-site oversite, but the engineers will make periodic inspections. Mr. Musser added that Navarro and Wright will work with HRG to do the compaction testing. He said the cost of the project on Swatara from Fourth Street to Second Street would be $372,292.00, and the portion from Second Street to Front Street would cost approximately $65,000.00. Mr. Musser informed council that the project will begin next week and he will contact the residents, but didn’t anticipate having to shut down the street until June, when school is out. He said the pumps will continue to run until the project is done. There was additional discussion on the traffic patterns and street closings, as well as parking and bus issues, which have been or will be addressed. Mayor Acri asked if they would allow parking against the flow of traffic during the project. Mr. Shaver suggested he speak to the Chief about that. Dr. Sazda asked about the area in front of the Casa Cica. Mr. Musser said that area is not in the bid. He said it does have to be addressed, and hopefully the Borough will be able to apply for grant funds in 2005. Mr. Wion suggested that Council should approve the new figures for the project. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members unanimously awarded the contract to Rogele, Inc., in the amount of $372,290 , for the first section and approximately $65,000, for the second portion. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Musser to contact UGI about the patch between Second Street and River Alley, which wasn’t done properly. Mr. Shaver also suggested that we contact the Luthern Church to get permission for residents to use their parking lot during the week, while the Swatara Street work is being done. Mr. Heefner said that Mrs. Krosnar has contacted them and will follow up on that for us. Mr. Acri said that Bethlehem Steel has been approached to allow residents to park in their lot at Front and Swatara Street on Sundays when the Church lot is not available Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 Mr. Musser informed Council that he and Mr. Shaver reviewed the applications that were received for the summer positions, the playground leaders and coordinator and the laborers. Mr. Musser noted that there are four (4) playground leader openings and we received four (4) applications; there are three (3) summer laborer positions available and we received three (3) applications, so if all is well with those applications, they could be hired. Mr. Musser said that three (3) applications were received for one (1) opening for the Playground Coordinator position, so the Personnel Committee will have to conduct interviews for that position. Mr. Shaver said he will arrange a time with the Personnel Committee to meet for the interviews. RESOLUTION 2005-R-15, a Resolution accepting the Steelton Borough Police contract, effective January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2005-R-15, as presented. Mr. Musser – Requesting Projects to be funded with the FY 2005 CDBG funds. Mr. Musser stated that this was presented to the Community Development Committee earlier this evening. Mr. Musser noted that thanks to Commissioner Hartwick, the Borough will receive approximately $270,000, which was increased from approximately $210,000. He said the Community Development Committee recommends the following projects and allocation: $100,000, toward the Boat Dock to match the grants we hope to receive; $100,000 will be moved to the Adams Street Project to acquire properties; $40,000, to renovate the Senior Center; $30,000, will be our match for the Elm Street Program. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members voted unanimously to approve the 2005 CDBG Fund Projects. Mr. Musser – Discussion regarding the purchase of two (2) new police vehicles, Reich Field Update and the PP & L Rate Case. Police Vehicles. Mr. Musser said he gave Council Members information on the purchase of two (2) new police vehicles: one 4 x 4 and one Crown Victoria sedan, pending Mr. Leber’s okay to include this in the bond purchases. Mr. Musser said the Borough would transfer the two (2) police vehicles that are being replaced, to the Code Department and get rid of the Code Truck. Mr. Heefner asked why an Expedition was selected instead of an Explorer. Mr. Mussr said that Chief Lenker informed him that the Explorer would be too small, they couldn’t transport prisoners in it, so they had to go to a larger vehicle. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members voted unanimously to approve the purchase of two (2) police vehicles, as stated, contingent upon approval as a bond purchase by Mr. Leber. Reich Field. Mr. Musser said that Reich Field is about 90% complete, and Council approved 1-6 Change Orders this evening. He said that they will work out some problems with Stoner. Mr. Musser said that the base pads were taken care of today and there is still a debate within the Association that the Sewer Grate at Third Base line is in play, but Mr. Bachik checked Little League Rules which okayed that. PP&L Rate Case. Mr. Musser said he will have a conference call tomorrow on the rate case and he sent Council a confidential e-mail regarding this. Mr. Musser said he has a 12:00 noon meeting with Mr. Leber and he will be in Shippensburg Tuesday night. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser- Discussion in regards to Industrial Appraisal proposal for the upcoming appraisal to make sure the Borough complies with GASB 34. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 Mr. Musser informed Council that under GASB 34, we are required to do full inventories of all Borough assets, which include the water and sewer distribution systems. He said this could cost a significant amount of money. Mr. Musser said that Industrial Appraisal is approved by our insurance company and our auditors. He noted that this isn’t budgeted, but must be done by State Law. Mr. Musser assured Council that he will find the funds to do this. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to approve the Agreement with Industrial Appraisal in the amount of $4,495 for their basic services for inventory and appraisal services; $320.00, for annual updating of insurable values; and annual updating of the fixed asset report. Dauphin County Commissioner’s – Requesting the Borough of Steelton Opt in or out of the Dauphin County CDBG Program. Mr. Musser recommended that council Opt in to the CDBG Program. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to Opt in to the Dauphin County CDBG Program. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that a Special Purpose Parking Application has been submitted by Edward Terry, 217 Lincoln Street, Steelton, PA. There were no comments. ORDINANCE NO. 2004-5, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Borough of Steelton Chapter 110, Thereof Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” to Establish Addition Special Purpose Parking Zones, to Eliminate special Purpose Parking Zone, to establish No Parking Zones and to Prohibit parking in Certain Locations for Specified Times, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council members voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2004-5, as presented. OTHER BUSINESS:  Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss Code Officer Personnel matters and Land Acquisitions. Mr. Shaver – Certificates for Course Completion for Paul Wintergrass and Jack Kutz. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council members voted unanimously to have the certificates placed in the employees’ personnel files. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – Update on Elm Street Program. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said they were getting the letters of support and added that she thinks it will be a very good program, since the meeting with the residents on Second Street was very successful Mr. Musser noted that the Grant was submitted last Thursday. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Street in Steelton. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting May 17, 2004 Jeanne Barr – Informed Council that she has moved from 356 B Locust Street to 349 S. Fourth Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street, why a property in the 400 block was allowed to have waist high grass and weeds and scaffolding lying around. He said that it is a disgrace to the whole neighborhood. Mr. Ron Acri, Code Enforcement Officer, said that he is addressing the situation. He said that Mr. Mitchell is in the hospital. Mr. Wright assured Mr. Powell that Mr. Acri will be doing a follow-up and everything will be addressed this week. Mr. Shaver added that the Borough has to follow certain steps, which, unfortunately take time. Paula Sviben - Ms. Sviben said she was asked to extend an invitation to Council and their families, if they want to sit on the Reviewing Stand or ride in the Firemen’s Parade. She said that Rick Wagner will be the emcee. She asked that Council members let her know of their plans. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada – said she was able to represent the Borough on Saturday, at the Health and Safety Fair in Middletown, and the Steelton Fire Department and the Borough were given a Proclamation and Citation. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss Code Office personnel matters and Land Acquisition, at 7:32 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Musser informed Council that the deadline for someone within the Bargaining Unit to bid on the Code Enforcement Assistant/Secretary position is Friday, Mar 21, 2004, and, to date, Ms. Sylvie Mixon is the only one to bid on it. Mr. Musser added that Ms. Mixon, who is currently the Code Enforcement Secretary, meets the required qualifications, and recommended that Council award her the position, contingent on no one else bidding on the position. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members voted unanimously to select Ms. Sylvie Mixon to fill the position of Code Enforcement Assistant/Secretary, effective May 24, 2004, contingent upon no one else bidding on the position. Mr. Kovach thanked Mr. Heefner for having Borough lapel pins made, which were given to the elected officials. It was the consensus of Council members to give a pin to each of the department heads with a note from Mr. Kovach and the Mayor thanking them for their service to the Borough. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary