City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2004 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33.m. by the President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Michael Albert Jeffrey Wright Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Stephen Shaver Thomas Acri, Mayor David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II , Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council members voted unanimously to approve the June 21 and July 6, 2004, minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser reported that there was an executive session held this evening at 5:45 p.m. to discuss potential litigation regarding zoning. He said those in attendance were Mr. Shaver, Mr. Kovach, Mr. Wright, Dr. Szada, Mr. Heefner, Mayor Acri, Mr. Wion, Mrs. Fackler and himself. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED; On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members voted unanimously to approve the schedules of billings, requisitions and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS; Reports for Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public works, and Code Enforcement for June, were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for June as presented. Ms. Sanchez, Parks and Recreation Department, distributed copies of her report and discussed the activities which were held, those that are scheduled. She noted that there were 85 children in the program and the registration is closed. Ms. Sanchez reviewed the policies and procedures on discipline issues and the care and reporting of minor accidents. She informed Council that for two weeks, just two of the parks will be opens, due to staff vacations and she is notifying the parents of this change. Ms. Sanchez asked to meet with the Mayor to discuss loitering issues at the Boys and Girls Club.  Mayor Acri said that he will be attending a Rotary meeting tomorrow and he will thank them for their project they are planning to do at Midland Cemetery. The Mayor noted that Ms. Barksdale will be attending the meeting also. Mayor Acri informed Council that he will be touring the Borough Parks and playgrounds in the morning on Thursday, July 22nd. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. DEVIATE FROM AGENDA: Mr. Kovach deviated from the agenda to address an issue listed under Unfinished Business: ISG, Steelton, LLC – Requesting the Borough of Steelton to approve their Final Subdivision Plan. Mr. Ron Acri reviewed the ISG, Inc. Sub-Division with Council, noting that the subdivision involved five (5) lots, with the primary purpose to sell the lots. Mr. Acri gave the description and location of each of the five (5) lots, and said that two (2) cannot have anything built on them and three (3) of them can. Mr. Wion said the record should reflect that the Steelton Planning Commission reviewed the Plan and that they recommend approval provided that several conditions be met, and asked Mr. Acri if those conditions have been met. Mr. Acri responded that the conditions have been met, but ISG requested several waivers. Mr. Wion advised Council to act on each waiver separately. He presented the waivers as follows: 1) Section 403, waive submission of separate preliminary plat plan. Mr. Wion explained that this plan is both a preliminary and final plan in one, rather than file separate plans. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the submission of a separate preliminary plan, as presented. 2) Section 403-1 and 506 submission of storm water management/erosion and sedimentation control plan. Mr. Wion said he assumed this was being requested because this is simply a division of land, separating one tract into five separate tracts and they are not at the moment planning any development and this is not a land development plan, where you would traditionally have an erosion and control plan. Mr. Ronald Acri confirmed that this is the situation. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the submission of storm water management/erosion and sedimentation control plan, as presented. 3) Section 407, Sewer planning for this subdivision. Mr. Wion said this is also because there is no building proposed at this time. He added that if any development occurs, they would have to comply with DEP’s requirements of a sewer module plan, and Mr. Acri confirmed that the plan has a note to this effect. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the submission of the Sewer Plan, as presented. 4) Section 505, requirement for lot to abut a public street. Mr. Wion noted that lot 1b does not abut a private street, but said he believes it is by private easement, connected to a public street. Mr. Wion said they are requesting a waiver because there is access to a public street. Mr. Acri confirmed these facts. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the requirement for a lot to abut a public street, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 5) Section 613, requirement for buffer yard. Mr. Wion said that in the Borough Sub-division Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance you require certain buffers between potential different sub-division zones and zoning districts. He noted that in this case they are just sub- dividing, they are not proposing any uses, which at the time that they submit a land development plan they will be required to submit the buffer requirements. Mr. Acri confirmed this position. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to waive the buffer requirement, as presented. Mr. Wion said that he believes that the Dauphin County Planning Commission has reviewed the plan and had some comments, and asked if those comments have been addressed and corrected on the plan. Mr. Acri said that they had. Mr. Wion said that he understands that the Borough’s Engineers’ Brinjac Engineering has reviewed the plan for its compliance with the Borough’s Sub- Division and Land Development Ordinance, and they made certain recommendations or changes, and asked if those changes have been made and complied with. Mr. Acri responded that they had. Mr. Wion then asked Mr. Acri if all of the comments have been addressed, where required, in relation to this plan. Mr. Acri said that they have. Mr. Wion said that he has no further questions of Mr. Acri. There being no further questions, on a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the plan as recommended by the Borough Planning Commission and Code Enforcement Officer. COMMUNICATIONS: Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association – Invitation to the Dauphin-Lebanon Borough Association meeting hosted by Highspire Borough on July 27th, at 6:30 p.m., at the Highspire Fire House. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Andy Courtney, Vice President, Morris Laundromation Services, Inc. – Letter informing the Borough of some of the problems their business experienced during the June 12th Dauphin County Firemen’s Convention Parade and requesting the Fire Department writing a letter acknowledging their donation that day. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Courtney listed the problems which occurred that day, as well as what he believed was a loss of business, which he believed were a direct result of the parade, and requested the Fire Department to give them a letter acknowledging a charitable contribution in the amount of $500.00, since their property and lot were ‘donated’ to support the Dauphin County Firemen’s Convention Parade. Dr. Szada said that she disagreed with some of Mr. Courtney’s statements. She agreed that there were cars parked there without permission, but she said that the road was shut down at the most for two (2) hours and she suggested that the amount be reduced to $250.00, for an in-kind donation. Mayor Acri pointed out that the Borough has different activities on Front Street, and from time to time some businesses believe that their businesses are affected, but sometimes it is affected positively, and therefore he was not in favor of doing this. Dr. Szada said she would not dispute it if the Fire Department decided to comply. After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council to refer it to the Fire Department to make the decision. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 Lori Kieffer Yeich, Recreation & Parks Advisor, North Central/South Central Region, DCNR – Letter of thanks to Mr. Musser and the Borough staff for all of their efforts in hosting the 2004 DCNR Grant Award Announcement Media Event at the Steelton Boat Dock Facility. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to have the letter placed in Mr. Musser’s personnel file. Connie Cox, 322 Locust Street, Steelton – Requesting permission to close off Penn Street from Locust Street to North Fourth Street, on August 7, 2004, from 2:00 p.m., to 10:00 p.m., for a Sweet 16 Birthday Party. Chief Lenker suggested that they be told to open the road as soon as the party ends, noting that that seems like a long time for a birth day party. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request as presented. Rev. Iris J. Andrews, Grace Temple Church of the Living God, Inc., 300 Pine Street – Requesting permission to close Mulberry Street from Penn Street to North Fourth Street, on August 7, 2004, from 11:00 a.m., to 4:00 p.m., for a Community Day Event. Chief Lenker said that the Steelton Police will be in attendance to talk to the children, as they do each year. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request as presented. Sgt. William M. Bowen, Supervisor, CLEAN Audit Unit, CLEAN Administrative Section – Letter thanking the Steelton Police Department for their assistance during the CLEAN Audit Review and to inform the Department that there were few errors found. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to place a copy of this letter placed in Chief Lenker, SGT. Spangler and Mrs. Neal’s personnel files.  Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) – Providing the Borough with a copy of their 2003 Annual Report. There were no comments. Dauphin County Planning Commission – Providing the Borough with a copy of their 2003 Annual Report. There were no comments. Brownfield’s 2004 – Invitation to the Brownfield’s 2004; Gateway to Revitalization, September 20-22, 2004, at America’s Center, St. Louis Missouri. There were no comments. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that a Special Purpose Parking application has been submitted by Jack Jacoby of 103 North Second Street, Steelton, Pa 17113 Mr. Musser informed Council Members that Dr. Szada spoke with Mrs. Jacoby, who is present in the audience. Mr. Musser explained that Mr. And Mrs. Jacoby have off-street parking and noted that it has been Council’s policy since 1995, to deny Special Purpose Parking requests, when the applicant has off- Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 street parking. Mr. Musser said that it is his and Mr. Conjar’s recommendation to deny the request at this time. Mrs. Jacoby addressed Council, saying that their garage was built over one hundred years ago to keep horses and it is not big enough for a car. She also said that her husband’s breathing ability limits the distance he can walk. Mrs. Jacoby said that if she parks her van in the driveway, her van sticks out in to the street. Mrs. Jacoby added that if she does park in her driveway, people park there and block her in. She said she doesn’t bother to call the police. Dr. Szada asked if she could park across her driveway. Chief Lenker said that is against the law. The Chief added that if cars block Mrs. Jacoby’s driveway, she should call the police and they would ticket the cars. Mr. Wright told Mrs. Jacoby that Council would try to work with her. Mr. Kovach added that Council will try to accommodate her by ticketing those who block her driveway, but urged her to call the police when that happens. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ISG, Steelton, LLC – Requesting the Borough of Steelton to approve their Final Subdivision Plan. This was addressed earlier in the meeting. RESOLUTION 2004-R-21, ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKING SPACE FOR LISA H. LEINNINGER OF 133 SOUTH FOURTH STREET, STEELTON, PA. Mr. Musser asked Council to table this Resolution until the next meeting, since the owner’s permission is required and has not yet been received.  Mr. Musser – Requesting Council to approve the Execution of the Contracts for the following two (2) Community Revitalization Assistance Program Grants – Grant Contract Numbers C000005988 & C000005990. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the execution of the Community Revitalization Assistance Program Grant Contract Numbers C000005988 and C000005990 as presented. Mr. Musser – Reminding Council of the Economic Development Trip to South Side and Homestead on Saturday, July 24, 2004. Mr. Kovach asked Council Members to contact Mr. Musser to discuss this matter. Mrs. Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar and Mrs. Fackler – Requesting Council approve some minor changes to the Main Street Façade Grant Guidelines and to inform Council that there will be a review of the Sign Ordinance and a recommendation for changes. In Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar’s absence Mrs. Fackler informed Council of the following three (3) changes: 1) Extending approved Main Street Northern Boundary from Conestoga to Gibson Street. 2) Deadline will be Jun3 30, 2005, for project completion 3) Add Mrs. Fackler’s contact information to the application. Mr. Kovach asked if the June 30th deadline was achievable. Mrs. Fackler said she thought that it was. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the changes to the Main Street Façade Grant Guidelines as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser- Requesting a date for interviews for the part-time custodial position. Mr. Shaver said he would contact him with a date. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss land acquisition matters and personnel issues. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Paul and Patty Wintergrass – 2851 South Third Street; Mike Kelly – 2711 South Third Street; Ken Wise – 2767 South Second Street; Jackie Schaffner – 2777 South Second Street; Terry Sweitzer – 2510 South Third Street; Harry Smith – 2838 South Third Street - appeared to express their objection to the placement of a trailer in the neighborhood. They questioned whether or not it was done legally, why a variance was granted and if they owners misrepresented the variance request. They were concerned about the affect it would have on their property values and the parking in the area. The residents noted the Council’s desire to revitalize the town and then allowing this to be located in their neighborhood. They were also upset that the owner of the trailer was on the school board. Mr. Kovach told the residents that Council has not had enough time to research the situation. Mr. Kovach said he was on the phone with the attorney today trying to clarify the Borough’s position and options. He explained that the zoning hearing took place about two years ago the time to appeal has passed. Mr. Kovach assured the residents that the Code Enforcement Officer would make sure that the trailer complies with all the Borough’s codes and zoning requirements. Mr. Wright said that this was just brought to Council’s attention and it wasn’t this Council who approved it. He said Council will meet with the Zoning Board to determine what happed and what can be done. Mr. Kovach said that Council will do whatever it can within the law. Barbara Baker, 414 Reading Street – told Council that there is an accumulation of trash on Adams Street, between Second Street and Bailey Street. She said she didn’t know if the Code Enforcement Officer has been around to see the trash that has been allowed to accumulate there. She said they are using if as a dump. Ms. Baker said that she called the Borough on Friday and asked if anyone else called and she wanted to go on record as calling. She said it is truly disgraceful that these residents are allowed to live like this, that they don’t have pride in their area. Ms. Baker said she would like the Code Enforcement Officer to ride up Adams Street by the Monumental Church to see the trash. Ms Baker also asked, on behalf of her neighbors on the hill if the Borough would consider allowing residents who live on the steep hills to be able to park going down the hill., particularly during bad weather, since it is almost impossible to get out from between two cars when there is snow and ice on the road. And can be very dangerous. Mr. Kovach said that Council will look into the parking and will have the Code Enforcement go up to check on the trash and dumping. He asked Ms. Baker to please call if she sees someone dumping and to ask her neighbors to do the same. Mr. Wright said that Council had Community Service people there a few years ago to clean that up. Ms. Baker said that this is up the street from that on the left hand side. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street – Said that she agrees with Ms. Baker about the trash. She said that she doesn’t live in that neighborhood, but she travels Adams Street a lot and it has been there about a month. She also said that it seems that the rental properties are getting away with a lot of things that home owners can’t and she doesn’t think that it is fair. Mr. Heefner responded that Council is in the process of working on ordinances for rental properties, but it just takes some time. Mrs. Douglas asked what is the use of beautifying Front Street if there is a mess on the hill? She said she thinks that as the police are riding around and see things, they should notify the Code Enforcement Officer about it. Mr. Wise, 2767 South Second Street – said that we have people here, residents who have pride in their town and there are problems and asked what Council has to say. Mr. Kovach said that most of the laws are written at the state level and it is hard to do anything. He said that council is trying to do what it can within the law. He suggested that the residents contact their State representatives to work on code issues. Sherri Sucec, 14 Pine Street - noted that at the Forever Books Store, there is a sign on the door that you must be eighteen(18) years of age, but they have changed what is in the window and she doesn’t believe it is appropriate and asked if there is anything that can be done. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker to check on it. Teresa Williams, 158 Lincoln Street and Margaret Crawford, 154 Lincoln Street - informed that there are problems at 156 Lincoln Street, which is a half-way house. They said that there has a lot of noise, no supervision and an increase in the number of people coming in and out of the residence. They said that there is a new group since September 2003 and always someone new. They said that on Saturday, it looked lik a drug house with thirty (30) to forty (40) different people in and out. Ms. Williams said she hasn’t seen the owner in nine (9) months, and it sounds like someone is being thrown against the wall, the music is blaring, they don’t cut the grass or move the trash cans and they work on their cars in the street. Mr. Kovach said they must call the police and the codes office each and every time there is a problem. Ms. Crawford said she is getting very nervous since it is supposed to be a female half-way house but there are a number of men there and living there. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker and Ron Acri to check on these issues. Sherri Sucec, 14 Pine Street – thanked Council for their time and for listening. Mr. Kovach said it is good when people come and voice their concerns. Jeanne Barr, 349 South Fourth Street – said that at the event Council had recently on the lot across from the Municipal Building, a lot of people were complaining because there wasn’t anything for kids to do and there wasn’t anyone dancing. She said if the street was closed, maybe people could have danced. She suggested that Council have more bands and more things to do. Mr. Kovach asked Ms. Barr to contact Ms. Sviben with her suggestions. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – encouraged the residents to be sure to attend the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings to be aware of what is happening and to make comments Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street – asked who approved the half-way house. Mr. Kovach said that is a permitted use if they meet the requirements. He encouraged her to contact her senators and representatives to complain. He also suggested that neighbors call when there are problems because reports are filed. Ms. Douglas said that people are afraid to call because they don’t want their names on the radio. Chief Lenker said that anonymous calls go to the bottom, but told Ms. Douglas that people can call and say they don’t want their names used on the radio or they don’t want the officers to stop at their house, to call them instead. The Chief asked the residents to call when something is happening, the police can file a report and use that to build a case. Mrs. Jacoby, 103 North Second Street – said that there are people who are deceased and their handicapped parking sign is not taken down. Mr. Kovach said that Council is addressing that. Barbara Baker, 414 Reading Street – said that people stop in the middle of the street and asked what to do. Sherri Sucec, 14 Pine Street - said that a few years ago, she asked about putting parking lines on the street. Mr. Kovach said Council is working on that. Dr. Szada – thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. She assured the residents that Council hears what they are saying and may not be able to fix everything, but they are trying. She asked residents to work with Council, but understand that if Council can’t change something, it is not because they don’t want to and that sometimes Council’s hands are tied. Mr. Shaver – thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and assured them that Council will look at the issues and try to do the right thing. Mr. Kovach – also thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Dr. Szada, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel issues at 7:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:10 p.m. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously approve the Job Description for the Main Street Manager’s position. Mr. Kovach informed council that the Steelton Fire and Ambulance Departments responded to assist in Campbelltown following the tornado. Mayor Acri said the fire police are going down in the evenings to help in Campbelltown also. Mr. Shaver suggested that Council recognize these departments at a Council meeting and present them with certificates of appreciation. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting July 19, 2004 Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary