City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 18, 2005 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance Michael Kovach : Absent: Stephen Shaver Jeffrey Wright Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Dr. Szada seconded by Mr. Albert., Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the December 20, 2004 Council Meeting minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser said he had nothing to report at this time, other that what is in the minutes. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED; Mr. Musser noted that a change order for the Swatara Street lining project, presented by the Spiniello Companies will be included in your motion, if Council approves it. Mr. Musser explained that there are actually 22 laterals into the piping, not the 15, as originally thought. He said that the additional laterals are $875.00, for each or a total addition of $6,125. Mr. Musser stated that the pipe size is actually 36”, not 30” as originally indicated, which will add approximately $42.00, per foot for a total of $31,926.00. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Ellinger, from HRG, Inc., concurs that these are reasonable. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS; Reports for Community Development, Main Street, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, and Code Enforcement for December as well as the annual reports, were presented for Council’s approval. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting January 18, 2004 On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for December and the Annual Reports, as presented. Mr. Shaver noted that in the Community Development report, Ms. Sviben requests three (3) Council persons to speak at the Anniversary Kick-Off on January 26th. Mrs. Krosnar said she would read the future plans; Dr. Szada will read the history and Mr. Kovach will read the present plans. Mr. Shaver informed Council Members that Chief Vance submitted an updated Fire Department drivers list for Council’s approval. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the updated driver’s list as presented. Mr. Shaver also noted that there was a letter form the Lawton Fire Company thanking the Steelton Fire Department for their assistance during the August flood, and a Certificate of Appreciation to the Fire Department for their participation in the Harrisburg International Airport’s disaster Preparedness Exercise on September 25, 2004. On a motion, by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to post the letter and certificate at the Fire House. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri reminded everyone that the Borough of Steelton will be hosting the Dauphin-Lebanon Borough’s Association dinner meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at Shane’s, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Acri noted that Councilman Wright will be giving the invocation and approximately 65 people are expected to attend. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There was no public comment. COMMUNICATIONS:  Governor’s Center for Local Government Services – Providing the Borough with brochures on upcoming educational seminars. Mr. Kovach said anyone who wished to attend any of the seminars, should contact Mr. Musser. Brother Jerome Pearson, Director, Cyrene Lodge #169 – Informing Council of their upcoming Awards Banquet and request to help sponsor the event by placing an ad in the Booklet. Mr. Kovach reminded Council members that all ads must be purchased with their personal funds. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 Reverend Alvin Q. Taylor, The Interdenominational Ministers Conference – Informing the Borough that the Interdenominational Ministers’ Conference is honoring Mayor Acri for his service to his community. Council congratulated Mayor Acri on this honor. Mayor Acri – Reminding everyone of the Dauphin-Lebanon Boroughs Association meeting January 25, 2005. Mr. Kovach noted that this was previously addressed. Tri-County Regional Planning Commission – Providing the Borough with a copy of their December 2004 Newsletter. There were no comments. Donald E. Potter, Jr., EMT-P, Director of Operations, Community Life Team – Informing the Borough that he is preparing a proposal to become the Borough’s EMS Provider, but the Proposal must be approved by his Board before he can present it. There were no comments. PSAB – Invitation to attend the PSAB Spring Legislative Conference at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey in Grantville, on March 20-22, 2005. Mr. Kovach said those who wish to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Additional Communications: Mr. Musser noted that there is a letter from District Attorney Marsico’s office. Mr. Musser said the letter from Stephen R. Zawisky, Deputy District Attorney, commends Officer Gaither, Chief Lenker and all officers involved in a particular investigation for their cooperation and bringing a suspect to justice On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to place a copy of the letter in the appropriate officer’s personnel files. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Chief Lenker – Providing the Mayor and Council with the Traffic Survey in regards to the 30 Minute Parking requested by the owner of 263 South Front Street. Chief Lenker said that the existing loading zone signs to not have any parameters, noting that the signs should apply only during business hours. Chief Lenker recommended that Council include the hours that apply in the Resolution and on the signs. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 Mr. Shaver commended Officer Shaub for doing a good job on the survey. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman- Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Wion to prepare the required Resolution, establishing a fifteen (15) minute Loading Zone at the location described in the traffic survey, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Council Members then discussed several parking issues with Chief Lenker. It was the consensus of the Council Members that Chief Lenker should contact the owners of the following vehicles to discuss the following problems: A black pick-up truck that parks all day in the Steelton Pharmacy 30-minute parking space; a tractor trailer that parks across the street from Rachel’s Restaurant in the evenings and on weekends. It was suggested that Chief Lenker ask the owner of the tractor-trailer if he could park his truck in the next block across from the ISG offices, since there is no business conducted there in the evenings or on weekends. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar also asked Chief Lenker if he could make a courtesy call to Mr. Mumma, Highspire Truck, to ask him not to park the very large trucks so close to the corner of Front and Mohn Streets, since it obstructs the view of oncoming traffic when entering onto Front Street from Mohn Street. Chief Lenker noted that the vehicles are parked legally, but said he would speak with Mr. Mumma about the situation. Robert C. Grubic, P.E., HRG, Inc. – Requesting the Council appoint HRG, Inc., as the Borough Engineer and execute the Retainer Agreement for Engineering Services. Mr. Musser noted that Council was given some changes to the agreement and asked that the Agreement be approved with these changes. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Agreement as presented, with changes, and execute the Retainer, as presented. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the Lease between the Borough and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority. Mr. Musser informed Council Members that Mr. Wion reviewed the Lease and made some comments and recommended some changes. Mr. Musser said that the Airport Authority agreed to most of the changes and the Borough can live with the others. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Lease Agreement as presented. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the Real Estate Consulting Proposal Between the Borough of Steelton and Crossgates, Inc. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough Authority has retained Crossgates on a monthly retainer Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 agreement for consulting purposes. Mr. Musser said that the Real Estate consulting Proposal between the Borough and Crossgates, Inc., is for Crossgates to coordinate with state and local leaders to gain access to incentive programs that can support the proposed project. Mr. Musser noted that the Agreement provides that Crossgates will be paid a percentage of any grant funding which they are able to secure. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Real Estate Consulting Proposal between the Borough of Steelton and Crossgates, Inc., as presented. Mr. Musser – Providing council & the Mayor with an Update on his meeting with Representative Buxton. Mr. Musser said the meeting went well and Representative Buxton is very supportive of assistance for the Borough’s Storm Sewer issues. .Mr. Musser said he will be pushing for grants for the Pine Street and Jefferson Street Projects. He said we should get estimates for the project in about thirty (30) days and thanked Representative Buxton for his support. NEW BUSINESS:  Edward F. Geubtner, Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc. – Providing the Borough with the Adams Street Redevelopment Area Plan and Redevelopment Plan Proposal Mr. Musser said he will forward these plan documents to the Borough Planning Commission and to the Redevelopment Authority who will be working through Mr. Heefner. Chief Lenker – Discussion regarding Nextel phones. Chief Lenker explained that Chief Vance is having problems with his phone and would like to change either phones or service provider. Mr. Shaver recommended that Council allow Chief Lenker handle the situation, so it is not necessary to bring any phone issues of this nature before Council. Mr. Musser – Update on the USDA Meeting. Mr. Musser said that he received a lot of information from Representative Holden and the USDA .Mr. Musser said there are many good programs for the Borough that will be pursued. Mr. Musser – Discussion regarding the Proposed Agreement between the Borough and the Dauphin Redevelopment Authority in regards to the Adams Street Redevelopment Project. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Wion reviewed the Agreement. There was a brief discussion on responsibilities, project control and fees. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 approve the Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and the Dauphin Redevelopment Authority in regards to the Adams Street Redevelopment Project, as presented. Mr. Heefner – Discussion in regards to the presentation by Meg Ream Design, at the last Community Development meeting. Mr. Heefner suggested that Craig Bachik’s firm work on the logo project, since they are already involved in the Main Street Project. There was a discussion on whether to use the engineers or a graphic design firm for the logo and if another logo is really needed. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said she believes that a good strong logo is needed for the Main Street Project to appeal to young people and made a motion to hire Meg Ream Design, Inc., to do the logo for the Main Street Program. Mr. Albert seconded the motion and Mr. Kovach asked for a roll call vote. The roll call vote was as follows: Shaver – no; Mr. Albert – yes; Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – yes; Mr. Kovach – no; Mr. Wright – no; Dr. Szada – yes; Mr. Heefner – no. The vote was 4 to 3 against the motion. Mr. Kovach suggested that the Community Development work on another recommendation. Mr. Albert suggested that Council consider getting High-School students involved in the logo project – perhaps have a contest. He offered to go to Steel- High to discuss it with them. Mr. Musser suggested that Mrs. Fackler, the Main Street Manager should go with Mr. Albert. Mr. Musser – Requesting a date for interviews for the Sewer Department Laborer position. . Mr. Musser asked the Personnel Committee to decide on a date so that he can send letters to the applicants. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss land acquisition and personnel matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Shaver – said he agrees with the Council President that we have to stay focused on the big picture. Mr. Shaver said that the staff does a very good job and Council should let them handle what they can. Mr. Heefner – said he noticed some of the Borough personnel, including the police officer, letting their vehicles running when they aren’t in them. He said that the cost of gasoline Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 is high and he doesn’t think this is a good idea. It was the consensus of Council Members to send a memo to all personnel who drive Borough vehicles asking them to turn the vehicles off when they leave the vehicle.  Dr. Szada - said that while there are a lot of projects underway to make everything beautiful, she hopes that Council doesn’t forget about the everyday quality of life issues for residents of the Borough ranging from noisy neighbors to drug trafficking. Mayor Acri – said he and Chief Lenker will meet with Chief Vance to discuss some issues between the Fire and Police Departments. Mr. Kovach – said he would like Mr. Navarro to check on the Swatara Street Wall because there are some cracks and he would like a report on them. Mr. Heefner said that they are monitoring it. Mr. Heefner said they were supposed to caulk the cracks before winter. Mr. Heefner said he spoke to Mr. Navarro about that recently, but nothing has been done yet. Mr. Wright – said there was a meeting with representatives of the Steelton and Highspire Councils and the School District. He said there will be an Act 34 Hearing on February 1, 2005. Mr. Wright said there is some interest in organizing a Young Republican and Young Democrat group, and in having honor students preside as elected officials at a Council meeting in the near future. Mr. Wright said that the next meeting is on March 31, 2005. Mr. Shaver – said he spoke with Dr. Kitch regarding a meeting he had with the Dauphin County Library Assistant, Mrs. Johnson. Mr. Shaver said he suggested to Mr. Kitch that when the new elementary school is constructed the Library be accessible to the public after school hours. Mr. Shaver said that perhaps the County Library System could operate it after hours. He added that Commissioner DiFrancesco liked the idea and suggested that there may be some grant money available. Mr. Shaver said that he asked Mrs. Johnson to contact Dr. Kitch. Mr. Wright noted that this is not a Council Project. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel matters, at 7:36 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m. It was the consensus of the Mayor and Council to contact Chief Vance in writing to request that he contact Dr. Szada on all matters concerning the Fire, Ambulance or EMS Departments, so that the proper chain of command is followed. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting January 18, 2005 Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary