City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 19, 2005 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance Absent: Michael Kovach Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffrey Wright MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Mr. Kovach deviated from the Agenda to address an item under New Business: Mr. Musser – Recommending that Borough Council accept the resignation of Robert Houser as Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough of Steelton and to appoint Timothy J. Lehman as the New Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Robert Houser’s resignation as the Steelton Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, and commended Mr. Houser for his service and dedication. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Timothy J. Lehman as the new Steelton Borough Emergency Management Coordinator. Mayor Acri administered the oath to Mr. Lehman. 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 BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED; On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS; Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 Reports for Community Development, Main Street, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement and Main Street for August were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for September, as presented. Mr. Shaver noted that, included in the Fire Report, Chief Vance requested that Council update the drivers’ list for 2005. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the 2005 drivers’ list as presented. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri said he had nothing new to report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: The Pennsylvania League of Cities & Municipalities – Providing the Borough with a copy of the Legislative Locator & League Link for August 2005. There were no comments. Ms. Sviben, Community Development Coordinator & Evelyn Sanchez, Recreation Coordinator – Requesting permission to review the Community Development Report for August 2005 and the Final Recreation Report for 2005. Ms. Sviben addressed Council, noting that Ms. Sanchez was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Sviben reported on the average attendance at the parks program and recommended that the Borough use Municipal and Cottage Hill parks for the program next year. Ms. Sviben said that there will be a meeting with Dr. Mateer, the Steelton-Highspire Superintendent, Mr. Zema, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. March, Principal, Councilmen Wright and Heefner, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Caldwell and Tierry Malley of the Boys and Girls Club to discuss the possibility of moving the Club to the elementary school, since they are out- growing their current facilities. Ms. Sviben added that they will also discuss the possibility of using the school facilities for the parks program on rainy days. Ms. Sviben also reported on the Jump Street Program as well has the possibility of running some summer camps, such as basketball and tennis through the summer recreation program. Ms. Sviben said that she sent an e-mail to Council Members regarding a group of students from the University of the Arts, London (LCC) who are filming a documentary to express the unique structure of Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 Present day Steelton as well as the history of the industrial age and how the towns and word changed from it. The students wish to show how these towns were built for the purpose of steel production, its cultural diversity and how they have evolved into the 21st century. She said they will be driving a white Enterprise van and will be filming all over town and conducting interviews until next Wednesday, Ms. Sviben added that they each have a media pass with their picture on it, which she issued. She said that they are from many different countries and are staying in the Borough with the Segina family, whose daughter is working with the group. Earl Mumma, III, owner of Highspire Auto & Truck Repair Corp – Letter to District Attorney Ed Marsico regarding a recent traffic stop and requesting a written opinion on what constitutes Probable Cause. There were no comments. Pennsylvania Brownfields – Invitation to the upcoming seminar on September 28th and 29th, 2005, at the Harrisburg Hilton. Mr. Kovach asked anyone who wishes to attend, to contact Mr. Musser. Ron Kieler, 2600 South Second Street, Steelton, Pa – Letter requesting the removal of a light from a PP & L Pole. Chief Lenker showed Council Members pictures of the site and explained that it was there to light a path to Front Street, which is no longer there and the light is in Mr. Kieler’s yard and shines on his porch. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members present voted unanimously to approve Mr. Kielar’s request. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Invitation to the PSAB Fall Leadership Conference at the Four Points Sheraton Pittsburgh North in Mars, PA on October 21-23, 2005. Mr. Kovach said that those who wish to attend should contact Mr. Musser. David E. Black, President & CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber – Invitation ot the “Meet Your Elected Official” Reception on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, from 5:30 p.m., to 7:30 p.m., at Karen’s Catering at Harmony Hall, 1400 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown. Mr. Kovach said that anyone who wishes to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Borough Secretary/Treasurer – Letter of appreciation to the Mayor, Council & the Staff for their kind thoughts, fruit basket & flowers to help comfort her and her family at the time of her mother’s passing. There were no comments. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 Bobbie & Doug Malinak, Co-Chairs of the Ryan Mohn Walk – Letter of Thanks to the Borough for their support of the 2nd Annual Ryan Mohn Walk. There were no comments. Rev. Iris J. Andrews, Executive Director Grace Temple Community Development Inc. – Letter of Thanks to the Borough for their participation in and generosity for their Annual Community Day. There were no comments. Janine M. Park, Senior Planner, Dauphin County Planning Commission – Letter requesting the Borough and the Borough Planning Commission to indicate their support for the County’s Comprehensive Plan. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to support the County’s Comprehensive Plan as requested. ADDITIONS TO THE COMMUNICATIONS: Jeff Linta, 2447 South Front Street, Steelton, Pa – E-mail thanking Council for their response to the truck problem in east end and complaining about the noise from Dura Bond all day and during the night. After discussion and noting that there have been no other complaints received it was the consensus of Council Members present to have Mr. Musser inform Mr. Linta that the Borough has not received any other complaints about the noise, so there will be no action taken at this time. Chief Vance – Informing Council that the Fire Department will be using the vacant homes next to the Post Office for training on Wednesday and Thursday this week from 6 PM to 8PM and requesting NO Parking Signs be posted in front of the properties. There were no comments. Megan L. Renno, 214 Q Street, Steelton, Pa – Request to close Q Street from Second Street to Third Alley on Saturday, September 24, 2005 from 4:00 p.m., until 11:00 p.m., for a block party. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the request as presented. Officer William J. Shaub – Traffic Study to paint double yellow lines on Swatara Street. Chief Lenker noted that Officer Shaub researched Engineering books and ordinances and could not locate any article or criteria, which addresses this issue, and concluded that it would be Council’s decision. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to have double yellow lines painted on Swatara Street from Front Street to the Swatara Township Line. Mr. Musser said he will talk to Mr. Conjar about swapping services with Swatara Township, since they have a line painter Mr. Heefner asked Council to consider reducing the speed limit on Swatara Street from 25 mph to 15 mph to address the speeding problem on Swatara Street. Mr. Musser said that would probably require a traffic study. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to have a traffic study done to reduce the speed limit on Swatara Street. Craig Bachik – E-mail updating Council on the Bailey Street Playground. Mr. Bachik noted that there are a number of follow-up items to be completed by TR Stoner prior to final acceptance and listed those items. Mr. Bachik also addressed a few vandalism concerns and solutions. Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Musser for his efforts at the Bailey Street Playground, noting that he has received calls about it. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker to instruct the officers to notify Mr. Conjar immediately if they notice any graffiti, so that it can be removed as soon as possible. Craig Bachik – E-mail updating Council on the Boat Dock. Mr. Bachik said there is still a lot to be done and listed some of the items and said that Mr. Stoner expects to move on the project in order to wrap everything up by the Middle of October at the latest. Christina Fackler – E-mail informing Mr. Musser of her plan to open her new office on September 26th, and informing him of the status of some of the projects she is working on. Mr. Musser said that September 23rd will probably be Ms. Fackler’s last day at the Borough and that is the deadline for the applications for the position of Main Street Manager. Mr. Musser said he will schedule a time for the interviews and Ms. Sviben has been brought up to date on the office to cover until the position has been filled. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ADDITIONS: ORDINANCE 2005-8, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING STEELTON BOROUGH TO JOIN THE WEST SHORE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND AUTHORIZING IT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE BOARD OF APPEALS CREATED BY THE WEST SHORE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2005-8, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 Mr. Wion noted that the Ordinance requires Council to appoint an elected official to attend the monthly meetings, and to appoint an alternate who can be a member of the staff. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Heefner to the West Shore COG, and to name Sylvie Stoner as the Alternate. RESOLUTION 2005-R-31 AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF STEELTON GOVERNING BODY TO SUBMIT A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION TO THE PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (PENNVEST) FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PINE AND JEFFERSON STREETS STORMWATER FACILITIES AND AUTHORIZING OFFICERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY TO EXECUTE ALL CERTIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPLICATION, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2005-R-31, as presented. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Steelton Borough Council to ratify the hiring of Steve Wilbur and Scott Wible for the positions of Water Filtration Plant Operators at an hourly rate of $13.88 an hour, effective September 6, 2005. Mr. Shaver noted that Council authorized the Personnel Committee to interview and hire two successful candidates prior to the Council meeting and requested Council to ratify the action. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to ratify the hiring of Steve Wilbur and Scott Wible for the positions of Water Filtration Plant Operators at an hourly rate of $13.88 an hour, effective September 6, 2005, as recommended by the Personnel Committee. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Steelton Borough Council to approve the Part-Time Police Officer hiring list. Mr. Shaver said the Personnel and Police Committees conducted the interviews and the list reflects their recommendations. Mr. Shaver asked Council to permit Chief Lenker to hire from this list. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Part-Time Police Officer hiring list and authorize Chief Lenker to hire from the list. Boyer & Ritter – Providing the Borough with the 2004 Audit. Mr. Kovach said he reviewed the Audit and everything seems to be in order and commended Mr. Musser, Mrs. Handley and the office staff. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept the Audit as presented. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting September 19, 2005  Mr. Musser – Requesting the Finance Committee to provide dates for the review of department budgets with the Department Heads. Mr. Musser said he will get together with members of the Finance Committee to set a date to meet with the Department heads to discuss their department budgets and to to set up the Budget Meetings in October so they can be advertised. Mr. Musser said he hopes to have the budgets ready for adoption in November. Mr. Kovach – Requesting Council Members to submit Bio’s for the Borough Web Site. Mr. Kovach noted that the new web site was up and running and he said that it looked good and was easy to navigate. Mr. Kovach asked Council Members to submit a brief biography to put on the new web site to Ms. Sviben. Sylvie Stoner, Code/Zoning/Planning Officer & Dennis Heefner, Planning Commission Chairman – Requesting Council to approve the Home Occupation request of Janet Selvey of 520 Ridge Street. This was approved by the Steelton Planning Commission at their September 7, 2005 meeting. Mr. Heefner asked that this matter be tabled until the next Council meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Kim L. Moreland, Executive Director, The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area – Requesting Steelton Borough to Execute the 2006 Animal Protection Service Agreement. Mr. Kovach said that Mr. Wion reviewed the Agreement. Mr. Wion noted that that the 2005 Agreement charged a fee per animal, but the 2006 Agreement provides for a flat fee and the option of an emergency call fee per incident, which the Borough has chosen. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to execute the Agreement as presented. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the pumps at the Sewage Pump Stations. Mr. Musser said that the pumps were refurbished in 1994 with new pumps, but the pumps were made in the 1950’s and now we are having problems finding the parts for them. Mr. Musser said that the engineers who worked on that project are no longer working for the Borough and said he was really disappointed in them. Mr. Musser said he has spoken with the Borough’s Sewer Engineers and they will give us a report on our options and the cost. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with the proposal from Planning Principles, LLC, in the amount of $9,000.00, to help with the PennDOT-HATS – Hometown Streets/Safe Routes to School Program and the Wachovia Foundation – Neighborhood Planning Grant. Mr. Musser asked Council to approve the proposal as presented. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Proposal as presented. Mr. Musser – Recommending the Borough reject the bid of Allied Roofing & Sheetmetal, Inc., because of deficiencies in the bids. It is also the recommendation of Mr. Musser, Navarro & Wright and Chief Vance that the Project be re-bid for only just the roof repair. After some discussion, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to reject the bid of Allied Roofing & Sheetmetal, Inc. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to re- bid the roof repair portion. Mr. Kovach noted that the next item was addressed at the beginning of the meeting. John F. Simmons, Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission – Requesting the Borough to execute the Agreement between the Borough and the PA Fishe & Boat Commission for the $150,000 Grant. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the execution of the Agreement as presented. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss land acquisition, personnel matters. Mr. Musser – 2006 Non-Uniform and Police MMO’s. Mr. Musser asked Council to approve the 2006 MMO’s for 2006. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the 2006 MMO’s, per Mr. Musser’s request. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Chief Lenker – informed Council Members the test for full-time officers was held and there were seven (7) applicants, five (50 passed. He said that the oral interviews will be held on Wednesday, October 19th. Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street, Steelton – asked if the employment openings are posted and where. Mr. Shaver explained that since we are a union shop, the opening is first posted in the various departments for the current employees to bid on it, and if no one bids on it, then it is advertised in the Patriot News. Mr. Powell thanked the Chief, Mayor and Council Members for their participation in the National Night Out. Mr. Powell was commended for his participation. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting September 19, 2005  Chief Vance – said he wanted to thank all those who participated in the boot drive to assist the victims of hurricane Katrina. Chief Vance said they collected $4,232.07 in about six (6) hours and the check will be given to the Red Cross tomorrow. Mayor Acri noted that some of the members of the Steel- High Basketball team volunteered, and commended them. Mr. Kovach thanked Chief Vance on behalf of the Mayor and Council. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS Mr. Heefner – Informed Council that to date, there were 588 rental inspections done and only thirteen (13) passed. Mr. Heefner referred to an article in the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal quoting Mr. Tom Powers advocating for the City of Harrisburg to amend their zoning to accommodate the need for additional development in the City. Mr. Heefner questioned whether or not that was a conflict, since he is working for the Borough to bring new development to the Borough. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Powers was asked to give a quote for the article. He said Mr. Powers has a company and he helps with planning in many municipalities. Mr. Heefner said that for years he has been trying to get an organization together to help Senior Citizens to do work around their homes. He said that a group called Rebuilding Together did some work at his others house and he was talking to the program director about his vision and she invited him to one of their Board meetings. Mr. Heefner said that big companies get some of their employees to do the work and pay them and some companies donate supplies for the projects. He said that they have already done a few homes in town. Mr. Heefner asked Council Members if they would like him to go to the Board meeting. It was the consensus of Council Members present to attend the Board meeting. Dr. Szada – expressed concern about the work UGI is doing throughout the Borough, in particular in River Alley and Harrisburg Street, since they way they are patching the holes can cause a tripping hazard and have injured some residents. She asked if they can be made to repair them properly. Mr. Musser contacted Mr. Conjar who said that UGI has contracted with Rogele to do the paving when the project is completed. Veronica Supan, 2604 S. 4th Street, present in the audience – said this is what she came to discuss and said that the alley behind her home is a torn up and they never received notification from UGI and if she hadn’t taken her car out of the garage prior to them digging, she wouldn’t have been able to get it out and they don’t even know how long it will take to finish. Dr. Szada asked if the Borough is making any progress with the drug dealers in town. She said the people who are known to be dealers are still on the street and residents have approach her about this problem. Chief Lenker said that they had eighteen (18) drug arrests last month and more will come. Chief Lenker explained that the police must follow the constitution and Probable Cause and asked Dr. Szada to encourage those talking to her to contact him. Mr. Wright – said that there was a meeting with the School officials, Members of Highspire and Steelton Borough Council. Mr. Wright said this was the first chance they had to meet with Dr. Mateer and he was very impressed with her vision for the school. Mr. Wright said Dr. Mateer has an open-door policy Steelton Borough Page (10) Council Meeting September 19, 2005 and they should feel free to contact her with any concerns. Mr. Wright also commented on the great article about the Steelton Senior Center in the Patriot News, adding that they are doing a great job. Mr. Wright noted that he had major surgery on his knees and was sidelined for a while, but he is getting around a lot better now. Mr. Albert – commended Mr. Musser and Mrs. Muza for doing a good job on the show One on One with Fred Clark. Mr. Albert said they did a great job representing the Borough. . On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel matters 7:35 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Albert, second by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted to ask Mr. Kenneth Brady for his resignation, or to terminate him effective immediately. Mr. Shaver abstained. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the Personnel Committee to interview and hire a part-time Code Enforcement Officer at a starting rate of $12.00 an hour, Mr. Shaver said that Council will ratify the selection at the following Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary