City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 17, 2006 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Stephen Shaver Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffery Wright Michael Albert MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the March 20, 2006, and the April 3, 2006 Council Meetings were presented. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the minutes as presented.. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser said he had nothing to add other than what is stated in the minutes. APROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED; On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the schedules of bills, requisitions and change orders for as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS; Reports for Community Development, Main Street, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement and Main Street for March 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 March, as presented. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri said he had nothing to report at this time. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting April 17, 2006 Mr. Shaver noted that Chief Lenker added two items of information. Mr. Shaver said that the first one was the Middle District of Pa Fugitive Task Force Statistics and Highlights, Fiscal Year 2006 – First Quarter Report; and the second is a letter from Cpl. James Hills, Pa State Police, notifying Chief Lenker that the Steelton Police Department received a Satisfactory Rating for the CLEAN/NCIC Audit. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members voted unanimously to have a copy of the audit placed in the personnel file for the following employees mentioned in the audit: Chief Kenneth Lenker, Sergeant Spangler, Officer Minium and Administrative Assistant Shirley Neal. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only Renee Drayton-Bowers, 504 Lincoln Street – said that she and Rachel Slade would like to suggest that Council consider re-naming the Hygienic Park, at Bailey and Adams Street for the recently deceased, former Police Chief, Fred Douglas. Mayor said that Mr. Conjar brought to his attention that act that there are a few unnamed streets in the Borough and Mr. Douglas’ was suggested for one of those streets. Ms. Drayton-Bowers agreed that would be nice, but said she thought the community would prefer that the park/playground be named for Mr. Douglas, since he was greatly respected by young and old and he was the first black Chief of Police in Pennsylvania. Mr. Kovach thanked Mrs. Drayton-Bowers for coming to Council with the suggestion and agreed that it was a very good idea. He said that it will be sent to the community Development Committee for their consideration, but said he thought that Mrs. Douglas should be contacted about that before anything is done. Mayor Acri said he would speak with Mrs. Douglas and report back to the Community Development Committee. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a copy of the 2006 Steelton Spring Clean Up Flyer. There were no comments. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a copy of the March edition of the Legislative Locator There were no comments. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Providing Council with a copy of the April 6, 2006 PSAB Alert. There were no comments. Thomas F. Acri, Mayor- Informing Council that Mittal Steel has donated $5,000 towards the purchase of the new tower truck. Mr. Kovach said that was wonderful. He also encouraged any Council Members who haven’t seen the new truck yet, to go up to the firehouse to see it. Mr. Kovach added that it is pretty impressive. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting April 17, 2006 Chief Vance said he appreciates the donation from Mittal Steel and informed Council that they would be training on the new Fire Truck this weekend. He said a factory representative would be coming in for a three-day training session. The Chief said it would probably be about another month until the new truck is in service. Chief Vance said they can’t have the dedication on May 13th; they will need more time to prepare for it. He asked Mr. Musser to contact Mr. Tim Holden so that he can be at the ceremony. Chief Vance said they just receive a $9,500 grant from the State Fire Commissioner’s Department. Mark P. Andreozzi, Business Agent, Chauffers, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union No. 776 – Letter in regards to the Unions’ position regarding the Summer Schedule for 2006. Mr. Kovach said this would be discussed in executive session. Pennsylvania Rural Water Association & PA Section American Water Works –Providing Council with Certificates of completion for “Water Infrastructure Security Enhancements Course and Protection Public Drinking Water SWPS” Courses. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to have the Certificate placed in Mr. Wintergrass’ personnel file. Paul E. Wintergrass, IV, Superintendent of Water Filtration & Lab – Providing Council with a letter of Retirement effective May 13, 2006 and requesting payment for unused sick leave over 140 days. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members voted unanimously to accept Mr. Wintergrass’ resignation, effective May 13, 2006. Mr. Kovach said that his request for unused leave over 140 days will be discussed in executive session. Mr. Kovach said the Mr. Wintergrass hs been a valued employee for over 36 years and he hopes he enjoys his retirement. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing an update on the Adams Street Project. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Wion would discuss three properties we wish to acquire in executive session. Mr. Musser added that it is safe to say that on the odd side of Adams Street from the AME church to Daron Alley, the only property the Borough hasn’t acquired is 109 ½ Adams Street. He said that there is a Resolution for Council’s consideration tonight, which would authorize the purchase of 119 ½ Adams Street. Mr. Musser said the Borough would be able to demolish the buildings and then subdivide the lots and start plans for phase (1) of what Council would like to see in that area. Mr. Musser said he thinks that construction could start as early as this fall. He added that the demolition costs would probably use up the remainder of the CDBG funds, through fiscal year 2006. Mr. Musser informed Council that the former Soneez Bar should close on May 18th. He said it will be a 14-bed facility and it meets the zoning requirements so it will not have to go before the Zoning Board or the Planning Commission. Mr. Musser also said that it could potentially bring 17 to 20 jobs to the Borough. Mr. Musser said that this shows that the Borough is not only doing things downtown, but the Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting April 17, 2006 staff is working behind the scenes to keep things moving in the residential areas and the next area will be the Elm Street area. Resolution 2006-R-18, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF THE REAL PROPOERTY LOCATED AT 119 1/2 ADAMS STREET, AS A PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE ADAMS STREET REDEELOPMENT AREA, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-18, as presented. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Council to ratify the hiring of Susan Kline as the new Senior Center Manager at an annual salary of $20,000, effective April 17, 2006. Mr. Shaver noted that Council authorized the Personnel Committee and Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar to conduct interviews for the position of Senior Center Manager and to make a selection, which would be ratified by Council. Mr. Shaver said the applicant they chose is Susan Kline, and requested Council to ratify the hiring of Susan Kline at an annual salary of $20,000, effective April 17, 2006.a On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to ratify the hiring of Susan Kline as the new Senior Center Manager, at an annual salary of $20,000, effective April 17, 2005, as recommended by the Committee. Mr. Musser noted that he just finalized the background check. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on Mrs. Julia Zonarich’s sewer backup claim. Mr. Musser said that Council has a copy of the offer from the Borough’s insurance Company. He noted that he hasn’t heard anything from Mrs. Zonarich and he will inform Council once he hears from our insurance company. Mr. Musser noted that Council should not have any contact with the family until the matter has been settled with the insurance company. NEW BUSINESS: Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development – Letter informing the Borough that DCED has approved a Grant in the amount of $228,225, for the Elm Street Program. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Kovach to execute the contract. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to extending the Zoning Hearing Board from (3) members to (5) members and providing council with the names of (2) potential appointments. Mr. Musser said that Mr. Kanaskie, Chairman of the Zoning Hearing Board is requesting Council to increase the number of Zoning Hearing Board Members to five (5). Mr. Musser said that sometimes it is Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting April 17, 2006 difficult to get the existing members together and with two (2) additional members, it may increase the chances of having a quorum. Mr. Musser said that if Council agrees, a Resolution could be prepared. Mr. Kovach said that he believes this would help Council’s commitment to speed up the process for new development, which was expressed at the presentation at the Hilton. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, council Members voted unanimously to have Mr. Wion prepare a Resolution to increase the number of Zoning Hearing Board Members from three (3) to five (5). Mr. Musser recommended Susan O’Keefe and Michael R. Rozman to fill the two (2) new positions. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to appoint Susan O’Keefe and Michael Rozman to the Zoning Hearing Board. RESOLUTION 2006-R-17, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE FILING OF ETHIC STATEMENTS FOR THE INDIVIDUALS LISTED was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-17 as presented. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting permission to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no additional public comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS Mr. Heefner – reminded Council Members that there is still one (1) vacancy on the Planning Commission. Mr. Heefner also informed Council Members that Rebuilding Together would be in Steelton on April 29th, the same day as the Borough Spring Clean-up. He said they will be working ion five (5) properties Mr. Heefner said he will e-mail Council Members and the Mayor the addresses in case anyone would like to stop by then. Mr. Kovach – noted that he missed the last Council Meeting, but wanted it noted for the record that he would like to commend the staff and all involved with the presentation at the Hilton. He said that the event surpassed his expectations; the news coverage was great as were the responses. Mr. Kovach encouraged everyone to continue the good work. Mr. Shaver – asked Mr. Heefner to thank Rebuilding Together for starting so quickly. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:03 p.m., to discuss personnel and land acquisition issues. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting April 17, 2006 The meeting reconvened at 7:55 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to move the Handicapped Parking sign to the new residence of Joyce D. Rickard, previously of 712 South Second Street, to her new residence at 540 Ridge Street, per her written request dated March 29, 2006. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Member voted unanimously to donate one (1) police vehicle, VIN 2FAFP71WXYX137595, to the HACC Public Safety Center. Mr. Musser informed Council that Jules Svidunovich of 337 Locust Street requested that the temporary Handicapped Parking sign be made permanent, due to his wife’s health. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to make the sign permanent. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members voted unanimously to deny Mr. Wintergrass’ request for payment for unused sick leave over (140) days, to comply with Resolution 2005-R-34. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members voted unanimously to agree to the Teamster’s Union request on behalf of the police to not require the police officers to change shifts this summer, per Mayor Acri’s recommendation. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary