City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 15, 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 Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver 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 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION: Mayor Acri presented a Proclamation to Michael Powanda, Executive Director of Keystone Residence and Dawson Flinchbaugh, Honorary Chairperson and owner of Flinchy’s Restaurant in Camp Hill, declaring May 15th through May 21st “Hot & Spicy Week in Steelton, PA.” APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the May 1, 2006, Council Meeting were presented for approval. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present 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 Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, 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, Code Enforcement and Main Street for March were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Dr. Szada seconded by Mr. Wright Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for April, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri said he had nothing to report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments on the Agenda from the audience. COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Stoner – Providing Council with a copy of her Certificate of Certification as a Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to have the Certificate placed in Ms. Stoner’s Personnel File. Jean Beatty, Executive Director, Channels Food Rescue – Letter informing the Borough that the Summer Recreation Program in the Borough of Steelton has been approved to receive free lunches through Channels Food Rescue. Ms. Sviben said she was very happy that the Program was approved on such short notice. She noted that the lunches would be delivered to New Hope Church. Ms. Sviben said that she and Ms. Kable must attend a mandatory meeting on June 5, 2006 to be briefed on the program, but Ms. Kable will be on vacation, so she will attend the meeting. Chief Lenker – Informing Council of a recent drug arrest in the Borough of Steelton. Mayor Acri said the Chief did an interview with Fox 43 news and the detail was a response to numerous complaints in the Adams and Bailey Street areas. Ms. Sviben – Letter requesting the review of Special Purpose Parking Space at 2620 South Third Street, Steelton, PA. Ms. Sviben informed Council that as a result of several Special Purpose Parking spaces being denied due to off-street parking, she requested that some of the existing Special Purpose Parking spaces be reviewed. She said that she received comments from neighbors about the fact that the person at 2620 South Third Street has a special purpose parking space, but also has a garage where the vehicle is kept. Mr. Kovach said that he would ask Mr. Conjar to review the situation. Mr. Joshua Bosak – Letter regarding his summer employment. Mr. Musser informed Council that Mr. Bosak has an opportunity to for an internship in his major, which is accounting. He said that Mr. Bosak called him today to say that he has accepted the offer and regrets any inconvenience to the Borough. Mr. Musser said that he could certainly understand his decision. He noted that the deadline for applications for summer employment is May 17th at 2:00 p.m., and added that the Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 Personnel Committee will meet to interview the applicants and then make a recommendation at the next Council Meeting. Mayor Thomas F. Acri – Providing Council with a Certificate of Achievement from FEMA for the IS-00700 Course. Council Members commended the Mayor and on a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to have the Certificate placed in Mayor Acri’s personnel file. Peter Tartline, Tartline Consulting – Letter of Thanks to the Borough of Steelton for allowing him the opportunity to work on the Steelton Downtown Feasibility Study. There were no comments. Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary, DCED – Letter informing the Borough that it has been approved for a Grant of $40,000 for the Main Street Program for Year Four. Mr. Kovach expressed Councils’ appreciation. William H. Zuck, President, Dorgan & Zuck Building Contractors, Inc.- Letter informing the Borough of their interest in the Adams Street Development. Mr. Musser informed Council that he and Mr. Gehrlein took a ride through the Adams and Bailey Street area to review the progress. He gave Council an update on the properties that have been acquired and the status of those to be acquired. Mr. Musser added that he hopes to have the sites cleared and ready for bid by early fall. He noted that there has been a lot of interest in the area and said that Mr. Gehrlein will respond to this letter. Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, Majority Whip – Letter thanking the Borough for helping him arrange his Town Meeting for Saturday, June 3, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in Council Chambers. There were no comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser and Mr. Wion – Providing Council with an update on the sale of the Borough’s Real Estate Tax Liens. Mr. Wion noted that Council passed a Resolution authorizing Mr. Musser and himself to negotiate for the sale of the Boroughs delinquent tax claims. Mr. Wion said that he and Mr. Musser did negotiate and arrived at the agreement between Dauphin county Tax Claim Bureau, the Borough of Steelton and Plymouth Park for the sale of the Borough of Steelton’s Delinquent Taxes for the price of $195,301.67. Mr. Wion informed Council Members that settlement was held on Friday, May 12, 2006, via conference call among all parties, at which time he gave his legal opinion. Mr. Wion said he believes that the money was wired to the Borough’s General Fund Account that day and we should be receiving the paper work Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 and documentation this week. Mr. Shaver thanked Mr. Wion and Mr. Musser for their efforts and said he believes this sale to be very beneficial to the Borough. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Council to approve the appointment of Daniel P. Scheitrum as Superintendent of Water Filtration and Lab at an annual salary of 49,500.00, effective May 16, 2006, to increase to $51,000.00, after completion of a successful six-month probationary period. Mr. Shaver said that the Personnel Committee interviewed two current employees for the position and the Committee recommends appointing Daniel Scheitrum. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Daniel Scheitrum to the position of Superintendent of Water Filtration and Lab at an Annual Salary of $49,500, effective May 16, 2006, to increase to $51,000, after completion of a successful six- month probationary period. ORDINANCE 2006-2-AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $50,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND OF THE BOROUGH OF STEELTON TO THE STEELTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR UTILIZATION IN FURTHERING ITS PURPOSES OF STIMULATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE BOROUGH OF STEELTON, PENNSYLVANIA, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2006-R-2, as presented. AORDINANCE 2006-3, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STEELTON, PENNSYLVANIA, CHAPTER 69, “INSPECTION LICENSES”, BY REVISION OF SECTION 69-3., “DUTIES OF OWNERS AND/OR MANAGERS OF PROPERTY”, SUBSECTION A.(5), BY ADDING THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER TO PAY OR ENSURE PAYMENT OF THE WATER RATES, AND BY REUIRING THE OWNER TO PROVIDE AND ENSURE PLACEMENT OF THE APPROPRIATE CONTAINERS REQUIRED FOR COLLECTING MUNICIPAL WASTE AND RECYCLING MATERIAL, BY PROVIDING TO SAME SAID SECTION AND SUBSECTION A FURTHER REQUIREMENT THAT THE OWNER MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR APPEARANCE OF THE PROPERTY, AND BY AMENDING SECTION 69-6, “FEES”, CHANGING THE COST FOR REINSPECTION (NOT NECESSITATED BY FAILURE IN PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS) FROM $20.00 TO $30.00, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt ORDINANCE 2006-3 as presented. Mr. Albert and Ms. Sviben – Discussion in regards to the Summer Basketball Programs. There was a discussion on the age groups Mr. Davis was targeting. Mr. Davis explained that his program was for children in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grades and that he was going to Swatara and Susquehanna Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 Township as well as areas on the West Shore, to avoid competing with Mr. Proctor’s program. Mr. Albert said the Mr. Proctor’s program is a non-profit program and asked Mr. Davis is his was also, since he heard that Mr. Davis was selling raffle tickets for a trip. Mr. Davis said that he hasn’t made any profit and everything he has spent has been out of his pocket. Mr. Albert repeated his question and asked Mr. Davis if he is a Non-Profit or For Profit program. Mr. Davis said that his program is neither – it is just for the kids. Mr. Albert asked Ms. Sviben if it has to be a non-profit. Ms. Sviben responded that she doesn’t know what guidelines to use, since this is new to her. Mr. Albert said that next year he and Ms. Sviben are not going to deal with the conflicts that are going on this year. He told Mr. Davis that next year he will have to work with Mr. Proctor and not target the same age groups. Mr. Davis reiterated that he isn’t targeting the same age group, since he is going by grades and Mr. Proctor’s program is for (8) to (10) year olds. Mr. Albert asked Mr. Davis to please send any (8) to (10) year olds that may register for his program to Mr. Proctor, so that both Mr. Davis and Mr. Proctor can have successful programs. Mr. Shaver asked how many children were registered for Mr. Davis’ program. Mr. Davis said that there were (35) registered. Mr. Shaver asked how many were Steelton residents. Mr. Davis said there were nine. Mr. Davis said he went out of the area to get kids to play the kids from Steelton. He said he wants to start his Program in June and Mr. Proctor wants to start in July. Mr. Davis said he tried to talk to Mr. Proctor, and he got his own insurance. Ms. Sviben said she received a call from Mr. Kelvin Lewis who inquired if $50,000 would be sufficient for a Commercial General Liability Policy. Mr. Musser said the Borough has insurance on our parks and his insurance should be fine for what he is doing, but the Borough should be named as an additional insured on the policy. Ms. Sviben said she would inform Mr. Lewis so he can issue the certificate. Mr. Albert said to be sure that there is better communication next year, because he and Ms. Sviben would not deal with these conflicts again. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to projects for the CDBG FY 2007 Funds. Mr. Musser said he received the application for 2007 DCBG Funds, which is due by July 10, 2006. He asked Council Members to make their project recommendations at the next Council meeting. Mr. Musser noted that Council Members didn’t have any specific projects, the money could be put into the Adams Street Project initially, because the funds can be moved if a project becomes available at a later date. Mr. Wright suggested that this be discussed at the next Community Development Committee meeting, to be held on June 12, 2006, and they can bring their recommendation to Council. Mr. Musser advised those Council Members who are not on the Community Development, to give their recommendations to one of the Committee Members. Mr. Heefner – Requesting Mr. Mike Runkle of 321 Swatara Street Steelton be appointed to the Steelton Planning Commission to replace Mr. Ken Wise. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Mike Runkle to the Steelton Planning Commission, to fill the position vacated by Mr. Wise. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting May 15, 2006  RESOLUTION 2006-R-22, A RESOLUTION REQUIRED TO HAVE A POLICE OFFICE ATTEND A BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-22, as presented. Chief Lenker – Requesting Council to approve the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Steelton Police Department and the Dauphin County Juvenile Probation Office, May 2006. Mayor Acri said he believes this will be beneficial to the Borough, since they will check on the juveniles currently under the juvenile probation officer’s supervision, as well as build a better relationship between the Steelton Police Department and the juvenile offender and their parents. The Mayor also noted that the juvenile probation officer is available to assist the Steelton Borough Police with curfew details and other juvenile related details or problems that may arise. Mayor Acri said that one officer would be assigned to this detail. Dr. Szada asked if there would be an additional officer on duty when this officer is on the juvenile probation detail. Mayor Acri said that they would have a part-time officer out. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding By and Between the Steelton Police Department and Dauphin County Juvenile Probation Office, May 2006, as presented. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that the Dauphin County Commissioners have approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Borough and the County for CDBG Funds for 2008-2010. Mr. Kovach asked Mr. Musser to send a letter of thanks to the Commissioners. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding, as presented. Ms. Stoner – Discussion in regards to purchasing or leasing a new copier for the Code Enforcement Office. Ms. Stoner said that the copier in the Code Office is old and not very efficient, which necessitates the use of the copier in the Secretary’s office. Ms. Stoner said that she received quotes from three (3) different companies and recommended getting the refurbished copier from Executive Image. Mr. Shaver asked if this was budgeted. Ms. Stoner said that it wasn’t. After discussion, Mr. Musser recommended going with a new copier. He said that the three companies that submitted quotes are on State Contract; so bidding would not be necessary and he could try to negotiate with them for the best price. Mr. Musser said that this purchase had been delayed because he was hoping to move the Secretary’s office to the third floor and both offices could use the new copier. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize the Borough Secretary negotiate the best price for the purchase of a copier from Executive Image Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 Mr. Musser noted that the Police Department has equipment from Harrisburg copier and the Secretary’s office has a printer from Phillips, as well as the copier from Executive Image. Mr. Shaver amended his motion, not to restrict the purchase to Executive Image, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Mr. Musser – Requesting the Council approve the Borough of Steelton Audit for the Year Ending December 31, 2005. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Borough of Steelton Audit for the year ending December 31, 2005, a presented. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting permission to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Musser said it was to discuss posting of the water filtration operator’s position and to discuss a Chief Operator position. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Veronica Supan, 2604 S. 4th Street – expressed her concerns about children on scooters; children shooting pellet and B-B guns; her neighbor’s truck was egged; offensive language from young children; cars parking against traffic; cars blocking access to her garage. Mrs. Supan said she didn’t want to be constantly calling the police, but she did speak with Chief Lenker on one occasion, but she wanted to let Council know of the potential problems in her area and thanked Council for allowing her to express those concerns. Mr. Kovach asked Mrs. Supan if she knows which children are causing the problems. She said she knows some of them. Mr. Kovach said he will be glad to talk to their parents, if Mrs. Supan could get him the names. Margaret Crawford of 154 Lincoln Street and Theresa Williams of 158 Lincoln Street – informed Council of continuing problems at 156 Lincoln Street, which is owned by an absentee landlord and is used as a drug rehabilitation residence. They said it is supposed to be for women, but they see men sneaking in the back of the property, there is loud music – they put the speakers in the windows; offensive language, between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, at least 50 people in and out in a week’s time. They said there is pounding and thumping and the walls shake and they can’t keep anything on their walls because of it. They said they called the police and spoke to the Commissioner, who suggested they speak with the owner. After further discussion, Mr. Kovach assured Ms. Crawford and Ms. Williams that they would try to determine who the owner is to see if they get any financing from the State or County and make sure they are complying with all the regulations. Mr. Kovach said he will ask Ms. Stoner, the Code Enforcement Officer, inspect the property to be sure there are no code violations, and asked Ms. Crawford and Ms. Williams, to please put the problems in writing. Mayor Acri asked if they call the police. Ms. Crawford said she tied not to call them because she is trying to be a nice neighbor, but things are too bad there and Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 they can’t enjoy their own homes. Mayor Acri said they should call the police whenever there is a problem, and said he would talk to the Chief about the situation. After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council that Ms. Crawford and Ms. Williams should call the police as often as they need them and this will give a record if the case goes to court. Rene Drayton-Bowers – asked if Steelton had a noise ordinance and what the hours were. Mr. Musser said the Borough has a noise ordinance and there is no time limit, it is based on decibels. Mr. Shaver added that residents have to call the police to report it. Emuel Powell – 321 Lebanon St. – asked if the Borough has a law requiring dog owners to clean up after their dog’s mess on sidewalks. Mr. Kovach said it does, but it is difficult to enforce and told Mr. Powell to call the police when he sees it happen. Mr. Powell asked if he sees it happen can he tell the person to clean it up. Mr. Kovach said he could. Mr. Powell said that when some of his neighbors do work on their property, they throw the materials out and let it lay for several weeks and then they get a dumpster and he asked why they can’t have the dumpster there to put the debris in while they are doing the work. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Powell to call the Code Enforcement Office when that happens. Mr. Powell then asked why the County dispatchers have to ask so many questions when you call for an ambulance for someone who is ill or dying. Mr. Shaver said that the information they ask is very important, even though it may not seem like it. He said that the dispatchers may be able to help the caller assist the person until help arrives. Dr. Szada said she understands Mr. Powell’s frustration because she has called for an ambulance and has identified herself as a physician and I tell them that I want them to send the ambulance and we’ll talk about it later. Mr. Shaver said he understands, but they are required to get that information. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS Dr. Szada – thanked those in the audience for coming to the meeting and encouraged them to keep coming. Dr. Szada said Council may not always be able to solve all of the problems, but they will listen and do their best to help. Mr. Shaver – said he would like to echo Dr. Szada’s comments, and asked Mrs. Supan to call the Police Department when she has any problems, noting that it is important to call even if they don’t get there in time, at least there is a record. Mr. Wright – said he agrees with his colleagues and thanked the citizens for coming to the meeting. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:45 p.m., to discuss personnel matters. The meeting reconvened at 8:04 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting May 15, 2006 Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary