City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 19, 2006 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:43 p.m. by President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach David A. Wion, Solicitor Stephen Shaver Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar (was excused at 7:15 p.m.) Jeffery Wright Michael Albert MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the February 6, 2006, and the May 15, 2006 Council Meetings were presented for approval. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser said that an executive session was held at 6:00 p.m., prior to this meeting to discuss land acquisition. Present were Mr. Musser, Mr. Gehrlein, Mr. Wright, Mr. Albert, Mrs. Wiedeman- Krosnar, Mr. Kovach, Mr. Shaver, Dr. Szada, Mr. Heefner, Mr. Matthew Tunnel, and Mr. Grainger Brown. Mr. Musser stated that the meeting ended at 6:37 p.m. 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 May were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Dr. Szada seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for May, as presented. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting June 19, 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: Mark P. Andreozzi, Business Agent, Chauffeurs, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union No. 776 – Letter requesting the Borough to commence Police Contract Negotiations with the Steelton Borough Police Department. Mr. Musser said that he and the Mayor met with Mr. Andreozzi, Officer Cuckovic and Officer Basonic. Mr. Musser informed Council Members that he and the Mayor accepted the proposed updates and sent them to the Borough’s attorney, Mr. William Flannery. He added that once Mr. Flannery and Chief Lenker review the proposal, the Borough representatives will prepare a response and bring it to Council for review, and then arrange to meet with the union representatives. Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Executive, Penn DOT District 8 – Letter to the Borough informing them of the Route 230 Paving Project to take place in 2007. Mr. Musser said that this correspondence explains briefly, the project on Route 230, and noted that Council also has correspondence from HRG, which discusses the Home Town Streets Project. Mr. Musser said he will address the proposed water line project a little later in the meeting. Mr. Musser noted that there will be a lot of work going on down town in the next year. Cohen Telecommunications Law Group, PSAB & PLCM – Providing Council with information on the Cable Franchise Legislation. Mr. Musser asked Council to read over the items and then to contact him with any questions. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Musser if he thought it was wise to pass the Resolution and forward the letters as requested. Mr. Musser said he believes Mr. Cohen’s advice has been very helpful to Steelton and the other Municipalities he represents. Mr. Musser noted that the Borough did pass a Resolution about a month ago and this Resolution would be contingent on whether or not Council passed a Resolution last month. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Wion to prepare a continuation Resolution regarding Cable Franchise Legislation as presented in Mr. Cohen’s memorandum to Council dated, May 31, 2006. Scott W. Bollinger, Boating Facilities Program Coordinator – Letter informing the Borough that its request for an Extension to Complete the Project was granted. Mr. Musser explained that he and Mr. Kovach discussed the matter in light of the bids the Borough received coming in extremely high, which will be discussed later in the meeting. Mr. Musser said that Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 The program would have ended in June 2006, so he requested an extension to June 2007, which this letter indicates was granted. Mr. Musser asked Council to ratify the action taken. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members voted unanimously to ratify the request for an extension by Mr. Musser. Bobbie & Doug Malinak, Co-Chairs, Ryan Lee Mohn Walk – Letter requesting permission to use the Borough Streets for the Ryan Mohn Walk on August 12, 2006. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to approve Mr. and Mrs. Malinak’s request. Dauphin-Lebanon Boroughs Association – Invitation to the next meeting on July 25, 2006, hosted by Dauphin Borough. Mr. Kovach said that those who are interested in attending should contact Mr. Musser. Residents of South Second Street and Chestnut Street – Requesting the Borough Deem the pit bull at 32 Chestnut Street a nuisance and dangerous to residents. Mr. Eugene Spizziri addressed Council on this concern, explaining several incidents involving two different pit bulls in the area. Frank Spizziri Sr., and Frank Spizziri, Jr., also made comments on the matter. Mr. Spizziri informed Council that the police had been called and that a petition was being circulated to have the dog declared a nuisance and removed from the area. Mr. Spizziri said that they are like prisoners in their homes, because they have to be afraid to go outside because the dogs roam the area after they can get out over the fence. Mr. Spizziri said that one family did move because of all of the complaints and problems, but there is still one dangerous dog in the neighborhood. Mayor Acri noted that the police cited the owners and they will be going before the District Justice. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked if the hearing was for one dog or for two different dogs. Mr. Gene Spizziri responded that it was for two different dogs. He said the hearing for him was scheduled for June 29th, and Mr. Frank Spizziri said his was scheduled for August 1st. Mr. Wright asked if the dog was fenced in. Mr. Gene Spizziri said that it was, but the dog can get out. Mayor Acri informed the residents that Borough Council cannot declare the dogs as nuisances, but the District Justice can and he can even have them put down, depending on the circumstances and suggested that the residents wait until the hearings to see what the District Justice does. Mr. Shaver agreed, but encouraged the residents to continue to call the police when they see the dog at large or when they feel threatened by the dog and he also suggested that all of the concerned neighbors should attend the hearings to give their testimony to the problems, and to take the pictures with them to the hearings. Mr. Kovach said that he understands the residents concerns, but they need to present all of this to the District Justice because the Council is limited in what they can do in the matter. He also encouraged the residents to call the police and they can continue to cite the owners and these documented calls can be Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 presented to the District Justice. Shirley M. Carter, 244 ridge Street, Steelton, Pa – Letter of concern about the illegal drug activity on Ridge Street. Mr. Kovach informed Council that this matter has been forwarded to the Mayor and Chief Lanker. Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street, Steelton, PA – Letter informing the Borough of what she would like to have made in honor of former Steelton Police chief Fred Douglas. Mr. Wright said that this matter was discussed at the last Community Development meeting. He said that Mr. Patrick Gehrlein is researching some things and the Committee will report back to Council and will inform Mrs. Douglas of any decisions. Mrs. Delores Gardner, 501 ‘R’ St, Steelton, Pa – Letter requesting permission to speak to Council about having the deeds to her properties combined into one tax bill. Mrs. Gardner introduced her attorney, James L. Walsh. Mr. Walsh said that he spoke with Mr. Wion directly about the (25’) unopened and perhaps vacated Street adjacent to the Scrap yard. He said that Mrs. Gardner is apparently paying taxes on it since 1983 and in order for him to prepare the deed, he needs some point of reference that this paper Street was vacated, adding that he would need the dates to prepare language for the Deed. Mr. Walsh said that Mr. Wion and he could probably work something out, but Mr. Wion told him something different from what Mr. Musser told Mrs. Gardner. Mr. Musser said that if Mrs. Gardner is paying taxes on that then it has to be on the deed. Mr. Musser said that he understands about the comfort resolution, but it would then show that ½ of the vacated street would go to Mrs. Gardner and the other ½ would go the Mittal Steel and then she would have to negotiate with them for the other half. Mr. Musser added that he would like to determine if there is another way to do this, if we can determine that Mrs. Gardner has maintained this land for twenty-one years. Mr. Musser said he would like to speak to Mr. Wion when he returns. Mrs. Gardner said that the original deed doesn’t include the unopened alley; that it was given to her at three (3) different times. Mr. Shaver agreed with Mr. Musser that if the property isn’t included on her deed, then she isn’t paying taxes on it. Mrs. Gardner said they gave her a variance to build on the property. Mr. Shaver said he thinks that Mr. Wash and Mr. Wion should resolve this matter. Mr. Walsh asked if there has been any decision on the Special Purpose Parking Space. Mr. Musser said that Mrs. Gardner hadn’t submitted an application yet. Mrs. Gardner said she was told that she wouldn’t qualify because she has off-street parking. Mrs. Gardner informed Council that a van has been parked in front of her place for a very long time, but the police can’t do anything about it because it has a current registration and inspection. She said where the van is parked makes it difficult for her to get into her driveway. Mrs. Gardner added that the driveway isn’t close to her entrance and she has problems carrying heavy things. There was also discussion on parking violations and enforcement in the area. Mr. Kovach assured Mrs. Gardner that Council would look into the matter. Todd S. Lawson, Owner, 180 North Front Street, Steelton – Letter informing Borough Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 Council of problems he has with how the Mayor and the Police are handling some matters with his establishment. Mr. Kovach said that this matter will be discussed in executive session. LouAnn Buffington, Penn Vest – Letter informing the Borough that the request for the Scot of Work Change has been approved. Mr. Kovach expressed Councils’ appreciation. Mr. Musser noted that the storm sewers on Pine Street was inspected with cameras and the DVD will be reviewed tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the police station, if anyone would like to see that. Mrs. Pauline Douglas, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Letter Requesting permission for Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church to use the former 11” Bar Mill Parking lot for additional parking during church services. Mr. Musser said that they can temporarily approve this request until the Borough has a Parking Agreement in place for the old Mellon Bank Building, then no one will be able to park there for free. Mr. Heefner asked if once there is a Parking authority and downtown gets up and running, will we allow for parking in spaces on Sunday? Mr. Musser said the Parking Authority could look at that or there could be a daily fee established. Elizabeth L. Reid, 503 North Front Street, Steelton – Letter of thanks to Steelton Borough and Police Department for allowing the a block of Lincoln Street to be shut down and for the professionalism of the Steelton Police. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to have a copy of the letter placed in the appropriate individuals’ personnel files. Daniel P. Scheitrum, Superintendent of the Water Filtration & Lab – Providing Council with a Certificate of Completion for the Corrosion Control Treatment Workshop. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, council Members present voted unanimously to have the Certificate placed in Mr. Scheitrum’s personnel file. ADDITION: Mr. Musser – informed Council that he received Certificates of Completion for PA DEP Courses for Mr. Conjar, Mr. Wierzbic, Mr. Cleckner and Mr. Charles Miller, Jr. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to have the Certificates placed in the individuals’ personnel files. Gene Vance, Fire Chief – Letter requesting the Budget Line Item for the Steelton Ambulance be increased and informing Council that on Saturday, the old Tower Truck was sold. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 Mr. Kovach said he was glad to here that the old Tower Truck was sold. John Zonarich, Skarlatos and Zonarich – Letter of Thanks and Satisfaction in regards to the damage to his Mother’s property due to a sewage backup. There were no comments UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council that no new CDBG Projects were introduced tat the Community Development Meeting and he would recommend the funds be used for the Adams Street Project. Mr. Musser noted that there were no new CDBG Project recommendations, and asked Council’s permission to place the funds in the Adams Street Project adding that if another project becomes a priority, the funds can be moved at that time. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Musser to have the CDGG FY 2007 funds designated to the Adams Street Project, as recommended by Mr. Musser. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with the Bid from Lobar Associates in the Amount of $1,464,000.00 for the Boat Launch Phase II Project. It is the recommendation of Mr. Musser and Mr. Bachik to reject the Bid. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to reject the bid from Lobar Associates in the amount of $1,464,000.00 for the boat Launch Phase II Project, as recommended by Mr. Musser and Mr. Bachik. Mr. Musser – Providing council with an Update on the Adams Street Project. Mr. Musser said he is very pleased to say that the project is going very well. Mr. Musser said that the borough acquired 109-1/2 Adams Street at a Judicial Sale so that completes the first block and once 119- 1/2 is purchased, along with all the grassy lots up to Harrisburg Street. Mr. Musser said they will prepare demolition costs and hopefully get the lots cleared. Mr. Musser said they will be discussing with a developer about combining several small lots and bring the plans to Council, but we will be working in Committee. He said he is excited to say that thanks to the hard work of the Mayor, Council and Community Development Committee and Administrative Staff, this project is going very well. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the Hometown Streets Project and the Waterline Project. Mr. Musser informed Council that he e-mailed Mr. Jim Delaney requesting a status report on the project. Mr. Musser said the project appears to be on track and is expected to be put out for bid in August. Mr. Musser said that Jim Delaney is getting the dollar figure for this and he added that we should have the funding available in the bond issue to do that. Mr. Musser also informed Council that he received an e- Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 mail from Ed Ellinger discussing the storm sewer project on Pine Street. Mr. Musser said the Pine Street storm sewer is funded by Penn Vest and should begin in September or October. Mr. Musser said he hopes to be out to bid in August for the water line project and he will get figures on extending the project as recommended by Mr. Heefner to look around to put the waterline in the rear of a portion of Front Street. Mr. Heefner asked if the Penn DOT street project on Route 230 and our waterline project be coordinated. Mr. Musser said he hopes that we will be done with the waterline project by the time Penn DOT starts their project, but they have the information of the waterline project. Mr. Musser noted that if construction bids go over the funds the Borough has for the project, it may be pushed back, but he will check on that for Council. Mr. Gehrlein – Discussion in regards to the police for the naming of a Borough Park. Mr. Gehrlein said the Community Development Committee has been working on a policy for naming Recreation areas and public plazas and the Committee has a set of criteria and the updates were provided to Council tonight. Mr. Gehrlein informed Council that the Committee looked at twelve (12) different Municipalities, and there are no policies in place, so the Community Development Committee will continue to work on the policy and present their recommendations to Council when the are finalized. Mr. Shaver commended Mr. Gehrlein on the documentation and thanked him for his efforts. RESOLUTION 2006-R-23, ELIMINATING THE SPECIAL PURPOSED PARKING FOR EMILY A. YHINGER OF 140 SOUTH SECOND STREET, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-23, as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser said listed the following additions to the agenda: 1) RESOLUTION 2006-R-24, APPROVE, ADOPT AND PLACE INTO IMMEDIATE EFFECT THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN OF DAUPHIN COUNTY, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 20066-R-24 as presented. 2) Letter to Officer Fry requesting him to take additional action. Mr. Musser said this will be discussed in Executive Session. 3) Letter from Barbara Barksdale, President, Friends of Midland – thanking the Rotary Club and the Borough of Steelton for their contributions to the Friends of Midland Cemetery. Steelton Borough Page (8) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 There were no comments. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting permission to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters, and land acquisition. Mr. Shaver – Asked Ms. Sviben to discuss the need for addition personnel for the summer program doe to the overwhelming success of the program. Ms. Sviben informed Council that there are (96) children in the program and only (26) are not from Steelton or Highspire. She said that there is presently a staff of (8) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a director, Adrianne Kable. Ms. Sviben said that the Borough received approximately $11,000 in from registration fees and a donation from Steelton-Highspire High School, and noted that the budget should allow for the hiring of additional personnel. Ms. Sviben said this is a result of a very aggressive approach to publicize this new program. She said she spoke with Councilmen Shaver and Heefner about the need for additional personnel. Ms. Sviben requested that Council hire Brook Decker, who was next on the list. She said that Brooke Conjar, who was next, accepted another position. Ms. Sviben said that Jeremy Kable, who worked in the program in a previous year, is also interested. Ms. Sviben also asked Council to consider changing the status of Isaiah White, who was hired as an on-call park assistant, since he will probably be needed on a regular basis to fill in for personnel who are on vacation or off for other reasons. Ms. Sviben also asked to hire Mattie Waters, who is a Steelton Resident and works in the Elementary School cafeteria, at a rate of $7.00 per hour, three (3) hours a day to serve lunches and to clean up. She said this would free up the staff to work with the children. Mr. Wright said that we need to have someone clean up the facilities. Ms. Sviben said she would ask some of the staff if they could stay after the program to clean the facilities one of the days. Ms. Sviben said that there are (29) five and six year olds and we need two to three staff members for that group; there are (29) seven and eight year olds; (23) nine and ten year olds and (13) eleven and twelve year olds. Ms. Sviben said that the approximate cost for Ms. Waters would be $822.00, and the additional staff and extended hours would cost approximately $4600. Mr. Albert noted that the program took in additional fees this year. On a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted to hire Brook Decker and Jeremy Kable as Parks Assistants at the rate of $6.50 an hour; to hire Mattie Waters at $7.00 an hour for three (3) hours a day; and to allow Isaiah White to work additional hours as needed. Mr. Wright noted that he knows this had to be addressed quickly, but said he would like everything to be run through the Borough Manager’s Office in the future. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Angela Davis, 342 Bessemer Street – expressed her concerns about police officers harassing and nit-picking with the children. She cited an example that there were two or three students in front of a food establishment on Front Street and the officers told the children that they can’t stay there, they have to Steelton Borough Page (9) Council Meeting June 19, 2006 move. She said the police came back to check on them and she was there and when they saw an adult there, they didn’t say anything. Ms. Davis said she lived in Steelton all of her life and she understands that there are some new police officers, but she would like the officers to get to know the kids and to not stereo-type them. Ms. Davis also said that her son has a summer basketball league and the police keep coming around there and she said she isn’t saying it is a racial thing because she isn’t prejudiced, but she wants to know why the police are coming around and nit-picking. She added that when she sees a wrong she wants to address it. Dr. Szada suggested that as a resident of Steelton, if she sees these new officers doing something that she doesn’t think they should be doing, she should try to approach the officer, introduce herself and find out what is going on. Ms. Davis said she would like to but she didn’t know how that would work out. Dr. Szada also suggested that she get together with her neighbors and have a block party. Ms. Davis said she didn’t know she could do that. Dr. Szada said that she could. Mr. Musser concurred, noting that several neighborhoods do that every summer. He said she should send a letter to Council a few weeks in advance requesting to block off the streets. Ms. Davis said she might do that. There was some additional discussion on the curfew. Mayor Acri informed her that those under (15) years of age must be in by 10:00 p.m., and those (16) (17) and (18) years of age must be in at 11:00 p.m. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS Mr. Shaver – thanked those in the audience for coming to the meeting. Mr. Wright – thanked Ms. Sviben, Mr. Gehrlein and Mr. Musser for their great efforts. Mr. Kovach – thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 8:00 p.m., to discuss personnel matters and land acquisition. The meeting reconvened at 8:26 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Kathleen D. Handley Borough Secretary Assistant Borough Secretary