City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 17, 2006 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President, Stephen Shaver, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Michael Kovach Absent: Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Jeffrey Wright Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the June 19, 2006 Council Meeting minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser said that there was an Executive Session held on July 17, 2006 from 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM. Mr. Musser, Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Heefner, Mr. Wright, Ms. Denise Brinley, South Central Liaison for DEP, Ms. Beth Shuman, Attorney for DEP, and Lynn Langer, Assistant Regulations Director for DEP. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED; On a motion by Mr. Heefner, 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: Reports for Community Development, Main Street, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, and Code Enforcement for June, were presented for Council’s approval. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for June, as presented. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri stated that National Night Out would be held in the Steelton Fire House on August 1, 2006 at 6:00 PM. He said he hopes everyone can make it. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no public comments on agenda items. COMMUNICATIONS: Dauphin County Commissioners – Letter in regards to the 1st Public Hearing on the Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program American Dream Down Payment Initiative Program (ADDI) is Scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 10:00 PM. Mr. Shaver stated that this was for Council’s information only. Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of DCED – Letters informing the Borough that it has received $10,000 for Steelton Recreational Activities and $85,000 Rehabilitation to the Senior Center. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Musser to send Mr. Yablonsky a thank you note. Mr. Musser stated that he would, and that he’d like to send one to Senator Piccola and Representative Buxton also. Council agreed. Corporal Brenda E. Holmes, Harrisburg Police Bureau – Letter of Appreciation for allowing the Harrisburg Police Bureau to use Officer Foster in an Undercover Capacity. Mr. Wright motioned, and Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar seconded, placing the letter of appreciation into Officer Foster’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. New Hope Living Baptist Church – Requesting the Borough allow them to use the Mohn Street Tennis Courts from Monday, July 24th through Friday, July 28, 2006 from 6:30 PM– 8:30 PM, for their Bible School Week. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to allow them to use the Mohn Street Tennis Courts from Monday, July 24th through Friday, July 28, 2006 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Susan Kline, Senior Center Coordinator – Providing Mayor Acri & Borough Council with a Flyer to their August 2, 2006 Fundraiser at Isaac’s. Mr. Shaver stated that he is impressed with the work Ms. Kline has been doing with the Senior Center. He stated that he was impressed with both this project and the newsletter also. Dauphin County Planning Commission – Providing the Borough with a Copy of their 2005 Annual Report. There were no comments. Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2006-R-25 – Approval of Resolution in Regards to the Two Special Purpose Parking Spaces Requested by New Hope Baptist Church. Mr. Wright stated that New Hope went to the Community Development meeting to request two Handicapped Spaces to alleviate traffic problems on Sundays. He stated that the spaces would only be needed 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM on Sundays. After discussion between Mr. Musser and Solicitor Dave Wion on the legality of regulating dates and times, Mr. Wright motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-25, creating two special purpose parking spaces by New Hope Baptist Church, seconded by Mr. Kovach. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Recommending Council Approve Mr. Patrick J. Gehrlein’s Completion of a Successful 6 month Probation Period and Increase his Salary to $45,000 a Year, effective June 12, 2006. Mr. Wright asked where Mr. Gehrlein’s salary comes from. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar stated that 90% of his salary comes from the Main Street Grant and is reimbursed in that way. Mr. Wright stated that Mr. Gehrlein is doing an exceptional job. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar motioned to approve a salary increase for Mr. Patrick Gehrlein, bringing his total salary to $45,000, effective June 12, 2006 because he has satisfactorily completed his six month probationary period, seconded by Mr. Wright. Motion approved unanimously. Ms. Sviben – Providing Council with the Press Release and Related Info in Regards to the Borough of Steelton’s National Night Out. Mr. Shaver stated that the media advisory was for Council’s information. He then stated that this year the Police Department is partnering with the Steelton Fire Department, the East Side Crime Watch, Dauphin County Juvenile Probation, Pennsylvania Department of Probation and Parole, Pennsylvania Freemasons, and Steelton/Swatara Lodge. Mr. Shaver stated that the program looks like it is very well put together and the people involved should be commended. Mr. Wright stated that there were members of the East Side Crime Watch present and asked them to stand and be recognized for their good work. Mr. Musser – Requesting Council Provide him with Projects by August 1, 2006 to be done as Part of the Comcast Cares Day Project. Mr. Musser stated that this project will go to the Community Development Committee. He stated that they need to get ideas and bring a recommendation to Council by the next meeting. He explained that Comcast usually brings about 50 – 60 volunteers and works for about 2 – 4 hours. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 Mr. Musser – Providing Council with Mr. Carl Kanaskie, Jr.’s Letter of Resignation from the Steelton Zoning Hearing Board, Effective July 15, 2006. Mr. Shaver explained that Mr. Carl Kanaskie, Jr. moved out of the Borough. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Mr. Carl Kanaskie, Jr.’s Resignation, effective July 15, 2006. RESOLUTION 2006-R-26 – Providing Council with the Community Development Committee’s Recommendation to Appoint Patsy C. Taylor-Moore to the Steelton Zoning Hearing Board, Effective July 15, 2006. Mr. Shaver stated that Mr. O’Keefe recommended her for the position and asked Mrs. Taylor- Moore to introduce herself. Mrs. Taylor-Moore gave a brief rundown of her professional and educational backgrounds. After brief discussion of her qualifications, On a motion by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-26, as presented. Mr. Musser – Requesting Council ratify the Approval of an Emergency Repair that was done to the Motor Drive Replacement on or after July 3, 2006. Mr. Shaver reminded Council that the Borough was in a State of Emergency at the time of the needed repair. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough was preparing to go out to bid, but the emergency came up and it was necessary to expedite the process. Mr. Wright motioned to approve the emergency repairs to replace the Motor Drive on the Wastewater Treatment System, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that Theresa A. Sviben has become a Notary Public. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough paid for the training and receives all fees when people come into the Borough for her services. Mr. Wright requested a sign be put in the downstairs window informing the public that those services are offered. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar motioned, and Mr. Kovach seconded, the placing of the Notary Certificate into Ms. Sviben’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wright – Recommendation of Candidate for Water Plant Operator. Mr. Wright stated that his committee interviewed five candidates for the position of Water Plant Operator, and that they were all good candidates. He stated that the Personnel Committee recommends Gregory W. Shea for the entry-level position of Water Plant Operator with a starting wage of $13.88. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members voted unanimously to hire Gregory W. Shea for the entry-level position of Water Plant Operator with a starting wage of $13.88. . RESOLUTION 2006-R-27 – Requesting Council Remove a Handicapped Parking Space from 438 Swatara Street. Mr. Musser explained that the resident has moved. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-27, as presented.  Mr. Musser – Requesting “No Parking” On the East Side of N. Harrisburg Street from Northeast Corner of Sweet Briar going North 145 feet. Mr. Musser explained that this was upon recommendation of Mr. Conjar. He stated that when cars park there it blocks the vision of cars trying to pull out. Solicitor Wion stated that a traffic study would need to be completed first. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve a traffic study. RESOLUTION 2006-R-28 – Letter from Joyce Prickard requesting the Removal of a Handicapped space at 712 S. Second Street, due to moving. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-28, as presented. RESOLUTION 2006-R-29 – Letter from Joyce Prickard requesting the Establishment of a Handicapped space at 540 Ridge Street, due to moving On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-29, as presented. Mr. Musser – Extending Sympathies to the McNaughton and Fuhrman Families for the Recent Passing of their Loved Ones. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 RESOLUTION 2006-R-30 – Requesting a Consent Order and Agreement from DEP be signed, in relation to the Combined Sewer Overflow matters of the Borough and the Requirements in relation to the MPDES Permitting and those requirements concerning the Overflow Matters in the Borough and the Necessary Planning to be done, and Authorizing Mayor Acri, Mr. Musser, and/or President Kovach to enter into the Consent Order on the Borough’s Behalf. Mr. Shaver stated that the Consent Order has been reviewed with the Borough by DEP. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 2006-R-30, as presented. Mr. Heefner – Requesting a Schedule be Created for the Cleaning of Storm Drains and Asking about the Status of a Second Person being Authorized to run the Street Sweeper. Mr. Shaver asked that Mr. Musser recommend to Mr. Conjar that a schedule be created. Mr. Shaver stated that he will e-mail Public Works Chairman Mr. Albert to inform him of the recommendation. Council then discussed the problems associated with the “Patriot Plus,” a free advertisement from The Patriot News. Discussion followed on the lengthening of the Street Sweeper Season. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to discuss land acquisition and personnel matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – stated that at the last Council Meeting crime and police up on the hill was discussed. He stated that there’s about six of them watching crime, and the police have increased the amount they patrol. Mr. Powell stated that now there are people complaining about this. He stated that he doesn’t understand why anyone would complain. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Shaver – said that on August 12, 2006 at 9:00 AM the Annual Ryan Mohn walk will take place at the Steelton-Highspire High School Football Field. Anyone that would like to participate can get additional information off of the Borough’s website. He also thanked Mrs. Taylor Moore for joining the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Shaver stated how important it is for the residents to get involved in their communities. He then thanked Mr. Pat Gehrlein for the work he is doing and congratulated him on his pay increase. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting July 17, 2006 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – extended her sympathies to Mayor Acri and Peggy for the recent passing of Mr. Fuhrman as well as the NcNaughton Family. She also stated that Mr. Gehrlein, Ms. Sviben, and she met and developed a formal Park Naming Policy, application, and evaluation which she’ll be sending out to Community Development Committee Members. It will then go to Solicitor Wion’s office for his review before coming before Council. Mr. Wright – thanked Mr. Kovach for his dedication to the Borough, even though he has been ill. Mr. Heefner – had no additional comments.  Mr. Kovach – thanked everyone for their support during his recent illness. Mayor Acri – thanked Mrs. Taylor-Moore for volunteering her time by joining the Zoning Hearing Board and for moving into the Borough and becoming active. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Kovach, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel matters, at 7:27 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:17 PM. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mrs. Wiedeman- Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ ______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Jennifer Brown-Sweeney Borough Secretary Administrative Assistant