City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 21, 2006 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by President Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Michael Kovach Absent: Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Jeffrey Wright MaryJo Szada Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the August 7, 2006 Council Meeting Minutes as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser stated that there was nothing else to report besides what was stated in the Minutes. 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 Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for July, as presented. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri thanked everyone for their support of National Night Out. He stated that Paula Sviben and Chief Lenker did a great job. He thanked Mr. Musser and his staff for their support also, and stated that he’s hoping to make it even better for next year. Steelton Borough Page (2) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 Mayor Acri stated that on Thursday, August 17, 2006, a Back to School Rally was held at the High School. It was a great turn out with a few hundred kids attending. He stated that this will be a yearly event, and it was done very well. There were past graduates as well as great speakers, and he thanked everyone for their support. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no public comments on agenda items. COMMUNICATIONS: Barry G. Hoffman, District Executive, PennDOT District 8-0 – Letter requesting utility information from the Borough and informing the Borough that the paving project may begin on May 7, 2007. Mr. Kovach stated that this is regarding Front Street. The Acri, Mull, and Fuhrman Families – Letters of Thanks for the Borough’s expression of sympathy during their difficult time. Mr. Kovach stated that this was for Council’s information. Representative Raymond Bunt, Jr., 147th Legislative District, Majority Caucus Secretary – Letter in response to Representative Bunt’s proposed changes to the Cable Franchise Legislation. Mr. Kovach stated that this was for Council’s information. Joseph J. Yetter, President, Fifth Ward Club – Letter requesting the Borough provide some guidance in regards to their current parking situation. Mr. Musser stated that this letter is in regards to the purchase of the used car lot behind the Fifth Ward proposed by Mr. Risk. The current owner was directed by the Borough to fix the lot, and an extension of time was granted. Mr. Risk has indicated that if he has to fix it up, he won’t allow Fifth Ward members to park there. The Community Development Committee recommended that Council stand by the decision to fix the lot. After much discussion, Council consented to allow Mr. Musser to contact the Fifth Ward to let them use the 11 inch Bar Mill Parking Lot, until such time that a contract is entered into with the Front Street Development Projects. George P. Hartwick, III, Dauphin County Commissioner – Providing the Mayor with a copy of his letter to David Dunkel in regards to 156 Lincoln Street. Mayor Acri stated that the incident happened in July, but that he received the letter on August 3, 2006. He stated that this incident was already addressed. The Police and Code Officer responded to Mrs. Crawford, and it was decided that the landlord needed to purchase more Steelton Borough Page (3) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 cans. Mrs. Crawford said he did, and the place has been cleaned up. Mayor Acri stated that he has tried to contact Commissioner Hartwick, and will confirm the information with him. Jeffrey Linta – Letter of Complaint in regards to the noise from the Pipe Mill. Mr. Musser stated that Mr. Linta has written a couple of letters. He stated that the consensus of Council, last time, was to reply that the Pipe Mill has been in existence for many years and that he was the sole complainant. Mr. Musser stated that he did inform Mr. Linta of that consensus after he received Mr. Linta’s previous complaint. Thomas D. Gould, President, and Deborah Ritchey, Director, Neighborhood Dispute Settlement – Letter of Thanks from the Neighborhood Dispute Settlement for the Borough’s support in 2006, and requesting the Borough provide an increase of their 2007 Contribution from $500.00 to $750.00. Mayor Acri stated that the Steelton Police use them throughout the year, especially with domestic problems. He stated that they are a great organization and are good for the police and the community. Mayor Acri stated that the Borough has been contributing $500.00 for many years and, on behalf of himself and Chief Lenker, request that Council contribute more. After a brief discussion on the cost increase and frequency of use, Mr. Shaver motioned to approve the increased 2007 Contribution to the Neighborhood Dispute Settlement, through the budget process, to $750.00, seconded by Mr. Wright. Motion approved unanimously. Todd Zwigart, Chief, Paxtang Fire Co. No. 1 – Requesting the use of 4 Fire Police for their 6th Annual Crab Fest/Pig Roast Fundraiser on Saturday, September 9, 2006 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Mayor Acri stated that Chief Lenker and Chief Zwigart have been working this out. He stated that this would be considered mutual aid and the request is mainly for Council’s information. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on Borough Projects Mr. Musser updated Council with the following information: Hometown Streets – Mr. Musser enclosed an e-mail from Bill Delancey of HRG. Mr. Musser stated that it does not look like the Borough will be able to go to construction until the Spring of next year. He said that this delay was mainly due to the problems encountered while trying to get answers from outside organizations. Locust Street Steps – Mr. Musser stated that Renee Regal and Craig Bachik are getting the plan together and that the grant funding is in place. He stated that he expects construction to start no sooner than the Spring of next year. Steelton Borough Page (4) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 RT 230 Waterline Project – Mr. Musser stated that this project is currently on track. PennVEST Storm Sewer Line on Pine Street – Mr. Musser stated that the Borough received an extension until November 1st, and is therefore meeting its timeframe and is still on line. Boat Launch Project – Mr. Musser stated that the project was once again way over bid, even after the second bid. Mr. Musser recommended taking the $450,000 in grant funds available and scaling down the project. He stated that the clubhouse will be taken away from the project, because it is not cost effective at this point. Canal Project – Mr. Musser stated that this project is on target, and that the plantings will be done in October of this year or early Spring of next year. The determining factor will be the types of plants being planted, and what time of year is better for them. This project is also on track. Mellon Bank Building – Mr. Musser stated that it is the consensus of the Community Development Committee to apply for a $150,000 anchor building grant to fill the gap, and keep the project moving forward. Emergency Pump Repairs – Mr. Musser stated that the engineer’s estimate for the project was $65,000 and the lowest quote, out of the two quotes received, was $87,895. He said that all of these types of projects are coming in so far over bid, due to the cost of materials rising. He stated that B & R Electrical Contractors was the low bid and the project could be paid out of bond funds. President Kovach stated that he was upset that the pumps needed repaired already, after the prior pumps worked for years. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar requested that the Borough do updates every month. Mr. Musser stated that it would be better to do updates every three months, so Council can see changes. Mr. Wright motioned to award the Trewick Street Pump Repairs bid to B & R Electrical Contractors for the low bid amount of $87,895, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Adams Street – Mr. Musser stated that there was a Community Development Committee meeting to discuss Adams Street, attended by himself, Mr. Gehrlein, Mr. Heefner, and Gary Lenker from Donco Construction. Mr. Lenker walked the site with them and gave them some ideas on where they should be going next. Mr. Musser said that the project is proceeding on target, but if the Borough were to go out to bid, it would probably go over bid, so it may be better to wait until the market settles down. Liquor Store – Mr. Musser stated that the project has gotten scaled down into basically rehabbing the property to one level. He stated that even after plugging in grant money, real and possible, he was still unable to get the cost below $17.50 per square foot. Mr. Musser stated that he will be meeting with officials from the Economic Development Corporation. Steelton Borough Page (5) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 RESOLUTION 2006-R-34 – Resolution establishing a “No Parking” Zone on the East side of North Harrisburg Street, from Walnut Street to Sweetbriar Road. Mr. Heefner motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-34 as presented, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. RESOLUTION 2006-R-35 – Resolution striking Fifth Alley from the General Plan of Streets for the Borough of Steelton. Mr. Shaver motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-35 as presented, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an update on the 2007 Budget Process. Mr. Musser stated that budgets are due on August 31, 2006 by 3:00 PM. He stated that they will be reviewed by the Finance Committee in the interview process. Mr. Shaver – Discussion in regards to setting up Part-Time Police Officer interviews and the applicants for the position of Chief Operator in the Water Filtration Plant. Mr. Shaver stated that August 31, 2006 is the cut off on police applications. He said that he would like to wait until next meeting to discuss this issue further. Mr. Shaver stated that the Borough received a resume for Chief Operator of the Water Filtration Plant from Scott Wible, a current employee. After brief discussion, Mr. Shaver motioned to elevate Scott Wible to the position of Chief Operator of the Water Filtration Plant, at an additional salary of $1.00 per hour, effective next pay period. Seconded by Mr. Wright. Motion approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a report on the Pennsylvania 2006 Brownfields Conference. Mr. Musser encouraged Council to attend the Conference if they are able. He stated that Steelton Borough will be presenting on the 22nd at 11:15 AM. Mr. Musser asked Council to please let him know who will be coming. . Norma Totten, 519 South Front Street, Steelton, PA – Submission of a Special Purpose Parking Space at 519 South Front Street, Steelton, PA. Mr. Musser stated that this was for Council’s information. Steelton Borough Page (6) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – Requesting feedback on the Park Facility Naming Policy. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked Council to review Solicitor Wion’s comments and the policy, and then give her feedback by Friday for approval at the next Council Meeting.  Mr. Heefner – Discussing the SHIP Program. Mr. Heefner stated that one project went over budget. He stated that Council allocated $5000, and unforeseen problems caused them to go over budget by $1400. Mr. Heefner requested that Council use CDBG money to cover the shortfall. Mr. Heefner stated that since the original allocation has already been used, Rebuilding Together offered to do the houses slated for September’s United Way Day under their budget, not ours. Mr. Heefner stated that he spoke to Representative Buxton who agreed to give the SHIP Program $10,000 per year, if Mr. Musser could send a letter to that effect. Mr. Heefner requested that Council allow Mr. Musser to send a letter on their behalf. Mr. Heefner requested that a committee be formed to review the applications, so they have a closer watch on the projects being done and the money spent. After brief discussion on the cost overrun and new committee, Council expressed its discontent with the additional amount and decided that a new Committee was not needed because it falls under Community Development. Mr. Wright stated that he would like to be more careful in using CDBG money to fund projects that are not planned. Council stated that it is a good program for the residents of Steelton. Mr. Wright motioned to approve using $1400 of CDBG money to pay for the SHIP shortfall, and authorizing Mr. Musser to send a letter to Representative Buxton requesting $10,000 for the 2007 SHIP Program, seconded by Mr. Shaver. Motion approved unanimously. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Jean Barr, 349 South 4th Street – stated that the Steelton Night Out was very nice. She then stated that the bank behind her house is getting pretty bad. Ms. Barr requested that the Borough clean it up and cut down the weeds. President Kovach stated that he would find out who it belongs to, and have the problem taken care of. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Wright– requesting an Executive Session. Steelton Borough Page (7) Council Meeting August 21, 2006 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – stated that some street signs in Steelton do not have “North” or “South” on them. She stated that this makes it difficult for delivery drivers and people from out of town. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked to refer this to Superintendent Conjar. Mr. Shaver – asked Chief Lenker if we were eligible for funding from PA Crime and Delinquency. Mr. Heefner stated that the Borough has already looked into it and we do not qualify, but if there’s left over money they will consider us. Mr. Heefner – stated that the Midget Field’s outfield and the home run fence’s ground are eroding. Mayor Acri stated that the team was unable to play the last couple of games on the field. He said that he previously spoke to Craig Bachik about the drainage. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough needs to keep a closer eye on projects and follow up to make sure they are done properly. Mr. Musser stated that he can set up a meeting between Kairos, Stoner, and the Borough to look at the field. Mayor Acri stated that a brick is being used to hold the dugout gate shut. Mr. Kovach – thanked everyone for their cards and concern during his recent illness. He also thanked everyone for their support of National Night Out. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel matters, at 7:40 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:12 PM. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary