City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by President Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Michael Kovach Absent: Stephen Shaver Kathleen D. Handley Jeffrey Wright Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor 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 28, 2006 Council Meeting Minutes as amended. 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. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, 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 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the Department Reports for August, as presented. - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri stated that on Saturday at 1:00, the Steelton Fire Department will dedicate the new tower truck. Council members and the general public are invited to attend. After the program is over, there will be a fellowship. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no public comments on agenda items. COMMUNICATIONS: Chief Lenker – Informing Council that he approved Officer Basonic to participate in an event involving the Children’s Miracle Network and to use the Police motorcycle for the event. Mr. Kovach stated that this is for Council’s information. Kim L. Moreland, Executive Director, The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc. – Letter requesting the Borough of Steelton execute the Agreement between the Borough and the Humane Society for 2007. After brief discussion on the agreement, Mr. Shaver motioned to approve the agreement between the Borough and the Humane Society for 2007, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Susan Kline, Senior Center Coordinator, Steelton Borough – Informing Council of a Benefit Performance for the Senior Center by Dreamgirls on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 8:00 PM at the Whitaker Center. Mr. Kovach stated that this was for Council’s information. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a copy of his recertification as a Certified Municipal Clerk. Mr. Albert motioned, and Mr. Wright seconded, placing the certificate in Mr. Musser’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Invitation to the Fall Leadership Conference at the Lancaster Host on October 20 – 22, 2006. Mr. Musser stated that anyone wishing to attend should contact him. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ORDINANCE 2006-4 – An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Borough of Steelton Chapter 110 Thereof Entitles “Vehicles and Traffic” to Establish Additional - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 Special Purpose Parking Zones. To Eliminate Special Parking Zones, and to Establish No Parking Zones. Mr. Heefner motioned to adopt Ordinance 2006-4 as presented, seconded by Mr. Albert. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver – Requesting a date and time to schedule Part-Time Police Officer Interviews. Mr. Shaver stated that he will talk to the Committee and set up interviews. Mr. Albert stated that because of prior commitments, he’ll be unable to attend. He asked Council if it would be alright for Mr. Heefner to take his place. Council’s consensus was yes. Mr. Musser stated that there are currently nine applicants. RESOLUTION 2006-R-40 – Resolution establishing a Special Purpose Parking Space for Norma Totten of 519 South Front Street, Steelton, PA. Mr. Shaver motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-40 as presented, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Craig Bachik & Renee Regal, Kairos Design Group, LLC. – Providing the Borough with a Proposal for Architectural and Design Services for Restoration and Street Scape Enhancements at the Locust Street Stairs in the amount not to exceed $21,775.00. Mr. Musser stated that the amount was included in a DCED grant. He stated that it would be his recommendation to approve the services in an amount not to exceed $21,775.00 and contingent upon the agreement to accept any changes that Solicitor Wion makes to the proposal. Mr. Wright motioned to approve the Proposal contingent upon any changes that Solicitor Wion makes to the proposal, seconded by Mr. Albert. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Gehrlein – Providing Council with the Final Draft of the Park Naming Guidelines. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar spoke since Mr. Gehrlein was absent. She asked Council to look the policy over and it will be presented at the next Council Meeting for approval. Mr. Gehrlein – Discussion in regards to the transition from a Main Street Community to an Elm Street Community. Mr. Musser spoke on Mr. Gehrlein’s behalf. He stated that the Pennsylvania Downtown Center did an appraisal through the Elm Street Program, which is how you become an Elm Street Community. He stated that they are recommending that the Borough become an Elm Street Community. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough will have to drop its Main Street Program and move into the Elm Street Program. He stated that the Borough must meet their list of nine - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 requirements, if we would like to go this route. He stated that he believes the Borough should go along with their recommendation since the Borough is nearing the end of its Main Street Program and the Elm Street Program needs to be done. Mr. Wright stated that the Community Development Committee recommends its approval. Mr. Wright motioned to accept the proposal from DCED and change Patrick Gehrlein’s position from Main Street Manager to Elm Street Manager, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Officer William J. Shaub – Providing Council with a Traffic Survey at the intersection of South Second Street and Swatara Street. Chief Lenker stated that this traffic study was done to see if there was a need to restrict parking areas where the fire truck cannot turn. Mr. Shaver motioned to accept the recommendation of Officer Shaub’s traffic survey, seconded by Mr. Wright. Motion approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2006-R-41 – Approving the Municipal Winter Traffic Services Agreement for 2006-2007. Mr. Albert motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-41 as presented, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. . W. Lance Turley, Principal, Hull & Associates, Inc – Providing Council with a Proposal to prepare U.S. EPA Assessment Grant Application. Mr. Musser stated that he has a meeting with Hull and HRG to look at the West Side Storm Water issues. He stated that the proposal is to prepare a grant application to do a study to determine what can be done about the Storm Water issues. Mr. Shaver stated that the Borough would be paying Principal, Hull & Associates, Inc. a consultant fee to prepare the document. Mr. Heefner motioned to approve the proposal contingent upon Solicitor Wion’s review, seconded by Mr. Albert. Mr. Shaver abstained from the vote. Motion carried. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a letter from Christine Bailey of 350 South Third Street requesting an Appeals Hearing in regards to repairing her sidewalk. Mr. Wright stated that this matter will be discussed in Community Development Committee, and they will send a letter out to Ms. Bailey regarding their discussion and/or decision. - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 Codes Officer Stoner stated that the Borough Code specifically states that all sidewalks must be done in concrete. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to preparing a Shade Tree List for the Borough of Steelton. Mr. Musser stated that Mr. Bachik provided Council with a recommended list of Shade Trees. He stated that the trees listed will not grow very high or disturb the roads or sewer lines. Solicitor Wion suggested that this item be readdressed at the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2006-R-42 – Resolution authorizing acquisition of real property at 152 ½ Adams Street located in the Adams Street Redevelopment Area and indicates that Solicitor Wion represents both the Borough of Steelton and the Estate. Solicitor Wion reminded Council that this is the property where he represents both the current owner and the Borough of Steelton. It was the consensus of Council that this would be okay. Mr. Heefner motioned to approve Resolution 2006-R-42 as presented, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver – Discussion regarding the cell phone for the Chief Operator of the Water Filtration Plant. Mr. Shaver stated that he believes the issue to be a Committee matter. It was the consensus of Council to let the Committee handle the matter. Mr. Musser – Regarding an email received from Frank Leber to discuss PennVEST funding. Mr. Musser stated that PennVEST did agree with the plan for the Pine Street Storm Sewer Line and attached a revised schedule for the PennVEST loan. Mr. Musser stated that a Special Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 5:30 PM to discuss the bond issue and PennVEST funding. Grace Temple Church – Letter requesting space for their Tent Revival on September 27 through September 29, 2006 right next to the Bailey Street Park. Mr. Albert motioned, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to approve use of Bailey Street for Grace Temple Church’s Tent Revival from September 27, 2006 through September 29, 2006. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Regarding a letter received from Congressman Holden regarding the Federal Cable Regulations Act. - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 Mr. Musser stated that the letter says that Congressman Holden voted against it. Mr. Musser – Regarding a letter of complaint against the Steelton Police Department. Mr. Musser stated that he provided the Mayor and the Police Chief with a copy and will let them handle it. Ms. Stoner – Regarding the Subdivision Plan for Anthony Bucher who resides at 2402 S. Fourth Street. Ms. Stoner stated that the Subdivision Plan was approved through the Planning Commission as well as Dauphin County, to give Marie Kist of 2402 South 3rd Alley .3 acres of his property. Motioned by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, seconded by Mr. Heefner to approve the subdivision plan for Anthony Bucher. Motion approved unanimously. RESOLUTION 2006-R-43 – Resolution approving the Minimum Municipal Obligation for all uniformed employees’ pension plans. Mr. Wright motioned, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to approve Resolution 2006-R-43 as presented. Motion approved unanimously. RESOLUTION 2006-R-44 – Resolution approving the Minimum Municipal Obligation for all non-uniformed employees’ pension plans. Mr. Wright motioned, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to approve Resolution 2006-R-43 as presented. Motion approved unanimously. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mariano Peters of 363 South Second Street, Steelton, PA – stated the Codes Officer sent him and his neighbors letters stating that he needs to pave his gravel lot. He stated that if he and the neighbors pave their back lots, since it is sloped, the water will run into everyone’s basement. He then stated that if he does not park there, he’d have to park in the on-street parking creating problems for the neighbors. After much discussion, Council stated that the new UCC Code regulates what needs to be done when building new buildings or repairing existing buildings, and this matter falls under the state’s regulations. Mr. Kovach stated that time extensions were granted to make it easier on the property owners to comply. Mr. Kovach also suggested talking with contractors to get ideas on what could be done. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough would be open to suggestions that would make the property owner and the Borough happy. Jean Barr of 341 South Third Street, Steelton, PA – stated that since the Borough is fixing up the Locust Street Steps, she was hoping that the Third Street steps would also be repaired and cleaned off during the wintertime. - 6 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 18, 2006 Council stated that they will look into the matter. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Wright– stated that he went to the Emergency Preparedness Seminar in Hershey on Thursday. He stated that it was a very good class and if it comes up again would recommend Council to look at it. `Mr. Heefner- inquired as to whether Mr. Navarro got in touch with the Borough regarding the Swatara Street Wall. Mr. Musser informed Council that they have not contacted the Borough with their findings. Mr. Kovach- stated that Saturday is the Fire Truck Dedication and invited all members of Council and the Community to attend. He thanked Congressman Holden for helping fund the then new tower truck. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisitions and personnel matters, at 7:38 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 PM. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary - 7 -