City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 5, 2007 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by President Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffery Wright Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, Administrative Assistant EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser stated that there was nothing to report other than what was stated in the Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no public comments on agenda items. COMMUNICATIONS: Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Invitation to the PSAB Spring Legislative Conference on March 18-20, 2007 at the Grantville Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey. Mr. Kovach stated that anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs – Invitation to the PSAB Wake Up to the Issues Breakfast on February 16, 2007, from 7:30 AM to 9 AM at Perkins Restaurant, Harrisburg. Mr. Kovach stated that anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 5, 2007 Edith Varner, Resident of 341 A South Front Street, Steelton, PA – Letter requesting a Special Purpose Parking Space on Front Street. Mr. Musser stated that he’s not sure if the Borough can accommodate her request. He stated that a general handicapped space might be a possible solution. Mr. Wright stated that he’d like to let Mr. Wion review the matter before any action is taken. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ORDINANCE NO. 2007-1 – An Ordinance Amending the Code of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Chapter 94 “Streets and Sidewalks” by Revision of Sections 94-3, 94-4, 94-5, 94-26, 94-28, 94-29, 94-30, and 94-33 to Allow the Steelton Code Enforcement Officer or the Steelton Code Enforcement Office to Give the Notices or Take the Actions Required in Said Sections and by Eliminating Section 94-27 Authorizing the Highway Committee to Act as Agent and Promulgate Rules and Regulations in Relation to Chapter 94, and by Revising Sections 94-33, 94-34B, 94-35, 94-37A, and 94-38B to Eliminate Any Reference to “Inspectors of the Lower Dauphin County Code Enforcement Agency” and “Highway Committee.” Mr. Wion stated that the Ordinance eliminates references to certain organizations and procedures that we no longer have. He said that it also includes initial provisions for the sidewalk changes that the Committee has discussed and is going to permit people to use as sidewalks, such as materials used. After a question by Mr. Heefner on repairing a broken brick sidewalk, Mr. Wion stated that the sidewalk could now be repaired with brick or concrete, as long as it is in a manner that doesn’t produce a safety hazard. He stated that new sidewalks are required to be constructed of concrete. Mr. Musser stated that he will send the new Ordinance to Lavery’s firm. In turn, he believes they will forward it on to Ms. Good or her representation. Mr. Wion stated that there were other issues with Ms. Good’s lawsuit that may still need to be addressed. Daniel Savage, Sr., 598 Bessemer Street, Steelton, PA – Letter Requesting Permission to Place a Removable Storage Shed in an Abandoned Portion of Aberdeen Alley that Abuts his Property. Mr. Musser stated that Ms. Stoner sent an email requesting the matter be withdrawn, as the family has no interest in putting a shed there, and the authenticity of the letter is being questioned. - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 5, 2007 NEW BUSINESS: Ms. Stoner – Memorandum Requesting Council Adopt the 2006 International Code Series. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough does not need to adopt these codes. He stated that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will adopt them by statute, and we will enforce them. Mr. Wion stated that this is what was done in 2004, and he will keep Council updated on any developments. Robert H. Seltzer, Chief Utility Relocation Unit, PennDOT – Providing Council with Copies of the Agreements between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Steelton in relation to Federal Project No. T085119L240 for the Route 230 Project. Mr. Musser stated that he and Mr. Wion had reviewed these today. He stated that these agreements relate to the reimbursements the Borough will receive for certain things as part of the Route 230 Paving Project. Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, to approve the agreements between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Steelton in relation to Federal Project No. T085119L240 for the Route 230 Project, contingent upon the review and finding of Mr. Wion. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Permission to Discuss the Yearly Ambulance Contribution With Council. Mr. Musser stated that he spoke to Mayor Acri and Mr. Shaver after their attendance at a meeting with Pinnacle Health and the Steelton Fire and Ambulance Association. He stated that since Mr. Shaver is not here, he will elaborate on their comments. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough reimburses the Ambulance Association 50% of their costs up to the budgeted amount. He stated that the Ambulance Association is not getting as much money in as they used to, and have therefore requested the Borough cut them a check for $5,000 a month. This amount would equal the budgeted amount of $60,000. Mr. Musser stated that he would still need to see a copy of their expenses, and in the event that 50% of their expenses does not equal $5,000, Mr. Musser would like a note stating that the additional money will be carried over for use in the next month. Mr. Wright stated that he agreed with the proposal, but did not want to exceed the budgeted amount of $60,000. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 5, 2007 On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the allocation of $5,000 per month for twelve months, to the Steelton Ambulance Association, not to exceed the amount of $60,000. OTHER BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2007-R-3 – Resolution Amending Defined Benefit Pension Plan Joinder Agreement for the Borough of Steelton Non-Uniformed Employees Pension Plan, by Providing for a 4 Percent Cost of Living Adjustment Over and Above the Current Benefit Payment for Currently Retired Former Borough Employees. Mr. Musser stated that when Council passed the previous Non-Uniform Retirees Cost of Living Increase Resolution, it was made effective on January 1, 2006. Mr. Musser stated that this date excluded Mr. Wintergrass, who retired in February. Mr. Musser asked Council to pass RESOLUTION 2007-R-3, amending RESOLUTION 2006-R-54. Motioned by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to approve Resolution 2007-R-3 as presented. Motion approved unanimously. Susan Kline – Informed Council of an Art Exhibition by the Senior Center. Ms. Kline stated that there will be an Open House. She then invited Council to the Exhibition and handed out information. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Wright – stated that there will be a Community Development Meeting on February 12, 2007 at 6 PM. Mr. Musser stated that he will have a list of developers for the meeting. Mr. Heefner – stated that there is a developer interested in buying the lot across from Sporik’s on Front Street. He said the developer would prefer to put three town homes there. Mr. Kovach- stated that he received a call about some metal being dropped on road going to the West Side. He stated that at a previous meeting, it was decided that two magnets would be ordered; one for Mittal Steel and one for the Borough. He stated that these should have been ordered, but haven’t. He said that the magnets should solve the problem, but if not, it will come up before committee. - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 5, 2007 Mr. Kovach stated that there has been a problem with how some of the committees are being run. He stated that one thing that was highly recommended when doing the Comprehensive Plan, was that everything be channeled through a specific committee. Mr. Kovach stated that community development and other related projects, should be run through Mr. Wright, Community Development Committee Chairperson, Mr. Musser, and himself. He stated that extra meetings will not be necessary if the proper channels are followed. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ ______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Jennifer Brown-Sweeney Borough Secretary Administrative Assistant - 5 -