City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 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: Absent: Michael Kovach Stephen Shaver Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar (arrived 6:40 PM) Michael Albert MaryJo Szada 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 COMMUNICATIONS: James D. Hale, Principal, Steelton-Highspire Elementary School – Letter of Thanks to Paula Sviben for Participating in “Read Across America” at the Elementary School. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council voted unanimously to place the letter of thanks into Ms. Sviben’s personnel file. N. Lorraine Basonic, Resident – Thank You Letter to the Public Works Department for Their Help During a Recent Snow Storm On motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to place the letter of thanks into the appropriate employee’s personnel files. Motion approved unanimously. John Sviben, 343 B South Front Street, Steelton Borough – Letter of Thanks to Officer Etnoyer for his Assistance in Helping Him Get Out of His Parking Space on February 19, 2007. Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council voted unanimously to place the letter of thanks into Officer Etnoyer’s personnel file. Tom Corbett, Attorney General – Letter of Thanks to Chief Lenker for His Help with Investigation “Operation Broken Toy” Which Resulted in the Break-Up of a Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Ring in the Greater Harrisburg Area. - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 Mr. Heefner motioned, seconded by Mr. Albert, to place the letter of thanks in Chief Lenker’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. Tom Corbett, Attorney General – Letter of Thanks to Officer Elhajj for His Help with Investigation “Operation Broken Toy” Which Resulted in the Break-Up of a Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Ring in the Greater Harrisburg Area. Mr. Heefner motioned, seconded by Mr. Albert, to place the letter of thanks in Officer Elhajj’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. Scott A. Young, Patrol Sergeant, Lower Swatara Township Police Department – Letter of Appreciation to the Steelton Police and Especially Officers Shaub, Conjar, and McCahan for their Assistance in Handling Calls on March 16, 2007. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, to have this letter placed in the personnel files of Officers Shaub, Conjar, and McCahan. Motion approved unanimously. Renee Drayton-Bowers, 504 Lincoln Street, Steelton, PA – Letter Recognizing the Countless Hours of Community Service Michael, Eddie, and Joseph Albert put into the Steelton Community and Especially the Youth of our Community and Recommending they be given a Key to the Borough. This is for Council’s information. Mr. Wright requested that this matter be brought before the Community Development Committee to discuss a way to recognize the Albert Family’s contributions. Officer Dennis Basonic – Requesting Permission to Represent the Borough on May 15th During National Police Week in Washington, D.C. Mayor Acri stated that this is something that Council approves every year. He stated that Officer Basonic is usually allowed to take the motorcycle or other vehicle. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to approve Officer Basonic’s request to represent the Borough during National Bike Week in Washington, D.C. and to allow him use of a vehicle. Motion approved unanimously. Dauphin County Commissioners – Informing the Borough of Dauphin County’s Community Recycling Day on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 9 AM to 1 PM at HACC. - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 Mr. Musser stated that the Spring Cleanup Flyers go out on Wednesday. He stated that that they will be doing a lit-drop. Mr. Musser – Proudly Informing Council That the Borough has Received its 2006 CRIT Surplus Distribution in the Amount of $45,488.00. Mr. Shaver thanked the staff for looking out for the best interests of the Borough. He said that we received a check for money that we normally would have spent. He then personally thanked Mr. Musser. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs – Invitation to the Next Meeting at the Borough of Cornwall on April 26, 2007. Mr. Shaver stated that he, Mr. Wright, and Mayor Acri will attend. Audrey Logar, Recreation Director, Borough of Camp Hill – Invitation to Camp Hill’s 88th Memorial Day Parade and Festivities, Monday, May 28, 2007 at 9:30 AM. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Mr. Musser. Chief Lenker – Informing the Borough of the $540.00 the Borough Received from the Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Program. Chief Lenker stated that this is done a couple of times a year. He said that the Department gives a $100.00 Savings Bond to the young person who participates. Ms. Paula Sviben – Informing Council of the Business Boot Camp on Thursday, June 21, 2007 from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Municipal Building. Ms. Sviben stated the she and Mr. Gehrlein are going to send out invitations to all the local businesses. She said that they are doing these workshops all over Dauphin County and that they set everything up. The Borough is simply providing Council Chambers. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Providing Council with a Copy of James E. Crist, Jr. Letter of Resignaton Effective April 2, 2007. Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Wright, to accept the resignation of James E. Crist, Jr., effective April 2, 2007. Motion approved unanimously. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Wright, to advertise the opening of the position. Motion approved unanimously. John McHale, Borough Manager, Highspire Borough – Letter Requesting the Borough Accept the Letter of March 21, 2007 as the Official Letter Terminating the December 2006 Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Services Effective April 17, 2007. Mr. Musser noted that the contract has a thirty day notice clause. However, he recommends that Council approve the termination of services. Motioned by Mr. Shaver to terminate the December 2006 Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Services effective April 17, 2007, seconded by Mr. Albert. Motion approved unanimously. Ms. Sviben – Requesting the Personnel Committee Set Up a Date for Interviews for the Summer Recreation Program Positions. Ms. Sviben stated that there will need to be twelve interviews, including employees from previous years. She stated that the director has already been appointed. Mr. Musser said that the Borough has typically given the option to advertise. He stated that if a past employee left in good standing, they have been allowed to come back. Ms. Sviben stated that only new applicants will need to be interviewed then. She added that 3 new employees will need to be hired, so there will be 6 interviews. Mr. Albert stated that he preferred 15 minute interviews. Mayor Acri said that Sunday afternoon interviews worked well in the past. It was the consensus of the personnel committee to meet on April 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM to conduct interviews. Ms. Sviben stated that she will send the letters out tomorrow. Mr. Musser reminded Ms. Sviben that the meeting has to be posted and advertised. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Shaver – Discussion in Regards to Fire Training. Mr. Shaver stated that the Fire Company would like the Borough to allow them to use the Wiedeman Facility across the street for fire training. He stated that the building would not be damaged. The Fire Company is hoping for some time in May. - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 Mr. Musser said that the Steelton Economic Development Corporation actually owns the building. He stated that this would have to go before the Board and be approved by the insurance carrier first. Mr. Musser added that there are currently liens on the property and it would have to be approved by all stakeholders. Mr. Kovach said that if everything else works out, it is the consensus of Council that it be allowed. Mr. Heefner – Requesting Mr. Wion discuss Kelker Park with the School District. Mr. Wion stated that he already spoke to their solicitor, and he’s looking into it. Mr. Musser – Locust Street Steps Update. Mr. Musser stated that the Locust Street Steps Bid came in at $524,000 from Rogele, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder. He noted that he put the project out to bid using six alternatives, and is currently working to get the project down to $250,000. Mr. Heefner motioned to reject the bid from Rogele, Inc. in the amount of $524,000, seconded by Dr. Szada. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser stated that one of the alternatives is to omit the Third Street Area. He said that the amenities are driving the project costs through the roof. He explained that he may have to take out certain things to get the price down. Mr. Musser stated that the projects have to keep moving so they are done by October 15, 2007 or PennDOT will do the road. Mr. Kovach stated that when the projects are put together, they are designed to include everything we want. He said that there is always room to cut back. Mr. Kovach recommended that the Community Development Committee carefully review the items and verify where we are at and what needs done. Tina Fackler, IFM Project Manager – Letter Addressing Concerns with Ordinance 2007- 3, Regarding the Wording of “Dedicated Street” and the Requirements. Mr. Wion stated that as part of the process for the Ordinance adopted for the vacation of the easement, in the nature of a public alley, in the area behind the Front Street Properties, was notification to all of the abutting property owners of the Ordinance. The Ordinance states that upon the effective date of the vacation of the public prescriptive easement, the public ingress, egress, regress, and access between Trewick Street and the Lands of John Catsimatidis, will be provided initially by a temporary easement located at the western line of lands of Keystone International Alliance Inc. and permanently by a dedicated street at the same location. Mr. Wion stated that this - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 guarantees a temporary easement until they come in with their Final Subdivision/Land Development Plan that would then become a dedicated street. Mr. Wion stated that Ms. Fackler’s concern is that the temporary one would be replaced by a dedicated street. According to our Final Subdivision/Land Development Plan the minimum width of a dedicated street, which is called a minor street, has a right-of-way of 24 feet for the cartway without curbs. He stated that their design of the area does not allow for that much room, without taking a way necessary parking. Mr. Wion said that Council can grant waivers for just about any portion of the Final Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance and the major question for Council is whether Council would be willing to allow him to discuss with KIA, the possibility of allowing them to design their plan with an 18-19 foot easement and have them ask for a waiver of the minimum provision of the Ordinance for a minor street. Mr. Wion stated that he wants to get Council’s feelings on the matter, because the timeframe associated with the new Ordinance is pertinent. Mr. Heefner said that he is concerned about the road being wide enough to get the emergency vehicles back there. Fire Chief Vance stated that the tower truck could get back there with 18 feet. Dr. Szada stated that we put the Ordinance in place for a reason. She said that she is concerned about waiving the requirements because then everyone that has a project will want waivers. She explained that she does not have a problem with the grocery store, but she would like them to do it within the guidelines of our Ordinances. Mr. Kovach said that there are rarely any projects that do not request some sort of waiver or accommodation. Mr. Wion stated that the Final Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance is almost unique in that it has a provision in it stating that you can modify the terms of the Ordinance. He said that almost every project that comes before Council requests certain waivers. He then gave specific examples of waivers granted. Mr. Shaver said that he is not happy that the Ordinance that was requested by Keystone International Alliance, Inc. is now the same Ordinance they are threatening to appeal if is not changed. He stated that they received the Ordinance with enough notice that they should have discussed this already. Mr. Wion stated that, upon Council’s permission, he will discuss with Keystone that if they put a smaller street on their Final Subdivision Land Development Plan, that they can be reasonably assured that the Plan will pass. After much discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to direct Mr. Wion to make the indications discussed, seconded by Mr. Heefner. - 6 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 2, 2007 A role call vote was taken: Mr. Wright, yes; Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, no; Mr. Albert, yes; Mr. Kovach, yes; Mr. Shaver, yes; Dr. Szada, no; Mr. Heefner, yes. The motion carried with a 5 to 2 vote. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Shaver – Requesting Permission for an Executive Session to Discuss the Chain of Command for Borough Staff. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Shaver – said that the Council TMI Tabletop Meeting went well. He stated that at least two council members won’t be able to respond to TMI matters because of their jobs. He also reminded everyone that the real TMI drill is April 17th. Mr. Heefner – stated that the Planning Commission Meeting for Steelton Terminals Corp. will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – said that the Business Association meeting will be held on April 5, 2007 at Kokomos at 7:00 PM. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss Borough Staff Chain of Command, at 7:23 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:15 PM ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary - 7 -