City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 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 Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Michael Albert Jeffery Wright Dennis Heefner Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS, AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, to approve the schedules of bills, requisitions, and change orders as presented. Motion approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Motioned by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to approve the Department Reports as presented. Motion approved unanimously. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Acri stated that on May 7 and May 10 the Police Department is partnering with the Penn State Children’s Hospital and SAFEKIDS. They are going to go into the Elementary Schools and present a bike safety program. They will teach the kids about summer safety, bicycle safety, and the proper way to wear helmets. SAFEKIDS will ask the kids to bring in their helmets, and the ones who do not have helmets will be given new ones. The same program will occur at Prince of Peace on May 21 or May 22. He stated that parents interested in helping, should contact the school. Mayor Acri asked Chief Lenker to discuss the Dauphin County Response Team. Chief Lenker stated that the Child Abduction Response Team, sponsored by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, approached the Steelton Police Department first and asked if we wanted to participate in the program. Chief Lenker stated that our officers would be approved for special training. This training would most likely take place in - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Utah and Florida, and would be paid for in its entirety by the District Attorney’s Office. He stated that the Police Department would pay for food only. Chief Lenker stated that a judge would have to approve it and we would need an insurance certificate. He said that he received the insurance certificate already. He stated that there is an SOP for the missing children’s network. If a child is abducted in Dauphin County, the D.A. would be notified and he would activate the team, the team would then aggressively investigate the incident within the first 24 - 48 hours. Chief Lenker said that this is not for runaway children or custody disputes. Mr. Kovach stated that the program will be run like the Drug Task Force, but with free training. Chief Lenker said that there is a possibility that the officer could be called in if he’s off-duty. He said that backfill pay would not be covered and that he would like to qualify two officers for this program. Mr. Shaver stated that this is a very beneficial program that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. He said that it is also beneficial from a training standpoint. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker to distribute the information to all of the Council Members and Mr. Wion for review. Mr. Heefner motioned to table the matter until more financial and technical information is presented, seconded by Mr. Wright. Motion approved unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only Emuel Powell, 320 Lebanon Street, Steelton Borough – stated that the Borough needs to do something about Adams Street because it looks terrible. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough is in the process of purchasing them and tearing them down. He said that the Borough currently owns 33 properties there. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough is meeting with developers about putting in new homes. Pauline Douglas – asked Council why copies of the reports are not available to the public. She inquired as to how the public is supposed to comment on them, if they are not handed out. Mr. Kovach stated that every month reports are submitted. He said that these reports are a part of the public record, and anyone wishing to see them should file a request, in advance of the meeting, at the Borough Secretary’s office. Mr. Wright invited Ms. Douglas to the Community Development Committee meetings, if she’d like to find out about the happenings in the Borough. COMMUNICATIONS: Daniel S. Robinson, Director, Dauphin County Office of Community & Economic Development – Informing the Borough That Proposals for the Use of FY 2008 CDBG Funds are due back to the County on July 13, 2007. - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Mr. Musser stated that the funds will be used for a few minor items and the rest of the money will be allocated to the Adams Street Redevelopment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Jeff Linta, 2447 S. Front Street, Steelton Borough – Requesting Permission to Discuss with Council What Can be Accomplished With the Noise and Dust From the Pipe Mill Facility. Mr. Linta gave a petition of residents to Council. He stated that the Pipe Mill operates 24 hours per day. He stated that there is a constant banging of steel plates and the noise has gotten out of hand. He said that he cannot enjoy his yard, even during the day. Mr. Linta stated that the jobs are great for the community, but what can be done about the noise? Mr. Ryan Norris, General Manager of Durabond Pipe, asked to speak. He stated that he has instructed his people to move the cars, then turn them off. He stated that he is doing everything he can to be a good neighbor, but there are government regulations that will not allow him to change certain things. He said that he employs quite a few people from Steelton. He stated that he would like to make his property more aesthetically pleasing and create more usable space. He said that he would like to put noise barriers in also, when they get to that point. Mr. Norris said that he is meeting with the Governor’s Action Team to try to make progress. Mr. Heefner stated that our officers responded two times to check the noise level. He said that they did not break the law with their decibel levels, but he sympathizes with Mr. Linta. Mr. David Black, President of CREDC, stated that he leases the land to DuraBond. He said that CREDC put in $8 million to get them up and running. He stated that this has created more than 100 jobs. Mr. Black stated that they are trying to get money together to make improvements. Once the façade work is finished, it should cut back on the noise. He asked for everyone’s patience. Mr. Black said that he would like to see land improvements this year, but he cannot say for sure. Mr. Heefner, Chairman of the Planning Commission, stated that a performance bond is usually issued with these projects, but the Planning Commission did not require one for them. Upon the recommendation of Council, Mr. Norris stated that he would evaluate his process and see what improvements can be made. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Mr. Musser – Update on the Special Purpose Parking Applications that have been Submitted over the Last Couple of Months. Mr. Musser stated that he is doing his best to get these through. He said that sign-offs by neighbors are needed, and he will hopefully have them by the next meeting. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Borough Council unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2007-R-9 in reference to a 21 foot Special Purpose Parking Space for Lewis Wright, located at 152 Conestoga Street. Mr. Musser – Informing Council of the Bid Results From the Route 230 Enhancements Project, Requesting Council Reject the Bids and Re-Bid the Project as a Scaled-Down Project. Mr. Musser stated that Council has a letter dated April 12, 2007 in their packets. He stated that on April 6, 2007 the bids for the Hometown Streets Project were received. He stated that the lowest bidder was Kinsley for the amount of $1,091,152.00. Mr. Musser noted that as you look through the bid tab, the items that are raising the cost of the project are the amenities. He stated that he will replace the amenities with less expensive, affordable, and nice looking items. Mr. Musser currently recommends that Council reject the bids. He stated that he would recommend that this matter go back to committee to cut the project down to bare bones. He said that he would like to bid the street lights as an alternate, if PennDOT allows. Mr. Musser explained that Council needs to take action on this tonight, in order to get the minimum things done before PennDOT repaves Front Street. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, to reject all bids for contract 07-1, for the Streetscape Project. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver motioned to cut the project scope down according to the Borough Secretary’s recommendations, put street lighting as an alternative if permissible by PennDOT, and rebid the project with recommendations by the Borough Secretary and Engineer, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser stated that we can add things in later, but we’d have to pull the pavers up to lay conduit if lighting is not passed. Mayor Acri and Chief Lenker – Discussion in Regards to the Steelton Police Department Getting a K-9 Unit Through a Grant Program. Mayor Acri stated that the spreadsheet included in the Council packets, explains the costs of starting this program, as well as its yearly maintenance costs. He explained that a consensus of Council is needed in favor of the project, before the grant can be submitted. Mayor Acri stated that, if received, the grant will only cover the dog and its - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 accessories. He stated that the subsequent yearly expense will be approximately $2,935.00, and that the dog handler will be paid in Comp Time. Mayor Acri explained that the Police Department will convert a current car into the K-9 vehicle. Mr. Kovach stated that a dog would be good for the town, but would like to make sure that there is an SOP in place before we take on this responsibility. Mr. Wright inquired about the purpose of the dog. Chief Lenker responded that dogs give the police the psychological advantage over the offender. He stated that most of the time the presence of the dog will inhibit dangerous behaviors that offenders may partake in if the dog was not present. Chief Lenker stated that we currently have access to other municipalities’ canines, if they are available. He said that the dog will be a patrol and narcotics detector dog. Chief Lenker stated that many people are concerned about dog bites. He said that the reason we are paying so much money for this dog is because he will be very thoroughly trained. He said that it would be trained to be around kids and the community. The dog would be great for PR and will be visible at all of the community functions. Chief Lenker stated that a patrol canine can reduce officer injuries. Mr. Kovach stated that if this program is done, he wants to make sure that all procedures are followed and that the dog is used when he is needed. Mr. Wion stated the liability for a two-legged officer is no different than the liability for a four-legged officer. Mr. Wion stated that if the dog’s training occurs during the handler’s shift, then it will be considered part of his regular shift. However, if the training occurs while the officer is off-duty, requires at least comp time or the payment of overtime. He then stated that there has to be an agreement, in the form of a contract, between the Borough and the Police Association that indicates what the agreed amount of compensation is for the dog-handling officer. Chief Lenker stated that the officer has to get some type of compensation for his additional duties. A half hour of Comp Time a day was discussed as fair pay for the officer’s additional duties. It was also discussed that the officer would be on duty during training hours, and possibly mandated to use his Comp Time during the rest of his shift, after the training, and Comp Time cannot be carried from year to year. However, no decisions have been finalized. Officer Minium stated that he approached Chief Lenker about this program and offered to volunteer his time to be the dog handler, however Chief Lenker informed him that he would have to be compensated by law. He said that he has requested use of the surrounding communities’ dog on several occasions and was denied many times. He stated that one particular incident occurred over the weekend when a felon escapee was spotted entering a house. After searching the house, they were unable to find the felon. After numerous requests from different municipalities for a dog, Officer Minium was denied. He stated that the felon was hiding in a compartment in the house that the officers missed. - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Mr. Wright pointed out that the other municipalities with dogs tend to be wealthier townships and boroughs. Mr. Heefner stated that he had his reservations about the program when it was brought up at Police Committee. He said that upon further investigation, he believes the dog would tremendously benefit the Borough because of current crime load. He said that the yearly maintenance of this program is not very much, given the benefits. Mayor Acri stated that this program will only take place if grant money is received for the initial costs of the program. He stated that he is asking for a motion so that Mrs. Sweeney can submit the grant. Mr. Kovach requested a copy of the Standard Operating Procedures. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough will have to adopt a policy that details the K-9’s usage, before the dog is put into service Mr. Heefner motioned to apply for the K-9 grant, seconded by Mr. Shaver. A role call vote was taken: Mr. Wright, No; Mr. Albert, No; Mr. Kovach, Yes; Mr. Shaver, Yes; Dr. Szada, Yes; Mr. Heefner, Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Wion – Providing Council With an Update on the Ordinance Pertaining to the Vacating a Public Prescriptive Easement in the Nature of an Alley in the Borough of Steelton Located Between the Northern Line of Trewick Street and the Southern Line of Lands of John Catsimatidis. Mr. Wion stated that at the March 19, 2007 meeting, Council adopted an Ordinance which would vacate a Public Prescriptive Easement in the Nature of an Alley in the Borough of Steelton Located Between the Northern Line of Trewick Street and the Southern Line of Lands of John Catsimatidis. He stated that the Ordinance was written in order to meet the Borough Code, so the ordinance was effective in forty days. He stated that the forty days is up on the 28th. He said that in the letters that went out, it explained that people could petition for a hearing no later than April 30th. Council has stated that the issue as to whether or not they will move forward with the vacation has been dependent, to some extent, on agreements concerning trash removal, parking, and the securing of an easement of an 18 foot replacement easement along the western line of the tract that will become a public street. If these basic requirements are not met, Council has to be in a position to repeal the Ordinance before it becomes effective. Mr. Wion stated that action would have to be taken on Thursday, April 26, 2007 to repeal the Ordinance, and this meeting would have to be advertised. Mr. Musser stated that the meeting will need to be advertised, but if the meeting is not needed, it can be cancelled. - 6 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Mr. Shaver motioned to advertise the meeting for April 26, 2007 at 5:00 PM to discuss possibly rescinding the Ordinance pertaining to vacating the easement, seconded by Mr. Albert. Motion approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wright – Providing Council with Recommendations in Regards to the Naming of the 11 Inch Bar Mill Lot & Grant Application for the Proposed Shur Fine Grocery Store. Mr. Wright stated that the Community Development Committee met and discussed possible names for the 11 Inch Bar Mill Lot. He stated that at the meeting they discussed possible names for the lot including, The Baldwin Parking Lot, The Roller Parking Lot, The West Canal Parking Lot, Frederick Street Parking, West Side Lot, Steelton Commons, Pennsylvania Canal Parking Lot, and the Steelworkers Lot. He said that he will send an email around tomorrow, and would like a final decision at the next Council Meeting. Mr. Wright stated that the Community Development Committee is also entertaining the idea of signing off on a grant for the Shur Fine Grocery Store through DCED. He said that to get the project started, Shur Fine requested that the Borough enter into a grant on their behalf for $252,000. Mr. Wright said that if the grant is entered into, he would like someone from Mr. Musser’s office to help facilitate it. Mr. Wright recommended that the Borough apply for the money on behalf of Keystone International Alliance. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough would be paid a 3% administrative fee. He said that the Borough would be responsible for paying the invoices and undergoing the audit process. He stated that he has an upcoming meeting regarding the effect this grant will have on other Borough projects. Dr. Szada expressed concern over signing off on a grant for them, when nothing has been approved and when we don’t do it regularly for other businesses. Mr. Wright motioned, seconded by Mr. Shaver, to allow Mr. Musser to meet with DCED and discuss possible grant options and effects. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that a Special Purpose Parking Application has been Submitted on Behalf of Richard Handley. Mr. Musser stated that this was for Council’s information. OTHER BUSINESS: RESOLUTION 2007-R-10 – Resolution Approving the Filing of the Ethics Statements. - 7 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, to approve Resolution 2007-R-10 approving the filing of the Ethics Statements. Motion approved unanimously. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Donald Evans, 230 Jefferson Street – stated that he applied for a handicapped parking space within the Borough. He said that he does have a garage, however it is too far away for him to park. He stated that his whole family has health problems, and he purchased the garage before he became ill. Mr. Evans said that the application stated that there is no off-street parking allowed, but he believes his situation requires further investigation. Mr. Kovach asked him to go to the office and talk to Mr. Musser. Mr. Evans stated that he does not feel that it is fair for the Borough to charge a $35.00 fee for the parking space application, because if it’s not approved he will lose his money. Mr. Kovach explained the Ordinance and stated that there is a certain amount of labor and materials that go into the process. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Albert – thanked Ms. Sviben for going to the basketball closing ceremonies on her own time to take pictures for the website. Mayor Acri- stated that there will be a TMI Drill tomorrow night and that all Council Members will get a phone call. Mr. Musser – requested an Executive Session to discuss personnel issues with the Highway Department. Mr. Kovach – thanked all of the committees for their hard work. He said that he knows it can be tedious, but that we’re making progress. He also thanked Chief Vance. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss personnel issues, at 8:45 PM. The meeting reconvened at 9:01 PM - 8 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 16, 2007 ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary - 9 -