City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 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 Jeffery Wright MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Michael Albert (excused at 7:50) Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Dennis Heefner Thomas Acri, Mayor (arrived at 7:10) Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, Administrative Assistant PRESENTATION 1: Mr. Kovach and Chief Lenker presented Officer John Ray Fry with a Commendation and a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commendation Bar for his performance during a kidnapping and armed robbery on January 12, 2007. Mr. Kovach and Chief Lenker also presented letters of thanks to Officer’s Shaub & McCahan. PRESENTATION 2: Mr. Kovach presented Eddie, Mike, and Joe Albert with plaques in appreciation for their countless hours spent volunteering to serve Steelton’s youth as coaches, mentors, role models, and friends. PRESENTATION 3: Highspire Mayor John Hoerner presented Mayor Acri, Steelton Borough Council, Steelton Fire Department, and Fire Chief Vance with plaques recognizing their service to the Highspire community by providing Fire protection to their Borough while their coverage was suspended. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser stated that there was nothing to report other than what was stated in the Minutes. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS AS PRESENTED: - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs., Wiedeman-Krosnar, to approve the Minutes from the May 7, 2007 Act 537 Public Hearing as amended. Motion approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, 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, 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 May, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no public comments on agenda items. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Musser – Reminding Everyone of the Public Hearing in Regards o the Petition of the Fifth Ward Republican Club of Steelton Objecting to Adoption of Ordinance No. 2007-3. Mr. Musser stated that the hearing is tomorrow night at 6:00 PM. Mr. Schietrum – Submission of a Certificate for Charles Berry Reflecting that he has Completed a Program in Water Treatment Plant Operation I. Motioned by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to have this certificate placed in Mr. Berry’s personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. Ms. Stoner – Providing Council with a Copy of Her License Stating she is a Notary Public from April 26, 2007 to April 26, 2011. Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Albert, to have a copy of her license placed in her personnel file. Motion approved unanimously. - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Janelle S. Evans, 743 South Front Street, Steelton, PA – Requesting Permission to have a Block Party in South River Alley from Noon until 5 PM on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Chief Lenker stated that this should be fine. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, to allow Ms. Evans to have a block party on South River Alley on June 2, 2007. Motion approved unanimously. D. Eric Brinser, Project Manager, Rettew – Letter on Behalf of their Client, Steelton Terminals Corporation, Requesting a 60 Day Time Extension to get Approval and Record the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan. Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Albert, to request a 60 day time extension from Steelton Terminals Corporation with regards to the Final Land Development Plan. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough is the one being granted the extension to approve the plan. Mr. Heefner stated that he would call them tomorrow to have the letter clarified. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that the Borough of Steelton has been Awarded a $200,000 EPA Grant and was only 1 of 10 Grantees in all of Region 3 Approved. Region 3 Includes Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington DC. Mr. Musser stated that he is proud to say that we were awarded the grant. He noted that the paperwork presented to Council clarifies what the grant will cover. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Musser to send a note of appreciation to Hull & Associates for all of their work. Gil Hirschel, Resource Planner, Dauphin County Conservation District – Letter Informing the Borough that the Dauphin County Conservation District is Developing an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan in the Southern Planning Area of Dauphin county and they would like the Borough to Appoint a Representative to Serve on the Watershed Plan Advisory Committee. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Musser to see if the representative can be a staff member. He said that meetings occurring at 1:00 PM are hard for Council Members to attend. Mr. Kovach asked that anyone interested, give him a name to appoint. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Sheriff Jack Lotwick, Dauphin County – Providing the Steelton Police Department with Certificates for the Dauphin County Sheriff’s Community Service Award as Well as Officers Basonic, Minium, and King. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert to have a copy of these certificates placed in the respective individual’s personnel files. Motion approved unanimously. Chief Lenker – Informing the Mayor and Council that Fromm’s has Donated $150.00 to the Steelton Police Department’s Bike Program. Chief Lenker stated that Sgt. King has been soliciting money for new bikes. Chief Lenker said that Fromm’s also donated bike uniforms. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker to send Fromm’s a thank you letter. Mr. Kovach stated that he received great feedback from residents at the Hot & Spicy Festival regarding the color scheme and the uniforms. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Discussing the Trash Bids Received from Waste Management and York Waste. Mr. Musser stated that Council has a list of all the bids and options submitted. He stated that York Waste only bid on two year contracts. Don Isabella of York Waste explained to Council his prices and the reasons he bid on the contract for only two years. Tom Stang of Waste Management explained to Council his prices and the benefits of going with a long term contract. After much discussion, Mr. Shaver motioned to approve the bid from York Waste for a four can limit with one bulk item per week, for $50.10 per quarter, with a two year contract, seconded by Mr. Albert. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser and Mr. Wion – Discussion in Regards to the Proposal from HRG for Construction Phase Services for the Front Street Project. Mr. Musser stated that he and Mr. Wion met with HRG earlier today. He said that HRG will ensure that the project runs smoothly. He added that this will be paid partly from Bonds funds and partly from the General Fund. - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Mr. Shaver motioned to accept the professional services proposal presented by HRG, via a letter dated April 27, 2007, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Providing an Update from the Special Authority Meeting Held on Thursday, May 17, 2007. Mr. Musser stated that at the Authority Meeting held for the Steelton Terminals Project, they discussed the need for a water storage facility there for possible fires. Steelton Terminals preliminarily agreed to place the 300,000 gallon tank on the property at a cost of $500,000 - $600,000. Steelton Terminals would deed it over to the Authority and the Authority would maintain it. Mr. Musser stated that this tank would be a major benefit to residents that live in East End for water pressure and fire protection, and to Steelton Terminals for fire protection. He stated that nothing is finalized but that he is optimistic that this will happen. Mr. Musser stated that he has drafted a letter to ask them to use our engineer. Mr. Kovach stated that he is very pleased with the way the whole process is going. He commended Mr. Heefner, Chairman of the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission, and Navarro & Wright Engineers. He said that they did an outstanding job communicating and working together. Mr. Gehrlein – Discussion in Regards to the Possible Application to DCED for the CRP Grant Application. Mr. Gehrlein stated that the Borough was approached on April 3, 2007 about making application on behalf of KIA, for a CRP Grant. This Grant would be for demolition, sidewalks, streetscape improvements, and an environmental review. He said that this matter was presented to the Community Development Committee. He stated that the Borough would be directly responsible for the grant. He then stated that the approximate amount applied for would be $256,020.00. After much discussion about how applying for the grant will affect the Borough’s grant availability and current gaps in funding, Mr. Shaver motioned to table the matter until more information is gathered. Seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Kovach stated that the Borough really wants to see this project happen. RESOLUTION 2007-R-12 – A Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to Adopt an Official Sewage Facilities Plan and Long Term Control Plan for Steelton Borough. - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Mr. Wion stated that this was addressed at the Public Hearing last week. He stated that at least three days have passed since the Public Hearing and it has been presented to the Dauphin County Planning Commission and the Steelton Planning Commission. He stated that there were no recommended changes. Resolution 2007-R-12 is the resolution that officially adopts the 537 Plan that was presented to you. Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to adopt Resolution 2007-R-12, as presented. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Providing an Update of the Bid Results from the Steelton Canal Restoration Project and providing an Update on the Locust Street Steps Project and Front Street Streetscape Project. Mr. Musser stated that the bids will come in for the Locust Street Step Project this Friday at 10:00 AM. He stated that the Front Street Streetscape Project bids will come in Friday, June 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM. Mr. Musser then stated that the bids for the Canal Restoration Project came in. Land Studies was the apparent lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $197,420.00. Mr. Musser recommended that Council award the bid to them contingent upon a review by Mr. Wion and the engineers. Motioned by Mr. Shaver to award the bid for the Canal Restoration Project to Land Studies pending the review of our solicitor and engineers, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Chief Lenker – Discussion in Regards to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Borough of Steelton and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office for the Child Abduction Response Team. Chief Lenker stated that the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office will be providing the training to three of our officers, free of charge. This would include their hotel, transportation, and the cost of their meals while training. He stated that he forwarded a copy of the insurance on to Mr. Wion. Chief Lenker said that this is the same type of program as the Drug Task Force. Mr. Heefner stated that at the last meeting Council made a motion to have the matter reviewed at the Police Committee Meeting. He said that the matter was never brought up before the committee. Mr. Heefner also stated that a representative of the Police Department did not show up for the walk-around of DuraBond on Saturday. Mr. Kovach stated that there are a lot of projects going on in the Borough, and nobody is perfect, but it is important for Department Heads to follow through. - 6 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Mr. Wion prepared Resolution 2007-R-13, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Steelton Police Department and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office for the Child Abduction Response Team. Mr. Shaver motioned to approve Resolution 2007-R-13, as presented. Seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver asked Chief Lenker to thank D.A. Marsico on behalf of the Borough. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council that a Special Purpose Parking Application has been submitted on Behalf of Jane Phillips & Joseph Kuhns. Mr. Musser stated that the most recent applications have been submitted. He stated that he received a call from Dr. Szada, in regards to Mr. Wintergrass’s application. Mr. Musser recommended to Council that his application be approved, contingent upon the neighbor signing off on it and the allowance of a smaller space. Mr. Musser stated that the other applications are very similar. He said that most of them require the resident to accept the smaller spaces or have the property owners sign off. He said that he has never had this many that required sign-offs or needed smaller spaces. Mr. Musser recommended that Council deny Mr. Evan’s request because he has significant off street parking. He stated that he emailed Council a picture of his 5-bay parking garage. Mr. Musser stated that the application specifically says that no off street parking should be available, when applying for the space. Mr. Heefner motioned, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to have Mr. Musser review these applications and make decisions on behalf of Council in regards to the submitted Special Purpose Parking Applications. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that the Borough of Steelton has been Approved for a Grant in the Amount of $505,000 for the Adams Street Redevelopment Area and the Grant Funds Will be Provided Over a 2 Year Period. Mr. Musser stated that the grant is a result of a good team effort. He said that the grant had to be submitted many times, and he would like to commend Mr. Gehrlein for his efforts. He’s happy it’s through. OTHER BUSINESS: - 7 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Mr. Musser – Requesting Permission for an Executive Session to Discuss Union Negotiations with Both the Teamsters and AFSCME, and Potential Litigation. Chief Lenker – Requesting that Copies of the Commendations be put in Officer Fry, McCahan, and Shaub’s personnel files. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, to place copies of the Commendations in Officer Fry, McCahan, and Shaub’s personnel files. Motion approved unanimously. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – stated that the Hot & Spicy Festival went very well. He stated that he visited DuraBond on Saturday and that it is a lot nicer inside than outside. He stated that they have orders through 2007, and may get them for 2008 also. Mr. Heefner stated that they are putting there own security system in, but would like the police to patrol there on the weekends. He also stated that they are working to mitigate the noise problem. He added that the Fire Department also walked through and found it in good shape. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – thanked everyone for all of their hard work in getting the EPA and Adams Street Grant and hosting a successful Hot & Spicy Festival. She then commended Jen Sweeney for all of her hard work on the Veteran’s Park Project and Police Grants. Mr. Kovach- stated that the Hot & Spicy Festival went very well. He said that the plantings at Mittal look great, and he has received great comments on them. Mr. Kovach stated that the Boat Dock was just paved and looks great. He said that Mr. Conjar is lining the parking lot and putting in the park benches. Mr. Kovach stated that there is no water under the bridge and everyone should go see it. He said that the staff is doing a great job on all projects. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, the Council meeting recessed into executive session to discuss legal issues and union negotiations, at 8:30 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:58 PM Mr. Shaver stated that since nobody is interested in the Summer Parks Program, the program cannot be held this year. - 8 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 21, 2007 Mr. Shaver motioned to direct staff to send letters to all hired Parks employees to tell them that we are no longer holding the program, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Shaver motioned to deny the employee’s request for a CDL rate increase, because of an impasse in discussions. Seconded by Mr. Heefner. Motion approved unanimously. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to suspend Ms. Stoner without pay for one day. Motion approved unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, the Council meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary - 9 -