City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by President Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Michael Kovach MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffery Wright Dennis Heefner Michael Albert Thomas Acri, Mayor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Asst. Secretary Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, Executive Assistant COMMUNICATIONS: Paul Curry, Sewage Planning Specialist Water Management Program, DEP – Letter of Response in regards to DEP’s Review of the Borough’s Act 537 Official Plan Update Entitled Combined Sewer Overflows Long Term Control Plan, Prepared by HRG. Mr. Musser stated that Ed Ellinger responded to this letter. He said that we have asked for a meeting to go over their issues in more detail. Mr. Musser said that separating the combined sewer lines would be a very expensive cost to the Borough. If it was required, hopefully DEP would allow us to extend the project over a long period of time. Dauphin County Planning Commission – Invitation to Provide Representation on the Study Committee for the Dauphin County Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Study. Mr. Musser stated that this is for Council’s information. Mr. Musser – Discussion of Potential Change Order with the Hometown Streets Project Affecting an area on Locust Street between Front Street and Second Street. Mr. Musser stated that at the last meeting, Council discussed a change order for the red brick only in the amount of $4,411.80 or the whole project for $32,464.59. Mr. Musser recommended doing the whole project or waiting until another project needs done on Front Street. Mr. Shaver recommended the project be tabled for now. Mr. Heefner stated that he would rather put the money into lights. He asked if the project - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 would fall under the new Elm Street Project. Mr. Musser stated that some modification may be required. Mr. Kovach – Discussion on the Light Posts at Locust Street. Mr. Kovach asked about the status of the Light Posts at Locust Street. Mr. Gehrlein stated that he received the change order for approximately $13,000. This cost includes the four light posts and conduit. He said that he will be meeting with Doug Lamb on Wednesday to discuss the project and the stop sign. Mr. Gehrlein stated that it may be better to do the project outside of the contract. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Discussion in Regards to the Second Nomination for the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Membership. Mr. Musser stated that Council originally approved David Blain, but Mr. Blain does not want to do it at this time. Mr. Kovach requested that if anyone knows someone who would like to do it, to please notify him or Mr. Musser. Mr. Musser – Providing Council with an Update on the Special Purpose Parking Requests. Mr. Musser recommended the approval of Special Purpose Parking requests from Louise Conjar and Marcus Lee Gibson. Council then discussed the application for Mr. Lagyak. Motioned by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, to table the decision on Mr. Lagyak’s application until January. Motion approved unanimously by members present. RESOLUTION 2007-R-43 – Resolution approving the Special Purpose Parking Application for Louise Conjar at 739 S. Front Street, Steelton, PA. Motioned by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to approve Resolution 2007-R-43 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. RESOLUTION 2007-R-44 – Resolution approving the Special Purpose Parking Application for Marcus Lee Gibson at 2613 South Second Street, Steelton, PA. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to approve Resolution 2007-R-44 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. Mr. Musser – Informing Council that a Cost-of-Living Study will be Completed for the Non-Uniformed Retirees. - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 Mr. Musser stated that we will not get this study back until December. At that time, he will present to Council the 0-5% increase, to be approved in January. Once approved, it would become retroactive to January 1, 2008. RESOLUTION 2007-R-39 – Resolution Establishing the Annual Salaries, Hourly Wages, and Employee Benefits for the Employees of the Borough of Steelton for 2008. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, to approve Resolution 2007-R-39 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. RESOLUTION 2007-R-40 – Resolution Adopting the 2008 Borough of Steelton Sewer Budget. Motioned by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, to approve Resolution 2007-R-40 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. ORDINANCE 2007-8 – Ordinance Fixing the Tax Rates for 2008. Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, to approve Ordinance 2007-8 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. RESOLUTION 2007-R-42 – Resolution Adopting the Discounts and Penalties for 2008. Motioned by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, to approve Resolution 2007-R-42 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. ORDINANCE 2007-9 – Ordinance Vacating Trewick Street in the Borough of Steelton Located Between the Southwestern Line of North Front Street and the Northeastern Line of Lands of ISG Railways Incorporated. Mr. Wion stated that Mr. DuCarmes present a letter of concern regarding the vacation of Trewick Street. He stated that he has also received further communications from his attorney. Mr. Musser said that on October 15, 2007 the sales agreement between Mickey Rizk and Mr. DuCarmes expired. He stated that by February 28, 2008 a new sales agreement should be in place. Mr. Wion noted that the Ordinance has forty days until it becomes effective. During those forty days anyone may object. If that occurs, a hearing will be held. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, to approve Ordinance 2007-9 as presented. Motion approved unanimously by members present. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Reviewing the Broadview Networks Proposal for Phone Services. Mr. Musser stated that years ago the Borough switched to Choice One. He said that every once in awhile he reviews our services for cost savings. Mr. Musser stated that Broadview Network’s proposal would save the Borough approximately $400.00 per month. He said that T1 lines come with the service, which would serve as backup internet lines. Mr. Wright suggested that Mr. Musser speak to Choice One to see if they can offer a better deal. It was the consensus of Council that Mr. Musser negotiate a new contract for phone services. Lisa Myers, Boyer & Ritter – Providing the Borough with the 2006 Audit. Mr. Musser stated that the Borough had a clean audit for the General Fund and Sewer Fund. He recommended the approval of the audit. Motioned by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, to approve the 2006 Audit. Motion approved unanimously by all members present. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Kovach- Discussion on Planning Commission Vacancy. Mr. Kovach stated that Mr. Houser resigned from the Planning Commission recently. He stated that Mr. Houser’s son-in-law had expressed interest in the position. Mr. Heefner stated that he would like to look into this matter more, since there is still a quorum available. Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to Discuss Land Acquisition Matters and Personnel Matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mickey Rizk, International Food Mart, Steelton, PA – stated that in regards to the DuCarmes property, a sales agreement would have been signed in January. He said that the property was appraised at $198,000 and was offered $450,000. Mr. Rizk said - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 that there were environmental concerns with the property, such as asbestos. He asked Mr. DuCarmes for an extension, but the process was delayed. He said that Mr. DuCarmes was in agreement on the price until he spoke to someone from Council, then he asked for more money. Mr. Rizk stated that he is running into a problem financing the property since it does not appraise for the amount being financed, but he intends to resolve this issue soon. Mr. Heefner responded that he was approached by Mr. DuCarmes regarding the contract being expired. He told Mr. DuCarmes to attend a Council Meeting or contact Mr. Sportley. Mr. Heefner stated that he did not give him any inside information. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – stated that he went to the Pharmacy on Saturday and was asked where everyone is supposed to park because of the new 15 Minute Parking Signs. Mr. Kovach stated that they are looking into this. Mr. Acri – said that on Thursday, December 6, 2007, a fundraiser will be held at Pizza Hut. He said that all money raised will go to Veteran’s Park. He invited everyone to attend. Mayor Acri said that all of the clubs in town were great about donating to the park. Mr. Kovach – stated that after years of hard work on the downtown, we’re finally seeing it happen. He thanked the employees for all of their hard work and said that he’s happy with what he is seeing so far. Motioned by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, to adjourn into executive session at 7:15 PM. Motion approved unanimously by all members present. The meeting reconvened at 8:03 PM. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM. - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 3, 2007 Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ ______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Jennifer Brown-Sweeney Borough Secretary Administrative Assistant - 6 -