City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING AS PRESENTED: On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the minutes from November 19, 2007 and December 3, 2007, as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. Musser had nothing to report. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the schedules of billings, requisitions, and change orders, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENTS REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Main Street - 1 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the department reports for November, as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri stated that last year the Borough applied for a canine grant in the amount of $20,000.00. Mayor Acri recently received notification that the grant was denied. However, $2,000.00 was awarded to the Borough. This money can be used toward the purchase of a canine. Borough Council previously decided that if the full amount of the grant was not received, a canine would not be purchased. The money is to be placed in a checking account and the Borough will look into finding additional funding for the total cost of a canine. Mr. Heefner asked if any reason for the denial was given. Mrs. Brown-Sweeney stated that this particular organization normally does not fund any grant request outside of California. The organization asked the Borough to re-apply next year. Mayor Acri added that the organization noted that the grant was well-written. Mrs. Brown-Sweeney may be able to change figures and dates on the grant next year and re-submit it. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: William V. Harbeson, Executive Director, Capital Tax Collection Bureau – Providing the Borough with a copy of the Bureau’s 2008 budget and informing the Borough that it will receive an equity distribution in the 3rd quarter of 2008 in the amount of $6,871.00. Mr. Musser stated that this figure was not included in the Borough’s 2008 budget so that is good news for Council. He recommended that Council appoint someone else to sit on the Capital Tax Collection Bureau Board. He has not been able to make any meetings with them over the last few years. He suggested that the appointment be an elected official. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Wright to the Capital Tax Collection Bureau Board. David A. Krulac, Property Owner – Informing the Borough that he would like to donate the property he owns at South Sixth and James Streets (Parcel Number 57-011-006). Mr. Musser suggested that Council refrain from discussing this matter until the site has been reviewed. He added that it may not be advantageous for the Borough to take ownership of this property. There is not much that can be done with it and that may be - 2 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 the reason that Mr. Krulac would like to get rid of it, Mr. Musser speculated. Mr. Wright asked if Mr. Musser can send Mr. Krulac a letter stating that the donation is not being denied, however, the site would need to be reviewed by the Community Development Committee in the spring. Mark Handley, Water Distribution Laborer – Providing Council with copies of certificates of completion for Course #79, PA DEP #545 Mechanical Seals Fundamentals & Course #58, MA DEP #BC-2001-1024 Basic Chemistry. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to have these certificates placed in Mr. Handley’s personnel file. Mr. Musser – Resignation letters from Linda Diaz and Anthony Naranca (Part- Time Police Officers). Mr. Musser stated that Ms. Diaz’s letter was dated December 7, 2007 and Mr. Naranca’s letter was dated December 14, 2007. The letters were offered for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignations of Ms. Diaz and Mr. Naranca. Mr. Musser – Discussion in regards to the Youth Build Program. Mr. Musser stated that the City of Harrisburg was granted over $1 million to establish a youth program for the city and surrounding areas. The program is designed to help youths 17-24 years old who have dropped out of high school. These individuals will be able to work and earn their diploma while gaining skills to make them successful adults. The Youth Build Program looks for supply donations. Compensation of the participants is provided through the grant. Mr. Musser said he will be having a meeting with Dauphin County representatives to discuss possible properties in the Borough that can be refurbished. Mr. Musser said that it may be a good idea to appoint Mr. Wright to their board since he is involved with the Community Development Committee in the Borough. There will be 60 youths that participate in the program over a specified time. There will be 15 young adults per cycle. They currently have approximately 18 applications and two happen to be from Steelton Borough. Maria Marcinko, 2704 South Second Street – Letter of thanks to Officer Etnoyer for his assistance on December 4, 2007 at approximately 7pm. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to have this letter placed in Officer Etnoyer’s personnel file. - 3 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Chief Lenker – Requesting Council execute the purchase of service agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Dauphin County to provide services consistent with the tobacco use prevention and cessation program. Chief Lenker stated that over the last two years, the Borough has been receiving a grant to conduct tobacco details. This is to address underage kids buying cigarettes. Mr. Wion said that the agreement states that a maximum of 44 details will be done in Steelton and Highspire. However, Steelton Police Department has no jurisdiction in Highspire Borough. Chief Lenker said a Highspire officer has agreed to complete the details. Mr. Wion countered that Highspire will not be getting a check for this therefore, should not be listed on the agreement. Mr. Kovach suggested that a conference call be made with Chief Lenker, Mr. Wion, and Officer Gossert (Highspire Borough) so that Mr. Wion can get further clarification on the language of the agreement. Resolution 2007-R-46 – Approval and execution of the service agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Dauphin County to provide services consistent with the tobacco use prevention and cessation program. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2007-R-46, contingent upon the proper contractual agreement language. Resolution 2007-R-45 – Requesting Council approve 2.7% contributions from the Steelton Police Officers for the year of 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2007-R-45. Mr. Gehrlein – Discussion in regards to the proposed Farmer’s Market and approval of naming the former 11” Bar Mill Parking Lot Pennsylvania Canal Parking Area. Mr. Gehrlein said that he was presenting on behalf of the Steelton Community Development Committee. Regarding the 11” Bar Mill Parking Lot, he said that the recommendation has been made to rename it the Pennsylvania Canal Parking Area to commemorate the former PA Canal that once ran under the site. Regarding the proposed Farmer’s Market, he said that it will be run by Ngozi, Inc. They are a non-profit, 501c3 organization that has been operating for the last 25 years. They - 4 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 hope to create an eco-village/farmer’s market which is in line with the grocery store development. The market will offer low-income families with fresh produce at an affordable cost. Ngozi’s request is for space to hold the market. They would like to use the 11” Bar Mill Lot. Mr. Gehrlein said that it is a 26-28 week program that will run from May 2008 until November 2008 on Wednesdays from 10am – 7pm. They currently have approximately 25 vendors. Ngozi, Inc. needs electric availability, portable restrooms, water accessibility, and a blocked off area. Ngozi, Inc. will provide tents, set up, tear down, and vendors. They need space and on-site amenities. Mr. Kovach clarified that everything will be torn down each Wednesday. He said that heavy construction will begin in that area and thinks this may interfere. Mr. Gehrlein stated that this should not interfere with construction. Construction starts at Trewick Street. The Farmer Market is slated to be held at the opposite end. It may be an issue when construction progresses to Locust Street. Mr. Shaver said that he likes the idea but is concerned with the costs that the Borough will have to incur, such as storage, water, electricity, restrooms, etc. Mr. Kovach suggested that this matter be given to the Community Development Committee to discuss. Mr. Wright said he will work with Mr. Gehrlein and Ngozi, Inc. to gather additional information. He will then bring a report back to Council. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted to rename the 11” Bar Mill Parking Lot the Pennsylvania Canal Parking Area. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar cast the dissenting vote. The motion passed. Mr. Musser – Requesting an update from Mr. Wion on the 2008 Municipal Domestic Animal Protective Services Agreement. Mr. Musser stated that this agreement is with the Humane Society. The Borough has the option to pay the fee at the beginning of the year or can pay bi-annually (January and March). Other municipalities have requested to pay monthly. If the Borough decides to pay monthly, there needs to be some kind of verification that the amount of animals sent to the Humane Society coincides with what has been paid. Mr. Musser suggested that Council request to pay monthly. Mr. Kovach stated that within the last week, there was an article in the Patriot News about this organization and their questionable practices. Mr. Kovach recommended that the Borough pay on a monthly basis or end the agreement. After some discussion, Mr. Kovach stated that Council will keep an eye on this matter. - 5 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the agreement with the Humane Society and to allow Mr. Wion and Mr. Musser to negotiate a monthly payment on Council’s behalf. NEW BUSINESS: Ordinance No. 2007-10 – An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Chapter 102, “Taxation”, Article IV, “Local Services Tax”, providing for the imposition of the tax during the calendar year 2008 and each calendar year thereafter. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Ordinance No 2007-10, as presented. Dauphin County Planning Commission – Invitation to provide representation on the study committee for the Dauphin County Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Study. This was provided for Council’s information. Mr. Shaver – Requesting Council to approve the hiring of Barry E. Hockenberry for the position of Water Filtration Plant Operator at an hourly rate of $17.74 per hour, which reflects all of his licenses and requesting his hire date be effective January 7, 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to hire Mr. Hockenberry as the Water filtration Plant Operator at $17.74 per hour, effective January 7, 2008. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Requesting an Executive Session to Discuss Land Acquisition Matters and Personnel Matters. There were no comments. Mr. Heefner – Recommendation to appoint Bill Moyer to sit on the Planning Commission Board. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Moyer to the Planning Commission Board. - 6 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mr. Beaden; 523 Ridge St. – spoke regarding the Steelton Police Department. He stated that there has been a Pitt Bull running loose in the 500 blocks of Lincoln and Ridge Streets. Neighbors have stopped allowing children to play outside. Mr. Beaden called the police department today and was told they would take care of the situation. Within hours, he saw officers took the dog away. Mr. Beaden thanked Chief Lenker and the Steelton Police Department for their prompt response. Emuel Powell, Jr.; 321 Lebanon St. – spoke regarding parking and trash issues. Mr. Powell said that, now that it is winter time, people are complaining about lack of parking. He asked if a note can be put in the newsletter that there are no assigned parking spaces except for individuals with a handicap parking space. Regarding the trash, he stated that people are putting their garbage out in bags early in the evening. Therefore, by the time it is collected, animals have busted the bags open. Mr. Musser told Mr. Powell to give the address of offender(s) to the Codes Office and they will handle it. Mr. Powell said he spoke with someone in Codes and was told to bring the issue to Council. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Powell to see him for his number. He and Mr. Heefner will address this personally. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar said that the last newsletter included the snow removal Ordinance. She said a reminder can be placed in the next one. Mr. Musser added that the trash issue should not have been directed to Council. A trash Ordinance has been passed. Mr. Kovach will address this situation, promptly. Pauline Douglass; 433 Bessemer St. – vouched for the job that the Codes Officers are doing. She cited two incidents that she witnessed the Codes officers acted quickly and efficiently. Mrs. Douglass asked why a stop sign has been placed at Second and Locust Streets. Mr. Kovach said it is to prevent people getting hit walking across the street. Mr. Musser added that the location of the mailbox changed. Therefore, having the stop sign at the intersection allows drivers to safely stop and put mail in the mailbox out of the driver side window, without causing an accident. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mayor Acri – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year. Mayor Acri stated that the town is in the midst of celebrating the Rollers winning a state championship. There was an article in the Patriot News on Mr. Albert. Mayor Acri said - 7 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 that Mr. Albert has dedicated many years to the youth in the community and congratulated Mr. Albert on the recognition. Mr. Shaver – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He also thanked and congratulated Mr. Albert. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She also said she was contacted by Philip Valenti of LaRouche Political Latch Committee regarding House Resolution 418. This resolution pertains to home foreclosures and the banking crisis. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked that this be forwarded to the Community Development Committee for review. Mr. Albert – wished everyone Happy Holidays. He thanked Mayor Acri for his words. He said the reason he dedicates his time to the youth is because there were people who did it when he was little and he wants to keep that tradition going. Mr. Albert said he thinks that the football team should be brought in and recognized with a proclamation for their accomplishment. Mr. Wright – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He also said that someone needs to be appointed to sit on the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Committee. There will soon be an open position that Mr. Musser currently holds and Council should appoint Mr. Gehrlein to replace Mr. Musser. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Gehrlein to sit on the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Committee. Mr. Musser – wished everyone a happy and safe holiday. Mr. Wion – wished everyone Happy Holidays. Mrs. Handley – wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mr. Kovach – thanked Council and Borough Staff for great accomplishments that were achieved over the last year. He cited the huge water line project, downtown revitalization, Adams Street re-development, and progress on the grocery store. He said it has been a pleasure working with everyone and feels that a family atmosphere has been achieved. Mr. Kovach said that there are great things to come next year. He congratulated the Steel-High Rollers and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:38 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. - 8 -  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 17, 2007 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting re-convened at 8:00 PM. There being no other business before Council, the meeting immediately adjourned. . Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary - 9 -