City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Council President, Michael Kovach with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffrey Wright Stephen Shaver Michael Kovach Thomas Acri, Mayor MaryJo Szada Michael Albert David Wion, Solicitor Michael G. Musser, II, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Dennise L. Hill, Executive Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING AS PRESENTED: The minutes from the November 5, 2007 meetings were presented for approval. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes as presented. EXEUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary Musser) Mr. Musser said he had nothing to report other than what was stated in the minutes. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules of bills, requisitions and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development, Finance, Fire and Ambulance, Personnel, Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Main Street. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the reports as presented. Page 1 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 Mayor’s Report – Mayor Acri informed Council that the new police car (2008) has arrived and is getting a new radio. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda items only. COMMUNICATION: Alvin Q. Taylor, Candidate; PA Senate 15th District – Letter Requesting Permission to Introduce Himself and Remind Everyone of the Importance to Register to Vote Mr. Taylor congratulated the basketball and football teams on recent State Championship victories. He also introduced himself to Council as the Democratic candidate. He stated that he would like to motivate everyone to get out and vote. Tri-County Regional Planning Commission – Letter Informing the Borough That They Drafted a Model Zoning Ordinance and a Model Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance and Informing Council There is Limited Funding for This Project and If the Borough is Interested in Participating Please Let Them Know by April 1, 2008. This item was for Council’s consideration and response by April 1, 2008. Richard Hart, Property Owner – Requesting Permission to Address His Retaining Wall above the Swatara Street Retaining Wall. Mr. Hart was not in attendance. There were no comments. Catherine V. Jennings, 519 South Second Street, Steelton, PA – Letter Informing Council of a Complaint In Regards to Her Neighbor. Chief Lenker responded to her complaint and wrote her a letter. Sheldon N. Murray, Resident of the 600 Block of North Third Street, Steelton, PA – Requesting a Stop Sign at the Intersection of North Third Street and Eleanor Street. Chief Lenker said the stop sign is requested due to speed control. However, it cannot be done because there have been no accident(s) there. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to have the Borough staff erect a Caution or Children at Play sign. Page 2 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 Daniel S. Robinson, Director, Dauphin County Community & Economic Development – Letter Informing the Borough That They Have Been Awarded the Borough $231,929.00 in CDBG Funds for the Senior Center, Code Enforcement, Public Facilities & Improvements & Adams Street Revitalization. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to draft a letter of thanks to send to DCED. Daniel P. Scheitrum, Superintendent of Water Filtration & Lab – Providing the Borough with a Certificate of Training completion for a Water Chlorination Workshop. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to have this certificate placed in Mr. Scheitrum’s personnel file. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Wright – Recommendation in Regards to the Adams Street-Steelton Summer Basketball Program. Mr. Wright stated that it is his recommendation that the program be approved from June 2 through August 7, 2008, pending Mr. Davis provides insurance certificate and he follows guidelines. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to conditionally approve the basketball program. Mr. Musser – Requesting that Borough Council Award the Adams Street Demolition Project Bid for Services to Jerry Justice Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $48,999.99. Mr. Heefner asked what the extra money will be used for. Mr. Musser stated that the money will be reallocated for purchasing or site improvements. On a motion made by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to award the Adams Street Demolition Project to Jerry Justice Excavating, Inc., in the amount of $48,999.99. Susan Kline, Senior Center Director – Letter of Resignation Effective April 31, 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Susan Kline, Senior Center Page 3 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 Director. Mr. Musser requested an Executive Session to discuss this matter in more detail. Ordinance No. 2008-3 – An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Steelton, Chapter 99, “Subdivision and Land Development,” Article IV, “Plat Specifications and Processing Procedures,” Section 99-13, Subsection A., to Require Applicant to File Copies of the Preliminary Plat at Least Fifteen (15) Working Days Prior to the Meeting of the Planning Commission at Which Consideration is Desired, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2008-3, as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Musser & Mr. Wion – Discussion in Regards to Sale of Certain Real Estate Tax Claims and Liens for 2007. Mr. Musser stated that this is the third year selling delinquent tax liens through Plymouth Park, LLC. They purchase liens at $.92 on the dollar and 57% due to County. Mr. Musser recommended that Council agree to do it for the third year. The contract is identical except for dates, amount, and a section which allows Plymouth to purchase for next year on terms. Resolution 2008-R-6 – Resolution of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Authorizing the Sale of Certain Real Estate Tax Claims and Liens and Associated Rights and Remedies Relating to the 2007 Real Estate Tax Claims. Mr. Wion stated that a conference call will be held tomorrow. He will indicate the resolution has been adopted and fax signed copies along with the executed agreement. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2008-R-6, as presented. Mr. Gehrlein, Main Street Manager – Providing Council With an Update and Request From a Meeting with York Waste Disposal in Regards to Tipping Fees. Mr. Gehrlein gave a brief synopsis of the meeting he had with Dan Isabella in regards to increasing tipping fees. York Waste Disposal has asked for an increase of $.89 per quarter, per resident. Page 4 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 Mr. Wion explained that when a contract is bid on, that specified amount is set. The request to increase would also be a request to increase the contract amount. Mr. Wion stated that legally he does not think that Council can interfere with a legal bidding process. Sylvie Zell, Code/Zoning/Planning Officer – Presenting Council With Recommendations From The Community Development Committee in Regards to the Rental Inspection Ordinance. Mrs. Zell stated that the current ordinance runs from March to March of each calendar year. It is her recommendation to change it to January to December. She would also like to do inspections on a bi-annual basis, as opposed to every year. Dr. Szada asked Mrs. Zell why she wanted to make the changes. Mrs. Zell said that 95% of all properties inspected pass and the workload is overbearing. Mr. Wion asked if a complaint was made, would anything prevent her from making an inspection if it was not a scheduled year to do so. Mrs. Zell stated no. She would still go in to inspect the property. Mr. Shaver also asked if a property was sold before it was due for inspection, would an inspection be done at that time. Mrs. Zell stated yes. Mr. Wion asked if Borough rental property owners were asked if this proposed process was okay with them. Mrs. Zell stated that she wanted to present the issue to Council before contacting property owners. Mr. Wion asked Mrs. Zell to ask the rental property owners if they will be okay with the proposed change, as a courtesy. Mr. Heefner added that he would like to make sure the whole ordinance is followed and not just safety measures. If inspections are done every two years, more time can be spent to do a thorough inspection. Mr. Wright asked Mrs. Zell to work with Mr. Wion to draft a change to the ordinance. Mr. Musser, Mr. Gehrlein & Mr. Wright – Recommending the Borough Participate in the PSAB Grants Program Participation Agreement at the Hourly Rate Amount. Mr. Musser stated that he and Mr. Gehrlein met with Ted Robinson, who used to work for DCED and is now with PSAB. Mr. Robinson came to offer his services. Mr. Musser recommended bringing PSAB on at an hourly rate, and approve the Agreement in concept, until Council receives, and Mr. Wion approves the agreement. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to have staff work with PSAB to draft an agreement for Mr. Wion to review for action at the April 7, 2008 Council meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Musser – Informing Council That an Executive Session is needed to Discuss Personnel Matters. Page 5 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Karl Singleton – Mr. Singleton informed Council that he will be out in the community going door-to-door campaigning for 103 rd District, State Representative. He hopes to unseat Representative Buxton. Mr. Singleton commended the Borough for having great sports programs but, would like to see an emphasis on academics. He would like an open dialogue about how to achieve this. He spoke of his history as an educator. He also will propose a bi-monthly meeting for communities throughout the District. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada: The number of people that are no longer able to pay their taxes is a concern. She stated that Council should look into this matter to determine why it is happening. Mr. Kovach added that it is a shame that people are paying more in taxes than the amount of their mortgage. Mr. Albert: stated that the new bucket truck came in for the Highway Department. He also urged Council to consider honoring the football and basketball teams. Mr. Shaver: stated that the Susquehanna Township Police Chief Martin’s mother passed away and her services will be held be held on Wednesday from 12-2pm. Mr. Shaver also stated that he received word that the state government has proposed a budget which includes $100 million for businesses, $100 million for flood mitigation problems, and $10-20 million for police patrol. Mr. Wright: said that he agrees with tax problems. We need to go up to the schools and work with them. Mr. Wright reminded everyone of the May 10th parade. He notified everyone that the Right to Know Law will take effect on January 9, 2009. Mr. Wion stated that he will provide additional information. Mr. Heefner: asked Mrs. Zell to meet with Mr. Hart regarding his property on Swatara Street. Mr. Heefner said he would like Mr. Hart to extend the fence past the townhouses to prevent kids from coming down the big hill near the houses. Mayor Acri: reminded everyone that both teams (football and basketball) will be in the Memorial Day Parade. Have a good and blessed Easter. Mr. Wion: stated that he has worked with five Secretary-Treasurers in his 39 years. Two were long term; Frank Fisher and Mr. Musser for fifteen years. Mr. Wion said that with Mr. Musser, the Borough always came first, after his family and he was an effective advocate for the Borough. Mr. Wion stated it has been a privilege and honor to work with Mr. Musser, and he is proud to call Mr. Musser his friend. Page 6 of 7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 17, 2008 Mr. Kovach: concurred with Mr. Wion, adding that Mr. Musser came to the Borough as a young guy with lots of potential. He said that over the years, Mr. Musser has proven to be a leader. Mr. Kovach said he will miss working with Mr. Musser. Mr. Musser stated that he received a letter from DEP regarding the Chesapeake Bay. He said that he will not be able to attend a function DEP has invited him to but, someone from the Borough should attend. Mr. Musser stated it has truly been an honor to serve the Borough. He has grown up here and became a better person. He added that this was one of the toughest decisions he has ever had to make and added that the Borough has a great man with Mr. Pat Gehrlein. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:45 p.m., to discuss personnel matters. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m. There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Michael G. Musser, II Borough Secretary ______________________________ Dennise Hill Executive Assistant Page 7 of 7