City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 5, 2008 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by President, Michael Kovach, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Jeffery Wright Michael Kovach MaryJo Szada Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Patrick Gehrlein, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes of previous meetings presented for approval. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Don Isabella, York Waste Disposal – Letter requesting that Council revisit the issue of increasing monthly billing due to “uncontrollable circumstances” surrounding the increased tipping fees at the Harrisburg Incinerator. Mr. Wion said a letter was received from York Waste in February of 2008. However, the monthly billing cannot be changed without changing the bid. York Waste agrees with this fact. Mr. Wion stated that the agreement, regarding a price index increase, is between Harrisburg Incinerator and Dauphin County. The tipping fee is included in that agreement. That agreement is a contract between Harrisburg Authority (Incinerator) and Dauphin County, not the Borough of Steelton. It is Mr. Wion’s opinion that allowing the increase will improperly change the bid. Charles G. Kellar, Chief of Police, City of Harrisburg – Letter informing Chief Kenneth Lenker that he will be recognized by the Harrisburg Police Department at The annual Police Awards Ceremony on May 14, 2008 at 1300 hours in the City Government Atrium. There were no comments. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 5, 2008 Nancy Rockey; Vice President of College and Community Development H.A.C.C. – Certificate of Completion for Dennise L. Hill’s successful completion of advanced training on Microsoft Excel 2003 on April 22, 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to add this certificate to Dennise Hill’s personnel file. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Gehrlein – Informing Council that Special Parking Applications have been received for the following Individuals: John P. Lagyak, Jr. – 524 Spruce Street Tina Jefferson – 18 Adams Street Donald Prather, Jr. – 203 Lincoln Street Veronica Beaden – 523 Ridge Street John R. Henny – 329 Swatara Street Dennis Jefferies – 331 Locust Street Lynn & Mahmoud Taiel – 441 South Front Street Mr. Gehrlein said that these applications were received prior to April 7, 2008, for Disability or loading/unloading at a commercial property. Mr. Gehrlein presented Mr. Lagyak and Mr. Henny’s application for Council’s consideration. Mr. Gehrlein recommended that the remaining applications be tabled until additional information can be obtained. Resolution 2008-R-12, designating a Special Purpose Parking Space for John P. Lagyak, Jr., 524 Spruce Street, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted 3 to 1 to adopt Resolution 2008-R-12 as presented. Mr. Heefner cast the dissenting vote. Resolution 2008-R-13, designating a Special Purpose Parking Space for John R. Henny, 329 Swatara Street, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept Resolution 2008-R-13, as presented. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 5, 2008 Resolution 2008-R-14, approving Act 537 Plan update “combined sewer overflows long term control plan” of the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, dated April 2008 and authorizing the plan submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2008-R-14, as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Gehrlein – Presenting Council with a letter from Houck Services discussing the necessary roof repairs to the Steelton Municipal Building. Mr. Gehrlein said a representative from Houck looked at the roof of the Borough building on March 31, 2008 and submitted an estimate. Mr. Gehrlein said the overall roof repair, with patch, repair, and mortar, would total $10,300 (as outlined items 1-8, submitted to Council). Mr. Gehrlein asked Council for permission to get further pricing for the repairs. Mr. Heefner stated that the picture of the condenser looks new but, there is no other air conditioner, than the one located in Council Chambers. Mr. Heefner stated that he will have to talk to Mr. Conjar to determine what it is used for. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to authorize Mr. Gehrlein to seek additional proposals for the repairs. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Gehrlein – Informing Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Land Acquisition Matters. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mr. Cornelius Beaden – 523 Ridge Street – Mr. Beaden stated that he has been a tax payer in the Borough for 55+ years. In his neighborhood, people have 4-5 cars per house. He cannot park in front of his home due to the amount of cars. Therefore he has to walk his wife down the street. She is ill and he would appreciate it if he could get a Special Purpose parking sign so she does not have such a far walk to get to their house. Mr. Gehrlein stated that Mr. Conjar noted that there is a car port in the rear of Mr. Beaden’s property. Mr. Beaden stated that it is not a car port, rather a garage and a drive way. Mr. Gehrlein asked him if the parking spaces are his property. Mr. Beaden replied -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 5, 2008 yes. Mr. Wion asked why he does not use that parking. He also notified Mr. Beaden that all other requests for Special Purpose Parking, when off-street parking is available, have been denied. Mr. Beaden stated that his wife cannot walk well. It is easier for her to get into the house through the front door, as opposed to the back. Mr. Wion stated that just because it is better does not mean that the Borough will grant the request. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Regarding the Special Purpose Parking sign for Mr. Henny at Fourth and Swatara, he asked that the pole be removed. He also asked that the No Parking Sign at Fifth and Swatara, which is at a 45 degree angle, be removed. Mr. Heefner noted that the wall on Swatara Street is supposed to be cleaned each year and this was done for the first three years. However, it has not been washed since and the dirt is embedded into crevices of the wall. Mr. Heefner would like Mr. Conjar to inspect the wall and clean it. Mayor Acri – Notified Council that Mr. Heefner attended a meeting for new Part Time Police Officers. Three were hired and are to be sworn in soon. He also reminded everyone of the parade, Veterans Park Dedication Ceremony and refreshments at the VFW on May 10th. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar – Stated that there are several signs throughout the Borough with graffiti on the back of them. She asked that this be looked into and rectified. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the Council meeting recessed into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation and land acquisitions at 7:02 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:46 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ ____________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Dennise Hill Assistant Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant -4-