City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 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: Dennis Heefner Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Jeffery Wright Michael Kovach Stephen Shaver Michael Albert MaryJo Szada Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Patrick Gehrlein, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes were presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary Gehrlein) Mr. Gehrlein said he had nothing to report at this time. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the schedules as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Mr. Kovach said he spoke with Mrs. Handley about scheduling a Finance Committee meeting. Since the Auditors are not done, a meeting will be set for mid-June. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the April department reports, as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri received an email from Michael Barton, Ph.D. regarding an exhibit on Steelton’s history being held on Sunday, June 8th. Mayor Acri encouraged Council to attend, if available. PRESENTATION ON FIRE COMPANY RE-FINANCE: David O. Twaddell, Rhoads & Sinon LLP –Discussing the issuance of a General Obligation Note in the amount of $150,000 pursuant to the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act to help the Steelton Fire Department with the refinance of debt associated with the 2003 Emergency One 95’ Ariel Platform with 2000 GPM Pump. Mr. Twaddell explained a new program offered by P.E.M.A. for the Steelton Fire Department to obtain a low interest loan and refinance the current loan on fire equipment. The requirement of the program is that the debt is to be incurred on behalf of the Borough. The Borough would incur a debt of $150,000.00 at 2%. The Fire Company will be on the loan as a co-signer since they will be responsible for paying on the loan. Mr. Shaver asked if it is normal for the political subdivision to co-sign on a loan. Mr. Twaddell answered by saying this is a brand new program. Therefore, it is normal under this new program. However, that has not been the precedent. Mr. Heefner asked if this program can be extended to other facets of public safety. Mr. Gehrlein stated that it is applicable to others but, the targeted intent is for the Fire Company. Mr. Gehrlein said he will do additional research. Mr. Wion stated that Page 6; Section 17 of the Ordinance refers to the Resolution, which authorizes this to be executed by Council. The Fire Company must agree to proper use of the equipment. It is Mr. Wion’s recommendation that Council consider Resolution 2008-R-15 and Ordinance 2008-R-4. Mr. Shaver stated that he has done this for at least two other Fire Companies and in those cases; the political subdivision did not have to sign off. Mr. Twaddell stated that the Fire Company may be able to obtain the loan. However, this program is designed to get them the best rate available, with the Borough incurring the debt. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept Resolution 2008-R-15 as presented. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept Ordinance 2008-R-4 -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 COMMUNICATIONS: Andrew Crone; 427 West Simpson Street; Mechanicsburg, PA – Letter to Chief Lenker, officially resigning his position as a part-time officer in the Steelton Police Department. Mr. Wright asked Chief Lenker how many part-time officers are now on the force. Chief Lenker stated that after Mr. Crone’s resignation there were five (5). The Chief noted that three (3) part-time officers were hired and sworn in today and the training for those officers begins on Thursday; bringing the total number of part-time officers to eight (8). On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mr. Andrew Crone. Charles G. Kellar, Chief of Police, City of Harrisburg – Presenting Chief Kenneth Lenker and the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team with a Distinguished Unit Citation. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have this Distinguished Unit Citation placed in Chief Lenker’s personnel file. United States Marshals Service-Office of Congressional Affairs – Presenting Borough Council with the Statistics and Highlights October 2007 – March 2008 for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force. There were no comments. Terri Lynn Brown; Department of Labor and Industry – OVR – Letter commending The Steelton Drug Task Force and Detective Elhajj for the arrest of a problematic neighbor. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to have a copy of the letter placed in the personnel files of: Chief Lenker, Ptl. Elhajj, Ptl. Fry, Ptl. Shaub, Sgt. Crawford, and Ptl. Conjar. Murvin E. Grunden; Captain: Paxtang Fire Department – Letter thanking the Steelton Fire and Police Department for their help with Fire Police duties supporting the Paxtang Lions 5K Run on May 3, 2008. There were no comments. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 Suzi Donnelly; Humane Society Of Harrisburg Area, Inc. – Letter and flyer discussing the various educational programs offered through the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. There were no comments. Brother Charles E. Wright, Jr.; Cyrene Lodge #169 – Letter requesting the Office of the Mayor or Borough Council to present a proclamation to Richard Henderson during a reception in his honor On June 28, 2008 at the Cyrene Lodge #169; 140 Adams Street; Steelton. Mr. Shaver asked what time the ceremony starts. Mr. Powell, in the audience, stated that the ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Mayor Acri told anyone interested in attending to please contact Mr. Gehrlein. Brother Charles E. Wright, Jr.; Cyrene Lodge #169 – Letter requesting the Office of the Mayor or Borough Council to present a proclamation to the Cyrene Elks Lodge #169 during their “Black and Gold Ball” being held on June 14, 2008 at the Cyrene Elks Lodge; 140 Adams Street; Steelton, PA. Mr. Shaver asked what time the ceremony starts. Mr. Powell, in the audience, stated that the ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Mayor Acri told anyone interested in attending to please contact Mr. Gehrlein. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business presented. NEW BUSINESS: There were no comments. 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. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mr. Powell –Spoke regarding the “shacks” on Adams St. Mr. Powell stated that he was promised at the last meeting that they would be torn down. However they are not torn down yet. Mr. Gehrlein stated that the project was held up due to a permit from Department of Environmental Protection that needs to be obtained. The permit from DEP is regarding the disposal of materials that will be torn down at the site. Also, UGI must come in and remove gas lines. The Borough is working to get the demolition completed but will do so safely. By the end of the month, there should be substantial progress on the demolition. Mr. Powell also asked if the Fire Department still uses abandoned buildings to hold training courses. Mayor Acri stated that the Fire Department does still have the training courses. However, they could not use the houses on Adams Street because the poor condition of the houses would make it unsafe for Fire Fighters. Lena Jefferson – 257 Lincoln Street – Spoke regarding a letter she received from the Codes Office. Ms. Jefferson stated that she received a letter from the Code Enforcer and only part of the letter was valid. She is working to get her sidewalk repaired. She understands why that is an issue. However, she does not know why the chipped and peeling paint on her garage needs to be fixed. It is not a hazard to anyone. She contacted the Codes Enforcer for an explanation and he failed to give her one. She asked if she will be cited if she cannot afford to get the paint fixed before the deadline. Mr. Kovach stated that the Codes Office will be willing to work with her to get an extension on that issue. Mr. Gehrlein will give her a business card of someone she can contact to help her rectify the situation. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Stated that the Planning Commission would like to add an alternate member to the board, in the event that a vote is needed and enough members are not available to attend a meeting. Mr. Kovach expressed an interest and willingness to serve as the alternate. Resolution 2008-R-16, requesting that Mr. Kovach be added to the Planning Commission as an alternate, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept Resolution 2008-R-16, as presented. Mr. Heefner also wanted to thank Mrs. Jen Brown Sweeney and Ms. Dennise Hill again for their work with the parade and Veterans Park. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present unanimously voted to add a letter to Mrs. Brown Sweeney and Ms. Hill’s personnel files regarding the parade and Veterans Park. Mr. Wright – Reminded Council of the Midland Cemetery Memorial Day Celebration to be held on Saturday, May 24, 2008. He will be participating and invited all to attend, if possible. He also stated that he will be attending the ceremony at William Howard Day on Monday, May 26, 2008, and would be willing to speak on behalf of the Borough, if needed. Mr. Shaver – An employee will be taking an extended leave of absence during the summer months. We will need a replacement. Council can discuss the matter further during Executive Session. Mr. Shaver also extended thanks to the Mayor and Borough staff for their work on Veterans Park. Mr. Kovach – Extended thanks to Borough staff for their work on Veterans Park. He also commended Mr. Heefner and Mr. Wright for their time and commitment given in the military. He wanted the record to reflect his thanks to Governor Edward G. Rendell for participating in the parade. Mr. Kovach also stated that he spoke with Mrs. Brown-Sweeney about the Borough website. He said that some of the things on the site that need to be updated or removed. Mrs. Brown-Sweeney stated that she updated the entire site on Friday. Mr. Kovach said that he did not check the site after Friday. He added that the Borough website has pertinent information that the residents will find very helpful. Mr. Kovach announced that, Mr. Conjar said that there is now a hole through the concrete on the Locust Street Steps and that project should be completed next week. Lastly, he stated that WITF will be showing the “Our Town” documentary on May 29th at 7:00 p.m. at the Steelton-Highspire Elementary School. On a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting recessed into executive session to discuss personnel matters, potential litigation and land acquisition at 7:06 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 8:04 p.m. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted 4 to 1 to approve Mr. Keith Lowery’s leave of absence for several weeks during the summer months and to hire Ms. Kelly Kovach to fill the janitorial position for several weeks during the summer, at the rate of $9.00 per hour, contingent upon a successful background check. Mr. Shaver noted that Ms. Kovach’s schedule will be 3 days per week, 4 hours per day, when Mr. Lowery is not available. Dr. Szada cast the dissenting vote and Mr. Kovach abstained because Ms. Kovach is his daughter. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 19, 2008 On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted 5 to 1 to authorize the Mr. Conjar to hire (3) individuals for the Part-Time Summer Highway Laborer positions, at the rate of $9.00 per hour, 40 hours per week, contingent upon a successful background check. Mr. Shaver noted that Mr. Conjar would contact the individuals who worked in those positions last summer. Mr. Kovach cast the dissenting vote. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Assistant Secretary ______________________________ Dennise Hill Executive Administrative Assistant -7-