City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34 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 Mayor Thomas Acri Michael Kovach Stephen Shaver Michael Albert MaryJo Szada David A. Wion, Solicitor Patrick Gehrlein, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from April 21, 2008, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the June department reports as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only- Via Letter Request. Angela S. Villeneuve; Steelton, PA – Requesting time to address Council concerning the need for additional programming for youth, community library, and general grassroots programming. Mr. Kovach thanked Ms. Villeneuve for coming to the meeting. He stated that having a library is a great idea and suggested that she go to the school board to ask them why they do not open their libraries to the public. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 Mr. Wright stated that due to organizational and leadership challenges with churches in the Borough, the Summer Recreation Program was eliminated in 2008. However, he encouraged Ms. Villeneuve to present a comprehensive plan to Council for possible reinstatement for the summer of 2009. Mr. Kovach noted that a lot of money has been invested into the parks and the Borough Council will do everything possible to help. He stated that the Steelton Police Department will continue to clamp down on illegal activity. He agreed with the fact that residents should get involved to help the kids of the community. Ms. Villeneuve stated that she is on the agenda for August 11, 2008 to address the Steelton-Highspire School District board. Dr. Szada congratulated Ms. Villeneuve for making her concerns heard and offered her support and assistance. Dr. Szada also suggested that the idea of a mobile library be explored. Eva Cotta, Cubmaster Pack 207 Steelton, PA – Requesting time to address Council concerning the Cub Scouts program and the need to spread the Word of scouting throughout the community. Ms. Cotta asked if posters can be posted throughout the Borough Building to promote the Boy Scouts Pack. Mr. Kovach said yes. Dr. Szada asked if she could post one in her office. Mr. Albert also invited Ms. Cotta to speak to the boys of the Midget League Football teams. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATIONS: Bobbie and Doug Malinak; Ryan Lee Mohn Memorial Foundation – Letter requesting Borough Council be aware of the 5th Annual Ryan Lee Mohn Walk on August 9, 2008 starting at 9:00 a.m. at War Veterans Memorial Park in Steelton. There were no comments. Rev. Iris J. Andrews; Grace Temple Community Development Inc. – Letter requesting permission to block off the alley behind their property from Penn Street to Fourth Street and from Pine Street to Locust Street on Fourth Street in order to host a Steelton Community Day on August 9, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker if the request will cause a problem. Chief Lenker stated that it has been done this way in the past and will not be a problem. He also said that he will coordinate with Mr. Gehrlein to get the proper signs for the event. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to grant permission to block off the requested streets. Habib Miran; 914 Spring Circle Mechanicsburg, PA – Letter requesting the Borough Council consider reclassifying his investment property located at 125 South Fourth Street from a single family home to a two-unit dwelling. Mr. Wion said that this is not a question for Council to answer. Council is not responsible for classifying the function of a building. This issue falls under the Zoning Ordinance. Chief Kenneth Lenker Steelton Police Chief – Presenting Council with Certifications from the United States Department of Justice for various Officers and police staff that have completed the “Building Working Relationships with Minority Communities” workshop on May 22, 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have the certifications placed in the various officers’ and police staff personnel files. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Gehrlein – Presenting Council with a letter in support of the Commonwealth’s proposed legislation to designate a portion of Steelton as a Keystone Opportunity Zone for future investment. Mr. Shaver requested specific numbers pertaining to how this would impact current business owners before sending the letter. Mr. Gehrlein stated that he had those numbers available for Mr. Shaver’s review however; the letter is only to give support to the initial proposed site. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to authorize Mr. Gehrlein to send the letter of support. Mr. Heefner – Discussion proposing a reduction in the posted speed limits on Swatara Street. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 Mr. Heefner said that the speed issue is getting worse. He cited a program on raised intersections, similar to those recently done on Front Street, to slow traffic down. Mr. Kovach asked Chief Lenker if a traffic study can be done. Mr. Shaver stated that lowering the posted speed limit is not the issue. The issue is enforcement of the speed limit that is posted. Chief Lenker said that his officers have done numerous speed details at 6th and Swatara Streets, in an effort to increase the enforcement. He also said that lines can be painted or a traffic study can be done. 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: Natasha Sabrinski – 32 Chestnut St, Steelton, PA – Requested speed enforcement at Second and Chestnut Streets. She stated that her son has been hit twice at the intersection of Second and Chestnut Streets and asked for Council to please do something about the traffic at the corner. She noted that the issue worsens on Friday and Saturday nights. She also stated that the stop sign at the corner is upside down. Mr. Kovach said that someone would repair the stop sign. Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street – Speaking regarding the Steelton Senior Center - said that she heard a lot about the money that is being spent on sports and youth programs. She wanted to know why Borough Council has yet to find a space for the senior citizens to occupy. Mr. Kovach stated that he and Mr. Heefner spent a lot of time to put a plan together for the senior citizens to move into the property owned by the Borough, located at Front and Pine Streets. However, this plan was denied by Ms. Kline, the Senior Center Director. Mr. Wright said that Council was unaware that the senior citizens did not deny the plans. Council was under the impression that Ms. Kline was speaking on behalf of the seniors. Wanda Jacoby, Second and Pine Streets – Speaking regarding the Steelton Senior Center - stated that the senior citizens are due to receive something from the Borough. She reminded Council that they will be senior citizens and will want someone to look out for their best interest. Therefore, she asked Council to do so, now. William J. Moore, 319 Short Street, Steelton, PA – Speaking regarding the Steelton Senior Center - Mr. Moore stated that the seniors need a place to go. He noted that the Borough built a new school and is developing the downtown. He told Council -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 Members not to forget the senior citizens. Mr. Kovach said that Council is willing to do whatever is possible to help the seniors out. Florence Rich, 144 N. Second Street – Speaking regarding the Steelton Senior Center – Ms. Rich stated that not all of the seniors were in favor of moving to the building at Front and Pine Street and she is one of those people. She also stated that there seems to have been a lack of communication on the possible move. Arnetta Finest, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Speaking regarding the possible use of a property of the church for community activities - said that the church owns the property on Second and Locust Streets which could be used for community activities. She also suggested having a fundraiser to help collect money for the proposed youth programs and library. Lastly, she stressed the importance of the Borough working with the school district. Mr. Kovach stated that there is an upcoming intergovernmental meeting between Steelton Borough, Highspire Borough, and Steelton-Highspire School District to discuss how all three entities can work together. Mr. Wright stated that the newly hired superintendent has voiced plans to open the school on the weekends for academic and recreational programs. He also advised Ms. Finest to reach out to Representative Buxton to assist with book donations. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Asked when the bricks that sank at Front and Pine will be fixed. Mr. Gehrlein stated that it is on a list to be completed that he just went over with officials from Penn DOT. Mr. Gehrlein will get back to Mr. Heefner with a date. Mr. Heefner also asked about the status of the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Gehrlein stated that he is working with Mr. Wion to clear things up on some legal issues. However, an audience member mentioned that a vendor was set up selling products last week. Lastly, Mr. Heefner notified Council that he will be conducting weekly meetings with Mr. Conjar. Mr. Heefner asked Council to make him aware of any issues that need to be discussed in these meetings. Mr. Wright – Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He stated that, as the Chairperson of the Community Development Committee, he is willing to help in any way that is needed. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 7, 2008 Mr. Shaver – Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He stated that communication is a good thing and there seems to have been a glitch while working with the Senior Center. He said he will support the seniors the best way he can. Mr. Albert – Commended Ms. Cotta and Ms. Villeneuve for their efforts, and said he would like to see some men recruited to help out. Dr. Szada – Commended both groups (for young people and for senior citizens) for voicing their concerns. She offered her support as a Council Member, business owner, and a citizen of Steelton. Mr. Kovach – Thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He said that no matter what the problem is Council will do their best to solve it. On motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:03 to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to hire the following applicants for the Summer Per Diem Laborer positions at the rate of $9.00 per hour: Thomas M. Zimmerman, effective May 19, 2008; Lloyd M. Hill and Jeffrey M. Davis, effective June 16, 2008. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Dennise Hill Assistant Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant -6-