City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 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 Jeffery Wright Stephen Shaver Michael Kovach Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Michael Albert MaryJo Szada Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Patrick Gehrlein, Secretary Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Shaver asked that additional information be added to the December 1, 2008 minutes. On page 3, under New Business – Ordinance 2008, Mr. Shaver suggested that the record reflects that Council advised Mr. Wion to advertise the meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members unanimously voted to approve the minutes as amended. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary Gehrlein): Mr. Gehrlein said he had nothing to report at this time. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISTIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Mr. Albert asked what the warnings are that are listed on the billings. Mr. Gehrlein stated that it indicates outstanding money that exceeds budgeted amounts. This is not the available balance. These charges are atypical expenses, such as Christmas decorations. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Mr. Wright stated that at the previous Community Development Meeting, Mrs. Zell was asked to prepare a rental inspection checklist and that was completed. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the November department reports as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri stated that the Steelton-Highspire Rollers won the football State Championship on Friday. The Borough was prepared to have a parade in their honor. At the request of the coaches, staff, and team, no parade was held and the team will be included in the scheduled Memorial Day Parade. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: David Falgoust; Pinnacle Health Systems – Letter to Officer Dennis Basonic thanking him for donating his time in a recent panel discussion on general safety practices in the workplace. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to place this letter into Officer Basonic’s personnel file. Mark A. Pergolese; General Manager, York Waste Disposal – Letter to Council requesting a pricing increase due to the Harrisburg Authority’s decision to increase the tipping fees for trash haulers to $169.90/ton. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Gehrlein if he has reached out to York Waste regarding this matter. Mr. Gehrlein stated that he will schedule a meeting with York Waste. They are asking the Borough to pass the increase on to customers. This was previously presented to Council and it was decided that this is outside the scope of the existing contract. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ordinance 2008-8 – Ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Steelton, PA, Chapter 69, “Inspection Licenses,” Section 69.3 “Duties Of Owners and/or Managers of Property” Subsection A(2) relating to scheduling of Inspections; -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 Section 69-5 “Licensing,” Subsection A, “Application for Licenses” (3) To provide for Inspections every two years; Subsection B, “Issuance of License” to Provide for Inspection Periods to begin January 1; and Subsection E “Reinstatement Of Inspection Licenses” to allow compliant Inspection to permit two-year Inspection Period. Mr. Heefner stated that he thought that Council voted on the entire Ordinance at the last Council meeting. Mr. Wion clarified the amendment to the Ordinance. Mr. Wright added that Ordinance 2008-8 is just to get the process started to change the Rental Inspection requirements. He also asked Mr. Heefner to meet with Mrs. Zell to determine if an addendum needs to be made for 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2008-8, as presented. Ordinance 2008-9 – Ordinance of the Borough of Steelton, County of Dauphin and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, fixing tax rates for Fiscal Year 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2008-9, as presented. Resolution 2008-R-25 – Resolution adopting the 2009 Sewer Budget appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the municipal government for the calendar year of 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-25, as presented. Resolution 2008-R-26 – Resolution adopting the 2009 General Fund Budget appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the municipal government for the calendar year of 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-26, as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution 2008-R-27 – Resolution adopting the annual salaries, hourly wages, and employee benefits for the employees of the Borough of Steelton for 2009. Mr. Wright stated that Council worked hard to reward the employees of the Borough and thanked everyone for working hard. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-27, as presented. Resolution 2008-R-28 – Resolution adopting the 2009 annual Police Pension contribution in accordance with Ordinance No. 2005-2 “Borough of Steelton Police Pension Plan, originally effective December 10, 1947, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2007.” Mr. Heefner stated that Council usually receives a scale from the actuarial firm indicating the amount that is paid out to retirees. Mr. Wion clarified that this Resolution is only for the police pension requiring the officers to pay 2.8% of their wages to the pension fund. He noted that the Non-uniform information is normally received some time between January and March. Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Gehrlein and Mrs. Handley for getting this done. Mr. Gehrlein stated that he has copies of the non-uniform pension plan from Conrad & Siegle and he will make copies and distribute them to Council. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-28, as presented. Resolution 2008-R-29 – Resolution adopting the Steelton Borough Policy for implementing the Amended Right to Know Law. Mr. Wright urged staff and Council to be aware that everything that is done can and will be reviewed under strict scrutiny. He asked everyone to not misuse tax payers’ equipment, such as computers and cell phones. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-29, as presented. Resolution 2008-R-30 – Discount Period On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2008-R-30, as presented. 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: -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 Jean Bar; 349 South Fourth Street – Stated that her brother recently passed away. His children had a key to the house that he lived in. Shortly after his death, she and her sister noticed things were missing from his house, such as antique furniture and an Air Conditioning unit. She spoke with Chief Lenker about the missing items. Ms. Bar was recently told that her niece was asked if she took the items, to which her niece said no. Ms. Bar thinks that it is asinine that a detective would ask a suspected criminal if they did it. The suspected criminal will undoubtedly say no. Dr. Szada stated that she understands what Ms. Bar is going through, as she had a similar experience. However, the Steelton Police Department acted appropriately. Pauline Douglass; Bessemer Street – Just wanted to comment on the fact that she has noticed an increased number of taxi cabs stopping in the middle of the street. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mr. Albert: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar: Congratulated the Rollers and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mr. Shaver: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mr. Wright: Offered Ms. Bar to come talk to him if she needs to. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mr. Heefner: Wished everyone Happy Holidays. He also stated that the building decorations and signs look very nice. Mayor Acri: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and congratulated the Rollers. Mr. Wion: Stated that a motion is needed to accept the settlement in the Harrisburg vs. Fry litigation case. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept the Harrisburg vs. Fry litigation settlement. Mr. Gehrlein: Spoke regarding the Municipal Energy Managers. Copies were given to Council Members. Their organization helps municipalities purchase energy. Energy can be purchased at a fixed rate. The organization can come before Council to give an informational presentation. If Council would like them to come in, Mr. Gehrlein can set up a time and date. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 Mr. Gehrlein also notified Council of the 2009 Elected Officials Summit. It will be taking place on February 6, 2009 at the Harrisburg Hilton. He told anyone interested in attending to let him know. Mr. Wright requested that Mr. Gehrlein attend the summit if Council Members are unable to attend. Lastly, Mr. Gehrlein reminded Council and staff of the Borough Christmas party to be held at the Dutch Club on December 23rd, beginning at 1:00 PM. Mr. Gehrlein wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. Mrs. Brown Sweeney: Wished everyone Happy Holidays. Mrs. Zell: Wished everyone Merry Christmas. Chief Lenker: Wished everyone Happy Holidays. Mr. Kovach: Wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:14 pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:24 p.m. Mr. Heefner made a motion to release Mr. Gehrlein. He would be paid until the end of this month with benefits during that time as well. No second was received. The motion failed. Mr. Kovach relinquished his seat and stated that an official letter of resignation is forthcoming. Mr. Shaver made a motion, seconded by Mr. Albert, to retain Mr. Gehrlein at his current salary. Mr. Shaver noted that there has been a litany of different things and hopefully Mr. Gehrlein understands where we want to go. Mr. Shaver asked the Personnel Committee to meet in order to discuss and implement duties for Mr. Gehrlein to fulfill. The motion passed. Mr. Heefner and Mr. Kovach cast dissenting votes. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Kovach to reconsider his potential resignation. Mr. Kovach declined. Mr. Kovach asked to have Boyer & Ritter conduct an audit of funds since Mr. Gehrlein took over as Secretary Treasurer. He also stated that he enjoyed working with Council. Mr. Wright recommended that Mr. Gehrlein be evaluated by Council after a three-month period. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 15, 2008 Mr. Kovach made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shaver, to have Boyer & Ritter conduct a forensic audit. The motion passed. Dr. Szada and Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar cast dissenting votes. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Wright, the meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Dennise Hill Assistant Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant -7-