City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33 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: There were no minutes presented for approval. 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: On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules of bills, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Mr. Wright asked Mr. Gehrlein to give an update on grants and their progress. Mr. Gehrlein stated that Kara Allison attended the last Neighborhood and Economic Development meeting to give an update on the Brownfield application. There were five -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 targeted properties. Mr. Shaver stated that there was a quarterly report received, dated October 2008 – December 2008. He asked if Ms. Allison reviewed this. Mr. Gehrlein stated that she had and that an updated version will be sent to Council for approval. Mr. Heefner said that Mr. Conjar and Mrs. Brown-Sweeney found a grant through 3M to get 50% off for the sign machine materials that the Borough plans to purchase. He also did some research on purchasing a new street sweeper. He will make copies for Council Members and send them out. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the department reports as presented. Mayor’s Report: PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. PRESENTATION: Edward Ellinger: Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Engineers – Discussion of the combined sewer overflows/long-term control plan improvements mandated through consent order through PA DEP. COMMUNICATION: Brother Richard S. Hankerson & Brenda L. Coney; Cyrene Elks Lodge No. 169 – Letter to Council requesting to hold their I.B.P.O.E. Statewide Convention Parade along Front Street in Steelton, from Front & Chambers to Adams Street on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 1-3 pm and also to request the closing of Adams Street from 2nd Street to Harrisburg Street from 10 am to 5 pm on May 31, 2009. Mr. Shaver asked Chief Lenker if he is aware of how much this request will cost in over time. Chief Lenker stated that it depends upon how many officers work the event. Mr. Gehrlein added that the cost will be included in the permit fee paid by the Elks. Mr. Kovach stated that Ex-Mayor Brown is a member of the Elks. He also said that the lodge held a state parade in the Borough several years ago and it was very impressive. Mr. Gehrlein said that this is a state convention for the lodge however; guests will be traveling from all over the nation to attend. Also, it is scheduled to take place one day after the Hot & Spicy Festival. Mr. Gehrlein said that this will be a great opportunity to boost attendance to both events. He added that the streets can be shut down in phases to limit traffic congestion. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the request by the Cyrene Elks Lodge No. 169 to hold their I.B.P.O.E. Statewide Convention Parade along Front Street in Steelton on May 31, 2009 and also to allow the closing of Adams Street from Second to Harrisburg Street. Michael Houser; Steelton Fire Department EMS Administrator – Letter to Council requesting that Council consider advancing the EMS Department $2,600 to cover payroll while waiting for the Medicare payments to be received. Mr. Kovach asked Mr. Gehrlein to verify that $5,000 was recently given to the department. Mr. Gehrlein stated that it was. The total amount advanced so far is just under $20,000 for payroll and other advancements. Mr. Kovach stated that there were some problems with Medicare but they have since been straightened out. He asked if any of the Medicare payments have been received. Mayor Acri said that they have not. He did receive a letter from Medicare stating that the payments have been approved and the payment is in the mail. Mayor Acri tried to call a representative to verify the amount that was sent. The representative has yet to return his call. Mayor Acri suggested that Council have a meeting with the ambulance administration to discuss the status of the department. Mr. Kovach asked how much money was budgeted to be given to the ambulance department. Mayor Acri said that $85,000 was budgeted. Mr. Kovach recommended that after that amount has been borrowed, no more money be advanced to them. He said that Council has no other recourse. Mr. Shaver stated that he agrees with Mayor Acri and thinks that Council should sit down with the Finance and Public Safety Committees. Mayor Acri added that Council may want to consider appointing an ambulance chief and take those duties away from Chief Vance. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present unanimously voted to pay the $2,600 to maintain the Steelton Borough ambulance services. Mr. Wright asked if a Finance Committee meeting is coming up soon. Mr. Gehrlein said that a meeting needs to be scheduled. Mr. Heefner proposed that a monthly finance meeting be held and a report be given at each legislative Council meeting. He also requested that a year-end budget report for 2008 be generated. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to meet on February 12, 2009 at 6 pm. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Christopher Anderson – Actuarial Analyst; Mockenhaupt Benefits Group – Presenting Council with the actuarial study of the non-uniformed employees pension plan to estimate the ad-hoc cost of living (COLA) adjustment equal to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% increase in the monthly benefit. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 Mr. Kovach asked if the report was stating that as of January 1, 2007, the Borough had a $228,900 deficit. Mr. Wion said that is not the case. A study is done to show how much money is needed to meet certain obligations of those employed (i.e. – how long they will live, current age, etc.). A valuation is given of the Borough’s assets to cover the actuarial criteria. After some discussion, Council Members present decided to table this matter until the next Council meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Gehrlein – Presenting Council with a copy of the current meeting calendar for 2009 for Council, Water Authority, Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee, Police Committee, Fire and EMS Committee, Zoning Hearing Board, and Planning Commission. Mr. Shaver asked if these were advertised. Mr. Gehrlein said they were and there was an email sent with proof of proper advertising. Mr. Gehrlein & Councilman Heefner – Providing Council with an update on the H20 PA Grant Application for the Water Filtration Plant as well as the Combined Sewer Overflow CSO project. Mr. Gehrlein said that the H20 CSO plan is progressing very well. He gave an update on the filtration portion of the project. The estimated cost for repairs will be done to show upgrades to the distribution and filtration systems. The estimate will include amounts for a possible interconnection with United Water and the internal functions of the plant. Mr. Gehrlein said that the Borough Authority has been working with the McCullough Group on the H20 PA grant application. The due date is February 13, 2009. They have met three times. The application is for $12 million. The total cost of the project is $19 million. There are back-up plans in place for the water filtration project. The alternative plans range from receiving enough funding to complete the project to receiving no funding at all. Mr. Gehrlein invited everyone to attend the meeting scheduled for February 2, 2009. Mr. Wright reiterated that the deadline is February 13, 2009. He asked that everything be submitted in advance to make sure that the McCullough Group has sufficient time to complete the application. Mr. Gehrlein stated that a deadline has been set for January 30, 2009. The McCullough Group will use that additional time to complete the application and submit it. Ordinance No. 2009-1 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, amending the code of the Borough of Steelton Pennsylvania, Chapter 16, “Pensions”, Article III, entitled “Police Pension Plan and Fund”, by amending and restating the Borough of Steelton Police Pension Plan in its entirety. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 Mr. Wion said that the IRS laws are constantly changing regarding the Pension Plans. The Steelton Police Pension Plan needs to be changed in a number of respects due to the most recent law changes handed down by the IRS. The Borough will need to re-state the entire pension plan. Ordinance 2009-1 amends the code of Ordinances. It also amends the entire plan pursuant to Conrad Siegle. It has been sent to the Steelton Police Department for review. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve Ordinance No. 2009-1, 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: There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada: said that with the New Year just passing, there are changes on the horizon. She thinks it would be a good idea to open the floor for nominations for new officers. It would be in the best interest of the Borough, as a whole. Dr. Szada asked Mr. Wion when this can be done. Mr. Wion said Council can have an election at any time of the year. A Council Member needs to make a motion, receive a second and Council then votes on any nominations made. On a motion made by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to hold an election for new Council officers. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada, Council Members present unanimously voted to nominate Mr. Wright as Council President. On a motion made by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted to elect Mr. Wright as Council President. Mr. Heefner cast the dissenting vote. The motion carried. On a motion made by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to elect Mr. Albert as Council Pro Tem. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 Mr. Kovach stated that he started on Council 26 years ago. He is proud of the good things he has been able to accomplish for the community. He gave personal comments to each Council Member and said it was a pleasure working with each of them. Dr. Szada added that change is never easy and she thanked Mr. Kovach for his many years of service. Mr. Kovach said that he is an advocate of positive change and commended the current Council as being the most productive group during his tenure. Mr. Wright noted for the record that Mr. Kovach had planned to step down tonight. He was not voted out. Mr. Heefner: said it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Kovach. Mr. Shaver: said it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Kovach. He considers him a good friend. Additionally, Mr. Shaver stated that he received a certificate with regard to commercial plumbing inspection for Mrs. Zell. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have this certificate placed in Mrs. Zell’s personnel file. Mr. Wion stated that Council should appoint a citizen to the chair of the vacancy board. Borough Code requires this be done in January of each year. Mr. Wright asked that each Council Member submit names at the February 2, 2009 Council Meeting for possible nomination. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar: wished Mr. Kovach well in his future endeavors. She thanked him for all he has done over the years. She also stated that she would like to make sure that all Council Members are on the same page regarding the many projects that are pending. Mr. Albert: said it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Kovach. Mayor Acri: thanked Mr. Kovach for the services he has provided to the community and to Council. He asked him to consider staying on Council until the end of December 2009. Mayor Acri also asked that Council and he go into Executive Session immediately following the meeting. Mr. Wion: said that leadership is never easy. The last 4-5 years have been progressive as well as difficult. Mr. Wion looks forward to working with Mr. Kovach in the future. Mr. Gehrlein: thanked Mr. Kovach for always being there for him. He wished him well. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 26, 2009 Mrs. Handley: stated that she is glad that Mr. Kovach is staying on Council. She has enjoyed working with him for many years. Mr. Heefner: stated that Mr. Frank Leber completed bond work for the fire truck for free. He suggested that a proclamation be drafted to thank him. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have a proclamation of thanks drafted for Mr. Leber. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:16 pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. Mr. Albert was excused. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:30 pm. Mr. Shaver stated that Mr. Gehrlein resigned effective immediately and the day to day operations will be handled by Mrs. Handley. He asked Mrs. Handley to advertise immediately to fill the vacancy. Mr. Shaver said Mr. Musser will be returning on a consulting basis. Mr. Shaver told Mrs. Brown-Sweeney that Council needs her to pick up on the H2O Project, effective immediately, since she is familiar with it. Mrs. Sweeney said she would do that. Mr. Shaver told Mrs. Sweeney that Mr. Heefner is familiar with the project, and she can also go to Mr. Ellinger and Mr. Espenshade for assistance or guidance. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Mr. Gehrlein’s resignation effective immediately. It was the consensus of Council Members present to pay Mr. Gehrlein for the remainder of this week and two (2) additional weeks, through January 14, 2009. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council Members present voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2009-R-1, appointing Kathleen Handley as Borough Secretary-Treasurer, and asked Mrs. Handley to secure the necessary additional bonding. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Dr. Szada, the Council meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Dennise Hill Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Administrative Assistant -7-