City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by President, Jeffery L. Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Michael Albert MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Jeffery Wright Michael Kovach Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary Handley): Mrs. Handley said she 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. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the January department reports as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri had nothing to report. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Jay R. Wenger, Susquehanna Group Advisors, Inc. Mr. Wenger stated that the Susquehanna Group Advisors is based in Harrisburg and they provide independent financial consulting and advisory services to local governmental entities. Mr. Wenger gave a brief explanation of the services they can provide as the Borough pursues possible financing options for upcoming Borough projects. Mr. Shaver asked if their firm would look at current Bond Issues that are on file. Mr. Wenger said that they would. Mr. Heefner asked if this discussion could be tabled. Mr. Wright stated that the discussion could be tabled or discussed in Executive Session and asked Mr. Musser for his thoughts. Mr. Musser stated that the issue can be tabled but action needs to be taken in the immediate future for the purposes of assembling a team and bringing a financial advisor on board. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present voted 4-1 to retain Susquehanna Group Advisors, Inc., as the Borough’s Financial Advisor for the upcoming bond issues or borrowings, and future borrowings, contingent upon Mr. Wion’s review and approval of the contractual documentation. Mr. Heefner cast the dissenting vote. Linda Goldstein, CREDC – Discussion on the KOZ. Ms. Goldstein introduced Mr. Black. Mr. Black stated that CREDC is not looking for any action tonight. They are, however, asking for the Borough to waive taxes on the KOZ project. He stated that this is based on the condition that ArcelorMittal will sign an agreement to pay that portion of the taxes. ArcelorMittal is interested in extending existing rails. They will also be creating 200 additional jobs. This shows a long term commitment to operate their steel mill in the Borough of Steelton. Mr. Kovach asked if this has been discussed with the School District and if Dauphin County is on board with this. Mr. Black stated that he will be speaking to the School Board on Thursday night and Dauphin County is, indeed, in agreement. Mr. Shaver asked if this process has to go through documentation. Mr. Wion stated that it is possible that an Ordinance or Resolution will be needed for execution. Mr. Black stated that he has copies of Ordinances from the State of PA as well as an agreement from the State. He will provide those to Mr. Wion. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 Mr. Heefner stated that he thinks this is a positive thing for the Borough, citing the potential retail opportunities it will bring for the Downtown area. On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to have Mr. Wion draft a Resolution for this project. COMMUNICATION: Renee Drayton Bowers – Letter requesting that Council designate one side of Lincoln Street as “No Parking,” on Memorial Day to avoid congestion that occurs every year on this day. Also commending Public Works for condition of Borough Streets on January 28, 2009. Chief Lenker stated that he spoke with Mayor Acri regarding this and Lincoln Street can be posted. The South Side of Lincoln Street will be posted as Temporary No Parking on Memorial Day. Paula Sviben – Request to remove handicap parking spot at 2620 S. Third Street. Mr. Shaver asked Chief Lenker to make sure that the parking spot is not being used and bring a recommendation back to Council. Chief Lenker stated that he will do so. Michael Musser – EPA Course for Brownfields Project. This was provided for Council’s information. Any Council Members interested in attending should Contact Mrs. Handley. Lisa A. Myers, Boyer & Ritter, CPA’s – Letter outlining their Audit procedures. Mr. Wright urged Council Members to read over the document, as it has beneficial information in it. He also stated that Ms. Myers will meet with the Finance Committee on March 17, 2009 Dwayne A. Davis – Requesting the use of Municipal Park for Adams Street Steelton Basketball League. Mr. Albert stated that the event went well last year. He recommended that, as long as Mr. Davis provides proper paperwork and he is advised that he cannot sell food, he should be granted permission to use the facility for the basketball league. Mr. Albert also suggested that he be invited to come before Council. Mr. Wright asked Mrs. Handley to write Mr. Davis a letter. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 Rebecca Denlinger, Rettew – Letter informing Council that they are representing Highspire Borough in their H20PA and Penn Vest Applications. This was provided for Council’s information. Kelly Wolf, Manager, Dauphin County – Providing an update on Pending Municipal Waste Tipping Fee Increase. This was provided for Council’s information. PSAB – Reminder about the 98th Annual conference on March 22-25, 2009 at Hershey Lodge. This was provided for Council’s information. Any Council Members interested in attending should contact Mrs. Handley. Federal Communications Commission – Information Notice of Section 106 Filings. This was provided for Council’s information. Douglas Goff, Commissioner, Swatara Township – Invitation to a meeting with the Township and Centenary Church to discuss the development of a small neighborhood park. This was provided for Council’s information. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: David Wion, Solicitor – Resolution 2009-R-2 Amending defined benefit pension plan providing a 3% COLA for currently retired Borough employees. RESOLUTION 2009-R-2, A Resolution amending defined benefit Pension Plan Joinder Agreement for the borough of Steelton Non-Uniformed Employees Pension Plan, Providing for a 3 Percent Cost of Living Adjustment over and above the current benefit payment for currently retired former Borough Employees, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2009-R-2, as presented. Mrs. Handley – Discussion on fees and hours for Parking Meters. Mrs. Handley asked Council what they would like the fees and hours of operation to be for the Parking Meters. This information is needed before the company can program the -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 new meters and provide training on the new meters. Mr. Kovach asked if a new price is assigned to the new ones downtown, or will all meters throughout the Borough need to be changed. He stated that he does not think the old meters can be changed. Mrs. Handley stated that Mr. Conjar said that the old meters can be updated. Mr. Heefner said that he will follow up to make sure that they can be. Ed Ellinger, HRG – Proposal for engineering services preliminary and final design, Felton & R Streets sewer separation project. Mr. Ellinger stated that this is a follow up to the January 26th discussion and meeting. There are currently crews out on T Street. He gave a proposal for Felton and R Streets, which is the complete sewer separation project. He stressed that project readiness is the main component of this project and will make it attractive to investors. Mr. Kovach asked if money received from Act 64 (Stimulus) will offset the difference that we do not receive from Act 63 (H20PA Grant). Mr. Ellinger stated that matching funds can come from the Stimulus money. Mr. Shaver asked what the professional services cost for the original project was. Mr. Ellinger stated that that cost was $173,000 for T Street, which is about 18% of the total project. The estimated professional services cost for the entire East End project would be $570-$580,000. After some discussion, Mr. Ellinger ended by notifying Council that this is to be completed within the next 4-5 months and the costs are equal to 5 of HRG’s engineers’ full time salary. Michael Musser – Update on grants process and procedures. Mr. Musser stated that he has upcoming meetings with DCED. He has been in contact with Representative Buxton’s office to get contracts re-instated. He is also working on getting CDBG re-imbursement. A grant totaling $196,000 will be completed 10 weeks from Friday. The Brownfields grant should be finalized within 30 days. He will get the PIN number to finalize the COPS grant, for $156,000. Mr. Musser said he hopes to have most of the pending grant funds resolved with (60) days, Mr. Ellinger also stated that $75,000 from Act 537 should have been received by the Borough already. It was submitted in November. Mr. Musser stated will follow up tomorrow on the status of it. NEW BUSINESS: Frank S. Brown, Grand Secretary I.B.P.O. Elks of the World – Letter requesting the Borough to waive the parade permit fee of $756.52 for the Elks Parade. Dennise Hill – Discussion on the Borough’s Veteran’s Parade and the Elks’ State Convention Parade. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 Mr. Samuel Gaiter spoke on behalf of Mr. Brown, who was admitted to the hospital. Mr. Gaither stressed that the Elks needs to hold this convention. It brings a lot of revenue, such as the one held in 1998. He stated that he would appreciate it if Council would work with them to make the convention happen. Ms. Hill added that she spoke with Mayor Acri and Mr. Wright concerning this. She feels it would be beneficial to both the Elks and the Borough for the parades to be combined. There has been no advertisement sent and all groups have been advised that two dates were possible. Ms. Hill also stated that this is the same weekend as the Hot & Spicy International Festival. This is a big draw because the additional people in and around the Borough for the convention will have an event they can attend the day before the parade. Ms. Hill asked Council to consider combining the parades. Mr. Wright said that since the Elks’ Parade would be combined with the Borough’s Parade, he would consider reducing the Elks’ Parade Fee by one-half to $378.00, if Council agreed. Mr. Gaither stated that their next meeting is February 22nd. He will take this back to the committee for a vote. On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept the consolidation of parades, and the reduced parade fee pending approval from the Elks Parade Committee. Jeffery Wright – Amend Contract with Community Networking Resources. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to amend the contract with Mr. Musser and pay him $4,000 per month for the next six months. Mrs. Zell, Code Officer – Discussion on 540 North Third Street. Mrs. Zell was not in attendance so Mr. Heefner discussed this matter. He stated that there are high weeds and grass at the property. Normally, Borough staff takes care of it, bills the owner, and puts a lien on the property if the bill is not paid. Mr. Wright asked that this matter be discussed in the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee meeting. He stated that the committee will also discuss the amendment of the Rental Inspection process. Mrs. Handley – Discussion on 872-874 North Front Street Sewer Bill. It recently came to Mrs. Handley’s attention that this property is not on the Steelton Borough sewer system but has been billed for sewer. She said that the customer will no longer be billed for sewer. Ms. Handley said the customer is requesting a refund for the sewer payments that were made, however he isn’t the owner of record. Mrs. Handley said that the customer indicated that he would attend the meeting, but is not present. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 Mrs. Handley said she will contact the owner for some additional information. Dennis Heefner – Recommendation to hire Teddy R. Cleckner to fill the vacancy in the Sewer Department. Mr. Cleckner is currently working as a seasonal employee in the Highway Department. On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to hire Mr. Cleckner in the Sewer Department vacancy, at the rate of $10.78 an hour. Resolution 2009-R-3 – Resolution of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, authorizing the sale of certain real estate tax claims and liens and associated rights and remedies relating to the 2008 real estate tax claims was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Resolution 2009-R-3, as presented. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Handley – Informing Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Land Acquisition Matters. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Donald Bowers, 587 Lincoln Street – recently bought 447 Lincoln Street. He immediately noticed that the water pressure was low. Mr. Bowers called the water department and they came to the property several times. Mr. Bowers did extensive work to investigate the problem, including tearing the ground up to look for blockages. Ultimately, it was found that the main valves, in the ground, need to be cleaned. He wanted to make Council aware of the problem because others in the Borough may be experiencing it as well. Mr. Wright notified Mr. Bowers that he needs to address the Steelton Water Authority. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Bowers to contact Mrs. Handley for the date of the next Water Authority meeting. Mr. Musser– urged Council to review the KOZ agreement extensively. He asked them to make sure that language states that the owners of the property cannot file for a tax appeal to reduce appraised property value during those 10 years. -7-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 Emuel Powell, Lebanon Street – asked what the Code Regulation is for commercial use from Bailey Street to William Howard Day Cemetery. Mr. Heefner stated that the zoning is residential and if someone wanted to have a home occupation they would need to get a variance. Codes will send a letter to neighbors notifying them of the request. Mr. Heefner asked Mr. Powell to contact Mrs. Zell for further details on how the process works. Samuel Gaither, Gettysburg, PA – asked how much the recent tax increase was for. Mr. Kovach said it was for 2 mills of what the land/building is assessed at. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Kovach: stated that there was a nice turn out for the Black History Month Essay Contest. Mr. Heefner: had no comment. Mr. Albert: had no comment. Mr. Shaver: thanked Mrs. Handley for putting in extra hours while the office is short- handed. Mr. Wright: stated that Mrs. Zell will send out dates for zoning meetings. He asked Council to please review the dates and see when they are available to meet. He also concurred with Mr. Shaver, regarding Mrs. Handley’s efforts and her hard work. Lastly, Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Musser for coming back on board. Mr. Wion: had no comment. Mrs. Handley: had no comment. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:02 pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:33 p.m. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to sign a contract between the Borough of Steelton and HRG, Inc. to design the full East End project. On a motion made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:37 p.m., for the reasons previously stated. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:54 p.m. -8-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting February 17, 2009 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ Kathleen D. Handley Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant -9-