City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President, Jeffery L. Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Michael Kovach Michael Albert Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver Jeffery L. Wright MaryJo Szada Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Dennise Hill, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the June 1, 2009 Council Minutes, as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mr. DeSanto 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. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development: Mr. Wright stated that this will now be called the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Code Enforcement On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the May department reports as presented. 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 Public Works: Mr. Heefner stated that the parking spaces at Front and Locust Streets should be completed soon. He said that the Hoffer Street pumping station flooded during the last rain storm. Mr. Heefner said that the manhole covers and catch basins need to be addressed. He said Mr. Conjar will make a list of all the manhole covers that need to be replaced immediately since they present a threat to public safety. Mr. Heefner said that he is waiting for a salesman to get back to him regarding the street sweeper. He noted that the option of putting it up for sale is being discussed. The Borough will receive $25,000 if it is traded in, however the Borough could receive $35,000 - $40,000 if it is sold. He said there are a few municipalities interest to buy a used street sweeper, so an ad will be put in PSAB and the PA Township News publications. Lastly, Mr. Heefner said that the wall at the boardwalk is starting to collapse so this will need to be addressed by the next budget session. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the Public Works Department Report, as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri stated that at the recent Firefighters’ Convention, the Steelton Ambulance took first place in a competition that was held during the convention. Mayor Acri presented a plaque to Chief Gene Vance. Mayor Acri noted that the Steelton Fire Department Barbeque will be held Saturday, June 27 on the lot across from the Borough Building and tickets are $7.00. Finally, Mayor Acri notified everyone that the new applications for ambulance services will be mailed out tomorrow and go into effect July 1, 2009. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. Mr. Wright deviated from the agenda and proceeded to Page two (2) under New Business. Lisa Myers, CFE, CPA, FCPA, Boyer & Ritter Certified Public Accountants – Presentation of Audited 2008 Financial Report. Ms. Myers stated that she met with the Finance Committee. Boyer & Ritter audited the Borough’s Governmental Activity, which was fairly presented, as of 12-31-2008. Ms. Myers noted that this is the highest rating that can be received. The Governmental Activities include fixed assets and long term debt. She said that the Borough’s debts exceed the fixed assets and $3.3 million is needed to cover this deficit. Ms. Myers also stated that the packet she provided to Council includes a management letter. She provided a copy to Mr. DeSanto and he is in the process of completing items within the letter. Mr. Wright thanked Ms. Myers for coming and he said that Council will be contacting her soon. 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 COMMUNICATION: Bobbie and Doug Malinak, Co-Chairs; Ryan Lee Mohn Walk – Request to utilize Borough Streets, tents, radios and assistance of Fire Police as in previous years for the Ryan lee Mohn Walk. Mayor Acri stated that Acting Chief Spangler has been working with the Mohn Family to coordinate this. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve this request. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Shaver, Chairman, Personnel Committee – Recommendation to hire an Accounts Payable Clerk, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Donna Sprow. Mr. Shaver stated that the Personnel Committee met last week to discuss this matter. There were 90 applications submitted and the committee narrowed that list down to 10 to interview. The Personnel Committee recommend that Rosemarie Paul be hired at $14.50 per hour and be placed on a six month probationary period. Her hire date will be effective June 16, 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to hire Ms. Paul effective June 16, 2009 as recommended by the Personnel Committee. Mr. Shaver – Recommendation to ratify hiring of individuals to fill (1) Summer Laborer position and (1) combination part-time custodial/part-time summer laborer position. Mr. Shaver stated that a motion is needed to ratify hiring Tyler Neal as the Summer Laborer effective June 8, 2009, at the rate of $9.18 an hour as well as hire Tory Pogasic as part-time custodian and part-time summer laborer position, effective June 8, 2009, at the rate of $9.18 an hour. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to ratify hiring Tyler Neal as the Summer Laborer and hire Tory Pogasic as part-time custodian and part-time summer laborer position, effective June 8, 2009, at the rate of $9.18 per hour. 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 Edward A. Ellinger, P.E., HRG, Inc. –Proposal for Engineering Services, Adams Street Subdivision Plan. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the proposal from HRG, Inc., for Engineering Services for Adams Street Subdivision. Dennis Heefner – Update on grass cutting quotes. Mr. Heefner informed Council that he received two additional quotes. Black Landscaping quoted $65 per cut and All Season quoted $55 per cut. Both of these quotes are higher than Center City, who quoted $45 per cut. Mr. Heefner said he will ask Mr. Conjar to instruct Center City to proceed. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wion – Resolution 2009-R-17, Establish New Steelton Borough Municipal Checking Account at Mid-Penn Bank. Mr. Albert noted that the Resolution should have three (3) individuals to be able to sign. It currently allows one (1). Mr. Wion stated that the Resolution can be edited and signed. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution-R-17, with the aforementioned changes. Mr. DeSanto – Discussion on request to donate old water utility truck to the Fire Department. Mr. DeSanto stated that the Fire Company is interested in receiving the truck from the water department that is no longer in use. There are members of the Fire Company that are able to make repairs. Mr. Shaver stated that the truck would not have to be donated since the Borough will own the truck if it is used by the water department or the Fire Company. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to transfer the water department truck to the Fire Department. Mayor Acri – Discussion on the relocation of the Lion’s Club Eye Glasses drop off box. Mayor Acri stated that the Lion’s Club would like to move the box they use to collect donated eye glasses to the Borough Hall building. The Lion’s Club will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the box. He said the box is used by the community. It was 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 the consensus of Council to allow the Lion’s Club to place the box at Borough Hall. Mayor Acri stated that he will coordinate with the Lion’s Club to have the box moved. Shirley Neal – Letter of resignation effective September 18, 2009. Mr. DeSanto stated that Mrs. Neal has served as an employee of the Borough for 32.5 years. And she is retiring. Mayor Acri added that Mrs. Neal has served with many Mayors, Chiefs, and officers and she will be missed. All those in attendance gave Mrs. Neal a round of applause. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mrs. Neal. Mayor Acri – Informing Council of Steelton Fire Department Chicken Bar-B-Q on Saturday, June 27, 2009 and requesting the use of the Borough lot across from the Borough Hall. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve this request. Mr. DeSanto said that he will send a letter to the Steelton Fire Department to notify them that the request has been approved. Mr. DeSanto – Requesting authorization to replace several doors in the building. Mr. Wright asked that the audience be open minded of the discussion to follow due to a recent incident that could have caused great danger to Borough employees, officers, and the public. Mr. DeSanto said an incident occurred that put employees in danger. The Borough is currently replacing the glass in the outside door, closest to the Police Department. However, Mr. DeSanto asked Council to consider replacing the inside door that is used to collect money for parking tickets and talk to citizens. Mr. Heefner stated that there is no money to replace the doors. Mr. Wright stated that this will be discussed further in Executive Session. Mr. DeSanto – Requesting permission to purchase some office furniture from the State Surplus for the Borough Secretary’s office personnel, which will provide additional, needed space. Mr. DeSanto stated that there is a need to re-align departments for better oversight. Ms. Hill will be moved to the front office, on the first floor. Mr. DeSanto proposed that three desks be placed in the outer office and those desks be updated for more storage. This move would free up room for the Police Department for interviews and storage. Mr. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 Wright added that future plans include moving all administrative offices to the third floor and the Police Department will occupy the first and second floors. Mr. Shaver asked how much the furniture will cost. Mr. DeSanto responded that he will not know how much it will cost until he visits State Surplus but, assured Council he will do his best to keep costs low. Mr. Shaver said he has no problem with permitting Mr. DeSanto get estimates and then submit those estimates to Council for review. Mr. Albert agreed with Mr. Shaver. Mr. Heefner reminded everyone that Acting Chief Spangler is currently looking for grants to build a structure for records storage for the Police Department. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present unanimously voted to allow Mr. DeSanto to get estimates for new furniture and submit them to Council. OTHER BUSINESS: Secretary DeSanto – Informing Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Sonja Simmons, 228 Lincoln Street – Discussing a handicap parking sign on her block. Ms. Simmons asked that the handicap parking sign located at 222 Lincoln Street be removed since the neighbor lost her house approximately eight months ago and no longer lives there. Mr. Wright said the Borough staff will verify the information and give it to the Solicitor to prepare a Resolution to remove the space. Natalie Muza, 200 Catherine Street – Discuss ongoing storage drain pipe problems. Mrs. Muza stated that she has been having storage drain pipe problems since 2004. In 2007, her pipes were replaced at the Borough’s expense. She thanked the Borough and asked that a maintenance schedule be implemented and that the Public Works Department assess if the current pipe is suitable. Within the last year, she has had issues three times (February, October, and November). Two of those times, it was an issue of maintenance. She wanted to know if a maintenance schedule was ever implemented and 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 if the pipe was determined to be suitable. Mr. Heefner stated that he would visit her property personally to look into the issue. Taren and Jeannine Pettigrew, 209 Lincoln Street – Discussing current problems on Lincoln Street. Ms. Taren Pettigrew stated that she and her mother are tired of the teenagers on Lincoln Street, noting that there was a large fight on Saturday. One of the same juveniles involved in that fight disrespected her and her mother earlier today. The juvenile then threatened to kill her brother. She is requesting more of a police presence. Mr. Wright stated that there are problems on all streets throughout the Borough. He asked the ladies to please call 911, to which they responded affirmatively. Mr. Wright asked what more they would like Council to do. Ms. Taren Pettigrew stated that she would like these kids arrested. Acting Chief Spangler stated that he has asked all officers to make their presence known on Lincoln Street and they have been doing so. He stressed a need for citizens to be willing to testify at the hearing when arrests are made. Lena Jefferson, 258 Lincoln – Discussing the current problems on Lincoln Street. Ms. Jefferson stated that she has noticed that the police have come up and answered their calls of disturbances, but, she would still like to see more of a presence. Ms. Jefferson said she is willing to testify. She also stated that the store located at Harrisburg and Lincoln Streets does not close until after 1:00 am. Mr. Albert asked why there are no men to help out. Ms. Jefferson stated that there are not many men in the community but there are plenty of women asking for help. Mr. Wright asked Ms. Jefferson if she thinks it would be beneficial for Council Members, citizens, and clergy to get together and have a march on Lincoln Street. She stated that it would. Ms. Jefferson also thanked Miss Hill and Cub Pack 207 for cleaning up the neighborhood on Saturday, June 13, 2009. The audience gave a round of applause. Mary Walker, 410 Ridge Street – Discussing trash on a neighbor’s property. Ms. Walker stated that the trash has been out since November 2008. She asked that it be addressed. Maxine Mitchell, 420 Ridge Street – Discussing trash on the 400 block of Ridge Street. Ms. Mitchell stated that she is aware of the issue Ms. Walker is referring to and it is being placed at a garage of a resident who lives on Lincoln Street. She said that the house has been cited numerous times to no avail. She is asking that it be taken care of. Mr. Wright stated that the Codes Office has done what they are allowed to do within legal limits. The citations are submitted to District Justice Semic’s office and no action is taken. 7  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 Iris Brown, 236 Lincoln Street – Discussing the current problems on Lincoln Street. Ms. Brown stated that the police have been there but, kids are still congregating on her property. She said that the curfew ordinance is not enforced. Mr. Heefner stated that the same problem occurred on Fourth Street and when the residents came together and testified, things changed. Gloria Hairston, 238 Lincoln Street – Discussing the current problems on Lincoln Street. Ms. Hairston stated that she has seven children and she is doing her best to keep kids away. She knows that her house tends to be the house that kids congregate at; however, when she is home, she makes them leave. She also said that she has noticed an improvement with people picking up trash. Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Discussing the current problems on Lincoln Street. Mr. Powell stated that the same problem occurred ten years ago. A Crime Watch Association was established and things got better. He stressed the fact that it will take the entire community getting involved to bring about a solution. Mr. Powell said that he saw a few kids breaking out the windows of an abandoned house and he simply told them to stop and the kids left. He urged residents to say something when they see kids doing something wrong. Mayor Acri said that he lives on South Second Street and people also throw trash on his sidewalk. He said he does not come to Council and complain; he just picks the trash up and throws it away. The Mayor urged the residents of Lincoln Street to do the same. He said that he rode with two different officers who patrolled Lincoln Street on Tuesday night from midnight until 2:30am and did not see any kids out. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Dr. Szada: commended the Public Works Department and the Police Department for action they took on a recent hit and run incident her car was involved in. She said the case was solved before she was made aware that it had occurred. She thanked them for their hard work. Mr. Albert: stated that he will be there to support the residents of Lincoln Street. Mr. Heefner: thanked Miss Hill for her work on the Hot & Spicy Festival and the Memorial Day Parade. He also stated that there are currently 25 yards throughout the Borough where the grass 8  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 15, 2009 and weeds need to be cut. These properties are owned by banks. He said that if the Public Works Department cuts the grass in the yards; the Borough will place a lien on the property. However, the Borough will probably not be able to recuperate that money. He asked for input on whether or not the Public Works Department should cut these properties. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough must follow the laws and Ordinances that are currently in place. Mr. DeSanto added that due to his background in the financial services field, he is confident that the Borough does not have the financial means to pursue the banks, but, he agreed with Mr. Wion that the Borough is obligated to follow the proper legal course to rectify this situation. Ms. Pauline Douglass, of 433 Bessemer Street, stated that the grass at 431 Bessemer Street is up to her waist in height. She asked what can be done about it. Mr. Wright stated that it will be handled administratively between Mr. DeSanto and Mr. Heefner. Mr. Wright: stated that Council will try, as a whole, to help the residents on Lincoln Street, and throughout the Borough. On a motion made by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:16 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The regular meeting re-convened at 9:32 P.M. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Wion to prepare documentation to extend the addendum to Mr. Musser’s consulting contract. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting adjourned at 9:33 P.M. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 9