City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:59 p.m. by President, Jeffery L. Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. Mr. Wright apologized to the audience for the late start of the meeting. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Jeffery L. Wright MaryJo Szada Michael Kovach 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: Mr. Wion stated that he was not present at the June 22, 2009 special Council meeting. Mr. Shaver stated that, on page 2 paragraph five, Mr. Shaver should be changed to Mr. Wright. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the June 15, 2009 and June 22, 2009 Council Minutes, with the proposed changes. 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. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the schedules, as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood and Economic Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 Public Works: Mr. Heefner wanted to discuss Mrs. Muza’s property. Mr. Shaver stated that since Mrs. Muza previously filed a claim against the Borough, this matter should be discussed in Executive Session. Code Enforcement On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the June department reports as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri had nothing to report. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. Mr. Wright deviated from the agenda and proceeded to Page three (3) under Unfinished Business. Mr. Frank Leber, Esq., Bond Counsel; Rhoads & Sinon, LLP – Present Ordinance 2009-5 for approval of financing for new TYMCO street sweeper via $200,000 General Obligation Note, Series B of 2009 for the Borough of Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Leber asked Council to consider the Ordinance presented for financing of the purchase of a new street sweeper. He stated that the Ordinance was properly advertised and a copy was given to Mr. Wion and Council for review. Mr. Leber stated that the transaction came about because Council Members expressed a need for a new street sweeper. He noted that Council originally asked for a leasing option. Mr. Leber estimated the cost from a legal and economic standpoint and suggested that Council finance the sweeper, as opposed to leasing it. Mr. Leber reminded Council that Mid-Penn Bank submitted a commitment letter for $200,000 at 4.66%. The $200,000 was determined due to the current sweeper’s trade in value and the amount of the new sweeper. Mr. Leber stated that the Borough will only draw down on money that is needed. He said that Mr. Heefner provided a periodic payment schedule. From that information, Mr. Leber showed that the interest cost savings are significant. The Borough will be saving over $8,000 by pursuing the financing option. Mr. Heefner asked if the Borough can pay off the loan at any time. Mr. Leber stated that there is no pre-payment penalty. Mr. Leber stated that this option creates maximum flexibility for the Borough and he anticipates that this will be closed the third week of August. Mr. Heefner asked, since the sweeper is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, can the Borough pay for the sweeper out of the general fund and be reimbursed. Mr. Leber stated that, that is okay. The money would have to be reimbursed within 60 days. 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 Mr. Leber opened the discussion for questions from the audience. There were no questions. Mr. DeSanto thanked Mr. Leber for his hard work on this and for attending the meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Ordinance 2009-5, as presented. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Kovach: yes Mr. Wright: yes Mr. Shaver: yes Mr. Heefner: yes Mr. Wion stated that a motion is needed to use the money from the general fund to purchase the sweeper and reimburse that account when the loan is closed. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to purchase the street sweeper with money from the general fund and reimburse that account when the loan is finalized. COMMUNICATION: Dauphin County Planning Commission – Letter regarding the review of the Steelton Borough H2O application for the East End Sewer Separation Project. It is consistent with local and county land use policies and initiatives. There were no comments. The Lincoln Street Committee – Letter of thanks for support of Lincoln Street Block Party and Community Service given to Dennise Hill, Jeffery Wright, John DeSanto, Police Officer Art Etnoyer and Police Officer Dave McCahan. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present unanimously voted to have a copy of the letter placed in Ms. Hill, Council President Wright, Mr. DeSanto, Officer Etnoyer, and Officer McCahan’s personnel files. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. David Wion, Borough Solicitor – Second Addendum to Independent Contractor/Consultant Agreement for Community Network Resources, Inc. Mr. Wion reminded Council that the Borough entered into a contract last year with CNR, Inc. In the contract, it was indicated that the Borough and CNR, Inc. would continue to 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 work together, as necessary. Mr. Wion stated that this addendum extends the contract from July 31, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Mr. Shaver thanked the staff of Community Network Resources, Inc. for their hard work on the Borough’s grants and their assistance with ongoing projects. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted pass the second addendum to the Community Network Resources, Inc., contract as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wion – Present Resolution 2009-R-21 to adopt the Borough of Steelton Right to Know Law Policy for Public Records. Mr. Wion stated that Resolution-R-21 supplements the Right to Know Law which was changed at the end of last year. It was re-implemented with changes under Resolution 2009-R-6, which deals with the Borough’s agreement to follow the Disposition Manual. Resolution 2009-R-21 includes the use of Borough issued email addresses. Mr. Wion stated that correspondence should not be sent via email pertaining to confidential or legal issues. He also said that no personal emails should be sent on Borough issued email addresses. Mr. Wright stated that the Retention Officer and Right to Know Officer positions will be held by the person who holds the Borough Secretary Treasurer position. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Kovach, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2009-R-21. as presented Mr. Wion – Present Resolution 2009-R-22 to eliminate the special purpose parking zone located at 331 Locust Street, Steelton, PA 17113. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 2009-R-22 as presented. 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. 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Pauline Douglass; Bessemer Street – Asked who the Retention Officer is. Mr. Wright stated that the Retention Officer will be held by the Borough Secretary Treasurer. He also said that he would not name a name. Therefore, if there is a change in personnel, the Resolution will not have to be re-adopted. Lena Jefferson; 258 Jefferson Street – Read a letter from the Lincoln Street Committee. She thanked the Borough for all support given on July 18th during the Take Back Our Streets Rally. There were no additional comments. Pat Zimmerman; 113 N. Harrisburg Street – Discussed the tree that fell on her house and car. Ms. Zimmerman stated that she has lived in her house for the last 12 years. She said her son-in-law visited her house on June 9th and told her that the tree in her backyard was rotting. She then called and left a voicemail message on June 10th for the Codes Officer. The first part of her message was about the tree. The second part was about high grass and weeds. Ms. Zimmerman stated that, last year, she found out that part of the property is owned by the Borough. On June 17th, Sylvie Zell returned her phone call and never mentioned the tree. Then, on June 21st, the tree fell and damaged her house and her car. She would like the Borough to take responsibility and help by paying for the car rental and her deductible. The total damage to her car cost: $2,293.18. The total damage to her house cost: $300.00. Mr. Wion stated that this matter was turned over to the insurance carrier by the Borough. Mr. Wion recommended that it be handled by him and the insurance company. He said Ms. Zimmerman has the right to state her issue but, he asked that it not be discussed further in open session. Emuel Powell; 321 Lebanon St. – Asked if the Borough can address the several companies soliciting residents to buy security systems. Mayor Acri stated that the Borough does not have a policy in place that prevents companies from selling security systems to residents. However, he has spoken with representatives from all three companies about their procedures. Mr. Powell noted that new pumps were installed to improve water pressure in the Borough. He said that he has not noticed any changes and asked what the status is of this 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 project. Mr. Heefner replied that he will have more information on this at the next meeting. The project is still underway and some issues are being worked on. Lena Jefferson, 258 Lincoln – Discussing the store located at 300 Lincoln Street. Ms. Jefferson asked if there is any regulation of how late the store can be open. Mr. Wright stated that there is currently nothing in place. However, Borough staff and Council are working out a verbal agreement with the owner of the store and a policy will be drafted and adopted in the future. Jean Barr; 349 S. Fourth St. – Asked if there is anything wrong with having security systems in the Borough. Mayor Acri stated that it is not illegal for companies to sell security systems in the Borough. But, some companies are giving residents false information, in the attempt to scare them into purchasing the systems. Ms. Barr also asked when the embankment on South Fourth Street will be cleaned. Mayor Acri stated that the embankment is owned by the school district. Maria Marcinko; 2700 Block of South Second St. – Publicly thanked Councilman Heefner and HRG for communicating to residents the progress of the East End Sewer Separation project. Ms. Marcinko asked that the open communication between Council and residents continue. Mr. Kovach noted that there are two Council meetings per month and the Water Authority meets quarterly. Over the last two years, this project has been discussed at length in these meetings. Ms. Marcinko said that residents were told that 98% of East End problems will be solved when the Sewer Separation project is completed. Mr. Heefner stated that the meeting was not called to fix problems going on in East End. It was merely to serve as a sounding board for residents. The information that was provided at the meeting, from residents, was then taken to engineers. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Kovach: Thanked Steelton Police Department for their work in connection with the website Nixle. Mr. Heefner: stated that he has received complaints from residents on Swatara Street. He said he has asked Ms. Zell several times to address 331 Swatara St, since the grass has not been cut since grass cutting season began. Also, there are six people in the house but, 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 they are only utilizing two trash cans. He said there is a lot of trash strewn on the curb each week on trash day. He stated that 355 Swatara has a rotting porch and chipped and peeling paint and 325 Swatara does not use a recycling can. Mayor Acri: noted that there was a nice article in the newspaper about the artisans who are resurfacing the benches and tables at the Boat Dock. Mayor Acri invited everyone to go down and see the progress they have made. He also announced that closing ceremonies will be on August 5, 2009 at 2pm. Mayor Acri will present Jump Street Inc. with a certificate. Mr. Shaver: stated that he noticed the police report that there were 16 curfew violations. He urged Chief Spangler and the Police Officers to keep up the good work. Mr. DeSanto: said that the Borough will continue to work with PP&L to increase the wattage of street lights on Lincoln Street. Mr. Wright: stated that the Take Back Our Streets Rally that took place on July 18th was a success. He hoped that more of his colleagues would have attended. He stated that when residents come to Council for help, Council should take the initiative to support them in any way possible. However, the rally showed that the Borough is moving in a positive direction. Mr. Wright also reminded everyone of the Public Hearing that will be held tomorrow, July 21st at the VFW. Mr. Wright said that Navarro & Wright has been working on the re- zoning project since 2005 and asked that all Council Members make every attempt to attend the meeting. Ms. Hill: reminded everyone that National Night Out will be held on August 4, 2009 from 6-8pm at the Steelton Fire House. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Kovach, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:06 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The regular meeting re-convened at 8:30 P.M. Craig Bachik & Renee Regal – Discussing the possible option of relocating their office to Steelton. Mr. Bachik stated that Kairos Design, Inc. previously looked at the old Mellon Bank, located at Front and Locust Streets. Powers and Associates was previously interested in purchasing that building but, has since backed out. Kairos estimates that it will cost between $500,000 and $750,000 to renovate it. He noted that there are still opportunities 7  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 for HRA grants that could be utilized for purchasing and renovations. Kairos is hoping to purchase the building for $65,000 and could be in the building by January 2010. Mr. Wright told Mr. Bachik and Ms. Regal that the building is not currently owned by the Borough. He said that Council will contact the Steelton Community Development Foundation and get back to Kairos. Mr. Wright also asked if any parking spaces would be needed for this project. Ms. Regal stated that six parking spaces would be needed. Mr. Wion – Discussing the Public Hearing procedures. Mr. Wion stated that Navarro & Wright will give a presentation on the Zoning Ordinance. A special Council Meeting will be called to order. After that, the meeting will recess into the Public Hearing. Mr. Wion said he will be prepared to talk about issues of concern that may arise. He urged all of Council to be present. On a motion made by Mr. Kovach, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the Council Meeting recessed into Executive Session at 8:50pm. The regular meeting re-convened at 9:33pm. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to authorize the Borough Secretary to sign the contract with Hull & Associates in the amount of $195, 500. Mr. DeSanto stated that he spoke with Ed Ellinger who informed him that there will be three fees that need to be paid to Amtrak before any work begins on the Sewer Separation Project. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to authorize HRG to continue with the project. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. DeSanto to contact Amtrak and ask if the fees can be waived. It was the consensus of Council to comply with findings of the insurance carrier in Ms. Zimmerman’s claim. Mayor Acri: reminded Council that there is a Police Committee meeting on Wednesday night. 8  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 20, 2009 ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Kovach, the meeting adjourned at 9:38 pm. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 9