City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President, Jeffery L. Wright, with the pledge of allegiance. Pastor Richard J. Miller gave an invocation, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Jeffery L. Wright Michael Kovach Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar 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 Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the July 20, 2009 Council Minutes. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mr. DeSanto said he had nothing to report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: Susan Kline, Senior Center Director – Letter of Resignation, effective August 7, 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman- Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Ms. Kline. Bucks County Community College & Pennsylvania State Fire Academy – Bruce G. Elliot, Jr. Certificate for Completing Emergency Vehicle Driver Training. Mr. Shaver asked Chief Vance to place this on file. 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto, Secretary – Update on Pennvest Financing. Mr. DeSanto stated that he was notified that the Borough of Steelton was awarded a Pennvest loan in the amount of $11 million with a 1.125% fixed rate over 20 years. He noted that the proceeds are to be used for the East End Sewer Separation Project. There were no comments from Council. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Joshua J. Vecchio, Executive Director – Discussion on Act 32, Consolidation of the Earned Income Tax Collectors within each county. Mr. Vecchio stated that by September, it will be necessary for Council to elect a delegate and alternate to the County Tax Collection Committee. He advised Council to communicate this information to Dauphin County Commissioners at their earliest convenience. He also stated that the first meeting of the County Tax Collection Committee (CTCC), a new governmental agency, will take place during the first or second week of November. The CTCC will have its own expenses. Mr. Vecchio suggested that the Borough of Steelton, the Borough of Highspire, and Steelton- Highspire School District elect the same delegate to represent all three political subdivisions. He said there are currently five tax collectors in the area and only three will be looking to go countywide. This will be a cost saving measure for the Borough to join this committee. Mr. Wright asked about the $125,000-150,000 fee mentioned in the paperwork that was distributed to Council. Mr. Vecchio stated that fees are based on a weighted vote. He noted that 50% is based on population and 50% is based on expenses. The Borough of Steelton accounts for 2% of both. Mr. Wright asked what other options are if Council opts out of joining this committee. Mr. Vecchio said that Council has three options: 1. Could use the services of a for-profit company through RFP. 2. The Borough can form its own bureau. 3. Or, the Borough can join a multi-county committee. Mr. Vecchio stressed that this committee only deals with earned income taxes. It does not affect elected tax collectors. 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 Mr. Heefner asked if Council will have to charge taxpayers for this service. Mr. Vecchio stated that this is an unfunded program so the Borough will have to pay the fee. Mr. Heefner countered by asking why this bureau was created. Mr. Vecchio answered with two reasons: 1. Act 32 was signed to streamline the process. He said it was inefficient to have many different tax collectors. 2. He also stated that local school districts expressed that they wanted a bureau of this kind. Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Vecchio for attending and the information he provided. Mr. Wion –RESOLUTION 2009-R-23, authorizing acquisition of the real property located at 24 Adams Street located within the Adams Street Redevelopment Area. Mr. Wion stated that this Resolution is in line with continuing with the Adams Street re- development project. An appraisal was done and the building was estimated to be worth $125,000. This amount includes the purchase of the building, the real property, attorney fees, and demolition of the property. Mr. Heefner stated that he understands the objective of this purchase. However, he is frustrated that Council continues to purchase properties, therefore, taking them off of the tax roll. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, reluctantly seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members voted to approve RESOLUTION 2009-R-23, authorizing the acquisition of 24 Adams Street. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar cast the dissenting vote. The motion carried. Mr. Wion – RESOLUTION 2009-R-24, designating Jeffery L. Wright, as the Steelton Borough voting delegate, and John M. DeSanto, Jr., as the alternate voting delegate to the County Tax Collection Committee. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve RESOLUTION 2009-R-24, as presented. William Folk, Part-Time Police Officer – Letter of resignation, effective June 10, 2009. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mr. Folk, effective July 23, 2009. 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 Mr. Wright asked Chief Spangler to thank Mr. Folk for his service and wish him well on future endeavors. OTHER BUSINESS: Joseph Conjar, Public Works Director – Cost estimate on paving two streets as requested by Public Works Chairman, Dennis Heefner. Mr. DeSanto said the estimated price is approximately $22,000 to repave Fourth Street from Walnut to Pine Streets. Mr. Wright asked for clarification to make sure that it was Mr. Conjar’s suggestion to wait until the Fourth Street project begins. He also asked Mr. Heefner if he agreed with this. Mr. Heefner said yes. Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar asked how long the estimated prices are valid. Mr. DeSanto stated that oil is currently $68 per barrel, and paving material is approximately $6 per square yard. Mr. DeSanto stated that the paving material cost per square yard would likely be better priced if the Borough purchases a larger volume. . Secretary DeSanto – Requesting an executive session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition, and potential litigation. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Lena Jefferson, 258 Lincoln Street – Discussing Lincoln Street. Ms. Jefferson thanked Borough Council and staff for the help that has been given on Lincoln Street. She stated that residents are still wrestling with the store, located at 300 Lincoln Street, being open late. Ms. Jefferson has started a petition. She has collected approximately 30 names and will be obtaining more. She stated that the police are making a presence in the area. Ms. Jefferson also stated that the Lincoln Street Committee will have a table at National Night Out, and she will be soliciting volunteers to patrol Lincoln Street at night. Ms. Jefferson invited everyone to attend a prayer vigil on the 200 block of Lincoln Street at 9pm. Mayor Acri stated that he will call the landlord of the store and ask him to shut the store down at a reasonable hour. Mr. DeSanto asked Ms. Jefferson if there has been any more recent vandalism. Ms. Jefferson said that there hasn’t been any. 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner: Asked about the Codes issues on Swatara Street. Mr. Wright stated that he spoke with Mrs. Zell, in Codes. She said that she wrote citations on the properties. Those citations were sent to District Justice Semic’s office. Mr. Wright said he will follow up on this issue tomorrow. Mr. Heefner said that this is beginning to look like 540 North Third Street. Mr. Musser: Responded to Mr. Heefner’s concerns about the Adams Street re- development project. He stated that about a year was lost under the previous Borough Secretary Treasurer’s supervision. Mr. Musser said that Council needs to bring a developer in soon to talk about the specifics of the lots. This is get the process started. Mr. Musser said that Council needs to spend the allotted money, or it will be lost. Mr. DeSanto: stated that he has received many calls regarding the Felton Lofts. He clarified that this is NOT low-income housing but a variety of units for different incomes. He said that 5-8 units have been approved for mentally and/or physically challenged individuals. Ms. Hill: invited everyone to attend National Night Out tomorrow from 6-8pm at the Steelton Fire House. Mr. Wright: Stated that he saw a recent newscast which reported that the Steelton Post Office is on a list of possible facilities that will be closed. Steelton services may be moved to Crooked Hill Road. Mr. Wright thanked everyone for attending the Council meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:10 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The regular meeting re-convened at 8:40 P.M. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to promote Luz Pabon to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Steelton Police Department effective September 21, 2009 at the hourly rate of $16.50. Ms. Pabon will serve a six month probationary period. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 3, 2009 On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar, Council Members present unanimously voted to promote Sgt. Scott Spangler to Chief of the Steelton Police Department with an annual salary of $82,250 plus longevity, health and medical benefits, a clothing allowance, and the use of the Steelton Borough Chief of Police Vehicle, effective August 4, 2009. Chief Spangler will serve a six month probationary period. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 pm. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 6