City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President, Jeffery L. Wright, with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery L. Wright Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner David A. Wion, Solicitor Michael Kovach Michael Albert Mayor Thomas Acri John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Dennise Hill, Executive Assistant DEVIATION FROM AGENDA: Mr. Wright deviated from the agenda. Due to the recent resignation of Councilman Michael Kovach, Mr. Wright opened the floor for nomination to fill Mr. Kovach’s term which expires on January 4, 2010. Mr. Heefner nominated Maria R. Marcinko, Mr. Albert seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. Resolution 2009-R-28 Filling Vacancy on Borough Council: Nominations to fill the vacancy on Borough Council for the remainder of Councilman Michael Kovach’s unexpired term following his resignation until January 4, 2010. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2009-R-28, appointing Maria Romano Marcinko to Steelton Borough Council, to serve the unexpired term of Michael Kovach until January 4, 2010. Mr. Wright asked Mayor Acri to administer the oath of office to Mrs. Marcinko and Mrs. Marcinko took her seat on Council. Mayor Acri said that normally, an open seat would be advertised and interviews would be held. However, Ms. Marcinko is up for election in November and she received the most votes on both sides of the ballot. Mayor Acri swore Ms. Marcinko in. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the September 8, 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, REQUISITIONS, AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the schedules of billings, requisitions, and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development Finance (no report) Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the Department Reports for August, as presented. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri said he had nothing to report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. DEVIATION FROM THE AGENDA: Joseph Conjar, Director of Public Works – Present status of Blueberry Alley and what is needed to repair the storm sewer and related drainage matters. Mr. Conjar stated that the buildings around Second Street and Blueberry Alley have been experiencing a lot of flooding when it rains. The Public Works Department ran a camera in the storm sewer and found that the 15 inch terra cotta pipe is in very bad shape. It will be rather costly to replace it but, it is necessary and he wanted to make Council aware of it. It is estimated to cost approximately $75,000.00. Mr. Wright asked if it was Mr. Conjar’s suggestion that the pipe be repaired. Mr. Conjar stated that it is his opinion that it needs to be replaced. Mayor Acri asked if this could be the reason why the Italian Club 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 has been flooding lately. Mr. Conjar said that he believes that it is definitely contributing to the flooding of the Italian Club. Mr. Conjar stated that this will not be done by the Public Works Department. An outside contractor will be performing the work. Mr. Heefner suggested that everything should be run by the Borough’s engineer, Mr. Ellinger. Mr. Conjar stated that this type of thing has been done 10-15 times during his career and an engineer is not necessary on this. Mr. Wright suggested that everything needs to be verified with Mr. Wion, to ensure the bidding process and bonding is accurate. NEW BUSINESS: Ed Ellinger, Engineer HRG Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic – Presentation of land and subdivision plan for Adams Street Redevelopment Program. Mr. Ellinger suggested that Council and a designated committee be involved in the design of the 20 available lots on Adams Street. Mr. Ellinger said the next phase is the land development plan, looking at the lost sizes, variances, deed restrictions, and the type of housing that Council would like on the lots. He submitted a proposal for land development which includes all stages of the project. The prepared proposal is in the amount of $37,100.00. This money is slated to be paid from the CDBG and HRA funds. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to accept the proposal conditionally contingent based upon review and approval by Mr. Wion. Mr. Wright will sign off on this until Mr. Wion can review it. Mr. Heefner stated that if HRG will be conducting a survey, it would be a good idea to have a developer involved to make sure the specifications are proper for homes to be sellable. Mr. Shaver stated that at the beginning of Mr. Ellinger’s presentation, he spoke about other individuals being involved. Mr. Shaver took that to include developers. Mr. Ellinger verified that developers were, indeed, included in that group of people to be involved. Mr. Ellinger added that as soon as Mr. Wion gives approval, HRG will begin the survey. He said HRG may start it before that, at their risk, for time purposes. Mr. Ellinger also gave an update on the East End Sewer Separation project. Mr. Ellinger was recently notified that the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission will need to conduct archaeological investigations near the Susquehanna River. Previously, HRG worked with TetriTech, the company who completed work for the Turnpike Bridge. Mr. Ellinger stated that this should not be as extensive as the work for the bridge. The land around the East End Sewer Separation project was determined to be intact. Therefore, an Archaeological Phase 1 Study must be completed. TetriTech will look for artifacts, such as arrowheads. 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 Mr. Heefner asked what this will do to the schedule of the project. Mr. Ellinger stated that it will not set the project back, time wise. It may increase the cost. However, it will not stop the project in any way. He added that the biggest schedule set back is with Amtrak. HRG must work with Amtrak’s foremen’s schedules for someone to oversee the project. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the proposal for HRG to enter into a contract with TetriTech for the archaeological digs to be completed, pending approval from Mr. Wion. This is not to exceed $40,700.00. Mr. Ellinger stated that he also has the DEP permit which includes information on water obstruction and encroachment. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve and execute the E22-547 DEP water obstruction and encroachment permit. Mr. Heefner asked Mr. Ellinger if he sees a need for penetration in that area in the future. Mr. Ellinger stated that a 48 inch pipe would be sufficient in a worst case scenario. He does not see a need for penetration in the future. Lastly, Mr. Ellinger presented the Penn DOT permit. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to authorize Mr. Wright to sign the Penn DOT permit and have staff prepare a Resolution supporting this. John DeSanto, Borough Secretary – Present Resolution 2009-R-29 for adoption of Borough Electronic Resources Policy. This matter was tabled. John DeSanto, Borough Secretary – Present Resolution 2009-R-30 for adoption of Borough Confidentiality Policy. This matter was tabled. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: John McHale, Borough Manager – Request for the Borough of Highspire to rent the Borough of Steelton’s street sweeper, with an operator, for two (2) weeks, one week in the spring and one week in the fall in 2010, as in previous years. (Tabled at Sept. 8, 2009 meeting to allow time to obtain figures needed.) 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 Mr. Heefner stated that he reached out to Mr. Musser on how he arrived at these figures. Mr. Musser said that a 5% increase could be applied to cover the cost of gas, oil, maintenance, etc. Mr. Wright said that the figures were based upon 2008. Mr. DeSanto added that the figures presented in Council packets were from the FEMA website in 2005. The new numbers were obtained by Mr. Shaver. The operational costs were re- calculated. Included in the new figure are the operator’s wages and benefits. Revised figures came out to be $4274.00 per week for 2010. This includes 40 hours per week at $106.85 per hour. In 2009, Highspire Borough paid $2,426.45. Mr. Shaver asked that Mrs. Handley write a letter to Mr. McHale, quoting $4200.00 per week. Mrs. Handley was asked to write this letter because the original correspondence was addressed to her during her tenure as Acting Borough Secretary Treasurer. John DeSanto, Borough Secretary – Updates on 24 and 227 Adams Street. On September 17, 2009, Mr. Wright and Mr. DeSanto met with the owners of 24 Adams Street. Settlement was for $125,000.00. The property is now owned by the Borough of Steelton for purposes of re-development. Mr. DeSanto stated that originally, the Borough submitted a sales agreement and a deposit check to the owners of 227 Adams Street. The owners declined to accept it and planned to re-develop the property. Now, the owner is interested in re-engaging in discussion about the Borough purchasing the property for $8,000, as originally offered. Mr. Shaver suggested that Council re-engage in discussion but refrain from submitting a deposit check. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to pursue the purchase of 227 Adams Street. Mayor Acri – Update on the Post Office. Mayor Acri stated that his new contact regarding this matter is Gina Meade. She is the Union Representative for Post Office Window Clerks. Mayor Acri is asking that a Resolution be drafted and sent to all state representatives requesting a hearing to discuss this. Mayor Acri will work with Mr. DeSanto to get the Resolution completed. He asked that all Council Members sign it. COMMUNICATION: Councilman Dennis Heefner – Thank you card from Mr. Heefner and his family for the flowers and support of Borough Council, Staff, and all the family members in the loss of his mother. There were no comments. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 Dauphin County Wildwood Lakes Sanctuary Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center – TreeVitalize Grant Program announcing matching grant program for restoration of tree cover along streets, in parks and other public locations for Dauphin and Perry Counties. Dauphin County Commissioners are partnering with Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources along with other groups and municipalities. This was presented for Council’s information. Dauphin County Conservation District – Announcing its satisfactory completion of a review of revised erosion and sedimentation control plan for Felton Lofts Development Program. This was presented for Council’s information. Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority – Dauphin County Board of Commissioners and Redevelopment Authority inviting all municipal managers to a redevelopment breakfast round table meeting. Mr. DeSanto is unable to attend and recommended Mrs. Zell attends. Mr. Heefner will attend this meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto, Borough Secretary Treasurer – Request an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emuel Powell; 321 Lebanon Street Mr. Powell asked that a street sign be placed at Bessemer Street and an alley that crosses it. The street name is not clearly indicated for passersby. Mr. Powell could not recall the name of the street. Mr. Heefner state that due to budget constraints, the new sign machine was not purchased, as planned. Mr. Heefner said that if the matter cannot wait until next year, the Borough will have to employ an outside contractor to make the sign. Mr. Powell also asked why Borough crimes are not being accurately reported. He would like residents of the town to be informed more quickly. Mayor Acri stated that there are reasons in every situation that lead to information being withheld for a period of time. In the situation that Mr. Powell cited, the Steelton Police Department has solid leads on the suspect and did not want to undermine the pending investigation. 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 21, 2009 COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner: was recently informed that Officers Minium and Etnoyer are getting out of their cruisers and walking the streets during their 11pm – 7am shifts. Mr. Heefner commended them for their efforts. Mr. Heefner also asked when the fence will be put up around the former elementary school, as Winn Development stated it would be. Mr. Heefner would like to prevent kids playing on the property and residents parking in the parking lot so they can find alternate parking. He asked Mr. DeSanto to reach out to the Winn Development for an estimated time for the fence to be installed. Mr. Shaver: welcomed Mrs. Marcinko to Council. He said he hopes she enjoys her tenure. He also thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Mr. Albert: welcomed Mrs. Marcinko to Council. Mrs. Marcinko: thanked Council for her appointment. Mayor Acri: welcomed Mrs. Marcinko to Council. Mr. DeSanto: welcomed Mrs. Marcinko to Council. Mr. Wright: said that he looks forward to working with Mrs. Marcinko. He offered his support and help with anything she may need. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:36 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. ADJOURNMENT: The regular meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the meeting immediately adjourned at 9:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 7