City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 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 Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Michael Albert Stephen Shaver Maria R. Marcinko John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Dennise Hill, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the December 17, 2007 and September 21, 2009 Council Minutes, as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mrs. Handley said she had nothing to report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: James R. Hernjak, Manager Arcelor-Mittal – Letter notifying the Borough of their submittal to PA EPA of a plan approval application to construct and operate a new Walking Beam Reheat Furnace and Insulated Heated Roller Table to replace existing units that are less efficient and reliable. This communication was submitted for Council’s information. Council can submit comments to the DEP within 30 days of receipt of the letter (September 28, 2009). Rev. William T. Rucker, Jr. and Rev. Carolyn H. Splawn, Associate Ministers, New Hope Living Baptist Church – Thank you letter for the use of the Municipal Park Facilities. This communication was submitted for Council’s information. 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 Frank Lynch, Government Affairs Comcast – Informing Council of a rate increase effective November 1, 2009. This communication was submitted for Council’s information. Toby Fauver, Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation Penn DOT – Informing Council that the Draft Environmental Assessment has been posted on the Keystone Corridor East High Speed Rail Program. This communication was submitted for Council’s information. Comments received will be taken into consideration in the decision to prepare and EIS or to issue a FONSI. Comments must be submitted on the EA by October 12, 2009. Councilman Heefner – Letter for Council’s consideration to send to the Postmaster General to include with the Resolution and the Mayor’s letter which will further emphasize the projects that could be impacted by the closing of the Post Office. Mr. Heefner stated that he drafted the letter to highlight the positive projects taking place in the Borough. His letter is requesting that the Post Master General consider keeping the Steelton Borough Post Office open. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Edward A. Ellinger, P.E. HRG Engineering – East End sewer separation project additional engineering services agreement. Mr. Wion noted that this contract was approved at the September 21st Council meeting pending his review and approval. Mr. Wion stated that he has no problem with the proposal that was presented. The price for HRG’s work is set forth in the contract for the scope of work to be performed. Edward A. Ellinger, P.E. HRG Engineering – Proposal for engineering services Adams Street Land Development Plan. Mr. Wion noted that this contract was also approved at the September 21st Council meeting pending his review and approval; however, there are a number of changes to be made at his request. There are approximately 20 parcels of land and HRG is to provide a map that shows the boundaries for each parcel. Mr. Wion would also like to verify specific fees. One of which, is the fact that the contract will limit HRG to 30 man hours. Mr. Wion also stated that he will review the comments made by Dauphin County and the review agencies. If the comments are not in relation to HRG’s work, they will not need to be addressed. 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 Mr. Heefner asked if HRG will be a developer on this project. Mr. Wion said that they will not be. He said that HRG will prepare the plan. Borough Council will advertise for a developer to bid on the project. The selected developer will need to follow the specifications set forth in the land development plan. United Parcel Services, Inc. – Lease agreement for October 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010. Mr. Wion stated that the contract states that if the spaces are needed, the Borough has the right to use it. Mr. Wion also said that the contract indicates UPS can use a portion of the tract of land but, the area and/or number of trucks is not specified. However, there is nothing foreseeable in the near future occurring that will cause the Borough to need to use the lot. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the lease agreement with United Parcel Services, Inc. Solicitor Wion – Advised that a motion should be made to remove Resolution-R-29 and Resolution-R-30 from the table. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to remove Resolution-R-29 and Resolution-R-30 from the table. Solicitor Wion – Resolution-R-29, to adopt a policy concerning the use of various electronic resources. Mr. Wion stated that Resolution-R-29 was tabled at the last meeting due to insufficient time to review the policy. There are members of Council who would like additional information. Mr. Heefner stated that he does not think this should be presented as a Resolution and would prefer that it be distributed to Council and staff as a memo. Mr. Heefner expressed concern that it will lower the morale of the staff. Mrs. Marcinko said that she would like more time to speak with Mr. Wion regarding this policy. Mr. Wright added that he is glad that Mrs. Marcinko is now on board and can offer an extensive amount of knowledge of Human Resources. Mr. Wright said that a meeting will be held with Mr. DeSanto regarding this. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to table both Resolution-R-29 and Resolution R-30 again. 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 DEVIATION FROM THE AGENDA Mayor Acri – Update on the Post Office. Mayor Acri spoke with Mrs. Mead and she said that a good amount of surveys were returned however, she could not give an accurate count. Mayor Acri said he is attempting to set up a meeting in Washington, D.C. to discuss other options. He asked Council to approve Resolution-R-31. He also thanked Ms. Hill for preparing the Resolution and each Council Member for taking the time to sign it. Solicitor Wion – Resolution-R-31 Opposing the Closing of the Steelton Borough Post Office was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve Resolution-R-31, as presented. Solicitor Wion – Resolution-R-32 authorizing the President of Borough Council to sign the “Highway Occupancy Permit Condition Statement” for the Steelton Borough East End Sewer Separation Project was presented for Council’s consideration. Mr. Wion said that at the September 21, 2009 Council meeting, Council members voted to authorize Mr. Wright to sign the permit and have staff prepare a Resolution supporting this. A motion is needed to ratify this resolution. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to ratify Resolution-R-32, as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Council President Wright – Recommendation of the Personnel Committee to ratify the hiring of Sharon McCall to fill the vacant position of Secretary in the Code Enforcement Office, effective September 28, 2009, at the rate of $11.25 an hour. Mr. Wright stated that the personnel committee received a lot of applications for the vacancy. He said that the applicants interviewed with Council, Mayor Acri, and Mrs. Zell, who made the final decision. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to ratify the hiring of Sharon McCall. 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 OTHER BUSINESS: Assistant Secretary Handley– Request an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. There were no comments. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner: stated that he attended a meeting regarding the Boat Dock. He said there is approximately $80,000 - $85,000 in grant money to be spent. He suggested building a pavilion or an extended dock for passenger pick up. He also said that some of this money can be used to finish the lighting at the Locust Street Steps. It is allowable for this money to be used at the Locust Street Steps, pending paperwork be filled out by Mr. Musser. Mr. Heefner said that he was recently notified that money is available for Brownfields projects and asked why the Borough has not applied for it. Mayor Acri said that Hull & Associates has been handling this aspect of the project. They submitted two grants and are currently working on a third. Representatives from Hull & Associates plan to come to the Borough within the next few weeks. Mr. Heefner added that Rogele is scheduled to finish the crosswalks on Front Street. He said the Steelton Pharmacy has been flooding when it rains. He thinks when the bump outs were done, the storm sewer was not installed properly. Rogele is to begin a punch list of things to do. Lastly, Mr. Heefner said that Winn Development would like to hire the Borough to clean up the old elementary school. Mr. Wright expressed an interest in retrieving supplies from the building. Mr. Albert: reminded everyone that Sunday is the closing ceremony for Midget League Football. He invited everyone to attend. Mayor Acri: reminded everyone that the grand opening for Pop’s Korner Kitchen will be held on Saturday at 12pm at Front and Chestnut Streets. Chief Spangler: stated that Officer Shaub received a certificate of thanks from Swatara Township Police Department. It was presented for his commitment to teamwork. On a motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have the certificate placed in Officer Shaub’s personnel file. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 Chief Spangler received an email of thanks from Chad Libby, assistant director and lead firearms instructor with Dauphin County Juvenile Probation. Mr. Libby thanked Chief Spangler for use of the Steelton Police Department Training Facility. Chief Spangler also received an email of thanks from Jack Harlacker with Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency. Mr. Harlacker thanked Chief Spangler for Steelton Police Department’s assistance with a smoke condition, involving Shaffner detainees. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Stephen Fialkowski – 157 South 4th Street He stated that he attended the zoning meeting on July 21, 2009 and requested information regarding the old elementary school. He was told that it would not be discussed at that particular meeting. Shortly thereafter, 104 parking spaces were approved for South Fourth Street. He asked if he can start a petition against the project. He also said that only a few people in the neighborhood get a newspaper and some don’t speak English fluently. Mr. Heefner stated that he is diligently working on this issue. He is coming up with a plan for permit parking for residents in the area of the old elementary school. Mr. Wright added that he has a right to start a petition. Mr. Wright noted that he, too, lives in that area but, Council must look at what is best for the Borough as a whole. Mr. Fialkowski also addressed the fact that there are a lot of small children playing in the street at Fourth and Elm Streets and that he was told to call the police. Mr. Wright stressed that Council is working hard to make the community as a whole better. Mr. Wright said on September 21, 2009, he asked Mr. DeSanto to get the status of the fence to be erected at the old elementary school. Mr. Heefner said that settlement and closing will take place in late January or early February. The fence will be put up in February and construction will begin in the spring. Mr. Wright asked for an update from the breakfast that Mrs. Marcinko and Mr. Heefner attended. Mrs. Marcinko said that she is very proud of the Borough. People at the breakfast spoke very highly of the Felton Lofts project. It has been recognized on the county and state-wide levels. Mr. Wright spoke about the Blueberry Alley issue that Mr. Conjar presented to Council. He said his only concern is the bidding process. Mr. Heefner will bring Mr. Wion up to date on the situation to assess how Council should proceed. Mr. Wright closed by suggesting that committee chairs meet with Department Heads more often and give a report to Council. 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 5, 2009 On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:55 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. ADJOURNMENT: The regular meeting reconvened at 8:33 p.m. There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, the meeting immediately adjourned. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 7