City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery L. Wright MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar Stephen Shaver Michael Albert 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 November 18, 2009 Council Budget Meeting minutes as presented. 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: Chris J. Rebert; Dauphin County Parks and Recreation – Informing the Borough of the Tree Vitalize Grant Program. Mr. Wright stated that this issue was previously brought before Council. It was the consensus of Council to bring this before the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee for review. Mr. Wright asked Miss Hill to place this matter on the next N.E.D.C. agenda for discussion. 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 Kenneth J. MacLean, President; Skillworks, Inc. – Certificate of Completion of PA DEP Course on Fundamentals of Process Instrumentation presented to Mark Handley. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have this certificate placed in Mr. Handley’s personnel file. Dusan Bratic – Response to Mayor Acri’s inquiry on the old Casa Chica Building. Mayor Acri stated that complaints were received that the property was too dark. There were also reports of juveniles congregating behind the property and possibly engaging in illegal activity. Mr. Bratic was unaware that the lights were not working. He was very cooperative and they are now working. Residents on Swatara Street are very pleased. Mr. Bratic also informed Mayor Acri that after January 1, 2010, he will be opening an Italian restaurant. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Lawrence Hodges, Property Owner; 25 Longview Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA – Wishes to discuss concerns with re-zoning his property adjacent to TJ’s Restaurant in the East End of Steelton from commercial to residential. Mr. Wright stated that there was a Public Hearing held and the Borough and Council handled the advertising legally. Mayor Acri stated that he instructed Mr. Hodges to come before Council to express his concerns. Mr. Hodges stated that the property had a billboard on it for many years. He recently had a potential buyer of the lot and then realized that the lot was re-zoned from commercial to residential. There is no water or sewer connected to the property. Mr. Hodges would like the Borough to pay for the water and sewer connection. Mr. Wion verified that the property in question is 100 feet from the connection. Mr. Wion then stated that the Borough Ordinance indicates that the owner is required to pay for access if a property is within 300 feet of the connection. Mr. Ellinger added that the water is owned by the Borough however, the sewer system is in the right of way of Route 230. He stated a public entity must apply for the Highway Occupancy Permit but, the fee can be paid by Mr. Hodges. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Hodges to work with Public Works, Borough engineers, and the Water Authority to rectify this situation. Ms. Ebony Anderson, Parole Agent State Board of Probation – Presentation on their Community Work Program. Ms. Anderson stated that she provides community service hours for Parolees who must fulfill a responsibility, as a part of their sentence. Depending on the scope of particular projects occurring in the Borough, Ms. Anderson will be able to provide additional laborers. Her office will determine how many individuals are needed, supervise them 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 during the work, and transport them to and from the site. Mayor Acri stated that this program could be very helpful to senior citizens in the Borough after a snowfall. Many of them are unable to shovel their properties. Mr. Wright added that during the spring and summer months, individuals from Ms. Anderson’s program can help with painting and property maintenance. Mr. Heefner then explained the basis of the SHIP Program and asked Ms. Anderson if parolees would be able to participate with Rebuilding Together, Inc. to finish some of those properties. She said that they would. Ed Ellinger, HRG. Inc. or Mrs. Handley, Asst. Secretary Treasurer – Present information to Council on sewer tap and inspection fees. Mr. Ellinger stated that he had a conversation with Mrs. Handley last week and they discovered that the tapping fees are extremely low. The cost is approximately $100 per connection. Mr. Ellinger requested permission to create a detailed report to determine an adequate tapping fee. The report will also trend forward to take into account future increases. Mrs. Marcinko asked how often tapping fees are applied to an account. Mr. Ellinger stated that they are applied on all new connections and whenever water flow is increased on a current parcel of land. Mr. Shaver asked how many are done per year. Mrs. Handley stated that a very low number are done on a yearly basis. There are normally less than 10. However, this matter was brought up due to the proposed land development over the next few months. Mr. Ellinger added that this will be especially beneficial on Adams Street. There are 12 proposed new lots, which will require 12 water taps and 12 sewer taps. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to request Mr. DeSanto to bring this matter before the Steelton Water Authority and to work with the Public Works Department on the sewer tapping fees. This information will be presented at the second Council Meeting of 2010. Mr. Wion will review the proposal upon completion. Mr. Heefner stated that Council should also consider revamping how electrical inspection fees are assessed. Currently, a flat fee is charged. Mr. Heefner suggested charging per socket. This matter will be discussed at the next Neighborhood & Economic Development meeting. There was a deviation from the agenda. Matt Cichy, HRG – Update on East End Sewer Separation Project. Mr. Cichy was not present at the meeting. Mr. Ellinger spoke on his behalf. Mr. Ellinger stated that several meetings have been held since the last Council Meeting. As previously reported, the Borough received a generous Pennvest loan offer at 1 1/8%, which equals approximately $22 per month increase for customers. The T Street repairs are mandatory and that will cost $4.2 million. That will be an estimated $8 per month increase for customers. Another possible option that Mr. Ellinger presented is to repair T Street as 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 well as the South Hill portion of the East End total project. Mr. Ellinger stated that the necessary permit to complete the East End total project has been received. Mr. Ellinger said that he would like to submit a request for a change of scope in the project to Pennvest to see if the same loan terms will be upheld. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to submit the request to PennVest and proceed with the T Street/Penn DOT/South Hill portion of the project, totaling $6.8 million. John M. DeSanto, Jr. Secretary Treasurer – Present information to Council on parking meters along Front Street. Mr. DeSanto stated that he was giving an update on the parking meters located in the downtown area of the Borough. Mr. Conjar informed Mr. DeSanto that in the 100-200 blocks of Front Street, 17 parking meters were damaged and $800-1200 was taken. It will cost an estimated $60,000 to upgrade all the damaged meters. Mr. DeSanto is looking for direction from Borough Council. Mr. Heefner stated that he will get an updated list from Mr. Conjar of meters that need to be replaced immediately. Mr. Shaver expressed concerns about the low income that the meters generate. At the present time, there is no parking attendant. He said it may be beneficial to purchase one hour parking signs. Mr. Heefner will work with Mr. Conjar and Mr. DeSanto to rectify this situation. Solicitor Wion – Third Addendum to Agreement with Community Networking Resources. Mr. Wion stated that this addendum will allow the contract to run from year to year and can only be terminated if the present Council gives 90 days notice. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to allow Mr. Wright to sign the agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Community Networking Resources. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Councilwoman Marcinko – Update on the Humane Society Agreement. Mrs. Marcinko stated that she and Mr. DeSanto met with Amy Kaunas, Humane Society Executive Director, on November 30, 2009 to try to cut costs incurred by dealing with the Humane Society. Mrs. Marcinko explained to Ms. Kaunas that the Borough is currently under budget constraints. They discussed a two year contract that will save the Borough $6500. Mrs. Marcinko will meet with Swatara Township to look into a trap-neuter-return 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 program. The updated contract from the Humane Society has not been received. This will include reports to be sent electronically on a monthly basis. Mrs. Handley – Discussion and approval of Non-Uniform and Police Pension plans to include the Minimum Municipal Obligations. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the 2010 study on MMO, conducted by Conrad Siegel. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the 2010 study on non-uniform pensions MMO, conducted by Mockenhaupt. Mr. Wion added that a Resolution will be prepared for the last meeting of the year to adjust the amount of money that the Police Officers must contribute in 2010. Parking Services Agreement. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to sign the Parking Payment Service Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Boundary Water, LLC, for parking in the Pennsylvania Canal Parking Lot. Council President Wright – Discussion and vote on Senior Center. Mr. Wright stated that that Senior Center was brought to the Borough building under the leadership of former-Mayor George Hartwick. The original plan was to allow the Senior Center to relocate to the third floor of the Borough Building on a temporary basis. Mr. Wright noted that was about ten (10) years ago and it is no longer feasible. Mr. Wright asked for the Council Members’ thoughts on this matter to be immediately followed by a vote to give them 90 days (January 1, 2010 – March 31, 2010) to vacate the premises. Mrs. Marcinko asked if Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar provided a report on the Steelton Senior Center to Council President Wright, as requested at the Steelton Foundation meeting. The report was requested by December 1, 2009. Mr. Wright stated that an extension was given until December 7, 2009, and as of today, no report has been furnished. Mr. Heefner stated that he concurs with Mr. Wright. Unfortunately, the space is needed for administrative purposes. Mr. Heefner said that Council has thought long and hard about this but, this has to happen. Mayor Acri stated that he and Council Members met with the Senior Center several months ago. They informed the Center that both space and funds were limited. Mayor Acri said they have had several opportunities to join with other area senior centers, but they have not done so. Mayor Acri said that he supports the wishes of Borough Council. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 Mr. Shaver said he agrees with everyone else’s comments. He said that the financial constraint is larger problem than the space constraint. Mr. Shaver said that he received word from a reliable source that the poinsettia sale did not do well. Mr. Shaver noted that no one has been appointed to fill the vacated position of Senior Center Coordinator since the position was vacated in August 2009, but someone has been volunteering. Mr. Shaver said he is deeply disturbed that the Foundation has been subsidizing the Senior Center. He added that $30,000-50,000 has been expended to keep the Senior Center open during the year of 2009. Mr. Wright emphasized that Council Members found an alternate venue for the Senior Center to relocate to and the Senior Center participants stated that they did not like that particular location. He added that the current Council has spent many hours trying to accommodate the seniors and to find them adequate quarters to continue operating but to no avail. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council Members present unanimously voted to give the Steelton Senior Center until March 31, 2010 to vacate the facilities on the third floor of the Borough building. Mr. Wright asked Mr. DeSanto to send a letter to the Senior Center informing them of Council’s decision. . OTHER BUSINESS: Secretary Treasurer DeSanto – Requesting Council recess into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Delores Murlin Gardner – 501 R Street Ms. Gardner stated that she needs a corrected deed for her property prior to the end of the year for tax purposes. Mr. Wright verified that she was directed by Solicitor Wion to take this matter to the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds and Borough Council cannot handle this. Ms. Gardner said that she has been a resident of the Borough for 28 years. She purchased a piece of land that was measured at 60x90 feet. However, it was recorded as 50x88 feet of ground. The lines were straight but, at an angle running adjacent with Bethlehem Steel. She has consulted four surveyors and four attorneys. She has been sued by two of her neighbors for 1-24 inches of ground. Judge Todd Hoover issued two quick claim deeds to Ms. Gardner, which she has paid taxes on for the last 12 years. During that time, Ms. 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 Gardner has not been able to walk on or maintain that portion of land. She said that she cannot sell her home without a corrected deed. The 25 feet in question is Ms. Gardner’s property but, is not shown on her deed. She has been to the Recorder of Deeds, and currently has Attorney George Gekas investigating this matter. No resolution has been reached because the records were changed here at the Borough several times, according to Ms. Gardner. The deed needs to reflect either: 77x90 or 75x88 feet. She is asking that the deed be updated and the money she paid on the two quick claim deeds be refunded to her. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough Council cannot rectify this situation. He said that Borough Council does not handle matters dealing with land. This is a state matter and needs to be rectified with the Recorder of Deeds. The dimensions recorded at the Recorder of Deeds’ office are what will be recorded at the Borough of Steelton. Borough Council does not make changes unless the Borough owns the property. After some discussion, it was noted that the land in question was previously R Alley. The alley was not used and a Resolution was passed stating that the Borough never owned it and it therefore reverts to the persons on either side. However, a correct deed was never recorded to reflect that Ms. Gardner had use of the parcel. Mr. Wion stated that by operation of the law, each of the adjoining property owners actually owns half of the piece of the vacated alley. Mr. Wion advised that Ms. Gardner’s attorney refer to the issued Resolution to add the additional feet of land to the deed. Mr. Wion emphasized that the deed does not convey land to Ms. Gardner rather it recognizes that she owns it by operation of law. After much discussion, Mr. Wion said that Mrs. Gardner’s attorney may contact him and he will discuss the situation with him. Lena Jefferson; 258 Lincoln Street Ms. Jefferson thanked Mrs. Marcinko for the contact information she provided. Ms. Jefferson contacted Juanita Grant (Executive Director, CEO; CRAM) and will be working with her in the near future. Ms. Jefferson also stated that she has some names of people interested in attending the next Crime Watch meeting and wanted to verify that it would be held. A few people attended the last one and it had been cancelled. She was told that the meeting will be held. Ms. Jefferson also asked how many people are needed to constitute an active Crime Watch Unit. Mayor Acri stated that he will have Chief Spangler call Ms. Jefferson in the morning with more details. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner: stated that during budget discussions, he talked about Verizon Franchise Fee and what the rate would be. He called and spoke with Perry Albert and the rate would be the same amount of money the Borough receives from Comcast. It would be 5% of the bill. Also, in December 2008, the Borough paid $2200 in legal fees. The McCullough 7  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 7, 2009 Group applied and received a grant for $3300. The Borough will receive $906 in both 2010 and 2015. This money is in addition to the 5% Franchise Fee from Verizon. Mayor Acri: said that the Police Committee that was scheduled for December 23, 2009 has been postponed. The next one will be after the first of the year. Mr. Shaver: thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Mrs. Marcinko: also thanked everyone for attending the meeting, especially Ms. Anderson. She said she looks forward to working with her. Miss Hill: reported that the Tree Lighting Ceremony was a success. She said that the number of children in attendance at the party at the Steelton Moose doubled from last year and over 85 children attended. Ms. Hill thanked everyone who attended and all the volunteers that helped with the event. Mr. Wright: stated that there was a positive turn out at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He also thanked everyone for attending. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to recess into Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. Mr. Albert was excused. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the meeting immediately adjourned. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John DeSanto, Jr. Dennise Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 8