City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence by Mayor Acri. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery L. Wright MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner Maria R. Marcinko Mayor Thomas Acri John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Asst. Secretary Treasurer David A. Wion, Solicitor Dennise Hill, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the February 16, 2010 and March 8, 2010 Council meetings were presented for approval. Mr. Wion noted that in the February 16, 2010 minutes, on page 5 in the second paragraph, the language should read: On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve to waive Section 99- 19.F1, regarding driveway separation distance from an intersection. Mr. Heefner noted that in the February 16, 2010 minutes, on page 2, the language should read: Mr. Chambers contracted the Borough two 25 ton trucks to aid in the removal of the snow. Mr. Wion noted that in the March 8, 2010 minutes, on page 1 and on page 2, the name of the company that was awarded the bid should read: Joao & Bradley Construction Co. Inc. On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the February 16, 2010 and March 8, 2010 minutes, pending the suggested changes. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mr. DeSanto said he has nothing to report at this time. 1  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Mrs. Marcinko asked what the use is of the portable toilet listed. Mr. DeSanto said it was located at the Boat Dock. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the billings, requisitions, and change orders as presented. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development: Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Code Enforcement Public Works: Mr. Heefner gave a report on the money spent for the recent snow removal. It is as follows: Trucks: $30,358.00 Snow Blower: $3,168.00 John Deere Snow Blower: $3,150.00 *This will not be repaired until September. Snow Chains for trucks: $2,548.77 Salt: $16,508.00 Contractors: $20,567.75 Borough Labor: $31,605.00 *$26,000.00 was budgeted Mr. Heefner said he spoke with representatives from surrounding municipalities and they all had similar expenses, due to the heavy snowfall. Mr. Heefner then stated that the Borough spends approximately $410,000 per year for electricity. Mr. Heefner and Mr. Conjar are looking at alternative companies to utilize for electric services. Mr. Conjar will also speak to the Steelton- Highspire School District to also enter in an agreement with a company. Mr. Heefner will give an update at the next Council meeting. He reported that the Boat Dock flooded during the last rain storm. The Public Works Department is cleaning the mud that was left behind. Five new batteries were ordered for the parking meters. They cost $88.00 each. 2  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 There were questions about the requirements for new street signs. He said that the Borough must install 6 inch signs with reflective film on them. He is verifying if the breakaway poles are needed. He also said that he has not been able to get any bids for grass cutting of Borough properties. He requested that the parking lot at 5th and Swatara Street be cleaned on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Mr. Shaver asked if temporary signs can be used to eliminate the need for an Ordinance. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Heefner and Mr. Shaver to work with Mr. Wion to resolve this. Mr. Heefner said that the bed of the big dump truck is rotting out. Mr. Conjar will be taking it to be welded back together. Lastly, the traffic light at Front and Swatara Streets will be replaced with LED bulbs. This will save 80% in electricity costs. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Acri said that Chief Spangler will discuss a few items in Executive Session. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the department reports as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: Dorothy Bangert, Swatara Senior Center Advisory Board – Letter of invitation to Steelton Senior Center to merge with Swatara Senior Center. This was submitted for Council’s information. Dorothy Bangert, Swatara Senior Center Advisory Board – Letter of information to Steelton Senior Center regarding continuity of activities upon merging with Swatara Senior Center. This was submitted for Council’s information. PA Department of Environmental Protection Filter Plant Programs – Notification to Water Treatment Superintendent Daniel Scheitrum of the Steelton Water Plant’s election of a prestigious area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award for the second straight year. 3  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 Mr. Shaver asked if anyone will attend the award ceremony. Mr. Wright stated that Mr. Scheitrum attended last year. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to have a copy of this award placed in the personnel files of each water plant employee. Matthew D. Cichy, P.E., HRG, Inc. – Notice of intent to award East End Sewer Separation Project Contract No. 10-01 Borough of Steelton to Mr. Julio Isidoro, VP of Joao & Bradley Construction Co., Inc. This was submitted for Council’s information. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: John M. DeSanto, Jr. Borough Secretary Treasurer – Recommendation that Borough Council act on a selection of which method of actuarial valuation of assets for 2009 be utilized for Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans. This is based on previous educational presentations by both Conrad Siegel (Police) and Mockenhaupt Benefits Group (Non-Uniformed). Mr. Shaver made a motion to use the smoothing method for both options. Mr. DeSanto asked that Mr. Jay Wenger and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman be allowed to answer any questions from Council. Mr. Shaver withdrew his motion. There were no questions. Mr. Shaver suggested that that Council consider creating a reserve fund to pay the increase in the future. Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Wenger and Mr. Zimmerman for the work they have done to date. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to utilize the smoothing version for the Police and Non-Uniform Pension Plans. Mr. Musser stated that a percentage needs to be chosen. Mr. Zimmerman added that both firms presented information for 120% and 130%. Mr. Shaver said the motion would be amended. Mr. Heefner asked if the decision made would be for 2010. Mr. Zimmerman said that the decision made tonight will be for 2011-2012. Mayor Acri verified that the Police’s contribution was increased in the recently signed contract. Mr. Zimmerman said that 120% is what most municipalities are choosing. 4  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to use 120% for both plans. Stephen J. Shaver, Council V.P. – Discussion of vacancy on Borough Council due to the resignation of Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar effective March 2, 2010. Mr. Shaver reiterated that the resignation of Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar has been received. He said that there is a gentleman that currently serves on the Water Authority and has an interest in serving out Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar’s term. He also has an extensive background in finance. Mr. Shaver made a motion to nominate Mr. Ray Spencer to Council. Mr. Albert seconded the motion. Before Council President Wright asked for a vote, there was further discussion on the matter. Mr. Heefner stated that he is aware that Mr. Spencer has a finance background and vouched that Mr. Spencer is a great guy. However, there were at least two other individuals interested in the position. Mr. Heefner said it would be wise, in his decision, to interview all three candidates. Also, Council should consider appointing someone that is interested in running for election and will serve on a long term basis. He noted that Vince Lappano and Patsy Taylor-Moore are the individuals interested in serving on Council. Mr. Wright said that it has been past practice that Council accepts nominations presented. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted to adopt Resolution 2010-R-12, appointing Mr. Ray Spencer to Council, to fulfill the vacancy left by Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar’s resignation. Mr. Heefner cast the dissenting vote. The motion carried. Mr. Wright asked for a roll call. Mr. Albert: Yes Mr. Wright: Yes Mr. Shaver: Yes Mrs. Marcinko: Yes Mr. Heefner: No Mr. DeSanto will ask Mr. Spencer to attend the next Council Meeting to be sworn in. NEW BUSINESS: David A. Wion, Borough Solicitor – Proposed Resolution 2010-R-13, Authorizing the acquisition of an agreement for utility crossing license from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and authorizing the execution thereof for the Borough of Steelton East End Sewer Separation Project. 5  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 Mr. Wion said that Council previously adopted Resolution 2010-R-8. This is similar. It is needed to secure the grant of Right of Way across the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The document was sent to the Turnpike Commission. However, they would like to use their own form which will grant license to cut across their land. Adopting Resolution 2010-R- 13 will authorize and execute the form. Mr. Shaver asked if Resolution 2010-R-8 will be repealed. Mr. Wion said it will because the attached exhibit (Resolution 2010-R-8) is no longer valid. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2010-R-13. Dwayne A. Davis, Resident – Letter to Council requesting use of Municipal Park for Adams-Steelton Summer Basketball Program on Saturdays and Sundays from June 5th through August 1st, 2010. He is working with K.L. Insurance to obtain the proper insurance documents necessary to run the league. Mr. Albert said that this request has been granted in the past. Mr. Davis is aware of the rules that he is not permitted to sell food or beverages at the park. There have been no police incidents in past years. This is an opportunity for kids to participate in recreation during the summer and stay out of trouble. Mr. Albert suggested that the request be granted. Mayor Acri added that he attended the opening ceremony for the league last year and it is a well-run league. He said it is a great program. On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve Mr. Davis’ request, pending proper insurance documentation is provided. 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: Stewart Young, Sr. 117 S 2nd Street, said he is in the very beginning stages of opening a Boys & Girls Club in the Borough of Steelton. He asked what is needed. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Young to attend the next Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee meeting with a proposal. Pauline Douglass; 433 Bessemer Street spoke regarding the resignation of Mrs. Wiedeman-Krosnar. She said that there are qualified minorities within the Borough of Steelton. She asked that Council consider appointing them when vacancies arise. Mr. 6  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 Wright pointed out that Mr. Spencer, who was appointed tonight, is a minority. Mrs. Douglass said she is aware and planned to make this comment prior to Council appointing Mr. Spencer. Mr. Wright also noted that those qualified minorities need to be encouraged to run for election, as well. Ina C. Alcendor; 109 E Conestoga Street, thanked Borough staff for the great job they did removing the snow from the recent snow storms. She also said she read an article about a chicken manure plant coming into the Borough. She asked for clarification and if approval for that has been given. Mr. Wright said that, as he stated at the last Council Meeting, until the proposed company meets with Council, no approval will be discussed. Mayor Acri added that he met with DEP and no permit has been filed with DEP. Until that is done by the company, Council will not entertain this. Sam Harfield; 172 S 2nd Street also thanked Borough staff for the great job removing the snow. He said that in front of his home, some concrete has come loose at the curb line. He said it is a hazard to anyone who parks there. He asked who is responsible for repairing it. Mr. Heefner said that he is. The resident is responsible from the curb to their home. Mr. Harfield verified that he pays taxes for the residence but is responsible for the curb. He asked if this is in writing. Mrs. Zell said that she will mail Mr. Harfield a copy of the Borough Ordinance which covers this. Emuel Powell; Lebanon Street asked if a barricade can be put up at the 300 block of Lincoln Street. There are two big pot holes that have been there for the last six months. Mr. Wright said that this needs to be addressed by the Public Works Department. There will not be a barricade put up unless the pot holes cause a major safety issue to residents. Mr. Heefner said he will have Mr. Conjar look into the matter tomorrow. Mr. Powell also spoke regarding the Steelton Senior Center moving to Swatara Township. He asked if that means that there will no longer be a Steelton Senior Center. Mr. Wright said that the newly appointed Steelton Community Development Foundation (SCDF) recently met to further discuss this. Swatara Township is a temporary location. However, the final decisions will be up to SCDF, and not Council. Mr. Powell said that the Foundation never relayed any information to the members of the Senior Center. Mr. Wright said that Council did not get involved with the workings of the Senior Center because that was the obligation of SCDF. There was $80,000.00 granted for the seniors to relocate however, the Senior Center director declined the proposed locations. Mr. Shaver added that the letter that Swatara Township provided states that the two centers are merging. The Steelton Senior Center is not to be absorbed by Swatara Township. Mrs. Marcinko asked Mr. Powell to actively work with SCDF to find a new location so that the seniors will be back in the Borough as soon as possible. Mayor Acri noted that the seniors were not thrown out of the Borough building. When they initially moved in, it was a temporary location. Council is supportive of having a center in the Borough but, due to re-organizational needs, the Borough building is no longer feasible for the Steelton 7  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 15, 2010 S enior Center. He emphasized that this decision was not made because Council does not want a center in the Borough. A motion was made by Mr. Albert, and seconded by Mr. Heefner to recess into executive session at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. The meeting reconvened at 9:09 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, a motion was made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Shaver to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ ______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Dennise L. Hill Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 8