City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by President, Jeffrey Wright. Mr. Wright asked Mayor Acri to administer the oath of office to Mr. Raymond Spencer, who was appointed to fill the vacancy of Lisa Wiedeman-Krosnar. Mayor Acri introduced Mr. Spencer and his wife Florence and noted that Mr. Spencer is very active in the community and currently serves on the Steelton Water Authority. Mayor Acri administered the Oath of Office and Mr. Spencer took his seat on Council. Mr. Wright continued the meeting with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence by Mayor Acri. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner Michael Albert Maria Marcinko MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Jeffery Wright Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Assistant Secretary Denise Hill, Neighborhood Economic Development Coordinator (NEDC) Sherry A. Benko, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the March 15, 2010 Council meeting were presented for approval. Mr. Wion noted on page 5, next to the last paragraph, the word appealed should be repealed. On a motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members present voted unanimously to approve the March 15, 2010 minutes, as amended. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mr. DeSanto had nothing to report at this time. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda items only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: Dauphin County Conservation District – Memo to update Council on the District’s compliance activities in relation to MS4 MCM requirements. Mrs. Marcinko asked what the acronyms MS4 MCM mean. Secretary Treasurer DeSanto will research. This was submitted for Council’s information. Arcelor Mittal Steelton, LLC – Annual Downstream notification letter as required by DEP under Pennsylvania Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (Act 32 of July 6, 1989) pertaining to downstream water users and governments within 20 miles of their facility. This was submitted for Council’s information. Dauphin County Board of Assessment Appeals – Notice to advise Council of changes to the assessment role for parcels 57-026-011, 57-026-12 and 57-026-09 for Donald Lowell of Harrisburg, PA This was submitted for Council’s information Dauphin County Board of Assessment Appeals – Notice to advise Council of changes to the assessment role for parcel 60-006-11 for Louis Rozman of Steelton, PA This was submitted for Council’s information UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS: Personnel Committee – Ratify the hiring of Ms. Sherry Benko to the position of Executive Assistant (Part-time) at the rate of $10.90 per hour with no benefits provided. On a motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Shaver, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Ms. Sherry Benko. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 Personnel Committee - Recommendation to appoint Mr. Justin L. Hayman to the full-time position of Property Maintenance Officer at the rate of $12.00 per hour with full benefits. Mr. Heefner said that Mr. Hayman can only do property maintenance and cannot be a Code’s Officer. He will not be able to cite property owners for violations until he is certified. Mr. Wright said Mr. Hayman was hired to only do property maintenance and that Mr. Hayman is currently aware that he is not the Assistant Codes Officer. Mr. Heefner said that Sylvie needs help with Codes and he thought that was the intent to hire an Assistant Codes Officer. Mrs. Marcinko said that discussion was held during the interview of Mr. Hayman and he is willing to pursue certification for Codes within nine months. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Mr. Justin Hayman. Personnel Committee – Recommendation to appoint Kathy Miller-Zivanovich to the part-time position of Parking Enforcement Officer at the rate of $10.00 per hour, with no benefits. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Ms. Kathy Miller-Zivanovich. David A. Wion, Borough Solicitor – Proposed Resolution 2010-R-14, Designation of Steelton Borough Public Officials and Public Employees Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Ethics Act and Supporting Regulations. Mr. Wion said that page 2 of the Resolution, II. Public Employees, D. Executive Assistant, should now read Sherry Benko due to the action to hire her. Mr. Wion said that the financial disclosure filing is based on the 2009 calendar year. Current employees, as well as former public employees employed in the 2009 calendar year are required to file by the filing deadline of May 1, 2010. In reference to page 1 of the Resolution, Mrs. Marcinko said that her last name is not hyphenated. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver to adopt the proposed Resolution with the proposed changes, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council members present unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2010-R-14. Barbara Barksdale, President, Friends of Midland Cemetery – Annual request for $500 contribution to support maintenance of historic Midland Cemetery and a reminder of the annual Memorial service which will be held Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 It was noted that this is a budgeted line item annually and OK to contribute. No motion was required by Council. La’Tasha Rossum-Ndiaye, Resident – Request to hold a block party celebrating the 10th year in business for her business True Blessings Hair Salon on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. She will obtain barricades and provide proof of rental. She wishes to have the area between Conestoga and Front Street blocked off. On a motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the request. Councilwoman Maria Romano Marcinko – A request for Council’s approval to utilize the property at 24 Adams Street for the Steelton Borough Feral Cat Spay and Neuter program and authorization to activate utilities onsite until other purposes are determined for the property. Mr. Heefner said the water will not be a problem but the electricity will be a monthly bill the Borough will be assuming. Mrs. Marcinko asked Mr. DeSanto if he looked into the cost to have the electricity turned on. Mrs. Marcinko said the contract was renegotiated with the Humane Society in Harrisburg. The biggest expense is for the feral cats due to the number brought in. The cost for the borough program will cost less than the Humane Society. The borough program will be temporary and the government and taxpayers are not responsible for the stray cat population. It is also a public safety issue. Mr. Shaver asked if Council voted yes, what will be the timeframe to get the electricity turned on. Would it be turned on by April 22? Mr. Wright asked Denise Hill to work on this with the utility company. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver to reactivate the power and water at 24 Adams Street for the Cat Spay and Neuter program, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the request. Mr. David M. Dolfi – A signed Affidavit for a request for tax exoneration from borough of Steelton’s Occupation Tax for fiscal 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Mr. Shaver asked if this was normal. Mr. Wion said Mr. Dolfi came in and claimed he was charged and paid the occupational tax and did not have income that qualified under the Borough Code. On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, Council members present unanimously voted to approve the exoneration. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 Mr. Ronald Fisher, 220 Dauphin Street, Middletown, PA, 17057 – A letter to Council offering to dispose of the metal building at 154 North Front Street (formerly Bik’s garage) as part of the Borough’s redevelopment plan and is offering $1,000 to dismantle the building down to the concrete foundation and remove it. Mr. Shaver made a motion to table this for further discussion, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Council members present unanimously voted to table this for further discussion. Dennis Heefner, Councilman – Discussion of need for vehicles for the Property Maintenance and Parking Enforcement Officers. Mr. Heefner said there is some confusion over what direction will be taken to obtain vehicles. Should we search for used vehicles? Mr. Shaver said if the vehicles are over $4,000, three quotes will be needed. If over $10,000 it will need to go out on bid. Mr. Shaver suggested sending this back to Finance Committee for discussion. The new Property Maintenance Officer will currently be spending time with Sylvie for training and the new part-time Parking Officer could temporarily use a Police vehicle. Mr. Heefner asked if there were currently any state vehicles available to purchase. Mr. Wright indicated that there are, but we would have to wait for an auction. Mr. Shaver suggested asking the Water Filtration Department to swap-out or rotate vehicles. This will be discussed by the Finance Committee. Mr. DeSanto will send out a date to the Finance Committee to discuss this issue. Sharon McCall, Codes Secretary – Notification of her obtaining Notary Public Certification effective April 1, 2010. Mrs. Marcinko made a motion to place a copy of Ms. McCall’s Notary Public certification in her personnel file, seconded by Mr. Heefner. Council members present unanimously voted to place the certification in Ms. McCall’s personnel file. Kathy D. Handley, Asst. Secretary Treasurer – Letter of Mrs. Handley’s intent to retire effective as of June 5, 2010 from the Borough of Steelton after faithfully serving the Residents, Councilpersons and Mayors of the Borough for thirty one and a half years. Mr. Wright asked for any comments from Council on Kathy’s retirement. Mayor Acri jokingly said that he refused to accept Kathy’s retirement letter. Mrs. Marcinko said Kathy has been invaluable to her personally and she will miss her tremendously. One word that she does not know, is “No”. She does not say, “No”. Mr. Shaver said all will miss Kathy and talked about her ability to keep track of the Borough finances. Mr. Spencer said on behalf of the Water Authority, Kathy has helped with a lot of issues. Mr. DeSanto said he would not have survived without Kathy during the past year and she has been valuable, extremely patient and phenomenal and he has all the respect in the world for her. Mr. Wion said he has worked with the borough all the time Kathy has been with -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 the borough plus a couple more and many cannot fully appreciate the value she has provided to the borough. She has been a solid foundation and rock to numerable Councils composed of different people and Secretary/Treasurers. She has been the Secretary/Treasurer a couple of times and has been the underlying basis for most people who have come and gone. She has been the Secretary Treasurer during crucial times of transition and her knowledge, skill, expertise, patience, generosity, and grace have been admirable. No one is irreplaceable but Kathy is as close as it comes to that. He considers her a friend and will miss her and hopes she will be around to share her knowledge even though she will not be employed by us. Mr. Wright said her predecessors are fond of her and “I love you.” Mr. Shaver made a motion to accept, with regrets, Mrs. Handley’s retirement effective June 5, 2010. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Marcinko. Council members present unanimously voted to accept the retirement of Mrs. Handley effective June 5, 2010. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto, Borough Secretary Treasurer – Request an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. IN ADDITION TO THE AGENDA: David A. Wion, Borough Solicitor - Resolution 2010-R15, Authorization for the Borough to request H20 PA Grant Application to secure funds for the East End Sewer Preparation Project was presented for Council’s consideration This item deals with one of the matters McCullough Group, who the borough contracted with two years ago to secure stimulus funds both on the federal level and any other grants available on the state level which were implementing economic recovery, is attempting to facilitate and secure. This resolution is brought to our attention by them to make application for the project. The contents of the resolution reiterates the nature of the project and then authorizes the borough to request a grant under the H20 Act for $8 million to use for the project and authorizes the signature for the agreement assuming we aren’t able to get a grant. On a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Spencer, Council members present unanimously voted to adopt the resolution. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street Mr. Powell talked about the stray cat situation. He asked if the cat program is for cats only in Steelton. Mr. Wright asked Mrs. Marcinko to respond to the question. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 Mrs. Marcinko said it is only for cats in Steelton, but if they do not get enough cats they may consider cats from other municipalities. We will have to wait and see. Mr. Powell asked if there was a charge. Mrs. Marcinko responded that there is no charge. Richard Hankerson, Cyrene Lodge #169, Steelton Elks Mr. Hankerson announced that there will be a meet-and-greet at the Lodge on April 17, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. for two members. Mr. Jeffrey Wright will be recognized for his years of service with the Lodge. Mr. LaVon Postelle, a re-elected D. J. in Harrisburg, will also be recognized. There will be food and entertainment. Mr. Hankerson extended the invitation to Council, as well as everyone in the room, and said this would be a good chance to mingle with Steelton residents. Barbara Barksdale, 503 South Second Street Ms. Barksdale extended an invitation for the Friends of Midland Cemetery, to be held on May 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Come encouraged all to come out and get to know the history of the cemetery which pertains to Steelton, as well as Dauphin County. She is looking for descendents of U.S. Colored Troops buried in the cemetery. If you know of anyone who has done the lineage taken back to around 1865’s and has a relative or not, please contact her. There will be a service in November at Midland as well as around Pennsylvania, honoring colored troops who came to Harrisburg after the Civil War. Sharon Cash, 362 Pine Street Ms. Cash said there is a lot of trash by her house due to the bus stop and asked if trash cans could be placed on the corner. Mr. Wright asked Ms. Cash to talk to Mr. DeSanto about this. Ms. Cash asked about the possibility of a community clean-up. She also said her house was broken into and she had contacted the police but has not heard back. Mr. Wright advised her to follow-up with the Mayor and the Police Chief. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Mr. Heefner thanked the public for coming out to attend the meeting. Mrs. Marcinko – Mrs. Marcinko congratulated Mr. Spencer and looks forward to working with him. Council recently attended the annual banquet at the Fire House. The food was prepared and served by the firemen and was excellent. The fireman are the unsung heroes. They receive no money, and volunteer and do a wonderful job. Mrs. Marcinko thanked the public for coming out. Mr. Shaver – Mr. Shaver thanked the public for coming and thanked Mr. Spencer for stepping up and coming forward to take the Council Member position. -7-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting April 5, 2010 Mr. Spencer – Mr. Spencer said he appreciates the confidence Council has bestowed on him by the appointment and he looks forward to working with the borough and people of Steelton. Mayor Acri – The Mayor thanked Mr. Spencer. The Mayor said the new car is scheduled to come in May and the motorcycle was returned to Harley. Kathy Handley – Mrs. Handley welcomed Mr. Spencer. Mr. Wion – Mr. Wion welcomed Mr. Spencer and looks forward to working together. Mr. DeSanto – Acknowledged Mrs. Handley and welcomed Mr. Spencer. Ms. Hill - Ms. Hill welcomed Mr. Spencer. Ms. Hill gave reminders that the Veteran’s Appreciation parade will be held on May 8 at 2:00 p.m.; the Community Clean-Up Day sponsored by Cub Pack 207 will be held on May 15; National Night-Out will be held on August 3 at the Firehouse from 6 – 8 p.m. Ms. Hill also announced the awarding of two contracts by DCED for $60,000. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:25 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The meeting reconvened at 8:26 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Borough Secretary -8-