City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:38pm by President Jeffrey Wright with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence by Mayor Acri. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery L. Wright Michael Albert Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Maria R. Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathleen D. Handley, Asst. Secretary Treasurer David A Wion, Solicitor Dennise Hill, Neighborhood & Economic Development Coordinator APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes presented. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: (Secretary DeSanto): Mr. DeSanto said he has nothing to report at this time. APROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Mr. Shaver motioned to approve; Ms. Marcinko seconded with notes below. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development – Miss Hill will put community service workers on a rotating schedule for weeding, etc. Mr. Heefner asked why the workers couldn’t be the same each week; Mr. Marcinko explained that it depends on how many hours they are required to work. Fire and Ambulance – Ms. Marcinko noted that she was present and Mayor Acri was absent. Personnel Police Public Works - Mr. Heefner said their meeting was changed to 4:00pm the Thursday before the 2nd council meeting. Joe Conjar is currently getting estimates on certain repairs. Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report 1 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. COMMUNICATION: The Harrisburg Authority – 2010 Annual CPI Increase Notice effective June 1, 2010. The new tipping fee for Dauphin County Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) will be $72.60 per ton. Mr. Shaver asked if Mr. Desanto forwarded the information to York Waster; he had. Dauphin County Commissioners – Announcement that East Hanover Township and Municipalities contiguous to it are now able to apply for grant funding under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming act to receive a share of gaming revenues. Mr. Shaver recommended that Mr. Desanto look into funding for the Mohn St. Project and renovations to the 3rd floor of the municipal building. Edmunds Associates, Our Software Vendor – Communications seeking a $250 donation to fight Crohn’s disease. Mr. Wright noted that this cannot be paid with Borough funds; but if anyone wishes to make a donation, please let Mr. DeSanto know. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business presented. NEW BUSINESS: Kara Allison, Hull & Associates – Ms. Hull will present an update of the Brownfield Activity. Ms. Allison presented an update of Hull & Associates activities on Brownfield sites within our Borough. The next meeting will be August 16, 2010 at 5:30pm. Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic, Inc. – Present proposal for use of HRA Grant Funds for Adams Street infrastructure improvements. 2 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 Mr. Cichy noted that the time was extended to spend $238,000 to June 30, 2011. He presented a proposal for professional services for the retaining wall. Mr. Wion will review. Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic, Inc. – Present National Railroad Passenger Corporation proposed License Agreement for the East End Sewer Separation Project. Mr. Cichy said that approval was received for crossing of Amtrak facilities, though it isn’t in the form that we would like, but we do have to sign the Agreement in order to get the Pennvest financing. Mr. Cichy said that he and Mr. Wion will continue to refine the Agreement, but would like Council’s authorization for Mr. Wright to sign it once we reach an agreement that is satisfactory to Mr. Wion. Mr. Heefner asked what happens if we can’t resolve the issues. Mr. Wion explained the areas in the agreement that he has a problem with. He said that they require confidentiality but as Council is aware, this has to be made public, so we can’t agree to that. He said the other issue is that this can be terminated by either party with (30) days notice for no reason. Mr. Wion said that we can’t do that and added that he believes that they will understand when we explain the situation on those items. Mr. Wion said there are a few other items that aren’t quite as critical, but we would like to get them changed. RESOLUTION 2010-R-19, AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF BOROUGH COUNCIL TO SIGN THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION “LICENSE AGREEMENT” FOR THE STEELTON BOROUGH EAST END SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT, was presented for Council’s consideration. On a motion by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Wright to sign the License Agreement between the Borough of Steelton and National Railroad Passenger Corporation, contingent upon Mr. Wion’s approval. Ed Ellinger, PE; Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic, Inc. – Proposal for Professional Service Agreement for the East End Sewer Separation Project assisting McCullough Group. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve $3,300 fee; Mr. Heefner seconded. 3 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 Mr. Heefner requested status of Blueberry Alley/Washington St. projects. Engineering study done on Blueberry Alley; study needs done on Washington St. Mr. Wright said that it was the recommendation of both the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee and the Finance Committee to consider doing both storm lines but bidding them as alternates to see what the cost would be. Mr. Shaver suggested we wait for both studies to be done before taking any further action. Alexander Frazier, Senior Account Executive; Patriot Energy Group – Presentation of Patriot Energy’s proposal of electrical rate savings. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Heefner to introduce the Patriot Energy representatives. They distributed packets and gave general information on the company; proposal for rates; weekly updates; a list of customers; customer recommendation letter. Gexa Energy has given the most aggressive price right now and they gave cost estimates; savings for a fixed proposal. Mr. Shaver asked for clarification of rates – is there a cap? They explained it is like stock; the rate could change at any time (summer-A/C; winter-heat), and supplied a 6-month savings guarantee. Mr. Frazier explained one advantage is that they are locally available for problems/questions. Their office is on Progress Ave and they’re only a phone call away. He recommended a 2-year agreement for budgeting purposes. Mr. Wion said that he spoke with Mr. Frazier and Mr. Dykeman, about the Agency document and he has some unresolved issues with both the Gexa contract and the Agency agreement. Mr. Wion said he discussed some changes in their agreement, but these differences haven’t been resolved yet. . Mr. Shaver thanked them for coming in; would like to review the material and wait for Mr. Wion to clear up questions. Mr. Shaver said he thinks it is a good idea and thanked Mr. Heefner for working on the issue. President Wright asked Mr. Wion to review the paperwork and bring his recommendation back to Council at the next meeting. Mr. Spencer asked why no other sources were compared to Patriot/Gexa. Mr. Heefner said the other generators are power companies, not brokers. He also said he did some comparisons with others, but it was very time-consuming without positive results. Mr. Shaver was concerned with the assurance that the company will be around for some time; wondered if Council could view profit/loss statements. No action taken at this time. John M. DeSanto, Jr.; Borough Secretary Treasurer – Present letter of resignation from Part Time Executive Assistant Sherry Benko, dated Friday, April 30, 2010, effective May 3, 2010. 4 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 On a motion by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to accept Mrs. Benko’s resignation as presented, with regret. Mr. Wright asked Mr. DeSanto to send a letter to Mrs. Benko. Stephen Shaver, Chair Personnel Committee; Borough Council Vice President – Present recommendation to appoint Ms. Kathy I. Sosnowski to the position of Part Time Executive Assistant, effective Monday, May 17, 2010 at the rate of $10.90 per hour without paid benefits. On a motion by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer, Council Members present voted unanimously to ratify the appointment of Mrs. Kathy L. Sosnowski as recommended. Mr. Wright welcomed Ms. Sosnowski to the Borough. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto, Borough Secretary/Treasurer – Request an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Ina Alcindor, 109 Conestoga St. questioned how job openings are announced; why they are not posted on the bulletin board. Mr. Shaver explained that only union positions require in-house bulletin board posting. All openings are placed in the classified section of the Patriot-News. Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St., stated that with summer vacation coming soon, more children will be riding bikes, etc. She suggested that some streets be equipped with four- way stop signs to slow down speeders. Mayor Acri explained that the Borough cannot just put stop signs wherever we want; a traffic study is needed first. The matter was referred to Chief Spangler. Mr. Shaver recommended “Watch Children” signs; it was noted that some still exist, some have disappeared. Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer Street, complained about a Borough hiring problem. She said that the Executive Assistant position wasn’t posted in the newspaper. Mrs. Handley said that the position was advertised in the Patriot News. Mr. Shaver explained the difference between union and non-union positions. Mr. Shaver also stated that the Borough sometimes receives 50-60 applications; then interviews sometimes up to 30 5 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 people for one position. Ms. Marcinko added that the personnel committee needs to assure that each applicant’s skill levels match the job description for the position. Jean Barr, 349 S. 4th St. asked why the Memorial Parade was not advertised more. It was noted that notice was included with water bills and in the newspaper. Ms. Barr said not everyone gets those and asked if there could have been signs/billboards to give residents more notice (in local stores/at fire department). Mr. Wright said that he will work with Ms. Hill on advertising the events. Dennise Hill said a calendar of events was mailed; the parade was listed in a previous newsletter, and the press releases went to radio, TV, etc. Ms. Barr commended the cat spaying project and the recent crime watch initiative and she agreed with Mr. Powell that drivers aren’t stopping at stop signs (especially one on 4th St.) and that they ignore “Watch Children” signs. Ms. Marcinko said that has been a concern of hers and any suggestions you have about getting the word out, if it is cost effective, we will consider it. COUNCIL CONCERNS: Mrs. Marcinko said it has been a concern of hers and invited suggestions on how to get information out to the public, and said if it is cost effective, Council will consider it. Mrs. Marcinko reminded everyone of the PAWS Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, June 5th. She noted that the fire department will have a concession stand at the event. Mayor Acri reminded everyone of the next Crime Watch meeting on June 1st at 6:00pm., and noted that the last one was very well attended with about 40 people present. Mr. Wright announced bike registration is going on at the Police Department; all bikes are to be registered. He also announced that Council will have only one meeting per month for the summer – the third Monday in June, July and August. Casual attire will be acceptable. On a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mrs. the regular meeting recessed into executive session at 7:42 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues The meeting reconvened at 7:48 p.m. 6 Steelton Borough Council Meeting May 17, 2010 ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Heefner, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. . Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ ______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 7